February 4, 2011

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?

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

*Pauly D. Photo Credit:B-Side Blog

January 24, 2011

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!


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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

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



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January 18, 2011

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.

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

January 9, 2011

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!


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!

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

January 5, 2011

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!

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

January 1, 2011

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!

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!

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My Jewelry Store: EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

December 30, 2010

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?

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My Jewelry Store: 
EightSeventeen Jewelry
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.

December 29, 2010

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!


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



  



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!

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My Jewelry Store: 
EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

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

December 28, 2010

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!

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My Jewelry Store: 
EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

December 20, 2010

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!

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My Jewelry Store: 
EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

December 15, 2010

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!


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!

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

December 13, 2010

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!

468x60

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

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My Jewelry Store: 
EightSeventeen Jewelry
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.

December 10, 2010

Caudalie Review, Giveaway, & Sale/Free Shipping Code [CLOSED]

As much as I love the look and feel of high end make-up, the majority of my collection is from the drugstore.  When it comes to skin care, I am much more likely to splurge.  All the face paint in the world will do no good if your canvas isn't up to par, right?

When I was contacted by Caudalie to do a review, I was was thrilled.  Caudalie is a luxury skin care line that is sold in stores such as Sephora, Nordstrom, and Barneys.  Their products are also available online.

Read on for my thoughts on this outstanding brand.

This incredibly lush cream is wonderful for those seeking to reduce wrinkles and dark spots.  Smooth a thin layer over your face and neck and turn back time!  The stubborn, semi-deep lines across the bridge of my nose have diminished significantly since I started using this product.  It's easy to see why this item is a best seller at Sephora!

PROS:  Has a moderate, heavenly scent that smells like an eau de parfum a sophisticated woman would spritz on; a miniature dollop goes a loooong way; your skin instantly appears firmer and healthier after one application.

CONS:  At $150.00, this posh cream comes with a posh price tag.  However, if your skin is oily, you only need to use it once a day.  And, as I stated before, the tiniest bit of product goes a long way!

 This scrub is extremely gentle and excellent for sensitive skin.  It can be used on the face, neck, and décolleté once or twice a week.

PROS:  Normally, I rely on gritty scrubs for exfoliation.  That said, this product works just as well as some of its more abrasive competitors.  Thanks to the chilly December weather, my skin was quite the dry mess prior to my using this product.  It did wonders after just one use, leaving my face feeling not only smooth, but cleansed.  My forehead and cheeks looked especially radiant and hydrated.

CONS:  At $35.00, this scrub costs more than my usual exfoliant.  However, the product worked so well, I think it's worth the price!

Experiencing sagging eye lids?  Wrinkles around your eyes and lips?  Suffering from chronic puffiness and dark circles?

PROS:  I worried that this product might cause milia around my eyes, but it didn't.  Once it was smoothed on, it filled in the fine lines beneath my eyes.  I also have one fine, vertical line above my lips; this helped reduce its appearance. 

CONS:  Prevention is key.  Using anti-ageing products in your twenties certainly doesn't hurt.  However, I think this product is best saved for those in their late twenties and beyond.  (My "geriatric" behind falls into this category.  Ha!)

My hands are chronically dry from hand sanitizers and constant washing.  (O.C.D., anyone?  LOL!)  I couldn't wait to test this product out!  Caudalie's Travel Size Hand and Nail Cream is the perfect size for your handbag or clutch. 

PROS:  Rich; creamy; lightly fragranced in a pleasant scent; incredibly moisturizing; non-greasy; super affordable at $5.00.  My hands have done a complete 360 thanks to this fun-sized product!

CONS:  None.

This incredibly moisturizing product can be used as a mask, cream, or both!  Smooth a thin layer over your face and neck, and allow it to set for fifteen minutes.  Rinse it off with warm water and prepare to be amazed!  Or, leave it on in lieu of your traditional moisturizer.

PROS:  It is a dual purpose product.  After one use, my dull winter skin looked revived and vibrant!  I achieved especially amazing results when I used this mask following the Gentle Buffing Cream.

CONS:  None.


Giveaway


The wonderful folks at Caudalie are generously allowing me to give away two of my favorite products: the Vinosource Mask and Hand and Nail Cream!

Mandatory Rules

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

2.  You must "like" Caudalie on Facebook.

3.  You must leave a comment below letting me know how you entered.

Bonus Entries

Worth FIVE points each!!!!

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


Discount & Free Shipping Code

Interested in picking up some of Caudalie's products now?  Please refer to yesterday's post for discount and free shipping details!



Overall, these products exceeded my expectations.  I will definitely be purchasing from Caudalie on a regular basis going forward!

Happy Holidays!

Signature

My Jewelry Store: 
EightSeventeen Jewelry
Ask Me Questions Anonymously: http://www.formspring.me/KateGene

Disclaimer: All images belong to Caudalie, and were used with permission from the company.  The products were 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.

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