The Great Pumpkin!

Oh how I have waited on the return of the Great Pumpkin.....

 

No, not that pumpkin, Charlie Brown! I'm talking about yummy pumpkin treats, the edible kind! 

 My good friends at Starbucks tell me everyone's favorite, Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL..as it is being dubbed this year...returns after Labor Day. I have been waiting on it since it left!!! 

 

And then I saw this ad on Einstein Bros. facebook page and I automatically got hungry for all things pumpkin! I can only imagine how yummy those pumpkin muffins...pumpkin bagel poppers and their own version of the pumpkin spice latte tastes! Sadly, the closest Einstein to me is over an hour! :(

 Do you love pumpkin like I love pumpkin?? What pumpkin treats are out right now (or coming soon) that I must try??? I would love to hear from you! :)

A Perfect Pair: Juicy Couture and Deborah Lippmann

I've already professed my love of all things Lippmann in an earlier blog post.
So you can imagine just how happy I was to hear Deborah is teaming up with Juicy Couture for some super special holiday polishes and other goodies.

 

Above: the Shimmer and Shine gift set, $48, features Bring on the Bling, which contains virgin diamond powder, Whatever Lola Wants, a sparkly lavender, and Since I Fell For You. 

 

The Precious Metals gift set, $48, includes: Here Comes the Queen,  infused with an ultra-glam gold, Jewel in the Crown, a pewter polish, and Believe, a gold-beige created in collaboration with Cher. 

 

Just how uber adorable is this hand warmer set, $68, which includes a Believe polish?!?!?! 

And last but not least...this Ah-dorable charm bracelet lipgloss wand with a marshamllow scented charm. I already know four things to put on my Christmas wish this year! ;)

Speaking of Food....

Every year I look forward to the Swiss Colony's holiday catalog..and guess what?!?!? It's that time again! I just discovered these yummy looking red velvet cupcakes over at Grinning Cheek to Cheek's blog. 

 You can enter to win them for yourself at her blog..here!
But hurry! You only have until August 26th at midnight to enter!!!

 

Fun Foods...

I love scouring the internet for pictures of food that looks both fun and delicious. Here are some of my faves....

 

 

 

Wonderbar Wonderful!

I’m pretty picky about what products I use to clean my face. I don’t like any products with harsh exfoliators or strong smells.
I have pretty sensitive skin so I have to be careful when choosing soaps or gels to clean my face. I was recently introduced to Wonderbar a bar soap touting multiple benefits for your skin.

 

I had heard so many good things about Wonderbar, I knew I had to give it a chance. I was glad I did. By adding a little water, it didn’t take long to create a nice foam to cover my entire face. My face felt crisp and clean after using the bar.
The Wonderbar is so much more than just a cleanser. It’s an all-in-one skin care product. It tones, cleanses, and exfoliates. It tightens and minimizes facial pores, reduces redness, moisturizes, and gives your skin a glow. You can even use it as a shampoo and shave gel!
You can buy this little gem here. Each bar should last between six and eight weeks. You can choose to buy one bar or a set of bars.

I’ve been using Wonderbar for about a week and my skin already feels and looks better. I can’t wait to see what results I will have after using it for a longer period of time.
Have you tried Wonderbar? I would love to hear your experience.

Giving Back....

"There is no happiness in having or getting, but only in giving"

-Henry Drummond

This quote is so true. Some of my best memories in life have been from giving or helping others. I was reminded of this quote as I checked my email Monday morning. This sweet note is from the winner of my first blog contest:

Hi Kellie, I just wanted to update you that my daughter started school last week and she was so nervous but when I gave her the perfume it put a huge smile on her face and she loves the surprise bracelet and lipstick bandanna you sent! This is day 4 of school and she's worn the perfume & bracelet everyday and has the bandanna hanging in her locker. I just wanted to say thank you so much again!!!!

Reading that email really warmed my heart and got my week off to a great start. You just never know how much something will mean to someone and often, you never will. I am just so thankful that the winner took the time to let me know how much the perfume and other goodies meant to her daughter. 
 So, this week I encourage myself and all of you to do something good for someone else. It can be a big or small thing. It can be as simple as a quick email to let an old friend know you are thinking about them or a larger gesture like taking a warm meal to the man begging for money on your way to work. 
 I am always looking for opportunities to "help" and the feeling I get from helping someone other than myself...cannot be matched!

GIVEAWAY: Foley + Corinna Leather Clutch

I promised you guys an August giveaway..and I am a little late...sooo...I thought I would make it a really really good one!! I'm giving away a beautiful Foley + Corinna leather clutch to one of my Kellie's Camera readers. 

