Turquoise and Sparkle by Butter London

Tuesday, April 30, 2013


As the weather warms up, i draw inspiration from the gorgeous turquoise Caribbean seas, where I'd much rather be right now!  Since it'll be a while before i can take a dip in the ocean, i searched my nail polish drawer for the perfect shade of summer!  I know, i know... it's spring and i should be all pastel-y and stuff but rules are made to be broken... summer, I'm ready for you!  While there, i found one of my favorite Butter London shades Slapper that i purchased last year to complete one of the challenges for Allure (back when i was an alternate and not an actual contest like this year). However, for this mani, i kinda felt like i needed a little something more... a little sparkle perhaps! Sitting right next to Slapper, was Butter London's West End Wonderland... offering just the right amount of shimmer and gold sparkle!  After a little play time with these two beauties... this happened!








Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please remember to VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!   International readers can do their part by clicking 'like' and 'tweet' on this link next to my photo!  Your support means everything!  XOXO Carla - FMM

Yay I Made it to Week 3 on Allure's BBA!!!! PHEW!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Ok so last night and early this morning, i was a WRECK!  My stomach was in knots and i couldn't function properly wondering what might happen today at 9 a.m.  While i don't necessarily expect to win Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards, my greatest hope is to make it to week 5.  I worked so hard on my challenges and truly poured my heart and soul into every video, every written word and every photograph.  If i make it to week 5, you'll get to see all of my work come to fruition, and in turn, i will feel completely fulfilled in this competition!  For now, I'm so grateful for another week!  I am grateful for the excitement, nerves included....because nerves means I'm still in the competition!

For this week's Challenge 3, i cover Beauty on the Run!  Here are my favorite multi-tasking essentials to cover you on lazy days!  Enjoy!





For the FISHTAIL BRAID VIDEO TUTORIAL that i posted on Allure, click here!


Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please continue to VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!!!  Each and every vote counts ! I really need your support!  Please help me get to week 5!  International readers can contribute by clicking 'like' and 'tweet' next to my photo on this link.  Your support means everything! XOXO Carla -FMM

Lush Bath Bombs


A few weeks ago, i splurged on a fun spa day!  After the spa, i indulged in a little retail therapy at The Mall at Short Hills here in NJ.  If you're familiar with the area, you know this mall is the bomb!  Speaking of bombs, i stopped at the Lush store because after reading lots of awesome reviews, i needed to check them out for myself!  The store was quite fragrant and i was immediately overwhelmed with every kind of bath necessity one can possibly dream of! I quickly composed myself and opted to simply focus this shopping trip on Lush's famous bath bombs.  I will visit again for some other products that peeked my interest... specifically their shampoo/conditioner bars!

I'll admit, i have a jacuzzi tub that I've only used for actual relaxing baths a hand full of times.  I just never seem to find the time to indulge in a relaxing soak.  Now that i have these gorgeous bathing beauties, i plan on making the time!  So far, I've used the Golden Slumbers Bath Bomb... a relaxing lavender bath to promote sweeter dreams!  After all the craziness that has been my life lately, this momma, as my little girls call me, can certainly use a little relaxation and sweeter dreams for sure!  I loved this bath bomb... it smelled incredible and made my overall bath experience a beautifully relaxing one!  No complaints here!  Can't wait to try the other two!  I almost feel as though the flower bath bomb is too pretty to use!  Oh and BTW, Mother's day is fast approaching... i'm thinking these make excellent Mother's Day gifts for the special mommy in your life!

So on another note, today is a big day.  At 9am Eastern Time, we find out if i made it to week three of ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!   If i made it through, you'll get to view my new challenge called "Lazy Beauty Essentials".  If not.... you'll probably find me sobbing somewhere!  But now worries, after my pity party, i'll be back for more FMM fun!  OK fingers crossed!

Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards 2013 - Challenge 1 and 2 Recap

Saturday, April 27, 2013

The past two weeks have seriously been a whirlwind!  Actually, i take that back... the past couple of months have been overwhelmingly exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time!  From the moment i received the news from Allure to completing all the challenges.  As a busy full time working mommy, it was a tad challenging finding the time to complete all the challenges at hand in a short amount of time, but with a wonderful support system... my parents, sister and husband, i did it!  I put my heart and soul into every single challenge.  Regardless of the outcome, i need to remind myself everyday how grateful i am for this wonderful opportunity and for making it this far!  I'm surrounded by a very talented group of ladies and I'm excited to see what the weeks ahead bring.  As week two comes to a closing, i wanted to take the time to say a simple heart felt thank you to all of you who've taken the time to vote for me.  I've received so much love thus far and my heart is very full.  My greatest hope is to make it to week 5 so that you get to see all of my challenges and all of the love that i put into them.  I honestly think the three challenges ahead were some of my best work.  I'll admit, my spirits were very down last Monday when i saw my ranking, but again, after a few hours of reflection, i can only say... I'm grateful.  Whatever happens Monday at 9am.... happens.  It's out of my hands now... i did my best!  So with that being said, here is a little recap of the past couple of weeks!  Enjoy!




Here's the video i put together for this challenge.  Regardless of my ranking, i am SO PROUD and LOVE this video!  





Here's hoping for three more weeks of fun challenges ahead!!!!  FINGERS CROSSED! 
 XOXO Carla - FMM

Eco Tools Makeup Brushes

Friday, April 26, 2013


This past Monday, Earth Day to be exact, i stumbled upon these pretty little makeup brushes by ecotools at my local Target!  I was completely smitten by their earth friendly packaging!  In all honestly, i don't typically do drugstore makeup brushes with the exception of Real Techniques which i LOVE, but i figured, why not!  Besides, it was Earth Day and i was feeling quite.. well, earthy!  I was quite curious about these but had a difficult time deciding which set to pick up as they were all pretty enticing!  I ended up purchasing the retractable kabuki brush along with the six piece eye essential set!  I'll tell you this much, I'm so glad that i did!  These beautiful budget-friendly brushes are good quality brushes that get the job done!



The Retractable Kabuki brush feels amazing on my skin.  Its bristles are soft and i love that it's made with recycled aluminum making this travel friendly brush an earth loving essential!




The Six Piece Eye Essential Set came equipped with a super cute pouch! These sleek bamboo handle brushes are ideal for creating a gorgeous eye look.  Traveling somewhere and don't want to schlep your bulky brushes with you?   Just toss these in your weekender and you're good to go!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please remember to VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!  Voting closes at 11:50 AM today so be sure to cast your votes bright and early!  Your support means the world to me! XOXO Carla - FMM

Revlon's Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman

Thursday, April 25, 2013


Are you in need of a getaway?  Perhaps a little Caribbean action surrounded by turquoise waters and pink sand? Girlfriend, i hear you loud and clear!  But, reality check... a vacay is not in the cards for another few months.  So until then, I'll have to content myself with Revlon's gorgeous Spring/Summer 2013 launch of The Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman!  Lucky for me, Allure sent me a box filled with Revlon goodies to complete this week's challenge on Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards, so i was actually able to preview this collection before it even hit stands.  All of the products I'm reviewing here were gifted with the exception of the cheek tint.  That pretty baby i purchased myself because it was so cute and i totally needed it to complete this awesome collection!

Here is the display at my local beauty store... isn't it gorgeous?

I have to say, if there's one thing Revlon does right (and we know that there's way more then one... but hypothetically speaking), it's their lip products!  These lip butters feel uhhhh-mazing on my lips!  Like buhh-tah!  The colors are fun and perfect for spring/summer!  I'm  obsessed with the corals and pink hues!  They glide on beautifully and truly pack on the color! These are hands down  my go-to lip action for the season!





This collection contains four polishes... if you're into fleshier tones, you'll love Trade Winds and Seashell.  If you crush on corals and hunter greens, you'll simply die for Sunburst and Jungle!



Ok, i cannot get over the cuteness factor of this Revlon Baby Stick!  O M G it's soooo puuurrty!  But don't mistake cuteness for lack of anything else!  This cheek tint in Tahitian will add the perfect glow to your sun kissed skin this summer so be sure to pick it up before they're gone!





Another fun part of this collection is their vibrant eye shadow palettes seen below in Sea Mist (left) and Free Spirit (right).  I've definitely reached for Sea Mist several times in the last couple of weeks!  Love these gorgeous jewel tones!









And there you have it!  Thank you Allure for sending me these gorgeous products!  I'm obsessed!

So lets chat!  Have you tried Revlon's Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman?  What are your faves?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please remember to VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!  I need lots of TLC this week!  Every single vote counts!  Thank you my devoted readers for your unconditional support!  Means the world!

XOXO CARLA - FMM

Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel

Wednesday, April 24, 2013


I've been curious about Amore Pacific Products for some time now!  So when shopping Sephora online, i noticed that i could trade in 100 points towards Amore Pacific's Treatment Enzyme Peel!  I immediately snatched this baby up and anxiously awaited its arrival!  This botanical-based brightening exfoliator is formulated without harsh ingredients to help brighten and even skin tone without chemical abrasives.  Honestly, i fell instantly in love with how it made my skin feel.  Basically, it's a grainy powder that you mix with a few drops of water and proceed to exfoliate your skin.  For this reason, i keep mine in the shower to facilitate the process.  I love how it smells and more importantly how tight and soft my skin feels after use.  I'm so glad i received this sample! In fact, i traded another 100 points for a second one!  I will definitely be purchasing the full size as soon as i run out.   Wonderful product... highly recommend!
























So lets chat!  Have you tried Amore Pacific products?  If so, what others do you recommend?  I'm actually on the market for a good toner so feel free to share your thoughts!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please continue to VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!  Your vote means everything! XOXO Carla - FMM

French Bang Braid Video Tutorial

Tuesday, April 23, 2013





A couple of months into the start of FMM, i created a picture tutorial for a French Bang Braid.  This was my most viewed post to date!  Understandably since braids in general are so fun and on trend!  So i thought I'd put together this video tutorial in hopes of illustrating how easy it actually is to put this fun look together!  Quick side note... please ignore the awful manicure!  You can rest assured, that as of right now, my mani is perfect and chip free!  Phew!  C'mon even beauty bloggers are allowed a chip here and there no?  OK, enough babbling... here it is!


Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please continue to VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!!!  Your support means everything! XOXO Carla-FMM

Accidental Nail Art

Monday, April 22, 2013


I typically do my nails while watching TV after putting the girls to bed.  One evening... while watching the Rachael Zoe Project OMG, i pondered what nail choices I'd want for my manicure.  For some reason, i had a difficult time deciding between my favorite deep wine hue Winesnob by Sheswai or softer, fleshier tones.  Then it dawned on me.. why not both!  I began to apply Winesnob on all of my nails except my middle finger nail.  On that nail alone, i opted to pair splashes of Winesnob along with splashes of Revlon Nail Art Expressionist in Post Modern and Silhouette.  I absolutely love the turn out.  It reminds me of a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where i often draw lots of inspiration from all the gorgeous exhibits!  Who says art needs to be solely on a canvas?  In fact, nails are the perfect canvas to unleash your inner artist any time!  And with this particular manicure, who cares if it's not perfect... personally, i think it adds character!  So go ahead and splash away!  Don't be afraid to play with your polish!   Everyone's an artist in their own way!  You included!







Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  A big THANK YOU to all of you that have supported me in ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR!  Please don't forget to vote!  You can vote everyday, once a day!  Your support means everything! XOXO Carla - FMM

*Revlon Nail Art Expressionist was gifted by Revlon in order to complete Challenge 2 on Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year Contest.  There were lots of fun Revlon products to play with which i'll feature on FMM soon! 

Throwback DIY - Embellished Hair Ties

Saturday, April 20, 2013


DIY's are a wonderful way to create beautiful things on a budget!  This post was one of my favorite DIY's because i simply love these hair ties!  I own so many because they don't crease or pull my hair!  Since many awesome posts often go to blog heaven shortly after they're viewed... i thought it'd be fun to bring this favorite back to share with you!  Check out the full post here!  Enjoy! 


Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Also, a big THANK YOU to all who voted and supported FMM this past week in ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!  Fingers crossed i make it to next week's challenge!  We'll find out at 9 am on Monday!  XOXO Carla -FMM

The Lano Company

Friday, April 19, 2013


I must admit, i have quite the soft spot for super cute and innovative packaging!  So when the sweet people over at The Lano Company introduced me to their super fun line of cosmetics, i was instantly smitten!  The Lano Company was founded in 2005 by a breastfeeding mommy frustrated with her chronic chapped lips!  I can totally relate! When she reached for Lanolin to aid with this issue, she saw major results.  With this new idea in mind, she began experimenting with home-made lip balms until she found a formula that worked and so... The Lano Company was born!   They now consist of Pure and Glam Cosmetics!  These cosmetics are formulated with natural ingredients to keep your lips/skin hydrated and healthy.  While the Glam side caters to a younger audience with their flashy, fun packaging, the Pure line is sleek and gorgeous.



I was so excited to try the Pure Illumination Mascara for many reasons.  First, I'm always on the search for a great mascara... second, it has a built in LED light complete with mirror!  Whaaaat?!  So I'll admit that when i first began to apply this mascara, the LED light took a little getting used to as it was a bit bright!  Well, a few short seconds in and i was sold!  Here's the thing, i was able to reach lashes i didn't even know were there!  The light really is quite helpful!  In terms of the formula, i have to say, i was impressed!  It's a great everyday mascara with excellent stay power!  It didn't flake off at all and made my lashes look hydrated and pretty.






The Pure Illumination lip gloss i sampled in Purely Posh B16 packed on the shimmer and hydration!  This pearly rose is the perfect Spring/Summer color.  I think it looks especially nice on sun kissed skin!  A few swipes of this gorgeousness and you'll be ready to go!  Best part, your lips will feel soft and hydrated all day long!  Oh and no worries, the Pure Illumination lip gloss also comes complete with a mirror and LED light making the application process a cinch!  Particularly when you're out and need to quickly reapply... you won't have to search your bag for a mirror or light because it's conveniently there to facilitate your life!  After all, saving time makes this mommy very happy!

So lets chat!  Have you checked out any of these products?  What are your thoughts?  Isn't the packaging genius!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please don't forget to vote for me in ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!!!  For all that have supported me and voted this week, thank you so much!  You'll never know how much it means to me!  Fingers crossed i make it to next week! XOXO Carla

*Samples were sent for consideration.  All opinions are my own based on my experience with these products.
- DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -