Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop #32

 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

 

 

This week's featured blogger is Tawny @ Beauty By T.

• Grab the button below or add a link somewhere on your blog. This lets others know about the hop so they can hop as well. :) The more the merrier!
• Please visit some link ups and follow if you like them.
• Make some new bloggy friends!!! :)
• This is optional but I would love for you to follow TGL. :)

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://t-g-life.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/search/label/Wow%20Wow%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> alt="Wow Wow Wednesday with This Girls Life" <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/v83/<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">coleman</span>/<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">TGL</span>/<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">wwwbanner</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">gif</span>"/></a></center>

Tip Tuesday: Fragrance How To

Fragrance is an accessory! It is definitely something that is not a "one size fits all" product and it will smell different on each individual person. Hopefully these tips below are helpful for you in buying, applying, and storing your favorite bottles.

{Picture Source}

Tips for Buying Perfume.

• Perfume shop during the midday. Your senses are the sharpest at this time of day. Also, never shop with any perfumes/lotions on your body already.

• Have you ever smelled so many perfumes your head just becomes one big perfume bottle? You can clear your head by using coffee beans.

• When testing scents on your body always allow 15 minutes for your scent to truly develop before purchasing.

How to apply your fragrance.

• Let it develop... Spray your perfume 5-7 inches away from your body. Once it develops and releases the top notes after a few minutes you can spray again if it's not strong enough. If your body is getting wet from your perfume you are spraying to close.

• If you want a light scent and nothing too heavy, spray the air in front of you and walk through to lightly coat your skin and clothes.

• Spray your pulse points. (behind the ears and knees, on your wrists, etc) Do not rub your wrists together, this will cause your perfume to dissolve and disappear.

• Accidentally spray on to much? Use unscented hand sanitizer to lessen the scent, unscented lotion will work too. If all else fails, just take a shower!

Storing How to & Tips.

A perfume can stay fresh and strong (with true notes) anywhere from 1-8 years. Here are some tips to keeping it like the day you bought and loved it.

• Never keep your perfume in your bathroom! Humidity can alter a scent quickly.

• The best place is somewhere dark, even the refrigerator. Yes! The refrigerator! It can lengthen a perfume by 50%. Just keep away from the butter and foods that like to absorb scents otherwise you may be eating scented butter. ;)

• Not open to the fridge? Me either! Another good place would be your bedroom, away from windows and lamps you use often.

What are your favorite perfumes?

Marc Jacobs Daisy, Pure DKNY, and Chanel Chance are a few of my faves.

Guest Blogger: Celebrity Stylist Anya Sarre talks Printed Pants for Fall

 

 

Last week I was contacted by the gorgeous celebrity stylist Anya Sarre about doing a guest post on This Girls Life. She just recently had her sweet baby boy and is spending more time blogging these days to spend precious time with her little man. I don't blame you mama, they are only little once and it goes too quick. There was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity so today Anya will be sharing how to play with pattern using the ole so popular printed pants. Enjoy!!

 

 

 

Play with Pattern with Printed Pants for Fall!

This summer, we saw printed pants make a splash on the social scene. As any fashion-forward woman knows when something fits beautifully and looks great, you just want to keep wearing it. Well, printed pants have managed to capture our hearts and are making the transition from summer to fall. After all, fashion is all about bringing out a woman’s inner beauty!

Transitioning your printed pants from summer to fall is all about the color trends. Pastel colored prints are not as easy to work into your fall wardrobe as those with black and white prints. Are you shopping for new prints? Look for slim-fitting, tailored pants with a light or neutral colored print on a darker background. Keep your pants form fitting and ankle length.

Printed pants have many uses in the fall wardrobe, from the perfect look for weekend brunch and errands to a stylish office look. For a casual look that is big on style and comfort, pair your favorite printed pants with a comfortable sweater in a neutral or contrasting shade. Cinch the sweater around your waist with a wide belt. And don’t forget looks like the ankle-high boot or embellished flat are the perfect footwear giving comfort and a bit of a rustic-edge to your pants. Keep your jewelry simple with a gold or silver chain and a pair of small hoop earrings or simple studs.

