Made With Heart & Soul

Stylemama here! When I was 10 years old my dad had the coolest little Pygmy Goat. We called him B.A., short for Bad Attitude. B.A. was fearless, loving and rambunctious all at the same time. Our horses adored him. He also brought an element of peace to whatever animal he happened to be grazing near. But, if B.A. didn’t get enough attention, or if you didn’t rub him in just the right spot he would just head but you until you got the point. It was impressive; I’m considering trying the same technique the next time I don’t get my way. I hadn’t thought of B.A. in years, until the Shumway Family at Creamery Creek brought it all back with one bar of their Goat Milk Soap.  

The Shumways have been raising goats for 25 years and have specialized in cold processed, handcrafted soaps for the past 12. Creamery Creek is a small independent company that was kind enough to send us 20 full size bars for us to try. Their generosity is much appreciated by the entire Megs Makeup Family.

Stylemama here! Did you know that studies show that a woman's appearance becomes more beautiful and alluring during times of ovulation?  We also release a more desirable, come-hither pheromone during this phase of our cycle.  Yep, it's true.  It's all part of our Grand Design, something to do with hormones and the propagation of our species.

I think I've noticed this in my own cycle, have you?  You know those days when you just look a little brighter, a little better without having changed anything in your beauty routine.  I don't know about you but I don't like having to wait around for my cycle to produce that special natural glow.  I'd much rather find a way to manufacture it on my own.... without looking manufactured of course!

Enter Classified Cosmetics affordable luxury line:  Aero Minerale.  I see it as affordable perfection from the Aerobrush experts.  Meg sent me the Hydrating Mineral Shimmer in golden and it really surprised me.  (Sometimes, I think she knows my beauty needs better than I do!)  Because I have issues with texture and tone, shimmer has always been less friend, more foe.  I normally only use it from the neck down, but not anymore!

For my first application, I followed the instructions and held the can ten inches from my face, closed my eyes and employed small zig zagging motions.  Unfortunately, this approach didn't do much for me.  (I can only do a few things well with my eyes closed and this isn't one of them.)  Aha!  Once I opened my eyes and chose a different means of application the results were stunning.

Stylemama here!  Behind every independent beauty company is at least one person that had a passion for something that simply could not be ignored.  Whether it began in childhood or was discovered as an adult, you can always pick up on the “it” factor that makes their product different and authentic.

Rochel Roland founder and Chief Bath Mixologist of Joyful Bath Co. has that special something and I am in LOVE with her bath salts.  Roland shares how her penchant for mixing and creating things gave birth to her company, “In kindergarten I collected rocks, leaves and other treasures in a Band-Aid tin and used my cool metal chemistry kit to see what I could create.”  Many years later, the dream became a reality.  How can you not adore a company with a philosophy that reads: We’d like to make your life a little more joyful and a little less complicated with the simple joy of a bath.

After the most FANTASTIC Labor Day Weekend ever, my day-to-day life seemed a little more stressful than usual.  (I miss my sisters!)  By the end of the week I was desperate for a long, hot soak in the tub.   With the right products, lighting and partner, a nice bath can cure whatever ails you.   I couldn’t wait to indulge in Joyful Bath’s ‘Nilla Buttermilk scented bath salts.   It had the tastiest scent.  Imagine the most delicious white chocolate laced with the perfect amount of vanilla.  Two words: Yumm Meee!