Mandii's Muse

As you know, I love lip products. I tried the Mox Botanicals lip butter from my Birchbox points, and I wanted to share my thoughts with you! This lip butter is really moisturizing. I put it on before bed, and my lips are smooth and supple in the morning. The color is clear, and I don't notice any irritation on my lips from using it. I picked up the flavor coconut almondine, and it smells very good. You get a decent sized pot, 0.2 oz, and this will definitely last me a long time. I think this balm would be great underneath lipsticks! I also love it is based in the USA! The only thing I didn't like is that it is in a pot. Which is why I am using it before bed, and not keeping it in my purse. That way, I don't have to worry about germs infiltrating the balm as I can wash my hands first. Keep checking back for more reviews from my Birchbox haul! Do you like lip products that are in a jar? Have you tried Mox Botanicals before? Leave me a comment and let me know!

I had some Birchbox points that were going to expire so I wanted to use them! I always have the hardest time figuring out what I want to use my points on. There is always numerous lists involved, and lots of number crunching. I like to get my money's worth. So after careful planning, here is what I got! 1. Meet Matt(e) Nude palette: This palette also came with a full size Put A Lid On It primer. The packaging from The Balm is just ridiculously cute! The shadows are huge, and will probably last me forever! As a general rule, I am just a huge fan of The Balm makeup. 2. Model Co Party Proof lipsticks: I got the Classics selection. The colors are red velvet, (a rich red), Peony, (a fun pink) and Disco Fever, (a bright coral). These are matte lipsticks, but are so creamy and velvety on your lips! (Did I, or did I not tell you I have been into mattes lately?) 3. Mox Botanicals lip butter in coconut almondine:  The scent is great, and it is very moisturizing! I put it on at night,...

 If you remember this post about keeping the chlorine out of my hair, this is the follow-up. I am SO impressed with how well the conditioner and wetting my hair worked. It didn't leave me with the stringy, rubber like texture that normally happens when you just jump right in the pool. It is easy to comb out and is in good condition. I also think a spray leave in conditioner would work as well. (Granted, I need a haircut, as my ends are starting to get split.) Tips: Rinse out your hair a good while so the chlorine can get out of there. DO NOT let your hair dry with the chlorine in it! Don't be afraid to rinse your hair, and reapply the conditioner a few times throughout the day. Shampoo immediately after swimming, or just really rinse your hair if  you can't. Try this! I add a little bit of baking soda to my shampoo to give me a clarifying effect! Make sure you use a good conditioner, because it can dry out your hair just a little. I do this once a month at...

Sorry for the lack of a blog post yesterday! I haven't done much this week besides lay in our neighbors pool hence the lack of interesting blog posts. There will be some great posts coming this week for sure! Anyway, I am linking up with Lauren as usual! Here is what I am loving this week! 1. Being in a pool! Ours collapsed a few years ago, and we haven't replaced it. It is just nice and relaxing to lay in, plus I have a great tan! 2. The chlorine free hair experiment is going very well! I am impressed! 3. I am expecting my Birchbox haul today! Look for that very soon! (Plus product reviews in the future!) Image found here 4. I went to the dentist, and have no cavities, or any problems! Woohoo! Image found here 5. I am glad that the Royal Baby is here! I thought both Kate and William looked fabulous, and such proud parents. I loved her dress! What have you loved this week? Leave me a comment and let me know!

This drink is of the alcoholic variety, but so delicious! It is simple to make as well! Here's what you need! 1 can of 7-Up or Sprite Peach Schnapps Ice Pour the 7-Up or Sprite into a glass, fill with your desired amount of ice. Add in as much Peach Schnapps as you like. (I have found that a '7' count works for me!) Stir and Enjoy! *If you want, you can add a Maraschino cherry for color and an added bit of sweetness! Have you ever tried this drink before? Leave me a comment and let me know! *PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY, AND ONLY IF YOU ARE OVER THE AGE OF 21!!

Image found here     Hello everyone! I'm back from the dentist! Groan all you want, but I don't mind going to the dentist. I love my hygienist, and I just don't mind it. This post isn't going to be for many of you out there today, but a select few of you. As you may or may not know, I had open heart surgery when I was 3. Because of this, I have to take antibiotics before I go for a dental procedure. It helps eliminate any infection that could possibly occur from the procedure. So I usually just take 4 pills an hour before my appointment. However, things have changed. You are now required to take 6 pills an hour before your procedure, and 3 pills 6 hours after your first dose.  I thought I would dedicate a post on this since this is new to me. If you are a heart patient, and going to the dentist soon, check with your dentist, and your doctor to see what they prescribe.

