The Busy Bella

Best combo ever: Fragrance Jewelry

2012-10-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love a good twosie. And I found one I MUST OWN NOW by Lisa Hoffman. It combines my love for long necklaces and perfume perfectly. Pendent hangs on a 22 inch beaded chain and comes with refillable fragrance beads so you can refresh and change scent anytime. This little charm was a 2012 Fifi Awards Finalist. (Fifi is the perfume industries equivalent to the Academy Awards). Take a look.

I bought mine. Will you buy yours?

2012-10-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

I wrote a post about BB and CC creams and was really surprised that lots of people don't know about this little beauty gem. I thought I would further expand on my original post.

First let me discuss BB cream. This stands for Blemish/Beauty Balm. Its a moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock all in one! If you are using this as a foundation though it is very light so you may want to go over with concealer where needed and powder.

CC Cream stands for color control cream- however it also acts as a beauty balm like the BB cream. Its an all in one cream with natural looking coverage and a pretty high SPF included.

Pros of CC over BB: Blends a bit better, lighter, less oily of a finish.

Want to buy some CC cream? Well as of TODAY Olay CC Cream is the only one I could find in the US and NOT SOLD OUT...yet ;)

I just ordered mine!

Paradise Smoothie: Great for Hair and Skin

2012-10-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Bikini Body Fast

2012-10-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, bikini season came and went. And this year I was definitely not prepared. I am making a goal- an end of the summer resolution to be bikini proud by next summer :) I think posting will help keep me accountable and motivated. I put up a page that I pulled from Fitness Mag. Its a 20 minute workout that can be done at home. I am setting my alarm clock to wake me 20 minutes before the usual and giving this a try! I will update on how I am doing and who knows maybe someone out there will join in....someone web universe? Check it out: Bikini Body Fast. .

Make-up Must Have's

2012-10-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

I need to post some tutorials- and will be sure to do that as soon as I can. But for now, I thought I would share some products I use, and will be using in the tutorials. Check them out. You might love them too! Most can be purchased from either Ulta or CVS directly. (For some reason I skipped the foundation (Cat Von D. Lock-It Tattoo)

Fast, Easy and Delicious Taco Dinner

2012-10-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

10 Minute Meatless Monday Meal: Thank you Trader Joe's

Making dinner after work is not something I look forward to. But again, if it's cheaper than going out to eat AND faster than driving to a drive in, or waiting for delivery, and even driving/parking/ordering and waiting for the food- I am in.

I need to address that while a LOT of my meals are vegetarian- I am not a vegetarian. However, I have found not only are veggie dishes less expensive- they last longer. I am sick of throwing away food I was too tired to make. Or feeling forced into cooking certain things due to an expiration date approaching. So here is my kid friendly, mom friendly, time friendly dish for tonight.

1. Saute Trader Joe's Beef-less ground beef (I do spray a bit of olive oil on pan so it doesn't stick).

2. This step is optional: I add a table spoon of spaghetti sauce (any kind) and only 2-3 PINCHES of Trader Joes Taco Seasoning. I think because this is NOT real beef it absorbs flavor much more so than regular beef. If you use the suggested half packet it will be VERY spicy. You can turn up the heat by adding more. Over 2 pinches and my 7 year old would not approve.

3. Heat up taco shells OR even flour/corn tortillas

4. Add lettuce, cheese, sour cream, avocado- whatever toppings you want.

DONE. 10 minutes.

Oh and bonus- Not only does each serving of this beef-less beef have 10 grams of protein, I had some left over and will be throwing that into spaghetti sauce for tomorrows pasta dinner.

BB Cream, CC Cream...DD cream?

2012-10-01T14:42:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine sent me a text asking if I use BB cream. Well two things on this. OBVIOUSLY she is not reading this blog because if she was she would have seen that I referenced to it in my Foundation post ;)And two, yes BB Cream is awesome.

BB Cream has a bit more coverage/sunscreen than tinted moisturizer with added increased anti aging benefits- but I have to say I am super excited for CC cream. Yep, CC cream. Same thing as BB but oil free and I think they pack this one up with even more anti aging ingredients, stronger sunscreen and better coverage- while feeling lighter on the skin. Olay is supposed to release theirs this October. Not sure when other CCs will be avail in the U.S- Chanel's CC cream is still only overseas.

