Have I been living under a rock??

I just stumbled upon Matthew Mead's Halloween Magazine, and can't believe how fun it is. I discovered his website and have read many other bloggers "rave" about his decorating and entertaining ideas. I was thrilled to know his latest book Entertaining Simple, is available now (it can be purchased at bookstores across the U.S. and Canada). Matthew also has a fabulous website:

http://www.entertainingsimple.com/

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Do You Ever...

I think I have mentioned before how much I love Tracy Porter...her blog is so much fun, lots of great decorating ideas, recipes, and fun personal stories. She does a post called, "Do You Ever..." and in it she introduces you to new things she's discovered or just things she loves or loves to do.

I always enjoy reading her post, so I thought I would try one of my own...




Do You Ever....

*Light candles during the day...even when you don't have company?


* Read Daily Candy? (I discovered this one from Tracy) A fun, hip and trendy website!


* Use Foot Petals in your mid to high heels? They cushion the ball of your foot and stop your foot from sliding forward. Great product!!


* Turn the radio off in the car while you're driving alone? Peace and quite

Sun Sun Sun...Here it comes!

It's that time again...short sleeves, capri pants, skirts and a pair of snappy sandals. Here are my favorites in the "faux tan" department.

I actually just bought the Jergens Face, but I have been using the Jergens Natural Glow for a few years. It does have a slight scent, but nothing offensive. Since it is a lotion, it really is mistake proof. I have seen that C*stco is carrying it, which usually guarantees a good product.

These new versions of spray tan work so well. They too, are virtually "mistake proof". The spray is such a fine mist, you don't even need to rub it in. I have also used Coppertone's product and loved it as well.
(don't forget to wash your hands when your done...so you wont have the "tell tale" sign of "orange" hands)

New Header!

Since I started this new blog...I have come across some really great blogs that give me lots of inspiration. One of them is Brieanne at Vintage at Heart. I love to peek in on her blog and Etsy shop, and think she is full of talent. She recently had a giveaway for a new header and I won! I just love this beautiful vintage girl with the little bird...and thought it was perfect for this blog. Thanks Brieanne.

Favorite "Cheap" Beauty Things~

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite and cheap beauty things.

This first thing is not so much "cheap", but lasts so long. Bare Escentuals Foundation. It is so easy to apply and literally feels like you are not wearing makeup, and the coverage is great!!

I have used LOTS of hair products over the years...from cheap to expensive. I started using the Sleek and Shine line of Garnier Fructis about 3 years ago, and love it. I use the shampoo, conditioner, smoothing milk, anti-frizz serum, and anti-humidity hairspray. Obviously I am a little "freaked" out about frizz!! I have very naturally curly hair and like to straighten it...these products really keep it "frizz and wavy" free...especially here in our "wet" climate. With all I do to my hair; coloring, blow-drying, and straightening I think these products have helped to keep my hair healthy.
The smell alone is my favorite of this Burt's Bees Cuticle Creme...but it also works great!!




These Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers are great!!! So far I have tried Watermelon and Nutmeg. The color is sheer, and they have a minty smell...and they moisturize at the same time!!

This next thing has been in my makeup bag for probably 20 years...I cannot remember a time when I didn't use Wet & Wild's lip liner #666 (yes, I wish it had a different number!) At $1.00 this is the best find!! The color is the perfect neutral, almost your lip color, and looks great with the shimmers above or just a little lip gloss. Love it!!

Going Green~

In an attempt to "go green"...I am trying to change some of the products I use. Here are a few things that are working for me...so far.

Re-usable grocery bags. I love these from Trader Joe's, and I also have several others from different stores. I have been keeping them in my car...and take them with me grocery shopping. Since most stores now are selling their own versions, they are happy to load these bags for you...PLUS they hold so much more than the plastic bags!

I love the smell of this lavendar and mint dish soap...you can find it here.
My husband started buying these light bulbs because they were 99 cents @ Walgreen's...I still do not like the light they give for indoor lighting...however, I have started using them in the boys' bedrooms...they can't tell the difference, and I use them in all of our porch lights. They definitely last longer than any other light bulb.

I would love to know any other "green" products that you use and love!

Great Finds...

I collect cookbooks...and am always on the lookout for one that not only has good recipes, but is also a good read. I had "heard" about this cookbook on several blogs...the pictures alone are worth it! (...and, is there anything cuter than the red Mary Jane's on the cover??)

These cardigans are from here. but look like they could be from here and are only $19.99. They are so cute and preppy looking...and they fit great!! (I bought the chocolate brown...but am definitely going back for the green one!)

AAAHHH...I love coffee...and have had my share of espresso makers, but this is the absolute best. It is worth every penny ($$). It is from here. (Yes, I did get the orange one...it looks great in my kitchen!)

One of my new favorite blogs is Tracy Porter's. I have received her catalog for years, and have read her books. Her blog is so much fun...there are video posts where Tracy shows you around their studio, a quick bookshelf idea, fashion...and so much more. It is as if you are sitting there having tea with her and chatting...PLUS...she responds to comments and answers questions. If you love Tracy's style...like I do...you will enjoy her blog!

Ciao Bella! ~ Hello Beautiful!

Welcome~

I have to decided to "follow" a couple of other "blogging" friends...and create a space of my own. Here I can share some of my favorite things, great finds, things I'm doing around our home...or just girl talk...while keeping Our Little China Girl about our family life. Hope you will stop by from time to time.