Found It!

Ok guys- I have found my motivation! Last week I told you all about the contract I put on myself at http://www.stickk.com/ to lose 2 pounds per week for 13 weeks. If I don't make that goal each week, $5 will be automatically to an anti-charity (someone I would NEVER chose to give money to!).

Today was my weigh-in day, and I've lost 3 pounds! Yay!!!!! I've been mindful of my food/drink choices and have been running in the mornings before work, and it's working! I am so excited.

My Little Fancy Nancy

This was WC getting ready to go to the pool the other day. Can you tell we read a lot of Fancy Nancy in our house?

Look! My mani is featured on Sephora's blog!

How cool is that screenshot? That's my pic listed on Sephora's blog today in "The Girls of Summer Are All Rocking SEPHORA by OPI"!

I love love love social media. It's so amazing to me that a pic of my mani is now on the blog of my favorite store in the world! (and the pic links to my nail blog too- squee!)

I Just Put a Contract On Myself

My weight situation is out of hand and has been for quite some time. I can blame it on my illness last fall and my resulting low energy level, but really, I eat too much junk and drink too much beer.

So.......

I just signed up at http://www.stickk.com/ and set up a contract to lose 2 pounds per week. I have 26 pounds to lose, so my contract is 13 weeks long.

For extra incentive, there is money riding on my contract.

I will weigh in every Wednesday and log my progress into stickK and if I fail to lose 2 pounds, $5 will be donated to the anti-charity of my choice. I won't reveal who I chose, because SashaSays is not about politics, but let's just say it's something I *don't* support. StickK's list includes pro-choice and antiabortion groups, several presidential libraries (Rep and Dem) and even British soccer teams.

Anyone care to join me?

Swagbucks

If you haven't joined Swagbucks yet, it's time to jump on the bandwagon. I just redeemed points for another $5 gift card!

If you are like me, you do Google searches all the time. Why not do them through Swagbucks and earn some points? You could win Swagbucks on many of them, and get a bunch of $5 Amazon gift cards banked.

After you join, you can refer friends and family and get bucks for their searches too. Hell of a deal.

Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless

I was so excited to be chosen for the BzzAgent COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless campaign. You know how much I love new makeup!

For the past few weeks, I've been trying out the Simply Ageless Foundation in shade 210- Classic Ivory. I'm quite yellow, so I was afraid this might be too neutral for me, but it actually matches my skin perfectly. I tend to be a bit oily, so I was worried that a cream foundation would be too much for me- but I was wrong! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it and found myself reaching for it day after day.

From the COVERGIRL website: This breakthrough formula with Olay Regenerist Serum and SPF 22 stays suspended over fine lines and wrinkles, unlike the leading anti-aging department store foundation that can gather in wrinkles and make skin look older. Clinically shown to provide significant improvement in skin condition in just four weeks.






However, I will tell you I don't use the sponge applicator that it comes with. Applying the foundation with the sponge gives a very heavy coverage- much too heavy for me. I instead use a damp foundation brush and love the light-to-medium coverage I get.


I totally meant to take a pic before I started using it, but yeah, that didn't happen. You can see where I've swirled my brush around- sorry about that, but hopefully you can get the idea of what the product looks like.

Up until earlier this year, I was using a mineral foundation, but I was noticing that it was settling into the fine lines around my mouth and eyes and making me look older than my 36 years. I am so glad I found this product- I have officially switched!

Disclosure: I received this product for word-of-mouth marketing purposes from BzzAgent.

Fab Deal on Stila Products

Musings of a Muse had a great post today telling us all about a great deal at Stila today- free shipping if you use code REFILL.

My suggestion: The Travel Girl Palette (four eyeshadow and a convertible color) for $10, and/or the It Girl Palette (three neutral eyeshadows, including my favorite Stila color, Kitten), also only $10.

Happy Shopping!

Two Things

My parents took the kiddos to see "Toy Story 3" this weekend, and P got a bit scared at one point and actually wanted to leave! He's a sensitive little guy, so if your child is a rough-and-tumble tough kid, you're probably fine, but do know those with gentle souls may be frightened. Mom was able to reassure him that all ends well, so they did stay, but I'd love to hear if other kids were scared too. Do tell!

Also, I have been thinking about getting an iphone, but I tried out a friend's the other day, and because of my fingernails, I had a terrible time typing- it was nearly impossible. What do others with long nails do? Am I out of luck? I currently have a Samsung Jack and type with the corners of my thumbnails.

I was getting excited about all the neat apps (Shazam!) but if I can't type on the stupid thing, I'm out.

GDA: Complete series: Friends

If you don't already have the complete Friends library, this is a fabulous deal- all 10 seasons for $100- no tax and no shipping. It's the Gold Box Deal on Amazon today- there's a limited stock, though!

Thirsty Thursday 6-16-10

Hair Bows & Guitar Picks is hosting Thirsty Thursday today, and I of course am joining in.

Raspberry Lemonade Sangria

Doesn't that look amazing? I was searching for a sangria recipe I had seen in a magazine that was made with white wine rather than red, and I ran across this and my mouth started watering! I definitely plan on making this- maybe Fourth of July weekend, and I can add some blueberries!

CoverGirl Blast

Recently I was asked to join the CoverGirl Blast campaign at BzzAgent and being the makeup junkie I am, I of course joined.

I received the ShadowBlast eyeshadow in Silver Sky and it's so pretty in the tube! I do a pretty natural look for work, and it looks like a bit much for me to use on a regular day, so I've been saving it for a night out. I had this grand plan of dressing up, doing a smoky eye, and just looking glamorous!

Guess what? The campaign ends today and that special occasion never materialized! I am so sad about that.... Do you think that means I need to get out more?

But I did find one really neat thing on Covergirl's site that I thought was so cool: a new section called "Find Your Match." You select from 15 different department store brands, narrow your search by category, product name, and shade, and then Covergirl suggests a comparable product in their line. Pretty cool! It's not totally complete yet (they only have one product for Stila listed) but a great idea and they say they'll be adding more.

Why having a toddler is like being at a frat party

Best blog post ever. You must go read it now.

Help! I have major under eye wrinkles!

I know that my under eye wrinkles are due to wearing contacts for 26 (!!) years, and to all those years of sunning my face, both outside and in tanning booth (I'd even search out the booths with the "extra face tanner"). But that doesn't make it any easier to look at and accept!

I ran across a really good deal for the new Aveeno Active Naturals Ageless Vitality Elasticity Recharging System, Eyes, so I am currently testing it out and shall report back.

It's a two-step system- the first is a serum and the second a cream. I've been using it for close to a week and I like it so far, although that's not really enough time to decide if my wrinkles are reduced. It doesn't sting or have an odor, and my makeup goes on nicely over it. So as far as I'm concerned, it's a win so far.

If you purchase it from www.walmart.com for $40.97 (that includes shipping, but not tax) you'll get a bonus $15 eGift Card to use later at www.walmart.com.

Then you submit your receipt along with this rebate form (must be purchased before 7-15-10) and get $20 back from Aveeno.

Net price:
$40.97 plus tax
less 15 gift card
less 20 rebate
Final price $6 plus tax

Not too shabby.

And although I myself forgot, you can go through ebates for an additional 1% off.

This little girl

hopes you have a great day!

(Notice what's in her hand? Nail polish! She takes after her momma!)

It's shaping up to be a great day. Already got my workout in (Week 1 Day 3 of Jay Johnson's Boot Camp- yes, I fell off that wagon during the Spring, but am back on track) and am fixin' to get ready for work. The fam is still sleeping by will be up soon.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

My Son, the Comedian

P spied this statue at a local museum and couldn't resist pretending to be stepped on....

