Moonstruck in Jersey's Blog

August 25, 2012

Simple and Elegant Baby Artichokes

Filed under: Recipes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:58 AM

from the bestfoodblog.com

It’s so much easier to make artichokes than you would think. I never tried them before now because I always thought that it was too labor intensive and that is just not my thing. I like things to be easy. But how long can you go with easy. Sometimes you need to try something new and I suggest you try this!
Whether you use the baby or the regular size artichokes it’s only a few simple steps to a crowd pleasing appetizer or an attention steeling side dish. And not only is it delicious, but artichokes are very healthy. They have more antioxidants than any other veg, and tons of fiber!
Here is the way I did them:
Start by pre-heating your oven to 375 degrees.
Next get a bowl and fill it with water and lemon juice. As you clean the chokes you will put them in the water to keep them for turning brown.
Then start to clean and trim your artichokes. You do this by peeling away the leaves until you get to the middle. The middle is where the leaves are soft and yellow. Then you cut the top off and trim and peel the stem. Yeah, most of the choke is gone now, but the part you tossed away doesn’t have much use unless you were going to stuff it.
As you clean then drop them in the water.
When you have them all cleaned, dry them off and spread them out on a baking sheet or a roasting pan. Next you have to season them. You have endless options on how to season them, but I went simple. I drizzled them with oilve oil, salt, pepper, diced garlic, and a little chopped parsley.
                                
When seasoned to your liking, stick them in the oven for about 30 minutes. Checking them occasionally and toss them as needed.

As you may know, P2 is dairy free, but one thing I would do if he was not eating with me is add a little Romano Cheese in the last few minutes of roasting. Otherwise, these things are like potato chips. Bet you can’t eat just one!

XOXO – P

August 24, 2012

Dior 5 Couleurs Designer Eyeshadow

Filed under: Makeup — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:48 AM

I saw a Dior advertisement in a magazine the other day for a new 5 Couleurs, Khaki Designer, I instantly fell in love and had to have it for the Fall.

From: http://www.dior.com – $59.00

What it is:

A sleek compact containing five expertly coordinated shades for the ultimate modern eye.

What it does:

Dior re-invents the classic 5-Colour Eyeshadow with new formulas and shades! These versatile palettes can easily create a range of customized looks for day and night. The incredibly soft, melting texture glides over the eyelid, creating a smudgeproof application. The highly pigmented formula creates an ultra-graphic look that’s buildable in color intensity.

Five different textures have been brought together in a single case to create eyeshadow styles through layering.

  • 1-BASE light
  • 2-COLOR iridescent
  • 3-SHADE satin
  • 4-SHINE pearlescent
  • 5-LINER matte

My Take:

Khaki Designer has a dark grayish green, a sheer glittering green, olive, cream shimmer and matte black cream liner. It is a beautiful configuration of colors.

The colors are like velvet and go on very smoothly, no tugging of delicate skin, whether you use your finger or a brush. They last all day without fading and without creasing when used with a primer. The 4 colors are workable and can be used to created multiple looks from a sheer wash that builds to my favorite, the smoky eye. I love the eyeliner’s matte finish. I usually wear a gel eyeliner and the blackest black. This is a completely different look and feel for me and the best part, it lasts all day long without fading. This particular 5 Couleur was launched for Fall 2012, but it is a classic that can be worn at any time of the year no matter what is trending. The compact is elegant and sophisticated, but that is Dior.

All in all – fabulous, fabulous, fabulous.  You will find that it is a great addition to your beauty bag.

Peace

 

August 23, 2012

Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss

Filed under: Makeup,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:55 AM

From:   http://www.urbandecay.com– $19.00

What it is:

A decadent lip gloss (with a delicious vanilla-mint flavor!) that allows you to get hooked on the shine, without the sticky hangover.

What it does:
You want a super-shiny gloss, but can’t stand the sticky texture? Get your shine fix with Lip Junkie. The soft, cushiony texture goes on smoothly and stays put longer than other glosses. You also get a great color pay-out (sometimes hard to find in a gloss) and a range of amazing shades, including sheer, pretty neutrals, knockout brights, and a glimmering nearly black.