With the arrival of the Royal Baby, I wanted to dedicate a post on the Royals. Why are we so intrigued with the Royal Family? Is it because we don't have that in America? Personally, I always had a soft spot in my heart for Princess Diana. If you ask me to this day where I was when she was killed, I would be able to tell you. I was not an avid Royal watcher, but I became more interested when Prince William, and Kate got engaged. Image found here I think William and Kate are just so classy and seem so down to earth. Kate was a commoner, and fell in love with a Prince. Isn't it every girls dream to marry a Prince? They seem so in love, and just like regular people. Kate did her own makeup for her wedding, when she could have had any makeup artist do it. She dresses classy, and shows that you can be sexy, without being skanky. She is going home to Bucklebury to stay with her parents after she is discharged from the Lindo Wing. There is no greater baby nurse than your mother....

This post is a reflection of sorts. It is beauty things I wish I knew, let's say, back in college. Now, I got up, showered every day, and always dressed well. I applied my makeup and always curled my hair. However, knowing what I know now, I would change some things. So here is what I wish I knew back then. Makeup: I wish I would've picked up a good primer. Both for my lids and my face. By day's end I would be an oil slick, and a primer would have solved that problem. I also wished that I would have filled in my brows. I can see now what a difference that makes, and it would've helped out a lot! I also wish I would have invested in a high quality eyeliner that lasted a long time. Mine was non existent by the end of the day. Hair: If I was in college today, dry shampoo would be my best friend. I would have trained my hair to go every other day, and not heat processed it as much as I did. I wish I knew about how wonderful hair oils can be and how absolutely amazin...

Who doesn't love their home or room smelling nice? I know I do! I change my scents according to the season, and these two Summer scents are ones that I am absolutely loving! I have a Better Homes and Gardens wax burner (think Scentsy) that I got at Wal-Mart for $15 last year. The wax cubes are only $2. so I have a nice assortment of those for every season. These last a good while and fill my area with a refreshing scent. The scent that I have been obsessed with lately is Sugared Melon Kiwi. It is just that perfect melon-y, fresh scent that isn't over powering. I pop that into the burner, turn on the light, and wait for the lovely smell! (Do you want to see a review of the burner? Let me know!) The other scent that I have been loving is the Village Candle Summer Slices in Watermelon. This smells so good! Just like fresh juicy watermelon! I either put it on my candle warmer, or burn it. Either way, it smells wonderful! I got this as a gift, so I don't know where to find...

It's Friday, and it is hot! Like you walk outside and your glasses immediately fog up hot. I am linking up with Lauren as usual today! Here is what I am loving this week! 1. My neighbors gave us full use of their pool while they were on vacation. Hallelujah! We've been pool-less since ours collapsed a few years ago. (That's a blog post itself!) 2. I have been trying to protect my hair while swimming. So far, I think it is working! 3. I am busy, busy, busy testing out some new products to review. I can't spoil the mystery for you! 4. I'm still deciding on what to get with my Birchbox points. I can't decide! 5. I was having a lot of fun live tweeting the Farm Kings show last night. Apparently the production company was as well, because they favorited 7 of my tweets and re-tweeted 1! It's the little things I tell you! This is only a sampling! What did you love this week? Leave me a comment and let me know! Stage 3 Productions  favorited yo...

Sorry for the late post today everyone! I have been swimming today, (as much as the weather will let me) and I figured I would clue you all in on how I keep my hair chlorine free. Image found here *Now, this is the first day I have tried it, so I will periodically check back in to give you updates.* I have long hair, and I love it. I also love swimming. I don't love how chlorine makes my hair feel. So I have begun an experiment. I wet my hair with tap water before going into the pool to completely saturate it. Then I apply a nickel sized amount of conditioner on my hair. I wrap it into a bun and get in the water. Your hair is like a sponge, so by wetting it down with tap water it can't absorb as much as the chlorine water. The conditioner acts as a barrier, and makes your hair really soft! As soon as I am done in the pool, I wash my hair, and apply all of my products. I will check back in at the end of this little experiment and tell you all how it went! Do yo...

This is the last part in the Wedding Wednesday series! I hope you enjoyed it! If you want to catch up on parts 1 and 2 click on the highlighted links! These are just a few other odds and ends that I love!  I think wearing your new monogram the day after the wedding is so chic. What a great outfit to travel to your honeymoon in!  I absolutely LOVE this! Put this on your program and tell the photographer, I'm sure you will spy some people trying it!  This is so smart. Postcards are cheap, and you have a great memory of your honeymoon that looks cute and you can put on display!  What girl doesn't want an autographed photo from Mickey and Minnie, and Cinderella and Prince Charming? This is too darn cute for words and such a great keepsake! I hope you enjoyed this series, and I hope it has helped you or someone you know that is getting married! To many happy years!

