I can't keep this goodie from you any longer!

I have black eyes ALL of the time! It doesn't make a difference whether if I sleep or not, drink or not, do or do not have allergies... Those black circles are always there!

Over the years I have tried a number of products, including Arbonne's RE9 Corrective Eye Cream and Clinique's All About Eyes. I love trying new products and saving money. You can imagine how happy I was when I found this new goodie at my local CVS!

Vichy's Aqualia Thermal

As described on the Vichy's Website:

To deliver maximum effectiveness, Aqualia Thermal Eyes de-puffing, soothing hydrogel is formulated with a unique combination of carefully selected active ingredients:

• Dextran Sulfate: Derived from beet sugar, helps decongest under-eye bags

• Escin: Naturally derived from horse-chestnut extract, helps to increase micro-circulation

• Vichy Thermal Spa Water: Rich in rare minerals to hydrate, soothe and fortify fragile tissues

- Dermatologist & Ophthamalogist tested- Formulated for sensitive eyes- Allergy Tested- Fragrance-free

- Non-Comedogenic

I totally heart CVS. They are carrying some really great brands, including La Roche-Posay, which I will review later on. There are also beauty consultants who are well trained and can answer all of my crazy questions. My consultant described Vichy as a company which uses state of the art formulations and techniques to provide quality skin care.

I have been using Aqualia Thermal for a week and totally see its results. My bags are less prominent and appear lighter. And it only cost $26.00. I even received Extra Care Bonus Dollars when I bought it with my favorite skin cleanser (La Roche- Posay Toleraine). Who can beat that?!

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

I have tried to be a really good girl this year. I have been reading to the boys (almost) every night, not fighting with DH (trying my hardest), and (hired a cleaning woman who is) keeping the house clean.

Here is my list:

1. A pair of Black UGGS to keep my toes warm.

2. A pocketbook to keep my "things" together.

3. A morning to sleep in past 6:30. (I know I cannot be greedy so I am asking only for ONE)

4. A reason to get a mani and a pedi.

5. Peace on Earth.

The Grinch is IN!

What is is with the holidays that brings the WORST out in people? Don't get me wrong I DO enjoy Christmas and all of its cheer. But no one ever told me how stressful it becomes when you are no longer a kid.

I know, I am complaining again. It's just that my mother made this whole "mommy- thing" look so easy. Her holidays were always seamless... or at least that's what I thought.

The good thing is that the kids' gifts are done (and yes I have gotten the Bakugan sets for both of them... hopefully they will appreciate the early morning shopping "Santa" had to do to get them!). I have to get cards for the family and a gift for DH (he says he needs socks, undershirts, and underwear... when did he become his Dad?)

I hope all of you are doing well with your shopping.... Please feel free to share your holiday complaining with me, so I know I am not the only Grinch here!

Jingles all the way!

Ok Drumroll Please.....

Well today's official weigh in is.... 168. I am not going to comment... I am just going to move forward. I ate pretty well most of the day. I ate every 3 hours and felt pretty good most of the day. I even drank my H2O. It is the evenings that kill me- damn ice cream cake!
Well, tomorrow I am starting from scratch again.

I was prepared to go to the gym this morning. The alarm went off at 4:45 and I decided to stay in bed. The whole family actually slept in until 7:30. (of course this never happens on a Sat morning). So tomorrow I will attempt my cardio at night.

I know this is a terrible way to start off, but tomorrow will be better.

The Year of ME

Today is my birthday... 32 years old. It has been a hard 5 years- having children, returning to work, helping DH open our business. Somewhere in the busy of things I have felt like I have totally let myself go. I used to be happy, positive, gave a s@#t about what I look like. Now, I run all day... to private clients, work, back home, with the kids for their activities. I leave no time for me and it is really showing. I have also gained 40 pounds since I have been married. But its not only about the weight gain- its just everything. I feel very overwhelmed at times. There is so much to do and not enough time.

So- I have decided with this birthday- I am going to work on me this year. The better I feel, the better mom and wife I will be. I know it won't be easy, that's why I will be blogging about it... for accountability.

The first thing I am working on is losing some weight. I will start tomorrow by weighing in (and yes I will post the horrid number). I am really ready to start going forward and getting my groove back (hence the blog name)
Stay tuned....

I'm disappointed and tired... (Review of Twilight)

This will be brief because I have to run to work... after having 2 hours of sleep and braving the Northeast cold to attend the 12:01 viewing of Twilight this morning.