Want to win?? (you know you do!!) Here's how to enter:


MANDATORY ENTRY:
You must follow me via Google Friend Connect to be considered for the prize.


EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Make a comment on any of my blog entries (must be a comment about the blog topic..comments that say Enter Me or I posted a comment..will not be counted as an entry)

2. Follow me on twitter @kelliechio

3. Tweet this giveaway (one tweet per day)
Tweet this: "I just entered to win a Foley + Corinna Clutch from Kellie's Camera http://bit.ly/oiqNF1"
(post a link to your tweet to count as your entry)


4. Blog about this giveaway


5. Follow me on BlogLovin-upper right hand side of this post


Please leave a comment for each entry and include your email address so I can contact you if you win!


RULES:
 Giveaway starts Friday, August 19th at 8:30pm and ends Monday, September 19th at Midnight EST! Open to US residents only. Winner will be selected via random.org.

Thanks for entering....and good luck!!!

Get Smooth with eos Shave Cream

I have been on the market for a new shaving cream. I wanted something that was very moisturizing and that also smelled wonderful.
I wasn’t having much luck until I decided to try eos shave cream.

My first thought about this shave cream is that it comes in adorable packaging. I can’t help it..I love my beauty products to be just as awesome on the outside as they are on the inside. I tried out the lavender jasmine scent. Before I was able to apply it to my legs, I was blown away by the way it smelled. When I opened up the cap, the most wonderful fragrance greeted my nose. I was super excited to start shaving with it!
Another thing I love about eos shave cream is the way it is dispensed. It has a pump similar to one you would see in a bottle of lotion. I found this was a very “clean” way to apply the shave cream.
I love the way the shave cream feels on my legs. It feels like super super soft lotion. I swear I had the closest shave ever after using eos.
I also love that the pump is 100% propellant free. The cream boosts skin’s moisture level and it is so moisturizing that you can shave wet OR dry. PLUS..the bottle WILL NOT rust!!
Have you tried eos shave cream? Do you love it as much as I do?

The Best Smelling Perfume Ever, Seriously!!

Like many of you, I love perfume. I prefer not to wear the same scent everyday. I thought that would never change..but… I was wrong. I have found a perfume that I could wear every single day and be happy and that perfume is called Miss Marisa by Ebba.

I have 462437 perfumes. I love something about each of them but the first time I tried Miss Marisa, I knew it was something much more special than any perfume I have ever worn. I have to thank Kourtney Kardashian for introducing me to Miss Marisa. Ok, so I have never actually met Kourtney, but I did read on her website that Miss Marisa was one of her favorite scents. She said when she wore Miss Marisa, people literally stopped her on the street to ask what she was wearing. I totally understand why. It smells THAT good!
I tried Miss Marisa perfume oil in the roll on bottle. I love the small, size of the bottle and the fact that you “roll it on” makes it super easy to apply. Miss Marisa contains wisps of Plum Blossoms and Cassis Romance, Fresh Mint and Waterlily.

I also tried Ebba’s Miss Marisa Tropical which is another yummy scent. It is a very close second to the original Miss Marisa. It contains juicy mango and creamy coconut (I am a big fan of coconut) also ginger and peach for a more fruity scent.
You can purchase both those scents plus a variety of other Miss Marisa creations here at Ebba starting at $32 for the perfume. I know most people wouldn’t want to buy a perfume without smelling it first, but believe me, you won’t be dissappointed. If you are still unsure though, you can purchase sample bottles from the site.
Do you plan on trying Miss Marisa for yourself? Let me know by posting a comment below and be sure to come back and let me know if you think it smells just as good as I do!

Let Them Eat....Cupcakes!!!

I must confess..I have a sweet tooth..ok maybe two sweet teeth..no, really, all my teeth crave sweets!!! One of my FAVORITE sweets is the delectable, sweet, moist, amazing...cupcakes!!!!

 

I live in Kentucky so the cupcake selection is somewhat limited..but..whenever I travel, I check out all the cool cupcake joints!!

So far, my all time favorite is Magnolia Bakery (I've frequented the one in Soho, NY)

 

I've tried Georgetown Cupcake in D.C....you might recognize them from the popular TLC show, D.C. Cupcakes. I enjoyed the cupcakes..but they didn't really compare to Magnolia.

I also ate A LOT of Crumbs cupcakes when I was last in L.A. I like to keep it simple so their vanilla cake/vanilla icing rimmed with sprinkles, hit the spot for me!

 I am dying..D-Y-I-N-G to try Sprinkles. Sadly, I didn't have time to visit while I was in L.A. in April. I have been trying to convince my friends on the west coast to ship me some since Sprinkles doesn't ship across the country~! :( But..no luck so far! I love the look of their cupcakes and the cute designs on top...

Here in Kentucky, I can get my cupcake fix at GiGi's but the icing is too much for me and it just doesn't compare to a place like Magnolia.

 

So tell me..what is your favorite cupcake bakery? What place should I check out next, when I travel? Have you ordered cupcakes online? What was the result? Where should I order some in the future??

Heart and Soles...

You can spot them in an instant...the classy chic...mega buck..red sole wonders...

 Christian Louboutin's shoes stand out in a crowd because of their bright red soles...but it soon may be harder to distinguish what's a Louby..and what's not. Louboutin wanted to trademark his red soles..but Wednesday, a federal judge threw out a lawsuit against competitor YSL..allowing that designer to also use red soles on their shoes. 
Attorneys for Louboutin are looking for other options...but it doesn't look good. 
What are your thoughts? Should Louboutin be the only designer allowed to paint his soles red...or as a designer, should he expect to have his creations imitated, like so many other designers experience???

Back to School...COOL!

I will always have a special place in my heart for this time of year. I love the approaching fall because of the cooler temperatures..my upcoming birthday..and the return of pumpkin spice at Starbucks. But what I really really really love about August..is school supplies. Sadly, I am no longer a student, but my love for brand new folders, pens, pencils, and BOOKBAGS..has never died. So I dedicate this post to the forever student in me who would buy one of these babies to show off on the first day of school....

The Cambridge Satchel Company-Batchel

Yeah, I know, this bag is in the GIRLS or Crew Cuts section of J Crew..but isn't it cute?!??!? And if you haven't heard of The Cambridge Satchel Company..you are just missing out!!! It's all the rage in the UK..and the bold bags are showing up across the pond all the time now! They are a tad pricey..this one is $170..but you are sure to light up any classroom you visit.
So, since I don't need a Batchel...don't ya think I could rock this haute pink baby???

 

Can Life Get Any Better? Missoni/Target Collab

I love love love Missoni!! The designer's signature bold patterns are one of a kind and make my heart skip a beat! So, when I heard one of my fave stores..Target..was teaming up with Missoni for a super special and affordable line...well, this just about made my year!!!

 

Just look at this sneak peak of the collection above. I am dying for that scarf..and luggage..oh, and the tote! Don't you love the fact we will be able to buy these Missoni goodies for such a great price?!?!?!? The collection drops at Target on September 13th..one day before my birthday..hello,b-day shopping spree!! And....you can get more sneak peaks of the collection plus a how-to-wear a Missoni scarf demo-video by hopping on over to Target Style's facebook.

Calling All Choco-holics!!

I have a confession to make..I’m a chocoholic. I seriously can’t make it through a day without getting a chocolate fix. So, when I heard about QBel All Natural Candy Bars I knew I MUST try them.

 

The bad thing about a lot of candy bars is that they are full of chemicals and ingredients that just aren’t good for you. That isn’t the case with QBel Chocolate Wafer Rolls and Bars.

I started out trying the Peanut Butter Wafer Roll..and from there I was hooked! I love love love wafer candies and the blend of chocolate and wafer topped off with a nice crunch was simply delicious!

I moved on to the Peanut Butter Chocolate Wafer Bars..and once again I was not dissapointed. Next up, the dark chocolate Crispy Rice Wafer Bars..three words for this one: yum. yum. yum.
So you get the picture. I tried nearly every candy bar QBel makes and now, I can’t wait to try the rest. I have also been eating them after they “chill” awhile in the fridge and that makes them a new kind of yummy.
You know what else is great about QBel candy bars?? They don’t have any artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup and no hydrogenated oils.
So now you are asking..how can you try these for yourself? Just Click for a list of retailers. But be careful, you might develop an uncontrollable addiction for them like I have!

Ahhhhh-dorable!!!

So in order to know me, you must know my love of all things Kate Spade.
I fell in love back in the days of the...little black backpack....

and, well, I think Kate has just gotten better with age. I love her use of bold, bright color and fun, whimsical patterns. That's why I am SUPER excited about the latest collab with Matchbook Magazine. Take a look at these cuties...

Kate Spade Iphone4 Case-Matchbook

Kate Spade Bon Print Shopper-Matchbook

And for those of you who already LOVE Ms. Spade..you know the color for August, is blue!!

Are you a Spade-ette too??