On those warmer fall days, ditch the sweater for a long-sleeve tee or mock turtleneck in a rich, saturated tone. Jewel and earth tones work well in the fall, especially when paired with prints. Consider the on-trend color stories by incorporating shades of burgundy, navy and black into your look. Finish off the look with a fur vest, Chelsea boots or ankle booties and simple jewelry.

Printed pants are also a great way to incorporate some color and pattern into your fall work wardrobe. Purchase silky, feminine blouses in coordinating patterns and colors to pair with your favorite printed pants. Choose a neutral blazer or fitted cardigan to pull the look together and keep it office appropriate. Pair your ensemble with a pair of platform pumps or ankle booties. Dare to accessorize and allow your style to steal the show. Find the perfect pair of shoes and strut your stuff this fall! A thin, metallic necklace and simple earrings will keep your look polished and sophisticated and keep your ready for any occasion.

 

By: Anya Sarre

You can check out Anya Sarre here:

Shoe Dazzle
Blog

 

Fall Printed Pant Looks!

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Saks Fifth Avenue on Pinterest

Source: harpersbazaar.com via Saks Fifth Avenue on Pinterest

 

I hope you all enjoyed Anya's guest post. Thanks Anya! Love to have you back any time.

 

What are your thoughts on printed pants for fall?

 

 

FREEBIE ALERT: Bath & Body Works Mini Candle

Earlier this week I mentioned that I got a mini Slatkin candle in my Influenster box. Well here is your chance to get a free mini candle as well. :)

Head on over to Bath & Body Works Facebook page and “LIKE” them to claim a special offer for a FREE Mini Candle of your choice. Simply click the “Get offer” tab to have this sent to your email inbox.

No purchase necessary.

Offer is valid through October 28, 2012.

Fall Friday: My Haunted Home

Ok, ok! So it's not really haunted.

Actually it's not even scary at all. ;)

 

One of my fave pieces of Halloween decorations is my Halloween tree. :)

Here is one more picture. I could not for the life of me get this picture to turn right side up in blogger. Grrr! I finally just said forget it.

 

ON TO THE HALLOWEEN LINKY PARTY!!

Get your fall posts up and start sharing!!

The only rule is that it must be Halloween related! Linky closes midnight Halloween, if you don't get your post up til next week be sure to come back and still share. :)

Review: Goody: Simple Styles: Spin Pins

 

The spin pin helps create a smooth and sleek or messy bun.

Each spin pin does the work of 20 bobby pins.

For all hair types, great for medium to long hair.

Assorted colors, dark and light.

 

 

DIRECTIONS

{Picture Source}

 

I have wanted to try the spin pins for quite some time but never did take the time to pick up a set. I was pretty excited to see a package of them in my Influenster box. :) Although mine where light hair ones and I have dark auburn hair, It ended up not being a problem as my hair is so thick you can't see the pins after being placed.

I have such long and thick hair using a pony tail for a bun usually looks quite messy. I don't mind the look but sometimes you don't want your hair flopping everywhere. I was also skeptical that 2 little spin pins would hold my hair up. I was happily surprised that the spin pins worked great and it held in place all day. They weren't hard to spin on or off so no getting tangled in your hair despite looking like that might be easy to do.

The only con I could think of would be that for just two little pins they are a little pricey at approx $7.29. They work great though and if you are like me and have your hair up often the price tag is worth it. I also seen them cheaper on Amazon but prices can change on their site daily so just a heads up on that.

While doing some research on this product I also found out they make Spin Pin Minis for those of you with short or thin hair. Sweet!

I give the spin pins 5 stars. I would definitely recommend to anyone with thin, thick, short or long hair of all different shades. :)

Have you tried this product before?

Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop #31

NOTE: Sorry I didn't get a Tip Tuesday up yesterday. Monday night I turned my head just right and pinched a nerve in my neck. I woke up yesterday (with barely any rest from not being able to lay down comfortably) with the pain even worse. I couldn't even turn my head it hurt so bad. The last thing I wanted to do was sit down at my desk and work on a blog post. I am feeling better today so get your hop on. I will be back later on today with an extra "What's New" post. :)

This week's featured blog is Quite the Blog.

• Grab the button below or add a link somewhere on your blog. This lets others know about the hop so they can hop as well. :) The more the merrier!
• Please visit some link ups and follow if you like them.
• Make some new bloggy friends!!! :)
• This is optional but I would love for you to follow TGL. :)

<center> <a <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">href</span>="http://t-g-life.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">blogspot</span>.com/search/label/Wow%20Wow%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span> alt="Wow Wow Wednesday with This Girls Life" <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">src</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">img</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">photobucket</span>.com/albums/v83/<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">coleman</span>/<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">TGL</span>/<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">wwwbanner</span>.<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">gif</span>"/></a></center>

Influenster: Beauty Blogger Vox Box 2012

What is Influenster?

"Influenster is a free-to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products. ... An exclusive online community where tastemakers and trendsetters come to share the latest and greatest news, places, products, and reviews with each other. ...Basically, Influenster is a place for culture junkies to come together and share their unique opinions of products and experiences. Active members of Influenster get exclusive access to deals, promotions, and swag from brands that thrive off the input." ~ Influenster


I have received a influenster box in the past (the Mom Voxbox) and was really excited when I got the email that I was selected to receive the Beauty Blogger Voxbox. Influenster has been doing some reworking of their website so if you aren't new to the company and haven't been on in awhile it might look a little different (in a good way).

I was definitely more excited about this box compared to the mom box. I'm a mom first and foremost but to be quite honest I would much prefer to review beauty products. ;)

In my box I received.

NYC Individual Eyes Compact: LE Dark Shadows (retails $4.99)
Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit (retails $5.99)
Bath & Body Works Mini Candle: Mahogany Teakwood (retails $3.50)
EBoost Health Booster Drink Mix: Orange Flavor (retails $28 for 20 pks)
Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin: Light Hair (retails $7.29)
Not Your Mother's: Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream (retails $6 for 4oz)

Bonus Product:
Vitabath Fragrance Mist: Grapefruit Vanilla

Thoughts & Opinions:

Just like my Beauty Army boxes I will be reviewing all of these products individually in the upcoming weeks, anything you would like to see reviewed first just let me know.

My quick initial thoughts were that it is a great box, lots of goodies to try out. I have tried 2 of these products before the NYC eyeshadows (though not this exact compact) and the candle. The majority of the items I received I have not tried before and I'm pretty excited about giving them a go, especially the Spin Pin. I have wanted to try them for awhile and just never bought any.

You used to be able to sign up for influenster right away but they have since relaunched their website and have made it invite only. You can either request to be invited through influenster or be invited from a current member. I have a few invites left that I'm willing to use. If you are interested in being a influenster member email me and let me know your blog. I will see if I can hook you up. :)

BONUS FOR ALL OF YOU!!

I also received a coupon for up to 5 3-wick fall candles for $10. They are currently 50% off in stores so no need to use the coupon there but if you are interested in buying online there are a few fall candles left in stock. Remember this is for FALL candles only.

Bath & Body Works
COUPON CODE: F126566
Expires: Oct 28th 2012


Did you receive this box? What were your thoughts? If you didn't what product are you most interested in seeing reviewed?

Last Giveaway Reminder!!

Be sure to enter THIS WEEKEND!!

Ends Monday!!!

 

Fall Friday: Halloween Mantel Decorating Ideas

One of the things I miss the most about my 2 previous houses is that they had fireplaces. I really miss the one in our last house which was wood burning. I just love the smell of wood burning fireplaces and they put out much better heat in my opinion. When we moved here we had to rent because there was no way I was buying here (I have no intentions of staying long term) and we had to rent from whoever accepted dogs which means no fireplace here. *sniffle*

All of that is besides the point really... What I meant to talk about is one of the great things about having a fireplace is having a mantel to decorate for two of my fave holidays Halloween and Christmas. :) If you are lucky enough to have a mantel here are some great ideas to jazz it up some. If you are like me and oh so wished you still had one then there are always places you can do a little mantle style decorating (wall shelves, long cabinets, etc).

If you are not interested in going too Halloween heavy then this mantel is perfect. It has just a hint of Halloween in the witches spell design. I love those little brooms, too stinking cute.

Source: positivelysplendid.com via Melissa on Pinterest

If you do like your decorating more on the scary/spooky side then here are some cute ideas.  A black cheesecloth is always a great touch. The spooky sign is pretty great as well. :)

Source: starshinechic.com via Melissa on Pinterest

If you are like me then you like something a little of both. A mixture of fall decorating with a few touches of Halloween thrown in but nothing really scary. I love this mantel it is the perfect mixture of both. When Halloween is over you can remove those pieces and still have a lovely mantel that will take you right through the rest of November and Thanksgiving.

Source: sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I have also mentioned plenty of times that vintage Halloween is my fave when it comes to actual Halloween decor rather than fall decor. This mantel just screams the vintage look to me, so appealing.

Source: familycircle.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Lastly, remember earlier when I said you don't have to have a actual mantel to get that same look? Here is a great example of just that. Inspiration for moms took her two wall shelves and created a little Halloween vignette. Super cute!

Source: inspirationformoms.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I hope you all had fun checking out the Halloween mantel's today. There are all sorts of great ideas out there so just go searching.

Do you have a fireplace that you decorated this year? If not then did you decorate something else with a mantelesque look?

Next Friday is our last Fall Friday before Halloween. I will be posting up my own decorating pictures of a few touches I put around my house. I will also be hosting a Halloween link up party for you to share all your decorating pictures or Halloween related posts. :) Be there or be BOOED!!

Review: Ineke Hothouse Flower Perfume

 

"Hothouse Flower is a tribute to the lush, creamy scent of gardenia. Climate-controlled glass hothouses were first built in Europe to house the exotic plants that explorers brought back from their travels in the 18th and 19th centuries. Gardenia is a legendary hothouse flower, having been transported from China to the famous Victorian hothouse at Kew Gardens in London in the 19th century. Ineke’s Hothouse Flower is a gardenia “soliflore” (single flower) that is particularly green and aromatic with notes of galbanum, fig, cypress, absinthe and frankincense. These fresh notes are balanced with the more creamy and sultry facets also found in a live gardenia plant.  ~ Beauty Army"

San Francisco based brand Ineke Perfumes have launched their new perfume labeled Hothouse Flower. The tag line for the fragrance is "a hothouse elegance wrought from an overindulgence of gardenia"

Top notes are green tea, green leaves and cypress;

middle notes are gardenia, galbanum, fig and olibanum;

base notes are guaiac wood, musk and corn silk.

Have you ever walked into a hothouse at a flower nursery and where just overwhelmed with a floral scent? This is what Ineke's Hothouse flower reminds me of and no, not because it has hothouse flower as a name but because it truly does smell like flowers that have been sitting under the baking sun all day.

If you are a gardenia lover then I would definitely recommend checking this one out but if you aren't keen to strong scents then this perfume might not be for you.

Musky flower scents are some of my fave so this one smells pretty great to me. I do think it's a little strong at first so I would probably spray it on at least 30ish minutes before I planned to be anywhere. This would give the scent time to wear off just a bit. It lasts quite a while but definitely not all day. I smelled it for several hours afterwards.

My only cons for this perfume is the price. It is quite pricey at $95 for a 2.5 fl oz and as well as availability. The only place that I could find it online to order was through Beauty Army.

I will give this product 4 stars. I love the perfume for myself but minus a star for price and availability as well as the strong scent may not be for everyone.

 

 

Have you tried this scent or brand before?

 

This is the first time I've ever heard of this brand but apparently they have several fragrances under their belt. From what I can tell they are going down the alphabet naming their perfumes. Pretty neat idea!