Mandii's Muse

I'm having a group of ladies over tonight for our monthly "Faith Group." We don't really have an official name, but that's what I am calling it for now. Haha! Our group has been dealing with the topic of anxiety. Man, this one has really hit home. We have studied the book by Max Lucado called Anxious for Nothing . This book is centered around Philippians 4:4-8. This is probably my all time favorite piece of scripture. This book details how we as people are just anxious by nature. However as Christians, we should not be anxious. God is directing our steps. He's fully aware of the path that he has put us on, knowing each obstacle that will arise before we do. I know that for myself personally, I definitely struggle with anxiety. Who doesn't? I know that I get anxious every morning as a substitute teacher. What class will I be in? How is the day going to go? Will any behavior problems or drills take place? I have been trying to remind myself that God has ...

I go on makeup kicks every now and again. I’ll get stuck in a rut, and then try something new and want all kinds of new makeup. I’ve made a few trips to Ulta recently, and wanted to share with you what I’ve been buying! I almost always buy things on sale at Ulta during their 21 days of beauty! The first thing I bought was a total impulse purchase. I went to the Philosophy section of the store and stopped and smelled their fragrance Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere. Oh my gosh, it smells divine! I don’t even know how to describe it to you. It’s vanilla with warm musk, but still fresh and clean smelling. It is perfect for all seasons. I only bought a small size, but I will be buying the full size! The next thing I bought was the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer. I needed something that is a little bit longer lasting, and this fit the bill. I probably won’t use this every day, but only on days where I need them to last longer than the average workday. I also bought three lip products...

 Have you ever gone down the Amazon rabbit hole? You know, the one where it shows you things that you didn't know existed, but now that you've seen it, you NEED it?! Yeah, me too. With back to school approaching (Ugh, I KNOW!), I wanted to get this review out there in case this is just the product you are looking for. Let me introduce you to the Budley ! Let's talk about earbuds. They are great for traveling, listening to music while you study, popping them in while you are working out or cutting the grass! The issue with regular earbuds? They tangle, they break, and they end up lost! The bluetooth ones are SO expensive, for many people those are out of the question. So here is where the Budley comes in! Look at this picture, you'd never know that my headphones are wrapped up in there! They aren't tangled! Plus, they are taking up way less space than usual. The Budley is made out of silicone, and holds your earbuds in place. Seriously, this is genius! I...

I recently went on a quick overnight trip, and wanted to show you what was in my overnight bag. The photo I have doesn't show everything, but you can get the general idea. I took a workout/lounge outfit. Just so I don't have to wear my pj's all the time. Next, I took a pair of Skechers, because they are the most comfortable pair of shoes. They also go with the lounge outfit! Then I brought a low pair of moccasins and a pair of wedges. You never know when your feet are going to start hurting! As far as the outfit goes, you will have to check back and see "what I wore!" I packed my favorite Equate cleansing cloths, a mini hairspray, and paper mask. I made sure to pack my contacts and glasses, which I almost forgot! I also have my trusty toiletry bag, which I always keep full of the essentials: deodorant, toothbrush, bodywash etc. Believe me, this little purchase has came in handy on more than one occasion. I was only gone one night, so I didn't need to take ...

I am not entirely sure when a book has touched me more. If I could have highlighted this entire book, I would have. The Confident Heart by Renee Swope is a book that every Christian woman should read. To preface, I am a worrier, a comparer, a feeling not enough-er. I would almost always doubt myself saying things like "I'm not pretty enough," I'm not smart enough or qualified enough to do this particular task." I believed these lies I was telling myself. Until I read this book, and it completely changed my way of thinking. For example, I have always had this hang up about what other people think of me. Do they think I'm weird for knowing a lot about sports? Do they think I'm strange because I am trying to save money and still live at home with my parents? What do people think that I am substitute teaching still, 5 years after graduating college?  I read this quote: 'We become overly concerned about what others think of us instead of what God thinks ...