Quick Take:

This is my second UD purchase and this gloss is awesome.

I purchased Red Light as I am always drawn to the reds.  It glides on to the lips with no tugging as it does not have a sticky, thick texture and you hair will not get caught up in it.  It smells amazing and tastes minty.

The color is beautifully sheer and shiny and made my lips look like my lips, but better and plumper.  Just a very flattering and moisturizing formula.  This gloss lasts much longer then I anticipated and it does not migrate to the corners of the mouth.  A big plus in my book.

I intend on going back for another color and perhaps try another product as I am really liking the line.

Peace

August 21, 2012

The Q

Filed under: Beauty — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:39 AM

You almost always see http://www.qvc.com in my posts.  I don’t watch QVC 24 hours a day, but I do check .com quite often.  The Q has one of the best beauty departments around.  Many, many high end quality products.

Many companies introduce new products on the Q and you can purchase only there for a specific time period, but it is not only about brands of skincare, makeup and tools.  It’s about the configuration of products that vendors offer only for Q customers.  This usually means a less then retail price tag, which is a great way to try pricey items.

On many of these more expensive items QVC offers easy payments which means you can take anywhere between 2 to 5 months, depending on their offer,  to make equal monthly payments instead of paying at one time.  Like lay-a-way except you already have the product.

The best thing is the 30 day return policy on absolutely anything you purchase even if, for example, the jar of moisturizer is completely empty.  Once September arrives, you have until January 31st to return your purchases.  QVC’s way of making holiday shopping more convenient. On some products they offer 60 days or 90 days to make the return if necessary.

QVC makes trying new beauty products easy because f you don’t like it, return it.  No questions asked.

Quality Value Convenience

Check it out.

Peace

August 20, 2012

Maybelline Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss

Filed under: Beauty,Quick Takes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:29 AM

Kept seeing this advertised in style magazines and I was intrigued, so decided to give it a try.  Nice price compared to department store brands.

From:  http://www.ulta.com  – $8.99

Description

Meet the first-ever stain gloss. Maybelline’s Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss stays vibrant & shiny, yet transparent, and won’t fade. The weightless formula glides on wet & smooth, and feels fresh & fabulous all day.

  • 10 hour wear
  • Vibrant color & lasting shine
  • Weightless feel

Quick Take

I love a great gloss and one with staying power is even better and I enjoy using my collection, but this gloss will not be part of it.

Horrible, horrible, horrible.

This gloss smells like a sick-y sweet gum and tastes nasty.  It is sticky, tacky and not very shiny.  It stains here and there, but not the whole lip. I applied, and it took a while to dry down and it dried spotty and felt like it pulled every drop of moisture from my lips. Had a coffee and it was time to reapply.  It was that way the whole day.  If I got an hour out of it, that was a long time.

I purchased Ruby Indulgence because I always love a red and the color was very pretty.  The only other positive thing I can say was that I liked the shape of the applicator.

This gloss isn’t even something I will put in my “give away” bag.  The bargain was not a bargain.

Peace

August 19, 2012

Use Your Sunscreen

Filed under: Health — moonstruckinjersey @ 9:04 AM

Argan Sun Protection For Body SPF 30+ by Josie Maran

From:  http://www.sephora.com – $24.00, 4 oz

Ingredients

-Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide: Provide full spectrum sun protection against UVA/UVB rays.

-Argan Oil: Replenishes and repairs skin cells.
-Green Tea Leaf Extract: Nourishes the skin.

Argania Spinosa Kernal (Argan) Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Natural Vegetable Glycerin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl (Octyl) Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Bean) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Sclerotium Gum, Arachidyl Glucoside, Polysorbate-60, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5).

What it is:

An all-natural sunscreen with SPF 30 and UVA/UVB protection.

What it is formulated to do:
This daily-wear sunscreen for the body protects sensitive skin from the sun. Natural sunscreen ingredients provide protection levels superior to standard chemical-laden formulations. Infused with argan oil, this formula protects the skin as it repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Synthetic Dyes
– Petrochemicals
– Phthalates
– GMOs
– Triclosan

Suggested Usage:

-Apply evenly 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
-Reapply after swimming, towel drying, or extended sun exposure.
-Created specifically for those who cannot tolerate fragrance.
-May be used daily.

