Friday, October 30, 2015

HOW TO: Downsize Your Wardrobe & Look Good All the Time

Hello fashionistas, do you have too much stuff hanging in the closet? Today I have a few great tips to share with you on how you can Downsize your wardrobe without compromising your amazing style!! If you closet need a little help, you don't have to wait until spring to do a little closet cleaning.... Here are four ways to downsize your closet and still look good all year around!

Pare Down the Closet

Stop justifying the mess. If you're telling yourself  "I might need this one day" or "It was expensive, I have to keep it", just stop. Any items living in your closet for more than six months without being worn should be removed, unless they have a sentimental value. Sort through your shoes, bags and clothing and decide which items you will donate, sell, give away to friends... You can even host a Clothing Exchange! If you're thinking about selling your gently used items, check out the Poshmark app to list your clothing and accessories. The easy-to-use app lets you showcase your items, and you earn more money than you would at a consignment shop.


One In, One Out

Let's face it, just because the closet is full doesn't mean you're going to stop shopping. I am so guilty of this! However, over-shopping and not addressing a stuffed-to-the-brim closet only adds to the problem. Downsize and stay on trend by following the one-in, one-out rule. It's simple - for each item you purchase, one item that's already in your closet MUST come out. I know that can be tough, especially if you have already downsized, but following this rule will make you more mindful about your purchases! As well, it will help you keep the clutter down in your closet.

Stick to the Staples

Every woman has her favorite accessory. Whether a watch or a handbag, a statement necklace or pair of heels, one fabulous item can help to define your style. If you haven't found your go-to item, consider a luxury handbag. Coach, one of the most recognized leather goods brands in the world, has a variety of beautifully crafted shoulder bags to choose from. For a polished look, go for a glove tanned leather. Or add color to your wardrobe with a black cherry pebble leather number.

A statement necklace can also take your outfit to the next level. A little extra bling around your neck pairs well with casual T-shirts, flirty dresses and even work wear. Choose a neutral color or a metallic so that you can make a statement with a variety of different outfits.

Think Multi-Purpose

If you're strapped for space, you might want to think about purchasing clothes that serve double duty. Think convertible dresses that can be worn multiple ways. By adding a few different styles or colors of convertible dresses to your wardrobe, you're really adding a month's worth of outfits to your closet, without taking up more closet space.

Instead of buying trendy colors and styles, look for basics like black, grays and neutrals for a more versatile wardrobe. These colors can be paired and worn with more outfits than out-there colors or patterns. Then accent these basics with less expensive, trendy accessories - scarves, costume jewelry, belts - that you can change out from season to season!

Hope you found these ideas helpful! Please feel free to share how any tips you have found or use to keep your closet from over-flowing, while still keeping your fashionista status on par! ♥

Much Love & Hugs,
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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Relax Its Just Lipstick | OOTD

Hey beauty babes and fashionista friends, thanks for visiting today! I am back with an Oh Oh Tee Dee for ya... haha And I know, I know this outfit may seem a little too "cool" for Fall - however - here is Northern California "Fall" has yet to be seen. Its practically been an endless Summer for us so with with it being in the 80's the past week, and last week it hit 94 degrees! Seriously I am majorly craving cool weather so that I can bust out my boots, off the shoulder sweaters and maybe even some flannel! ♥ Until then - I'm still rockin' cute tank tops like this "Relax its just Lipstick" one from Time Los Angeles!

I think you all should know by now my love of graphics top's that express myself. ;) And I must say that, as soon as I saw this tank I KNEW I had to have it! I find myself saying that phrase a lot. Mainly to The Hubs who will flinch or pull away, when I go in for a kiss and he notices I'm wearing lipstick!! HAHA Anyone else relate to this? I'm just like "Calm yourself, Hunny! Its just Lipstick, now shut up and kiss me!" haha MOST of the time (at least lately) Ive been wearing a liquid matte lippy that is transfer proof, so I mean, its all good - we can relax!

Anyways... While this outfit is pretty simple, I decided to dress it up just a touch with some silver heels and accessories. This gives it just the right amount of dressy and casual. Take a closer look....
♥Outfit Details♥
-Tank Top:  TIME LA
-Jeans: Express Jeans (Similar Here & Here)
-Heels: Maurices
-Rings: Premier Designs
-Name Necklace: Onecklace
-Lipstick: MBA Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lip Color in 'Fiasco'
*Use code AGAPELOVE15 for 15% off at MBA Cosmetics*
-Hair Extensions:  c/o Irresistible Me
*Use code IrresistibleMaria for 10% off at Irresistable Me*
I just love all the little details in this outfit, that make me feel so put together and fabulous. ♥ Most likely no one but me notices them... But its all good! That's why blogging outfits is so fun - I know those of you checking out this post notice and appreciate them - right!? ;) haha


Much Love & Hugs,
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Monday, October 26, 2015

HairChalk.co | Review & Giveaway!!

Hey beauties! Welcome and Happy Monday to you. ♥ I know Monday's can be kind of a drag, so I thought we'd start the week out with a cool giveaway. Recently I received some hair chalks c/o HairChalk.co which my 12 year old happily helped to pick out. She chose the GALAXY Purple Blue Ombre Hair Color Set of 12 kit and they also included one of their Hair Color Pads - in the color Radiant Red!
I actually really like (and prefer) the hair color pads! The handle makes it easier to apply and less messy. The chalk pad is large and covers more hair in less time and you dont need water to apply... And its also more ideal for dark hair like mine.

As for the hair chalk sticks, they require a bit more time and work. However, with that option there are a lot more color options! Pictured below you can see the before, progress and after of using the hair chalk sticks. We were limited on time the day we did this, so we only used two colors. A light purple and magenta pink....
While both Kiah and I LOVED the results I must note that it takes quite a while to do, just this little ombre took us about 45 minutes... Which I kind of expected. And the process can also be a bit messy! You definitely want to wear a towel and maybe some gloves. Although - it washes off clothes and hands easily. You also need to "set" your hair with hair spray or a heat source (straightener or curling iron) really well or else the chalk will transfer.
Over all hair chalk is a very fun way to add temporary color to your hair!! My daughter loves it because she has been wanting to color her hair for a while now, but her school's dress code wont allow for "un-natural" hair color. With hair chalk, she can have fun hair color for the weekend and have the color washed out by Monday for school! ♥

HairChalkCo has a great variety of hair chalk sets to choose from, and if you would like to win a set of your choice, you can enter* via the rafflecopter widget below.

*There is only one MANDATORY entry which is that you must visit AND Like HairChalkCo on Facebook!!

Once you do that, more BONUS entries will open up. Of course the more entries you do, the higher your chances of winning are. ♥ Giveaway is open internationally ♥ Good Luck!



Much Love & Hugs,
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Makeup Monday #146

Hello Beauty Babes, and happy Makeup Monday to you! Makeup Monday is a fun linky party dedicated to all things makeup & beauty. ♥ If you are a beauty blogger or have a beauty related post, I'd love to invite you to join in and link up below!
I do ask that if you link up to share the love: visit/comment one or two (or more) other links. 
REMEBER: 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 hair/makeup look inspirations.

