Pita Pizza Recipe

What?!  Another food post?  Well in case you didn't know, I LOVE food.  Actually, I was into the food scene on the internet (via Yelp) even before I started being involved with the beauty community.

That being said, we can't always spend the time and money to go out to eat, so I have learned over the years how to make a lot of my favorite foods.  After joining the Office Drone Society, I would come home too tired to bust out all of my cook ware and make some fancy 3 part meal.  So, like much of America, I started looking into fast but yummy recipes that would keep me from packing on the pounds.  I decided to share one food that is a staple in many diets.  PIZZA!

I know you are tempted to just pick up your phone and dial your nearest pizza delivery, but I promise that this recipe is fool proof! It is also very economical.  I will give you tips on freezing pizzas so you can make a bunch at once and have them later (and not waste any ingredients by not using them up).

Heck yeah KidPix!  It was definitely my first training for these AMAZING images you have been seeing on my blog lately.  Who needs awesome photography skills for blogging?  "Not I!" Says the guinea pig.  As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.

Super Sparkles Pita Pizza!

Ingredients-
-1 package of pita bread (whole wheat if you are feeling uber healthy)
-Olive Oil
-Pizza Sauce (or some form of tomato sauce--no, ketchup doesn't count)
-Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (lite cheese if you are like "Hell yeah it tastes the same!")
-Toppings (I'm sure you know what toppings are healthy or not, but I like to stick to veggies and chicken breast personally.  But you can do what you want.  Just make sure to slice ingredients small and thin.  I just recently did fresh tomato and pineapple. Mmmmm.)

Steps-
1. Set oven to 400 degrees.

2. Lay pitas on a baking sheet.

3. Pour some olive oil in your hand and coat each pita in olive oil  
Mini-Tip: Thin layer, like you were putting on moisturizer...like that beauty reference?)

4. Put about 2-3 tablespoons of pizza sauce on the pita and spread around. 
Mini-Tip: Leave around 1/2"-1/4" un-sauced, depending on how much you like crust.

5. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on the pizza. Don't over-do the cheese.  Be able to see some sauce through the cheese.
Mini-Tip: I know it is tempting to create a mountain of it because cheese is awesome, but the pizza will not cook right or crisp up if it is drowning in cheese.  Also, cheese melts, so the spaces will fill in nicely, don't worry.

6. Add your toppings.
Mini-Tip: Once again, don't over do it.  It is important to let the crust breathe.  Think about the spacing of toppings on a delivered pizza.  Go for that.

5. Bake the whole thing on the top rack for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is just melted.  If you are serving right away, cook a little longer--I like to wait until the cheese is just starting to turn brown.
Mini-Tip: If you are freezing the pizzas, take them out when the cheese is melted, but still completely white.

6. EAT!
Mini-Tip: Or freeze them.

To freeze Super Sparkles Pita Pizzas: Transfer the only just melted cheese pizzas onto a freezer safe plate or tray.  Put them in the freezer uncovered for about 15 minutes.  This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate and not get frozen to the pizzas and make them soggy.  After the 15 minutes take them out and wrap each pizza in tinfoil.  Store all the pizzas together in a freezer bag.

To reheat frozen Super Sparkles Pita Pizza:  

• Microwave: Unwrap a pizza from the tin foil and place on a microwave safe plate.  Microwave on high for about 3 minutes (until the cheese is bubbly not only on the edges but the middle too.  The pizza sit for about 1-2 minutes, then cut and EAT!  
• Toaster/Regular Oven: This is the most awesome way to reheat Super Sparkles Pita Pizza.  Set the oven to 450 degrees and bake (on the rack) for about 15-20 minutes (when the cheese is sufficiently bubbly.  EAT!

This is a slightly more complex recipe than my Island Oatmeal and Greek Yogurt recipes.  Let me know if this was a good level of complexity.  Too hard? Too easy?  Let me know.

Also, since this is a chat post, I want to mention that I kind of love how my blog images are glorified versions of clip art and skills honed through KidPix. Man I loved KidPix....does it annoy you?  Too bad.  I'm never going to be an amazing photographer.  So you are stuck with my kick butt KidPix skills.  Could I use my iPhone and at least take some original pictures? I have at times.  I do when I think it would be helpful.  But I mean really, isn't image making more fun?

Shine & Sparkle!

