But Does It Really Work.....

It used to be once a year, but now it seems every other month Allure and Marie Claire magazines are coming out with the 'Best Of' issues.  Don't get me wrong, I love them!  But I also make it my mission to try as many of the products as I possible can.

One of those products is Nugg Face Mask's.  In particular, I tried the Exfoliating Mask.  It has Cranberry Seed Oil & Jojoba Beads.  It worked well.  You apply is to a dry face and massage in mini circles and then keep it on for 5 to 10 minutes.  I left it on a little longer (I was binging Walking Dead and lost track of time).  It left my skin feeling great, very clean and soft.  But the next day, after applying makeup, my skin felt a little greasy.  I am not sure how that happened, but I am shiny in areas.

I think I would give it another try.  Plus, they are super cute.  I love to buy them.  If you would like to order your own to try, click here    Let me know how they work on your skin.  I love sharing info!

XOXO   Kiki

The Rack is Back!

It is finally open!  Nordstrom Rack is officially in the Duke City, and it is everything!  If you love designer brands but don't have the funds to feed your addiction, this is the best news.  I was able to go into the store before anyone else and I immediately spotted about 10 things I just have to have.











The best part of this new addition to our city is that there is something for everyone.  I can go shopping with my husband and I know he is going to find something he loves.  No more bored husband standing by the door.  There are things to make your house a home, rows and rows of shoes, and even treats to bring home to your favorite furry friend.  











I know some people are saying, wait, what is a Nordstrom Rack?  It is the off-price division of Nordstrom.  They have a wide selection of on-trend clearance merchandise.  Brands like Kate Spade, Vince Camuto, Michael Kors.....at 30 to 70% off.

Now if the savings wasn't enough, they also offer on-site alterations, Nordstrom Rewards, and a cool Rack Stores App.  Honestly, they had me at designer brands.









Great deals on cosmetics, including the Clarisonic, which is a must have for anyone trying to keep their skins healthy and glowing.

Look at all these accessories for the home!  Throw pillows, bedding, and cozy blankets.  I bought a few of them, they make great Christmas presents.







Go and check Nordstrom Rack out today, located at Winrock Town Center in Albuquerque.  Share with us the great finds you bring home.  And remember, if you ever need a shopping partner, I am here for you.

To take a tour of the inside of the store, click here

XOXO   Kiki

Blue Man Group in Vegas

It is no surprise, I like to Vegas....A LOT.  On one of my recent trips with my husband, he really wanted me to go see Blue Man Group with him.  Honeybear (that is my hubby's nickname), had seen the show when they came to our hometown, and he was blown away.  So I said, Why Not?!

It was Fantastic!  It is one of those shows where you wish your head was able to pivot.  I didn't know where to look first, and I didn't want to miss a beat.  At one point, big blow up balls were bouncing around the audience.  I love when a show makes you a part of the fun.  And at the end, confetti!

When in Vegas with your kids who are under 21, it can be a little challenging to find a show everyone can enjoy.  Blue Man Group is one of the shows you know everyone will love.  There is comedy, mixed with music and tricks.  You get me with magic everytime.  I can't get enough of it, so BMG didn't let me down.

The Blue Man Group show, which performs nightly, with double performance on certain nights, is well worth it.  Luxor is the new home of the show and although the theater is a little smaller than the one at their previous home, Monte Carlo, it still delivers.

Check it out the next time you are in town.  I got together with Vegastickets.com to bring you a special deal.  Click here to take advantage of the savings and then check back with me to tell me how much fun you had!

XOXO  Kiki

History of Vegas Through the Neon Lights

It is no secret that I am in love with Vegas.  Any chance I get, I go. One of my dreams was to visit the Neon Museum, and on my last trip I made it a reality.  Honest Circle:  My husband wasn't as enthusiastic as I was about the adventure, but by the end of the tour, he was as into it as I was.  It is a walk through the history of the town.  From the conception to what it is today, all through the mesmorizing lights that I just can't get enough of.



Our guide, Ashley was chock full of knowledge, and her passion was palable.  She really knew her history, and if you had any questions, she had all the answers.












Walking down the maze of signs was so cool.  People flock to Las Vegas to gamble and see the shows, but not all of us know the history and how it all began.  Each sign we came across was cooler than the next.  I think my favorite story was about Binion's Horseshoe Casino on Freemont Street.  I never noticed, but the horseshoes are actually upside down.  That equals bad luck.  You need the horseshoe to be right side up, so all the luck falls inside.  I guess they didn't want people to win that much inside their casino.  Tricky, those Binions.