Lots of Love for Lippmann

So, lately, all I can think about is nail polish. I just can’t get enough of it and I think it is the perfect accessory!
Nail polish is super hot this season! Did you know that nail polish sales are on the rise? They’ve gone up more than 14% in the last year alone!
One of my fave brands is Deborah Lippmann. I really love her colors..some of them are so unique. Plus, she collaborates with tons of celebrities AND Deborah is just "cool". I sent her a friend request on facebook and she accepted..and this is her REAL account..not the fan page.

This color is subtle and so pretty..Sarah Smile..Deborah worked with Sarah Jessica Parker to make this color.

 

How cool is this pearly pink color?!?!?1 It's called Whatever Lola Wants and Kelly Ripa helped create it.

 

I've been drooling over this yummy blue glitter polish (Glitter in the Air) but it's always sold out...major sad face!! :(

I am super impressed with Deborah Lippman nail polish and there are sooooo many more colors I feel like I have to have from her site. Seriously, every color is cool!
So, have you tried Deborah Lippman polish? If not, you should! Come back and let me know what you think of it and tell me what’s your favorite color!

Who says nothing in life is free??

It's officially that time of the year again...I'm talking about FREE makeup month at Allure Magazine!!!! Every weekday this month you have the chance to win dozens of makeup..hair accessories..nail polish...sunglasses..designer bags...and on and on and on...

 

Some of you are very familiar with the annual month of madness..but if you are just now hearing of these amazing giveaways...let me give you a little tutorial.

The giveaways run from noon to 5pm EST each week day this month. You need to enter right on the hour (this is VERY important) for every hour except noon (this one is a high end prize and is a random draw). To enter, go here and click on August Free Stuff Blowout. You will want to check out the calendar of prizes being given away. This is my third year entering for these goodies and I have been able to score a few items the past two years. I have heard of some people who win almost every item..(please note, this isn't an easy task). You have to be super fast to submit your info right on the hour but you can't be too early or too late or you won't win because these giveaways are VERY popular!

 I only enter for items I really want or really want to try. If you won't be around a computer for a giveaway you want, you can buy the August issue of Allure..and scan the tag inside the mag to enter the giveaway. You will need to scan the tag each time you enter a giveaway.

 There are some ah-mazing prizes this year like a Rebecca Minkoff bag and Deborah Lippmann polish. You won't know you have won a prize until weeks..and sometimes months after you enter. If you don't win, you won't be notified. If you do win, you may get an email stating you won, or your prize may just show up on your doorstep or in your mailbox one day. That is the exciting part. I've had prizes show up from the August Allure giveaway as late as  six months after I entered..that was a nice surprise!!

 So, have you had luck in this giveaway before? Do you have any questions about how to enter?? Please let me know and I can't wait to hear what everyone wins in the coming months!!!

New Month-New Goal

 

Wow..is anyone else finding it hard to believe it is already August??? Even though, I love fall..I am a little sad that summer is going by so fast. The new month has me setting some new goals for myself. The first one, I already got a start on yesterday...

 I started running again and my body let me know right away..it has been too long. I have been using the extreme heat as an excuse to exchange running outside for the eliptical machine at the gym. Running is definitely a much better workout but I will be paying for my three month break as I get back into the rhythm of running.

My other goal for the month goes hand in hand with "workin on my fitness" I am going to start eating healthier..

I've indulged in too many Gigi's cupcakes..Starbucks cakepops and Krispy Kreme donuts..yes, they have been delicious but I need learn the meaning of the word moderation! lol!

What are your goals for August? I believe writing them down or saying them out loud will provide extra motivation to make sure they are accomplished!

Fruit Flavored Water: Tastes Good, Good For You!

 We all know how bad sugary drinks can be for us but if you are like me, you might be getting tired of diet drinks. I was in the mood for something different so I thought I would give two new kinds of fruit flavored waters a try.
I am very happy I did. First, I tried twist water in the pomegranate blueberry flavor. I found the flavor very refreshing and the water had a nice crisp texture to it!

 twist waters are certified USDA organic, they have less than ten calories per serving and they are preservative free.
You can buy a bottle for about $1.50. 

I also checked out actiVwater in the Strawberry Kiwi flavor. I am also a big fan of this brand.
What I love about actiVwater is that it is enhanced with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes. It contains Vitamins C, B12, D, and K, and it has an ingredient that plays a role in the fight  against obesity.
ActiVwater has only 25 calories per serving which has half the calories of many of its competitors.
Have you had a chance to try twist or actiVwater? I would love to hear your thoughts.