Beauty For Any Budget Quick Tip

Hey There Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

Whether you are trying to stay on a budget, naturally frugal, or diving into your vault full of gold coins (I didn't know how Scrooge McDuck did it without cracking open his cartoon head, but we will pretend it is possible for the sake of my metaphor), everyone enjoys saving a bit of money.  Maybe you are just jumping into the beauty world and are looking for a good place to start without investing too much money.  In this post I give you some of my tips to get great deals on quality beauty products you can read from your 3rd mansion in Beverly Hills or your cardboard box camped outside of a Starbucks with free wi-fi (do Starbucks actually have free wi-fi anymore?)

As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit. 

Tips #1: Shop The Cheapest Drug Store Brands for Make-Up-
While most people know that the drug store is cheaper than Sephora or department stores, there are brands that are even more affordable than those that are readily recognizable to the average shopper.  My favorites of these very low priced brands include: Wet n' Wild*, E.L.F, and NYX.  I find that more often than not, these brands have better than average products on the most frequent basis.  That being said, each of these brands really shines in specific areas.  I have provided a guide to help you save money by increasing your chances that you do not waste your money based on my experiences:

Where Discount Brands Excel:
Wet n' Wild: Eye Shadow, Mascara, Nail Polish
E.L.F: Eye liner, Primers, Face Products (powder, blush, bronzer, highlighter etc), and brushes.
NYX: Lip Products (Gloss, Lipstick, Lip liner)
Physician's Formula**: Foundation
**While Physician's Formula isn't a super discounted brand, I feel that it is worth it to spend a bit extra on the base products that are going to soak into your skin the most.  I have also never gotten a good foundation from any of the very cheap brands.  Physician's formula has great quality products to choose from and is mid-range drug store pricing.

People also may see Jordana and NYC as equivalent brands in price.  However, I find them to be very hit or miss.  I think if you stick to the discount brand guidelines above, you stand the best chance of actually loving what you get.

Also shop with coupons or online to see/get the best deals.  There are many blogs about couponing or finding the best deals online, so I will let you look that up somewhere else.

Tips #2: Prioritize Make-Up Spending-
This is surprisingly hard for some people.  Much like wardrobe shopping, when you have limited resources, you want to get the essentials and then pieces that can be combined and reworked in different ways to achieve many different looks.  This way it appears to the world that you have way more than you do.  So using the low priced brands above, I have created a list of essential products you need.  I have also included mini-tips to created multiple looks with less products (seriously, they are very mini, get your reading glasses).

List of Essential Make-Up Products:
1. Face primer (1)
Mini-Tip: Use your face primer as an eye primer. It works.

2. Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer (1) and Matching Powder (1)
Mini-Tip: You can mix a bit of your powder into your foundation and use as concealer if you are really trying to scale back on makeup.

3. Blush (2) and Bronzer (1)
Mini-Tip: You want one light blush for day time, and one darker blush for night.  I suggest one be shimmer and one be matte.  Which is shimmer depends on your preference.  I suggest that your bronzer be matte to fit any occasion.  Also, skip the highlighter when you are on a budget.  That peachy/pearly eyeshadow color?  Same thing.

4. Eyeshadow Pallets (2-3).
Mini-Tip: You need a mix of neutral shades and bright shades.  You should have some matte and some shimmer shades to play with.  You can definitely meet these criteria with just two pallets, but you can splurge on a third (especially if you are using a light color as a highlight!) Different eyeshadow looks is the easiest way to make you look dramatically different while your base products stay the same.

5. Eyeliner (1) and Lip Liner (1)
Mini-Tip: If you stick with a soft black eyeliner and a lipliner similar to your lip color, you will be set no matter what.  You can just put some dark black eyeshadow over the liner to make it more bold and the softness will make it ok for day time.  The lipliner will serve it's purpose as a base without changing the color of your lip products.

6. Mascara (2)
Mini-Tip: One water-proof, one not water proof.  I would also suggest the water proof one to be more day time level of lash intensity (for being active during the day) and have the non-water proof one be more dramatic since it is unlikely you are going to need to be protected from water at night (unless you are more of an active person at night or cry a lot at night because you are a drama queen heehee).

7. Lipsticks (3) and Glosses (3)
Mini-Tip: You should aim for one nude, one "my lip color but better" (usually berry or pink), and one red of each.  By mixing and matching these lipsticks and glosses, your possibilities are endless.  You can wear the lipsticks and glosses in combination together, or each by themselves.

Tip #3: Shop Generic Beauty-
Shop generic for your moistuizers, cleaners, shampoos and conditioners.  Sally's Beauty Supply has generics of even high end beauty products! How cool is that!  Again, coupons, bargain/sales shelves, and buying online can help a lot with buying other beauty products, not just make-up.

Tip #4: DON'T BECOME A BEAUTY BLOGGER!
....but use them as a resource.  People who blog, YouTube, review online, or generally provide details on good or bad products are great resources for you.  I know that I find the world of beauty to be a really fun hobby.  While others might allot resources else where this is one of the things I prioritize.  Thus, we are both winners!  I can help you focus your money where you want it though my trial and error.  My product reviews are very helpful for that. 

Tip #5: Embrace Your Natural Beauty-
While make-up can be a great confidence booster and a fun way to express yourself, I find that sometimes the best thing to wear is a smile.  Some days I don't wear make-up or I just wear some eyeliner. Nobody acts differently towards me as long as I am projecting my usual demeanor.  Just give it a try!  For example, you are doing hot yoga.  You could bust out the water proof mascara, or you could accept that everyone is concentrating on not passing out in the 105 degree heat.  In full on boat pose, I know I'm not noticing if you have Kim Kardashian lashes right now.  People will probably be more impressed with the fact you kick ass at tree pose.


Thanks for reading my tips for beauty on any budget!  Also, did you notice that I got approved to have ads on my blog?  No? Good.  I find ads pretty annoying but hopefully these aren't too annoying.  You might even have a hard time finding it.  I did try and customize them so you might actually be interested in them though! If you feel like clicking on them so I might someday be able to buy a new lipstick with the money, I'd be down.

Shine & Sparkle!

* I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Wet n' Wild Mega Last Nail Polish Review and Comparison

I love summer just like my Shine ans Sparkle Report Readers--A Whole TON!

To me, one of the best things about summer is bright mani-pedi's that feel...well....summery!  In the summer time you also wear more open-toed shoes, so a cute toe color is essential (in my opinion) to making those cute shoes look even cuter.

Trying to have great nails at home is easy once someone explains what goes into it--see my post on Salon Perfect Nails at Home).

In reducing my spending on professional mani/pedi's I have given myself a somewhat generous allowance (though much less than mani/pedi's every 2-3 weeks).  To experiment with drug store and higher end nail polishes.  I typically go for longer wearing polishes, because who honestly wants to do their nails more often than necessary? Not I said the Ms. Sparkles. 

In this post, I'm hoping to give you a report that points you in the right direction for nail polishes to make your nails shine and sparkle this summer.  I estimated prices. (Side Note: After composing this report I realized I have more nail polish than is remotely acceptable...)

Sorry the image is a bit small.  I guess you will have to read the report ;)  Like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.

#1--Wet n' Wild Mega Last Nail Polishes* ($1.99USD)
This is by far my #1 Nail Polish.  Featured in the picture above (with your faithful Squiggles model), these polishes are by far the easiest to use and best formula I have ever used.  The thicker brushes work perfectly with the consistency of the polish to give a flawless application.  If applied right, I have gotten the nails to remain completely perfect 4-5 days.  I'm obsessive compulsive so I normally repaint after any noticeable wear, but any normal person should last at least 1-1.5 weeks without being bothered.  2 weeks if you are really chill.

The colors are very pigmented and you can get away with one coat of polish (2-3 coats if you want everyone to think you spent extra on a gel manicure).  Not only that, but they dry relatively quickly and don't seem to dry out fast at all.  At $1.99, a pop before any sales and coupons, you can go nuts and hoard them relatively guilt free.  The only down side to this collection, is the selection of colors is fairly limited  (only 18 colors).  The focus on matte colors and not all stores seem to carry the full collection.  It does make hunting for new colors pretty fun though!  Featured above are:

• 213C-"On A Trip"
• 208B-"Through the Grape Vine"
• 210C-"Tropicalia" --on my nails in the picture
• 205B-"Sugar Coat"
• 218A- "I Need a Refresh-Mint"

(I also have "2% Milk" a very nude, vaguely pink shade.  Sorry, It's not in the picture, but you can see the full line of Wet n' Wild Mega Last Nail Polishes here.)