My Take

I hate, hate, hate sunscreen.  It is sticky and greasy and heavy and white and sits on the skin and feels like you need you take a shower and smells disgusting.  I feel like I have tried every brand imaginable be it drug store brands or department store brands.  The problem is I need to wear it.  I have melanoma and once was enough, but even without that diagnosis, we all need to wear sunscreen.

This was a find for me as I was not particularly looking for this type product, but the fact that it is natural gave me the push to try it.  I love it!

Not sticky, not greasy, not smelly, goes on smoothly and absorbs well without the awful tell tale white.  Has a very light scent that dissipates quickly.

This is how I use it.  Apply body lotion and let dry for a minute or two.  Apply Argan Sun and by the time you have decided what you are wearing it is dry and clothes will just glide onto the body.  Will not stain even the lightest colored clothing.

This is a keeper.

StriVectin-SH Age Protect SPF30/PA+++

From:  http://www.sephora.com – $49.00, 2 oz

-Patented NIA-114: Niacin: Rebuilds skin’s protective & moisture barrier, increasing natural protection against the sun.

-UVA/UVB Shields: Homosalate, Octisalate, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, and Benzophenone: Protect against UVA (aging) & UVB (burning) rays that cause photoaging.
-Botanicals: Blueberry, Bearberry and Gogi Berry: Protect against free radicals.
-Vitamins: Vitamin B5 (panthenol) and E: Revitalize and condition skin.

Water (Aqua/Eau), Homosalate,Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Myristyl Nicotinate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Nylon-12, Glycereth-26, Benzophenone-3, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Panthenol, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 80,Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Isopropyl Myristate, Methyldihydrojasmonate, 2- Isobutyl-4-Methyltetrahydro-2H-Pyran-4-ol, Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Methyl-Alpha-Ionone, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract.

What it is:

A moisturizing sunscreen that helps to reverse signs of aging while preventing future damage.

What it is formulated to do:
This daily treatment moisturizer delivers StriVectin’s patented wrinkle fighting ingredient NIA-114, plus broad spectrum protection from the sun’s UVB (SPF 30) and UVA (PA +++) rays. Its sheer, non-whitening texture is ideal for layering over StriVectin-SD.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Synthetic Dyes
– Petrochemicals

Suggested Usage:

-For use a daily moisturizer, apply a dime sized amount in the morning on cleansed face and neck over StriVectin-SD.
-Reapply as needed or after towel drying, swimming or perspiring.
-Instantly absorbs into the skin with a soft, matte finish.

Precautions:
-StriVectin-SD products were extensively tested for skin tolerability, efficacy and were proven to be non-comedogenic.
-A key ingredient of this product, NIA-114? by its nature helps to boost cell turnover. You may feel warmth or see a blush upon first application. This means that StriVectin-SD’s NIA-114? helps to strengthen the epidermic barrier.
-While some customers experience products differently than others, more sensitive skin often requires 7 to 10 days of adjustment. If skin changes behavior in that time, consider an alternative application routine: slowly add products every other day with a light application, gradually increasing use until the full regimen is incorporated over 10 days.

My Take

I never put sunscreen on my face, figured that they were just as bad as all the SPF for the body I had tried.  Beside, I figured I got a little with what ever makeup I was using.  My new favorite makeup does not have an SPF, but I still wasn’t planning on adding it to my skincare routine.  I knew I should, but…..yuck.

My favorite skincare line is StriVectin and I am faithful to the brand because it works for me and the products I use are well under $100.00.  I went to repurchase a few products and the StriVectin representative introduced me to Age Protect.

I now use this as my morning moisturizer and SPF.  It is not greasy or heavy, smells nice, absorbs quickly, no white residue and a little goes a long way.  Best of all my makeup stays put all day long and I get intensive sun protection.

Use this as your moisturizer and don’t forget your neck.  Apply your primer and then makeup – absolutely no change in your routine.  And here is a little tip the

SriVectin rep gave me.  If you forget to put it on and now have your makeup in place – no problem.  Put some Age Protect on your finger tips, rub hands together and press into face and neck.  It does not disturb your makeup and you are protected.  I tried it and it worked beautifully!