Love the tongue sticking out!

Show Us Your Life: China Patterns

This week's topic at Kelly's Korner is China Patterns. The Mr. and I got married in 1999 and I had so much fun picking out my dishes.


It's a tradition on my mom's side of the family to use a Denby pattern for everyday dishes. My mom and her two sisters all have Denby. Denby is fabulous just for the fact that it is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. And I love the stoneware look.

I chose the Juice pattern, which, sadly, has been discontinued. Luckily I have all the pieces I need for 12 place settings. I love the mix-and-match pattern and in each piece I got 4 pieces of each of the three colors.

For my "fancy" dishes, I chose Villeroy & Boch French Garden. These are also mix-and-match, but I chose to pick a pattern for each type of plate and stick with that pattern for all 8.

Sadly, we don't entertain much and these only get used on special occasions like Christmas Eve dinner. Maybe when the kids are older we will use them more.
I'd love to see what dishes you chose. Leave me a comment if you join in on Kelly's Show Us Your Life this week.

Give

What are you doing next Monday, the 14th of June?

Would you join me in giving blood on World Blood Donor Day? My father-in-law will be entering the hospital soon to prepare for his stem cell transplant to treat his leukemia. Over the past few months, his illness has caused him to need a number of blood transfusions. I'll be giving in his name next week to help offset those costs. If you are local and would like to do the same, please email me for info about how to designate your donation specifically for him.

ABOUT THE “GIVE” DONATION INITIATIVE:

Many Americans consider giving blood to be an important act of community service, however, less than 10 percent donate on an annual basis. Incredibly, if just one percent more donated–less than four million Americans–the nation’s blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future. To help close this gap, Nexcare Brand and America ’s Blood Centers are partnering on the second annual give program, a nationwide blood donation initiative kicking off on World Blood Donor Day, Monday, June 14th, and extending through Sunday, June 20th.
With the support of hundreds of participating local blood centers, the give program inspires Americans with a message of hope, and helps them to spread the word by distributing limited-edition Nexcare Bandages marked with the word give.

World Blood Donor Day comes at an important time each year. As local blood centers face “summer shortages,” the nation’s blood supply comes under strain due to less donations because of increased vacation schedules and other seasonal distractions that tend to take place in the summer months. World Blood Donor Day reminds Americans to donate and enables them to help make a impact in reducing these shortages.

The 2010 give Bandages are inspired by both the patriotic act of giving blood as well as Flag Day, which will also be recognized on June 14, 2010. This collection of three Nexcare bandages are designed to represent the American flag signify the everyday hero in each American who commits to saving lives by donating blood.

Additionally, there’s a dedicated website, http://www.nexcaregive.com/, where visitors can share their story, get directions to our local blood center and register to receive coupons and a free sampling of bandages.

Did You Know? Facts About Blood Donation
· One pint of blood can save up to three lives
· Every two seconds, someone needs blood
· Most Americans will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lives
· Less than 10% of Americans donate blood on an annual basis
· If one percent more Americans gave blood, all national blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future
· There is no substitute for human blood
· Donors can give whole blood up to six times a year

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

These are a few of my favorite things.....

Right now I am using Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner on WC's hair and am LOVING it. Poor thing has hair just like me- super fine- and it gets so tangly just walking around. But this conditioner is wonderful and I truly think it's made her hair smoother and much less tangled in the evenings. Her hair looks shiner and so much healthier as well. Disclosure: I received this product for free from BzzAgent.

I had heard a lot about "skunk" brushes and have heard these give a great "light" application of blush or bronzer. I purchased this Sonia Kashuk Highlighting brush at Target for about $12 and I absolutely love it. I'm pretty pale, and a regular blush brush sometimes applies too much color for me, so this works great. (For some reason, this brush is not offered or pictures online at Target's site, but it is available in stores.)

