Bring in 2013 with the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers {Photo Challenge}

Hello to all my dearest Beauties!

I hope that your holidays were filled with love, happiness and many blessings. As we move forward into a New Year, I wanted to use this opportunity to invite everyone to join the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers in our first photo challenge of 2013. 

Event Dates: January 1st - January 31st

What do you need to participate in this photo challenge?
A camera – Yes, a camera is necessary! Any camera will do – your smart-phone camera, a DSLR camera, iPhone, Ipad...anything that can take a decent looking photo. Just make sure that you are able to upload the photo so you can share it via social media.

Okay, so you took the photo, now what? 
Share it, please! We want to see and share your creativity!

Where can you share your photo?
Twitter - Upload your photo in a tweet - write a creative caption - tag it with hashtag #llblogphotooftheday and share. {for a chance at being retweeted tag @latncookndiva in your tweet!}
Pinterest - Upload your photo - pin it to one of your boards - describe your pin then tag it with #llblogphotooftheday
Facebook - If you have a facebook fan page or personal page please feel free to upload your photo there. Just make sure you tag @LatinaLifestyleBloggersCollective and {llblogphotooftheday}.
Instagram - Take your photo - tag it using #llblogphotooftheday - Hit share.
Your Blog - If you have a blog or a website, you can add your photos to your feed or in a blog post ...it's your blog so you can choose how you want others to see your photos! Please use tag #llblogphotooftheday

IMPORTANT:  You MUST use #llblogphotooftheday when sharing your photo via social media. If the hashtag is NOT used, your photo will not qualify to be entered in the grand prize drawing. {See following paragraphs for details}

Note: If you are unsure about using Instagram, then don't use it. It is NOT mandatory to use Instagram in order to participate in this event. You decide where and how you wish to share your photos!

You have shared your photos via social media, now what?
Submit your photo to us by filling out a simple form. {HERE}
You are allowed to submit one (1) photo for each day you are participating in - So, the more active you are in taking photos, the more chances you have of winning!

Why fill out this form if your sharing the photo via social media?
Because there are going to be prizes for participating in this event! After the event closes on January 31st, we will be selecting FIVE (5) Grand Prize Winners*. The winners will be selected by using radom.org - This will ensure that EVERYONE who SUBMITS their photos will have a fair chance at being selected as a winner.

What type of prizes are up for grabs?
A bottle of wine provided by one of our sponsors, Vino Latino
Aveeno Skin Care products
CoverGirl Cosmetics.... and more items are being added, so please stay tuned for a complete list coming soon!

What if you forget what the daily prompt is?
No worries! Just come back to this blog post and catch up by referring to the top photo. If you like, please fell free to save the photo onto your desktop this way you have the photo with you to refer back to it anytime you need to!

Now that you're excited and worked up, let's recap:

• Take photo for the prompt of the day 
• Share your photo via social media using hashtag #llblogphotooftheday
• Submit your contact information to be included in the Grand Prize Drawing

Final Thoughts: 
We really hope that after reading these super easy guidelines you are excited to join us in the upcoming Bringing in 2013 with Latina Fashion Lifestyle and Beauty Bloggers Photo Challenge! All of us are looking forward to having this photo challenge. Who knows, you just might make some new friends, connect with lost friends or just have fun being creative with your camera!

*Important!
The five (5) grand prize winners will be selected during the first week of February 2013. Once these have been selected, they will be notified via email. The selected winners will have five (5) business days to submit their shipping information - if this is not received, we will have no other choice but to assume the individual does not want their prize, therefore we will select another winner. If you are among those who are selected as winners, please note that the prizes will be shipped during February - please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. This photo challenge event is not part of Instagram or any other social media outlet. For questions, suggestions or if your are interested in sponsoring a prize please send an email to rosamaria (dot) sanchezpellot (at) gmail (dot) com

Now it's your turn:  Are you excited to join the Latina Lifestyle Bloggers 2013 photo challenge event?  Do you have your cameras ready? 

Holiday Eye Shadow Looks and How to Get It with Starlooks

Hello Beauties! 