If you do not have a blog, but showcase beauty elsewhere like instagram or flicker, or youtube you are still welcome to link up as well, please just link to a specific photo, though, not your whole account! :) 

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

RULES:    
1. There is NO limit to how many posts you can link up! However, I do ask that you link to a specific Blog Post, not your entire blog.
2. Please grab a button to add to your blog/blog post or link back to Makeup Monday 
3.* Follow your host Agape Love Designs  
4.* Tweet about this linky
 
*Not Mandatory but appreciated

Makeup Monday






Much Love & Hugs,
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Friday, October 23, 2015

Luminess Air AirSupremacy Mist Airbrush Foundation ♥ Review and Demo

*Some items provided for consideration {Thank you Luminess Air} however, all thoughts, tips & opinions are my own.
Hello Beauty Babes, I am SO glad you are here! I am WAY excited to tell you about something NEW that has not even launched yet! I have got to say to receive something before it has launched, so I can review it and tell you about it is such an honor and just so cool! So, again, I am very excited because this kit is AMAZING! I've even got a video demo to share with you... But, let me back up a little bit, my excitement has gotten me slightly ahead of myself. ;)

Many of you may know that I recently did a review of the Luminess Air Legend Air Brush System, which I love, but recently I was contacted about trying out Luminess Air's newest innovation. Their AirSupremacy - which is a full line of spray-on makeup, which brings you the effect and finish of airbrush, without the need for a compressor or stylus! The line includes Foundations, Blushes, Body Shimmers, and Tattoo & Blemish Cover-Up products. This stuff is magical, I am already SO in love with this makeup. ♥ Ok, so I am raving about this already, but before I give you all the details of my full review  - I better give you the details about the launch! Because you definitely don't want to miss out on this special price!

AirSupremacy will exclusively launch on QVC on Tuesday October 27th, starting at 10pm EST, during a segment called "The Find" with hist Shawn Killinger. The exclusive starter kit will only premiere once for a price of $49 (retail value of $175)!! Mark your calendars or set a reminder in your phone, because you wont want to miss this amazing deal!
Before I tell you about this starter kit, I want to encourage you to also watch my video demo at the end of this post, as I will go over everything in the kit as well, and show you how quick and easy it is to use! ♥

I got the Medium Starter Kit, bit there are 4 shades available - Fair, Medium, Warm & Deep.

Each kit will include:
- 2 AirSupremacy Foundation Shades. Mine has Shade 3 "Golden Beige" and Shade 4 "Sun Kissed".
-AirSupremacy Primer
-AirSupremacy Blush (Soft Rose was the shade in mine)
-AirSupremacy Makeup Sealant
-Pro Air Blender
-Blending Brush (it doesnt actually have this listed on the kit - but mine came with one!)
Here are some neat facts for those with either sensitive skin or have any kind of skin concerns:
AirSupremacy products are water based, hypoallergenic, alcohol free, fragrance free, paraben free, oil free, non-comedeogenic as well as dermatologist tested and recommended! Whew - thats a mouth full! Their products are also cruelty free and feature "the most innovative, non-flammable and ultra low pressure aerosol technology."

So what can you expect with Luminess Air AirSupremacy?  According to their claims you get buildable, blendable and breathable coverage that's lasts 10+ hours! Is it true? Yes, Yes, Yes, and YES! The products are definitely buildable and very blendable. I had to do some building to conceal my dark circles and some problem spots, but it all blended perfectly. Nothing looked blotchy or caked up, which I LOVE. But my favorite part is that this foundation for sure feels so breathable. I mean if I didn't know better, I never would know I put foundation on. I couldn't FEEL it on me - its so light weight! And even though I could see that my skin and complexion looked so even and beautiful, I couldn't see the makeup. Does that make sense?

See for me, I always prefer light weight makeup over full coverage because I cant stand the look and feel of cake face! I understand that for some its a must... But I just cant deal with it. It bothers me when I can SEE and feel my foundation on my face. Id rather deal with some blemishes showing through that deal with full coverage heavy foundation. So with this you can have the best of both worlds! You can wear as much or as little as you need - build it up for full coverage, yet it still feels super light weight and your skin looks natural and amazing! (Below is a screen shot from my video demo - showing my before & after)
This makeup also lasts SO long - definitely much longer than any other foundations I have ever used! The info says this lasts 10+ (up to 18 hours). Now I never apply my makeup early enough to wear it for 18 hours.. However I can say that for me it looked almost just as good when I went to take it off, as it did 11 hours early when I first applied it. I say "almost" because I did have some slight shine in my t-zone, where I tend to get oily. That being said though, the shine was very minimal - especially in comparison to other foundations I use. I mean, the longevity of this makeup is remarkable! I almost don't want to remove my makeup at night because it still looks so good! haha