The only one I can find to buy RIGHT now is Wei East's. I am trying to find out how to get my hands on Rachel Ks CC cream. Oh and no DD cream now, but I am sure that will change ;)

Monthly Beauty Kit Subscription

2012-10-01T11:30:00.002-07:00

Beauty Army: Try it, you will be glad you did.

I just joined the Monthly Beauty Kit Subscription "Beauty Army" and just received my first kit! It was so nice to get something in the mail other than random flyers and bills.

First of all- the packaging is great. The products came in a cute white box with pink cameo design inside. I will definitely reuse this. Inside were my monthly treats and I am super happy with them. Below are my samples for September. What is great about this subscription is you get a small selection to pick from, so you have some say in what you get. That is not the case with all subscriptions. Plus its $12 a month! Sample sizes were great- definitely worth the buy. Cant wait to see my selections for October.

FIAFINI Divine Hydration Moisturizer
MACADAMIA HAIR Healing Oil Treatment
BATH & BODY WORKS Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel
EMANI Foundation Primer & Hydrating Serum
NUME Hydro Punch Shampoo
AQUOLINA Pink Sugar Eau De Toilette

Salmon Dinner: Fast, Fresh, Easy and Yum

2012-10-01T10:43:00.001-07:00

Fresh Food that's Faster than a drive in.

This is one my favorite fish recipes- its an adjusted recipe from Real Simple. Only a few ingredients needed, and most you already have. Salmon, maple syrup- 1/2 cup, dijon mustard (2 tablespoons), pineapple (I buy pre-chopped), and rice (3 minute organic Jasmine Rice by Trader Joes).

Whisk together the maple syrup and mustard in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat broiler. Place the salmon in a foil-lined baking dish. Season with the salt and pepper.
Scatter the pineapple around the salmon.
Brush the salmon with the syrup mixture and broil for 5 to 7 minutes or until it flakes easily and is the same color throughout.
Serve the salmon and pineapple with the rice and drizzle with the remaining glaze, if desired.

Cute Clothes Under $50

2012-09-28T21:40:00.001-07:00

I love clothes/fashion. But I REALLY love cute quick little buys that are fun and there is no guilt attached. Plus, trends come and go so quickly so affordable buys are a must.

Here are some of my newest "to buy items" - all under $50.

ROMWE Galaxy print scarf $16

Beads Embellished Cardigan Oasap $37

Brandy Melville Skull Tank $18

Lulus.com
Earings $10

Brandy Melville USA Bag $30

Galaxy Nails: For the Impatient

2012-09-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

I decided I wanted to try to do something different with my nails. Something that did not involve stickers. Why not try Galaxy Nails? The nail polish technique that makes your nails look like outer space. But I ran into a slight problem. I did a Google search to try to find a tutorial. A fast one. But all tutorials seemed to have a bunch of steps I did not want to read and prepping suggestions to achieve this look. So, I did a Nail Meject. I think they turned out nice! And as needed, this was fast :)

WALLAH! My version of Galaxy Nails. These were done a week ago, and have chipped a bit, but you get the idea. And the best part, just do whatever you want- they end up fun and if they chip, just randomly sponge over with any color!

1. Paint your nails any color dark (I used dark blue)

2. Put nail polish of another color on a makeup sponge and sponge randomly (I used purple).

3. Do step 2 again with another color, even lighter (I used white) and you can use as many colors as you want and do this step over and over- the texture can just be little planets :)

4. Go over it with sparkly clear-ish polish.

DONE.

Foundation: Conceal My Sun Tanning Past

2012-09-28T12:40:00.001-07:00

Make-Upholic. Cant live without it.

Always have been a makeup lover. Always will be. I spent time at MUDD Make-up school in Burbank, LA. While I ended up not pursuing a career in make-up artistry it really is one of my many loves. (I just could not do the late/early calls with the low wage it takes to start your career).

Well now in my 30's I have been forced to not only LOVE makeup, but I really NEED make-up. I am repaying the years I spent tanning and frying my face. One of my daily beauty battles is masking my uneven skin, those nasty brown splashes that have permanently made their mark on my face. I am still on the hunt for a cream that permanently removes them and will share once its identified -I am convinced I will find one.

