Madi loves "Stay Matte"

I started wearing makeup daily when I was fourteen years old. I am now seventeen years old. You could probably fill a whole display shelf at a store with all the bottles, tubes, and compacts of foundations I've used. My favorite is my current foundation I use called "Stay Matte" by Rimmel London. I use the liquid and powder foundation together. The liquid foundation comes in a tube and the powder comes in a pressed powder compact.

 The thing that is really great about just the packaging of the liquid is that it comes in a tube rather than a glass bottle like a lot of liquid foundations. Because it's in a tube, it's easier to get every last bit. Imagine if your toothpaste came in a glass bottle. It would be really frustrating and difficult to get any toothpaste on your toothbrush. Because of the fact that it is in a tube, the consistency is naturally thicker (almost like the mini containers of sour cream you get at fast food restaurants or school lunches). In my opinion when it comes to foundation, the thicker the better. This allows it to be spread out further and it does a better job of covering acne, acne scars, and clogged pores.The products are called "Stay Matte" because they are long lasting and doesn't give a shiny or oily appearance.

I like the powder because it is a long-lasting pressed powder. I prefer pressed powder over loose powder because it lasts longer after each use because you don't use as much each time. Loose powder has the tendency to look "cakey".

If you're tired of your current foundation or looking for what to try next, look to Rimmel London's "Stay Matte" for the reasonably priced "no mess, no fuss" makeup for your skin.

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Cords

Recently I purchased a pair of corduroy pants from Old Navy. Corduroy pants or "cords" are making a comeback in popular fashion since its last popularity boom in the 1980s. There are many properties cords have that make them highly desirable. They're comfortable, functional, and just about as classic as jeans. You can find cords in just about any color you can find a blouse or shirt these days. They can also be found in practically any cut or fit that you can find denim jeans in. I managed to snag my cords at $13 but the main reason they were so cheap is because someone returned them to the store from online so they were half off. This means that the original price was less than thirty dollars which is fairly reasonable. This makes cords the perfect garment to add to your winter wardrobe.

I recommend Old Navy for cords as they are well priced.

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Exfoliation and Moisturization

Winter is officially upon us whether we like it or not. Even if it's not snowing wherever you live, the air is definitely lacking humidity and moisture. All of this causes our skin and lips to be rough, dry, flaky, chapped, and altogether uncomfortable. What's the solution? Exfoliation and moisturization. Exfoliation, for those that don't know, is getting rid of the top layers of your skin that is just dead skin. This leaves the new, heathy, and unexposed layer of soft skin. Your next step is to moisturize. You can do this by using some type of moisturizer like a lotion for example. This hydrates your skin and keeps it healthy for as long as possible until it's time to exfoliate again.

To exfoliate is easier than one might think. A simple scrub with something abrasive is all you really need. "Exfoliating beads" are in a lot of face and body washes these days but even sugar in a homemade sugar scrub will do. A recipe for a sugar scrub can be as simple as two cups of sugar (for exfoliation), one third of a cup of olive,almond, or coconut oil (for moisture and consistency), and two tablespoons of lemon juice (for scent and refreshment).

To use a sugar scrub, apply in circular motions with moderate force before using your razor when shaving your legs. After you shave, the dead skin should be gone and your legs should feel smooth and hairless like a  baby's bottom. A lip sugar scrub can be used similarly, just without shaving. Make the proportions three or four tablespoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of oil, a teaspoon of honey, and a drop of vanilla.

Even though the oil has moisturized your skin, still remember to apply a moisturizer like a lotion, body butter, or balm. This will extend the effects of this process.

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What's The Benefit?

There are a million and one mascaras you can buy from a variety of places and believe me, I've tried a fair amount of them myself. But there is one that stands out among the rest: Benefit's "They're Real" . To have such a name indicative of its power just really shows how well it works. The goal is to give the appearance of full and natural lashes and it does this so well that people might have the suspicion that you're wearing fake eyelashes.

