Yoga In Lieu of Botox?

The exercises featured in these videos are epic.

LOL!

Thoughts?

xoxo,

Kate Gene

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

YouTube Guru Spotlight: Glam Life Guru

The first time I watched an episode of 'Extreme Couponing', my features were frozen in an expression similar to this:

[Source]

I have a lot more chest hair than Richard Simmons, but otherwise, this photograph is an accurate depiction of my appearance that day.  For those of you who opted out of Sarcasm 101, I am kidding about the man sweater.  Sort of.  (Seriously, I'm joking.  What kind of neanderthal do you think I am?!)

If you are unfamiliar with the premise of TLC's hit show, here is a brief overview:

'Extreme Couponing' features hardcore bargain hunters who save hundreds  - sometimes thousands - of dollars by utilizing coupons, sales, and reward programs.  Believe it or not, some of these savvy shoppers' transactions result in the store owing them money.  It's unbelievable!

Scoring massive deals requires an exorbitant amount of patience and time.  Sadly, some of the individuals on the show have developed an unhealthy obsession with couponing.  It consumes their lives.  My husband and I have incorporated coupons into our shopping, but on a smaller, more conservative scale.

Dumpster diving for coupons.  Crazy or crazy smart?
[Source]

Tati, a.k.a. Glam Life Guru, is a not-so-extreme coupon extraordinaire.  You won't find her hauling eight carts of free spaghetti noodles out of the store, arms raised triumphantly in victory.  She and her boyfriend, Master, visit multiple drug stores weekly, sharing current beauty-related steals and deals.  I ROFLCOPTER while watching their videos.  They're a hoot!  (Yes, I said "hoot".  Big whoop.  Wanna fight about it?)

Gaw-juss and thrifty!
[Source]

Couponing can be intimidating and confusing.  Tati breaks down specials perfectly for penny pinching rookies such as myself, and often provides links to printable coupons.  Her channel and blog are excellent resources that I have been referring to for months.  Although her subscriber count is steadily on the rise, she deserves more followers than she currently has.  Please check her out!

For you fancy folks who can read real good-like, click here for Tati's blog.  ;)

Have a great week, everyone!

xoxo,

Kate Gene

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

P.S.  Coupon Divas is another awesome money-saving resource.  Check them out, too!

Misikko / HANA Titanium Flat Iron Review

When it comes to hair care, I have always been frugal.  Believe it or not, my hubby ♥ is the hair diva in this household.  Inexpensive gel is not allowed anywhere near his pretty, dirty blonde 'do.  I once tried to convince him to try L. A. Looks products, and he went Luan Legacy on a *bleep*.  (My DH also possesses a shoe and clothing collection grander than my own.  Maybe he should be the one blogging.  Ha ha ha!  I love my crazy guy!)  I, on the other hand, will use whatever is on sale at the drug store.

Most of the time, I am content using low end products and tools.  However, being thrifty is not without its occasional pitfalls.  Years ago, I spotted a flat iron on clearance.  It was only $5.00.  Not surprisingly, it didn't perform.  The plates emitted very little heat.  I later invested in a $20.00 flat iron, only to be disappointed once again.  You should be able to fry an egg on your heat styling tools, dagnabit!  I don't enjoy salmonella -- or frizzy hair.

A couple months ago, the folks at Misikko kindly sent me the HANA 1.5 Inch Titanium Flat Iron for consideration.  As many of you already know, Misikko is an online retailer that offers a variety of hair care items: hair straighteners, Chi Irons, authentic HANA products, etc.  I have worked with Misikko in the past, and have yet to be disappointed by their products or service!

TITANIUM FLAT IRON SPECS:

[Source]

[Source]

PROS:

• I am one of those "I-Abused-The-Snooze-Button-and-Now-I-Am-Late" girls.  Styling tools that heat up immediately are a must, and this iron does just that.
• Leaves my hair incredibly glossy, smooth, and stick straight.
• You don't need to glide the iron over the same strands of hair repeatedly to achieve maximum results.
• The heat proof silicone mat allows you to safely rest your iron on your counter.
• The extra long swivel cord allows you to move around with ease.
• Quick shipping, excellent packaging.
• Extra goodies are included with every order: make-up, salon styling products, nail files, hand sanitizer, stuffed animals, scented faux rosebuds, etc.  Items and quantities may vary.

CONS:

• The long cord can be a bit of a hassle to store.
• The price.  This bad boy retails for $239.99.  However, it is currently on sale for $174.99 on Misikko's website.  Shipping is free!
• Our fur baby ♥ loves to eat rubber.  The heat proof silicone mat has his name written all over it.  I'm praying he doesn't figure out how to open up our bathroom drawers.  ;)

[Yes, our fur kid has a mustache.  It makes him look distinguished.]

