Beauty Swap: Spring Link Up

#ccbeautyswap

Linking up late, but excited to share what I recevied in my #ccbeautyswap. This time I was paired up with Melanie, The Traveling Cowgirl and she totally out did herself! The fun makeup she sent me sure put me in the mood for spring, because mother nature she has taken her sweet time to warm up. Melanie must have read my mind and knew I was heading on a trip. The travel size products will be prefect for my trip to Colorado this week! Check out her blog post to see what I sent her. I love doing these swaps, it's soo fun "meet" other people and add their blog to my list! Also, shout out to Crystal Cattle and Dirt Road Charm for hosting.

Here's what Melanie sent.

A box full of goodies!

These make up wipes will come in really handy this summer!
And the powder will be perfect for protecting my freckles this summer!

I LOVE Burberry Brit and I've never worn Prada before. yippe!

And now this. THIS was the icing on the cake. I can't wait to drink my sweet tea vodka out of this!

 

 

 

 

Holiday Beauty Swap

Tonight I'm linking up with Crystal Cattle for the Holiday Beauty Swap Link Up (while of course, cheering on the Packers in the play offs!). This was my first time participating in any swap and so glad I did. I was paired up with Lacey Jo from Arizona of Calamity Lace. It was fun to be introduced to a new blogger; come to find out we have a lot in common so I'm looking forward to adding another blog to my reading. Now on to the beauty products.
I've been on the hunt for a good lipstick-- essential for completing the look you're going for. Plus I need something that lasts through my 3+ cups of coffee at work. So I was thrilled when I opened the package and found two lip products that I haven't tried yet. First was a Trate lip product that reminded me of the Clinique chubby sticks. It goes on so easily and that it feels like I'm also moisturizing my lips. A must for this frigid Wisconsin weather! The second product was a Christian Dior lip gloss called Dior Addict. A nice gloss that can be worn over a lipstick or by itself. Both products work great with my fair skin tone. THANK YOU, Lacey!! Both were perfect. And I loved the cowboy boot card, perfect for my cowboy boot love affair! Check out Lacey's post to see what she got from me.

 

N.Starr

Beauty Chat

Even though farm girls spend a majority of our time outside working, we still want to look good. Even if it doesn't involve putting on putting on makeup everyday (or weekends in my case), a good moisturizer is always a necessity whether it's the 40 below in the gusty wind or 100 degrees in the hot sun. For me, protecting my skin is important, I'm pushing 25 and have no time for crows feet.
Going fun places like into the office, out with friends or cattle shows like the National Western Stock Show give me a good excuse to beautify.
I always like having a variety of makeup to chose from. Why wear the same thing everyday? I've always have the best luck with using a consistent foundation and powder, but beyond that I'm game for options. Especially when it comes to my eyes. A few weeks ago I restocked my makeup (ok got an initial start at restocking) and new brushes due to an unplanned incidence earlier this year. I don't know about you but I hop from counter to counter, oohing and aahhinng, grazing over all the products. Applying eye colors to the top of my hand until my its completely covered with colorful, powdery streaks. It was overwhelming and I'm sure the lovely, well-put-together ladies we annoyed at my indecisiveness. I got over that feeling quickly....it was a Monday night, they had nothing better to do than give me their undivided attention.

I'm not a loyal customer. To just one counter that is. This time I went with brushes (hopefully something I won't have to buy again for a long time), mascara and eyeliner from MAC. I did get a MAC freebie... when you return six empty product containers you get a lipstick of your choice. The plastic containers are melted down and used for playground equipment. Always feel good about spending money when it involves helping the children:) That's my excuse and I'm stickin' to it. And finally hit up the Lancome counter for eyeshadow.

What brand of makeup do you use? I know there are some Clinique and Mary Kay gals out there too. I'd love to hear what product you can't live without!

Friday Flair: Clinique

What beauty products do you use?

Warning to the men readers: This may not be something you find extremely worthy of a post, but trust me to us ladies it's a big deal!
Last night's Rockin' Rural Women twitter & facebook chat on health and fitness reminded me of the beauty chat we had a few months ago monitored by my friend, Crystal Cattle, who's getting married this weekend! Anyways, it was those lovely ladies that I "chatted" with that convinced me to make the switch to Clinique. And I've never been happier with my skin. Customer service is huge to me and the ladies in the white lab coats behind the counter at Macys took the time to really get to know me, my skin and listened to what I look for in a skincare product. Here the are the products that work for me, but visit with the professionals to discover what would be best for you.

After a day at the office and evening run; taking the day off of my face is a refreshing way to wind down for the evening.