Ok this sounds great, right? Why doesn't everyone just buy this mascara problem solved end of story? The reason is that it's $23 for one full tube. Benefit has become privy to the fact that their mascara has become so widely popular that they have recently come out with a smaller sample size tube priced at $10, which is still more expensive than a full tube of what most people buy like Maybelline or Covergirl. And with a current trend of wearing multiple coats of mascara at once, the size of a tube that only gets maybe about 10 to 12 applications is still highly expensive. Some people try to make a tube of mascara last until it's expiration date which is about 3 months. This adds to about 90 applications. If you bought sample size Benefits, it would cost you over $90 in just mascara rather than something like $8.99. 

So then why would anyone spend that much on mascara? Well, buying it at the price of $23 at a time wouldn't cost quite as much as, but why would someone pay almost 3 times as much for mascara? Some people aren't as determined to try all the mascaras made to try to find a comparable mascara for not as high of a price. As a student with a minimum wage job, I've found that L'oreal Paris' "Million Lashes" do a pretty decent job for its price of $9 per full tube.

Benefit's benefit is that they make such a high quality product that has been praised on high by many a woman and many a magazine. So you have to pick your benefit- budget or beyond compare lashes.

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Tablescraps

From the desk of Wrigley Addison Beauchamp:

Tablescraps; can you imagine anything is this world more glorious? Remnants of the divine meals from 3 feet above. How do humans expect us to eat the same mundane and bland dry kibble, day in and day out when they have something new and spectacular every day like mashed potatoes and gravy? 

If our humans love us, why are they denying us the sweet tastes of variety they indulge on every night? When they go grocery shopping, why is it acceptable for us to have lamb and beef niblets every single time we eat but not for them? It sure would make things a lot easier for them; they might even have more time to give us belly rubs.

It has gotten to the point where it is time for action! Let's get ruthless, my fellow canines! No quitting, give your humans your biggest, wateriest puppy dog eyes and most relentless whimpering until you are presented with the liberating taste of your human's meal.

The Value of a dog's life

Recently, as Ebola has been a problem facing the world, a dog was humanely euthanized because it had potentially contracted Ebola. The dog belonged to a Spanish nurse who had contracted the virus. Many animal rights activist and others angrily protested and petitioned against this action, though it was carried out anyways.

There are many things to think about when deciding who is "right" in this situation, if anyone is. Some people would side with the decision to euthanize the dog to eliminate any potential risk of spreading the virus to others. I'm sure lots of people would feel a small portion of sadness for the lost life of an animal, but would not dwell too much on the idea or be incredibly troubled by it. Lots of people see human life as more important than the life of an animal such as a dog so the choice would be simple.

On the other hand, some people such as animal rights activists see the life of a dog as an equal value to that of a human. These people often say things like "we are their voice", meaning since they can't physically speak out or protest, it is their job to do it for them. In certain cases like neglect or cruelty, this seems obvious; but for the case of life or death to not just this dog but any potential new victims of the Ebola virus, the answer is not quite so black and white. For those who feel called upon to speak up for our furry friends, this is basically seen as murder. To someone who values a dog's life to be the same as a human's, that would be like killing a person because they may or may not have Ebola. For humans suffering from Ebola, we do everything in our power to cure the patient of the disease, not just kill them so others can be spared.

With this said, it is in our power to lessen the chance of another human contracting Ebola, doesn't that include having to euthanize an animal to stop the risk of the disease spreading? Medical professionals must take an oath to do everything they can to save a person's life, so would this fall under that category?

It has been reported that even the owner of the dog, the nurse's husband was among those who pleaded against the dog's euthanization. Some people may not understand this and think "wouldn't he understand?" or "wouldn't he want to minimize his own risk?". The nurse's husband is already being quarantined for possible infection of Ebola as he lives with his wife that contracted and developed the virus. If I was told that my dog must be put down because of something like this, regardless of  whether or not I was already at risk of contracting the virus, I would protest, petition, and do whatever I could to save or protect her. Around the world, we are all incredibly attached to our pets. An incredible and potentially unhealthy bond. So, yes, I can empathize with this man. Ultimately, though, I believe the humane euthanization of the dog was the appropriate choice. It is an unfortunate circumstance to be in no matter how much you value the life of an animal.