Do you follow The Small Things Blog ? I have followed that blog for a while, and always have a case of serious hair envy when watching Kate's tutorials. One product she is always touting is a texture powder. So I stopped into one of my favorite stores, Ulta, to browse their selection. I asked one of the helpful consultants and she showed me one by Big Sexy Hair. The only problem was it was almost $17. I was hesitant to buy that because A.) I am frugal and B.) I didn't want to spend that much money on a product I wasn't sure if I would like. Image So the consultant steered me towards one from Batiste. I have heard rave reviews of their dry shampoos, and this powder was significantly less money. So I decided to try that one. Batiste XXL Plumping Powder is a texture powder. I really, really like this product! I just section off my hair and sprinkle the tiniest amount of powder in my hair. Then, I just fluff my hair and tease if necessary. I can use this powder when my ...

Despite the rainy weather Pennsylvania has been having lately, summer is here! With the rising temps, there are also other things rising...our hemlines! I was sent the Schick Hydro Trim Style to review because I am a Bzz Agent. I always hesitate to buy a good razor. First of all, the replacement blades are horribly expensive. Next, I can never find a razor that does a great job at trimming my bikini line. With the Schick Hydro TrimStyle, I don't have to worry about it! I have a razor and trimmer all in one. The TrimStyle has a razor on one end, and a trimmer on the other. The trimmer has an adjustable comb that has 4 different settings. It is waterproof, and can be left in the shower if you want. The razor has 5 blades that hug the curve of your legs. This white part can be removed! After trying this out, I must say that I really like this product! The trimmer was easy to use, especially since I have not used one before. It didn't cut or hurt me in any way. I lik...

I have an obsession with tote bags. I can't help it. However, ever since this bag came into my life I haven't needed another one. This bag is versatile, and can be worn many different ways. What bag am I talking about you ask? None other than the Baggu Duck bag! From Baggu: A perfect everyday tote in durable recycled cotton canvas duck. Two handles and 40" adjustable strap, to carry in hand or over shoulder.  16" high, 10" wide, 5.5" deep. Matte silver hardware, durable taped seams, and a round inner pocket. 100% 16 oz. recycled cotton canvas. Image I have used this bag on numerous trips I have been on. I don't have to worry about it getting smashed, or ripped when I am carrying it. I love that it has an inner pocket that I can keep my cell phone, lipstick, or something small in! Even better, this folds up neatly in a small square for storage! This bag can be worn several different ways. It can be worn cross body, using the shorter handles, or b...

*I was sent this product to review because I'm a BzzAgent. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Imagine having that head of hair you've always wanted. Instead of going to the salon, you can just step right out of your shower. The key to this beautiful head of hair is your shampoo. I know what you're thinking. "I already love my shampoo." "It cleans my hair." Does it? I received a sample of the Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo to test out, and I can tell you, shampoo makes a difference. Sure your hair gets clean with your shampoo. With the Anti-Residue shampoo, your hair gets squeaky clean. Clean hair makes your products work better!!! I put a lot of products into my hair. Shampoo, conditioner, argan oil, Pillow Proof, and dry shampoo just to name a few. Heeellllooo product buildup! When I tried the Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo, I noticed a difference as soon as I blow dried my hair. It was soft, and clean, even my hair color looked better. I a...

This post is brought to you by the color pink. ;) These are just three items I bought from Amazon. I have several other items in my wishlist, and am going to be placing another order soon. Oddly (well, maybe not) enough, all of my purchases were pink. To the family members reading this, this is no surprise. The first item I purchased was an armband for my phone. I downloaded my workout playlist, and want to use my phone for the 5ks I plan on doing this summer. I didn't want to have to worry about holding my phone, or sticking it somewhere where it could get lost. I currently have a Lifeproof style case on, and it will not fit inside the armband. But when I take it out, it will fit perfectly, and I will be able to use my phone without having to worry about dropping it! My next item was a Baggu reusable bag. This is my third Baggu bag, and I absolutely love them! I am going to purchase another bag but in a different style. I am going to do a separate review on these, so stay tu...

