Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino Review ~ Starbucks Happy Hour!

My boyfriend and I are really obsessed with Caramel Frappuccinos so when we heard about the new Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frap that came out Friday, we were in line at 3pm to try one! ;)

So what's the verdict....?

IT'S AMAZING. 

So what is difference between a Caramel Frappuccino and a Ribbon Crunch you say? 

Well not too much ingredient wise, except the Caramel Ribbon Crunch is like a regular Caramel but on steroids. There's lots of extra caramel ribboned and swirled around on the inside. It's like when you ask for extra caramel on the bottom. On the whip cream they also add these crunchy little caramel-y Brown Sugar tasting sugar balls. 

In a nut-shell: It's sugar on top of sugar on top of sugar. :) Yum!

nom nom nom

It's definitely more indulgent than a regular Frapp and is something that should probably be enjoyed sparingly. Personally I won't be abandoning my regular Caramel Frappuccino for this, the Caramel Ribbon Crunch is much too decadent. My boyfriend on the other hand, has declared this his new drink of choice. :)

Not only is the new Frappuccino delicious but Starbucks is also featuring Starbucks Happy Hour all week long! One of my favorite times of the year! This year, from May 3 - 12 between 3pm and 5pm you can get half price Frapps so it's a perfect time to try something new or get your standby on the cheap.

We also shared a Green Tea Frapp for the heck of it! Boyfriend didn't like, he said it tasted like grass or wheat grass (I think he means green tea leaves ;) I love it though! yum! 

noms.

I will definitely be making a few more stops this week before Frappy hour is over. The only thing not to love? Timing. Why oh why do they do this right before Summer :( 

We need to petition Starbucks and ask them to move this til after Swimsuit season. Like the start of Fall. So perfect! And starting THIS Fall! ;)

What do you ladies think?

Tell us! Which Frappuccino flave' is your fave'?

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How to Tell if Your MAC Pigment is Fake ~ The 7 Signs of a Counterfeit MAC Pigment Cosmetic

I love Shopping online! I especially love shopping on sites like Amazon and eBay where it's easy to find a unique item or a great deal! Unfortunately on these websites there are a handful of sketchy sellers who are selling customers counterfeit or knockoffs largely against eBay's strict No Replica item policy.

As en eBay store holder it's not fun for me to admit these things as I love and promote eBay as much as possible, but there are certain measures we need to take to make sure we're dealing with legit sellers and avoiding getting swindled. Checking a seller's feedback for any history of complaints is a great start but it's not guaranteed and though most of the auctions are real items, replicas can fall through the cracks. My advice would be to completely stay away from high end cosmetics if you're absolutely not willing to take a chance, or to research how to spot replicas. 

Remember eBay will always back you up if do happen to receive a counterfeit item. They have a great Buyer protection policy. I will be posting more about how you can protect yourself and have the best shopping experience possible on eBay, soon. 

I purchased this fake MAC pigment for $10 on eBay so I could make a post to show you how to spot a MAC Pigment replica. As soon as I received the fake pigment in the mail, I opened a case against the seller and received my money back. Karmas a... :) 

Surprisingly enough this Seller has zero Negative feedbacks. The seller apologized profusely directly to my e-mail, avoiding communicating through eBay completely (using strange English) and sent back my money +$1. Hush money? :)

I went to go leave my Negative feedback after receiving my refund and it seems the seller has either deleted or their account has been suspended. Hopefully it has caught up with them.

I took my Pigment to a MAC store and interviewed a MAC employee. We compared product boxes and I was given some helpful insight to add to the list below. I hope this helps! 

________________________________________________

First check to see if your MAC Pigment has a name sticker on the top of the box. Most counterfeit MAC items don't include any name stickers. The maker of my counterfeit pigment must have been feeling extra crafty and put a name sticker on mine, though mine is still fake.

