One of my most favorite shoe brands

I absolutely love shoes and most of you know that my family owns a small chain of 2 local shoe stores. Along with my brother, we do the buying for our stores and it's a lot of fun. One of my most favorite brands that we happen to carry is Volatile. If you have never heard of them, check out their website.

This time of year we are getting stocked up in sandals and flip flops from Volatile. Hands down my most favorite new pair is Volatile's Tinsel in Bronze which is pictured above. I love how tall these platforms are and how gorgeous they look on the foot. They are super tall and super comfortable all at the same time. And Volatile sandals last forever! They don't lose their shape or flatten out like other sandals. They are worth every penny.

Get a pair of Volatile Tinsels now at baumersfootwear.com

Carmex

So the other day I was having a lip issue (hmm a lissue? LOL) and so I stopped by Walgreens and picked up a jar of Carmex. I have to say it's like the best 99 cents I've ever spent. I honestly don't remember if I've tried it before and I know that sounds silly - kind of like saying you have never used Chapstick. Anyway, I love this stuff! I've used nothing but it for 2 days (yes you heard right - no gloss or lipstick!) and my lissue has pretty much been resolved. Not only does Carmex have really nice staying power, but it seriously works and heals your lips. And I gotta be honest, I really kind of like the smell which is kind of sweet and mediciney. Okay I am inventing way too many words in the post!

If you are having any kind of lip problems I highly suggest you go out and buy yourself a nice little jar of Carmex and you will be all better!

Feather Extensions For Hair

Lately I've been really interested in feather extensions. What the heck are feather extensions? Exactly what they sound like - extensions you put in your hair that are made from real feathers.

You can make your own by purchasing long natural feathers at a fly fishing supply store and getting some extension clamps for hair at a beauty supply store. Or you can order them online HERE.

I think that these are super cool! I really like the cream color that this site has to offer.

Watch this video to see how easy it is to put these in your hair. They last for 6-8 weeks and you can wash them, blow dry them, style, curl and flat iron them - just like you would your own hair.

I think these are really cool and different and a great way to express yourself. I'm thinking of ordering some myself!

Do you have feather extensions? I would love to hear what you think about them!

Review - Nivea Kiss of Milk and Honey

I've mentioned before how much I love Nivea's lip balms, but I think I have a new favorite. The other day I picked up Nivea's Kiss of Milk and Honey and I LOVE IT! I'm always on the search for any lipbalm or gloss that has honey in it. I was obsessed with Naturistics Natural Glow Honey Gloss back in the day and I miss it very much. It got discontinued over 10 years ago and what a shame. I've never found anything that quite measured up to it, but Nivea's Milk and Honey does remind me of it just a bit scent wise.

Here's what Nivea.com says about it:
The formula, enriched with natural Milk Protein & rich Golden Honey, pampers your lips nature’s best remedies to give your lips the strength and moisture they need.

The pampering formula, enriched with some of nature's best remedies, strengthens and moisturizes lips to help boost lips natural defenses. Lips are soothed and feel naturally healthy, hydrated, and soft.

* Soothing formula boosts lip’s natural defenses
* Intensively moisturizes so lips can stay healthy & hydrated
* With natural Milk Protein & rich Golden Honey

As with all Nivea balms, this stuff really delivers on moisture. And it lasts too. I find that I keep these all over the place - my purse, vanity, bathroom drawer, my nightstand etc. I use this everyday before I put on my lipstick and gloss. It keeps my lips so smooth and the milk and honey smells heavenly without being too strong.

These balms retail for $3-4 depending on where you purchase them. I buy mine and Walgreens and Walmart. The variety depends on the store. I have found that the Walgreens in my area tend to have the best selection.

Do you love Nivea balms too? I would love to hear your thoughts!

EOS Lemon Drop Balm

Most of you know I am a lip balm junkie - well all lip products for that matter: glosses, lipsticks, protectants etc. You name it and I probably like it or own it. I love to apply this under my lipstick in the morning. It makes the perfect primer for my lips. These balms work and they last.