Step 1: Take the Day Off (literally), Eye Makeup Remover

Step 2: Liquid Soap- This mild soap leaves my face free from makeup residues, shinny and refreshed. I also like that is caters to my sensitive skin.

Step 3: Using a cotton square, apply a small amount of this lotion over
 your clean, shinny, refreshed face.

Step 4: This moisturizing gel will leave your skin feeling elastic, moisturized, yet not greasy.

Step 5: Some say I'm young, I say I have a birthday quickly approaching (and it's not my 21st!). No matter what your age you should take a proactive approach to caring for your skin. This eye cream prevents wrinkles and leaves your eye area feeling and looking young. (Crows-feet scare me!!)

Lastly, no matter what your age you may get a little breakout here and there, depending on how busy you are at work or school, stress levels or the amount of Easter chocolate consumed (I can relate to all 3!) Just put a little dab of this gel on that zit or pimple and you'll be ready to take on the day!

That's my nightly and morning skincare routine! For makeup I'm a MAC and Mary Kay girl. However, there's lots of skincare and beauty lines out there, what do you use? I'd love to hear what you've found to work!

N.Starr

Are you a Rockin' Rural Woman?

Ag Beauties Unite for Girl Chat, 9 pm CST

Do you find yourself drooling over the make up counter at Macys, but then also find yourself frantically running to the farm supply store to get bailer twine, milk replacer or feed for your cattle? If so, you're not alone. While it may be an odd combination rest assured there are plenty of other women out there as well.

Everyone deserves a little pampering!

Tonight once the cows are all fed and bedded down join the Rockin' Rural Women Facebook & Twitter conversation at 9 pm CST for a topic we all know & love, but may not get to spend as much time on as we'd like......BEAUTY! I consider myself one that likes to work hard, but am also not shy about looking good while doing so. Us ag girls need our beauty fix too!
Join my good friend, Crystal Cattle, tonight as she leads the twitter conversation for a little girl chat on make up, deal & steals and the latest products.
To join in on the fun, follow the Twitter hastag #rockinruralwomen or visit the Rockin' Rural Women Facebook page.
I plan on participating in both, but follow me on Twitter @nstarrgirl
See you at 9 pm for a fun-filled beauty convo!


N.Starr 

Real Farmers, Real Food

Miss American speaks out

Every day is Food Day to America's farmers and ranchers, says Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan. The high-profile agriculture advocate is joining the Animal Agriculture Alliance to announce the launch of http://www.realfarmersrealfood.com with a call to action for Americans to celebrate the hard work of our nation's food producers.  In the past I haven't paid too much attention to the Miss American competition, however I've been inspired by Teresa's her strong agriculture roots and passion for educating the public on where food comes from.
I think it's great to have strong public figures promoting agriculture and sharing the truth about this important industry. As an advocate for the industry, I am excited to continue following the Real Farmers Real Food website.

I Smelled Minnesota Today!

Minnesota Forest Fires

Today started out like any other Tuesday, grabbed my daily cup of brew, checked my email, glazed at my to-do list to see what I was going to tackle in the day ahead. Late morning when elbow deep into a PowerPoint I was creating for the upcoming AABP Convention I smelled an odd smoky leaf smell; figuring it was nothing I charged on. But then it got real distinct and my cubicle buddies even noticed. Come to find out there wasn't fire in the building, city, or even county; rather in our neighboring state, Minnesota!
This is an unfortunate incident and thoughts & prayers go out to the Gopher state. The news reported a haze drifting as far as the Chicago and Milwaukee area, people noticed difficulty breathing and burning eyes. Apparently lightning struck in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on Aug. 18th but began spreading this week due to the high winds and dry conditions. They saw it could take up to a few days for the fire to be under control.
Here in Milwaukee we acted fast: They closed the roof on the Brewers stadium to prevent the smoke from distracting the players from hitting the ball and to make sure their was a clear path for the spectators to get in line for a beer!
Hope the best for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It sounds like it's a popular place for canoe trips and known for its' beauty. I'm sad for the 120 campers that had to end their vacation trip due to this disaster, but happy to know everyone is safe.

What a pretty area for taking in a little wildlife.

For all you visual learners who need to look at a map:)

 N.Starr

Friday Flare --> VICI Capilli

Finally have my Brookfield hairstylist!

In my experiences of moving a place doesn't feel like a home until you finally have a hairstylists. You see living in Lansing I got totally hooked on a male hairstylist Alex. Hands down the best haircuts, highlights and head/neck massages I've ever received. Since I was such a loyal customer he treated me well in terms of coupons, freebies etc. Sadly I had to leave Alex behind at the Regis Salon in the Meridan Mall.
Tuesday however I found a replacement! My friend Laurie referred me to a girl named Inge at VICI Capilli Salon in Brookfield Square. Not only did I get a great haircut (it was lookin rough, too plain & simple for this wild child), Inge has a fun personality and we chatted the whole time. Yes finding a hairstylist is more than just a good cut & color it's about the friendship and conversations you have! For me, I must be able to bond with the individual with the scissors!
I've had some bad experience over the past 6 months, for me my hairstylist must meet the following set of criteria:

•  He/She must NOT have streaks of hot pink, purple, blue, orange or lime greens color in their hair.
• DO NOT scrub my scalp raw at the shampoo bowl with the water hose. I don't need a scalp exfoliating treatment.
• Like my doctor I prefer the individual to be older then me
• Must be able to carry on a somewhat intelligent conversation; please refrain from saying "umm ya, totally, so like" etc.
• I came in for a good cut and/or color, however a conversation is important to! I must bond!

Needless to say I'm very happy with Inge, we've bonded, she's meet the criteria above and will be back for a second appointment. If in the Brookfield area I recommended VICI Capilli, ask for Inge!

N.Starr

Day 4-- A Personal Trainer

For the so-called "Runner"

Today I'm getting back to being more practical gifts that I've actually wanted for some time now. As I stated in my previous post I really want the NIKE IPOD + System. It would make my running so much convient, knowing exactly how far I ran, having the capability to select workouts all while listening to my favorite tunes with every stride. This is a bit complex of a system, but I've had my heart set on it:) Well see what May 10th (My 23rd Birthday) brings..... By the way I will also need the IPOD touch since my antique IPOD crashed and burned!

The sensor records strides

And  the results so up on your  IPOD. NIKE + Users become members of a elite website to compare and challenge other users. 

What are your Saturday plans? We're cleaning the barn and as always swing by Crosscut Solutions Greenhouse. What are you doing for your Mothers this weekend?

Finished in Record Timing!

Yes that is correct I have officially finished cover to cover my new favorite book Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by new favorite Author Miss Ree Druumond. What a book! Needless to say I loved it. When I wasn't reading it I was constantly thinking about what would happen next. Unlike Ree, I did grow up a cattle girl so don't think twice about where a cow's temperature is taken, how to preg-check or the long working days. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at all adventures Ree encounters and the fact that I carry on my daily life with not thinking twice about getting manure over my entire arm or my life depending on tending to 4-legged critters. She is quite the women and I an anxious to continue following her website..... The Pioneer Women. Ree concludes her book with her favorite recipes from her past, present and future. Some sound quite delic........

While I always love heading north to the Starr Ranch I also enjoy quite weekends to myself. Besides being nose deep into Black Heels to Tractor Wheels I managed to do a little office work, workout at the YMCA, attend church, go for a bike ride around my little neighborhood (oo that reminds me tires were a bit on the flat side:(, and end my weekend with a relaxing facial curtesy of LUSH (my new-found love). Mental Health Relaxing Sundays are fun too! However I'll be ready to head to Manawa this coming weekend for the wedding reception of Claire & Cullan Reilly, good friends who got married a month ago in Mexico. Can't wait to see them.

Have a great week everyone:)

N.Starr

Go Ahead..... Be a LUSH

Switching things up a bit and blogging about health & beauty.

Tonight you will learn of one of my many obsessions: LUSH (Fresh Handmade Cosmetics). Have any of you heard of it? Well my bond with LUSH began when I received the jelly soap and emotibonds as a Christmas present from Cullan & Claire Reilly. LUSH can be purchased at Macys, they have a designated area similar to Clinque & MAC (note: not all Macys carry it. I recommend the Mayfair Mall if you are around Milwaukee) Through conversation, I have found that not a lot of people have heard of LUSH; which is why it makes amazing gifts.

The products are unique in shape, color, size and release an amazing aroma relaxing your body, mind and soul. Today I visited and was completely taken away to "LUSH LAND" as I got lost in the sea of options. Emotibonds, Massage Bars, Bath Bombs, Jelly, Bar Soap.....the list can go on! My purpose was to pick of a couple gifts for friends; and treated myself to Lovers Lettuce face mask. It may sound different but it's made with almonds, chlorophyll, many other natural extracts. Can't wait to use it! LUSH may sound unique; but trust me throwing an bathbomb into your bath is like escaping to a luxurious Aveda spa.

Look at all the choices! Now it's clear why it took forever to make any decisions:)

Happy Saturday.

N.Starr