I feel like it is finally Summer! All of this rain we have been having has dissipated and the temps are in the 90's and humid. Just a few reminders to beat the heat and stay cool! Make sure you keep yourself hydrated! Drink water, and plenty of it! It not only cools, you down but keeps you fresh. Stay out of the sun if you can. Blue Skies! Make sure you wear sunscreen, and a hat to keep the sun off of your face. If you have a pool, use it! (Don't forget the sunscreen!) If you want a nice icy treat, soak a bandanna in water, and pop it in the freezer. Then unroll it and place it around your neck. It will keep you cool. Check your local news for cooling centers if you don't have air conditioning. Bring your pets inside for them to stay cool! Pop some ice cubes in their water so they have a cool drink too! A lot of these tips are common sense, but I thought I would share with you just as a reminder! Stay cool!

You have heard of makeup dupes, and today I am going to give you a food dupe! Is there such a thing? If not, I'll be the first! I loved SnackWells Original Creme Sandwich. It was my staple snack in my elementary years. However, I can't find them anymore! My local stores do not carry them, and I look every time I go. While shopping yesterday I found these cookies by Lance. They are called the Van-O Lunch cookies. They are filled with vanilla creme, in a buttery, harder type cookie. I had to try them! Success! A perfect dupe for SnackWells! The flavor is so close to the originals that I loved so much. I don't know if these are available all the time or if they are limited edition. (If you know, leave me a comment and let me know!) I found these in the packaged cookie aisle, and come in a package of 8 with 6 small round cookies in each package. Let me know if you tried these, and what you thought! Go ahead, and leave me a comment !

That lovely pink box came to my doorstep this month, and as usual I squealed with delight! Birchbox allows me to branch out and try different products that I probably wouldn't have tried otherwise. Here is what I got in my July Birchbox! Eyeko| Skinny Liquid Eyeliner- I am usually really terrible with liquid liner, but this is in pen form and has a nice pointed tip, so I am willing to give it a try. Kerastase| Masque Chroma Captive-Treat- I love hair masques. I use them more often on my hair, than I do my face. (Which is not good, I should use them for my face!)  This will be great to keep my hair silky and shiny. Marcelle| BB Cream Golden Glow- I almost never wear liquid foundation, and I definitely didn't get on the BB Cream train, but I am interested in trying this. I think it will be perfect for the days you want just a little but of coverage. Benta Berry| G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream- This says it makes your skin matte, and I am all for that! Birchbox| Bobby Pins-...

I'm linking up with Lauren as usual! I want to apologize for the lack of a blog yesterday. It was crazy busy! I'm glad that it is Friday! Here is what I am loving this week! 1. We had a tornado roll through our area on Wednesday, thankfully, we were protected and kept safe. Scared me to pieces though! 2. I got to take part in something super cool on Thursday. Hopefully in a few weeks I can share it with you! It deals with my favorite TV show, and the local produce auction I go to. (Interested yet?) I'm thinking I might get this palette!  3. I have been trying to decide what I want to get with my Birchbox points. I change my mind every time I look at it! (Do you have any suggestions for me?) 4. I've been helping my grandparents finish up a rental property that they have. The new owner moves in today! 5. I've been using Witch Hazel on my face as a toner, and I am liking it so far. It isn't drying me out like I thought it would! What have you lov...

Welcome to the second Wedding Wednesday post! You can find part 1 here! Today we are going to look at dresses! *Each bride has her own unique individual style. Choose what is best for you! My Style: I am a traditionalist, and I am not a fan of strapless dresses. I loved Kate Middleton's dress. It was classy, yet elegant.  To me, this is classic perfection. It's sexy without being sseeexxyyy. Does that make sense?  This dress , is lovely. I love the one shoulder look. Myself, I could do without the bow.  This dress would be a great reception dress.  With a little tweaking, this dress would be absolutely beautiful! Can you imagine dancing around the dance floor with this flowing around you?  I think this dress is great for showing off your figure, while keeping it modest. The ruched detail creates a hourglass figure. I hope you have found some inspiration in these dresses. Don't forget to enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend to ...

I wasn't going to turn this into a series, but I figured as long as I am drinking iced tea, I might as well share these adorable puns with all of you! These come from the Salada tea bags, and are just too cute, and too accurate not to post! *There are no authors on these.* 1. "Good and bad luck are often mistaken for good and bad judgement." Is this not so true? There are many scenarios where this can apply. 2.   "Mind over matter: if you don't mind, it don't matter." Such a simple saying yet so true. 3. "Sculptor's favorite food: marble cake." Could you see this being turned into a joke? "Hey what's a sculptors favorite food?" "I don't know, what?" "Marble cake!" Laughter ensues!  4. "When you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal."  Think about it... I have some of these saying left over so I will post them sometime again. I just really enjoy these and hope they bring a...

