Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen has always seemed like a tried and true drugstore brand.  I've found some new products in their line that I am loving right now.

Smile Brightening Lip Treatment

This gloss really does make your teeth look brighter!  

And it has a really lovely texture and smell. 

Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy

This new make-up line is getting rave reviews. I have the foundation, and I really like it.  

It has a very light feel, and very good coverage of pores and acne scars.  

Seems like a great product for warmer weather.

I am looking forward to trying the concealers and lip products.

Keep your eye open for deals on Sally Hansen products at stores like CVS & Walgreens.  

It seems that someone is always offering Buy One Get One Free or 50% Off.  

This is one brand I never buy at full price!

Disney Deal

The Disney Store is having a swimwear sale right now.  Combined with some other codes, this can be a real bargain.

Shop the sale ($9.99 suits, $6.99 towels and $2.99 flip-flops...), and when you check out use code 1699 for an additional 15% off and code SHIPFOR5 for $5 flat shipping on a $50 or more order.  These codes are stackable!

I was able to get 3 suits, 2 towels and a nightgown for $50.

When my darling girl was born I decreed that nary a character would grace her soft skin.  "Tacky" is what I thought of all things Disney.

Oh, 4 1/2 years later, how the worm has turned...

Now, I still adhere to my rule for daily wear, with a small Hello Kitty clause.  

But for bathing suits and the like, I will let her go hog wild.  It makes her so HAPPY to wear an Aurora suit to swim lessons or Ariel panties under her Oilily dress.

And a deal like this, makes Mama happy, too!

A Meme

Starting a Meme of Four Things:

Four Jobs I’ve held:
Mommy

Kindergarten Teacher

Corporate Trainer / Sales Manager

Barista

Four movies I could watch over and over: 

Gone With the Wind

Pretty Baby

The Professional

Amelie

Four places I have lived: 
Only two here-

Dallas

Fort Worth

Four TV shows I like: 
Project Runway

Top Chef

Lost

Weeds

Four people who email/im me regularly: 
Tim

Sandi

Erin

Mom

Four favorite foods:
Sushi/Any Japanese

Mexican

Steak

Fresh Mozzerella/Tomato/Basil Sandwiches

Four places I’d rather be: 
South Padre 

New Orleans

London

NYC

Four people to tag:

Jen

Katherine

Lauren

And all my friends/family/readers (if  you don't have a blog, reply in the comments!!!)

UD F&F

I love Urban Decay's Primer Potion and eyeshadows!

Bond No. 9 Recycling

Bond No. 9 has started a fragrance bottle recycling program.  Bring *any* empty fragrance bottle to either a Bond No. 9 boutique or Saks Fifth Avenue Bond No. 9 counter, and receive a free refillable bottle of their New York Fling EDP.

Naartjie

I love Naartjie!

Funky name & Funky clothes.

Naartjie is a South African company that produces very interesting and unique children's clothing for very reasonable prices. Here in the U.S, they only have stores in California, Arizona, Utah & Oregon . But you can now order online!

The clothes are comfy and very mix & match.  My daughter always gets compliments on her Naartjie outfits!

Right now they are debuting their Summer 2 line with a sale!  This line will sell out fast!

Hungry Girl!

Hungry Girl is a website filled with fabulous tips and tricks to eat healthier!  I have her newsletter sent to my inbox for easy reading.  She's even got a book coming out--it will be a must-read for me!  Check it out!

Mathilda sings...

Faux Vans

Another deal today, this time at Walmart.  These adorable little "Faux Vans" were marked down to $5!  Won't they be darling on my baby girl with a gypsy skirt or cut-offs?

Lilly @ Costco!

A banner day at my local Costco---Lilly Pulitzer classic shifts for little girls (2T-8) for $23.99!

These normally retail for $68.  I love the vintage cut and fabric.

I got my little lilly two, in Turquoise Flamingos and Pink Elephants.

Check your local Costco for this great deal!!!

Whew, a little break...

Well, I never intended to be away for so long!  Last Wednesday we had a terrible storm that left us without power until late Saturday night.  My sweet parents invited my daughter & me to stay with them, while my husband stayed at the ranch.

