The Silly Thirty Drug Store Round Up

Hello everybody!  Welcome back to Silly Thirty!

I've been visiting my local drug stores more frequently than usual due to the fact that I have been sick.  The bad part is I have had to spend some money on medicine.  The good part is I got to check out what was happening in the cosmetic sections of each store!!!

Here is a picture of everything I have purchased recently:

I won't be reviewing these products in this post - let me know if you would like a product review on anything featured here.  I just thought it would be nice to share my "mini-haul".

When I went into Harmon Face Value, I came upon a small display of e.l.f. products.  For those of you who do not know, e.l.f. stands for "eyes lips face".  They had an array of things (from makeup brushes to lipstick to tinted moisturizers) and everything cost under $10.  The products I purchased were $3.00 a piece - you can't beat that price!  I'm not sure about the rest of you, but this is the first time I have seen e.l.f. at Harmon Face Value - I usually only see this makeup line at Target or Walgreens.  

Here is a closer look at the baked eyeshadows: 

 

 

(e.l.f. studio baked eyeshadow: bark & toasted)

The mascara wand on the e.l.f. mascara appealed to me on first glance, so I figured I would give this guy a chance. (Hey - that rhymed!)  We shall see how well this performs...

 

 

(e.l.f. studio lengthening & volumizing mascara)

And finally from e.l.f., who can go wrong with some makeup wipes?

(e.l.f. studio makeup remover cleansing cloths)

While I love Revlon's lip products (I swear I have been on a Revlon kick lately) and some of their face products, I have never really delved into their eyeshadows or blushes.  I saw these blushes, which appear to be new since they were on a separate promotional display, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try them.  Also, I have been in the market for a soft pink shade and a nude shade for everyday wear.

Take a look...

 

 

 (revlon powder blush with brush: naughty nude & oh baby! pink)

Since writing up this post, I have actually tried both blush shades - they are very pretty colors that will give you a soft glow.  Not overly shimmery so they are perfect for daytime wear.  The pigmentation is just OK - I had to go back in a couple of times with my brush to get the desired effect of a slightly flushed cheek.  I was not impressed with the staying power either, especially when you compare it to, say Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush.  


Here are two Revlon Super Lustrous lip sticks I picked up during a trip to Ulta.  I don't think these are new colors - they appear to be part of the regular line of colors.

 (sassy mauve)

 (berry rich)

I bought Sassy Mauve based upon a recommendation from Camila Coelho - she is a gorgeous beauty guru on YouTube and she recently made a video on her Favorite Fall Lipsticks that included this color.  I picked up Berry Rich on a whim since it is gorgeous and appears to be extremely wearable as well.

And now, on to more blushes - this time from Milani.  These are Milani's Baked Powder Blushes:

(luminoso)

(dolce pink)

I have been very curious about Milani blushes for a while.  I have read lots of positive reviews online and seen plenty of makeup tutorials on YouTube that feature these blushes.  When I saw the "buy one get one 50% off" promotion at CVS, I couldn't resist picking up two shades.

Last, are the Maybelline Color Tatoos:

These shades - Just Beige and Nude Pink - are limited edition, so if you are interested in these - walk, don't run to the store and buy them before they are sold out for good.  I found these at CVS.  The colors are pretty neutrals that you can use alone, or as a base for your eye look.  I have heard that these Color Tattoos are a good dupe for the MAC Paint Pots and Sigma Eyeshadow Bases.

I hope you enjoyed a peek in my makeup shopping bag!  See you next time!

Silly Thirty Discusses Fad Fruits and Vegetables: Kale Edition

Hello all!  Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I was at the grocery store the other day and I started to think about all of the foods that have come in and out of "style".  Food is almost like fashion in a sense.  There always seems to be something to eat that is "so hot right now" - ala Hansel from Zoolander.  (I'm totally showing my age with that reference.)

These foods are popularized and hyped up, but I feel like the nutritional facts and information about why these things are so good for you can get glossed over most of the time.  All you know is that, according to some word of mouth or something you saw or read in the news, that [insert food here] is what you should be eating at the moment.

I thought it would be nice to start a "series" about fad fruits and veggies and feature information in a digestible (wocka wocka Fozzy Bear) format - just some bullet points with basic information.  To start off the series, I chose kale because it appears to be the "cool kid" of the moment.  Also, because I have actually tried this stuff and really like it, so I have no qualms recommending it and telling you that this leafy green lives up to the hype.

