Agape Love Designs: January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

Purple & Green Duo Chrome EOTD & Video Tutorial

Hey beautiful friends! So glad you are here, because not only do I have a simple and fun eye of the day to share with you, but I ALSO am sharing my my first beauty video tutorial!! In case you have not yet heard, I am officially BACK on Youtube, (Id love for you to subscribe to me there) and I am doing a variety of videos.... Mostly expanding the beauty stuff I share here on the blog. But you can also expect to see Zumba videos too! Yes!

Ok, lets move onto today's look. I created another Duo-Chrome effect look, see the first one here, using the oh so fabulous Eclipse High Lighter Collection from My Beauty Addiction!

"These are so pretty. They appear white in the jar but shift colors before your eyes. Use them alone for a soft glow or as a 'highlight for a softer more subtle look.. Or use them over another eyeshadow color or eyeliner for a super fun, dramatic new look or for a night out on the town!

These are semi sheer colors that are slightly pearlescent and look great used with other eyeshadows or over lipstick or lip balm. Can also be added to lotions for an all over body shimmer. Colors include: Celestial-Violet/Purple, Aurora-Blue, Sphinx-Green, Orion-Golden Orange, Saturn-Pinkish Red, Odyssey-Copper"

You can watch the how-to on this look in my youtube video below.

Or skip it and just check out the photos, I've got the details on this look listed below as well.

Details on this look:

Eyes:

MBA Shadow Poxy (Primer)

MBA Shadow Sepia

MBA Eclipse Shadow Spinx

MBA Shadow Pixie Dust (LE)

Lips:

MBA Lipstick 'Flirt'

Rimmel Stay Glossy 'Treasure Hunt'

Find My Beauty Addiction Products here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyBeautyAddiction
http://mybeautyaddiction.com/

These photos below are taken with a flash, to give you a better look at the color shift effect!

If you liked this post, and the videos, please let me know!

If you have a suggestion, I'd love to hear that as well. ♥

Much Love & Hugs,

Visit my In Post Sponsor:

Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Mommy Of 3 - Truth, Not Excuse!

Disclosure: I got this shirt as part of an advertorial.

There used to be a time when I'd make the fact that Ive had 3 kids an excuse for my (extra) weight.... I'd "justify" (aka blame) the fact that I let myself go, on being pregnant 5 times*, and birthing 3 kids. I didn't like the fact that I was over-weight (obese in fact), but even more so I didn't like the fact that it was MY fault. I never wanted to admit that I just plain had a food addiction, and that I hated to be active.

I wallowed in self pity over the "vicious cycle" that was over-eating paired with laziness.. With I'm "too tired", "I dont have the time/I'm busy", or "I'm not feeling good"... It was always these excuses when the kids wanted me to play outside with them. Or when The Hubs encouraged me to get up and get active... Or play some kind of active sport with he and the kids outside. But the plain old truth was that I was honestly just being lazy. I'd rather sit in comfort and eat. And I HATED the feeling of moving. It hurt, and I didn't want to hurt, I didn't even want to try. I hated the feeling of my flab jiggling all about. And I hated being too slow and out of breath to keep up with my kids. So I just didn't even want to try.

I didn't want to feel bad about all I was missing... So I made excuses and blamed anything, but myself. All I was doing with all those excuses was making things worse for myself. Looking back I cant help but shake my head at myself. Thinking back specifically to my excuse about being a mommy of 3... Letting that be the reason for my weight gain is just ridiculous! Sure pregnancy makes you put on a little weight, and the stress and sleepless nights that come with motherhood are a reason so many of us pack on the pounds. It can be a legit reason. But what I was doing was allowing that to be a reason to just let myself go and not care about taking care of myself anymore.

Now I realize how being a mommy of 3 is a truth... A fact about me, but NOT an excuse for me. In fact more than anything, it should be a huge REASON for me to take care of myself. To be fit and moreover, HEALTHY. To be the mom that CAN and WILL play outside with my kids and enjoy it, not dread it. To be an example for my kids on how to eat right, and live a good healthy lifestyle. I can be a proud mommy of 3.... Knowing that they are a BIG reason for keeping myself healthy, and not my excuse for being over-weight. I'm no longer making excuses, and instead proudly making changes for a better me.

What ridiculous excuses have you made for yourself?

Are you making changes are you making now to combat those excuses?

I'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts me... ♥

*You can read about my angel babies here & here.

What Im Wearing:

Shoes: Under Armour

Workout Capri's:Walmart

Bandeau Bra: Gifted

Shirt: c/o Hip Together

Much Love & Hugs,

Visit my In Post Sponsor:

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Linking up to Pleated Poppy, Translantic Blonde, Style Sessions, Watch What Im Wearing,
Wardrobe Wednesday, Real Girl Glam, Because Shanna Said So, My Style Monday, Passion for Fassion, Casual Fridays, Fashion Friday, GM Fashion Fri, Real Mom Style, Desire to Inspire

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Holographic Heart Mani Ft. Vinyl Disorder

Well its been a while since I've shared a Mani on the blog.. So with Valentines Day coming up, I thought it was the perfect time to share this one. I created this mani a couple weeks ago using some adorable holographic heart vinyl decals from Vinyl Disorder.*

*Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

How pretty are these vinyl nail decals?? I LOVE hearts... And the fact that these ones are holographic! Ive never seen holographic vinyl before! They definitely make for a cute Mani! Don't you think? You can see video of the complete mani, as well as my nail polish color below:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Much Love & Hugs,

Visit my In Post Sponsor:

Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Disney Villain: Lady Tremaine Inspired Makeup

Hello Beauty Babes, and happy Makeup Monday to you! Makeup Monday is a fun linky party dedicated to all things beauty. ♥ If you are a beauty blogger/vlogger/instagrammer please feel free to link up any and all of your posts related to Makeup & Beauty!

As you all know I host this linky part with Andrea, and we decided to also team up for a fun collab! Each Monday we will share a new Disney Villain Inspired Makeup Look! And we invite YOU to also join in on the fun. At the end of this post (before the linky) you will find the schedule, we would LOVE to see your Disney Villain inspired looks!!

This week is the LAST week in our series. And as much as I LOVE this series, it will be nice not to HAVE to be on a schedule. Of course Makeup Monday will continue on, but without the restrictions of the challenge schedule. :) If you are a little sad about the series ending, dont fret, I DO have plans on starting another fun Makeup Series. This one will not necessarily be related to MM. I may post some of the looks on a Monday. But they will be a lot less (time) structured. :) If you to know what Series I have in mind next, be sure to watch the last keek video I share. ;)

Without further adieu, let me get to our last Villain... Lady Tremaine, AKA The Evil Step Mother! The Villain from Cinderella!

Video of the look:

Jan 27, 2014 | #Disney Villain Inspired #Makeup Lady Tremaine. The evil step mother! by agapelovegirl on Keek.com

Details on this look:

Eyes:

MBA Shadow Poxy (Primer)

MBA Shadow Rubies & Diamonds

MBA Shadow IQ

MBA Twinkle Dust Gold
MBA Glitter Cozumel

Find My Beauty Addiction Products here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyBeautyAddiction
http://mybeautyaddiction.com/

Here is what I am thinking for another Makeup Series::

Jan 27, 2014 | Interested in another fun #makeup series!? by agapelovegirl on Keek.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now its your turn to share YOUR beauty posts!!
Please be kind and visit/comment one or two (or more) other links.
This link up is for makeup/beauty related posts only!
This includes but not limited to beauty reviews, how-to's, hauls, giveaways, mani's, and look inspirations.
If you do not have a blog, but showcase beauty elsewhere like instagram or flicker,
you are still welcome to link up as well, please just link to a specific photo, though, not your whole account! :)

Also, be sure to Subscribe to the Makeup Monday newsletter if you want to stay up to date about the link up, features, challenges and giveaways!