The other day when my husband was at Walmart he picked me up the EOS Lemon Drop balm. I had not tried this flavor and I have really been enjoying it. I have tried all the EOS balms with the exception of Tangerine.

I am a huge fan of these. I really like the company and I love that their balms are 100% natural and that they don't test on animals.

Here's what evolutionofsmooth.com says:
Show your lips the light.

Pamper your lips while you protect them from the sun with this SPF 15 lip balm that’s naturally flavored and PABA free.

* Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
* 100% natural flavor
* Shea butter & vitamin E
* Smoothes on clear
* New smooth sphere precisely glides on to lips
* Twist-off top
* Petrolatum and paraben-free
* Gluten-free
* Phthalate-free
* Not tested on animals

Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth.

EOS balms are available in:

* summer fruit
* lemon drop spf 15
* honeysuckle honeydew
* medicated tangerine
* sweet mint

Check out EOS on Facebook

If you have never tried any of the EOS balms, but are looking for the ideal lip product, then you should really check them out. They are available at most mass retailers and drugstores. Check their website for retail locations.

Makeup Room Tour and New Vanity Setup!

For the longest time I have been putting on my makeup in my actual bathroom. I know, normal right? Well the other day I decided that I really missed having a vanity and a makeup room of sorts, so here are my results after doing a small bit of shopping and rearranging. In one of our spare bedrooms we have a small loveseat and a desk. It's a glorified office really, but it's a pretty room. I have kept my nail polish collection in there for some time. I thought that the desk would make a perfect vanity. I already have one of those light up makeup mirrors (which sadly wasn't getting any love and was underneath my master bathroom sink in the cabinet).


So I decided I needed to buy just a few small items in order to create my makeup room and vanity area. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought the small acrylic jars you see my brushes in. They are 50% off this week and I got the two large ones and the small one (that contains Qtips) all for $4!

I also got the zebra print letter holder that I have my eye shadow palettes in for under $6. I had a 40% off coupon which was nice since it was normally $8.99.


I then went to Michaels and bought some Poly Pellets which are made by Polyfil. They were back on the craft aisle with the items that are used to make dolls and stuffed animals. They were $7 for 2lbs and I used all 2lbs.

So there you have it! My new complete makeup room and vanity area. I even added my cute little VS Pink dogs to my vanity =) I love them!

And here is a video with more on making the Sephora inspired makeup brush holders =)

Click each store to get 40% off coupons for Michaels and Hobby Lobby. You will have to sign up (enter your email address) to get the Michaels coupon.

At Home Waxing

Have you ever been curious about at home waxing or have you ever actually tried it yourself? Well I was just really sick of shaving and wanted to give it a go. I picked up the wax kit show above (Nair Naturally Smooth Peach Melon Hair Removal Wax) at Walmart and I believe it was just under $10. That may sound pricey, but the price you will pay for a bikini or brazilian wax at a salon or spa is anywhere from 4-6 times that amount.

Before I say anything else, let me start of by telling you that waxing (esp. DIY waxing) is not something you should perform on your own unless you are like me and have a very high pain tolerance. It honestly is not that painful for me, but for others it would be torture - OOOHHHH KELLY CLARKSON!!!

I have really liked the Nair Wax Kit that I purchased. The wax smells nice - it has this peach melon thing going on. The wax is easy to use and it washes off clean very easily. This particular wax is warm wax that you heat in the microwave and since it is sugar based wax cleanup and removal is a breeze. The kit comes with tons of strips that you can cut to the shape and size you need. They are reuseable since you can wash them and use them again.

Being a first time DIY Brazilian waxer, I wasn't sure what to expect. But it wasn't bad at all. And it was super easy. Waxing is definitely an art and you have to develop your own technique. You get better at it over time, just like anything else. I'm not going to go into the art of waxing, but just wanted to mention this kit for those of you who ever wanted to give it a go yourself. I have almost finished the jar of wax that came with this kit, so I have had a good amount of time to practice.

With all this being said, I will never go back to shaving. Waxing is so awesome and I love that I never have stubble anymore and I don't have hair growing back the next day. If you think you have the guts to try it I say go for it. It is so worth it for so many reasons.