For me, this is a keeper.  Never thought I would willing pay money for an SPF for my face….until now.

Peace

August 18, 2012

Sparkling Rosé Sangria

Filed under: Recipes — moonstruckinjersey @ 8:49 AM
Tags: ,

From thebestfoodblog.com.

Here is an AMAZING Rosé Sangria from Botella & Co. that I had to share. It promises to make any summer afternoon a little more special!

10 green grapes, halved

4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 peach, pitted and sliced

1 bottle (750 milliliters) of prosecco (Tutela is one of my favorites)

1/2 bottle of vihno verde rose Casal Garcia

1/2 cups white grape juice

1/2 cup brandy

2 sprigs fresh mint

Fill a large glass pitcher halfway with ice; add fruit. Tilt pitcher and pour the prosecco very slowly down side (to preserve bubbles). Add juice, vinho verde rose and liquor; stir gently. Stir in mint.

This festive bubbly cocktail offers the antioxidant resveratrol, which may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Cheers…

I can not wait to try it!

Big thanks to Alessandro @ Botella & Co for sharing!

Happy summer everyone!

XOXO – P

August 17, 2012

Naked Skin

Filed under: Makeup — moonstruckinjersey @ 7:51 AM

Who isn’t always on the hunt for the perfect foundation?  I am one of those people who absolutely hates the feel of makeup on my skin and I have spent way too much money trying to find something that not only feels good, but looks good.

Every once in a while I would find a foundation that I thought was it, but as time passed, it just didn’t work.  Another short term find – powders, compact foundations and liquid foundations – in the give away bag.

I found Naked Skin by Urban Decay by accident while looking for something else at Sephora, so I decided to give it a try.

There are many shades available so you should have no problem matching your skin tone.  I have a light olive toned complexion and I purchased 4.5 which is a medium-light shade, beige with rose undertones and it is perfect.

From http://www.sephora.com – $38.00

What it is:
A weightless and virtually invisible liquid foundation that creates a luminous, demi-matte finish.

What it does:
This formula helps skin achieve a natural, illuminated and bright finish— like the beautiful skin you were born with. Naked Skin is formulated with light-diffusing spheres, transforming you to look professionally retouched. Buildable coverage allows women to customize their look.

It is also peptide infused.

My Experience

Naked Skin has a very thin texture so make sure you shake the bottle well.  I find that 1/2 pump is more then enough for me.  My fingers are my best tools and this goes on very easily without having to tug and pull at the skin. Occasionally, I will apply and buff with a brush.  It is a beautiful semi-matte finish no matter how you choose to apply.  Best of all, you do not feel it –  really is weightless.

I found that it did even out the skin tone and gave my skin a glow and to my eye, it didn’t look like I had foundation on.  So many foundations claim to do this, and do, but 4 hours later the skin looks blotchy.  Did not happen with Naked Skin.  It not only evened out the tone, but covered the redness around my nose and lasted all day and into the evening – even in the 100 degree temps and high humidity that this Summer is throwing at us.

One thing to note, there is no sunscreen in this foundation; so please, after you moisturize, put your own sunscreen for the face on and once that dries, put on Naked Skin.

The other day I was at the Dior counter purchasing a little goody for the Fall.  The woman who was helping me kept staring at me to the point that I started to feel uncomfortable.  I thought there was something wrong and she just didn’t know how to tell me.

Finally, she said “your skin is beautiful”.  That is so much nicer to hear then ‘what makeup are you wearing?’.

A big recommend for everyone.  You get semi-matte, flawless coverage, glow-y skin that lasts all day and people trying to figure out why your skin looks so good.

Who doesn’t like that?

Peace

http://www.urbandecay.com

August 16, 2012

My Name is Linda……

Filed under: Musings — moonstruckinjersey @ 7:07 AM
Tags:

…..and I am a beauty addict.

I read someone’s blog the other day and she said that she kept lists of all the products she hoped to try (purchase) and she wanted to know if that was weird?

I am sorry that I don’t remember the specific blog, but if you happen to see this I want you to know that, no, I do not think it is strange.