Before I get started, I can't take full credit for this recipe. Lindsay or LaFemme5278 on YouTube posted an Instagram picture of "meadow tea." I thought to myself, "what the heck is that?" I scrolled down to the comments, and saw that it was just a simple mix of water, mint leaves, and sugar. Check, check, and check, I had all of the ingredients. My aunt had given us a mint plant several years ago. As mint does, it grew, and grew, and grew. I also picked up a chocolate mint plant, and a lemon balm plant at a local Amish house. All three plants are thriving, and I love adding mint to iced tea. Ah yes, the meadow tea recipe! The Recipe: 10 cups water Mint leaves (I can't say how many because I just grabbed enough to fill up a small colander) Sugar to taste Boil the water. Once it has reached a boil add the mint leaves and turn it off. (Enjoy the smell, because your kitchen will smell AMAZING!) Let it steep for at least 30 minutes, if not longer...

I hope you all had a fantastic 4th of July! The weather was kind of unpredictable so we ate indoors. It was much cooler inside anyway! I kept my outfit pretty simple. Being around hot ovens, and 91 degree temps it was a definite must for me! My shorts: Izod (JC Penney's?) My tank: Wal-Mart ($4.00 I think?) My scarf: Pat Catan's ($5.00) My accessories: Earrings: Gold hoops Watch: Bijuju Necklace: QVC Bracelet: Independence Visitors Center in Philadelphia Lipstick: Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Flirty Kiss What did you wear for 4th of July? Did you wear red, white, and blue?

It is the Friday after the Fourth? Are you still stuffed? Not too many pictures today. Here is what I loved this week! 1. I bid on some flowers at the auction and I won them! This was my first time and I'm glad I won! I paid $1.50 each for these! 2. I am completely stuffed from all the food we had yesterday!  3. I watched Megan Hilty perform at the Capital Fourth and she looked stunning! She always looks good.  4. I finally got to wear eye makeup yesterday!  5. I am so excited to let you read some of my posts this week! I think you'll enjoy them!  As usual I linked up with Lauren !  What did you love this week? Leave me a comment and let me know! 

Can you believe it is the 4th of July already? I can't. We have this joke in my family that goes "once the 4th hits, summer is over." Obviously, that isn't true, but summer does seem to fly after this holiday. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our freedom. Freedom isn't free, there are countless men and women serving abroad to protect us, and to keep us free. Take a minute between the hot dogs and fireworks to stop and say a prayer for those overseas. I leave you with a song wrote by the late, great, Marvin Hamlisch. Listen to the lyrics, a moving song about uniting as one. Have a great 4th of July everyone! ~Mandii

I'm not sure how long this mini series will last, but enjoy Wedding Wednesday! I have a few friends who are getting married in the near future, so I figured why not share some of my inspiration boards from Pinterest to maybe help you out!  When am I getting married you ask? Haha. Whenever Prince Charming comes!  Anyway, I hope this helps you with your wedding planning! My Wedding Style: I'm a traditionalist. Think traditional processional, recessional, and vows. Here are a few things I love, and hopefully you can gain some inspiration from what I like! Here are a few of my favorite pins!  This picture shows 1, 2, and 3 ring carat sizes. Show these to your Prince Charming, and don't forget the 4 C's: cut, color, clarity, and carat!!  This ring is my favorite. It symbolizes the "cord of 3 strands in not equally broken" Bible verse. (Ecc.4:12)  This site has 10 great tips to do when you first get engaged!  If you are a sports fan ,...

It's time for an OOTD post! I just recently bought this shirt from Wal-Mart, and I absolutely love it! Why this shirt was on clearance for $5, I'll never know. This shirt epitomizes summer. My shorts are from JC Penney. The shoes are also from Wal-Mart many, many moons ago. My accessories: Watch: Merona Rose Gold from Target Earrings: ASB Designs Necklace: QVC Lipstick: Wine Room by Wet N Wild Have you checked out Wal-Mart's clothing department? Leave me a comment and let me know!

This is a requested post, so I figured why not? I seem to have terrible luck with my shoes. If I like them, they hurt my feet. I get blisters, and things just get ugly. In the summer however, I love wearing sandals, wedges, and flip flops. I threw in some basics, as well as some fun shoes that I absolutely adore! There is a mix of wedges, flats, and sandal-type shoes. These are the shoes I wear most often, however....I have a lot of shoes, and 50% I don't wear. It's sad. The brown wedges came from Target. I love the gold detailing on the front, and the straps make me feel like I'm not going to walk right out of them! Are these nude flats just the cutest thing? These are A.N.A. from JC Penney. Every time I wear them I feel like Pocahontas! "Can you paint with all the colors in the wind..." They are so comfortable, and go with anything! These black wedges are also from A.N.A. at JC Penney's. They are simple, and go with anything. And for my bad f...