RULES: 1. Link to a specific Blog Post, not your entire blog
If you do not have a blog, feel free to link to an instagram or flicker photo!
2. Please grab a button to add to your blog/blog post or link back to Makeup Monday
3.* Follow your hosts Agape Love Designs & Wink for Pink
4.* Tweet about this linky using hashtag #MakeupMonday and Tag @mariagridley

*Not Mandatory but appreciated

An InLinkz Link-up

Much Love & Hugs,

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Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Moody Sisters Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Hey friends, thanks for stopping by! Today I have another quick review AND giveaway for you. I recently received this jar of Coffee Body Butter from Moody Sisters. This body body is claims to reduce the appearance of cellulite! What a claim! I decided to do my review in video form... You can see what I thought in the few quick keek videos below. (Dont worry, each one is only 36 seconds long!)

Jan 26, 2014 | moody sisters coffee body butter review part 2 by agapelovegirl on Keek.com

Jan 26, 2014 | moody sisters coffee body butter review part 3 by agapelovegirl on Keek.com

Jan 26, 2014 | moody sisters lip balm mini review. by agapelovegirl on Keek.com

Jan 26, 2014 | overall thoughts on these Moody Sisters #beauty products and a #Giveaway! by agapelovegirl on Keek.com

Now if you are interested in giving this body butter a try, you're in luck!
I'm giving away a jar to one lucky reader! Just enter the rafflecopter widget below...
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally have tried and believe my readers will enjoy.

Much Love & Hugs,

Visit my In Post Sponsor:

Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Skin Care (Mini) Review & Giveaway

Hello friends, thanks for stopping by today! Ive got a mini review AND giveaway for you today. I was recently sent the trial size set of the Arbonne RE9 Advanced Skin Care system to try and review, by Arbonne Consultant Ashley Rudiger. (Please read more about her, and her story below!)

Now although this kit is VERY small, a little bit does go a LONG way! Surprisingly this kit lasted me about a week. You can see what is included in this set, as well as get an idea of actual size in the short keek video below:

Jan 25, 2014 | what's included in the (trial size) arbonne anti aging skin care system... by agapelovegirl on Keek.com

I must admit that with such a short time of use, it was hard to me to really see the results of the benefits from use. However I could tell you that it seems like a really great system, and I LOVE that it includes everything you need to really pamper and take care of your face! You can see the products, as well as the benefits of use, in the image chart below!

Now if you are interested in giving this skin care system a try, you're in luck! Ive got a giveaway for the same trial size kit - to try for yourself! Just enter the rafflecopter widget below... There is only ONE mandatory entry, and that is to "like" Ashely's facebook page. After that, there are a couple extra bonus entries, if you want to up your chances of winning. :) Before we get to the giveaway, I would LOVE to introduce you to Ashley, as she shares her Arbonne Story...

"It is a cold February day and I am standing in my bathroom staring down at the words constantly flashing in front of my face every 2 seconds saying “PREGNANT” I honestly cannot begin to express the emotions that overtook me on that day. I had just turned 29 years old, was working my dream job at a television station as a Sales Rep making 6 figures, had just bought a fabulous house in Cantun and had been dating my boyfriend for 9 months. That day my life was forever changed. I remember it so vividly. Feeling nervous, anxious, excited, worried. I knew this was going to change me and my life but little did I know just how much.

Fast forward a little bit and it is November 5^th 2009 and I give birth to a beautiful 9 lbs baby girl named Mattie. I remember looking at her for the first time and knowing that everything from that point forward I would be doing for her. It was no longer about ME and about what I wanted but it was about what was best for my daughter and her life. So I made the tough decision and decided to leave my 6 figure job to stay at home and raise my daughter.

Fast forward again and my daughter is celebrating her 1 year birthday. My savings has drastically dried up, I am constantly in sweatpants, I am in desperate need to talk to someone that can form a sentence and not drool on me and in dire need of wanting to create more options for not only myself but for my family. Don’t get me wrong I LOVED being at home with my daughter and feel blessed that I was able to do so BUT I did feel like I was slowly loosing a piece of who I was and what I wanted out of life. I truly didn’t think it was possible to have both. Be a stay at home mom AND provide an amazing income and unlimited options while living life to the fullest….But if you ask my friends they would tell you I am very bull headed so I was determined to find something that fit my criteria….And THAT is where Arbonne comes into the picture.

