MOROCCANOIL® BEAUTY

January 15, 2018January 16, 2018 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hello My Beautiful Loves,

Happy Winter! It’s snowing here today and it’s so beautiful outside. So today’s post I’m featuring one of my Favorite Brands I use for Healthy Hair Treatments!

I have rather Coarse Hair naturally and with the Wonders of Winter Weather well it can really play havoc on my Hair and make it slightly unmanageable if I don’t stay on top of keeping it Moisturized. The winter air is so drying which can make my hair a bit brittle so moisture is a must!

I’ve learned over the years the importance of keeping a healthy hair regimen throughout the year rather than simply reacting to Winter. It’s all about consistency with Beauty in general Ladies and preventative treatment trumps reactive repair!

I notice also that when we are merely ‘reactive’ we have a higher expectation of the products we buy. We want them to work ‘immediately’ rather than giving them the right amount of time to do what they were designed to do.

So today I’m featuring MOROCCANOIL® as it’s been a tried and true product go-to of mine since 2008. A gal at church came up to me and commented on how beautiful and thick my hair was and asked what I used. I shared and she said oh I am going to bring you this Oil, Moroccan Oil – have you heard of it? I was like no I haven’t and she brought me a little bottle the next Sunday. It was heavenly! Like the best smelling liquid gold -ever made for hair, ha! It smells amazing and I think that’s what made me a fan initially as I am totally a ‘smells’ person. But as I consistently used it, I could see the benefits it provided. My hair seemed more manageable, sleeker, smoother and, felt healthier. I used it to condition my hair before bed and prior to styling.

Here are My Four Favorites,

SHOPPING LINKS >> MoroccanOil Hydrating Styling Cream (here) | MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray (here) | MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask (here) | MoroccanOil Treatment (here)

TO FINISH

I use the Glimmer Shine Spray (here) for final touches as it, literally has gold shimmer in it! I spray it on my legs for an extra glow in the spring/summer also – so random, I know! 😉

(Tip: Sign up (here) for free to become a Beauty Circle Member and you’ll get free shipping You know I love my free shipping!)

TO TREAT

I use the Intense Hydrating Mask (here). I typically purchase travel size products when it comes to my masks as I find that I waste less product this way.

TO NOURISH & FOR BRAID DAYS

I use the Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream (here) It conditions, hydrates and fights frizz, especially for coarser hair like mine. It’s like a nourishing soft-hold cream if I had to put it into my own words. It also is great with taming flyaways!

TO MOISTURIZE

I use the Moroccanoil Treatment (here). This was the first MoroccanOil product that I ever used, tried and true since 2008 as I previously mentioned and I love it! It’s the best, also a stylist favorite. It comes in three sizes I believe. I prefer the Pump but I’ve had them all. I use this to moisturize as well as to shine. I use it before bed and I use it prior to styling. It’s every bit of amazing and perhaps also my favorite product mentioned today!

Thankful for products like this that are made from goodness and you reap great results!

XOXO,

Fun Fact: Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil is 100% Pure Argan Oil, which is known for its nourishing and conditioning properties for the skin, nails and hair. It may be applied as a moisturizer over areas that need pampering, and/or as a richly hydrating hand, nail and cuticle treatment.

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MY MAKE-UP LATELY | FALL 2017

October 18, 2017October 18, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

Hey You!

Today’s blog post is going to be all about My Make-Up Lately.

makeupbysteph

So if you know me at all, you probably know that I love Make-Up! I always have and I’m sure I always will. Every fall I just get so inspired to shop for a few new favorite finds in the beauty department and today I’m going to share with you a some of my favorite picks I’ve found this fall. I hope you can find a few new suggestions for yourself that you’d like to give a try as well! Enjoy.

SHOP BY NUMBER

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5a) (5b) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12a) (12b)

Below is some of my personal feedback on each of the items, how I use them and what my thoughts are of them.