#2--OPI Polishes ($8 USD) + Essie ($8 USD)
OPI is the first nail polish I ever used from a nail salon, closely followed by Essie. Thus, I assumed it was these were the only polishes that would really last. There is also no doubt that if you are wearing OPI or Essie you are in the "cool kid" crowd (this matters to some people more than others).  But as I mention in my Salon Perfect Nails at Home post, I learned it has a bit more to do with technique to get it to look great and last more than a day or two being 100% perfect.  However, once the proper technique is used, the difference if formulas grant you a day or so more wear.  OPI and Essie are good, but seem to fall short of my beloved Wet n' Wild Mega Last.  The application brushes are classic and thin.  Some people prefer this, but I find that I am not able to control these classic brushes half as well as the Mega Last Ones.  That being said, both Essie and OPI have an absolutely insane range of colors and fancy effects to choose from.  They are also good solid polishes overall, I just feel much more guilty about spending $8.  Side Note: OPI has a younger and supposedly cheaper--not always, brand called "Nicole".  While the colors are cute and often celebrity inspired, they have NO lasting power.  I would save my money for something else.

#3--Sinful Colors ($1.99 USD)
 I do LOVE nail polishes that have prices starting with the number "1".  Sinful colors is actually quite good.  Affordable and acceptably effective, Sinful colors has a classic brush and a very wide range of colors and level of sparkle.  I would say Sinful Colors is a good runner up of my favorite polishes.  The polish also doesn't dry out quickly which is a major plus. 

#4--Revlon Color Stay ($6-7 USD)
I actually really like how easily this polish applies.  It has gotten excellent reviews in the beauty community.  I think they have some unique colors and good staying power.  However, I think it takes longer to dry than waiting for the return of the dodo bird and a zombie apocalypse combined.  This is what limited my purchase of this brand.  Also, it's not particularly affordable.

#5--Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear ($3-8 USD)
Ah, back to affordable polishes.  Sally Hansen is probably has the best selection of colors and effects at the drug store.  This is because they were into nails before most of the other drug store brands jumped on board.  That being said, I'm not really a girl who uses magnetized, fuzzy, beaded, sugared, or cracking polishes. I feel like I'm going crazzzzzzzy when I wear something that is neon...or anything not in the pink/purple family. Because of my aversion to nails that look like a kid went crazy with the craft box, I opted to try the Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in a daring "Mint" color.  It took a while to dry (like most long wear polishes).  However, the downfall is that after 4-5 uses, it turning into a gummy mess that gave a "globule" effect to my nails. Not cool.

#5--Pixi ($8 USD), Michael Marcus ($15), Butter London ($14 USD), Julep ($14 USD)
Michael Marcus and Pixi both boast that they are free of the "Big Bad 3" (chemicals) in nail polish.  Julep has even fewer bad chemicals.

• Toulene
• Formaldehyde
• DBP

Unfortunately, this tends to drive up the price and to be completely honest...the polishes a crappier.  The colors are good an bright and depending which of these brands you use, they apply very differently.  Pixi is thicker and dies up after just a few uses.  Michael Marcus has absolutely NO staying power (glorified version of the nail polish you give toddlers because it basically just puts a layer of plastic wrap on the nail and washes off when after they wash their hands twice...)  And Butter London--while actually acceptable, is not widely available.  Julep has average wear time, but is polish you should only invest in if you plan to paint while watching a marathon of the extended version of Lord of The Rings...all three back to back.  Needless to say, I think these pricy and "healthy" polishes just aren't worth the money yet.  Bring it on Formaldehyde.  Gotta pick your battles, this isn't one of mine.


So if all of this sounds like a pain the the butt, try some nail strips which I mention in option 1 of the this linked post.


Shine & Sparkle!

* I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.
 

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, 3 Days To Glow, +Protect, and +Firming Review

Hello again and welcome to Summer Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

It is summer time!  This means time to look like you are chillin in the sun rather than working all day.  Today I'm going to be comparing "Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer," as well as the "+ Protect" and "+Firming" varieties*.  I shouldn't have to tell you that self tanners are a million times better than baking in a tanning bed or in the sun.  Both of the UV ray options are directly correlated with cancer...and wrinkles.  And I bet nobody wants either of those things!

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer Reviews.  Modeled by Squiggles the Guinea Pig lounging in the sun (yes, guinea pigs often photograph like jelly beans). As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit. 

You might be thinking "ugh, I bought these last summer or before.  They smelled awful."  Good news! They reformulated so they no longer have an overpowering tanning lotion scent.  Almost odorless, they are even better than before.  Don't get scared by the new packaging, they still work great.

Jergens Claims That:
"Jergens^® Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer delivers fabulous, natural-looking color that lasts twice as long as the leading sunless tanner lotion.

• Gradually infuses your skin with a blend of effective moisturizers, antioxidants and Vitamin E
• Designed for Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan skin tones"

The +Protect version has SPF 20, and the +Firming version is supposed to reduce cellulite.

In a Nutshell:
Effectiveness: 9 of 10
Smell/Taste: 8 of 10
Packaging: 10 of 10
Economic: 10 of 10
Good for Sensitive Skin: Probably not (I would not use this on my face.  My body skin is not too sensitive, so this is fine for me.
Overall Rating: 9 of 10


Full Report

Effectiveness of this product is  great.  As I said before the smell used to be a -100,000 points, but now, it is just tolerable and then fades quickly to nothing. Hooray! I found the medium/dark version provides a lovely brown (not oopa loompa orange) tan that develops over several hours.  The result is not streaky or too drastic if applied properly. (See "Quick Tips For This Product" below).  I like that it has no immediate staining properties.  This means that it will not stain your clothes or sheets. Hooray!
Mini-Tip: I have heard rumors that the light/medium version could potentially go a bit orange.  There have been good reports of fair skinned people using the medium/dark version (with fewer applications) with good results.  I have not tried this for myself, but thought I would pass along the information.

How it works is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA).  This is a scary sounding chemical but it is a miracle worker compared to the dyes and stains of the the past.  DHA is easiest to understand if you think about it like somebody isolating the chemical that makes bananas and apples turn brown.  Yup, kinda crazy but essentially it's a chemical that starts developing a very similar chemical to melanin (what makes skin pigmented) in your skin.  Cool huh?  This means that the DHA will turn your actual skin browner and in accordance to your own current skin color, leaving it looking quite natural. It also means that it sluffs off with your normal rate of exfoliation so it can last quite a while. The amount of browing depends of the concentration of DHA.  I really like the concentration in Jergen lotions because you can gradually build it up each day and stop when you are a color you like. 

On to the different products in the line (which I have tried all of):

• Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer- This is great lotion that can replace your regular moisturizer when you get out of the shower.  If you are just starting using tanning lotion is suggest this one.  The concentration is pretty much fool proof.  Just remember to wear sunscreen because even though you look tan, you will still burn like a piece of wonderbread in a camp fire.
• 3 Days To Glow- This is a higher DHA concentration.  If you need to look like you have spent all winter on a beach somewhere NOW, I suggest using this product to get a more rapid result.  Doing your tan in 3 days with this product leaves much less room for error if you happen to apply unevenly or do not fully exfoliate before hand (meaning dry patches turn EXTRA brown which looks funny).
• +Protect- I LOVE this product.  It is the same as the Daily Moisturizer but it has 20SPF.  If you don't think SPF 20 is good enough, please check out this article about High SPF Sunscreens: Are They Better? You don't have to worry about putting on sunscreen after you lotion has fully dried.  Just slap on and go.  When you are sitting out on the patio, it will even seem like you are tanning, but in reality, it's just your Jergens slowly kicking in.
• +Firming- I originally got this product because I figured, why not try and eliminate some unwanted cellulite and maybe look a bit firmer?  But in reality, it is the same product but it leaves your skin feeling....oddly smooth.  More like a Barbie butt than a baby's butt.  Just...not good. Stick to the moisturizing ones.

I will say that the lotions have a small amount of micro-fine glitter in them.  This washes off easily.  Honestly I didn't even notice until I was sitting in direct sun, and had my chin resting on my arm.  I then looked at my arm with my nose pressed against it and said "Hey, I think my lotion has glitter."

Packaging is a lotion.  I like this better than gels, foams or sprays because you can get a more even and targeted application.  It might take a bit longer but you can ensure that it looks natural.  The bottle sits so that the product is naturally drawn to the opening so you can get at every last drop of product.

Price is about $8.50USD (without sales or coupons).  Buying 2-3 bottles of this is equivalent to one $35 spray tan at a salon.