Aligiers Hotel is of course the hotel the movie Casino with Robert De Niro was based on.  They changed the name to the Tangiers in the movie.  When I look at this, I just imagine how exciting it was for first time gamblers and visitors to walk through the doors of this casino.

This Cocktails Steak Chicken neon sign is believed to be the oldest neon sign.  It is still in good shape.  This sign is in it's original condition, but there are signs on the property that have been restored as well.






My parents actually got married in Vegas.  I like to imagine they walked right under this sign.  I also don't mind thinking maybe Elvis performed the ceremony.  How cool would it be to get married INSIDE the boneyard of the Neon Museum?!  Good news, you can!!  The space is also available for special events.


To learn more about this hidden gem in Las Vegas, Nevada click here.




I would highly recommend making some time on your next visit to Sin City to go and check out the Neon Museum.  Don't forget to share your pics with us too!

XOXO  Kiki

9-11 Tribute in Bad Taste?

A Walmart in Florida made the decision to take down a display in which Coca Cola paid tribute to 9-11 by using boxes of their product.  The store decided it was in bad taste.  How does this make you feel? Read more

DSW is Finally Here!

I am shocked, I am exhilarated, I am on the brink of tears, but most of all, I am ready to go shoe shopping!   DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse is finally open at Winrock Center, and it is everything we wanted it to be.  I went early on Thursday morning, and much to my surprise, I was THE first customer through the door!


What a selection... I was a little memorized with all the shoes.  Aisles of top brands and also some amazing deals that were a little too hard to pass up.  Just look at these Mary Jane's from Steve Madden.  The prices are reasonable and they have coupons all weekend long.  You can save up to $15 on select shoes.  My husband is definitely not going to be happy about this.


But you know what, they even have a clearance section.  Brands like Hilfiger, Madden.  I found a pair of Vince Camuto pumps in a beautiful gold sparkly color for just $20!

If you are looking for accessories, they have those too.  Socks, purses, even jewelry.  DSW also has shoes for men and children too.  The whole family can go and find something special.  So, I am going to just say it.  DSW is going to be THE place to shop for shoes.  The only problem now, finding a place to hide them from your significant other, lol.

So have fun shopping Ladies and Gentlemen.  I am sure I will see you in there, a lot!

XOXO Kiki

Ulta Grand Opening!!

It is happening, and it is Spectacular!!  The Grand Opening of the newest Ulta at the Winrock Center is this Saturday.  I took a look inside and it is everything I wanted and more.  The store is so bright and beautiful.  Ulta has everything you want in one place.  I went down one aisle and found a eye shadow kit from Urban Decay that I just had to have, Moondust.  And it is everything!!!

I went down another aisle and I found a conditioning brush that detangles too.  You just put the conditioner in your hair while in the shower and brush it through.  My hair feels like silk today!

And if your brows are not perfect, no worries.  You can stop by the Benefit Brow Bar and get them all cleaned up.  They also have everything you need to maintain them and have them looking fresh.

There is also a full service hair salon.  My sister goes there and gets the best hair cuts and color too!





I  found some cool must have products.  I love to travel, so I just had to get this Clean Getaway kit.  It has the just the right amount of cleanser and bath products to take along on a getaway.



And who doesn't love bath fizzes.  Fizz & Bubble comes in the coolest packaging too.  It even has a poof!!





Another cool part is the hands on treatment you get.  The staff is amazing and they really know the products, because they use them just like we do.  You can learn new techniques and they will help you every step of the way.  There are also great areas set up where you can just play with makeup on your own.  Either way you are going to walk away with something you love!






                  Grand opening is this weekend, but right now they are open for business.  There is also a coupon good until Thursday September 1st that will get you 20% off your entire purchase.  This weekend there will be great deals and tons of samples too.

 XOXO  Kiki

Miranda Said YES!!!

Miranda Lambert is getting married!!  Ok, maybe not anytime soon.  But a little boy with a great big heart did get down on one knee and propose backstage at a recent show.  His name is Sebastian and he is 6 years old.  Sebastian saved up his money and bought her a ring.  Miranda said yes, but she did say they are going to have to wait 25 years to walk down the aisle.  Read more.