Dogs in the Media

Probably more than you realize, a dog sold you a product. Whether it was dog food, beer, or even a house, dogs are used in advertising quite a lot. Why do companies do this? Simple: mostly everyone loves dogs.

Right outside the town I live in, there is a neighborhood that has houses for sale. Something that catches your eye is the signs in the front yards picture a large dog. Would you buy a house simply because the sign has a dog on it? Maybe not consciously. Another great example of this is probably one you wouldn't even think about; the millions of products that are sold that have pictures of dogs and puppies plastered all over them. These are things such as folders, clothing, lunch boxes, etc. Things that have nothing to do with caring for dogs or pertaining to dogs in any manner.

How does this make you feel?

What am I feeding my dog?

These days there are a bunch of different commercials advertising "healthy" or "natural" dog food. These products claim to have no preservatives or fillers and the only choice to make if you truly love your dog. These foods and treats can be quite expensive and like most companies aren't telling the whole truth of what "all natural" really means. Are these products truly better for our pets' health? Are they worth the price?

My family feeds both my dogs a normal dry dog food. Both dogs are happy, healthy, active, functioning dogs. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to spend the extra money on foods such as these when their current diet regimen seems to be working just fine.

Normal dry dog foods are usually composed of animal skins, lots of times from pigs. Dog food commercials advertise that they put things like vegetables and "rich proteins" into their foods. But if I set a plain bowl of corn gluten and hog skins in my dog's food bowl, I doubt she would want to eat it and I wouldn't blame her.

A part of me feels guilty for not feeding my dogs the most natural and healthy products available, as I try to do the same for my own health. Is that the goal of these companies? If the goal is to simply guilt pet owners into buying so-called natural products, then are they really that much more beneficial to your dog's health? If a were a successful independent person with only one dog maybe I could afford to spend more money on my dog's diet and feed them less processed products and more nutrient-rich natural ones instead.

Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and only have one brand of dog food that won't upset their stomach. My grandma's dog has a sensitive stomach and she used to only be able to buy food for her dog at the vet's office. Do dogs' sensitivities come from all the preservatives or other ingredients in dog food? Would a natural alternative help these dogs?

So the next time you see a commercial on TV for such products or look across the shelves at all your options, don't consider yourself a horrible pet owner if you choose a normal dog food. If it wasn't safe for your dog, something would have been done about it by now. You can, however keep natural dog foods as an option or treat for your dogs if it is in your budget every week. We could all afford a little less of processed food and preservatives in our diets, dogs and humans alike.

Dressing our Dogs for Halloween

The time of year has come again where we spend an evening getting all dressed up just for free candy. Now, not only can we dress ourselves up, but our furry friends too. Though we can't give our dogs candy, it is still quite fun to dress up our dogs, especially since people are getting more and more creative every year.

My dog, Wrigley has dressed up as a devil before, emulating what my mom says is her inner persona. She has also dressed up as a bat. This seemed to go well, as she is black like a bat. But, with her body and snout she ended up looking more like a flying monkey.

Now, designers of such costumes are taking into consideration a dog's body shape into making more clever and funny costumes. Costumes such as miniature saddles and cowboys as if your dog was a horse are becoming quite popular. Taking advantage of your dog's body orientation and using their front legs to create a costume that appears to have your dog's head on the body of someone like Superman or Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

Some people think it's ridiculous to dress their pets up and others can't get enough of it. Some dogs may hate the costume and feel tormented while in such a contraption while others don't seem to care. For those that have finicky dogs but still want to have fun with their pets, try something simple like a collar with pumpkins. If you have a white or light colored dog, you can really have some fun on the cheap by drawing crazy eyebrows on them with eyeliner. Surprisingly, this provides hours of entertainment.

So this Halloween season, while you're making candy apples and carving pumpkins, don't leave your dog out of the all the fun.