I hope everyone is doing fabulous while getting ready for the Holidays! A few weeks ago, we introduced you to a new and upcoming makeup company, Starlooks. What is Starlooks?

Starlooks offers its members a monthly subscription known as Starbox.   Unlike most other monthly subscription companies, Starboxes come with regular sized cosmetic products such as lipgloss, eye-shadow palettes and makeup tools. To get a better look at what the items can look like, check out our introduction post highlighting what we received in the November Starbox (HERE)

In that same post, we also shared a "spoiler alert" about what was going to be in the December Starbox: A Fifteen (15) Shade Pro Eye Shadow Palette (a $99 value for ONLY $15)....And here it is!

The Fifteen (15) Shade Pro Eye Shadow Palette is filled with very vibrant colors in shades of red, violet, blue, green and yellow. These eye-shadows are the perfect compliment to use this Holiday season - the color schemes are festive and bright. The color trios are not necessarily the normal "neutral" shades, however these are extremely easy shades to use, adding a pop of color to your eyes with just one sweep of the brush.

Take a look at these two (2) Eye Look examples to see how simple a festive Holiday Look can be achieved:

Here the two (2) shades of green were used to create a look inspired by Christmas trees and mistletoe. (The darker green was applied on lid and lower lash line. The lightest green was used as the highlighter under the brow.) 

For a softer eye look, three (3) shades of violet were blended together. This eye is reminiscent of Christmas Lights. (This is a three shade eye shadow application: the dark violet (which is matte) covered the lid, the shimmery medium violet was blended in the crease followed by the pink/violet shade for highlighting under the brow.)

Using the Fifteen (15) Shade Pro Eye Shadow Palette is extremely easy (even for the most novice of makeup users) because each color in the palette has its three (3) basic shades: light/medium/dark. By having three (3) degrees of color, creating a two-toned or three-toned smokey eye can be accomplished in minutes by just following these simple steps:

1. Prime the eyelid area. 
2. Select the three shades of color that you want to apply - Always having the colors in shades going from darkest-medium-lightest. 
3. Make sure you use the proper tools*: two stiff dome brushes (medium and small) and a flat brush. 
4. The medium and small dome brushes are used for blending the darker shades onto the crease and outer corners of the lids. The flat brush is used to "pack on" the color on the lids. The small dome brush can also be used for highlighting under the brow. 

*Here are the links to take a look at what the tools look like:

medium dome brush (HERE) small dome brush (HERE) flat brush (HERE)


On a side note, sometimes right after applying primer to the eyelid (step 1) depending on which eye shadow is being used, you can apply a "base" onto the lid by using a white eye pencil. Doing this can do two things: create a canvas for eye shadow to stick to and it also can be applied to help bring out the color of the eye shadow itself - especially if the makeup has a low pigment.

However, when applying the colors from the Fifteen (15) Shade Pro Eye Shadow Palette this step was NOT needed at all. The pigments in these eye shadows are very high - one layer of the color is very strong and similar to how it appears in the palette - making this a HIGH quality product...and I LOVE that!

To see other ways of creating Holiday eye-looks, take a peek at Starlooks December LooksBook Edition - "Be The Light"  (HERE) where the lights of their Christmas Tree was used as their inspiration.

There you have it, Beauties - our rundown of the Starlooks December Starbox featured product, Fifteen (15) Shade Pro Eye Shadow Palette, which definitely makes it completely worth becoming a valued member of Starlooks.  But, just in case you need even more reasons to become a member, check this out:

• Free shipping on all online orders under 10 lbs. 
• Super generous Starbox points program (earn a point for every dollar spent) 
• Starlooks is cruelty free - lead free and emollient free 

To see the entire collection of Fifteen (15) Shade Pro Eye Shadow Palette just click HERE.

Now it's YOUR turn:  Do you like the color shades in the Fifteen (15) Shade Pro Eye Shadow Palette? Have you signed up to be a valued Starlooks member yet?  If not, what are you waiting for?! 


