My Top Five Beauty Tips

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My top five beauty tips are pretty simple.... I've always loved trying different beauty products but you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for the latest and greatest trend.  The thing is, as I'm getting older, it comes down to a few simple tricks and if you practice them consistently... you'll look younger, longer.  It's never too soon to start a healthy skin beauty regimen.  Here's mine...

1.  Never go to bed without washing your face.  Ever.  I have always washed my face before bed.  It's a good habit of mine since I was very young.  I just feel gross going to bed with makeup on.  It is so much healthier for your skin.  You don't have to spend a lot of money here.  It also preps for #2... My favorite splurge in this category:  Caudalie Foaming Face Wash.  My favorite drug store pick:  Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil Free Acne Wash (I don't have acne, but I love this stuff.)  As long as it works well to gently remove makeup and doesn't burn my eyes, that's all I need.  I do like to wash my eye makeup off this way, in one step...I don't use a separate remover.

2.  Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.  I say this three times, because it should be done in three steps.  Moisturizing goes for your entire body...but especially your face.  I moisturize morning and night and am very diligent about it.  In the morning I just splash water on my face.  I don't wash it again.  As you age, it's not good to wash too much... you're not a teenager anymore;)  I put eye cream on by dabbing it under and around my eyes with my ring fingers.  One of my favorites that I keep going back to is Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Eye Concentrate.  It's a splurge, but feels amazing.  The container lasts me a long time.  I don't have a favorite drug store brand in this category, but if I was going to get one, I'd choose Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream.  I love their other products, so I bet it's as good.  Next is a face serum.  My go-to is Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Serum, which has a light, creamy consistency.  Another one I get once in a while is Truth Serum Collagen Booster by Ole Henriksen, which is a clear, gel-like serum that brightens the skin.  It smells like oranges.  This one's good if you've had a lot of sun exposure.  If it's morning, I proceed to #4.  If it's night time, I put on a heavier night cream next.  My absolute favorite night cream is Algenist Genius Anti-Aging Cream.  A little pricey but I absolutely love it.  Again, it's a huge container, so it will last me a long time, especially wearing it once daily.  Again, Boots No.7 is a great drug store choice.  Whatever you choose,  look at your ingredients and pick one without parabens.  As long as it has healthy ingredients....just moisturize (eye), moisturize (serum), moisturize (cream).

-Boots No.7 is a wonderful, inexpensive beauty line that can be found at Target and Ulta Stores.  It's usually in the $20 range but Ulta usually has great coupons!

3.  Exfoliate.  I only do this when I feel like I need it.  I remember the days in high school when I used to love that "Apricot Scrub" that would just scratch the heck out of my face!  Those days of damaging scrubbing are over.  I have a Clarisonic brush that I use every so often but have heard mixed reviews on whether it's good for your skin.  I must say... I have a new favorite product and it lands in this category.  It's Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Peel in Extra Strength.  It's a two step process that uses pre-soaked pads.  You apply the first step, wait 2 minutes, then apply the 2nd step.  That's it.  It leaves your skin so beautiful and glowing, stripping away all the dead skin cells.  Absolutely no redness or irritation, just beautiful skin.  I do this about once a week, or as needed.  It's safe enough to use daily if you want.  I'm so happy I found this;)  I'm adding one of these in my Giveaway going on right now!!  (See Giveaway on my main menu to see how you can enter...ends 4/18/15!)

4.  Wear protection.  I'm talking about sunscreen here.  I've tried a lot of sunscreens, BB's, etc and I'm picky in this category.  It has to be just the right consistency.  I've found one I love that is my go-to on a daily basis.  My favorite non-tinted day cream is Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Day Cream SPF 15.  It's wonderful and I feel protected from sun exposure on a daily basis.

5.  Smile.  This is the best one...and so simple.  :)  When you put a smile on your face you're immediately ten times more beautiful.  Don't get botox, it's just weird.  My opinion.  Don't be afraid of a few smile lines here and there.  Take good care of your skin, be happy...and age gracefully.  

A couple of extra products that I keep around for 'every once in a while'... Josie Maran Face Oil for that once a year dry skin that needs extra help.  I also love Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty Glowing Serum.  It really does make your skin beautiful...I can see why she calls it the model's secret;)

That's my beauty regimen.  I do that every. single. day.  I'd love to hear your favorite beauty tips!  Or... if you didn't have one before reading this, maybe this will inspire you to get one!  It's never too late to develop a healthy skin routine!

Here's to aging gracefully.

Love beauty products as much as I do?  I recommend Birchbox!  It's like getting a personalized gift box every month...