But Those Legs!

Carrie Underwood by far has the best legs of any celebrity.  But how does she do it?  She is finally spilling her secrets.  I have been trying to do at least 100 squats a day...but I have a way to go.
Click here to find out more of her secrets.

Best New Product!

I am sure, just like me, you have been seeing more and more face cleansing products with baking soda in them.  I decided it was time to finally try one, and I was pleasantly surprised.

I just tried Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub, and I loved it!  It is a powder, which threw me off at first.  I placed a quarter sized amount of the powder in my palm and splashed it with some water, which turns it into a foam.  It felt tingly on my face, and that always makes me feel like it is really working.  It is dermatologist tested and it is oil free.  At first, I made the paste a little too hard to work with, but all you need to do is add a little more water and it became easier to work onto my face.  It  rinses off easy and afterwards my skin felt incredible.  So soft and so clean.  I have one of those mirrors that magnifies my skin about 100 times so you can see every pore.  I looked before and after and definitely saw a difference.  My skin was so clean and 100% makeup free.

I used it 2 days in a row, but that turned out to be a little too much.  I noticed a couple of red spots on my skin.  The recommended use is 2 to 3 times a week.  I am going to continue to use this scrub and I am also going to try the everyday cleanser Biore has as well.

To find out more, click here.

Let me know how much you love it.

XOXO Kiki

How Can I Help: Tragedy in Orlando

When tragedy strikes, you feel helpless.  Now that all the details are coming out in the shooting at an Orlando nightclub, you might be thinking What can I do to help?  Well, there are a few things...

There is a GoFundMe page set up for the victims and their families.  You can click here to make your donation.

United Blood Services is also looking for donations.  UBS from around the country are shipping blood to Orlando right now to help with the need.  But now local offices are running low.  Click here to find out where you can donate today.

Those who donate blood must be at least 16 years old, have a photo ID and be in good health.

Contouring On The Go!

I love contouring as much as the next girl, but sometimes when I am getting ready in the morning I don't have enough time get all into it.  That is where my chubby sticks from Clinique come in handy. It is oil-free and lasts all day.

I have both the Sculpting Highlight and Contour sticks and I love them.  I put my foundation and blush on and finish with a little loose powder.  Then I just put some of the highlighter under my eyes in an upside down triangle.  It is just enough to brighten up my face without looking like I am going clubbing for the night.  In other words, perfect for work!

For a more dramatic look, I use both the Highlight and the Contour sticks.  I also have a special brush that I use, it is actually the larger of the eye shadow brushes that they carry.  I brush the tips of the sticks and it gives me the control I need to properly place the shades and it also helps with blending it in.  If I feel that I was a little heavy handed, I just do one more sweep with my loose powder and it seems to come out great.

The price point is perfect too!  If you would like to take a closer look at the Clinique Contour Stick  click here.

To take a closer look at the Clinique Sculpting Highlight click here.

To look at the eye shadow brush I use for application click here.

So see, contouring does not have to be time consuming.  Have fun!!

XOXO   Kiki

OUWHEEE!!

Oh My Gosh!!  What on earth happened to Cole Swindell's eye?  No one seems to know, but Dierks Bentley had some fun with it, saying his friend would do anything to help promote his new cd BLACK.  Some peeps are saying Cole fell into a coffee table, some are just saying he fell.  Either way, it looks like it really hurts.

Microdermabrasion Made Easy

We are always hearing about Microdermabrasion and how good it can be for your skin.  But I don't know about you, for me, I always picture Samantha in Sex & The City with her face peeling off.  Well, that is not how it is.  I found a product that I use about once a week, and it turns my skin into a smooth, beautiful paradise.

TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set from Mary Kay, yes, Mary Kay.  I know, the first thing you think of is the color pink and your mom.  But let me tell you, there is so much more to Mary Kay now, it is going to blow you away.  I cannot live without this product, and when it starts getting low, the first thing I do is call my Mary Kay lady.

This is a 2 part system, but I notice I do use up the actually refining Step 1 first.  Step 2 is Replenish which consists of a moisturizer that leaves skin feeling smooth and clean.  I keep mine in the shower and use it once a week on my face to really get rid of all the makeup and oil that can be left behind.  It is oil and fragrance free and hypoallergenic.