I had been using the Arbonne products at that time for a few years already and LOVED everything about the products and what the company stood for..from their Green Efforts to their Pure Ingredient Policy but I also was certainly NOT looking to start my own business. BUT my consultant at the time, Lynne Flynne knew my situation and asked me to do something very harmless…she asked me to just listen, hear and find out more about the company and the income opportunity that was attached to these amazing products. So I did....and what I found out blew me away and ignited a fire in my belly that I hadn't felt in a really long time. I quickly realized that Arbonne was going to be my vehicle to the life I desired and more options.

So I want you to close your eyes and imagine something for me..Imagine that you never had to hear an alarm clock again and that you woke up each and every morning naturally, Imagine that you were the boss and you could design what each and every day looked like…Imagine being surrounded with the most motivating, inspiring and successful people you know..Imagine working 10-15 hours a week and matching what you made working 40-50 hours a week. Imagine never again having to ask someone for time off to go on vacation or to go to your child's school events…Imagine earning a paid for Mercedes Benz, all inclusive trips, jewelry and flowers just for doing your job…Close your eyes and Imagine what you would be doing if time and money were of no concern?? Truly a lifestyle that gives you and your family more CHOICES and allows you to actually LIVE your life. That is what this business has the ability to provide.

That is what my life looks like now. Two and a half years ago I jumped into something that I had NO IDEA what I was doing and had No idea where it was going to take me. But I BELIEVED that this was my path and that this was going to provide me with what I needed and what my family needed. You can have this too…We have a system in place that works. How bad do you want it..are you coach-able, are you willing to follow the system…if you are…your life could look completely different a year from now. We provide mentor-ship by successful people and your success is our success if you want it."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Much Love & Hugs,

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Indie Shops I'm Loving....

Its been a while since Ive done a "Pretty Things" post.. I wasn't sure how much everyone was still enjoying those posts, so I decided to give them a break for a while. Still, I really do enjoy featuring items I'm loving, especially from Indie Business. So I decided today I would share a few shops that I am LOVING lately....

Up first is Gipsy Dharma. How fun and unique are these lace up boots!?

They remind me of fairies, and other mystical creatures. ♥

Next Up, Hello Awesome Shop.
I have a custom illustration, from this shop as well one of their adorable mugs!
(I'm drinking my morning coffee from it right now, actually.)
And right now the shop has a BIG 40% off sale until the end of January with code "DEC40"!

I stumbled upon DGordan Handmade Potter, while searching for ring holders...
And I instantly fell in love. Every item looks stunning, and I've got my eyes on a couple items to help pretty up my dresser and organize my jewelry!

Litva's Jewelry has a HUGE variety of Jewelry for everyone's style!
I personally have several items from Litva's Jewelry, and LOVE each piece I own.
The quality is top notch, and each piece is unique and special.

Lastly, I must admit I am slightly obsessed with this shop Sweater Heaven.
I own two sweaters from this shop, but I want ALL of them!
Lately, cute and slouchy sweaters are all I want to wear.
If youre like me, then you may want to check out this shop ASAP....
Or avoid it, for the sake of your bank account. ;)

Where are your favorite places to shop!?
I love finding new places to shop, especially when it helps support small business. ♥

Much Love & Hugs,

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Friday, January 24, 2014

Business In The Front, Party In The Back.

I was telling The Hubs, that this was my 'Mullet' Sweater... You know... Cause its Business In The Front, Party In The Back. haha I actually never thought I would love a shredded sweater so much! But this one is super comfy, and I love that its long, so it covers most of my big behind. ;)

Its also a fun sweater to wear a little "rebelliously" with a colorful Bandeau, or you can wear it with a cami. Normally I would go for a cami underneath, but I thought the pop of pink would be cute. I liked it, but I must state for the record that my almost 11 year old daughter (and photographer) said she did NOT approve of me wearing it this way! I love that she is so very modest. ♥

What Im Wearing:

Flats: Payless

Jeggings:Walmart

Bandeau Bra: Gifted

Sweater: c/o Sweater Heaven

Earrings: c/o Litva's Jewelry

Much Love & Hugs,

Visit my In Post Sponsor:

Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Disney Villain: Governor Ratcliffe Inspired Makeup

This week is Governor Ratcliffe, the Villain from Pocahontas! He wears some very pretty colors, so I had fun creating a look inspired by him. Here is my look inspired by The Governor: