Category Archives: Beauty & Fashion

I’m 1!!! It’s My Blog-O-versary and a GIVEAWAY!!!

It is Bliss at Home’s 1st Blog-O-versary!!!! 

Cue the music, let’s dance (I’m dancing right now), let’s be merry, and LET US EAT CAKE!!

I wasn’t sure which way to go…blog-i-versary, blog-a-versary, blog-versary…I decided on blog-o-versary. It fits. I say things like: “lots o fun” all the time. I use the letter “o” like it’s a word. So, blog-O-versary it is!!!

Let’s celebrate!! I am doing a post later next week highlighting the best of the first year, the things I’ve learned and still need to learn, and stuff like that. For today, the official day I sat at my computer and decided to make this blog, we are doing a giveaway!!

Birthday Giveaway

 

I am offering some of my favorite things for one winner:

$25 Target Gift Card to get your shop on:

$25 Target Gift Card

 

A mini garden gnome plant stake–you can have your own Cheese McBean!!

garden gnome stake

 

Cute pens just like the ones I am using right now:

Reveal 1 Stationary Box

 

The latest issue of one of my favorite magazines:

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1 Neutrogena Color Stick:

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Here’s how to win:

Just leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite thing is about Bliss at Home.

Is it a project? Is it our goofy moments? Is it our open, transparent moments? Is it sharing products we love?  Is it decorating tips? Our thrifty posts? A room makeover? That’s it! Comment away!!

You can get bonus entries by liking us on FACEBOOK, following on TWITTER, and following on PINTEREST. Just leave a comment for each one and make sure you enter your email so I can contact you if you are the winner!

You have until Monday at 8 am to enter, up to 4 entries per person. After that the giveaway closes and a winner will be selected and notified.

My panel of distinguished judges comprised of a very eager and hands on 4-year-old and a very serious and artistic 9-year-old will be selecting 1 winner in a little number game I have created just for this event. It’s all very technical, I assure you! We will contact you via email, and blast it on the blog & FB that you are the big winner! 

This Giveaway is now closed.

Good Luck!!

Thanks for making our 1st year a great one!!!

xoxo Kristin

Product Review: Neutrogena & My Kissable Smell-good Lips

Neutrogena Make Up Review

I love a chance to review products and when they are beauty products I get excited. I’m such a girly girl so when I was offered the chance to review some Neutrogena make-up of course I said “yes”. I also love that it is from Neutrogena because I use a lot of their products.

Today I am sharing my opinion on 3 Neutrogena Cosmetics Products:

• Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick for sheer, shiny color that leaves lips feeling continuously conditioned

• Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara for 100% longer looking lashes

• Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadows for 12-hour wear that instantly revives and brightens eyes

**I have worn all 3 products for a week and all day so I can give an accurate assessment. I don’t think you can give an honest review of a cosmetic item unless you give it a fair trial period.

Neutrogena Color Sticks Did you enjoy my goofy Instagram pic? Well, the Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick was hands down my favorite from the products. I’m a little addicted to it. It smells like Mango (which I love) and my lips are so soft! Even during the cold Illinois weather (we’ve been averaging temps in the 20′s)  the past week my lips have stayed baby smooth.  This is going to be my go-to lippy item for spring and summer. It doesn’t feel heavy like a lipstick but the color is great. It is light but lasts a while. Even through my coffee and water drinking. During a day, I only had to reapply once or twice. Here’s the skinny on it: It comes in 8 shades, has Mango and Shea butter in it, and retails for around $8.99. The color shown here is Sweet Watermelon.

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

The Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara was a pleasant surprise. To be honest, I’ve never been much of a fan of drug store mascara. This one got my vote though. In the photo I did 3 coats of mascara to see how it would clump. I think it turned out pretty well. It doesn’t feel heavy either, which is usually the case. It did add length and was easy to wash off. A problem I’ve noticed with a lot of the lengthening mascaras out there is that they are really hard to wash off. This one was easy and gentle. I worked out in it and wore it all day and it didn’t smudge. I am also a contact wearer and this didn’t bother my eyes at all. It comes in 3 different colors, has Vitamin E and olive oil to nourish your lashes, and the brush is easy to use. It retails for $8.99. You can’t beat that price for a good mascara! The color I’m wearing is Black.

Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadows

The Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadows were easy to use and fast. They have a subtle sparkle to them. They are a little creamy but just like advertised they do not crease or smudge. I wore it from 7am to 10pm and it did not have one crease or smudge. The one criticism I have is they are not really good for buildable color. If you try to build color it tends to look a little caked on. This is great if you want a little color quickly. I am more of a brush on eye shadow kind of gal, but this is great if you are in a hurry.  It comes in 6 shades, has a built-in primer so it doesn’t crease or fade, antioxidants, and retails for $7.99. The colors I am wearing are Lasting Taupe on my lids and Constant Copper in my crease under my brow bone.

I will definitely be using these products up. I also am going to check out the other colors they offer in the color sticks. I love the colors they gave me. I definitely would recommend the mascara too. I think they did a great job matching me up for my coloring.

For the latest deals and promotions you can like Neutrogena on Facebook and check out there official home page www.neutrogena.com.

All Neutrogena products were given to me to review. All opinions are my own and not the opinion of Neutrogena. 

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Week in Review

Spring Break starts this weekend for our oldest. I love having him home during the day! No crazy rushing around, no schedules, just fun. Here’s the weekly recap and what’s on the horizon…

DIY Monday.

  pens

 

On Monday, I detoured from one of my personal DIY’s to highlight something near and dear to our family’s heart. We featured these beautiful handmade pens. I am in the middle of my workspace makeover and these have been out on my desk. I wanted to share the story of how these pens are made and give you a chance purchase one for yourself or give one as a gift. To purchase a pen or learn more please visit www.romanianpens.com. You can read our story about it here.

Great Reads.

Retro Ranch Reno

Tuesday, we featured Gabbi and her blog Retro Ranch Reno. If you haven’t already you need to go visit it. She has such great style and some really great DIY’s. To see more click here.

Little Things.

finialsgroup

Wednesday we featured www.lampfinials.com and their wide array of lamp finials. This is such a great online resource and an easy way to add some interest to any lamp. Check it out here.

What I’m Loving Right Now.

Library Plans

On Thursday, I shared an upcoming project Dave and I have been planning. We want to add a library wall in the living room. Super excited about this one! I’ve always wanted a library, but I will totally settle for a library wall. Here’s our inspiration.

Project in Progress.

Office Space Makeover Ideas

Last week I announced a new makeover project. I added a desk in my living room to use as blog central. Using mostly items I already have and a couple of thrifty finds, I will be DIYing and making them all work in this space. Here’s my jumping off point incase you missed it. Monday I will be revealing my first DIY project for the space.

If you’ve been following me on Instagram you’ve gotten a couple sneak peeks at the progress. I am loving Instagram! It’s my new social media obsession. I would love for you to join me and I’d love to follow you back. It’s great fun! Here’s a little Instagram glimpse at my workspace progress.

cane chair

This one I was a little giddy about. I strolled into the resale shop to check my account and they had this beauty there for only $29. It is in perfect condition and has already been recovered with new fabric and piping. I had enough in my account so I brought this baby home. Hello new desk chair, to me you are perfect (I stole that from Love Actually–love that movie). It is exactly what I had in mind. I love it when a plan comes together. Hee, hee, hee!

lamp detail

Here’s a little glimpse at my Goodwill lamp makeover. It’s coming along…OK, that’s enough peeking! Saving the lamp makeover for DIY Monday.

Happenings & the Weekend.

Tomorrow I will be reviewing the lovely make-up items that Neutrogena sent over. We are getting a little girl-time in on the blog!

Saturday morning we are headed 3 hours away for an overnight stay-o-fun. Getting in the family bus to see our good friends.  So looking forward to it! There will be games, there will be shenanigans. It will be a fun stay.

Have a fantastic weekend!!

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Happenings: Weekend Playtime

Good Morning!

This is what’s happening this weekend.

It’s my kind of weekend. Full of coffee, comfortable clothes, projects, and family fun! Not necessarily in that order, well–except the coffee part!

Speaking of comfortable clothes…I want to share my favorite weekend gear of the moment.  A comfortable sweatshirt over a long tank paired with black skinny jeans, cute boots, and of course a scarf! Comfortable enough to lounge in but cute enough to run to the store in. When I say store I mean hardware store, because I think that is our second home lately.

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We are going to start plugging away on the kitchen remodel today. Just to get you up to speed, this is where we left off just before holiday break:

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By a slight miscalculation we didn’t buy enough flooring, so this weekend we plan on installing the rest and the baseboards.

I am also going to start painting the door trim and window trim in the living room and entryway. See that doorway, it’s getting painted along with the others!

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I didn’t forget about DIY Monday. Want a hint at Monday’s DIY? Let’s just say it involves this:

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Well, wish us luck!!

Are you taking advantage of January and tackling those home repairs and improvements?

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New! Urban Decay BB Cream Review

Hello friends!

We are having some lady time on the blog today.

I was so thrilled when ipsy.com (headquarters of the monthly glam bag service that you’ve seen me review several times here) sent me the new Urban Decay BB cream for an exclusive preview!

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Have you tried any BB creams yet? They are everywhere! They range in price starting with the drug store versions to the department store brands. They all claim to perfect skin tone, protect it from damage, firm skin, have anti-aging benefits, and improve hydration over time. I am guilty of not trying one yet. I have been pretty happy with my skin care routine lately, but after all the raving reviews of the benefits of Beauty Balm creams I am happy to give it a go!

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So, I have been using it for a week now. I was a little nervous because I have sensitive skin and the wrong product can make me break out like a pre-teen, but I have to say I am happy so far with the results! I haven’t had a negative reaction at all to this BB cream.

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At first, I thought it would be a lot like foundation by the looks of it out of the tube. But as you apply it to your skin, it absorbs into your skin more like a lotion but with out a greasy feeling. It smells fresh and clean and feels amazing. It is really light too, you don’t feel like you have anything on at all.

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It does minimize your pores and it evens out any redness that you have as it claims.  If you have any break outs it will not conceal those.  I don’t know if the claims of decreasing wrinkles are true, but I don’t really have any wrinkles I am worried about– yet. It also says you can use this as a primer under foundation so I am going to try that next week and see if I like it.

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Besides playing around with eye make up and some lip gloss, I am just wearing the Urban Decay BB cream and I paired it with the Mai Couture Highlighter Papier that came in the December Glam Bag. I just applied the papers to highlight my cheekbones a little more.

I really do like this bb cream on its own. It looks really natural. Even up close it doesn’t look like I have anything on. It is a nice alternative to wearing foundation. If your skin is pretty clear it is a great everyday product. If you suffer from a very uneven skin tone or blemishes I would recommend wearing this bb cream as a primer under foundation. It really does feel incredible on. Very soothing!

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I will be reviewing my December glam bag products later this week. To sign up to receive your monthly glam bag click here.

Here’s how the BB cream photographs.

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A very fresh-faced look! I think the optical blurring is working. Do I look professionally retouched? Well, I am not! Thank you Urban Decay BB cream!

Naked Skin Beauty Balm by Urban Decay will be available starting Jan. 8th. You can go to UrbanDecay.com and sign up for their email list so you can be the first to know!

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November Glam Bag: Product Reviews

It arrived!

I love reviewing the products in my monthly Glam Bag. There is always something I love, and November was no exception.

November offerings:

Starlet Cosmetics eye pencil in Chocolate

Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Millionaire

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lipgloss in Dare Devil

Chella eye defining gel

the Balm Meet Matt(e) eyeshadow in Matt Batali

My favorites are the Nailitini Nail Polish and the Bare Minerals lipgloss.

The glitter nail lacquer you can wear alone as shown here or over your favorite polish. Great look for New Years.

The Bare Minerals Moxie gloss has sparkles in it and it has that tingling, cooling feeling. Even though the color looks dark it just has a slight tint to it. It would be really pretty over your favorite lippy shade.

This is the look using the eye products. The eyeliner went on very even and is a very soft color. The eyeshadow almost has a smokey look to it and the brow gel holds your brows in place for a nice clean look.

The look all together is nice and fresh. I didn’t use any products other than those provided in my glam bag except for foundation, blush, and mascara.

Now onto to that holiday decorating…hair needs a pony for this…

I have storage totes everywhere right now! Time to deck the halls!

If you would like to sign up to receive your own glam bag for only $10/month go to www.ipsy.com. Ipsy is now offering glam bag to Canada residents.  

Kicking Off the Holiday Season in Style

Our weekend was busy and full of festivities. We enjoyed a holiday party Friday night and a holiday parade and some kid activities Saturday. In my hometown, we have a charity event that has grown into a holiday tradition. It supports the area arts and has a week full of holiday fun. It always marks the beginning of the holiday season for me.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend! Now I am ready to dive back into the world of design, DIY, and home remodeling.

Celebrate the Holidays in Style

It is an honor to be a guest blogger today on Bliss at Home! Kristin has the best home decorating advice and I enjoy following her blog.

Now, let’s chat about Holiday Style!

It is that time of year were we are preparing to attend various social gatherings and if you are like me, you are wondering “What should I WEAR???” Well, wonder no longer! I have put together 3 different looks that appeal to many different style preferences and budgets.

First up is the Trendy Look

1. Lace High Low Dress from Forever 21 $27.80 – I love the lace on this dress. It adds sex appeal without showing too much skin.

2. Ruby Bib Necklace from Heavenly Couture $15.14 – Since the dress is black, its important to add bold color to give the outfit some pizazz!

3. Bow Ring from Rue 21 $5.99 – This adorable little bow ring works perfect with this look

4. Sequin Clutch from ASOS $41.34 – The sparkle in this clutch is a great compliment to the ring and necklace

5. Platform Pump from Payless $34.99 – So perfect for the holidays and great to wear once the celebrations are over

Total Cost: $125.26

Next up is the Bold Look

1. Zigzag Sequin Dress from Topshop $190 – This dress is a show stopper! Just imagine taking off your coat after you arrive to the party and BAM! There you are in this beautiful, fun dress.

2. Post Earrings from Express $24.90 – Since the dress is so bold, accessories need to be simple and played down. Hence my choice for these little beauties.

3. Asymmetrical four ring set from nOir $110 – The lines in this ring work great with the chevron pattern in the dress, but is simple enough not to compete for attention.

4. Grecian Minaudiere Clutch from Nine West $42 – The shape of the clutch adds a bit more visual interest.

5. Sparkle Platform from Aldo $80 – Give your feet that extra special sparkle.

Total Cost: 446.90

Last but not least, the Classic Look

1. Bow Dress from J Crew $398 – You will be the best gift at the party in this stunning dress

2. Siveda Necklace from Amrita Singh $150 – Just beautiful!

3. Drop Earring from Banana Republic $39.50 – Very classic earrings to have and can be worn with many other looks after the holidays

4. Azzurra Cuff from Amrita Singh $100 – This cuff adds just a hit of modern to this classic look

5. Bella Black Sequin Clutch from Elaine Turner $225 – This bag is so beautiful and will last for many seasons and many special occasions.

6. ‘Chelsea’ High Pump by Cole Haan $298 – Classic suede pump that can can be worn day or night.

Total Cost: $1,210.50

I hope these looks have inspired you to dress beautifully for your upcoming holiday celebrations. Happy Holidays to you all!

Alea with MyStyleDaily

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MyStyleDaily is a blog for the girl that wants to keep her wardrobe updated, but doesn’t have an overflowing amount of money to do it. It’s real fashion for real women.

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Don’t want to lose that ‘MOM-jo’

Well, despite my efforts to avoid illness, one overtook me on Halloween night. I am still feeling the after-effects and it’s been over a week later.

I was able to catch up on some shows when I was laying around trying to get better. I love to watch Guiliana & Bill on the Style network. My husband makes fun of me, but yet he will watch the episodes with me….hmmm. I think he secretly likes them too!

source

As I was laying in a pool of kleenex, in my flashdance-looking bummy clothes, coughing and sounding like a chain smoker–I realized I am in great risk of losing my ‘mom-jo’!

Did anyone else catch this episode? G & B are preparing for their baby, and the reality of the big life change sets in and G starts to worry about losing here mo-jo, yet she calls it mom-jo because she is going to be a mom soon.

Anyways, it got me thinking. Just because I am not feeling well, and have to take care of kiddos gives me no excuse! I can’t lose my mom-jo!

So, here is my attempt at not losing it–it’s more for my benefit I think, but I don’t want to fall into the live-in-my-work-out-clothes-all-day kind of mom. I got a closet full of clothes, I need to be wearing them!

Not Losing the MOM-JO Day 1:

It was election day, what can I say…

Day 2

Got a compliment from Dave…the mom-jo is working….

Day 3:

So, before you leave that house, don’t forget to keep your mom-jo intact!

Guest Contributor: Anya Sarre Celebrity Stylist

Good Morning, Fashionistas!

Today I am happy to have the gorgeous and always fashionable, Anya Sarre, as a guest contributor here on Bliss. to share her style smarts with us!

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I love to dive outside of interior design and DIY and get my fashion talk on! So, you can imagine my excitement when Anya offered her expertise!

Anya Sarre is one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters. A nationally recognized celebrity stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

With out further ado, here is Anya:

How to Wear This Fall’s Most Fashionable Footwear

This fall footwear is all about color, patterns and textures! Ironically enough, shoes this year are essentially updates of already popular styles. It’s so simple to work these amazing styles into your wardrobe.

Booties are one of the easiest and most fun women’s shoe styles to wear this fall. They provide the coverage of closed-toe shoes with the sweet style of leather boots. You can get booties in so many different styles, so you’re sure to find a pair you look adorable in. Look for pairs with a higher vamp that ends closer to your ankles than your toes. This not only keeps you warmer, it’s a high-fashion look that anybody can pull off. Pair some gorgeous cognac leather booties with a floral maxi skirt, cozy and bright tank top and a well-worn denim jacket for a low-key look that’s sure to please.

Pour la Victoire ‘Emmy’ Bootie

The peep toe bootie has gotten lots of play for fall this year. The look is similar to your standard bootie, but with an adorable and kicky peep toe that allows your cute pedicure or tights to peek through. Yes, it’s true: You can wear tights with peep toe shoes this year! This gives you a chance to show off the adorable, fresh colors of your legwear with minimal fuss. Try a pair of peep toe booties with a fun and flirty silk dress in one of this fall’s trendy bright colors like fuchsia. Top off the look with a leather jacket to add a tough twist to this oh-so-sweet look.

Dolce Vita ‘Nita’ Open Toe Bootie

A classic fall style that’s once again trendy is the brogue. These women’s shoes offer all the comfort of sneakers with a cool Brit-inspired style. Brogues for women are a little softer and have a lower profile than their menswear counterpart. Pair your brogues with a pair of black opaque tights and some pleated khaki shorts. Add a black and white striped top and a black leather vest for a cool, quirky menswear styled ensemble. You’ll look fantastic and you’ll get to extend the life of your summer garments by layering them well into fall.

Prada Brogue Oxford

Fall fashion is so much fun! This year, it’s all about the shoes. Pick up a pair of booties or brogues and start pairing them with your favorite outfits to create a new twist on a favorite ensemble.

*All images of footwear courtesy of shop.nordstrom.com

My thanks to Anya! I love booties and the Brit-influence in fashion this season! 

Follow Anya on:

the web: www.anyasarre.com

twitter:  www.twitter.com/stylistanya

facebook:  www.facebook.com/anya.sarre.3

 

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