Warm Red Potato Salad

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This Warm Red Potato Salad just came to me at the very last minute....and ended up being really delicious!  I originally was making basic baked red potatoes in the oven...

I cut up red potatoes, skins on, and put them on a baking sheet coated with ghee. I seasoned them with a seasoning I have called Capitol Hill.  I use it on everything from eggs to salads.  I tossed the potatoes around to coat them with the ghee and seasoning before putting them in a 400 degree oven.

I just kept an eye on them and checked them every 15 mins or so, stirring once, until golden brown.

As the potatoes were cooking, I made some of my homemade mayo to have in the fridge because I was out.  We go through a lot in my house.  I tested one of the potatoes to see if it was done....but before I did, the mayo was just sitting there...so I dipped it!  Wow, YUM!  In that instant I had a dinner upgrade idea!!  Potato salad!!  :)

I brought out two hard boiled eggs (steamed;) that I had in my fridge.  See, food prep pays off!  I put the crispy warm potatoes in a bowl.  I added a couple spoonfuls of my fresh homemade mayo, a dash of dijon mustard, another sprinkle of Capitol Hill seasoning, salt, pepper, and the chopped eggs...

I mixed it all together and served immediately.  I served this with grilled Chicken Apple Sausage and greens.  It was such a yummy upgrade from plain ol' potatoes!  It was warm and crispy and creamy all at once.

I will definitely be making this again.  The crisp to the potatoes added a lot.  Most potato salads are boiled and chilled...this crisp and warmth added a new twist on the old standard.  :)

Next time, since this time it just "unfolded " this way.... I thought about adding chopped green onions and I don't know, BACON?  Now we're talking!  Enjoy!

Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

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These Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks are so tender and delicious.  Easy too... here's what you'll need...

• 2 large Ahi Tuna Steaks
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp whole peppercorns
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp ghee
• Dipping sauce:  Coconut Aminos & Wasabi Powder (optional)

1.  Pat the tuna steaks dry.  Sprinkle with the salt and cayenne pepper on both sides.

2.  Heat the olive oil and ghee over medium high heat.  I used a thin cast iron pan.  Once hot, add the peppercorns and cook for about 5 minutes...until they start to soften and pop open.  I like to crush the peppercorns with the metal spatula.

3.  Add the tuna steaks and cook for 1 1/2 minutes per side for rare.

4.  Remove from pan and slice them 1/4 inch thin with a sharp knife.

These seared ahi tuna steaks will be crusted on the outside and rare on the inside...just like you'd be served in a restaurant... :)

For a wonderful Dipping Sauce that will make you feel like you're in a sushi restaurant.... mix a desired amount of wasabi powder into coconut aminos!

They have great flavor from the peppercorns and a little kick from the cayenne.  Very flavorful.  I hope you enjoy these Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks!  I served it alongside my steamed artichokes and homemade mayo!  Yum.

-Note:  when preparing this dish and cooking it rare, sushi grade tuna is recommended.  I found these Wild Ahi Tuna beauties at Costco.

The real reason to set Goals

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Why do you set goals?  I think the reason anyone wants anything in life is because we think we'll feel better in the having of it.  But why do we feel better in the having of it?  I think it has much more to do with the person we become by achieving the goal, rather than the actual reward.  I believe that's where the true joy of achieving goals comes from...

Anyone can set a goal.  Achieving a goal takes work.  It takes commitment and discipline.

I'm going to talk about physical goals here, because many of my readers are embarking on the Whole30 and setting physical goals...

Recently, one of the creators of the Whole30 Program, Melissa Hartwig, posted a very inspirational explanation why their shirts say "I Am Whole30" instead of "I'm doing the Whole30" or "I finished the Whole30".  It's based on the psychology of change and habit.  She doesn't want you to just DO the Whole30 (start eating healthier).  She wants you to BE Whole30 (BE a healthy eater).  She explains that the stronger you can self-identify in this way, the more likely you are to hold to your new desired behaviors.  Let it become part of who you are.  Give yourself opportunities to have small wins.  Go out to eat and BE Whole30.  Be faced with temptation and BE Whole30.  She says this sends a FAR stronger message from you to you, and you may be surprised at the power of this daily affirmation.

This way of thinking can apply to many goals you set.  Anytime you're trying to create a new habit, 1)  build it into your identity and  2)  give yourself opportunities to prove that this is who you are.  I love this concept.  I'm going to enjoy my shirt even more now... because I AM Whole30.

I'm incorporating this concept into my goal of living by my budget.  Instead of having a budget, I AM my budget.  I'm excited that by making it part of my identity, it's become part of who I am... and therefore I feel proud to work toward my financial goals.

Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do.  It's done so much for me.  Not just to get something...but to become someone you're proud to be.  :)

To learn more, read my other posts and get excited to set goals!  Become the someone you're supposed to be!

How to Set Goals in 5 Simple Steps

5 Rules for Setting Physical Goals

Financial Freedom Guide

Happy WifeStyle's Guide to the Whole30

Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara Review

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*** GIVEAWAY DETAILS AT THE END OF THIS POST! ***

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen that @mascara_mum recently sent me this Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara in the mail as a thank you for putting a smile on her face with my posts!  Wow, so generous...she definitely put a smile on MY face because mascara is my favorite makeup product!

My first impression of the product was good because it was like no other mascara I'd seen before.  It came in this beautiful case and had two wands inside.  I'd never heard of Younique products... what a cute, clever name!

I looked online to see how to apply it and found her instructional videos on how to apply and remove it.  It's completely waterproof... but comes off easily with any cleanser!  I never buy waterproof mascara because it's so hard to remove completely...so I was skeptical.  I do use false lashes on very special occasions because I love how big they make my eyes look, but I think they are difficult to apply.  If these can give me that look anytime I want, I'm in!  Here goes...

First, I put it on one eye to see the difference.  Wow.  Huge difference.

You first apply the "transplanting gel", coating all the lashes on one eye (I just did my top lashes).  While the gel is still wet and sticky, you immediately follow with the "natural lash fibers"... applying halfway up the lash to the tips.  It looks a little "feathery" at first as the fibers attach, but it will smooth out.  That's because they are actually tiny fibers being attached to lengthen and go beyond your natural lashes!  Take an up close look...

Follow with one more coat of gel to set it.  If you're satisfied, you're done!  If you want a more dramatic effect, keep going and apply as many coats, alternating gel and lash, until you achieve the look you want!  I put a little gel on my lower lashes to give them a subtle look...I just like the lower lashes enhanced, not longer, but you could put the fibers on the bottom too if you like.  Tip:  Hold both tubes in one hand and apply with the other hand.  Recap as you go so you don't mix up the tubes!  This gives a crazy cool false lash look and they are very black!  It's fun...lash galore!

I mentioned earlier that mascara is my favorite makeup product.  I actually don't wear a lot of makeup.  If I'm just running errands, my "go to" is some powder for shine, some mascara on my lashes... and lip gloss.  I think mascara makes the biggest difference, for me, to feel "done"...it makes my eyes look a lot bigger.  I love this t-shirt that I've seen on Pinterest a few times...there are days I can relate;)

So what else do I use?  If I'm spending a little more time on myself or going somewhere special, I use bareMinerals Complexion Rescue foundation (yes, I did a blog post about it too!).  It's the lightest, most hydrating, foundation that I've tried.  It smooths out my complexion...without a heavy, cakey feel.  I love it.  I also might do a little contouring with eyeshadow under my brow bone with a darker color to create more depth on my eyelids.  (I learned that trick from one of my favorite people in the world, Stevie Nicks...she has always done that trick;)  I love highlighter too.  I use Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! which creates a beautiful glow to my cheekbones, brow bone and bridge of my nose.  It looks really natural compared to others I've tried.  Ok, I'm getting off on a tangent here...back to the mascara.

The big test was to see how my husband liked it.  I came out and blinked at him a few times and asked him what he thought.  He loved it.  He said it looks like I have false lashes on...but better.  He definitely thought it made my eyes look bigger.  :)  Good, must be husband approved!

I've used one other drug store brand "fiber" mascara before.  It was a while ago, so I don't remember the brand, but it came in one tube that was double ended...one wand on each end.  The first step coat went on white and then the second coat was black, which was strange.  All I remember is I didn't really like it.

So, the next tests for me were... Is it really waterproof? and Does it come off easily?  Yes, and yes.  I splashed my face with water a few times and it didn't budge.  I rubbed my eyes a little while wet and it started to smudge a bit, but not a lot.  I proceeded to wash with my regular cleanser that suds up as I normally would.  It came off so easily.  It didn't take any more effort than regular mascara and left NO residue.  That's a first for me with waterproof mascara.  :)

So, the final test for me was the ingredients, of course.  Being the health advocate I am... I always look at ingredients, not only in my food but in my products too.  I was very pleasantly surprised.  There are no junky ingredients in this.  The 100% Natural Fibers are actually taken from Green Tea!  The Transplanting Gel has ingredients like water, beeswax and collagen.  The black color comes from Iron Oxide which is a natural-occurring mineral, giving the gel it's striking black color.