Say hello to kale:





What do we know about kale?  Well, from the photo above we can tell that kale is a leafy green, and its name sounds like it belongs to something that was found at the bottom of the ocean (Or maybe I am thinking of kelp?  I digress.).  But what can kale do for you?

• Kale is in the Brassica family, which is a group of veggies that also includes cabbage, collard greens, and brussels sprouts.  Kale is a descendant of wild cabbage.
• Kale is rich in vitamin A - one cup of kale contains 10,302 IU of it.
• Kale is also a good source for vitamin C offering 80.4 mg per cup. 
• Kale is a great source for vitamin K. 
• Kale contains high amounts of sulfur and fiber. 
• One cup of kale contains 121 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 milligrams of omega-6 fatty acids. These essential, polyunsaturated fats contain anti-inflammatory properties and support brain function.
•  Per calorie, kale contains more iron than beef and more calcium than milk.

(Information on kale was found at the following websites: http://spiritfoods.net/health-benefits-of-kale/ and http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38)

The best way - for me - to describe the flavor of kale is to compare it to spinach.  Spinach - cooked and uncooked - has a soft and mild flavor.  In my opinion, it really does not taste like anything in particular.   Uncooked, kale has a bitter flavor but when it is cooked becomes milder and sweeter.

The first time I had kale, I decided to prepare it much the same way I do with spinach - sauteed in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.  I actually prefer kale to spinach when cooked this way because it doesn't cook down or wilt too much, the way spinach does.  The leaves stay curly and keep their shape for the most part.  The taste of cooked kale is a little sweeter as compared to cooked spinach. 

I have also added kale to my smoothies.  While this tasted very good as well, you have to watch your portions and make sure there are very sweet tasting fruits, like banana, included in the smoothie.  Otherwise, everything ends up tasting a little too much like kale.  Also, I recommend that you immediately soak the blender pitcher in hot water to ensure that none of the pesky little kale bits stick to the sides of the blender.

If I incorporate raw kale with other salad greens, then I make sure to chop up the salad in order to better distribute the kale.  That way, I don't end up with mouthfuls of bitter kale greens that I want to douse in salad dressing. 

A co-worker of mine added chopped kale to a sausage and white bean soup - she said it was delicious.  Keep kale in mind as an ingredient option if you decide make some soup this week or in the near future.

So that's it!  I hope you found this little blurb on kale informative and that it has inspired you to give kale a try the next time you see it in the grocery store or at a restaurant.

Take care and talk to you soon!

Silly Thirty Recommends Lip Colors for the Holidays

For those of you living in cooler climates, I'm sure you have already boxed up and put away your lighter summer clothes and taken out your warmer winter wares.  Ladies (and some men - judgment free zone here), its time to do the same with your make up.  The easiest way to make a summer to fall/winter cosmetic transition is to change up for your lipstick. 

Go ahead and give those corals, peaches and lighter pinks a rest.  It is time to break out the reds, berries, plums, and burgundies!  I have some inexpensive suggestions that you can find in the drugstore - and all of them happen to be from Revlon.

(From top to bottom: Black Cherry, Red Velvet, Cherries in the Snow)

The first one, and the scariest looking straight from the tube is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick no. 477 in Black Cherry. 

In the tube this looks very vampy and Gothic - it is a dark purple that may intimidate most people.  Swatched, however, you will see that this is beautiful deep berry that will flatter most skin tones.  I believe Revlon has been offering Black Cherry in their collection for quite a few years now - so you could say it is an oldie but goodie.

The second option, a red with a brown undertone is Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter no. 40 in Red Velvet. 

Think red velvet cake for your lips - unfortunately it does not taste like red velvet.  This is a medium toned red, another one that would be complimentary on all skin tones because of the brown tone - that is glossy and wearable for day and night depending on how vibrantly applied.

The last recommendation is another Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick and another oldie but goodie - Cherries in the Snow. 

 
Check out this Revlon advertisement for Cherries in the Snow from the fifties and click on the link for Hell Candy's brief history lesson of this iconic shade: http://www.hellcandy.com/2010/04/revlons-cherries-in-snowa-history.html

Cherries in the Snow is a red with pink undertones with a creme finish.  So, if you are finding it hard to put away all of the pinks you were using in the warmer months, this shade is the perfect choice for you. 

I know that these darker, bolder shades can seem a little trickier to pull off and may seem a little harsh for some of you.  I recommend the following: dab it on with your fingers for a more diffused and softer effect, and top with your favorite clear gloss, or simply leave it be.  You can also apply straight from the tube and then blot with a tissue and dab away some more, if it is still too much for you. 

You can find these shades at your local drugstores that carry Revlon, or at www.drugstore.com. 

Have fun experimenting with these shades and incorporating them into your fall and winter looks!

Silly Thirty Cooking: Chicken Salad

Everyone has a few "go to" recipes that they whip out when they cannot think of anything to eat, but want something that will be satisfying and delicious.  For me, one of those recipes is chicken salad.  I love chicken salad because the base - chicken (obviously!) and binding agent - are fairly simple, but you can jazz it up with whatever you decide to add to it.  I like to make a big batch of this and graze on it all week long, for dinners or lunches etc.

As far as the chicken goes, I like to pick up a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket.  Of course, you can always use your leftovers or roast a chicken if that is your preference.

I guess you could say that a "traditional" chicken salad usually calls for mayonnaise, but if you are trying to make healthier choices, why not use plain yogurt?  What I like to do is pick up a plain zero-fat Greek yogurt (make sure you read the labels so you don't accidentally pick up a vanilla flavored yogurt) and add some Dijon mustard to give it a kick. 

As far as the other ingredients, this will be up to you - what other veggies or fruit do you like?

 (So many options!!!!)

A Waldorf-style chicken salad has apples, dried cranberries and walnuts.  If you prefer a salad that is crunchier and with a little tang to it, then use celery, carrots and red onion.  Another option is a Greek-style salad with red and green peppers, red onion, a few sprinkles of feta cheese and chopped black or kalamata olives.  For those of you that like an Asian-style salad, add a splash of soy sauce, some mandarin slices, green onion, carrot, and dried noodles as a garnish.

Just remember that there are some fruits and vegetables that work better with chicken salads that will be freshly served.  Red grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers would fall into this category since they are watery.

Here is a chicken salad I recently made.

 

I used a Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard base and then added an apple, red onion, celery, and red pepper.  I usually season with salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic powder at the end to finish the salad.

As with any salad, there are no hard and fast rules about quantities - if you like a lot of red onion then add a lot of red onion.  If you like salad with a lot of dressing, then add more mayo or yogurt.  There isn't a wrong way to do this. 


Take care and talk to you soon!

Silly Thirty Reviews: Eyeshadow Sticks from Rimmel, Make Up Forever & Avon

Hi everyone - hope you are having a great week!

Over the past couple of months, I have purchased some eyeshadow sticks in an attempt to look more put together on a day-to-day basis but without having to put in a lot of effort.  Although I would love to be able to blend and contour my eyes to my hearts content everyday, I have an hour long commute to work, and time (and sleep!!) is hard to come by in the morning.  Enter these handy-dandy eyeshadow sticks from Rimmel, Make Up Forever and Avon!

All three brands promise the same thing: a long-wear eyeshadow.   Rimmel and Make Up Forever take it a step further claiming to be waterproof.  While the waterproof promise means nothing to me (nothing I tell you!) because I don't make it a habit of crying hysterically during the day or getting buckets of water thrown at my face, I was intrigued by the long-wear claims.  Here are my thoughts on each brand:

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick - Bad Girl Bronze

As the name would suggest, "Bad Girl Bronze" is a rich brown with golden flecks.  This stick is the easiest of all three to blend.  The consistency is very silky and creamy - you barely have to apply any pressure to deposit the color on your lids.  A little goes a long way - subtle looks were easily achieved and the color can be built up for an intense look.  This shadow has a slight shimmer without being too glittery or chunky, so it would be perfect for daytime or nighttime.

I went to the eye doctor on one of the days that I wore this shadow stick and had to try on some contact lenses.  I am happy to report that this eyeshadow did not budge or smear.  There was hardly any color transfer onto my fingers from when I was putting in my contact lenses.  This shadow lasts all-day looking freshly applied - I typically "put on my face" at about 7:30 am and do not get around to washing my face until bed time at about 9:00 or 10:00 pm. 