Disclosure: A complimentary December Starbox was sent for the purpose of this review. All opinions/photos stated here are 100% owned and property of LatinFlava Designs. In addition, the links placed in this post are NOT affiliate links; these are only used to provide our readers with more insights. 

W!n a Chamilia Silver Bracelet with Charm!

Happy Monday Beauties!

I hope that your weekend was relaxing and joyful. As we begin another week, we are coming closer and closer to the end of 2012...Can you believe it? I can't! However, since this is something that will happen regardless if we are ready or not, we have decided to end this year on a stylish note.

How are we going to do this? Please continue reading our review post for Chamilia.com

Charm bracelets have recently made their way back into the fashion scene and with good reason. A charm bracelet can be customized to fit any type of style: glam, retro, preppy, classy or even vintage; making this one of the easiest gifts to give to a loved one during the Holidays.

This is where Chamilia comes in as one of the leaders in the charm accessory industry...

To give you a little background about Chamilia - Please read this excerpt from their website:

"Chamilia’s premium quality and unique designs distinguish it from all other jewelry brands. Our collection of premium beads and accents, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings celebrates individuality, letting women personalize every design to reflect their own lives and styles.

We use only the finest materials to create our expertly designed collections, including 14k gold, .925 sterling silver, crystal Swarovski® Elements, handmade Italian Murano glass, and natural and colored gemstones."

In the photo above is the Silver Snap Bracelet paired with Shimmering Stones Pink Swarovski charm. The bracelet is sleek with a simple design - the sterling silver is very lustrous which adds to its elegance. The Silver Snap Bracelet is available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from six (6) inches to nine point five (9.5) inches. To find out your exact wrist measurements please read how to determine your size HERE.

The charm paired with this bracelets is the Shimmering Stones Pink Swarovski. The bright pink stones are in two different sizes - with two rows of smaller stones on the outer edge surrounding the larger stones located in the middle. There are a total of eighteen (18) vibrant Pink Swarovski Stones on this one charm!

When I received this bracelet and charm I was completely taken away by the quality of the jewelry. The bracelet has a very sturdy clasp at the end that opens slightly enough to fit the other end inside of it - There is absolutely no way for this bracelet to open on its own! The charms are easy to thread onto the bracelet - the charm I received screws onto the clasp and then sits quite nicely on the bracelet.

I have worn the bracelet and charm a few times and I have to say that the compliments received were truly amazing...and I only have one charm on the bracelet! I can just imagine the reactions I will be getting once I have the bracelet covered entirely in Chamilia charms!

If you are not exactly the "bracelet-wearing" type, Chamilia also has a selection of beautiful earrings, necklaces and starter sets available as well. Just like we mentioned at the beginning of this post, Chamilia offers the most stylish jewelry accessories to suit every type of personal style!

I love my Chamilia bracelet and charm so much, I have decided to have this special giveaway as a Thank you to our readers and fans! 

To participate please complete the entries in the Rafflecopter for a chance to WIN a Sterling Silver Bracelet with One Charm included just like the one I received for the review. Our giveaway event begins TODAY (12/17/12) and ENDS (12/29/12) at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. GOOD LUCK to all the participants who enter and share the giveaway event!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a complimentary item from Chamilia for the purpose of this REVIEW ONLY.  This GIVEAWAY is NOT being sponsored by Chamilia.  Once the winner has been selected they will receive a Silver Snap Bracelet and a Shimmering Stones Pink charm as their grand prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.  Photos and opinions are 100% my own and exclusive property of LatinFlavaDesigns. To see our detailed disclosure policy please visit the Disclosure Policy page at the top of this blog.

Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffer Gift List

Happy Hump-Day Beauties!

Can you believe it's Wednesday already? This week has been moving along rather quickly - It's true: time does fly when you are busy trying to get all the last minute Holiday gift-shopping done. As promised in an earlier post (Amazing Jewelry Gifts Under $30), the next list of gift ideas was going to feature beauty/makeup products.