Oh, and in case you're wondering... I decided to review this mascara because I loved the product.  I only review product that I love, use and would recommend to you.  I in not way am being compensated for this review.  I know some bloggers are compensated for writing positive reviews, so I want to take a moment to make that clear;)

I have close personal friends who have gotten eyelash extensions, but they're difficult to maintain.  I've gotten my eyelashes dyed black before.  I loved it, but it didn't last long.  I'm excited about this fun product that can help boost women's confidence.  The woman who sells this told me that since she's been using this product, she's started wearing more dresses!  That's fantastic!  It shows how little things that make us feel pretty can make a big impact on our lives.

I'm excited to have this product to play with.  SO EXCITED....that I contacted the person who sent it to me and we have partnered up to do an Instagram GIVEAWAY.. for one lucky winner to win this product...along with a few other goodies!!!  She is going to donate the product and I am going to host the giveaway!!  Maybe that winner will be you!  Keep an EYE on us over on Instagram!  HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Go to Instagram... follow @happywifestyle and @mascara_mum.
• Look for this pic on my page:

• Repost this pic (by screenshot or regram app) with the "#HWSLashes" hashtag so I can see your entry.  (Don't forget to tag me if your account is private or I won't see it)
• Enter as many times as you like, limit once per day.
• Extra karma points for tagging friends in the comment section of the pic that you think would like to enter!  Thanks for helping spread the word as this is my very first giveaway! :)

Details of giveaway:  Only open to US residents.  Only enter on Instagram.  This contest will be open until Sat April 18, 2015 at 9pm PT.  Winner will be announced the following day on Instagram.  Good luck!!

Can't wait?  Want to transform your lashes from "okay" to "oh, wow!"... you can learn more and find the product, among others, at mascaramum.com.  It sells for $29.  I hope you've enjoyed this review!  Have a fantastic weekend! :)

FYI ---Yes, these photos have been touched up.  Airbrushing does wonders to skin and is a girl's best friend when posting a "close up" at 43 years old, so bear with me... LOL!  But the lashes are NOT TOUCHED UP and I focused on the eyes to make that area stand out.  

Chicken Satay with "Peanut" Dipping Sauce

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I actually didn't know what Chicken Satay was exactly before seeing this recipe.  All I knew was how good it looked! :)

Chicken Satay is a Thai dish of chicken skewers that is typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.  A few tweaks and this becomes a delicious paleo-friendly version...

Ingredients for Chicken Skewers:  Prep time: 2-4 hrs    Cook time:  8-12 mins    Serves:  5-6

• 1 cup unsweetened full-fat canned coconut milk
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 1-2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2.5 lbs chicken tenders

Instructions:

1. Combine coconut milk, garlic, ginger, curry powder and salt in a small mixing bowl.  Mix until combined.  (I used a whisk;)
2. Marinate chicken with mixture for 2-4 hours.  (I used a large ziplock bag which worked great)
3. Soak wooden skewers for a minimum of 1 hour, prior to grilling.  (I put them in a 9" x 13" baking dish filled with water)
4. Preheat grill to high heat.
5. Skewer chicken tenders with the pre-soaked wooden skewers.
6. Grill over medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes, turning as necessary to cook evenly.
7. Serve with "Peanut" satay dipping sauce. (Recipe below; I made this ahead of time)

Ingredients for "Peanut" Satay Dipping Sauce:  Makes 2 cups

• 1 cup sunflower butter or raw almond butter (I used almond butter)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor.
2. Blend until a creamy, smooth consistency.

It's a delicious sauce... creamy and nutty with a spicy "kick"!  I made this Thai dish last Sunday for a "thank you" lunch for our friends that helped us out big time recently by babysitting our French Bulldog Stella...last minute for a whole week!  We are so grateful.  Thank you Meredith for taking such good care of her...and thank you Shawn for adjusting her, her chiropractic care you've given her has really made a big improvement.  Her facial paralysis is looking a lot better.

I always get a little nervous cooking something new for guests...if I've never made it, let alone tried it before!  This was a hit!  :)  What a nice, relaxing Sunday.  Good food followed by a really fun card game that they brought, "Phase 10".  We went out and bought it the next day and my husband and I have played it every night since!  LOVE!  I used to love playing rummy...it's similar but way more fun.

This recipe is from my very first Paleo cookbook I ever bought...  "Make it Paleo" by Bill Staley and Hayley Mason.  I love the recipes and beautiful big photos in this cookbook.  They recently came out with "Make it Paleo II"....can't wait to get it.  My friend got it and said it's amazing!  

If you're looking for a fun, different, delicious dish for guests or family....this recipe won't disappoint.  Enjoy!