For more info on this wax kit check out Naircare.com

Review - Euronext Remy 18 Inch Clip-In Hair Extensions Chestnut Brown

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have extensions? Well about a year and a half ago, I purchased some really gorgeous real human hair extensions. I have absolutely loved having them and it's really fun to change up your look from time to time. I don't wear mine very often, but I do like to wear them on fun occasions as I did for New Year's Eve this year.

I did my research before going out and buying just any old extensions. After reading numerous reviews, I went to Sally Beauty Supply and bought the Euronext Remy Real Human Hair 18 inch extensions. Before I go into my review, here is what SallyBeauty.com says about this product:

* Easy to use and extremely versatile
* Attaches easily without glue or weaving
* Does not damage your own hair when properly applied

Premium Remy Hair is of the highest grade human hair extensions available. Extra attention and care is exercised during the entire manufacturing process. This attention during manufacturing promotes alignment of the hair cuticles, which greatly reduces tangles and mimics natural hair flow. Premium Remy Hair ensures a better human hair extension experience.

Set consists of eight pieces with clips and two test wefts without clips: One 8'' weft, One 7'' weft, One 6'' weft, One 5-3/4'' weft, Four 1-1/2'' wefts, and two 1'' wefts without clips to test for color.


When I went to Sally's the manager helped me to get a perfect color match to my own hair. Since these extensions are real hair, they can be dyed and highlighted to match your own hair color. I was pleased that I didn't have to color mine (I have the Chestnut Brown). The other awesome thing about these extensions is that you can take them to your stylist to have them cut or trimmed. I did so with mine and they look so much better all trimmed and layered to blend into my hair even better. They come packaged perfectly pin straight and all one length.

Let's talk about application. So even if you don't have any experience with hair extensions, these will be pretty easy for you to use. Basically you figure out what wefts (the sections of the extensions) you want to put where and you part the back of your hair horizontally with a rat tail comb. You tease the hair lightly along the part and apply hairspray. There are small clips on the wefts and you snap them into the part you just teased. And there you have it. You work from the bottom of your hair and go up. Then you add a few side wefts and you are finished. The beauty of real hair extensions is that you treat them just as you would your real hair. You can style them - flat iron, curl, etc.

Here is a great video showing you how to use clip in real hair extensions. These are not the brand I bought, but just to give you an idea of how I apply mine.

Basic maintenance is important to take care of real hair extensions. I wash mine every 3-4 wears. I use shampoo and condition just like I would for my actual hair. I hang them up to dry and I use an extension case (that I got for free at Sally's back when I purchased my extensions) to store them when not in use. I also have a special loop brush that I use to brush my extensions. I brush them before applying them and I also brush them when I take them out of my hair before packing them up. The brush I have (that I linked to above) is no longer available, but any loop brush for wigs or extension will work.

So...I've never posted a pic of myself on Tropical Mind before, but I suppose since we are talking extensions I'll show y'all a pic of me wearing mine.

And now for the big reveal...


Here I am on New Year's Eve this year wearing my extensions =) My hair is about 3 inches shorter than what you see in this pic - I'm currently growing it out this long. I also used my GHD flat iron to "bend" some waves into my hair - which is naturally straight.

Hair extensions are a lot of fun and very easy to take care of and maintain. You can have a set of real human hair extensions for years if you take good care of them and store them properly.

So there you go! Everything you ever wanted to know about real human hair clip in extensions. Do you have extensions? I would love to hear from you and see pics too.

Awesome Product of the Week - Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

The minute I heard about Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, I knew I had to track them down. I was so excited today when I found a nice display of all 24 varieties at my local Super Walmart. I am gonna let the video below do most of the talking, but here is what I will say:

1. These were SO easy to apply I believe a baby could do it.
2. Even if you think you are really bad at doing manicures yourself - you can easily use this product.
3. The price which is $8.50 a box at Walmart is SO totally worth it. If you went to a nail salon to have either Minx or similar done to your nails you know just how much money you are saving.
4. The variety is awesome and there is something for everyone!
5. The kit has everything you need!

This video shows you everything you need to know:

And now for my photos (I bought the Zebra pattern which is called Wild Child)






I cannot comment at this time about how long this manicure will last. The box says up to 10 days. I will update in 10 days and let y'all know how it holds up. I am really looking forward to trying more of these. The lace pattern was really calling to me =) These are real nail polish as the title suggests and you remove it just like you would normal nail polish with acetone or remover of your choice.

Have you tried SH Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips? I wanna hear your thoughts!

Spotted - Cute AE Racerback Tank

Now that Christmas has yet again come and gone and the New Year is approaching, I can't help but get excited for Spring. I'm ready to bust out my tank tops and flip flops! I know I'm jumping the gun here, but I like to be prepared and do things early.

I was searching today online to see what websites have their new arrivals up for their early Spring 2011 lines and this adorable tank from AE caught my eye. I love details on clothing and this top fits the bill. I especially love the back and can imagine how awesome this would look on someone really tan =)AE's Racerback Tank is available in the 3 colors shown above for $24.50 at AE.com. Be on the lookout for this at AE stores sometime after the new year.

Bath and Body Works Haul

Happy New Year Everyone!!! I hope you had a safe and awesome New Years. I know I did! If you haven't decided on a New Years Resolution yet, how about skincare? Taking excellent care of your skin is very important. And if you don't already do so, then why not start now? Drink lots of water, exfoliate and moisturize!!! Get a head start on Spring and Summer and look gorgeous!

For Christmas I got a LOT of Coconut Lime Verbena products from Bath and Body Works. It is one of my most favorite scents! I also got several gift cards that I used at their sale and got 6 more products - True Blue Spa Grin and Bare It Body Lotion, True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Shower Cream, Dark Kiss Shea Cashmere Hand Lotion, Secret Wonderland Triple Moisture Body Cream and Shower Cream.

Between the Christmas gifts and using gift cards to get the rest, I am well stocked in Bath and Body Works Products. I love all of these products and recommend them all to you.

I am VERY excited about the new Bath and Body Works Island Escape Collection that is due in stores January 17. I was given a 20% off coupon during the sale that I will be using to get a few Hawaii Coconut products. This collection includes 3 new scents - Hawaii Coconut, Bali Mango and Fiji Passionfruit.

What's your favorite Bath and Body Works product?

Snow Day!

So me and my husband are both off work today because of the snow storm that hit Memphis last night. It's crazy how much snow is outside - we definitely aren't used to that here. Here are some pics just to show you how crazy it is!

Our house all covered in snow!

This is our backyard. Check out that snow on the top of our bistro table! Crazy!

Our Pekingese Axl wasn't loving it. He just kinda sniffed around and ran back inside LOL!

The snow is really pretty, but I am really ready for spring. How about you? =)

Brand of the Week - Tree Hut

I've mentioned Tree Hut products here on Tropical Mind before, but wanted to give them a shout out again. This company is AWESOME and they are from TX so all the products are made right here in the US. I am in love with their body butters and sugar scrubs. They have a nice variety of scents and one of my favorites is Brazilan Nut. Tree Hut products can be purchased at Walmart and Ulta. Check out their website HERE! Get some awesome bath goodies for the weekend and pamper yourself!

I ♥ MAC - Back to MAC Recycling Program

I have been a loyal MAC cosmetics customer for over 10 years and I absolutely LOVE this company. Many of you are probably aware of the Back To MAC (B2M) recycling program, however I thought I would post about it for the ones of you who don't know about it or are just getting into MAC products.

This is an excellent video that pretty much sums up the program:

I went last night to my local MAC counter at Macy's and got my free lipstick by bringing in 6 empty MAC containers. I brought in 3 Lipglass tubes, 2 Lipstick tubes and a depotted eyeshadow container. I got High Tea Lipstick (Beiged pink with pearl (Lustre) for my B2M trade and I LOVE it! MAC lipsticks retail for $14.50 so this is a great way to get one for free!