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Think of me as Jerry Springer on kimchi.

[Source]

If you have the funds, and straighten/curl your hair frequently, this flat iron is worth the investment.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, everyone!

xoxo,

Kate Gene

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Disclaimer:  The product was sent to me by Misikko to review, free of charge. I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their products. My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience. Please use these products at your own discretion.

HANA Titanium Flat Iron features information courtesy of Misikko.com.

Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered my Caudalie giveaway.  

The randomly selected winner is...

COLLIFORNIA!

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to kategeneblog[at]gmail[dot]com.  You have until June 3, 2011 to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Enjoy your new bronzing products!  I am confident that you'll achieve a gorgeous, natural tan -- just like these  handsome devils!

[Source]

[Source]

(Asian guidos?  Who knew?)

[Source]

Ha ha ha!  I kid.  Caudalie's products are outstanding!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Spring Giveaway: Get Your Tan & Glow On!

Spring has officially sprung!

Caudalie is kicking off the new season with a fantastic giveaway for my readers.  Harsh winter weather can take a toll on our skin, leaving it dry, dull, and pale.  Feeling pastier than Eddie Cullen?  Enter to win three bronzing, glow-inducing products!

[Source]

GENTLE BUFFING CREAM

Failing to exfoliate prior to self tanning is a cardinal sin.  Use this gentle buffing cream on your face, neck, and décolleté once or twice a week.  (This product is amazing!  It soothed and hydrated my parched skin.  See my full review here.)

Retails for: $35.00

TEINT DIVIN SELF TANNER FACE

Apply Caudalie's moisturizing self tanner to your cleansed face three times a week.  Remember to blend, blend, blend!  (Who do I think I am?  EnKore Makeup?  Ha ha!)  You'll be sporting a radiant, sun-kissed glow before you know it!

Retails for: $39.00

FRESH COMPLEXION TINTED MOISTURIZER - DARK

After you apply your usual day cream, smooth on a dollop of Caudalie's tinted moisturizer.  The bronze tint will enhance your new tan.

Retails for: $39.00

Mandatory Rules

 Open to U.S. residents only.

1.  You must be a public follower of my blog.

2.  Do you have any self tanning tips?  Share your wisdom and leave a comment below!  (It's okay if you don't.  :)  However, please leave me a comment anyway, so I know you've entered.)

3.  If you are under the age of 18, please get permission from your parent or guardian before entering.

Bonus Entries

1.  Follow my jewelry blog: EightSeventeen Jewelry.

2.  Tweet about my giveaway.

3.  Write a blog post or add my giveaway to your sidebar using the photo above.

This giveaway ends May 25, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. (PT).

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Disclaimer: All Caudalie images belong to Caudalie, and were used with permission from the company.  I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their products.  My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use these products at your own discretion.

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer Review

I was born in 1982. Like many children who grew up in the 80s, I suffer from Bowl Haircut Syndrome. (Jean, the pretty petite blogger behind Extra Petite, knows exactly what I'm talking about!  Ha ha!)  Symptoms include: reoccurring nightmares about concave containers, violent outbursts in the dinnerware section of Williams-Sonoma, and panic attacks at the sight of SNL's Target Lady.

Despite my B. H. P. T. S. D. (bowl haircut post traumatic stress disorder), I must confess that I occasionally long for my Dorothy Hamill tresses. In elementary school, my hair was strong, soft, and full of shine.  Years of heat, bleach, and black hair dye have wreaked havoc on my locks.  On a good day, I'd say my hurr is lackluster at best.

I was kindly sent the HANAair Professional Hair Dryer from Misikko.com, an online retailer that specializes in selling blow dryers, the best flat irons, the Chi Hair Straightener, make-up, and cosmetics. 

My package arrived in two days, which was fantastic.  Everything was clearly packed away with care. 

[Plenty of Pretty, Girly Extras!  THANK YOU!]

[Strawberry Scented Hand Sanitizer and a Stuffed Animal?  Yes, Please, and Thank You!]

There has been quite a buzz about this dryer in the beauty community, and for good reason. 

The HANAair Professional Hair Dryer's Features

• Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
• Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
• Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
• Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish adds durability and is easy to clean
• Long life motor with low noise
• Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling
• Fiberglass concentrator
• Italian Design

[Photo Credit: Misikko]

PROS:  Thanks to this amazing product, my hair is incredibly bright, glossy, and sleek.  I have used this dryer for weeks (in conjunction with nothing more than drug store shampoo and conditioner), and am flabbergasted by my results.  My husband has told me multiple times how great my hair looks, even when it's just thrown up in a messy chignon.  (He noticed the extra shine without my having to point it out!)

