Update on the Topsy! Yay and Nay!

I am a little happy and disappointed at the same time.
The disappointment: I didn't hang my Topsy Turvy high enough and some pesky rabbits and birds got to the tomato plant. I had some beauties growing and those little pests came in and chewed bits and pieces off and then the tomatoes were gone.
They grew beautifully up to that point so I definitely love the product. I am just sad I didn't take enough care to really get it higher as to avoid these pests!!!
Oh well, I know better for next time.

The Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter Worked for Me!!!!

Okay, so I am getting a ton of questions regarding this rumor going around that I bought and tried one of those "As Seen on TV" Topsy Turvy Upside Down Tomato Planters.

It is definitely true. I got one. Here is my story!
I live in one of the hottest and driest states and it is hard to have your own garden here. I am also pregnant and craved tomatoes and was going through a ton of them and thought it would be good to grow some of my own. I saw the infomercial and decided to check for the TT at Target...bought one but it was defective...the lid wouldn't fit. I took it back. I had already bought the tomato plant and the soil and just needed the device. I decided to focus on my Early Girl tomato plant (plant matures within 52-62 days) and then go get another planter. Target was sold out in 2 weeks (this being in March) and I walked into Walgreens one day and there they were for $9.99! I grabbed one and took it home and had my husband help me set it up. It is fairly easy. There are a few things you should note though.
You need to buy your own soil and a young plant and have somewhere sturdy and high to hang it on. It comes as the planter and a hook and no seeds or other extras, that is up to you.
I combined Miracle Grow and regular potting soil with a bit of saved coffee grinds (I only used half of the Miracle Grow because I was told it is high in nitrogen which produces more leaves than fruit or veggies on the plants). You take the sponge out of the bottom of the planter (it has a slit in it to hold the plant in place so don't throw it out it will go back where you removed it from). Take your plant out of the pot it is in and insert the roots through the hole in the bottom of the planter then put the sponge back down through the top and fit the slit around the plant's stem leaving about 2 inches above the sponge, of stem, and begin to fill with soil mixture. I had my husband hold the plant steady while I poured in the soil. It worked well and we hung the planter on a sturdy Shepard's Hook and filled in the rest of the soil. The plant hung nicely from the bottom and we then filled it with water from the hole in the top (slowly). I grew my plant in its own pot for about 3 weeks before transferring it to the Topsy Turvy but I certainly don't recommend that. The larger the plant is, the more difficult it is to insert into the planter so it is best to start small. After about 2 more weeks in the planter I began to seen some really nice flowers and soon enough, about a week ago, my first tomato! Now I have 4 tomatoes and I am so excited. They are beautiful and more are popping out every day it seems!
I have not had a problem with bugs or sun, regardless of some extreme heat here in AZ. There is a bit of shade from the planter on the plant protecting it from getting burned. It is still lush and green and I water every day. If the leaves look a little droopy, I water. Watering seems to be best in the latter half of the day too because my plants stay hydrated through the night and seem perky in the morning sun! I am going to give this a thumbs up! I love this planter and I am thinking of purchasing others to grow a variety of tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers. I also used this as a teaching tool for my son as he is learning about growing his own food and being proud of taking care of the plant itself, then reaping the rewards of your care! He looks at the new tomatoes every day and is very excited to see them! I grew up in Eastern Canada where we had gardens and grew our own fruits and vegetables and I really missed that. Now I have a way to do that even in the different environment I live in now! I have posted pictures to show you my success with the Topsy Turvy! Happy Topsy Turvy-ing!!!!

Be a CoverGirl...Sorry Guys!

Let's talk mascara.

Hands down, the best mascara I have tried in a long time has to be CoverGirl's Lash Blast! It is the one in the fat orange tube.
I will keep this very simple. I have tried many mascaras, almost every drugstore and professional brand. One important thing I learned is, it is not about the formula but the brush is the most important thing to decide upon when buying. Lash Blast has a flexible, spiky brush with tons of little protruding separators on a chubby stick. It lifts, separates and coats more lashes than most of the traditional brush like applicators that are like a hairbrush with natural bristles. Mind you, many companies are adopting these new, more rubber-like brushes with all kinds of different prong-like applicators but I have had the best luck with Lash Blast. Their formula is also very good. It coats, lifts, separates and seems to thicken the lashes individually, giving them a longer, more stand-out look. It does not clump, flake or smear and it is available in waterproof. It has worked for me and I have been using it since it was launched almost 2 years ago. I used to really like Zoom Lash, by MAC, but when Lash Blast came out, I decided to try it. I don't feel you can compare the two.
This is a budget mascara too and it is important to stay stylish on a budget!!
Lash Blast blasts the competition right out of the park!

Blogging Beauty Inside and Out!

I believe this will be my first beauty blog but definitely not my last!
I have spent 25 years in the beauty industry, wearing many different hats. I have a lot to say and I am bringing it to my blog in the form of fashion, skin care, makeup/artistry, fitness and nutrition amongst the other review topics that have worked for me as well as others to which I have recommended these things to!
Lately I have been answering a lot of makeup and skin care questions, many pertaining to weddings, pregnancy and other special events as well as business in a stressful economy.
First things first. I am no doctor, but I am a certified and licensed skin care practitioner (Esthetician)/makeup artist.
A few things to keep in mind when striving for overall skin (and body health!!) is to try to get adequate rest! It is up to you. Stress can interrupt sleep (amongst other things) but lack of sleep can age you and have all kinds of other health concerns. Try to practice relaxation techniques and setting a bedtime routine (not necessarily a time schedule). I love yoga. It has really taught me how to breathe (yes, very important!) and stretch! This in turn has helped me to relax and gives me a resource to reduce my stress at any time, anywhere, contributing to my overall health.
Lack of sleep in combination with dehydration also takes its toll on the skin so try to get rest and drink plenty of fluids, avoiding high sugar and caffeinated beverages as much as possible.
These are just a couple of things that I know, work for me and I have seen the effects of adequate sleep and hydration on many of my clients.
Reduce stress, get more rest and keep hydrated.
Next blog: Simple makeup techniques and quality products on a time constraint and limited budget!