Number 1: No Name Sticker Means It Might Be Fake

Second check to see if your box's bar code is printed like the one above of if the bar code is printed on a sticker. A real MAC bar code should be on a sticker and attached to the bottom

Number 2: Printed Bar Code = Fake 

Every Pigment comes with a paper description inside the box. Check to see if your Paper says: Caution: The Following Shades Are Not To Be Used On The Lip Area: Teal. A real pigment description would say to not use Golden, Olive and Violet on the lip area. 

Number 3: If your description paper advises not to use Teal, the Pigment is Fake

Like Number 1, your Real MAC should include a name sticker on bottom. Most fakes will just have a number stamped. But like I mentioned, the maker of this fake was feeling extra generous with his labeling. 

Number 4: No Name Sticker On Bottle Bottom = Fake

On the original MAC pigment, the M.A.C logo is a much thinner lettering. This replica's bottle lettering is more bold. 

Number 5: Bold Logo = Fake

Real MAC pigments should have a flat lid that covers over the top of the inside of your pigment. Fake MAC pigments will most likely have a spout type dispenser like in the photo above. FAKE FAKE FAKE :( 

Number 6: Spout dispenser = Fake

If your MAC pigment has a repulsive or strong smell it's likely to be fake. Most MAC pigments have a mild to little scent. This fake has a very pungent plasticy, chemically smell. It smells like a mixture of nail polish and that Nickelodeon play-Gak stuff, hehe! 

Gross, Gross, Gross!

Number 7: Strong Smell Probably = Fake

Most importantly, this pigment is terrible quality. It goes on like dust, the pigment is very non-pigment like and it washes away so easily. No staying power whatsoever. 

People often debate the safeness of using these replica cosmetics. Some will argue that Makeup is Makeup and some will argue that these brands are not regulated and may contain horribly toxic ingredients. Personally I'm not willing to take the chance because I have sensitive skin and allergies as it is. The only replica cosmetic I will use are the brushes. I don't have any replica MAC brushes but I do have some non-branded MAC like brushes out of China that I am satisfied with. 

There are a few other ways to spot fake items, some more obvious than others, like the price, for $10, I already knew this was a fake. If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Don't purchase from a Stock images. Ask for more photos. Don't forget to check feedback as well! 

I hope this helps you on your next online adventure! 

Thanks for reading! 

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Vegan Taco Dip ~ Healthy Mexican Sides & Dips ~ Perfect for Cinco De Mayo ~ Fiesta!

I Can't Believe It's Vegan! Taco Dip 

Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

1 - 12 oz container Vegan sour cream (Tofutti brand is delicious!)

3/4 Packet Vegan low-sodium taco season mix

1 ripe avocado, mashed

1 cup black olives, chopped

3 stalks green onion, diced

1 cup chopped tomatoes, Pico De Gallo, or our try Garden Salsa Recipe!

1 package Vegan meat crumbles (about 1 pound)

Directions:

Prepare refried beans by heating on stove. While beans are heating, in a separate pan add frozen meat crumbles in into 1/4 cup water or olive oil. Cook according to package directions. Add Taco Season into cooked meat crumbles and stir. (Don't be afraid to get happy with the Taco mix, it's the season that really is needed to give the crumbles an authentic taco meat flavor. It makes the dish!)

In a serving tray or in individual bowls spread bottom layer of refried beans. Next add a layer of meat crumbles, sour cream, avocado, chopped tomatoes or fresh salsa, black olives, green onions, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Delish!

Whole Foods makes some wonderful freshly made tortilla chips that are hardy and great for thick dips! You can find them in their Bakery department and like always, Whole Foods uses quality ingredients. These chips are so good warmed and they don't contain any animal derived ingredients. :)

Enjoy!

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60 Ways to Make Your Marriage or Relationship Rock! A His, Hers & Together List ~ Great Tips!

Here is a great list that is being passed around on Facebook! The Author is 'Brandy' so thank you Brandy for these great tips! A Great relationship is built on a foundation of love and respect, but there are a few more things you can do to take your relationship to the next level. :)

60 Ways to Make Your Marriage/Relationship Rock!

1. Always love each other, even when it's hard to
2. Never go to bed angry.
3. Go on regular date nights
4. Hide notes in secret places
5. Go to bed at the same time
6. Listen to music together-share ear-buds
7. Buy him gifts he will love (see our Gift Guide for Him for ideas!)
8. Revitalize the romance with intimate dates
9. Wear shirts that tell the world you love your spouse
10. Praise your spouse to other people
11. Read a marriage devotional
12. Sleep in his t-shirts
13. Renew your vows privately with whispers and memories
14. Renew them publicly with cake and bubbly
15. Go away together at least once a year

For Women Only
16. Hang pictures of the two of you around your house
17. Make his favorite dessert
18. Make sex a priority
19. Spend time apart occasionally
20. Learn to enjoy something he loves
21. Surprise each other
22. Meet him at the door
23. Text each other from across the room
24. Set reminders on your phone to remember him/her throughout the week
25. Call him right now and tell him you appreciate him

For Men Only
26. Leave work on time and come home early
27. Engage every day in meaningful conversation
28. Compliment each other
29. Take one day a month to make your spouse your total focus
30. Argue fair: avoid these words “you always” and “you never”
31. Kiss every day
32. Find tangible ways to serve your mate without complaining
33. Forgive quickly
34. Be honest.
35. Get on the same page: plan your budget together
36. Look your best as often as you can
37. Guard your marriage
38. Laugh together
39. When you are together-BE TOGETHER (take a break from phones, technology, etc)
40. Tell her she’s pretty, especially when she’s not feeling it

Both
41. Make each other breakfast in bed
42.  Offer to lend a hand in each others Chores
44. Get a couple’s massage or host your own privately
44. Dance together-soft music (both of you alone) or rocking music with the kids
45. Exercise together- hikes, bike riding, etc
46. Choose not to be annoyed by an irritating behavior/disappointment from your spouse
47. Thank your spouse often even for the least reason or gesture
48. Lay in bed together and stare into each other eyes, without talking
49. Learn something new together-take an art class, cooking lessons, etc
50. Leave a sweet comment on the Facebook wall
51. Support each other’s goals
52. Bring her flowers/gifts or him a special dinner (even when she/he says they are too expensive)
53. Wear something your spouse loves
54. Share furniture-sit in his lap
55. Fight for your marriage
56. Make a point to eat dinner together most days of the week.
57. Never let your spouse feel like they come second place to your career or any other thing.
58. Talk about your dreams and aspirations. Be supportive of each other and dream big together!
59. Maintain a united front as your motto: Meaning- “Me and you against the world.
60. Speak well of your spouse.

To a Great Relationship!

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Victoria's Secret Midnight Glamour Temptation Lip Pallete Review & Swatches ~ Pretty!

Happy Sunday Angel Beauties ;)

Today we're talking about one of my favorite Beauty items from Victoria's Secret, Midnight Glamour! Although the Victoria's Secret Midnight Glamour collection has been out for a few years, I love this line so much I wanted to do a few reviews on them. :)

I'm not sure if they still sell the collection in stores, but I have been finding them on eBay for a great price. They are regularly $18 in store but on eBay they have them for around $10.

The Midnight Glamour Beauty line features a beautiful Eyeshadow Palette, Lip Palette, Blush, Hypergloss Eye Shimmer, and Nail polish. I have all of the items minus the blush so I can't speak for that one, but all of the others are great quality and the colors are so pretty! I especially love the eyshadow palette, I use it everyday and the Silver Hypergloss Eye Shimmer. I will be sure to review those soon as well. :)

Midnight Glamour Lip Palette in Temptation

First thing I love about this Palette, and the entire collection really, is the packaging! Everything from the box to the palette itself is just gorgeous! The outer casing is like a multi-faceted jewel. I do believe that is the biggest selling point for these items. Lust at first sight ;)

I love to carry it in my purse or keep it on my vanity. So sexy! 

The colors inside are really pretty as well. It comes with a sparkly clear gloss, a nude gloss, a berry gloss and a dark plum colored gloss. The pigment is easily light or very dark depending on how much you want to build. 