For now, I have found ONE solution. My foundation. Its Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation. Some reviews on this product are great, others not so much. I can only think the people that are not IN LOVE with this either don't need it, or are using it incorrectly. Here are my steps to making those spots vanish (at least for a day).

DO NOT USE A LOT of the Kat Von D foundation. A tiny amount will go very far- making the cost and amount of uses you get out of this bottle a steal.

1. Prep with BB cream (I use several and have yet to decide my #1 pick)

2.If you use to much, yes it will be thick. Take a small amount and dab dots on trouble areas. (For me this is mainly the middle of my forehead- smack dab in the middle).

3. Then take a foundation brush and gently blend foundation out until edges vanish. You are almost using this as more of a concealer than anything else.

4. Optional- Brush translucent powder over to finish.

I love it. I really do. Later on I will post pre-use and post pics for reference.

Healthier And Faster Than A Drive Through

2012-09-28T11:18:00.002-07:00

I heart Trader Joe's

I do. I love them. I work full time so by the time I pick up my little bean from after care, walk my two pups, and go over homework the thought of cooking is torture. The only way I can feel motivated to cook rather than order in is if I know it will take less time to make the food than to drive to the nearest fast food place. Ten minutes max. This is when Trader Joe's comes to the rescue.

Here is my most recent Trader Joe's Meal- 10 minutes max, limited ingredients needed.

My drive through alternative. Faster too! Thanks Trader Joe's!

1. Meatless Beef Strips- Saute in pan
2. Pre-chopped Brussels Sprouts- Saute in pan with the Meatless Strips
3. TJ's Teeny Tiny Potatoes- Microwavable.

Add a little salt. Done. Its yummy. And my 7 year old eats it.

Just Create

2012-09-28T10:51:00.001-07:00

Mejects, Youjects?

Creativity isn't just about creating it is a way of thinking.

I like to think of myself as being a creative person. A craft lover. I see something and think "I could make that!". Sometimes I try, sometimes I plan on trying...but don't and then forget. And often when I do give it a try and make the coveted item I saw in a boutique, that I was sure I could replicate, it turns out...a bit distorted. Threads hanging down from sides of my re-purposed second hand clothes, uneven hems, glue oozing to the sides of those decoupaged items all over my house...but at least I try?

I feel like even if your idea isn't the first time its been put into the universe, or the bracelet you made doesn't look it came from Barneys- its uniquely yours. You made it. And that is something to be proud of. And if nothing else, it's really fun.

My projects. I call them Mejects.

2012-09-27T14:46:00.002-07:00

PROJECT: KIDDO BUCKET LIST

Latest project my daughter and I are working on is the creation of a child bucket list. We are creating a list of 100 things to do before she is no longer a child. For when she no longer wishes to hang out with me and even worse, for when she gets to that age where she pretends she doesn't know me. When she makes me drop her off a BLOCK AWAY because I am not cool enough, or for when seeing the latest Pixar movie isn't on the top of her weekend to do list. Oh the horror.... Maybe she wont be as much of a nightmare teen as I was but I am getting prepared just in case. So here we are creating a Kiddo Bucket List.

One of the things that made the list (against my will) is to go camping. I have NEVER understood why people camp. It seems like self induced torture. I know. I have heard how nice it is to be surrounded by nature, to see the stars up above as you fall asleep to the silence of the world. But see, here is my version of camping: Hard ground, nature? I can see squirrels outside my window- and the ones that live by my house are total bullies. (Proof Picture Below). And what about the bugs crawling on you while you sleep, and silence? I would hear a rustle and have a heart attack BECAUSE we are OUTSIDE. What could be rustling!? And most importantly where do you PEE? However, if camping is what she wants, camping is what she shall receive. I will be tweaking and adjusting this little camping trip to us doing a GLAMping trip- she wont know :)Once details are ironed out I will do a full on post on my GLAMping prep/locations.

Squirrel Bully Pic

*Glamping: To camp with an actual bed. With perhaps a bug proof tee pee, electricity, and maybe even your own clean potty to pee in.