I also needed a new powder brush. I apply a finishing powder over my foundation, and the brush I was using was past it's prime. When I was shopping Avon recently, I found this Mark powder brush for only $8 and I am so glad I ordered it. The handle is high-quality and nice and heavy and the brush itself it so soft. Great purchase. Here's a recent post I did on how to get free shipping on Avon products when you order thru my rep, Valeri.

I've been using Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle for years and love it, but am such a product junkie I can't be satisfied with that. I have to keep trying different products and see how they work in comparison!

I purchased Instant Artificials at Sally's a few weeks ago (about $7-8 I think) and I've already been recommending it to friends! I had a crazy busy week last week and didn't have the opportunity to paint color on my nails, and usually when this happens, I lose a few nails to breakage since they don't have the protection of a million coats of polish. However, I painted two coats of Instant Artificials on my nails and not only did my nails stay intact, the clear polish lasted for 6 days with absolutely no peeling or chipping and my nails seemed even stronger at the end of that week. I am sold!

What products are you loving these days?

Music Monday: 6-7-10

Ah, summer! We spent two days by the pool this weekend, drinks in hand, and it was delightful! Summertime music always gets me in the mood. Right now I'm loving Katy Perry's California Gurls.

Listen with me on blip.fm!

What are you listening to today? Head over to Hair Bows & Guitar Picks and join in Music Monday!

It's a Good Thing We Don't Have Any Real Pets

The kids have been wanting a puppy, but I don't think that would be a wise move, animal-cruelty-wise, because I've managed to kill 4 Sea Monkeys over the last few days.

The whole sea money thing was sketchy from the get-go, because only five of the damn things appeared rather than the millions I was expecting. I decided I was OK with that, because they were pretty cool and although the kids weren't too jazzed, *I* was. Pretty cool that these living things came out of a a package not too different from a Splenda pack.

But as of yesterday there is only one lone sea monkey swimming around..... and a bunch of dead ones at the bottom.

This $7 hobby is much more complicated than I expected. What do I do now? Get more? Call it a day? Boycott the whole shebang and spread the word?

Thirsty Thursday/Friday: Sweet Tea Vodka

Hair Bows & Guitar Picks is hosting Thirsty Thursday today, and I of course am joining in, although I'm a bit late this week!

Have you gotten into the Sweet Tea Vodka craze? It's all I'm hearing about so I had to join in. Last weekend we went to a pool party, so I took a gallon of Red Diamond Sugar Free Sweet Tea and a bottle of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. It was a hit! So refreshing on a hot day by the pool.

Tip: Keep your vodka in the freezer.

What are your go-to summer drinks for days by the pool?

Father's Day Gifts on Rue La La

Mr. Sasha just scored himself some $90 golf shoes for $59 from Rue La La... looks like they are having great deals for men all week.

Disclosure: This post contains a referral link.

Avon Nail Polish

I know not everyone is as nail-polish crazy as I am, but just in case you are.... thought I'd share a recent Avon order. I just placed an Avon order for some of their new colors- Avon is such an affordable brand- I love trying their new products.

Right now their polish is "Buy one for $5, get one for $0.99", so it's basically $3 per polish. I chose the two new green shades, Jade and Olive Green. Green is really hot right now, and if we know one thing, it's that I'm totally up with current trends (kidding, but I do think these look pretty).

I also ordered the three new Color Trend Ice Sheers Nail Enamels shown below- these are only $3 and they are scented. Fun!

My Avon rep, Valeri, is always so nice to let my readers use a free shipping code! Please follow these steps so you can use the code and give Valeri credit.

1. Visit Valeri's site to make her your default rep
2. Log into ebates to get 5% back and go through them to get to the Avon site
3. Once the Avon site pulls up again, you should see Valeri's name near the top of the site
4. Choose your products and then use code FSANY or REPFS to get free shipping

Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: This post contains an ebates referral link, but readers will also get at least $5 credit if they use this link.