This cute lil' palette comes with a compact Lip Brush and though the brush isn't great, it will get the job done. Definitely better than using your fingers if you're on the go. 

The Shades:

Swatches under Natural Light:

Kissys:

(Sorry I am by no means a good lip model ;)

this one made me lips look hugeamungous, eek. Love the color though!

and of course Clear but you get the idea ;)

The lipgloss itself has moderate lasting power. The Clear gloss isn't nothing to get excited about. It's average with some shimmer. The texture of the clear is very sticky and the nude gloss is a little sticky which isn't great but it does feel hydrating. The Berry & Plum colors are like a hydrating lip stain. They're more smooth textured, not sticky. The colors look very natural with a hint of shine! Love!

Here is the entire collection:

If you're interested in picking one up I'd definitely suggest checking eBay! I will post a link to eBay here and  Amazon here bearing Midnight Glamour Search results! 

I hope you enjoyed the review! :)

XO. 

:)

Tell us! Have you tried any of  the Victoria's Secret Midnight Glamour beauties?

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The Best Garden Salsa You'll Ever Make Recipe ~ Healthy, Delicious, Low-Cal, Vegetarian

The Best Garden Salsa You'll Ever Make Recipe

(Makes about 6 Cups)

When you live in Arizona, knowing how to make an excellent Salsa is a must! We are Mexican food lovers and eat delicious fresh and Baja style Mexican food many times per week! Our family calls this our "secret recipe", it's been in our family for years. (Although it's not much of a secret we are always sharing this recipe with friends whenever we get a chance! :) Try it!, I think you'll love it! We prepare it for nearly every family party or gathering we have. If you're looking for heat this wouldn't be the ideal recipe, but if you're looking for a seriously tasty tortilla topper or side, this is it! This delicious chunky Garden style salsa recipe is really fresh and is sure to please. It's very simple to make and won't disappoint!

Ingredients:

3 14.5oz Cans Hunt's Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic (Hunts brand is a must)
1 4 oz can diced/chopped green chilies, drained
1 4oz can diced/chopped jalapenos, drained (strain seeds for very mild salsa)
1/4 bunch Cilantro, chopped
1/2 bunch green onions chopped,
1 Medium white onion, diced
1 clove garlic minced
Large pinch of Cumin
Squeeze of Lime & Lemon juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large bowl, pour in all 3 cans of tomatoes. Add the garlic, chilies, jalapenos, onion, green onions, and cilantro and stir. Add dash of cumin, lemon or lime juice and salt and pepper to taste and stir. Enjoy immediately or cover and refrigerate.

Tip: Let the salsa refrigerate so the ingredients can marinate. It tastes even better the next day! Each half cup of Salsa only contains about 35 calories, plus you're getting a great serving of raw veggies, onions and garlic. So healthy! If you happen to make this recipe, I'd love to know what you think! :)

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PAC SUN 75% Off Special Clearance ~ Adorable Items! Get Them Here Before They're Gone!

Pac Sun is having a great Sale: Additional 75% Off Clearance Item and FREE shipping on ANY amount! Amazing!

To Find:

 Click the Pac Sun Banner or Link Below & Follow to the SALE section under Clearance!

Visit PacSun.com (Opens in New Window)

I had to get this gorgeous jacket for only $24! Regular $99. ♥

Billabong Mad Luv Jacket

Click Below to Visit 

I've been eyeing this Roxy Sweater all last season but for $63 I didn't bite, now $19! Fall will be here before you know it!

Click Below to Visit 

Jeggings & Jeans starting at $9!

Click Below to Visit 

They also have some summer friendly tanks on clearance, so cute ♥

$6!!!!

Click Below to Visit 

Surfing Gansta, Love this top :) $7

Click Below to Visit 

Roxy Best of Tank 

Click Below to Visit 

Hurry and get over there before all the cute stuff is gone! ALSO if you're buying something that is NOT on clearance I have a nifty Promo code for you ladies ♥

Use BACK313 or 15FORYOU to save 15%!! Only works on Non-Clearance items!

Happy Shopping! :)

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