What's In My Makeup "Bag"

I love peeking into the lives of others and seeing what they use for their everyday routines. As you know, I keep all my makeup in my rotating organizer. I do use most everything I have, but if I had to pick my 10 MVPs, for travel or something (what's that, again?), here's what I'd choose.

Note: I've provided the Amazon links here for reference. Some of them are good deals, but others are much cheaper at Target or Ulta.

// Neutrogena Hydro Boost Tint -- This foundation feels like a second skin. I haven't had any breakouts, and I think it has the perfect amount of coverage. A bit more than a sheer but not at all heavy like fuller-coverage varieties. #4 Nude works best for my skin tone.

// Soap + Glory Hocus Focus -- This overall illuminator is a game-changer for me. I mix it about half and half with my foundation, and it seriously mutes all my flaws, almost like an Instagram filter. A little goes a long way.

// Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer -- I'll occasionally use this liquid concealer instead of foundation, if I want a more natural look. It's light diffusing, complete coverage, and super light-weight. I use the color medium-light.

// Neutrogena Hydro Boost Concealer -- Again, this product is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and it goes on really smooth. It's also cost-friendly. Light works best for my complexion.

// NYX Eyebrow Pencils -- I have mentioned before that I have a touch of trichotillomania, where I rub and pull at my eyebrows. I have lots of weird bald patches as a result. I don't LOVE drawing in my eyebrows, especially so dark, but I feel self-conscious without doing so. Anyway, I've used lots of expensive pencils . . . but with how much I use, I've been loving NYX. I use all different ones in their collection and usually a blend medium and dark browns.

// Soap + Glory Sexy Mother Pucker -- My sister-in-law introduced me to this lip gloss. I love it. It's plumping, so there is a slight tingling, which is weird. But the SMELL! My absolute favorite color is Rose + Shine (very natural and light). If I'm going out, I'll use Plumsup for a bit darker color. Very sheer and shiny.

// Burt's Bees Peppermint Balm -- But my go-to for lips is simply the basic balm by Burt's Bees. I've been using it literally forever. It works far better than any other brand at keeping my lips soft and hydrated.

// NYX Illuminating Sticks -- I use these creams as blush and highlighter, if I'm feeling fancy. Just a bit of Pinkie Dust on the apples of my cheeks. Then Pearl Pink Lace in the corners of my eyes, cheekbone, etc. In general, I love NYX for trying new colors because it's inexpensive and good quality.

// Benefit They're Real Mascara -- This mascara is good at defining and building lashes. I can't say that it blows my mind, but I am always underwhelmed with mascaras. I would say it's my favorite in a long time. I also like Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara.

// NYX Setting Spray (Dewy Finish) -- I'm new to setting sprays, but I picked this one up a few weeks ago at Target. I like it. It does set my makeup while giving me a more natural finish. It also just feels nice to spray on after application.

I'll share my favorite skincare products next week. I have quite a routine going these days, and my skin is looking amazing (at least for me). It's also nice to have a ritual at night and feel like I'm regularly taking time for self-care.

Have a great weekend! It's nearly 60 degrees here right now and is supposed to plummet to -15 this weekend. What in the world?!

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Deep Freeze + Indoor [Zero Equipment] Workout

As I type up this post, the winds are kicking up and the temperatures are plummeting. This winter has been brutal, and I've been running through the worst of it (here's how!). When the words "danger" and "frostbite" enter the forecast, I don't mess around. My hardcore winter running facade melts and I resign myself to some indoor sweat sessions.

Brrrrrrrr!

// AT-HOME GYM EQUIPMENT

Working out at home has become even more important this year since we quit our gym membership to save money toward potentially buying another vehicle. We no longer have the option to warm up the car, pack some shorts and a tank, and head to the gym to hit the treadmill or weights.

Thankfully, we've amassed quite a collection of (simple) workout equipment over the years, including:

• 10 lb Kettlebell
• 30 lb Kettlebell
• 5 lb Hand Weights
• 2 lb Hand Weights
• BOSU Ball
• Jump Rope
• Doorway Pullup Bar
• Braided Resistance Band
• Yoga Mat

We also have a Spinning Bike, which I've been using often, and Treadmill, that we got second hand. I don't like running indoors because it aggravates my IT-band, so if I'm not getting in some cardio on the bike -- I'm usually doing basic kettlebell swings.

Stephen, on the other hand, has quite an indoor routine he does to supplement his running, and I've asked him to do a writeup on the specifics another day.

// WORKING OUT WITHOUT EQUIPMENT
 
Even if you don't have any equipment at all, you still have one of the best workout tools of all. Your own body weight can provide quite a cardio/strength session all on its own. If you usually slug slow miles outdoor in winter, incorporating some more challenging moves, like burpees, to your routine can help kick things up a notch.

Here's a quikie I've been doing once a week:


You could easily speed through this workout in less than 30 minutes, but please take time to focus on form and engaging the right muscle groups versus trying to win the race. I'm thinking specifically of the air squats and burpees. The pushups, too, are infinitely harder if you go the entire way up/down.

Oh, and just a note that "cheerleader" situps are the only thing I could think to call the sort of situps where you lay flat on the ground, arms above head + legs extended straight out . . . and then you use your abs to pull yourself up, all while spreading your arms + legs and touching your hands to your toes as if you're doing a split in the air.

That's a horrible explanation, but does it make sense? And, yes, I was a (middle school) cheerleader and we used to do up to 100 of these in practice! I suppose they made me silly, which is why I can't better explain the move!

PS: A couple readers reminded me that "cheerleader sit-ups" could better be called "V-ups"! Exactly! Thank you, gals!

Stuck indoors today? A lot of us are in the deep freeze! How are you staying active?


And don't miss our 90 healthiest recipes of 2013! Lots of delicious, wholesome foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond. Includes both vegan and vegetarian recipes to please the entire family -- even toddlers!




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Friday (Morning Routine)

I tried the No-Shampoo method for a few days (probably not long enough), and it just didn't work for me. My hair is thin, fine, and greasy. It's a lovely combination that just doesn't seem to take to baking soda and vinegar. Still, I'm committed to finding a kinder way to stay clean and fresh.

I've transitioned to a more natural shampoo/conditioner that are both phthalate-free: Nature's Gate. So far, so good. I love the tea tree conditioner most of all.

In further trying to detoxify my routine, I've also stopped using my usual hair thickeners, hairsprays, and other products. But when I do absolutely nothing to my hair, it lays completely, pathetically flat.

Then I got an idea:


I love how my hair looks after a good soaking in the ocean. This look is pretty easy to replicate at home. All you need is coarse Kosher salt (regular probably works fine, too) and water.

1. For every tablespoon of water (I like using warm water), I use a pinch of salt.
2. I mix until the salt is completely dissolved and then -- on damp-ish or dry hair -- use my fingers to put some on my roots and ends.
3. Then, I blow dry upside-down and finish with a bit of natural pomade (Jason) for shine and definition.
4. Of course, the whole thing would be much easier with a spray bottle, so I intend on getting one soon.

I'm still tweaking the process, but my hair has a ton more body with the salt water. It's a bit dull without the pomade . . . and it's piecier with the more salt used.

Overall, I'm pleased! (Please excuse the dirty mirror . . . well, entire bathroom)


Yes. That's a spoon on my sink -- to mix the salt/water. Other stuff in my morning, getting-ready-for-work routine:


BREAKFASTS

Remember the Milk and Honey Smoothie? I've found that you can prepare at least three different breakfasts using pretty much the same ingredients.

• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
• Dash (or 3) of cinnamon

First, there's a basic oatmeal:


Method . . .

1. Cook 1/2 cup rolled oats in 1 cup water.
2. Stir in 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, ground flax, and some cinnamon.
3. Whisk together some peanut butter with almond milk to create a sauce.
4. Add sliced banana and chia seeds.

Then, there are these crepe-cakes:


Method . . .

1. Blend together 1/2 cup rolled oats (uncooked) with 1 cup almond milk, 1/2 cup wheat flour, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1/3 cup applesauce, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda AND baking powder, ground flax, and a dash of cinnamon.
2. Make as you would "normal" pancakes. (Though, wait until there are LOTS of bubbles and the edges are firm -- see photo below -- before flipping.)
3. Add in chocolate chips if you're feeling indulgent.

The resulting pancake is thin and almost crepe-like. Also, the color is a deep brown from the applesauce.

How have you tried to green your morning routine? I have a long way to go, but every little step counts! Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

Don't forget -- today's the last day to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway. One lucky reader will win a dress. And the rest of you can enjoy 10% off all items!

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