Quick Tips For This Product:
1) Exfoliate like crazy before application. Yes, any dry or rough patches on your toes, elbows, or knees will be darker than the rest of your tan.  Dead give away that you are faking it until you make it.
2)  Apply a thin layer of normal lotion to knees, elbows, toes, ankle bones (anywhere that is normally dry) to limit the absorption of DHA in those areas.
3) Don't apply to the bottom of your feel (looks really weird) or your face.  There is a face product, however, I find it better to just use a bronzer on my face to get a matching sunkissed look.  If you are a guy, maybe the face lotion is for you don't wear make-up (however I have known men who wear foundation/concealer/tinted moisturizer, who doesn't want seeminly flawless skin?)
4) Wear gloves.  Though you can try and wash your hands immediately after applying to avoid the palms of your hands turning brown (super weird looking), I just don't think it's worth the risk.
5) Apply the lotion in circular motions and feather it out onto hands and feet.  Actually, Jergens has great videos on applying the lotion so it looks natural and great tips as well. I also like gloves because you waste less product (since some absorbs into your hands). 

So all in all, I really recommend Jergens as an affordable solution for your summer tanning needs.  No cancer included!  While I have not experimented with other self tanners (more expensive or not). I haven't bothered to experiment because I am very happy with this product.  This is saying a lot as a beauty blogger who tries new everything just-because-I-can.

Shine & Sparkle!

* I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.
 

Favorite Oatmeal and Greek Yogurt Recipes

Hanging with with Shine and Sparkle Report Readers Again! Woo!

Today I wanted to have a quick chat about two things that are really healthy.

1) Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt

2) Oatmeal

Wow! Am I getting spiffy at paint or what?!  Anyway, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.

Both of these things are pretty boring. They are also considered to be very healthy.  Oatmeal is a power breakfast providing long lasting energy to get you through the day.  Non-fat plain greek yogurt is a filling snack that is packed with protein and healthy probiotics.  However I cannot stand either of them alone.  They are boring.  More boring than white rice, plain pasta, and a baked potato combined.  In fact, I'm betting that most of you would eat plain unhealthy carbs before you'd eat plain oatmeal or greek yogurt.  Heck, I think some people would just munch celery or carrots instead.  It is something about the squishy soft texture that turns people off I think.

So what are we to do to keep these items healthy while still eating them?  Make them yummy!  Here are my two very simple recipes to make these boring heath foods (and your waist line) island/beachy perfection!  The way they are prepared makes me think of some kind of delicious island pudding, rather than oatmeal and greek yogurt.  So.....on to the recipes.

Island Oatmeal:

Ingredients-
-1 microwaveable bowl of plain Oatmeal (prepared according to directions--I make oatmeal for several days at once and store in the refrigerator).
-Frozen pineapple or mango chunks
-coconut-almond milk.
-1 tablespoon Coconut Chips (or candied/dessicated coconut)
-1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Steps-
1. Take hot bowl of oatmeal, add fruit and coco-almond milk and cinnamon (optional, but there are supposedly health benefits to cinnamon so I add it.  It also just seems like the "oatmeal thing to do").
2. Microwave for 1 minute (or until frozen fruit is no longer frozen).
3. Top with coconut chips or candied/dessicated coconut

Island Greek Yogurt:

Ingredients-
-1 serving of plain non-fat greek yogurt
-Frozen pineapple or mango chunks
-1 tablespoon Coconut Chips (or candied/dessicated coconut)

Steps-
1. Rinse fruit under warm water the drain and pat dry (they will still be frozen in the middle which is good for keeping your yogurt cold in a lunch bag.  If eating right away, fully defrost the fruit).
2. Place fruit at bottom of bowl/tupperware.
3. Place serving of yogurt on top of fruit.
4. Top with coconut chips or candied/dessicated coconut.

Whaaaaaaa?!
That was so easy!
Right?!
Cool!
I love SSR Chat posts!
Weeeeeeeeee!


Let me know if you tried making my island loving health foods.  Also tell me if you are interested in more easy healthy recipes in my chat posts.

Shine & Sparkle!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind--Eraser Dark Spot Concealer + Treatment Review

Welcome to the first post in the month of May favorite reader EVER (yes you)!

Since the last post was quite serious, I thought I'd lighten it up with some good old capitalist consumerism.  Today I want to present to you a new drug store concealer that has changed my life.  Seriously. My lovely model Squiggles is showing off the insanely long named "Maybelline Instant Age Rewind--Eraser Dark Spot (Concealer + Treatment)*" in the oh so fancy image below.  I think I have a career in graphic design waiting for me.  I have totally mastered the "Paint" program.  I also apologize for never having a consistent format for product reviews.  I keep thinking of better ways to report my opinions to you.

As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit. 

But Ms. Sparkles, in your Lil' Wallgreens Haul Post from June 2012, you talked about the "Almay: "Clear Complexion Concealer + Treatment Gel" being your favorite concealer...why do you have this one?  Well inquisitive reader, my current skin care routine has dramatically reduced my acne break outs, but each acne bump has started to leave behind stubborn dark spots on my skin *hissing and booing from the crowd.*  As a result I do not need a green tinted (to cancel redness) treatment gel or a super thick consistency to even out acne bumps.

Also, who needs just one concealer?!  This is a capitalist consumerism themed post, you should spend your money on millions of concealers if you want to. It's good for the economy.

Maybelline Claims That:
"This revolutionary concealer and vitamin C treatment covers instantly, while fighting dark spots over time. Concentrated Vitamin C formula visibly decreases dark spots in just 4 weeks. Targets signs of aging, dark spots, acne scars and sunspots."

In a Nutshell:
Effectiveness: 9 of 10
Smell/Taste: N/A
Packaging: 6 of 10
Economic: 10 of 10
Good for Sensitive Skin: Maybe
Overall Rating: 8


The Full Report:

Effectiveness of this product is excellent.  However, Maybelline says it reduces imperfections in 4 weeks, I think this is a conservative estimate.  Why?  Because the skin completely renews itself in around 28 days (linked to proved I didn't make that up). So by claiming 4 weeks, they are guaranteed  to be telling the truth (with our without their product).  For this reason I deducted a point.  That being said, I'd say I have seen improvement in about 3 weeks (with a skin care routine that includes exfoliation to encourage new cell growth).  The main ingredient advertised is vitamin c which should revitalize skin by boosting collagen production (thus this "age rewind" part of the insane product title).  It is also an antioxidant that can help lighten skin by canceling free-radicals that might slow the rate of skin renewal over an extended period of time.  The internet talks about a study on guinea pigs who ate increased vitamin c having lighter skin, but who knows if that is a credible study or some crazy people breeding guinea pigs in a trailer...(Squiggles says that he doesn't approve of animal testing).

Now you might be wondering why I'm still giving it a 9.  Because regardless if it actually treats dark spots or prevents aging, it is a GREAT concealer.  It is light weight but effectively covers any imperfections.  The consistency is a bit more like a very pigmented foundation rather than a paste (like some lame concealers).  This prevents your skin from looking cakey even if you need to use a lot of it.  Nobody likes looking like a plastic cake face.  Also, the product does not seem to cause any break outs.  While not specifically formulated for sensitive skin, I have found that it does not cause me any problems.

Packaging is quite fun and works as directed.  The sponge tip provides a buildable and targeted coverage with minimal blending necessary.  When you do blend it out with a brush or your fingers, it blends fantastically.  However I do not like that you cannot really clean the sponge applicator.  I suggest either using a brush spray or applying the concealer to a brush or clean fingers before touching your face. Also, there seems to be no way to get any remaining product out of the tube...or even remove the sponge for any reason. Regarding the bacteria issue, if you go through concealer pretty quickly, I would just use as directed and buy a new one when you feel like it is infested with bacteria.  Which leads me to my next point.

Price is $9.99USD (without sales or coupons)! Woooo!  You can buy 3 of them for the average price of just one higher end concealer.  Who doesn't love that?

Quick Tips For This Product:
1) Apply this concealer after your foundation using a patting motion as to not disturb the underlying make up. Due to the light liquid consistency of the product, I suggest using this over a liquid foundation/tinted moisturizer/BB creme.  I would worry that putting this on over powder or mineral foundations would result a pasty mess.  If nothing else, it will smear the powder base all over...  Let everything dry, then finish up with a face powder to completely blend your concealer to avoid looking patchy.
2)  Experts recommend that concealers should be slightly lighter than your skin tone since they are covering pigmented spots on your face, however for this product, I suggest matching your face color as closely as possible because it is pigmented enough to fully cover anything.

How this product review report was useful!  Let me know if you are interested in a post about my skin care routine.  I will probably make one whether you comment or not, but I love feedback ;D

Shine & Sparkle!

* I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.

Discussion on Jealousy

Greetings devoted Shine and Sparkle Report Readers (and new readers too!)