This dryer has significantly reduced the amount of time I spend blowing out my down-to-my-waist-length hair.  It's a tad on the heavy side, but with my dry time cut down to 1/4 of what it used to be, I'll cope. 

Last, but not least, the cord is extra long, which is nice.

CONS:  This crème de la crème dryer is accompanied by a crème de la crème price.  It retails for $314.00, however, is currently on sale at Missiko.com for $194.99.  That said, I truly believe this fantastic tool is worth every cent. 

I have one more, tiny complaint...  The instruction manual and buttons are a bit confusing.  Fortunately, a new instruction manual is in the works!

[Ghetto Instructions]

What products do you use to maintain healthy hair?

xoxo,

Kate Gene

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Disclaimer:  The product was sent to me by Misikko to review, free of charge. I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their products. My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience. Please use these products at your own discretion.

The HANAair Professional Hair Dryer's Features information courtesy of Misikko.com.

Help NYX Cosmetics...

...

[Source]

NYX Cosmetics, one of my favorite cosmetic companies, has just given me another reason to heart them:

Purchasing Make-up = Helping Others?  Heck yes!

This special event runs from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. (PST) on April 8, 2011.  Mark your calendars, my fellow beauty addicts!

Low on funds?  Spread the word via Blogger, YouTube, Twitter, e-mail, etc.

Not into social media?  Thoughts and prayers are just as nice.  :)

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Caudalie Vine Body Butter Review

Hello, everyone! 

First, I'd like to apologize for being M. I. A..  Jazzercise, ribbon dancing, underwater basket-weaving, and Dungeons and Dragons have completely taken over my life.  (I'm kidding!)

This post is a long overdue review of Caudalie's Body Butter.

[Source]

Retail Price: $28.00 for 6.7 oz.

This rich cream is packed full of skin loving ingredients: grape seed butter, omega 6, and vitamin E.

PROS:  This body butter, like the other Caudalie products I have tried, epitomizes luxury and class.  The packaging is sleek and sophisticated, and looks lovely sitting on our bathroom counter.  It has a very subtle, fresh scent and leaves your skin looking and feeling incredibly hydrated and healthy.  I love the glowing, dewy (not to be confused with oily) appearance it gives my arms and legs!

CONS:  At $28.00, the price may be a bit steep for some.  However, Caudalie occasionally releases coupon codes; if your funds are a bit low, keep an eye on my blog for sale alerts!  Also, the butter is so rich, it doesn't sink in immediately.  A very thin, careful application will accelerate absorption.  (Once it fully settles into your skin, you'll look and feel great!)

Caudalie has yet to let me down.  Check 'em out here!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

P. S.  Stay tuned for upcoming posts!

• False Lashes Review
• Hot Rollers Review
• Hair Dryer Review
• Ariel's Secret Garden Haul and Review
• Candles By Victoria Haul and Review
• Prizes from TWO Giveaways I Won: Hourglass Cosmetics, LUSH, MAC, and more!
• NYX Round Lipstick Swatches
• Zoya Swatches
• Weight Loss Update
• Invisalign Experience
• Buxom Lashes Review
• Blogging/Vlogging Controversies

Disclaimer: All images belong to Caudalie, and were used with permission from the company.  The product was sent to me by Caudalie to review, free of charge.  I am not affiliated with the organization, nor am I being paid to endorse their products.  My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use these products at your own discretion.

My Zoya Order is He-yuh!

Pauly D. speaks the truth.  My Zoya order is he-yuh!

Oh, Jersey Shore...  I will never get sick of you.

[L - R: Ibiza, Julieanne, and Stacy]

How pretty are these polishes?  I can't wait to try them out.  ("Stacy" is actually a gift for a friend, so I won't be able to swatch it.)

Unfortunately, the sapphire blue polish, "Ibiza", arrived chipped.  Initially, I didn't notice the damage, and nearly sliced my hand open trying to get the bottle open.  I am not one to complain (especially when something is free), but the edges of the crack are incredibly sharp.  I wrote to customer service last weekend, and am waiting for a response.  (To be honest, it's not really that big of a deal.  I'm tempted to just wrap some duct tape around the bottom.  Ghetto?  Perhaps.  That's how I roll!  XD) 

[You said it, Whitney!]

What freebie polishes did you guys pick up during Zoya's amazing promotion?