2012-09-26T09:27:00.002-07:00

Career advice, guidance, interview tips, "HOW to get an interview" tips, what to wear for that interview, and most importantly what to wear once you get that job. Why am I qualified to address such issues? I am a Recruiter. In addition to recruiting every day my expertise is often shared wtih friends, neighbors, family, friends family, families friends, my small group of twitter peeps, linkedin, and now HERE!Obviously this is a HUGE subject matter. So first the basics.Need a job? Three things to start.

Need a job? Start here:

Create a great resume. In fact you may need a few depending on the jobs you are applying to. I advise people have 2-3 resumes that vary a bit (perhaps one shows off your project management ability, and another is geared more towards things you have done in human resources). You can use the job posting you are applying to or targeting to help you get started. Make sure their qualifications and duties THEY WANT are being reflected in your resume to SHOW THEM you HAVE and CAN do what they need. Pull out the things that aren't needed for that role. I am shocked at how many people don't do this.

The world is digital and recruits work that way too. If you don't have a LinkedIn. Get one. Build it. And please, make sure it echos your paper resume in titles, places and dates of employment. To help you build your LinkedIn do a search of people that have the job you have done- or the job you want. You can use their profile to help guide you. Just don't say you did things you didn't do :)

Applying to online job boards can start to feel pointless. And sometimes, I hate to say, it is! I can get 500 applicants for one job. And as a Recruiter I can get frustrated when I see application after application with resumes that are NOT relevant to the job. So sometimes I never even get a chance to open all the applications. So first- make sure you are qualified. Not just think you are, but you are. And once you determine that- if you can- go to the source itself. Yep, skip the application process. If you know someone at the company you are targeting- get them to give your resume to HR. If you don't, go ahead, contact the recruiter directly. BUT DON'T CALL. Recruiters don't love this. Find out their email, pop them an email- or email them through LinkedIn. But remember: If you do this- make sure their is a current job posted that matches your background and note that in subject line of email, or at least note in body of email the area you are targeting should a role in that department open up. Be brief, email should not be more than a paragraph. Don't forget to add a resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile and thank them for their time and consideration.

*And when you get that interview: Don't forget to bring resumes.

2012-09-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

My favorite co-worker Elle. Check her out in action. (Make sure your volume is on for full effect). #Thingsthatdistractme.

"Indoor / Outdoor Dog Day Bed" (Google Affiliate Ad)

2012-09-25T14:41:00.002-07:00

I should be working. I cant focus. I think that is a side effect of longing to create. I work in a semi corporate atmosphere and dream of being a painter or bracelet maker/blogger/doggie caregiver/fashion designer/ decoupage master living on a beach...sleeping until noon, sipping on coffee. Of course, I would need to be a very wealthy one.

I read once that highly creative people have a hard time sticking to one thing at a time. Perhaps that is why I have a dozen or so half started projects lying around. I hope this blog doesn't turn into another dusty project. I have a pair of jean shorts I started to make a month or so ago. By make I mean adjust. Anyway I had started to sew things onto the jeans and SNAP the needle on the sewing machine tore off. I should have known I needed a stronger needle to go through two layers of denim. Instead of replacing the needle I put the half decorated jean shorts away and started working on another project. I decided to try to replicate some of that jewelry I keep seeing on DIY blogs. A love bracelet! Yes! And I actually finished it....now, I have never gone to a jewelry making class, and I was in a rush so I didn't bother to read the tutorial. I just looked at the picture got out my tools and WALLAH! I made a bracelet. I actually ended up making a few bracelets. I started to think I CAN DO THIS! I can be a jewelry maker. Goodbye 9-5. Hello beading thread and molding wire from the comfort of my bed....but like everything I quickly got over that idea and am on to the next. MY BLOG! Perhaps I could incorporate the two....???

But take a look dear web-universe.

Love Bracelet. Likey my chipped pink nails?

2012-09-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Career, fashion, playing, dating, creating, raising a child, and so much more.

First up: Tap into creativity. Just do it. Regardless of your profession and income. I have chosen to start this blog as a creative outlet for me. It doesn't matter if anyone reads this. I am following a passion. A desire to create in some form. Its free. Its therapeutic. And most importantly, I am just doing it.