You cannot go wrong with this.  And while you are talking to your Mary Kay representative, ask about all the fun colors of eye shadow and nail polish they have.  I always buy a new lip gloss along with my microdermabrasion set.  I just love the fun colors and the way it lasts.

To find out more info on this product please click here


XOXO  Kiki

A Good Base Is Key!

When you wake up at 3:30 in the morning to go to work, you have to make sure you are using the right makeup that will last for the day.  One step that I never miss is a good face primer.  

Always one to try new things, the face primer I am using right now is Stila One Step.  The different colors fix different problems with your complexion.  That is why I love Stila.  It is a 3 in one serum that works perfectly.  The One Step works as a color correct, brightener, and moisturizer all in one.  

My foundation lasts throughout the day, and I don't have to worry about early afternoon fade.  I do find that I need to keep a face powder to use every once in awhile to keep the shine to a minimum.  I also find that blotting papers work well for that problem.  

Another plus to using this primer, Stila's exclusive Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex.  It works to improve skin tone, evens out the complextion, and helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles ( and it is never too early to worry about that).

So if you are looking for a primer, I highly recommend this one.  I think you will love it as much as I do.

I like to buy mine at Sephora and on Amazon.


For more info and to order, Click here


XOXO   Kiki  

Firefighter Love on Tinder

This Firefighter is heating things up on Tinder, want to know why.....  read more

Another New Obsession

I have finally tried a product that I will now never be able to live without.  Lip Plumper!  More specifically, Too Faced Lip Injector.

This lip gloss is AMAZE!!  Sometimes I put it on right before I start getting ready in the morning, that way when I leave the house my lips are already looking great.  Other times I put it on after I put my lipstick on as a little added bonus.  When you first use it you will notice a little tingle in your lips, but it is not bad at all.

I love it so much I actually bought 2, one for at home and one for my purse.  I am never without it now.  Can anyone say...Obsessed?.....I know I can!

XOXO  Kiki

Buy the product 

Another Side of Me

I love makeup, I love being girly, and I love to write about it.  But, I am also a step-mom to 3 beautiful young adults.  I have been in their lives for over 15 years now, and I have loved every minute of it.  We have grown together and I would love to share my story about them with you.


Let me begin by saying, I hate the term Step-mom.  Thanks to people like Disney, it has a negative connotation.  Be honest, when I say step-mom you picture an old lady, with a bend at her waist and bumps and lumps on her face.  In the movies, the step-mom doesn't care about the children, she is just working to get closer to the dad.  I never understood this.  In my humble opinion, if you are going to date someone with kids, you need to put those kids first.  You cannot and should not jump into a relationship with a single parent if you are not planning on taking care of those children as if they came from your own body.  Again, that is my opinion and that is how I live my life.  I don't think it is fair to anyone if you are not willing to make sacrifices and be there for the kids.

I love to share my story.  I am not going to say it has all been wonderful.  I am honest and real.  Is everyday a fairy tale??  Not at all.  But it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever take on.

I would lvoe to hear from all the step-parents out there.  The ones who have made the sacrifices and have been there for the children.  I believe with all my heart we need to come together and let our voices be heard.  I would love nothing more than to change the view of step-parenting.  To turn it from a negative into a positive.

XOXO  Kiki

My New Obsession!

I am obsessed and I don't care who knows.  I found something at Sephora that is a game changer for me when I get ready in the morning or when I go out for a date night with the hubby.   It is the Anastasia Glow Kit.

Look at these shades!!  They are amaze.  I put my makeup on in the morning as usual and then just add a little as contour.  I especially love the Starburst shade, which is a cool pink with an iridescent finish.  The Crushed Pearl is also beautiful.  glimmering ink and silver with a crystalized chrome finish.

When I am headed out for the night, I like to go a little darker.  Hard Candy is a golden peach with a pink pearl reflective finish.  And Mimosa is a radiant golden peach with a metallic finish.

They are good for the eyes and body, and if you use a damp makeup brush, you will glow even more.

This is the Gleam edition of the set.  It also comes in a That Glow edition, but I haven't tried it yet.

It runs around $40 for the palette and it is worth every penny.  A must have for anyone who loves makeup as much as I do.



XOXO  Kiki

Brad Pitt vs. David Crosby

Melissa Etheridge is one smart lady!  Turns out, she once considered Brad Pitt to be the sperm donor for her kids.  I didn't know he was offering, but I would take some of that too.