If you are looking for a no fuss, no frills lipstick, this one is or you! I received a sample of the Jane Iredale Just Kissed lipstick in Forever Pink, in my April Birchbox, and fell into deep, deep, love with it. This lipstick applies clear, but almost instantly changes color based on your own natural chemistry. This lipstick also acts as a stain, and will last almost all day. Plus, when you reapply, the existing stain gets darker. One of the aspects that I love most about this lipstick is the consistency. It applies like a balm, but it is not too soft to instantly slide off of your lips. I may or may not have taken 15 selfies to get these 3 photos.  ;) The shade I received is Forever Pink. The best way to describe this color is "I've just eaten a cherry popsicle." This lipstick is great for those lazy Spring/Summer days when you have a few quick errands to run and want to look put together, but don't want a full face of makeup. The color that is on my lips, ...

There was a time back in high school that I only wore colored lip gloss. Oh, how things have changed. In case you didn't know, I am a lip product junkie. I cannot get enough lip products! Recently, I have been loving lip products that are matte. There is something uniquely classy about a matte lip product. No shimmer, no gloss, just pure pigmented color. I definitely have acquired a few favorites, and want to share them with you. (Some of these you might have seen reviews for, and they will be linked in the post!) My first favorite matte lip products are those from Wet N Wild! I have three of their matte lip products, and I absolutely LOVE them! The first color I have is Cherry Picking. This is a beautiful raspberry color. Next is Wine Room, and it is a deep mauve pink. Finally, the last color is Cherry Bomb, and this is a deep merlot color. I plan on wearing this in the summer, because this color is very similar to Pantone's color of the year, Marsala! My next two favor...

My loyal readers all know how much I absolutely love lip products. Pinks, berries, mattes, you name it, I love it! I received NYX Butter lipstick in an Ipsy bag and immediately fell in love!! This shade is perfect for my skin tone. I can wear a "nude" lip without looking like death or "concealer lips." The shade is called Pops and it is a perfect pink with brown undertones color. There is just enough moisture for it to give your lips a sheen, but not too slick that it will rub off your lips. I have found myself pulling this lipstick out quite often, and have loved how my lips look when I wear it.  I have been wearing this lately with a neutral eye, and keeping my lipstick simple. This look is perfect for daytime or nighttime. The wear time on this is average. If you eat or drink, this will definitely come off.  The price can't be beat! This retails for $5.99 at Ulta. You better believe that I will be making a stop at my local store VERY soon and pick...

I'm usually the one to turn people on to beauty products. This time, it was my mother. She came home from the hair dresser one day talking about this product that she used on her hair. She kept raving about it the next day about how well her curls stayed sleeping on it the night before.  So when I went to get my hair highlighted and ready for Spring/Summer, she used this product on me. My mom insisted we buy some, and after using it on a daily basis, I'm hooked. Image Redken Pillow Proof is a hair primer. It acts as a heat protectant, speeds up your blow dry time, and makes your style last longer. What more could you want? The day that my stylist used this product on me, she curled my hair. I threw it up in a messy bun to sleep in, and the next day, I only had to curl a few small strands of my hair, and it still looked like I walked out of the salon. This product does not make my hair greasy, and definitely makes my style last much longer that before! After using this p...

Image I am a firm believer in mascara and lipstick. Both can be found very cheap, or on the higher end. Being the frugal gal that I am, I tend to prefer the cheaper items, and I have had great results. Since I have been receiving my subscription boxes, I have had the opportunity to try some new samples of higher end mascaras and lipsticks, good for my beauty routine, bad for my wallet. One of my most recent samples of mascaras that I have been trying is the Urban Decay Perversion mascara. This mascara has been making its way into my daily rotation. It has a drier formula, and I find that I can apply several coats and it won't clump or give me spider lashes. It holds a curl well, and doesn't flake or make my lashes hard or break off. The brush is on the larger end and I sometimes have trouble keeping the mascara on my lashes. Honestly, that is the only con I have of this mascara. If I had some extra spending money, I would probably repurchase this mascara. You can find...