First of all, I love this book and the series. I think Stephenie Meyer is a literacy goddess (read previous post). However, the movie just did not meet my expectations. It was very choppy (I could follow the plot because I know the story, those who have not read the book will be confused). The actors seemed "blah", Edward was corny at times (looking as if he was going to throw up at the first "sniff" of Bella.) The added dialogue was shallow and the vampire scenes unimpressive. I loved the suspense of the book and the movie just did not "do it for me".

Anyway, I will post more later about the scenes that should have been included and those that should have been left out ("Say out loud what I am...")... I have to run!

Signing off, a very tired and cranky...

Stephenie Meyer- Literacy Goddess

I never really read a book. Who had the time with school, work, and now a family? When I sat down I wanted to watch tv and veg out... until I was introduced to Stephenie Meyer.

Twilight, Twilight, Twilight! It is all the buzz around here. My friends read it, my nieces read it, my sil reads it, it is an epidemic (a good one- if that exists....) I have read all 4 books and an online version of Midnight Sun (Twilight from Edwards point of view on Stephenie Meyer's website). All of this reading within a month! (Not too shabby for someone who has not picked up a book since grad school.)

Twilight has won a variety of awards- the one that I find the most meaningful is from the American Library Association "Top Ten Books for Reluctant Readers".

So- as the time approaches to the unveiling of the Twilight movie, I want to give thanks to SM, a FIMH, for bringing back the love of reading into my life.

MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush Review

So I am finally back and think you all deserve a review. Yes, I have been gone for a while, but I have still been trying to keep up with my "groove quest". Here is something I purchased along the way... probably on a day I was feeling a little blah...

MAC's 187 Duo Fibre Brush

(Taken from the MAC website...)

"A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres. 18 cm US$42.00"

This is how I was instructed to use this brush (as per MAC counter person..)

1. Wash face/ tone etc...

2. Use brush to apply moisturizer in circular motion all over face

3. Use brush to apply foundation in circular motion all over face

4. Use brush to apply powder to set in circular motion all over face

The result is a beautiful and flawless application of color. You look like you've been airbrushed. The beauty of the 187 Duo Fibre Brush is that you can quickly move from moisturizer, to foundation, to powder... you DO NOT need to change or clean your brush until you are done.

I use this brush with my Arbonne regiment... I love it! And I can apply my coverage super quickly, so I have no excuse not to look good! I also use the brush to apply a touch of bronzer (Arbonne) before my powder when I am flooking a little pale.

I am back...

I know that I have been gone a while... I have been going through some "mommy organizational" issues. I am back now, and promise a post this weekend.
Thanks for understanding... you all the best FIMH!

Attention All My Fellow Shoe Lovers!!! FFANY Tonight on QVC!

Taken from the QVC site...
In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness month, QVC, the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF), and the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) have joined forces to raise money for breast cancer research and education. This year on Wednesday, October 15, during the three-hour broadcast from QVC Studio Park (with live coverage from the Shoes on Sale benefit in New York City), QVC will offer more than 100,000 pairs of designer shoes at half the suggested retail price.* Net proceeds from FFANY Shoes on Sale® and special QVC Shoe of the Day segments will benefit breast cancer research and education.**

I am in desperate need of some kicking black boots and a new pair of UGGS. I've heard about this sale before and totally missed it last year. I am so excited! Tonight I am getting the kids in early, opening up a bottle of wine, and charging away :)
What a great way to support Breast Cancer Awareness month! Think Pink!

When will it ever end...

Toilet training... I mean. It was so much easier to train DS#1- I was home on maternity leave with #2. But now, DS#2 is 3 years old and needs to be out of those Pull-ups. Everytime I go to CVS I say to myself "this will be the last package."
Anyway- 5 trips later, we ARE a little closer. I just really need a little initiation by DS#2, is that too much to ask?
Thanks for listening. Just one of those days.. KWIM?

Friends in My Head (FIMH)

It's all Sasha's fault. Sasha, of course, from I'm Barely Keeping It All Together. She is a friend in my head (thanks to Wendy William for the phase.)
I found Sasha on the Baby Center Bargain Hunters Board (A place that I lurk- these ladies are amazing the stuff they find). Sasha talks about kids, fashion, makeup, bargains, yummies- all the things I love. She then introduced me to the Nester and along the way I met Cheap Jap and the Budget Fashionista. We all hang when the hubbie is at work, drink a cocktail (at least I do) and catch up on things.
Who are your FIMH?

Numero Uno

My first post. I have been enjoying so many blogs for the past few months and have never had the courage to start my own. Until today. Hopefully I won't bore the h*@# out of you. Happy reading!