Since we like to keep our word - Here are the Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffer Gift List:

FaceFront Cosmetics Eyes

3-in-1 Pigment

The 3-in-1 Pigment is a must have because these can be applied not only to your eyes, but to your lips and cheeks. That's triple duty! Colors available are: Apple Tort (in photo),, Aqua Marina, Bold Gold, Bitter Bark, Butter Me, Citrus Circuit, Chrome Bronze, Feeling Deep, Fierce Contender, Heroic, Lotsa Lettuce, Pow Bam Wow, Sea Salt, Skinny Dipper, Red Hot, Vanilla Chrome, Winter Green, and Motivate Me.

Cost - $9
Where to Buy: (HERE)

With so many vibrant color shades to choose from, you will definitely want to make sure that the 3-in-1 Pigments stay in place, right?

Clear Eye and Brow Primer

The Clear Eye and Brow Primer is designed to reduce the chances for creasing, eye shadow fall out, and smudging. The Clear Eye and Brow Primer boosts the color of any eye shadow, and can be paired with mineral or solid shadow. It's 100% vegan and is packaged in a 0.32 oz jar.

Cost - $12.50
Where to Buy: (HERE)

Now that the Eye Makeup gift ideas are done, let's move on to one of my favorite things: Nail Polish.

Duality Cosmetics

Duality Cosmetics has come up with a 3-in-1 Mani Kit that is ideal for anyone who likes to carry their nail polish with them on the go. Each nail polish bottle comes with remover pads and an attached nail file. Having one (or several) of these on hand really makes it easy to fix or reapply nail color at a moment's notice...Genius!

The 3-in-1 Mani Kit for Nails is available in eight-teen (18) different shades. The nail lacquer can be purchased individually or in Holiday Pak Sets.

Cost - $10.80
Where to Buy: (HERE)

And to round out the Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffers gift list, here are two (2) more items:

Cala Manicure Kits

This five piece kit contains everything for a professional looking mani you can DIY. These durable tools are all you need to trim, file, cut and shape your nails at home, at your desk, or on the go. Contained in a travel case this kit makes it easy to travel with - you can toss in your bag and take with you for touch ups anywhere. Each set includes: Nail clipper, Nail file, Cuticle scissors, Cuticle pusher and a Nail cleaner. These kits are available in five (5) different styles.

Cost -$9.90
Where to Buy: (HERE)

Last but not least....

Good for You Girls

Good for You Girls is made specifically for younger girls who are just starting to learn about having a good skin care routine. Each Skincare Starter Kit includes: Gel cleanser (2 oz) that gently washes away dirt with its non-irritating gel cleanser, Purifying toner (2 oz) used to reach deep into pores to fight bacteria without the burn of alcohol, and Lightweight moisturizer (2 oz) that helps protect skin from the elements and maintain skin's healthy moisture balance. Good for You Girls skin care products have No parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, or dyes.

Cost - $12.60
Where to Buy: (HERE)

And just like that.... the Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffer Gift List is complete! However the list could not end without one more incentive, but this one is for YOU!

Now it's YOUR turn: Go to sneakpeaq and register today to get your FREE $10 CREDIT that can be spent on ANY of these items!!

PS. Okay, we covered two Holiday gift lists (jewelry and stocking stuffer ideas) so far this week. There's still more to come: makeup and fashion! So please stay tuned - You don't want to miss these lists either!

Amazing Jewelry Gifts Under $30

Okay, Beauties today is December 11th which means that the Holidays will be here in exactly thirteen (14) days.... Eeek!   

Hopefully you have completed most of your Holiday gift shopping, but for those of you who are still a little behind in purchasing gifts (like me!) or if you are just holding out until an amazing deal comes your way, then this list of Amazing Jewelry Gifts Under $30 is just for YOU!

These Amazing Jewelry Gifts Under $30** are very stylish and classic pieces that can be worn any type of outfit - whether going to the office or a Holiday party! Most importantly though, is the fact that all the pieces included in this jewelry gift list will not set you back financially!

Sparks Fly Bracelet - $20

This bracelet sets will have everyone green with envy due to its striking combo of clear, emerald and hematite-colored faceted glass beads accented with pretty silver-tone filigree. Bracelets stretch to accommodate a range of wrist sizes.

Just Your Luxe Ring - $20

Studded with tiny twinkling rhinestones, this ring winds up the finger for an elegant, almost magical, effect.

Glamorous Life Bracelet - $24

A shimmering stream of clear rhinestones swirls around the wrist. It seriously doesn't get more glamorous than this! Silvertone setting. Stretches to fit a range of wrist sizes. Paired with the Just Your Luxe Ring makes the perfect glam set!

Petal Power Earrings - $18

Extra long for extra impact, these dynamic danglers feature a bohemian floral design accented with enamel in rich autumnal shades–navy, cabernet and burnt orange.

Star Studded Earrings - $14

So timelessly gorgeous, you know that in the Golden Age of Hollywood starlets had earrings just like these. Clear and hematite rhinestones set in hematite.

Deco Elegance Earrings - $18

Elegant from afar and seriously stunning up close, these danglers have the Art Deco movement's Asian influence all over them! Burnished silvertone with black faceted stones and rhinestones. Fish hook ear wires.

There you have it - An entire list of stylish yet super affordable Jewelry Gifts all under $30. In addition to this if you place an order between Dec. 11 - Dec.13 you can get a FREE "go with the pro" mini brush set (regular price value $16). This mini brush set would make a great stocking stuffer or an ideal gift for any beginner makeup enthusiast! 

**For more product information please click on the item title with pricing - To shop with me please use my Rep. #13250725 If you need further assistance please email me directly (latinflavadesigns (at) gmail (dot) com. 

PS. This week we will be featuring a few more Amazing Gift Lists just like this one. Make sure you come back tomorrow as we will be sharing some amazing makeup gift ideas!!

Motivational Monday Quotes to Live by

Rise and Grind Beauties!

A new week has started therefor it is time to get up and MOTIVATED! For today's Motivational Monday post I wanted to share a photo I came across on Facebook this morning. I truly believe that if we all put this quote into practice on a daily basis - we are going to see a lot of positive changes within our daily lives.  So why wait until the new year? Let's do this TODAY!

Take a look at this simple yet powerful Motivational Monday Quote To Live By:

Now it's Your turn: Will YOU try to live out this quote? If so, how will you start doing so? Please share your comments, ideas, suggestions and opinions with us in the comments below - We really do love hearing from YOU!

PS. Don't forget to Enter our last GIVEAWAY of 2012 - Entries are easy (NO rafflecopter!) and there will be TWO Grand Prize winners!! Enter HERE

Tick, Tock...It's Put on your Shoes Day!

                                                                             

Do you know what day today is?  Believe it or not, today is National Put on your Shoes Day! That's right today we are celebrating one of my favorite accessories: SHOES.

Most women (especially those of us who are under 5 ft tall) will admit that if there is one type of shoe every woman needs in her wardrobe would be a great fitting pair of stilettos. The stiletto has always been a confident shoe; lending a measured contour and sleek sexiness to any ensemble. Which is one of the main reasons why every woman should own a pair.

One of my new favorite stilettos are known as the CLOX

In my opinion, the CLOX stiletto can be considered as high fashion and extremely trendy.

According to its designer, Mia Maric, this stiletto, "tells a story of movement, merging time and rhythm to the footsteps of the ambitious and socially mobile woman of today. As beautiful as all women are, most women balance their time, their space, between life as the rock of their home, as a lover and friend, and a colleague outside of the home in our fast-moving society. This just happens to be a science, an art, a statement that is a woman's alone. And as such, the CLOX Stiletto holds strong, yet with poise and class, tracking time perfectly as its owner wears the stiletto moving about her day to create an extra moment for herself, in style."

How is that for some stiletto inspiration?  Although the CLOX was designed with a certain view point, I believe that every women's favorite shoe (or accessory) helps her make that exact statement:  That she is strong, poised and most important classy!


Now it's Your turn: Would you wear these stilettos? Does the designer's vision resignate with you? Please share your thought with us in the comments - we love hearing from you!