I thought it was time for another introspective post.  The subject is jealousy*.  The green eyed monster.  A deadly sin.  The creator of haters and a cause of low self esteem.   I think that the global society formed through ease of transportation and fueled by the fires of the internet, is a great thing.  We can share beauty tips, life milestones, and food we just ate in nanoseconds.   But as a result, people are getting a skewed view of what life should be like.  This can have potentially damaging consequences to peoples’ mental health.  This is why I thought it was worth a post to my lovely readers.  Understanding jealously can help reduce it, and make everyone happier! HOORAY!

Hey! I actually have a source for my post picture!  It is "Jealousy" by 7Roses1BrokenHeart. If she/he wants me to remove the picture from my blog, don't hesitate to ask.  I think it's a perfect picture for this post =)

What is Jealousy?
Also known as envy, a good way to describe jealousy (thanks thefreedictionary.com) is “a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another.”  In simpler terms, jealousy is feeling negatively about wanting what someone else has.

What are some causes of Jealousy?
While jealousy is as individual as the person feeling it, there are several types of jealousy I have been noticing recently of other peoples:

-personal relationships
-physical appearance
-material items

We want what others have in these areas.  It doesn’t have to be people you know personally we can be jealous of completed strangers.  We can be jealous of people online.  We can be jealous of celebrities, people in magazines/advertisements, and even fictional characters.
Side note: Trashy reality shows tend to do very well when it shows celebrities who “have everything” reveal that weaknesses/problems worse than our own.  This is because it makes us not feel jealous of what they have.  Interesting right? *coughkardashianscough*

What feelings result from Jealousy?
Most often, feeling jealous leads to either
1) feeling negatively, even depressed about oneself for “not measuring up”;
2) projecting jealous as “hate” towards the source of jealousy.

How can we over come Jealousy so we can Shine and Sparkle?
These tips are things that have kept me from focusing too much on things that many people find to be major causes of jealousy.  Hopefully, they can help you too!

-Nobody is perfect:  As in my reality show example, nobody is perfect.  If you see someone who has something you want, just know that it doesn’t mean that their life is any better or valid than yours.  “Be proud of your accomplishments no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes.” 

-Count Your Blessings:  Rather than focusing on what I don’t have (and as the media proves, there is ALWAYS more to be had), I focus on what I do have.  Whether it is family, health, friends or guinea pig, take a moment to appreciate them.  Rather than thinking about how you wish you had different physical features, think about what you do really like your nails, hair, eyes, sense of fashion, whatever it is, take a minute to love that about yourself.  Though we can always have more stuff, think of that one item that you just couldn’t live without and cherish it.  Now here’s the kicker—somebody else is jealous of all the things you just thought of.  “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.”

-We Are All Different and that is Okay:  One thing about the global media, is it tries to tell us there is a right way to live our lives.  It tries to tell us what an ideal life is like.  It tries to tell us what is beautiful and what is not.  It tries to sell us things to achieve this image that they set in front of us.  In reality, THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY to do things (you know, minus hurting others or yourself).  Follow your heart, pave your own way, and celebrate your individuality.  People might look at you funny, people might judge you.   Those people are not really worth knowing.  “Your friends are the people who know everything about you, and love you anyway.” 

-Beauty is a Canvas, not a Requirement:  This being a beauty blog, you might think that I am another person who is trying to tell you the “right” way to do things.  Instead I see it as giving suggestions and sharing my experiences that you may find helpful or not.  Take everything others tell you  and run it through a “does this work for me” filter.  That filter will serve you well.  I see make-up, fashion, and beauty as a canvas for expressing myself.  It is not so much a way to fit in or be accepted as it is a way to make the outside express the way I feel on the inside.  Looking the way I want brings me happiness, as however you decide to look should make you happy as well. 

So these are just some thoughts on jealousy that I have had recently.  Jealousy is toxic and not conducive to being happy.  I want all my readers to be happy! Hopefully this post was helpful for you to….

Shine & Sparkle!

* I do not claim to be a professional in this subject and if you are having feelings of depression, suicide, or violence towards others I seriously suggest speaking with a trained professional psychologist.  I did major in psychology which is why I find the subject interesting, but I also focused on animal behavior...so if you want to know how squirrels remember where they hid their nuts for the winter, comment below or something.  Otherwise, leave serious things to the pros.