The Makeup Sealant (pictured below) is also amazing! I had tried their similar product "Final Seal" which I had bought the to go along with my Luminess Air Legend airbrush system - and it had become my favorite and go to makeup setting spray! Its specially formulated to keep makeup put for up to 18 hours, waterproof, sweat proof and tear proof with no fading or transferring. Its magical! ♥
Over all I cant say enough good things about this kit and these products! I love everything about it and one thing I forgot to mention is how much I really appreciate that the kit includes TWO foundation shades. This is so convenient for being able to mix and color match as well as seasonal skin tone changes! Its just a very well thought out kit, that I highly recommend! If you are interested at all, I recommend you tune into "The Find" at 10pm ESt on QVC on Tuesday October 27th, to grab this kit at the exclusive price of just $49!!

I also encourage you to watch my video demo below to see these products in action for yourself!! ♥

Much Love & Hugs,
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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Get The Look Tutorial | Warm Rose Pealescent Halo Eye

Hey Beauty babes! Thanks for joining me today, I am especially excited because I have FINALLY had the extra time to film again. So today, not only to have a new makeup look to share with you, but I also have a video tutorial to go along with it! YAY! So for those of you who may want to re-create this look or something similar, you can watch the tutorial at the end of this post. :) 

This look is another featuring all MBA Cosmetics Products. Everything from my foundation to brows, eyes and lips are  from MBA Cosmetics. ♥  All product details will be listed below as usual, for your convenience... And as many of you know I have a 15% discount code you can use on your purchase any time - AGAPELOVE15 - but here is something really cool, MBA Cosmetics now has a LookBook page where you can quickly and easily shop all the products from a specific look created by their social media team. So if you want to shop this look you can find all the products in one convenient place {here}. ♥
Obviously I am still on a kick with these warm red-tones shadows. I just cant seem to get enough these days! I say this a lot, but the fact is - these colors just bring out the green in my eyes - I love that. Still I think this is a look that would be amazing on everyone, no matter your eye color!! As well,  the "Halo" effect just brings such a nice soft focus to the eyes, its downright heavenly. Don't you think? I am dying to try this look on someone else. ♥
One of the shadows I used 'Eclipse Highlight in Odyssey' is such a gorgeous shade with subtle but brilliant sparkle! I tried my best to capture it in these photos... Which is why there are so many close ups. I also used a flash on many of the photos (something I don't normally do) because it helped that sparkle to show up. However, I think it may have made the rest of my face look a little "washed out". However, I tried my best to edit the photos to adjust them and make them more true to life. 

 ♥Makeup Details♥
All Makeup Products listed  can be found at mbacosmetics.com 
Use code AGAPELOVE15 to save on your purchase anytime*
*You can use this code EVEN on sale items for stacked savings!

Face:
Oblong Blending Sponge
Perfect Finish Aloe Foundation in the shade Bare Beige
Pressed Blush in Peach Nectar
Shimmering Bouquet in Angelic

Eyes:
Eye Fix Primer
Pressed Matte Shadows in Tiger Lily, Berry Wood, In the Nude & Blackout
Silk FX Shadow in Halo
Eclipse Highlight in Odyssey
False Lashes in Lolita

Brows:
Brow Whip in Cool Taupe
Brow Fix

Lips:
Lip Pencil In Flesh
Color Rich Lipstick in Bare

Earrings: Agape Love Boutique


Want to create this look for yourself?
Watch the video tutorial!