Make Up Forever Aqua Shadow Waterproof Eye Shadow Pencil - Number 20E

This is a taupe shade that is on the warmer side of spectrum.  The consistency is a bit thicker when compared to the Rimmel option discussed above.  I have to use just a tad more pressure to apply this shadow.  You cannot wait too long to blend the edges of this eyeshadow stick, because it sets quickly but then it does not move all day (7:30 am to 10:00 pm for me as stated above).

I find that this is the perfect shade of taupe that would be complimentary to all eye colors.  Like the Rimmel stick, it is not too glittery - just a pretty shimmer.  In certain lighting, it gives off an iridescence that is just beautiful.  This eyeshadow stick is in my everyday makeup bag and I use it daily, because it is a perfect neutral that will match anything.

 Avon Extra Lasting Eyeshadow Pencil - Shimmering Sand

Last but not least is this beautiful champagne shade from Avon.  This shadow stick has a softer consistency for easy blending.  This shade is too light for me to use all over the lid - I have a medium toned complexion so I feel this shade looks very washed out on me if I do not contour with something else - but I like to use it to highlight the inner corners of my eyes.  Quick tip: Highlighting the inner corners of your eyes can brighten your face, making you look more awake and well-rested.  This shadow stick is perfect for that because the tip of the stick fits perfectly into the inner corner of your eye.

This shadow stick also stands the tests of time, lasting all day long.  I tend to rub at my eyes a bit towards the end of the day but when I look in the mirror, the Avon shadow stick is alive and kicking.

Here is a swatch of all three on my hand with some overhead lighting:

 
And without overhead lighting:

Since these are long wearing products I am sure some of you might be wondering how I take this eye makeup off at the end of the day.  I use an eye makeup remover and a cotton pad - it comes off easily.

As far as pricing, Make Up Forever is the most expensive option at about $20.00 each.  You can find it in Sephora online and in stores.  www.sephora.com

There is an online only offer at Sephora for these shadow sticks called the "Aqua Shadow Essentials Set" that costs $23.00.  The set consists of two of these shadow sticks and mini version of their eye liner.  If you are interested in this shadow stick, I would highly recommend picking up the Essentials set online for the value alone (Two shadow sticks and an eyeliner from a high end makeup line for $7-8 a piece? It's a no-brainer!).

Here is the link for the Essentials Set:

 http://www.sephora.com/aqua-shadow-essentials-set-P381181?skuId=1559657 

Rimmel's shadow stick can be found in your local drugstore, Ulta or online at retailers like www.drugstore.com.  These are usually priced around $4.00 or $5.00 each and can be purchased for even less with coupons (I still get the Sunday paper just for coupons and there are a lot of drugstore makeup brands that offer coupons - it makes a difference sometimes!). 

The Avon shadow stick is available online at shop.avon.com or by placing your order through your local Avon representative (Avon calling!).  They are usually priced around $8.50 each, but if you order through an Avon rep, you can usually get a better deal with the catalogs.  I have a couple of these and I know I paid less than $8.50 for each one through my Avon representative.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to comment below!

Take care!


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Silly Thirty Cooking: Quick Seafood for Dinner

Hi everyone - hope you had a great weekend and enjoyed Halloween!

The holiday season has officially arrived - I know this because I heard Christmas carols while shopping this weekend.  The holidays bring many things: carols and shopping - as I just mentioned, beautiful decorations, and an abundance of holiday parties and get togethers.  The race is on to get everything in order for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all of the other events you have committed to for the season.  I'm sure the last thing on your mind during this hectic but fun time is what you are going to eat for dinner.  You probably want something tasty, that is also quick and easy to make.  I find that seafood - mainly filets of white fish or shrimp - will usually fit this bill.

These meals are easy to make (prep time between five to ten minutes) and everything you need is probably already in your kitchen:

1. Olive oil
2. Chopped garlic (shallots are a good substitute if you have an allergy to garlic)
3. Salt
4. Pepper
5. Lemon or lime

If you decide on fish, something like tilapia or mahi mahi, you can oven bake it in an aluminum foil steam packet for about 20 to 25 minutes at about 300 or 325 degrees.  You will need a square of aluminum foil large enough that you will be able to fold it into a packet.  You will need enough foil so that once you prep the fish, when you fold the sides together, your packet will look something like this:

(It doesn't need to look pretty, it just needs to cover the fish and have enough space for the fish to steam.  I'm sure none of us have Emeril or the Barefoot Contessa keeping us company in the kitchen, commenting on technique or appearance.)