I used to keep a written list when Day Runners were in vogue.  Now I have a decorative box filled with glossy pages torn from style magazines with pictures of all kinds of beauty and skincare products ( and clothes) that I want to try.  I also use my iPhone to take pictures of anything that catches my eye when I am out.

I like to click around http://www.sephora.com and I also check in on http://www.qvc.com routinely to check on what’s new as they have one of the best skincare and makeup departments around.  We are not speaking about drug store brands.

Although, you can find some very nice products in your local drugstore.

Oh, and I never trash New Beauty magazines.

Now, I am fully aware that there is no way I could ever afford to purchase all these things, but it is fun to dream.  In the meantime, I choose wisely.

I said I was addicted.

Peace

Found the blog I was reading: http://mybeautyaddictions.com

August 15, 2012

Argan Oil

Filed under: Skincare — moonstruckinjersey @ 7:12 AM
Tags: , ,

I have been using oil on my skin for years.  I started with an oil from Decleor that I found in Sephora over 12 years ago and I was hooked when I saw how my skin responded.  When Argan Oil was introduced I tried a travel size bottle and knew that we would have a committed relationship.

From http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com – $48.00

What It Is

Argan Oil is an all-natural, 100% organic, chemical-free beauty marvel that really works. Produced from the Argan tree in semi-deserts of Morocco, Argan Oil has been used by Moroccan women for centuries for its nutritional and cosmetic benefits.

Commonly referred to as “liquid gold” or “The Gold of Morocco”, Argan Oil is an incredibly rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It has astonishing healing, conditioning and anti-aging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. Argan Oil is not only a “super food” for the skin and hair but for the whole body. Having twice as much Vitamin E as olive oil including vital antioxidants, Argan Oil plays a major role in a healthy diet and is commonly used in traditional Moroccan recipes.

What It Does

This multi-tasking beauty can be used to:

  1. Soften dry skin — Argan Oil’s naturally high concentration in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids work to alleviate dry skin and rough patches.
  2. Help minimize fine lines — Smooth Argan Oil over skin and under your eyes for intense moisture and to reduce appearance of fine lines.
  3. Help heal acne blemishes and scarring — With regular use, Argan Oil is widely reported to heal existing acne blemishes, prevent the occurrence of new breakouts and help reduce scarring.
  4. Soften cuticles — Massage a few drops of Argan Oil onto your cuticles to soften and condition.
  5. Treat split ends — Rub oil between your hands and smooth through hair to minimize fly-aways and treat split ends.
  6. Give skin a fresh, youthful look — Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow.
  7. And it’s safe enough for use on your baby — 100% pure, organic Argan Oil is safe enough to use on your baby’s delicate skin to help treat dryness and soothe redness. You can also smooth over your stomach during pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks.

I would add to this list.  We have a pug, Luciano, and pugs have facial folds.  If these folds are not kept clean they start to smell, and worse, become infected.  I use  Agran Oil on Luciano’s facial folds and it does a wonderful job of keeping the folds clean, moisturized and healthy.  Luciano actually likes his morning facial.

Also, a drop on a q-tip removes any makeup application mistake without having to start all over again.

I use multiple products from one skincare line, which I think is a little unusual given the amount of products available, but these products definitely work for me so I am faithful to the brand; however, on those evenings when I am too lazy or too tired to go through the whole routine, after cleansing, of applying serum, eye cream, face moisturizer and neck cream or in the mornings when I am feeling rushed………..I reach for Argan Oil and know that my skin will be protected and moisturized in one step.  The oil is not heavy or greasy, it absorbs instantly and foundation goes on beautifully.

In the Summer I often use it in place of my favorite serum, moisturizer and eye cream  during the day because, with the heat and humidity, I don’t like the feel of multiple products on my face.

You will find that it fits perfectly into whatever your skincare routine is and whatever product line you are using.  It is that versatile.  All you need is 2-3 drops on clean skin and you are all set.  Don’t forget the neck and decollete and use a dropper full when you get out of the shower on still damp skin as well.

Don’t be afraid to use oil on your skin.  It will balance your skin so it is perfect for all skin types.

Trying new things.  Have fun.

Peace

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