Much Love & Hugs,
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Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Makeup Monday #145

Hello Beauty Babes, and happy Makeup Monday to you! Makeup Monday is a fun linky party dedicated to all things makeup & beauty. ♥ If you are a beauty blogger or have a beauty related post, I'd love to invite you to join in and link up below!
I do ask that if you link up to share the love: visit/comment one or two (or more) other links. 
REMEBER: 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 hair/makeup look inspirations.

If you do not have a blog, but showcase beauty elsewhere like instagram or flicker, or youtube you are still welcome to link up as well, please just link to a specific photo, though, not your whole account! :) 

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

RULES:    
1. There is NO limit to how many posts you can link up! However, I do ask that you link to a specific Blog Post, not your entire blog.
2. Please grab a button to add to your blog/blog post or link back to Makeup Monday 
3.* Follow your host Agape Love Designs  
4.* Tweet about this linky
 
*Not Mandatory but appreciated

Makeup Monday






Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

All Natural, Vegan, Gluten Free Luxury Weight Loss & Beauty Supplement | BikiniBod

**Thank You to BikiniBOD for sponsoring this post and a huge thank you to my readers for supporting the sponsors that make Agape Love Designs possible. Some items were provided for consideration. All thoughts, tips and opinions are my own.**

♥Update at the end of this post!♥
Hello beauties and thank you for stopping by today. As you can see I want to tell you about a weight loss and beauty supplement that I recently started taking called BikiniBOD. BikiniBOD is an All Natural, Vegan, Gluten Free luxury weight loss supplement specifically designed by Women for Women! {Though - men can take it too, as it contains no hormones.} The beauty of BikiniBOD is that it also contains Super Fruit extract to keep your skin glowing, along with Biotin to help with hair and nail growth. It's the new fusion of helping women get skinny while maintaining their pretty! I dont know about you, but to me this sounds like a brilliant beauty product, that I am pretty excited about!

I believe I have said this before, but I will say it again - I don't normally like the idea of taking weight-loss "pills". I feel like you never know if they are truly safe, and I would hate to recommend a product that wasn't safe or could be harmful to someone's health! I also believe - weight loss is should be about health, not just trying to look good. It still requires a eating healthy, being active and a lot of hard work!

With that being said though, I was happily intrigued by the fact that this supplement is all natural! In the FAQ page on the BikiniBOD website it says the product is safe and even Doctor Approved. Still, I'd like to make a disclaimer, that regardless of my thoughts and opinions on a product - you should always do what is best for YOU, your health and your body. Speak with a doctor or professional before starting a supplement or weight loss program. I've done that before with another weight loss product I reviewed in the past just to be sure! And was thrilled when my doctor agreed the product was safe and natural!
With all that in mind, here is more info on BikiniBod and why I was actually very excited to try and review this weight loss supplement... BikiniBOD's all natural active ingredients work in unison to help you battle bulge in 4 key pathways: hunger hormone suppression for a lighter appetite, blocking carb-to-fat conversion, stopping fat before the point of absorption, and boosting metabolism for a higher calorie burn even when you're resting. As an added bonus: caffeine puts pep in your step, biotin fortifies hair, skin and nails, and our berry blend injects some antioxidant power for maximum health, even at the cellular level.
It truly sounds great and very promising. So here is where I am at right now - I started taking BikiniBOD on October 1st! I took this photo of my weight (157.8 lbs) on September 30th (date shown on my phone). I know for some of you it may not seem like I "need" to lose more weight at 157 lbs! Having come so far from my starting weight of 240 lbs, I am definitely happy with my progress. However I am still working kicking some bulgy areas as well as trying to tone my body and build a little muscle as well. I'm still quite the work in progress, and now that I am finally past my plateau I am excited to use BikiniBOD for an extra boost of help to keep the ball rolling!

