Holiday Makeup Look, Courtesy of Corey Anne

Does anyone else need makeup help out there or am I the only clueless one?  
These days with a toddler I'm lucky if I get any make-up on my face at all but in the past I've always just stuck to the tried-and-true concealer, powder, a little shadow, mascara = done.  I've always wanted to up my makeup game though; learn about contouring, layering, and creating fun looks for date nights and parties, which is why I was so excited to learn that a college friend had started a YouTube channel dedicated to all of these things!  

Corey Anne was my dorm-mate in college and back then I would have never imagined that the soccer-playing tomboy next door would have her own makeup tutorial series someday!  Corey has been interested in makeup for a long time but decided to take the leap into tutorials and vlogging fairly recently.  She's really enjoyed learning and sharing from others on YouTube and thought it was time to put herself out there too. 

Corey's videos cover everything from basic how-tos to costume makeup to product and Birch Box reviews.  They're entertaining to watch and the step-by-step makes the looks achievable for everyone.  I've shared her Holiday Makeup Look below; I love how it's glamorous with just a hint of flashy - but not over the top.  It'd totally be suitable to wear to a work party, an outing with friends, or even to a family event if everyone's just a little dressed up.  

Holiday makeup looks are the most fun! Playful, colorful, glitter!! Check out my daily vlogs: http://bit.ly/1YdEbKC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- eye shadow base | http://bit.ly/1sq7Srl eye shadow palette | http://seph.me/1AqBY1x eye shadow duo | http://birch.ly/1lZV0Lj gold liner | sorry I can't find this one!

Now, if you'll excuse me I need to go practice my eyeliner technique.  

Our First Pampers Rewards - Free Gifts for Buying Diapers!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I was way behind when I signed up for Pampers Rewards.. I think our little one was 10 months old when we started (oh all those months of diaper codes I could have used!). Since then I've been entering codes every time I can and saving them up. 

Initially I was going to wait and get one of the big items for Miss M, but the other week I decided to trade some points in and get something small for her.  I saw this Little Bakers Cupcake set from Step 2 and thought it would be great for her to play with when she's using the kitchen helper I was making her.  Redeeming the points was very easy - just log in, choose your reward, check out, and confirm your mailing address.  Done!  

The cupcake set wasn't as rugged as I was hoping for considering it's from Step 2, but it is very, very cute.  The set comes with a tray, six cupcakes, and six interchangeable frosting tops.  Our little one can't quite get them on and off herself yet but she is really enjoying them still. 

And, of course the best part about it was they were free!  I didn't even have to pay shipping, which was amazing (note: some items you do have to pay shipping for).  I'm looking forward to ordering more free gifts.. just have to remember to keep entering my codes!

PS - I just stumbled across an account on Instagram that shares some of the free codes Pampers releases for promotions.  Follow @free_pampers_codes to help boost your point total!  

Want to see what else we got from Pampers Rewards?  Check out my other posts:  

• Our 2nd Pampers Rewards:  Little Tikes Shopping Cart
• Our 3rd Pampers Rewards:  Potty Training Chart
• Our 4th Pampers Rewards:  Melissa and Doug Tool Kit

Please note items available from Pampers Rewards are subject to change.  

Painted Starry Night Wedding Invites

My husband recently designed these beautiful Painted Starry Night Wedding Invites for Creative Market, and I just had to share them here.  I think they're just beautiful!  

There are three different designs that are fully customizeable to your text and color preferences, you can then print them at home or take them to your local printing service.  I hope you love these as much as I do!  

Local Product Love: Black Dinah Chocolatiers' Dark Spiced Sipping Chocolate

It's cold and yucky out and nothing puts the end of winter blues at bay quite like a nice cup of hot chocolate.  I've recently discovered my new absolute favorite and wanted to share!  It's called Black Dinah Chocolatiers' Dark Spiced Sipping Chocolate and it's made right in Isle Au Haut, Maine.  I don't know if I can explain just how good it is, but I'll try ;) 

It's easy to make, just a tablespoon of the sipping chocolate powder, some sweetener, and some milk heated in a saucepan and you have a delicious, thick, lightly spiced hot chocolate.  My favorite detail of this sipping chocolate is the spices - it doesn't have a hot kick like Mexican hot chocolate, instead it just adds the perfect amount of flavor.  Oh, and it smells ah-mazing.  

I received this product as part of a promotion from Daytrip Society, but all opinions expressed are my own.  

Favorite Finds: Buffalo Plaid Turban Wrap

I have to say this is one of my favorite go-to outfits.  I feel like it combines some of the best basics together and the finishing touch it needed was the Buffalo Plaid Turban Wrap from Willow Crowns.  

This turban wrap is currently sold-out but Megan should be releasing the spring line soon and I can't wait to see what she has in store!

(Certainly not the best picture of myself or of the turban wrap.. I'm definitely not one for taking selfies!)

Favorite Finds: Creative Market

Whether you're a just a crafter or a serious designer, Creative Market has a huge variety of typefaces, graphics, patterns, and more - think of it as Etsy for digital elements and tools.  

Creative Market is an incredibly useful resource whether your Illustrator skills aren't quite where you want them yet (shamefully raises hand) or if you just don't have the time to make all these elements yourself.  Some files are free, but most are for purchase-only.  Once you've downloaded the files, you can use them in your personal and commercial projects (just make sure you understand the limitations of their Simple License).  

Rustic, hand-drawn elements are huge right now and Creative Market has so many to choose from, like this one:  

There are also TONS of hand-crafted fonts which are also very on-trend, like this one:  

UPDATE 03/23/15:  For a limited time, if you purchase the "Northern Passage" font you'll also get the "Hand-Drawn Rustic Nature Elements"  set (pictured above) as a free bonus - great deal!  

Favorite Finds: Free Nature Stock Photos

Insert shameless plug here ;)  

My husband Adrian and I love the great outdoors, and he loves taking pictures.  A few months ago this passion launched into little side project called Free Nature Stock, a place where he can share some of the many photos he takes as a stock photo resource for others.  

Everyday a new nature-themed photo is added, and the best part is they are free and can be used in your personal or commercial projects without any attribution.  

Please check it out and don't forget to follow Free Nature Stock on Instagram and Twitter to see what the latest photos are.  

Please note:  The previews of the photos may look a little grainy, especially on Instagram or Twitter, but the downloadable files are high-quality and large.  

Favorite Finds: Couponing 101 Newsletter

I love finding good deals and using coupons when I can but I'm definitely not one of those crazy coupon-people...   

A few months ago I came across Couponing101.com and her daily newsletter, and it can't be beat!  Every night you're e-mailed a simple, free newsletter that rounds up some of the best coupon and deals out there.  I particularly love checking out the Amazon deals that are often listed - some of the markdowns are amazing and if you're looking ahead for birthday or Christmas gifts you can get ahead on your shopping and get some great deals.