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

Review: Essie Good to Go! Top Coat

No matter the occasion, a girl can't go wrong with a fresh, glossy manicure and pedicure.  For years, I got my nails done on a weekly basis at a salon that  refused to accept plurals.

More Than One Nail = NailS

[Source]

Ha ha ha!

Although my nail technician was amazing, my obsession with maintaining immaculate french tipped digits wreaked havoc on our budget.  When I decided to ditch my corporate desk jockey job to pursue my medical field dreams, my weekly habit came to a screeching halt.  My new career came with a pay cut, as well as rules against talon painting.

I now buff, file, and polish my own nails at the Kate Gene Salon a.k.a. our home.  When I am in the clinic, I usually opt for natural nails, but occasionally go wild with a neutral pink polish.  On my own time, I tend to stick with vampy hues.

Essie's Good to Go! Top Coat delivers a shine that I consider to be comparable to the highly sought after Seche Vite.

[Even the dreary December weather can't diminish this glass-like shine!]

PROS:  Dries pretty quickly.  Extremely glossy.  When paired with O.P.I. polish, my manicure lasted nearly a week before chipping.

CONS:  Retails for $9.90.  However, if you do a little research, you can find coupon codes for Apothica.com, which is where I got my bottle from.

I am very pleased with my new top coat thus far.

What are you using to protect your handiwork?

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Apothica.com.   My views are not influenced by anything other than my personal experience.  Please use these products at your own discretion.

Eye Candy

I had no idea Ivanka Trump had her own jewelry line!  

 [Source]

Where have I been?!

 [Source]

Ha ha!

Her collections are beautiful.  I loved all of her pieces, especially her rings!

Cocktail Ring with Diamond Accents

I like how bold - yet delicate - these cocktail rings are!

  

Thin Diamond Band

This dainty band is elegant and timeless.

In addition to the pretty baubles shown above, I found myself drawn to her red carpet-ready earrings.

Sadly, these beautiful Trump-designed pieces are accompanied by Trump price tags.  There's no harm in looking, though, right?  ;)

I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Photo Credit:  All of the jewelry photographs belong to: http://shop.ivankatrumpcollection.com/index.php/.

Caudalie Giveaway Winner

The winner of my Caudalie Giveaway is...

shala_darkstone!

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and e-mail address to: kategeneblog at gmail dot com.  You have until January 2, 2011 to claim your prize, otherwise a new winner will be randomly selected.

Thanks to Caudalie for sponsoring this giveaway, as well as everyone who entered!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Giveaway Reminder & Blog Birthday Announcement

What's up, gangsters?

I am currently curled up on the couch, popping antibiotics, and devouring candy canes.  Yes, I am still whining about being sick.  It's been over a month and a half, though!  Eek!

On a happier note, I am proud to say I have been blogging for over a year now!  Whoo hoo!

[Source]

I can't believe I failed to announce my first bloggin' birthday!

[Someecards.com has the funniest online cards ever.]

In my defense, December 15th was National Cupcake Day.  I got distracted!

My posts lately have been sporadic and completely devoid of my usual antics.  I really appreciate the wonderful readers who have stuck by my side! 

GIVEAWAY REMINDER 

This giveaway ends December 23, 2010 at 11:59 P.M. (PT).  Open to U.S. residents only.

Check it out here!

These products are uh-maaaazing.

There aren't a lot of entries yet, so your chances of winning are great!

Good luck!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Happy National Cupcake Day!

Guess what?  Today is National Cupcake Day!

Cupcakes are my kryptonite.  I can literally eat half a dozen in one sitting.  (Hence, the Z cup gut.)  I absolutely love these delightful pastries.  So much, in fact, that my jewelry line includes a Cupcake Collection! 

[Source]

Mmm...  Trophy Cupcakes are my favorite!  Their frosting is to die for!

[Source]

Cupcake Royale is a close second!  Their cakes are out of this world!

[Source]

This book has been on my wish list for years.  Inside, are photos and instructions on how to create fun and unique looking cupcakes.  Too cute!

[Source]

Hello Kitty.  Hello Kitty's friends.  Cupcakes.  What more is there to say?

[Source]

My adorable hubby and I are planning on having kids in the near future.  Should we be blessed with a daughter, I would love for her to tote around this gorgeous Judith Leiber purse.  I would, of course, not allow her to store cell phones inside.  We all know how that goes!  ;)

At $4,295.00, this Austrian crystal studded sweet is a steal!  (Oh, simmer down...  I am being sarcastic.  Ha!)

That's it for today!  I apologize for all the random posts lately.  I have some product reviews coming up soon.  Until then, grab a frosted treat and head over to my Caudalie Review and Giveaway post.  It's worth your time, I promise!

Cupcake bottoms up!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

The Body Shop Friends and Family Sale

Hey, y'all!

The Body Shop is currently hosting a Friends and Family Sale.  Use the code "FFJOY" to receive 30% off your favorite items now!

Want to score some free skin care products?  Check out my Caudalie giveaway!

My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry

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

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

Please Note:  I am a Bath and Body Works affiliate.  If you purchase products using the link above, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.