Yesterday we took a trip to the local renaissance faire.  Today I will leave you with some pictures from that magical day...

Looking good in photos

With summer vacations coming we will be taking lots of pictures.  Here are some tips on how to look your best in a photograph!

My sweet mother-in-law, Betty, once gave me a great tip along these lines-- jut out your chin & touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth while posing.  It looks very funny from the side, but head-on in the photograph it makes a double chin disappear, and your face look thinner!

Stila 20% Off & Free Shipping

Right now use the code SERENE20 to receive 20% off and free shipping at Stila!

Make-Up Primers

Not too long ago I started using a make-up primer.  It is a silicone based "gel" that you put on your face before your make-up.  

This is what popular primer Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer's description says:

 

The best-selling formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. Wear under foundation to increase its longevity, or alone for a velvety-smooth finish

I really like my Smashbox Primer.  But at $36, I was using it very sparingly!

Then I read that there is a "drugstore dupe" of the Smashbox Primer.  Now here is the point at which I need you to trust me...

Yes, folks, the dupe is Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel.

I have personally tried this, and it is the *same thing*!  The texture, look, smell and feel is the very same as the Smashbox Primer!!!  The ingredients are the same--the main one being silicone.

The Monistat costs about $6 at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreen's etc.  You will find it near the condoms/pregnancy tests etc.

Try it....I dare ya!

Swim Suits

I am the kind of gal who sticks to something if it works.  For about 10 years I've worn the same brand swim suit in a few different styles & colors.  It's a Miraclesuit--they're known for making you look 10 pounds lighter.  Not sure if that is accurate, but they sure do "hold it in" with super duper lycra!

These suits are favorites of mine

They are lighter on top, drawing the eye away from the hip/thigh area and accenting the smallest part of most women--the waist and ribcage.  They also have ruching (the bunched fabric) on the upper abdomen--this camoflauges any lumps or bumps.  Miraclesuits also tend to have wonderful bust support, and a kind leg cut to flatter your gams.

Please don't let the over $100 price tag scare you!  My Miraclesuits hold up beautifully through chlorine pools and the ocean.  And, as it usually is, you get what you pay for.

I pair my Miraclesuit with a swimskirt from Land's End

(Hard to see here- go to the website!)

The special thing about these skirts is the material.  They're made from Supplex Nylon, which means they dry in just a couple of minutes and are light as air.  They are a very flattering a-line shape, like a tennis skirt.  They just skim the thighs and bootie, which makes me feel better on the beach!!!

Mermaids

Since I have my very own 4.5 year old mermaid, I am always on the lookout for cute swim accessories.  

We make an annual pilgrimage to "The Beach" every July to celebrate my Daddy's birthday, Independence Day & just being together as a family.  This year my whole side of the fam is going, and I swear we look forward to this one week more than any other.  We plan, strategize and have it down to a "science"!

My daughter is more excited about our trip every year.  I think these precious mermaid bits are in order!

Mermaid Towels @ Chasing Fireflies

Mermaid Fins @ Land's End

Meat & Potatoes

I *heart* my Crock Pot!

It makes my life so much easier.  I feel such a sense of relief and accomplishment when dinner is "done" by 10am.

I sent my husband off to work this morning with a packed lunch of delicious roast, potatoes, carrots & onions--made with love in my trusty Crock.

Here's how I made it:

Into my Crock Pot I threw a 2 pound roast, 1/2 pound red potatoes (sliced large), 1/2 pound baby carrots and one medium onion (sliced half-hazardly into large chunks).  I seasoned the ingredients with Lawry's garlic salt (a total staple in my kitchen thanks to my Mama) and some black pepper.  I then added a couple of teaspoons of beef  base.  (I recently found this at Target, and it is fabulous!  The chicken base is great, too).

Then I added some water.  Enough to reach about halfway up the inside of the Crock.  Turned it on high, and let it cook.

About an hour before serving, I took out about a cup of hot stock.  I added flour to make a sort of "slurry".  Then added it back into the Crock, stirring well.  This thickens the stock into a yummy gravy.