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

*Pauly D. Photo Credit:B-Side Blog

Forget Snuggies!

Oh.  Em.  Gee.

I don't normally wear bath robes, but this one is too cute for words:

[Source]

It is currently on sale at Nordstrom.com.

Check it out here.

Speaking of robes, this video is a must-see for anyone who is considering purchasing a Snuggie.  Bahahaha!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

P. S. You can now subscribe to my blog via Bloglovin'!

Ariel's Secret Garden Sale

Ariel's Secret Garden, my favorite soap company, is currently hosting a sale.

[Photo Credit: Ariel's Secret Garden]

If you are on the market for fresh goat milk soap, you should definitely check out their Etsy shop!

[Photo Credit: Ariel's Secret Garden]

Aren't their products pretty?  If I could, I'd buy out their entire store!  LOL!

Check out my rave review here.

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Creamery Creek Goat Milk Soap Review

Goat Milk Soap = ♥

Creamery Creek Goat Milk Soap has received rave reviews from multiple YouTubers, including the lovely "ginabinawina99".  Check out her honest, incredibly thorough review here.

[Everything smelled divine!]

After perusing Creamery Creek's website, I whipped out my debit card and placed an order.  I could not wait for my goodies to arrive!

My Thoughts...

Creamery Creek definitely lives up to the hype.  Why?

"First of all, and second of all..."

(Sorry.  Drunken Deena's first night in the 'Jersey Shore' house is still fresh in my mind.  LOL!)

Below I've listed my pros and cons.  Keep reading to learn why this soap makes my skin rejoice!

[How cute is this little guy?]

PROS: 

•  This soap lathers into a luxuriously rich, heavily whipped cream.  I have never seen anything like it!
• Doesn't dry out your skin.
• Comes in realistic scents.  No artificial, plastic fragrances!
• Lightning fast shipping.  (No, seriously.  My order arrived in two days.)
• Extra goodies were generously included, as well as a handwritten thank you note.
• $5.00 a bar.  Not bad, considering the bars are hefty.

CONS: 

•  The scents are light and do not linger.  That said, to some, this may actually be considered a pro.  This soap is great for those with sensitive skin -- and noses.

[All of these ingredients are fantastic for parched skin.]

I highly recommend you check out Creamery Creek's soaps.  I will definitely be re-purchasing from them again!

On a Fun Note...

I am happy to announce that my adorable hubby and I recently celebrated ELEVEN years of happiness together!

[Source]

We went on our first date in 1999, became an official couple in 2000, and wed in 2003.  Not only is the guy my husband...  He is my best friend.  

I love him more than anything in this world!

[Insert 1980s - 1990s "Whoooo!" sound here.  You know, the idiotic noise they played on sitcoms whenever people kissed.  Ha ha!]

Have a great week, everyone!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Love Bruno Mars? Check This Out!

Timothy DeLaGhetto2 spoofed Bruno's incredibly cute "Just The Way You Are" video.  

(If you haven't seen the original, click here before watching the video below.)

Bahahaha!  

Hilarious!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Happy New Year!

What did y'all do last night?

I am still under the weather, so my adorable hubby and I rang in the New Year while relaxing on the couch.  I am a homebody, so that was fine by me!

This Polyvore collage just about sums up our evening:

Happy New Year! by kategene featuring silver jewelries

The hubby sipped on some adult beverages, but because I had indulged on cold/flu medicine, I stuck with water and sparkling cider.  LOL!
 

[Rated G Bubbly]

As some of you know, I was in an auto accident a couple years ago that resulted in my being a temporary crapple.  (Don't know what a crapple is?  I demand that you watch every episode of 'Family Guy' immediately!)  

My New Year's resolution is to get healthy again.   

Bring it, 2011!
 

 [Source]

Hilarious!

On a lighter note, I am proud to announce that I recently clinched our league's Fantasy Football Champion title.  Woop woop!  I beat out eleven pathetic girly men guys, including my hubby.

Hey, I might throw like a girl, but at least I didn't get beat by one.  Ha!

[Source]

I must admit that crushing my opponents was not an easy task.  Fortunately, this is my fifth year playing, so I have the experience to back up my smack talk.  LOL!

Blog Update:

I re-vamped my blog the other day, and am pretty pleased with how it turned out.  This year, I plan to mix things up a bit.  As much as I love beauty blogging, I'd like to broaden my horizons and sporadically discuss other interests of mine. 

Check out my recently added F.A.Q. tab for...  F.A.Q.s.  (Wow.  That college education is really paying off!)

Happy New Year, everyone!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

Tweet, Tweet: http://twitter.com/kate_gene

Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene