The Aveeno Daily Challenge: My 3-Week Journey to Better Skin and Better Hydration!

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Aveeno Daily Challenge: Drink More Water! with Tervis, Aveeno

Spring is a great time to start new habits! To kick off Spring, Aveeno challenged their brand Ambassadors to start fresh by adapting healthy habits: three weeks to a healthier and and more beautiful you! Find out more about how I did with this 3-week challenge journey!

The Aveeno Daily Challenge:
For this challenge, I had the choice of picking one of 5 healthy lifestyle choices: sleep more, eat healthier, drink more water, de-stress/meditate/reflect/take time for myself, and daily exercise. Ideally, we should do all of these things, right? Well, this challenge is realistic. So, picking just one to focus on was a great idea. After careful deliberation, I choose the one that I needed to work on most: drinking more water! I am terrible at this! As a nursing Mom, drinking water is very important and I need to increase my daily water intake. As much as I wanted to pick the "take more time for myself" challenge, I know that my schedule wouldn't allow it just yet with taking care of both an infant and a toddler. Drinking more water everyday is a healthy habit that I need and one that I can certainly achieve in 3 weeks!

So, in addition to moisturizing every day with Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Lotion, I embarked on my 3-week journey to drink more water every day!

My Skin:
My skin is still very dry from winter. I wash my hands frequently. So, my hands, in particular, are very dry and chapped. I am especially excited about this challenge as I will be hydrating my skin from the inside out: drinking more water *and* moisturizing more with Aveeno!

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion:
This lotion is so gentle and effective for everyday use! It is a true basic that works wonders for sensitive skin. The formula is very hydrating; yet, non-greasy. I use it on my whole body: from my feet to my hands and everywhere else that needs moisture. Plus, I love that my whole family can use it.

My Challenge Motivation:
Everyone needs a little motivation when trying to adapt to a new habit, right? Well, I motivated myself with getting some new water cups. I love Tervis cups since they can keep your water cold for hours and won't leave a ring on your table. So, I inspired myself by getting a couple new ones and keeping them filled up at all times. I also set my bottle of Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion right next to my laptop in the kitchen to remind me to apply during the day (and I also have a bottle upstairs in my bathroom for application after showering and before bed).

How Did I Do on my Challenge?
I am happy to report that the challege went extremely well!

Moisturizing: I found that having the lotion out in view reminded me to moisturize more frequently. Not only did I apply lotion daily, but also throughout the day. I certainly saw improvements in the moisturization level of my skin. My body and hands are much less dry!

Drinking Water: There is no question that I am drinking more water! I keep my water cup filled throughout the day and have noticed that I fill up my cup with more water more often. My mouth is less dry and I seem to have more energy overall from being more hydrated! I am really thrilled with my personal challenge to hydrate myself more. It is such a simple thing! Being more hydrated helps you feel better overall and it certainly improves your skin over time, too!

Thanks so much to Aveeno for presenting this challenge! I think that these simple challenges would be great for everyone. Drinking more water and moisturizing daily are both healthy habits that I recommend and plan on continuing! :)

I hope that you all challenge yourself, too!

As always, thanks so much for reading!
XOXO!!!

Sephora Beauty Haul: First Impressions!

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Sephora Haul with Too Faced, Urban Decay, Hourglass

Hi lovelies! I am excited to share a haul post with you today! I recently purchased a few items that I had been lusting over for quite some time from Sephora. Some of these items have been on my wishlist for quite awhile. So, I am super excited to share my haul and first impressions! I have had these items for a few days and have used them enough to share my first impressions!

Sephora Haul:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder:
I know, I know...I am late to the party on this one! I have heard so many raves for Hourglass's Ambient Lighting powders! So, I finally caved and purchased one. While I think they all look lovely, I opted for the Ethereal Light shade which is an opalescent sheer cool white powder. The effect of this powder is really subtle and lovely; yet, it also has such an impact! This powder was designed to capture the way that light hits your face. It really gives you that "lit from within" type of glow. What a beautiful powder! I am so excited that I finally have this! Plus, I think that the Ethereal Light shade was a great pick for my very fair complexion. Retails for $45.00.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette:
This was actually the item that inspired this haul! I have wanted the Naked 3 Palette ever since it came out! I have all of the previous Naked palettes by Urban Decay and I am such a fan! At first I was not sure if I actually "needed" another Naked palette...I mean, how many do you need, right? Well, this Naked 3 Palette really is just different enough from the other versions to add it to my collection. Actually, this one could possibly be my new favorite of the 3! Naked 3, like the other Naked palettes, is a neutrals palette...but, the general color theme of the palette is rose-gold or pinkish nudes. With my ultra fair and neutral-cool complexion, pinks are so wearable! This palette is so worth purchasing! I love the assortment of shades: they range from the perfect brow highlight to rose toned neutrals to the perfect liner shadow. Plus, there are some stand-out favorite shades for me: Dust for a beautiful shimmery lid and Liar for a softly defined crease. I just adore this palette!!! Retails for $54.00

Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush:
I have wanted this brush ever since purchasing the Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation ages ago! I am so glad that I finally broke down and purchased this amazing brush. I have already used it a few times and have just totally fallen in love with it. It is now my go-to brush for foundation application. It was actually designed specifically for applying the Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation. However, I have used it for other foundations as well. When you buff your foundation in with this amazing brush, it really does give a flawless application. The foundation just "becomes one" with your skin and looks so natural. I think it also allows for a lighter application while still giving great coverage that just has the most natural look! I adore this brush and highly recommend it! I think this will revolutionize my foundation application! This brush retails for $25.00.

Too Faced Boudior Eyes Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection:
This was my "impulse item" of this haul. I knew that I wanted a neutrals Too Faced palette but I wasn't set on which one. After some deliberation, I decided that the colors in this Boudior Eyes Collection would suit me best. Well, I can already tell you, I love the shade assortment in this palette! In this palette you get a nice assortment of semi matte and satin finish shadows in a range of neutral shades going from light to dark. The palette is divided into three sections "day", "classic", and "fashion" with 2 shadows going across horizontally. I really like the organization as it can help me to combine the shadows into a complete look. The shadows are beautiful and so pigmented! I know I will get a lot of use out of this palette! This palette retails for $36.00.

So, that was my recent Sephora haul! What makeup items have you purchased lately? Anything that I should scope out?

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I purchased the items on my own. 

Spring Giveway at Free Beauty Events!

Have you heard of Free Beauty Events? Free Beauty Events is a resource website for free makeovers, free samples, and a chances to win beauty products in their quarterly contests. 

On Free Beauty Events you can enter your zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events are happening near your home. Pretty cool! 

So, what events are coming up this Spring? On May 2^nd, 3^rd, and 5^th, you can check out the L’Oreal Suncare events at CVS and Walgreens. You can also go to the Walgreens SaturDate with Beauty with Simple on April 12th to try their skincare products and get coupons.

Spring Giveaway:
For Free Beauty Event's latest contest, you can enter to win the following: Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15, POND’S Luminous Finish BB+ Cream Light, and Olay Fresh Effects Long Live Moisture! Satin Finish Lotion. So, be sure to head on over to Free Beauty Events to enter their contest! :)

Be sure to follow Free Beauty Events on Social Media: Facebook, Google+,Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter

Perk up your Smile with Crest Whitestrips! #SmileStyle Tips and Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Review

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Nothing lights up your face more than a smile! Here are my #SmileStyle tips and a product review for Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects!

SmileStyle is a unique factor that gives each individual their own star power. It’s more than an accessory or a pretty smile, it defines your confidence and personality, showcasing the dimensional, brilliant woman you are. 

#SmileStyle Tips: Here is how I keep my smile looking great!

• Keep those pearly whites healthy! I am a stickler for routine trips to the dentist for a good cleaning. Prevention is the way to go! Your hygienist and Dentist will be able to give you specific feedback on what you need to focus on.
• Don't forget to floss! This is what I struggle with and what I need to work on. I always have a goal of "flossing more". 
• Use a sonic or electric toothbrush. This is the #1 best thing that I do consistently. They just get your teeth so clean. Plus, the timer feature makes sure that you are brushing for long enough. 
• Whiten up! Periodically use teeth whiteners, like Whitestrips, to keep your teeth looking as white as they can be. 

Crest Whitestrips are a product that I have used many times over the years. I tend to whiten my teeth seasonally and often turn to Crest when shopping for my whitening products. I actually used to use custom teeth whitening trays from my dentist. However, I find that the Whitestrips are just as easy to use and give me similiar results. My teeth are already, generally speaking, pretty white (thanks to my generally good oral hygene and Sonicare brush). So, I find that the Whitestrips give my teeth just that extra "boost" of white that I need. I like to use them nightly for about a week any time I want my teeth to get super bright white. If your teeth need more serious whitening, you can use them for longer.

How I Use:

After brushing my teeth, I simply open up the foil packet and place the whitening stickers over my teeth top and bottom. I leave the strips on for 30 minutes. I like to use these when I am getting ready in the morning. When I start getting ready, I apply them (after brushing) and by the time I am finished getting ready, the 30 minutes has passed and I remove them. It is so easy to use these! It takes no extra time out of your day. This is perfect for me since I am so busy with my newborn and toddler at home. Plus, the whitening formula does not drip nor is it messy. You can literally go about your business with these whitening stickers on. They don't slow you down. They simply stick to your teeth and work their whitening magic. ;) When the 30 minutes is up, I simply remove the stickers and then just rinse my mouth with water to remove any residue.

My teeth are pretty sensitive. When I have used my whitening trays in the past that I got from my dentist's office, I had terrible tooth sensitivity problems (and even needed a perscription for it!). I have absolutely no issues with tooth sensitivity or gum irritation with the Crest Whitestrips. For that reason along with their ease of use, I totally prefer using Crest Whitestrips over my whitening trays from the Dentist.

Overall Results:
As I mentioned, the Crest Whitestrips package directions say to use daily for 30 days. However, I am satisfied with my results after just a few days since my teeth are pretty white already. Whitening gives me just that "boost" that I need to feel like my smile and overall appearance looks better. I love the results that I get and am extremely happy with how easy they are to use. After about a week of use, my teeth are at least 2 shades lighter than before.

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to whiten your teeth, I totally recommend that you check out Crest's 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects!

Be sure to follow Crest on Instagram and Twitter:  @3DWhite Twitter  @3DWhite Instagram

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Product sent for review with giftcard. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tax Relief Beauty Wishlist: Plus a $100 Amazon Giftcard GIVEAWAY from Coupons.com!

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Looking to spend that much-deserved income tax refund? I created a wish-list with all of the beauty items that I would LOVE to splurge on with my refund! Please click this link to see my Tax Relief Beauty Wishlist and to enter a fabulous GIVEAWAY from Coupons.com!!!

Sure, I do not "need" any more beauty products. However, tax refund money somehow just "feels" like extra money that you should splurge with! So, what does a beauty girl wish for? High end beauty products!

Tax Relief Beauty Wishlist! with First Aid Beauty, Too Faced, FormulaX

So, what is my current Fantasy Beauty Product Wishlist?
Here it is:

• Marc Jacobs Beauty Eye-Con Palette in #206 The Lolita or #202 The Tease: I have heard such amazing things about not only the Marc Jacobs line but particularly these palettes! Yes, they are super expensive and certainly a luxury treat. However, I hear that they are totally worth it! I love the sleek look of the packaging and the slim design. I don't like a lot of "bulk" with my palette packaging. 

• GLAMGLOW Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment: I am literally dying to try this mask! It is a favorite of many bloggers and has a bit of a cult following. It has a fabulous reputation for producing immediate results: it can leave your skin looking more clear, youthful, and glowing. Now, who doesn't want that? 

• Tarte's Pure Maracuja Oil: I am currently obcessed with face oils. I have not tried this one yet and am really dying to! This undiluted organic oil is high in Vit C and EFAs. Plus, I adore Tarte products. So, I am sure I will love it! :)

• Urban Decay Naked3 Palette: Can you believe that I do not own this yet? I know, I know...bad beauty blogger! ;) I adore all the other Naked Palettes and need to add this one to my collection. The shadows are all neutral and/or pink toned. Being a fair skinned blonde, these shades are just perfect for me! Can't wait to order this soon! 

• Formula X Polish: I must try these new Sephora exclusive polishes! I seem especially drawn to their Effects/Brilliants Glitter polishes. I want to get Freaky Like Freud (periwinkle glitter), Hubba Hubble (silver/irridecent glitter), and Fine Like Einstein (pink irridecent glitter). I have tested these in-store and they are gorgeous!!!

• Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette: This palette combines two of my loves: eye shadow and chocolate, lol! But seriously, I really want this palette! The palette contains a fabulous mixture of neutral matte and shimmer shadows that actually contain chocolate! Plus, I really love the formulation of Too Faced's shadows. 

• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: I keep hearing about how good this ultra moisturizing cream is. I am just going to have to try it myself to see if it lives up to the hype! My skin has been so dry. It needs a super hydrating treat like this cream! :) 

So, that is my current Beauty Wishlist! Overall, the list consists of items that I have been eyeing for quite awhile. I love to research my beauty purchases and think these would all be really great items to have! What are beauty items are you lusting after lately? Do you have any big plans for your income tax refund?

Coupons.com Tax Season Deals:
Looking for great Tax Season Deals? Click the link to visit coupons.com and scope out what they are offering for tax season :)

The Giveaway:
You have a chance to win a Giveaway here and at Coupons.com! To enter the Giveaway hosted on this blog, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered to win!

This is a group giveaway with 20 other participating blogs. The other blogs have links with follow methods in the Giveaway form below. Thanks again to all of the other blogs participating!

The Prize:
Coupons.com is offering one $100 Amazon.com giftcard to one winner for the Group Giveaway.

The Rules:

• USA only

• You must be 18 years old to enter (or have your parents permission).

• Prize is emailed directly to the winner by coupons.com. Pammy Blogs Beauty and participating blogs are not responsible for prize. Prize fulfillment is through Coupons.com. Prize is not redeemable for cash.

• To enter the contest, you must fill out Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter. In the event of technical error, Pammy Blogs Beauty reserves the right to pick the winner. The entries will be verified as needed and individuals with multiple or falsified entries will be disqualified.

• Only one entry per person. Contest is void where prohibited by law.

• Contest runs from April 1st 2014-April 15th 2014. Winners have 48 hours to respond to winning email from Pammy Blogs Beauty or a new winner/winners will be selected.

To Enter: You must enter 2 Giveaways: This one here below (the Rafflecopter link) and the one on Coupons.com

• Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter to win!
• Please follow all of the participating blogger's blogs (form of follow for each blog is detailed on the entry form below)
• Leave a relevant comment on the coupons.com blog: http://www.coupons.com/blog/
• Go to Coupons.com tax deal page and enter their giveaway as well (yes, you have the chance to win 2 giveaways!): Please enter that Giveaway here: Coupons.com Giveaway  

Thanks so much for reading this post and entering the Giveaway! Good luck! :) Also, a special thank you to all of the *awesome* blogs participating!!!

To enter the giveaway, please enter all of your info in this form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway