New Year's Resolutions

Yep, that's what I said!  New Year's resolutions!  Because right around now most people who had at least one New Year's resolution, have already given up!

Don't do it-don't give up!  At our local rec center I see so many new faces at the beginning of the year.  So eager and hopeful!  But, right around now, crowds have dwindled.  I wish I could go up to each and everyone one of them and say "keep going-don't give up!", but they probably wouldn't take to kindly to that!

So I'll just blog about it!  Whatever you're New Year's resolution, keep it up!  So what if you fell off the wagon for a bit, get back on and keep going!

You'll be proud of yourself, and when 2012 rolls around, you can start on a new resolution!

Happy 2011!

Jen

Beauty Products I love

"Jen, please tell us your beauty secrets!"

Okay, okay, here's a few of them!

Actually, two of these products will do basically the same thing for you.  Both "The Present" by Philosophy, called Clear Makeup, and Smashbox Photofinish are perfect, in my opinion, for 2 reasons.  The first, is for those that choose to go without makeup, but may need just that bit of evening out of the skintone.  Both of these will work great for that.  It actually makes the skin appear (and feel) smoother, and lines are less noticeable.  The second, is for those that do choose to wear liquid makeup (like I do), it creates a better "palette" for your makeup.  Try one of these products and I guarantee you'll love it!

My 2nd product was given to me as a gift by my sister, Susan.  Yes, she's younger than me, she loves to tell people that.  Isn't it funny how when you're younger, you're so proud to be the older sister, and then suddenly, it's not so cool!?  Anyways, she gave me this jar called F.Y. Eye!  Claims to be the "ultimate eye shadow base", by Benefit.  I love it!  This is another product perfect for both makeup wearers and non-makeup wearers.  It will also even out your skin tone for that "natural" look, and your eyeshadow will stay on longer!

And last but not least, during the winter, my hair is crazy full of static!  Wonder Wax Defining by Davines, is perfect for just such a problem.  It seriously just takes a tiny bit to smooth the hair without flattening it.  It's also good after you've styled your hair just to set everything in.

So there you have it!  I do love beauty products, and I'll share more with you soon.  Or, if you have any products you'd like to tell me about, I'd love to hear from you!

Stay warm,

Jen

Haircolor Saga and More

I just bought this one at express! Bought a pink sweater to match!

Great basic black dress from Ann Taylor

I broke down.  I tried coloring my own hair, but it just didn't work! 

I found that after just 2 weeks, I saw those darn grays shining through!  I'm not a math genius, but it was easy to see that spending what I was on the box color, and having to use it so often, really wasn't saving me that much.

So back I went for the professional color!  Much better now! 

I've decided to break up my hair cut and color into 2 different appointments to ease the shock of the cost!

That being said, I do want to stress that I am grateful that having a bad hair day is the worst of  my problems! 

Now onto a new subject-fashion!  When I worked in an office I took great pride in the fact that I always looked my best!  Now that I work at home, that really hasn't changed!  I still love to look my best!  Dresses are still my favorite outfit, and most days you'll find me in a dress, maybe with some cute leggings, or tights!  Dresses are easy to wear, no need for matching pieces, and if you get the right dresses, they can be quite forgiving when you've eaten a few to many potato chips (my downfall).

I don't shop quite as often as I used to, but once in awhile I'll break down and buy a few new things.  One of my favorite stores is Express!  The store is really geared more for the 20-something women, but there are still quite enough pieces there that won't look ridiculous on us 40+ women!  Just don't go for the short short skirts/dresses or the plunging neckline (cleavage doesn't look so cute after a certain age!).  Their jeans fit me the best, and right now, they're the only ones I wear!  I love that they have longer lengths, since I have trouble finding pants that are long enough for me!

I also love Ann Taylor!  They've recently updated their line to get the attention of the 20-30 year old women.  You'll find plenty of classics there.  I love classics, but love a little flair added. 

Like I've said before, you don't need a bunch of money to look pulled together.  If you can only afford a few pieces, here's what you need:

1 basic black dress
1 piece of statement jewelry (I happen to love pearls-but a chunky bracelet, or hoop earrings, whatever you love)
1 pair of sexy boots or pumps
1 perfect fitting jeans (and comfortable too)
1 classic black blazer
1 white top (button down or even a cute simple t-shirt)
1 other accessory, such as a colorful scarf
1 pair of flats (try a brighter color like red)

Take these pieces and mix and match!  Add a few pieces when you can-and there you have it, a classic collection, but with some flair!

Happy shopping!

Jen

Hair Color update

My last update was about coloring my own hair.  I'm getting better at it! 

I was so afraid the color would turn out weird, that I wasn't leaving it in long enough, and the darn grays would pop out within a week or two!

So this last time I left it on as long as the instructions said to, and I like it, and although it's only been a few days, I think it's going to be better!

But....I went to my hairdresser today, for a haircut, and while she's washing my hair she says "did you just color your hair", and I knew by her tone, she didn't like it (or maybe didn't like the fact that I was spending the million dollars that I was having her do it for me!).  Well, she pointed out that I missed a good area in the front (because I was concentrating so much on the roots where the gray shows up the most).

I have bangs, so you can't really tell (and I hadn't even noticed it until she pointed it out).  She had to make a few more comments about how coloring your own hair just isn't as good as having a professional do it.

And then I had to point out to her that, since my husband's been laid off for over a year, my idea of coloring my own hair right now is a good one!

I'm happy with it.

So there!

Next...I just might try "Best Cuts" for my next haircut!  $50 for a haircut-yikes-!! I'm sure Best Cuts it's a lot cheaper!

Happy New Year!

Jen

It's Only Been Over a Month!

Whoops!  Whatever have you done without my beauty updates!?

I hope your year has been great and you're looking forward to an even more fantastic year than this past year!

My lastest beauty "thing" is haircolor.  Several years ago I attempted to color my own hair and it turned out so dark, and took so long to wash out, that I never tried that again.

Until recently.

The cost for coloring my hair at the salon every 6 weeks was just crazy.  So I thought I'd give it a try again!

I started with a semi-permanent color.  That way, if it was bad, it wouldn't take too long to wash out.  It turned out great, except my gray showed up way too soon.

Part of the trouble is, I get too nervous and don't leave it in long enough.

My next try was a permanent hair color.  For this one I tried Garnier Nutrisse  (No 63-brown sugar, to be exact).  This turned out great too, except I still didn't leave it in long enough, and darn those grays, back so soon!

I think I will try the same Garnier Nutrisse again and leave it in longer!

I'm also part of a panel to test something else (top secret, so I can give you any more info on this one-yet), so that should be interesting.

Speaking of panels-yes, I love to give my opinion, so I'm on several beauty panels, with well known companies.  One I recently did, sent me a certain garment to test out for a month or two.  I was to wear it wash it, and all of that, and then report back on it!  It's fun-and I get free stuff!

I've also been known to give my "two cents" in the Life section of USA Today! Whenever they have a subject that they think I may have experience with, they will send me an email and ask me some questions!  My name's been in there for a story on nutrition/kids, one on shopping for school clothes, and one on Christmas shopping for kids.

So--I will update you sooner (sooner than my last update) and let you know how the hair coloring goes!

Cheers and Happy 2011!

Jen

I'm a Poor Sport and a Runner

First of all, I keep saying that I do not consider myself to be a runner.  But I've been running for a few years and have been in several 5k's now.  But the reason I say I do not consider myself a runner is due to the fact that I really just entered the 5k's to challenge myself...and..to win!

Yes, that's right!  I never considered myself to be a competitive person either, but realizing that I was in an age bracket where I might have a chance of winning a silly medal, made me want it more!

So I guess I got lucky, because the first 3 5ks I ran in, I won for my "age category".  Which really made me want to keep up with this!

Although I have improved in my time (just be seconds) on each of my runs, the last 3, I did not even place in the top 3.  Grrrrrr.....why are these older women running?  This is crazy!

So now I must practice more and get better!

All kidding aside, I just love the 5k runs!  I go by myself (although one of my runner-brothers-or-amazing nephews are usually there!  I love it!  I love the challenge!

And I am ready for the next 5k!! Bring it on!

Challenge yourself.  It helps keep you young!  Just baby steps, that's fine...but just do it!

Jen

Testing Testing!

Hi there!

Welcome to my "beauty blog"!  Sorry I haven't updated this in awhile!  I just had the new OPI  Axxium nail polish applied at Color Nation in Rocky River, Ohio.

So that's what I'm testing out right now.  It supposedly last 2-3 weeks, but the 2nd day I already had a little chip, which Rachel touched up for me (but it still chipped the next day).

So far, going on over 1 week, there are a few other light chips on the edges, but they still look better than the normal manicure.

I'll update you in a few days!

just a little something from http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/

Jen