In an interview with Australia's Studio 10 talk show, Melissa is also opening up about her then partner Julie Cypher.

As we know, they went with help from Crosby, Stills & Nash's David Crosby instead for the conception of their 2 children.  But it turns out, Brad was in the running.

"Well actually, because [Brad Pitt] was such a good friend of mine and we did consider it and yet, I looked and I saw how badly we wanted children and I thought, ‘I don't want to share this with someone who really, badly wants children because my children don't need another parent—they have two," she shared. "Of course now my teenagers are like, ‘I could have had Brad Pitt as my dad!' My son said, ‘I could've been amazingly handsome!'"

Kiki's Dilemma

My boyfriend's sister and her husband have two cute daughters, and yesterday they hosted an Easter egg hunt. 

The whole thing was a lot of fun. The weird thing is that both his sister and brother-in-law are atheists. I'm not super religious, but it seemed weird to host an Easter gathering when you don't believe in Easter. Is Easter so mainstream that anyone can celebrate it? Has the 'Easter Bunny' and all the other Easter stuff taken away from the true meaning of the holiday?   


Do you have any advice for Renee??

Get Ready For Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot wow the crowds on the red carpet at the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice premiere.  Can't wait to see Wonder Woman kick some booty!  This red dress is everything!

Indiana Jones Is Back!

Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg are teaming up again, for the fifth "Indiana Jones" movie.  Look for it in theaters July of 2019.  Unfortunately George Lucas will not be involved.  No title has been announced yet, but we are hearing the plan is to introduce young characters like they did in "Force Awakens" to potentially take over.

I think it is safe to assume Shia Labeouf won't be back.

Corned Beef Recipe for St Patty's Day!

This recipe sounds delicious!  I am going to try it!

Meat

• 4 lbs Corned beef brisket with spice packet

Produce

• 10 Baby red potatoes
• 1/2 head Cabbage
• 1 Onion

Beer, Wine & Liquor

• 6 oz Guinness

Liquids

• 4 cups Water

• 
  

The Chemistry Is Real!

The chemistry between Blake and Gwen is undeniable.  Check out this clip from a recent episode of The Voice.  I am so happy the two of them found love after heartbreaking break ups..

Check out this clip from the show to see what I am talking about.

http://www.eonline.com/news/748636/gwen-stefani-blake-shelton-s-crazy-chemistry-on-the-voice-is-palpable-during-the-battle-rounds

Back-Up Plan

Growing up, Miranda Lambert didn't know what she was going to do with her life, that is, until she got her SAT scores back in High School.  She said they were just awful, and that is when she decided she would put all her energy into songwriting, and didn't allow for a back-up plan.

Miranda says, quote, "I was trying to figure out SATs and graduating high school, and I realized I was awful at all of that."  She headed to Nashville to record a demo and the rest is history.  Miranda says it is important to feel something when she sings, otherwise she just can't sell it.  That is why her music is so emotional.  And that is why we LOVE it!

Work Wife Jealousy

Heidi needs our help, what do you think she should do??

Dear Girl Trouble,

My husband has known his "work wife" a lot longer than he's known me.  I'm not the jealous type, but something has been bothering me lately. 

They spend a LOT of time together.  They spend eight hours together at work, and then they go to happy hour.  Sometimes they even see movies together on the weekend. 

I did the math and figured out he's spending more time with HER than he's spending with me.  It's upsetting because in a weird way, I envy her and the amount of time she gets to spend with him. 

Should I tell him I don't want them to spend as much time together?  Or would that seem jealous and paranoid?

 Heidi

Let's help Heidi out.  And if you ever have a dilemma in your life, share it with us, maybe we can help.

DSW Is On The Way!!

DSW is coming to Albuquerque, and I could not be more excited!  I have already been searching the website, making a list of shoes that I plan on trying on.  Oh, who are we kidding.  I am going to do some major shopping once that store opens at Winrock Mall.

Look at these shoes I found already.....



These are Chinese Laundry, the style is called Hopscotch and I am in love!  They are perfect for summer and even some of the beautiful spring I know we will have.  This is officially the first shoe on my DSW wishlist!  And if they weren't already perfect in your eyes, DSW has them for half off the retail price!

So who is ready to go shopping?   I guarantee I will be there on opening day.  I just hope they have a cart big enough for all the shoes I plan on buying.

XOXO  Kiki