HAUL: LUSH, Forever 21, Christmas Tree Shops

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars

 photo: thesweettalker.blogspot.com

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup margarine (or butter), softened
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C ). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together peanut butter and margarine.
3. Gradually blend in the brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla; mix until fluffy.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture until well blended. 
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in preheated oven, or until the top springs back when touched.
7. Cool, and cut into squares

Source: http://thesweettalker.blogspot.com/2012/06/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-blondie.html

The Taste: Tuesday at 8|7c on ABC

 

The Taste season begins with blind auditions of both professional and amateur cooks during which four judges, who double as mentors, taste one spoonful of food from each contestant prior to knowing who cooked it or what all the ingredients are. Each judge decides whether or not they would like the contestant on his or her team by pressing a button (green for yes or red for no); the buttons are hidden from the other judges (although some decisions are revealed to the home audience). The four then meet the contestant and press a button to reveal their votes. If exactly one judge votes yes, that contestant automatically joins that judge's four-member team. If more than one judge votes yes, the contestant chooses among them.
Once the 16 contestants are chosen, each episode consists of team and individual challenges with various themes.  Each episode ends with the mentors tasting all the competitors' dishes without knowing what it is, how it was prepared, who created it, or whom they will be eliminating. The contestant with the worst bite of food is eliminated from the competition.

There are a number of cooking show contests out there such as "Masterchef" and "Hell's Kitchen".  This one is a tad different and although it was met with lukewarm reviews it may have potential.  Personally I will be watching it until I can get a better take on if it is going to hold my attention.  I suggest you check it out so you can see if you will enjoy it as well. 

Here is the most recent episode of The Taste here:  http://abc.tv/Z3jimp
Check it out!!

 

BEAUTY ARMY CUSTOMER SERVICE FALLS FAR SHORT!!

 

I signed up for Beauty Army as well as several other beauty sample programs.  Last month they enticed their members to not skip that month by telling us they would give us a extra 7th item! This item was a full size mascara. I didn't skip the month although I was going to and thought okay.. free mascara.. cool!  Unfortunately mine was not included in my box.  I contacted customer service and they promised they would send it out in my next box.. Now, a month later, my box is on the way WITHOUT my mascara.  I again contacted their service department asking if they can just send it in an envelope.  They said they didn't have any there at their headquarters and their warehouse that sends out their samples is HOURS away.  What kind of crappy excuse is that?  So, if you have a missing sample they will tell you they will send it the next month.. so you can't skip the month because that is the way you can get the product THEY failed to send.  I will be canceling this subscription.  Their customer service really is lacking.  I have never heard of a company not making things right even after they ADMITTED that it was their error.  They are trying to make me, the customer, keep getting the box by promising something they refuse to deliver.  I hope this hasn't happened to other people.  I felt that I should blog about this issue in hopes that it will make people aware that if you are missing a sample, tough luck.. They won't be helping you.

 

VIDEO OF THE DAY!!

Emily is one of the BEST Beauty Gurus on YouTube.  Her Tutorials are awesome!!  She takes you step by step through the process and gives complete details on how to apply makeup and blend it properly.  Take a look at the tutorial she posted today.. She used all Wet and Wild products and the outcome is simply amazing!!  What a beautiful girl! Thanks Emily!

GLOSSYBOX SEPTEMBER!!!

One of my favorite monthly sample box programs by far is definately Glossybox!!  This month I feel they really out did themselves!  Above is a photo of what came in everyones boxes.  Everyone got the same thing with the exception of some members got the OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel while others received the Cleansing Spa Water (which is what I recieved)   Below I am posting a description of the September Glossybox theme as well as a description of each item we  received.  I will then post a link to where you can sign up for your own Glossybox, available in several countries I might add, should you wish to try this great sample program. 

GLOSSYBOX September Edition - Fall Forward

From the fall fashion runways to the season’s latest beauty trends, GLOSSYBOX offers a forward look into new products, formulas, technologies and colors of the season. This month, we celebrate beauty’s breakthrough products and offer a mixed set of “forward thinking” essentials. From an elite shine controlling matte-maker and a one-step spa treatment that enriches the skin, to a power packed smoothing system to tame tresses and a natural lip refresher with a kiss of color. All this paired with the ultimate multi-tasking miracle for the face, this month’s cache of luxuries will keep you beautiful and current!



Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++

I think all will agree the biggest most loved product we got this month was the Missha BB cream.  We did get a full size one which more than paid for the Glossybox!.  Everyone wants to try the bb creams because they are suppose to be the best thing on the market to even out your skin tone and to brighten up your face.

Blemish Balm, also known as BB Cream, is shaking up the American beauty scene as the key to perfect-looking skin. Developed by Missha, one of Korea’s original BB cream creators, this product provides light coverage, soothes, protects, and moisturizes. Use as a light foundation or as the first step in your make up application.  29.99 $ / 50ml (Original size)



Kryolan made for Glossybox (Glossy Pink)

Kryolan, a trusted brand in the professional make up sector, has developed an exclusive moisture rich lipstick just for GLOSSYBOX! With this "Pro" approved lipstick, your lips will feel soft and velvety with a luminous, long-lasting color.

Apply the lipstick directly on your lips or dap the lipstick with your finger and push into the lip for a more natural look.  $14.00 / .14 oz (Original size)



GKhair Moisturizing Shampoo

World-renowned hair care line, GKhair is committed to moisturizing, purifying and protecting your tresses. The first line of defense starts with this superior smoothing shampoo that invigorates your hair with moisture while purifying from roots to ends. This shampoo, nourished with plant extracts, leaves hair hydrated, soft and shiny after every wash.

It is also free of sodium chloride and harsh sulfates which can strip hair of it’s vital keratin. Suitable for all hair types.  $20.00 / 10.1 fl oz (Original size)





GKhair Moisturizing Conditioner

World-renowned hair care line, GKhair is committed to providing long-term conditioning and protection to your hair. After using GKhair Moisturizing Shampoo, complete your experience with GKhair Moisturizing Conditioner, enriched with Juvexin, natural seed oils and plant extract. Your hair will thank you for leaving it manageable, soft, sleek and more protected than ever. 

$20.00 / 10.1 fl oz (Original size)

OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel

This revolutionary lightweight Professional Mattifying Gel is clinically proven to provide 8 hours of incredible long lasting shine control while giving you that just applied make up look. OC8’s Professional Mattifiying Gel contains ACRYSORB® micro particles which are specifically designed with co-polymer technology that permanently traps 6X their own volume in oil on the skin. 

Stay picture perfect with this mattifying gel that will never clog your pores or leave you with a sticky residue.

Gently cleanse and dry your skin. Next, apply a thin layer of the gel (a little goes a long way!) and massage into your skin in a light circular motion. For best results apply the mattifying gel after moisturizers and sunscreens, but prior to oil-free makeup. To reapply without disturbing make up, squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertips, rub together and then pat onto face.

$30.00 / 1.6oz - 45g (Original size)

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water

From the Yumura Hot Springs in Izumo, Japan, comes pure water, the essence of Koh Gen Do’s Cleansing Spa Water. This make up remover, rich in nutrients and herbs, replenishes and rejuvenates as it gently cleanses even the most sensitive skin. The heavily coveted White Birch Sap ingredient, harvested only three weeks in the year, contributes an abundance of minerals as it lifts off makeup, oils and residue. Enjoy the luxury of this make up remover infused with six essential herbs to protect and nurture skin:

-Rosemary Leaf Extract
-Sage Leaf Extract
-Lavender Extract
-Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
-Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
-Ginger Root Extract

No washing or rinsing required! Oil-free, alcohol-free and safe for contact lens wearers. Does it get easier than this? Enjoy!

$13.00 / 10.15 fl oz - 300 ml (Original size)
If you would like to sign up for your own Glossybox here is the following link:  http://www.glossybox.com   If you would like a personal invite from me (which does give me glossydot points) please email me at cherilynn8@hotmail.com and I will be thrilled to send you the invitation with my member information so they know who sent ya!! 

Favorite YouTube Video of the Day!!!

Take a look at this eye tutorial called "Autumn Smoke" by Kait!  I follow her channel on YouTube and I think this look is just so pretty! It would look great on anyone.  She lists all the products she used in the down bar in case you would like to try this look as well.  If you are interested in makeup and all things beauty you may want to subscribe to her too!