For more on how to safely depot your MAC products check out this video:


I keep a small ziploc bag in my bathroom and once I have used up a MAC product I just simply stash it in the bag. Once I have accumulated 6 empties, I take them to MAC and get a free lipstick of my choice (excluding Viva Glam lipsticks). I takes me quite awhile to have 6 empty containers to take in (sometimes up to a year and a half) but it's worth saving them to get a free lipstick =)

If you are lucky enough to have a MAC Pro store where you live, you may also get a Lipglass or Eye Shadow.

Here is some info about B2M from maccosmetics.com:
Because we share your commitment to the environment, M·A·C accepts returns of its primary packaging through the Back to M·A·C Program. By returning six [6] M·A·C primary packaging containers to a M·A·C counter or M·A·C Cosmetics Online, you receive a free M·A·C Lipstick of your choice as our thanks to you. Since 100% of the retail selling price of Viva Glam Lipsticks is provided to organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS, these colours are excluded from this program.

Print a Back to M·A·C Form

Back to M·A·C
c/o USA Fulfillment
313 Talbot Blvd.
Chestertown, MD 21620

Most primary packaging of M·A·C products is accepted as Back to M·A·C "currency." M·A·C does not accept the following as a part of the program:

1. Secondary packaging of any sort [paper box, plastic/cellophane wrapper, shopping bags, etc.]

2. Samples [sample containers, special/trial size products for promotional/seasonal kits]

3.Cosmetic applicators/tools [disposables, puffs, sponges, scissors, spatulas, swabs, sharpeners, tweezers, curlers]

4. Accessories [bags, belts, makeup cases, lashes, Blot Film].

In addition to our "Back to M·A·C Program," M·A·C uses minimal packaging and recycled paper to paperboard packaging in our offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities. Vegetable-based inks are used for printing whenever possible. At M·A·C we share your concerns about the environment and we are continually looking for ways to address those concerns while providing our customers with complete product satisfaction and safety.

I hope this explains B2M for you and I hope you are able to get a free lipstick soon!

Update - Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

As promised, here is my update to using the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Wild Child (Zebra). See my original review on these by clicking HERE.

The box promises that these will last 10 days. I got 6 out of them and had to remove and add another nail on just one finger along the way. That being said, I work full time and I do work retail so my hands take a lot of abuse. These lasted longer than most "painted" manicures do for me so I think they were worth it.

Overall, I found this product to be of high quality, easy to use and I would definitely purchase them again. They are something that's fun for a change and way cheaper than you would pay if you got something similar done at a salon.

I definitely want to try the lace pattern ones and maybe one of the glitter ones as well.

Product of the Week - Cover Girl Natureluxe Gloss Balm

I'm always on the lookout for the perfect combination of a lipgloss and lipbalm. There are many products that promise this combo, but not all deliver on their promises. When I was at Walmart this week I picked up a tube of Cover Girl Natureluxe Gloss Balm in Marble which is a really pretty pink. I love this stuff!!! It's perfect to wear all on it's own or layered under other lip products.

Here's what CoverGirl.com says:
Get the sheer color and shine of a gloss with the soft, lightweight feel of SPF 15 balm. Fortified with mango and shea butter, this feel-good formula leaves your lips feeling decadent and delicious.

The color I purchased is Marble(above)looks really pretty in the tube, but doesn't have much color payoff. That doesn't bother me since I was wanting something on the sheer side anyways. To me you get just the perfect sheer pink "your lips but better" shade and it is so moisturizing too. This product has no taste, but does have a mild sweet smell to it that I really like. This balm was around $5 at Walmart. I don't feel like that is a bad price since you really are getting 2 products in one - color and moisture. I love that this product feels good on your lips - not waxy, greasy and full of nasty ingredients like so many other lipbalms. Natureluxe feels great and lasts too. I cannot say enough good things about it. If you love a more natural gorgeous look then you will love this stuff! I find that it lasts about 3 hours and then I need to reapply.

Here's the shade list for you:

Have you tried any of the Cover Girl Natureluxe products? If you are a pink lover like me check out Tulip and Hibiscus from the Natureluxe line. They are gorgeous!

Wet N Wild Teal of Fortune

Wet N Wild has launched all brand new products for 2011 and this polish is one of them. This is their new Fast Dry Nail Color in Teal of Fortune. I haven't bought a new nail polish in forever, but when I saw this one and how beautiful it was I had to get it. I've had it on for a few days now and the wear is great. No chips and it's going strong. As usual I have used my normal Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat. The pics do not do this shade justice and they also make it appear more blue than it is in actuality. The glass flecks/shimmer in this polish are absolutely gorgeous.

I purchased this polish at Walgreens and it was $1.99. Check out Nouveau Cheap for amazing pics of the entire collection.

Here's some pics for you! If you are a teal lover than this one is right up your alley =)

January Favorites

It's the beginning of another great year and with Spring approaching there will be lots of awesome new products available. So far I've found some great things that I've been enjoying to share with you.

Now I know this is not a full blown beauty product and not normally something that I would mention here at Tropical Mind, but I found it totally worthy of mentioning.

This is some of the absolute best dish liquid I have ever used. Not only does it contain Olay moisturizing properties, it also has the most intoxicating smell! This scent is Tropical Shea Butter and it smells like an exotic beach. Yum! Your hands and dishes (and don't forget about your kitchen) will all thank you and all smell awesome!

I know I just did a post on it, but I am loving the new Cover Girl Natureluxe Gloss Balm. I got the color pictured above which is Marble. It's so creamy and moisturizing, has the perfect hint of color and shine and is rapidly becoming my go to lip product. Click HERE for my post if you didn't get to see it.

Lately I can't get enough of in shower creams. I have 4 different ones from Bath and Body Works including the one pictured above - True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Shower Cream. Some people like to use these as a body wash (which I have tried), but I find them to be more intensely moisturizing if you exfoliate, cleanse and then use the shower cream. This stuff smells like buttercream frosting with a hint of strawberry. YUMMY!!!

I've already gone through one of the giant bottles of Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo. Wow this stuff is impressive. It doesn't weigh my hair down, yet it always makes it so soft. I'm not normally a fan of Suave products since I find most of them to be too drying, but the pro line is fantastic. When I bought my first bottle of this product it was in a bright orange bottle. They have since changed the packaging and it is now in a grey/silver bottle like above. This is supposed to be a dupe for Matrix Sleek Look Shampoo, however I can't make a comparison for you since I have never tried it.

I'm loving this concealer and eye treatment in one. I think it's totally genius! It has caffeine in it to make your skin wake up and skin brighteners to get rid of the look of dark circles. And I like how the rollerball feels (very gentle) on my eye area. The tint is perfect too and I've been using this everyday as my treatment/concealer. There is a lot of product in the wand so this stuff will last quite awhile. This is the perfect concealer - not too light and not to heavy and it doesn't settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Here's more info on Garnier Nuritioniste's Skin Renew Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller.

This is seriously one of the best $5 I've ever spent. I'm not normally a fan of Pantene products. I typically find them too heavy, oily and waxy for my hair. I don't know what makes this mask different, but I get amazing results when I use it once a week. And it smells delicious! It is really helping my hair to grow faster too which is awesome!

I hope you have enjoyed my January Favorites! Until next month =)

Review - True Blue Spa Lay It On Thick Shower Cream

True Blue Spa products are SO awesome and one of my most favorites is their Lay It On Thick Shower Cream. Not only does it smell awesome (kinda like pineapple and coconuts mixed with cake batter) but it delivers a serious dose of moisture.

If you have never used an in shower moisturizer of any kind, then I highly recommend doing so. This product is intended to be used after you exfoliate and cleanse. I just squirt a quarter size amount into my hands and rub it all over. It's quite concentrated so that much is totally enough and it does lather. You step out of the shower so freaking soft and moisturized and feeling like you've just come from the day spa. And yeah you smell really awesome too!

True Blue Spa products are available at Bath and Body Works. The full size bottle of Lay It On Thick Shower Cream retails for $15 and there is also a travel size for $6. Check it out at bathandbodyworks.com today