Grateful...

 

As I reflect on the past two months, I can't help but feel gratitude towards all that has been given to me.  For over a year, it has been my dream to become a finalist in Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards... and, just like that... my dream came to fruition.  With all the madness of putting together all the challenges and promoting the competition, I feel as though I haven't had a chance to fully grasp what this truly means.  My blog was selected out of thousands of applicants... that still boggles my mind.  The past few weeks, I've been a nervous wreck worrying about elimination, ranking and such!  Oddly enough, this week, I felt this incredible calm about the whole thing.  I can honestly say that I'm so proud of last week's challenge that I'm truly at peace with this elimination.  You see, there is NOTHING I would have changed... and that gives me great comfort.  Really, I've been rocking that last place spot like it was in style, haha, but I was just happy that I was still in!  Looking on the bright side.... and there's always a bright side, this week ironically, I didn't rank last! However, since there were two eliminations, that meant farewell for me!  My only regret is that you won't get to see my last two challenges!  I poured my heart and soul into them and would have loved more then anything for you to see them.  But life is such... with every door that closes... another one opens right?

So now, as I prepare for the next chapter of FMM... I'm filled with excitement for what's to come.  My blog is my canvas... and I can paint it anyway I like!  It's my masterpiece... and I can't wait for the opportunities ahead!  Perhaps someday, I'll partner with some of my favorite beauty brands... maybe even as a beauty ambassador for someone who'll find that my blog is the perfect fit for them!  Who knows!  All those things are uncertain... but one thing that is absolutely certain is that my heart has never steered me wrong.  Today, I begin the next chapter of FMM.... and get ready, 'cause the best is yet to come! 

Thank you SO MUCH for all of your support and love over the past few weeks.  You have no idea how full my heart is today.  I love and appreciate each and everyone of my beautiful readers!  It is your constant love and devotion that has made FMM a success!  XOXO Carla - FMM

Fishtail Braid Video Tutorial from Allure's BBA Challenge 3

Here's part two of this week's challenge on Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year Awards.  As mentioned in the previous post, for some reason i was not able to post both videos in one post... so here's the Fishtail Braid Video Tutorial from Challenge 3 on Allure's BBA titled Beauty on the Run!  Fingers crossed i make it another week!  We'll find out Monday morning at 9am.  If so, you'll get to see a beauty makeover on a very good friend of mine!  We had so much fun making the video and photographing the transformation!  I really hope you all get to see it too!  

Thank you SO MUCH for reading! XOXO Carla - FMM

A Little Prayer Please...

Hi guys... I'm interrupting my regularly scheduled beauty chat to ask you for a little prayer.  My little girl Mia is having surgery today.  Although we've been through this before with her (she had spinal surgery when she was just 2 years old, along with many other obstacles), it never gets easier.  So today i'm asking if you would kindly keep her in your prayers.  She's a trooper and can handle anything... but still!  I will do my best to be brave for her and will update you all on her progress.  Thank you in advance for your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes!  They are deeply appreciated.  XOXO Carla - FMM

** Side note... VOTING CLOSES AT 11:59 AM TODAY SO BE SURE TO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!

Rodan + Fields

If you've kept up with my blog, you may remember how this past Summer, Allure's Beauty Enthusiast team selected me, along with four other ladies, to represent them at the HBA Global Expo in NYC.  This was a super fun event where myself and the other ladies engaged in a beauty chat with beauty gurus to learn more about the consumer's wants and needs!   Hmmm chat about beauty on behalf of my beauty bible... that's not a total dream come true or anything right?  It was a total O M G moment for sure!  As a thank-you, Allure sent me a beautiful care package filled with all kinds of beauty treats!  Among these treats was perhaps one of my favorite items in the pack... Rodan + Fields Night Renewing Serum!  I remember using these capsules nightly and loving the way my skin felt!  I loved it so much in fact, that i shared some with my mom whom in turn loved them even more and therefore snatched them from me!  How could i say no to my mommy right?  So that was that...

Fast forward to a few of weeks ago when the lovely people over at Rodan + Fields contacted me to try some of their products.  I immediately remembered how much i loved their Night Renewing Serum capsules and happily agreed to sampling some more of Rodan + Fields goodies!  Sure enough, i was in for a real treat!  While i liked all the products i received, there were a few i fell in love with immediately which I'll highlight for you today!  Lets go back to the Redefine Night Renewing Serum Capsules.  Sampling these again quickly reminded me of why i fell in love with them in the first place.  First, i like that they're a serum and not a cream.  They're much lighter in texture and my skin feels even and smooth upon application.  In the morning, i notice my skin feels hydrated, soft and ready to face the day!

Another product i fell instantly in love with is the Redefine Lip Renewing Serum!  Seriously, my devoted readers know that I'm a lip balm girl!  I love keeping my lips smooth and hydrated at all times!  There is no worse feeling then that of dry, flaky and achy lips!  Yuck!  Well, each peptide and antioxidant-rich Reverse Lip Renewing Capsule is all you need to keep your lips feeling their best!  Simply apply before bed and see just how uhhhh-mazing your pout feel in the morning!

For a while now, I've been in the market for a good toner.  The Reverse Skin Lightening Toner is the perfect vehicle for reviving dull, blotchy and discolored skin.  A few swipes of this stuff, and your skin will thank you over and over again!  This toner is a perfect new addition to my skincare routine!

So lets chat!  Have you tried any Rodan + Fields product?  Tell me about your experience!  For those of you who are new to the brand, which of these appeal to you most?

Thank you SO MUCH for reading!  Please VOTE FOR ME IN ALLURE'S BEAUTY BLOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARDS!   Every vote counts!  You can vote every day!  Also, to my international readers, you can easily do your part by clicking 'like' and 'tweet' on this link!  Your support means the world to me! XOXO Carla - FMM

Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Eye and Cheek Palette

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for cute packaging!  I'm certainly guilty of splurging on unnecessary items for the mere fact that they were irresistibly outfitted! Well, such was the case when i laid eyes on Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Eye and Cheek Palette!  Did i need a new palette?  Well, that depends!  While I'm very well stocked with all kinds of gorgeous makeup, this palette offered a plethora of reasons why it needed to be mine!  First, you know i love my multi-tasking products!  This palette covers eyes, cheeks and face all in one!  Second, it's compact and very portable!  Why carry any other bulky palette when this sleek gorgeousness is really all you need!  Third, it's very VERY pigmented making every single color totally usable and simply gorgeous!  Fourth, it offers a good variety of neutrals with a sprinkle of bolder shades to balance out the situation.  Fifth, it's sooooo cute!  Sixth... oh c'mon do i seriously need to go on?  Can you see why I'm so infatuated with this beauty?  I wish this palette was an actual accessory because i totally want to wear it!  It's THAT gorgeous!

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

Turquoise and Sparkle by Butter London

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!

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!

Check out Video 1 - Beauty on the Run- Quick Makeup

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

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!

Challenge 1 - Bold Lips are Everything...

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

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

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

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

Accidental Nail Art

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!