Dog Breeds

Something great about our own human population that also exists in dogs that we don't really think too much about is our diversity. We have many different sizes, colors, and personalities and the same goes for dogs. Lots of us are a mix of more than one thing, once again, this occurs on the canine level.

I myself own a mixed breed as well as pure bred. Which one is better? From a scientific standpoint, mixed breeds are more genetically diverse, which makes them less susceptible to health problems common in certain breeds. Mixed breeds are not allowed to compete in dog shows and obviously don't show distinguishable characteristics of a certain breed. In a society we have today where some people can be quite materialistic and we have the science to get us there, pure bred animals can be quite desirable for some. For lots of people, the things they're most concerned about when looking for a dog is a lovable animal to bring into their family. Mixed breeds can provide that, as they are not the prettiest and most prestigious pooches around they are still incredibly lovable and adorable. If you're not looking for the best hunter or the silkiest coat, and only the best lover, consider a mixed breed.

 It should be brought to attention that yes, people breed dogs. This means they are looking for specific characteristics in dogs. This could be for any reason such as the cute wrinkles of a Pug or the great herding ability of the Corgi. Even things like temperament are sought out for in certain breeds. Terriers are known to be quite anxious dogs where as Labrador Retrievers are excellent family dogs.

The most interesting thing about all the breeds that exist of dogs is the infinite combination of furry friends you can get. The most important part is that whether they're hunting with you or just cuddling on the couch with you, is that they're your best friend.

Going on a Walk

Going on a walk can be very fun for dogs and their owners as well as have health benefits. Humans and pets alike benefit from regular exercise, which walking provides. Walking with your pets also helps you bond with your pet. Lastly, walking with your pet allows you to teach them obedience and proper behavior when walking and interacting in public with other animals and people.

When you are on a walk with your pet, you can stick to your neighborhood or venture out as well as take longer or shorter walks depending on your pets needs. Pets with injuries or weak hips or joints as well as smaller dogs will most likely not be able to go on long walks like big healthy dogs full of energy. A dog may get anxious if they are not in their familiar environment so sticking close to the neighborhood or local park is a good idea at first until you are more experienced.

Some pets may also need harnesses instead of collars while on walks, which I personally recommend. This helps for dogs who may not be perfectly trained walkers yet and tend to pull and walk ahead of their owner. When they pull ahead, their collar tends to pull at their neck causing them to be uncomfortable and choke. A harness is secured around a dog’s chest or body and is centered so the dog is not harmed when walking ahead of their owner. This may even prolong the time you can walk as it eliminates the unpleasant feeling.

Make sure when you take your dog out that it is not too hot. If you are going to take your dog on concrete remember that the pads on their feet/paws can be burned by hot concrete or asphalt. Any time you are going on a walk, especially on hot days, it is important to bring enough water for your dog, they get dehydrated just like us. Even if you give your dog water while on a walk, it is a good idea to always set a bowl of fresh water out for your dog when you get home. Though it may seem like a good idea to put ice in your dog’s bowl to cool them down faster on a hot day, it is not recommended in most cases. Again, just like us, going from extremely hot temperatures to extremely cold temperatures can put their bodies into shock. It is better to just let them cool off on their own with panting and cold water with no ice.

Lastly, remember your dog walking etiquette. Bring some sort of plastic bag or way to dispose of your dogs waste. You can purchase a roll of disposable bags with a container that attaches to your dog’s leash at a pet supply store. Another piece of walking etiquette includes controlling your animal in interactions with other people and animals. Keep an appropriate amount of space between you and your animal and other animals if possible. If you do approach another pet and their owner, make sure your dog will behave properly. If you don’t feel you can control your dog, try to avoid these interactions.

Walking with your dog takes a lot of work and things to remember but it is very healthy and fun for you and your dog. be very fun for dogs and their owners as well as have health benefits.

Should Our Furry Friends Sleep in our Beds?

Should Our Pets Sleep in the Bed with Us?

We all love our pets deeply so a lot of us want to let our pets cuddle up with us in bed at night. Some people say it’s going to far and others say it can even be bad for our health, still, a lot of us do it. So is it worth it?

Personally, I let my dog sleep in my bed with me. By no means does it allow me the perfect night’s sleep, but one gives up a lot for their dog’s happiness. Others who also let their pets sleep with them might make arguments such as “it’s just always been that way”, “they don’t take up much room”, “it’s comforting”, or “my dog gets whatever they want”. Cuddling up with your pet at the end of a long day can be relaxing and stress-releasing. It’s not perfect, though. Though a dog may only take up a small portion of the bed, as long as they are on top of the covers, they make it impossible for the covers to move.

Other people set boundaries for their pets. Things like setting kennels in the bedroom or even give them their own room. Some people value their sleep too much to let their pets encroach on their sleeping area. Some might even make a case that having pets sleeping in kennels/crates and altogether separately gives the pets boundaries and routines that are good for regulating behavior.

The argument has been made that this habit might be bad for our health because it forces you to lose sleep to make a lot of adjustments. These are things such as adding another “person” to the bed, sharing covers, and having to deal with making sure your pet behaves in bed and stays in bed. The only health “risk” is losing sleep, but most of us already don’t get enough sleep so what’s another hour a night lost to our pets?

Finally, the question comes to mind: Stress-reducing or stress-inducing? Being with your pets at night can be great for reducing stress as that is one of the many benefits of having a pet. On the other hand, one must ask themselves what they love more… their pets or their sleep.

for a case of a dog owner in dilemma and the expert's solution click here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/21/dog-in-bed-sleep-bedroom_n_1957972.html

My First DIY

We all remember out firsts in life. Our first bike, our first kiss, our first, pet... And of course our first DIY. My first DIY was a project for my stepmother's birthday. It is a lamp that I made out of an old wine bottle. The great thing about giving DIY projects as gifts is that they can be very personal. My stepmom likes to be sentimental, herself, so every time she opens a bottle of wine, she writes on the cork what the occasion was when she drank it.
    For her birthday, I turned the bottle of wine she drank with my dad on their anniversary into a cute, fully functional lamp. My supplies included a wine bottle, some opaque colored glass pebbles (the kind you find in fish bowls), a hot glue gun along wih plenty of glue sticks, and a strand of lights. The process was quite easy, though painstakingly tidious.
   All there was to do was to put a dot of glue on a pebble and arrange the pebble onto the bottle. You would do this until the bottle is completely covered with the pebbles. One fun aspect of this project is you can pick your own color scheme of how you want your piece to look based on what color pebbles you pick. You can also create patterns and designs. I picked a sea themed color scheme and opted for a randomized look of the colored pebbles. This sort of gave it a disco ball look when the lamp was on in the dark. To get to the point of lighting up your lamp, you need lights in it. An old strand of Christmas lights worked well for me. A hole must be drilled into the bottle so the cord can come out to be plugged in after you place the strand of lights inside. The last step is to plug the lamp in and turn the lights off while you stare at your beautiful and thrifty creation.

Honing Your Skills

This week marks the beginning of making a commitment to do something new. It doesn't just mean you have to buy a bulk supply of craft glue. It means if you want to be a successful DIYer you need to see projects out until the end otherwise you just end up with a jumbled up mess.  DIY projects take a lot of work and commitment and maybe that's why my house isn't covered in tie-dyed throw pillows. Being able to focus and see something are just as essential tools to crafters as stick-on gems. This week, I'm committing to not only challenging myself to spice up my life with creativity but to also teach myself some valuable life skills.

 Some people may think of DIYing as only a girly pastime rather than a true hobby that reaps success. I for one, do not see it that way. Your benefit is not just the obvious end product like a bracelet, it’s something much more. A person can learn skills in patience and perseverance as well as little tips and tricks they learn along the way like weaving techniques or better glue brands. Finally, one day, as you work your way up the glitter covered latter, you can hopefully one day sell your items for a physical cash benefit. This can be one of the best parts of DIYing. Every crafter’s dream; it allows them to sustain their hobby and gives them a sense of pride in their work. I hope reading this may give you some insight as to what DIYing is beyond the surface.