1 | Estee Lauder The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer I have mentioned this product now a few times and I really do love it! In short it seems to minimize the appearance of pores and bring a real perfecting foundation prior to me applying my foundation + it literally helps to keep all my make-up in place all the day long! You can purchase (here) to try for yourself. What I love about this most is that I am so picky when it comes to products that I apply to my skin and this has a real satin smooth finish and is not sticky in any shape or form nor has it proven to clog any of my pores! I’m in love with it.

2 | MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation Spf 15 – I wear NC42 True Medium Golden This foundation is great for me. I feel that it provides a natural matte finish and it’s not full coverage (which I like) but it’s buildable without looking like cake face in the event you did need to build for more coverage. You can purchase (here) however I suggest going into the store and/or calling their Beauty department so they can assist in matching you. (always remember that Nordstrom has free shipping & free returns)

3 |Anastasia ‘Dipbrow Pomade’ in Ebony along with a duo eyebrow brush like (this) $3 one for application has been what I use for my brows for years now. Love these products! To purchase the Dipbrown click (here). This past year I’ve added this Volumizer by Maybelline to keep all my hairs in place and I love the volume & dimension it adds, you can purchase that (here).

4 | Stila Written In The Stars Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow Set I have this in the Kitten Karma and just apply a little to my ‘lid only’. I highly recommend this set because I love the one I have and paid that much for just the one. This way you will get to try them all and with the Holidays coming up I think I will pick up this set also because ,well it’s going to be just the perfect amount of glitz & sparkle for the holidays. You can purchase the set (here)

5 | I recently was trying out a few primers and tried the benefit primer on my eyelids for some odd reason and LOVE it! So random – I know, but it works great for keeping my shadow on and in place without creasing throughout the day. You can purchase the benefit primer (here) My recent go to eyeshadow has been this basic brown by Urban Decay in the color Secret Service you can purchase that (here)

6 | L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Macara in Blackest Black is every bit of AMAZING and uber affordable! You can purchase (here)

I see they have this in a ‘duo set’ that couples this amazing mascara with their primer. I have used the Volumious Primer before in past and it is well known to add so much length prior to your mascara application. Just need to give it time to dry prior to applying your mascara. To check out the set for just a few bucks more click (here)

7 | Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is used to set under my eyes and any place that may typically be known to be more oily or more prone to crease my foundation/concealer. You can purchase the Setting Powder (here) I set my under eyes with this tapered brush from Sigma – truly love this brush. It’s pretty much perfection.

8 | Speaking of Concealer, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer is a good go to of mine for M-F. I guess my faves so far in this category are by MAC, Maybelline, IT Cosmetics and, Tarte. Love the concealers that I’ve tried so far from those brands. You can pick up the Maybelline Age Rewind (here)

9 | Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Matte Liquid Highlighter for highlighting, just a drop will do ya! I apply highlighter at the tip of my nose and at the peak at my cheekbones.

10 | Stila ‘Stay All Day’ Bronzer For Face & Body in Medium is what I use to add warmth and definition to my face.

11 | Nars Blush – Deep Throat on the apples of my cheeks is just bliss. I also love their Orgasm & Super Orgasm blush as well. I believe it’s MAC has a Peachy Keen blush that is much like Nars Orgasm also. It’s a pinky coral with Gold Specks in it, just makes you glow!

12 | Lippies to finish the Look, I’ve been combining both MAC’s Velvet Teddy which is a Matte formula topping that with Saint Germain Lipstick which is an amplified lippie so it adds a little shine and smoothness. It’s my perfect combo at the moment for my lips. You can purchase the Saint Germain (here) and the Velvet Teddy (here)

Well those are my recent faves for Fall. I hope you all enjoyed this blog post and I’ll see you back here soon!

XOXO,

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What’s Up Wednesday | August 2017

August 30, 2017September 14, 2017 StephanieRaeOrtiz

What’s Up Wednesday!

A lot! Haha, We are in our last week of Summer Break here in Wisconsin and then the kids are back to school!

I love What’s Up Wednesday, It’s my favorite way to look back at the Month and to look ahead! As I’m writing this post, My Will is in the kitchen finishing the install of our kitchen floor! I tell you, he has just done such an amazing job with our kitchen renovation! #proudwife #blownaway

Today I will be sharing the following fun and random little bits of our life with you so, Enjoy!

WUWednesdayBlog

WHAT WERE EATING

Wednesday: Chili & Side Salad

(Super easy as we have a very busy night ahead of us with Open House, Tumbling & Cheer Practice as well as Haircuts for the Boys)

Thursday: Grilled Chicken RedPepper Swiss-Mayo Avocado Panini’s & Sweet Hawaiian Onion Chips (the kids have been loving these Krunchers – Mackenzie was with me at the grocer and said Mom you better buy two bags of these because you know Will Jr. can tear up an entire bag by himself! haha)

Friday: BBQ Chicken Taco’s

Saturday: Burgers on the Grill along with Corn on the Cobb followed by S’mores

Sunday: Chicken Caesar Salad accompanied by ‘finger foods‘ per Mackenzie she would like to assist with the ‘finger food‘ aspect when I asked her ‘what’ she says ‘do you really need the specifics now’ haha! #mygirl

My days in Elementary School. They were filled with adventure and so much life, so many fun experiences. The elementary years are not only foundational but also what I’d call fun experimental years. You get the chance to try things out that you are interested in. Such a fun-filled time of life looking back and seeing that for my kids now.

I was thinking about the times when I was younger and I just wanted to be an Adult so I could be the boss. And now I have days where I’m just not up to being so Adultish but that’s not exactly a choice so I use it only to encourage my kids to be kids and to enjoy it because it goes oh so fast!

Today I’m sharing two pics of Will & I in our Elementary School Years! Sorry they aren’t the best quality but Ahem, you just got to love the Old School Pics!!! #nostalgic

Why was I not smiling? I don’t know, does smirking count as a smile!?! This is that look I give when I want to burst into laughter but know I should be more serious.

My Sweet Caramel Pie, The Love of my Life, always smiles more to the left than the right. He’s just so cute and I love that here and now I see so much purpose when I look into his eyes & can we have a moment of respect for these puff sleeves and the touch of pearls on my Velvet Dress! (haha) I love it and it’s so funny how Velvet & great Sleeve Details are still trending yet again here in 2017!

(Thinking about that I tend to smile more to my right than my left, I wonder if everyone has a preferred ‘smile’ side? Seriously wondering #random)

All of these items from my last BLOG Post, Fall staples to buy now!

Getting every thing in order, in Summer we seem to relax a bit because well you are just so busy enjoying summer. With the Back to School season, it’s like a new start to a new year and for me that just goes well with getting your life in order and things all extra organized. To go along with that we’ve also as of this week gotten back to our “school sleeping schedule”. So the kids are in bed at 830p. They actually have been loving it which was kind of surprising. My son is naturally a night owl like his dad so I thought he’d give me a little more push back but he hasn’t at all. I use our Young Living Cedarwood and apply just a bit to each side of their temples and then have them inhale for a few seconds before bed. It really seems to help with calming and getting them all ready for a Sweet Sleep.

Speaking of Young Living Essential Oils I have been using Young Living since July 2015 and I started using Essential Oils as a Hopeful Skeptic with a husband that was even more skeptical.

My son was really struggling with seasonal allergies and I just didn’t love the idea of him being on a daily medication aside from his daily vitamins so I thought this could be just what I’m looking for. So I did a little research, I found two friends that sold Essential Oils. One sold Doterra and the other Young Living. My friend who sold Young Living lives in Kansas so I took the time to call her and ask her every blunt and crazy question I could think of. She really didn’t have to sell me on them. She asked me what I was looking into them for and then sent me a sample of a few suggestive oils and the oils did all the work of selling me on it as I couldn’t deny the results or the love.

I spoke with my friend that sold Doterra and went to a Party that she was hosting with another distributor and I liked it but just felt more connected to Young Living (the original) after all my research so I invested and have been thankful and dedicated ever since.

There is one thing that I love from Doterra and that’s their Peppermint Beads. They work wonders when you are stuffed up and have a cold but you can get that same pay off with a touch of peppermint to the roof of your mouth, just nice to have them in a bead form.

So I am totally all in with Young Living as they do not by any means compare to the oils you can purchase over the counter and/or Amazon or even places like your local Health & Wellness store. I ordered this stack of oils listed below here for ‘Back To School’ it just makes ‘KidScents’.

If you are interested in Ordering it’s super easy simply add what You’d like to your cart, create an account enter Member ID Number 3048455 and proceed to check out.

Adults can use the KidScents too! I love TummyGize whenever I have a stomach ache I’ll add a few drops to my tummy and rub it counter-clockwise while inhaling and I don’t know how but it soothes and unbinds! Sniffleease is one of the kids favorite go-to’s when they have a runny nose and I have yet to try Sleepyize or Geneyus. I just ordered this month so I’ll have to keep you all posted on that one.

HOW TO REGISTER?

Simply Put . . .

Retail Customer can order at their leisure and discretion.

Member Customers obtain benefits of being a member like 24% off of retail prices however you will be signed up for monthly orders which can be altered each month for any of the Young Living products that you would like to purchase however it must be at minimum $50/month.

If you are local here in Racine, WI you can direct message me about ways to save!

Well that was a lot more than what I planned on sharing but hey it works and I 100,000% love Young Living Essential Oils and can confidently say you’d be making a great investment into your life and the life of your families by investing in Young Living Essential Oils.

Other than that we have just been up to getting this Back to School Checklist taken care of and getting back in the groove for a great new school year! And enjoying every last bit of summer as we should be! #thisisthelife

(My gosh – I just love them so much! My heart could burst! #thankyouJESUS)

S-N-O-W

Yes, I said the “S” word! hahaha! I crack myself up!

So I know it’s a whiles a way but it’s really not that far and I just want my favorite, FALL to last as long as it possibly may because well, it’s lovely! And, when I think of the slush of Snow. . . I’m just not really ready for it quite yet – although I did have the urge to watch Home Alone yesterday! But no Snow, yup totally dreading it and just not ready for it yet or anytime soon for that matter. Actually if it didn’t mind coming until December 24th or so that would so be A-OK with me!

Getting our home all prepped & purged for FALL and the FALL Decor that I will soon be putting up and on display! I have officially gone through each closet, nook and cranny on our main living level and purged all the old and irrelevant things to us and it feels so good. I’m kind of a dork when it comes to this.

We had our annual Yard Sale not that long ago and I kind of couldn’t believe all of the stuff we still had to purge! I kind of didn’t even want to keep it around for next years sale so I’ve found people to give it to along with a donation to the Goodwill so we are in the clear! #simplified

I know many folks love a good Spring Cleaning Day as do I but I feel like I prep and clean more so for Fall & Winter than I do for for Spring. Maybe because we are cooped up more inside during the Winter than we are in the other seasons? IDK, it just feels so good to have it all de-clutterized! (I kind of like to make up my own words!)

WATCHING

We have officially finished the Good Wife. As the seasons carried on I can’t say she always stood as the ‘good wife’ but I really actually enjoyed the legal aspects (I used to want to be a lawyer when I grew up – so I was kind of loving all of that) and the Chicago references in the show are close to home so I liked it. We really liked that show and we are kind of bummed that it’s like officially over and never coming back! #doneanddone

So I have been kind of surfing around and found American Housewife with Katy Mixon who plays Katie Otto and I found this to be hilarious! Will called it corny but I actually thought it was like the new-aged Rosanne. You know the woman who says things that leave you flabbergasted while bursting into laughter…it could be just me but I laughed lots and I am looking forward to Season Two since I’m already through Season One.

Lots of great shows come back on in the Fall, looking forward to a few like Grey’s Anatomy, Designated Survivor, black-ish, and I’m going to check out The Mayor. I guess I kind of like ABC a little -ay?

READING

I was out to dinner with the ladies this past Friday and we were talking about what books we have been reading or lack there of in my case because this summer has just been so busy and hasn’t fully afforded me the luxury of reading as much as I planned or would have liked so I don’t have any books to share that I am currently reading faithfully at this time But… Amy however brought her Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader that she recently got for her Birthday and when she mentioned it, I was like um, not sure that I would want to ‘give up’ my books and I purchased a Kindle last year in hopes to ‘read more’ on that but haven’t much as I really find that I LOVE the feel the smell and the whole part and process of just reading a book. . . but Ya’ll when she pulled this cute little white device out of her purse, I was like ‘Okay that’s cute. And then when I felt it and held it in my hand I was like this – I could do this!’ She mentioned also that you can rent books from your local library. I mean – how awesome is that? SUPER & AWESOME if you ask me. So I think I’m adding this Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader to my Christmas Wish List because it’s well Amazing. You can click here if you want to check it out yourself!

I do have about 7-8 books that are piled up and ready to go come fall and I am really looking forward to my reading time in these next two seasons. #ilovereading

I have been playing & listening to “Covenant Worship” a lot lately and it’s just sparked my spirit to sing so much and a lot of old school Sunday School Songs actually.

I booked our trip back to CALI and I am so múy múy excited about it!

This Lightweight BP V-Neck Pullover in Green Timber (sold out) but I see it’s currently 50% off in the Red Ochre (pictured above) so I just processed an order for one it! #score

I love this sweater because it’s lightweight yet gives you just enough coverage and warmth and the slits are kind of edgy not to mention you’ll be able to layer this when temps drop further since it is so lightweight! (here is a chunky knit that I’m considering at the moment as it’s also on sale!)

I’ve still been loving this Carly Crop from Articles of Society I love the fringe and the fit. These have been a Summer Favorite for certain!

I’ve been loving my LUSH Lightweight Tops, especially my criss-cross one (sold out) but this one is super cute and I love the open shoulders and ruffle details!

This Tartiest Liquid Matte Lippie is my every day lip lover right now! I picked up the color FESTIVAL. I have really loved Taupe, Pinky Nude Lips this year which is quite a change for me. I also love my pops of color every once and while still!

Speaking of Beauty Favorites, These Two Brush Purchases from Sigma, Total excite my make-up routine every morning now! Make the applications so wonderfully great!

We are unplugging and E-N-J-O-Y-I-N-G family time!

Soaking it all up before the kids head back to school on Tuesday!

Wishing everyone a beautiful Labor Day.

FUN FACT: What is Labor Day?

Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country.

So to all my Hard Working American Friends, Happy Labor Day TO YOU!

Speaking of America, I know many of our hearts have been filled with sorrow and sadness when we have seen what has taken place in Texas this past week. My prayers are with the multitudes in Texas and all affected by this natural disaster.

graphic credit: August Joffe (c/o Sheaffer)

CELEBRATING OUR SON’S BIRTHDAY!!!

(A pic of Will & Landon at Will’s Birthday last year, HE IS GROWING SO FAST!)

I’m also so excited that the Regular Football Season for the Greenbay Packers is going to Kick off for the Packers on my son’s 9th Birthyay!!

P.S. Will Jr. is no longer a Panther’s Fan or a Bronco’s Fan – yes he has been both! He has officially declared himself to be a ‘true Packers fan’ #proudparents

I’ve done you a favor and linked the schedule for the Best Team in the NFL for you right here! #youareWelcome

Life is NEW, every morning, accompanied with GOD’S Mercy! #Lamentations3:22

Oh and I purchased some new towels – so I guess that’s new! Mackenzie came along and of course wanted to color coordinate for everyone So she picked Indigo Blue for her brother, Forest Green for Dad, Powder Pretty Pink for me and Bossy Ruby for her! I of course advised her that I could roll with her idea but the girls will share with girls and boys will share with boys and she was A-Ok with it! haha, not that she really had an option but it’s good to let them think it! 😉 And I actually like the vibrant color selections!

Well that’s all for me ya’ll, have a great rest of the week and wonderful weekend!