I always serve my roast with Mrs. Baird's brown & serve dinner rolls, because it's what my Mamaw did!

Clinique Deal

A deal for you Clinique lovers at Sephora online!

$25 gets you...

Exclusive set includes: Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio, Kohl Shaper For Eyes in Black Honey, High Impact Mascara in Black Honey, Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Blackberry Bloom, Cosmetics Bag, and a FREE travel-size Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips.

To enjoy this limited-time offer, simply purchase the Black Honey Deeps Set (click on BUY THE COLLECTION) and enter HONEY at checkout. The free travel-size Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips will automatically be added to your shopping basket. One promo code per order. Offer not valid in Canada, in stores, or on previous purchases.

Stila

I am a little late to the game on this one...

Ulta recently started carrying Stila brand cosmetics.  I had heard quite a bit about Stila, but never tried any.  When I saw the prices, I realized why.

But Ulta realized we needed to try Stila out before committing to the high price, so they are offering the "Best of Stila Set".

This set includes: 

1.7 Oz. Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF15- This is a really cool moisturizer.  I can see it being a staple during the summer.

Stila Convertible Eye Color (Onyx)-  This is a black eyeliner, smudge tip and shimmery white eyeshadow all in one.  A great item for your purse!

Stila Major Lash Mascara- A good basic mascara in black.

Stila Lip Glaze (Brown Sugar)-  A cult favorite!  A lipgloss with a built-in brush applicator.  Very shimmery, and a great neutral color for anyone.

Stila Eye Shadow Kitten- Another cult favorite!  A shimmery nude eyeshadow with great pigmentation and staying power.  Great for summer!

Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek Cream in Peony- A cream blush and lip tint in a neutral peach shade.  Another great dual item for touch ups to keep in the bag.

All this retails for $120.  The set at Ulta is $40!!!  It comes in a cute bucket box emblazoned with Stila's signature adorable illustrations.

Hurry to your local Ulta to get one.  It is sold-out online, and my Ulta had two left!

Library!

After I posted "What I am reading" over on the right side of my blog, I thought about the public library.  

You see, I *love* to read!  So much that it is totally cost prohibitive for me to own all the books I read.  So I use the hell out of my local public library.

I was a total library kid growing up- loved it.  But, oh, how it has changed... in a good way.  At my local library you can go online to search the catalog for books, DVDs or anything they have.  Then you can request items be sent to your closest branch for you to pick up.  And they call you to let you know when said items have arrived at your branch!  How cool is that?

My daughter & I have a standing date for Storytime at our branch every week.  We then pick out books and DVDs for her, and Mommy picks up her books that were ordered online.  Perfect!  Aside from a few fines I incurred before I knew I could renew books online (again, how cool is that?), and taxes we pay anyway, the 'ol library is FREE!  And who doesn't love free?!?

Aveda Plastic Cap Recycle

From March 10^th through May 10^th, Aveda stores will be accepting any and all of your hard plastic caps (e.g. from bottles of water and soda, laundry detergent, facial cleansers, shampoo, etc.). To participate, visit aveda.com/stores to find an Aveda store location near you. Don't see one within driving distance? Mail in your caps instead to: Aveda Re-Cap Program, ACA Waste Services, 40 EADS Street in Babylon, NY 11704. Bonus: Bring in 25 or more caps and you'll receive a free sample from one of Aveda's hair or body-care lines (limit one per customer).

Aveda is using these caps to make caps for their new retro Clove shampoo bottles.  These will be released in September.

Interestingly enough, when you put these caps into your recycle bin they are discarded by the recycle companies.  So give them to Aveda!

I have always loved Aveda's products--the scents in particular.  My salon switched from Aveda to another brand, so I will be paying a visit to my local Aveda store to recycle my lids!

Hi, hello, howdy, welcome!

Hello Everyone!  Welcome to *Scarlett Style*!  I would like this blog to be a mix of tips, tricks and information about style and life that I can share with my friends.  Whether it be shopping, makeup, clothes, books, kid stuff or cooking, I will pass on what I know!  Leave a comment if you like it or not, and let me know if I can give information on what interests you!