For anyone curious... I did take "before photos" of my body... But I will only be sharing those IF I truly see a noticeable difference. Showing off my body is still something I am very insecure about. I may have lost quite a bit of weight over the past few years, but my body is far from perfect - and it will take quite a bit of courage to share it! ;)
Anyways... Right now as I am writing this post I have not lost any weight. I am just one week into taking the supplements (This post will be posted dated, as you may notice its not the first week of October *wink*). However it is THAT time of the month and I think that may be hindering any weight loss.

But I am hopeful, especially after seeing the info (below) from the BikiniBOD website! As I said already, I am working to hopefully slim down some of my still bulgy areas. I can use all the help I can get in my trouble areas - triceps especially! So stay tuned, because I will be updating you in another post once I complete these supplements. I really just wanted to get this post up to let you know I started and keep you in the loop of my weight loss and fitness journey. I am beyond excited to see the end result! Hopefully I will have a great results post to share with you in a few weeks...
Here are a few extra things to note....
My adorable package included a BikiniBOD lip balm and its Vanilla scented and so amazing. Im of course obsessed with it. They didnt know it, but I love anything Vanilla and I am kind of a lip balm addict. ♥ And lastly - this bottle of supplements contains 60 capsules. You can take 1 a day or 2-3 a day but no more than 3 a day! Its recommended that those who dont usually drink coffee only take 1 and regular coffee drinkers *hand in the air* can take more. 

BikiniBOD starts at just $49.99 and includes a 30-day money back guarantee! If you want to learn more or purchase you can get it here: www.bikinibod.com/


***UPDATED Dec. 28th | Results***

Hey friends, so I just wanted to pop on and give an update since finishing the BikiniBod supplements. Technically I finished them towards the end of the November - but life has been hectic and the update kept getting pushed to the back-burner. In addition to that I felt somewhat like a failure, because this isn't quite the update I had hoped I'd be able to share with dramatically amazing results. I mean - ok lets get real, I didn't expect "dramatically amazing" results - but I had hoped to have more positive results to share... So with that "foreshadowing" lets just get into it shall we?

The positive: 
Because these are an all around supplement for both BEAUTY and weight loss - I can say they did work well on the "beauty" side. The biotin in it definitely helped my hair and nail growth (as you can see in the photo below). Compare it to my photo above also holding the bottle by my face. Biotin is a really great vitamin for hair and nails, without the vitamin - my nails usually chip and break before they get too long. So I usually have them short! But they stayed long and strong while taking this supplement. ♥
Continuing on with the positive.... I did actually loose a few pounds initially. By the beginning of the 3rd week of taking this I got down to 153 pounds! I was super excited about that and imagined the end result would be even better...

The Negative:
In the end I didn't end losing more weight or even keeping off the weight I lost. By the time I had completely finished the bottle of BikiniBod - I was back to 157 pounds... Which truly bummed me out. And while this part is not related to taking this supplement - I may as well share the full update on my "weight loss" (or gain in this instance) that since finishing bikinibod I have gained more weight. :( I am currently at 163 pounds. *shaking my head* Again - I don't blame the weight gain on the supplements - just wanted to post the update! The weight gain is completely my own fault, with allowing myself to over-indulge over the Holidays both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Which brings me back to the reminder that there really isn't any magical "get thin quick" pill. The best way to loose weight, get fit and healthy is the good old fashioned way! Through eating right and exercising! Obviously I know this, as that is the ONLY way I lost the majority of my weight on this journey of mine. Since then, though, its just been such a struggle to continue to loose weight and keep it off. I feel like I keep hitting stumbling block after stumbling block... After working so hard, I will admit that I completely WISH there were an easy way out. haha Especially as life gets more hectic...  So, while I realize what the best way to stay healthy and fit is, and believe me - I will keep doing my best! I have to admit I am still open to the idea of weight loss supplements (So long as they are natural and don't contain anything harmful.). Especially those with an appetite suppressant - because my battle is more with food than exercise. I love to exercise, but you cant always exercise off a bad eating habits.  


Much Love & Hugs,
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Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.

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