There used to be a time where I had to wash my hair every.single.day. Until I trained it to go every other day. It has been wonderful! Not only does it speed up my get ready time, but it also improves the health of my hair. A crucial aspect of helping my hair be grease free is dry shampoo. One of my favorites is Suave, but I have been trying out a higher end version as well! The Amika dry shampoo is a great option! First of all, this dry shampoo smells AMAZING! If Amika ever came out with a perfume of this scent, I would be first in line to buy it! So, so, so good!! As far as being able to soak up excess oil, this does a great job. Some dry shampoos can get too powdery, and this doesn't. It sprays just enough powder to get an even coat, and doesn't leave your hair looking white. Plus, when you fluff your hair, you still get a whiff of that amazing scent. This dry shampoo would be great for brunettes, because of it not leaving a white cast on the hair. How I use this: I li...

Image Last week when I was at the beach, I was fully immersed in the beach. I had sand, saltwater, and chlorine in my hair. Great for my mental health, not so great for my hair. My tresses needed some extra TLC. I shampooed and conditioned almost daily, and used this Number 4 Hair Care Prep and Protect Spray. This review would not be made possible without getting this sample from Birchbox! (See why it pays to get samples in the mail?) How I used this: I applied this after I unwrapped my hair from my towel. I flipped my hair upside down and sprayed it from the midshaft down to my ends. Then I sprayed the tiniest amount on my hair once it was flipped back up. Then I combed it out, and applied my Argan Magic hair oil as usual. Why I like this: I like this spray because first of all, it detangles my hair. I can comb it out with no problem. Second, it has a UV blocker, so if I wanted to I could spray this on before I go out to the beach. Lastly, I like that it repairs any...

I'd like to dream that I have perfect blemish free skin and not have to use concealer. That's just what that is, a dream! I have begun to notice a need to use some concealer, for random blemishes, broken capillaries, and the dark circles under my eyes. I'll keep on dreaming! Image I have not used liquid foundation in years. I have always used powder. However, when I would use my powder foundation to cover up any blemishes I had, I didn't like how it looked. I received the Boo Boo Cover Up concealer in my Ipsy bag, I was excited to try it! This concealer is a perfect match for my skin tone. I was so impressed that it was so spot on. The formula is not too thick, but it isn't runny either. Believe me, all you need is a little dab of concealer and blend it out. This concealer has not made me break out, or have any adverse effects on my skin. I apply my regular powder foundation first. Then, I take a little dab of concealer, and blend it out with my fingers. T...

I ordered this eye primer when I ordered my other items from Birchbox. I usually have terrible luck with eye primers, and go in trying them with my expectations already low. So I was anxious to see how well this one did considering it was under $10. First of all, the packaging comes in a squeeze tube which I like. I can control how much I put on my lids. You get _oz, and you only need a small amount, so this will last quite a while. This primer doesn't feel slick on my lids. Some primers feel so slick, you wonder if they are going to keep your shadows in place. Not this one, it was slightly tacky so the shadows can stick to it. I believe that this primer is tinted slightly. It appears that way coming out of the tube, and I do notice it neutralizing some of the discoloration I have on my lids. I feel that this product works! I noticed that my shadow stayed on longer, and had less creasing than when I used other primers. (Keep in mind that I have oily lids and have not fou...

I have had an obsession with matte shadows ever since I ordered my Meet Matt(e) Nude palette from Birchbox last year. I love how they look on my eyes, I love ho w they stay, and I love how they blend. So when I saw this palette from Stila, featuring 10 all matte shadows, it immediately went in my cart on Birchbox.com! The In the Know palette came with 10 shadows, a Stila smudge stick in Halfmoon, and a lookbook with different styles to try out. I love the smudge stick, because it is definitely waterproof, and lasts all day! The lookbook is great because I like to see how other people put the colors together. These shadows are a warm tone with rich browns, a firery orange, and warm rose tones. They all have a desert theme with the names. Air: Off white in color Wind: Nude-y beige Desert: Peachy nude Clay: Pink nude Earth: Rick dark brown Driftwood: Warm brown Fire: Orange Rain: Taupe Smoke: Cool grey Ebony: Matte black These shadows blend beautifully, and I lo...