To prepare the fish:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 or 325 degrees.  
2. Place the fish on the foil on an oven-safe baking sheet, and then add some salt and pepper to taste; 
3. Add a small drizzle of olive oil; 
4. Chop up some garlic or shallots and sprinkle that on top (I use one or two cloves); and 
5. Add a couple of slices of lemon (two to three slices).  

This is what my version looked like:

Fold up your foil packet and pop this in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes at 300 to 325 degrees.  I'm sure you can find something to do for the next 20 to 25 minutes while this cooks.  I personally like to drink wine and watch Access Hollywood sit quietly and reflect on my day.  This fish is delicious with a salad or some rice and vegetables. 

If shrimp is something you prefer, you can use the ingredients mentioned above, but you can make it spicier by adding some crushed red pepper flakes, or a little richer with a pat of butter.  You can use frozen shrimp or fresh shrimp - the preparation is basically the same.  I use about 15 to 20 shrimp which is about two servings.  I like to cook shrimp like this:

1. If I am using frozen shrimp, I will put it in a large pan that has not been preheated.  Turn your burner to medium-high heat and let the shrimp start to thaw, turning over as needed.  You don't want to fully cook the shrimp, just thaw it out for now.  The shrimp will start to turn pink and there will be water from the thawing.  Drain the water, keeping the shrimp in the pan and go to step two.  For those of you cooking fresh shrimp, your first step is to heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in your pan on medium-high heat and then jump to step three.
2. After draining the water from your (now becoming un-)frozen shrimp, add the olive oil.  If you want spicier shrimp, add some crushed red pepper flakes. 
3. After about a minute once the oil is warmer, add your garlic/shallots and saute for about another minute.
4. Fresh shrimp people: add your shrimp.  Frozen shrimp people, your shrimp is already in the pan so go to step five.
5. If you want a richer taste to the shrimp, add a pat of butter.  Otherwise, salt and pepper to taste, and add some fresh lemon or lime juice.  Finish cooking.
6. The shrimp will be pink and puffy when they are ready.

This is another dish that goes well with salad or rice and veggies - pasta also works too.  If you are feeling wild and crazy, about a minute or two before the shrimp is finished, add some fresh tomato or some asparagus. Just a suggestion.

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you decide to try one of these recipes - bon appetit and good luck!

Silly Thirty Health & Fitness: The 40-30-20-10 Workout

Its Friday, folks!!!  We made it!! Let's give ourselves a round of applause.

I know exercise and fitness can seem very daunting, especially if you aren't an active person but you want to start moving your body around to get into better shape.  In my opinion the motivation, be it health or vanity, should not matter so long as the ultimate goal is to take better care of yourself.  I'm sure there are a lot of studies out there showing that people start to feel good, have more energy, and gain an extra pluck and pep in their step when they start to exercise.  You smarties, who are already Internet research mavens, can look up the research. ;)

I wanted to share with you a simple workout that I found on Pinterest many, many moons ago that can be done anywhere.  You do not need a gym membership or any fancy equipment for this - just some space on the floor.  This is the "40 30 20 10 Workout" and it consists of this:

(Is it just me, or is this really BIG!?!)




I like to do this workout when I do not have time to get into anything too involved, but I want a total-body type of workout.  I find that it is quick and easy, and can be modified based upon your level of strength and fitness.  For example, don't get intimidated if you cannot do a regular push up.  Start with push ups on your knees and then work your way up to the regular ones as you get stronger.  


Finally, remember to use common sense!  When in doubt, check with your physician before you begin any fitness routine.  While exercising, if you begin to feel any pain - stop.  If you start to feel winded or out of breath as if you may pass out or worse - stop.  Keep some water handy so you can hydrate as needed.  

If you are thinking of incorporating some exercise into your lifestyle, then I wish you the best of luck!  If you are already active and decide to try the 40 30 20 10 Workout, please let me know what you think of it!

Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!