My Week With TV: Fall TV Week 1

*May contain Spoilers*

Fall is officially here, if only someone would give Los Angeles the memo (seriously still so HOT). It is my favorite season for many reasons such as sweater weather (when it finally cools), pumpkin everything and my birthday (Holla!). When I was a student, the beginning of the school year signaled the start of the season for me, but I'm no longer a student. One thing that still signals the beginning of the season for me though is the start of Fall TV!

But before I get to what caught my eye during the first week of premieres, let's talk a little bit about the Emmy's. I know I wrote about the shows I would try to get through before the Emmy's aired, but I'm still making my way through them. So far I finished Parks and Recreation (which I loved) and Silicon Valley (also loved and so funny). Now as for the awards, I am mostly pleased by who won, but overall found them to be a bit dull. The top 3 highlights for me were Viola Davis win, Jon Hamm's butt, and Tracy Morgan's return (I had tears).

Anyway, here are the shows I had looked forward to during the first week of premieres, starting with the brand new shows first:

Scream Queens-  This show from the creators of American Horror Story and Glee centers around a sorority house which seems to be the primary target of a serial killer, dressed in a devil suit nonetheless. I mostly saw this because I liked the cast and the shows the creators were previously attached to (though I tired of Glee). This was the first show I tackled for the week and it was pretty funny, plus has a lot of twists which I always enjoy in a show. I'll see how long I stick to this show though because the one thing I didn't fully enjoy was how campy it was. (On Fox Tues. at 9pm).

Limitless- Ok so this fall I noticed a couple of networks have decided to turn feature films into shows and Limitless was the first of this batch to premiere. I saw this last night as I caught up with this week's premieres. Mind you, I never saw the film it is based off of, but knowing the concept, I was intrigued. If you aren't familiar with the film, that's ok though. Both the show and the film center around a pill that basically puts your mind into hyperdrive and gives enhanced mental acuity( i.e. your IQ x4). The show isn't a remake of the film, but more so a continuation of it. The show stars Jake McDorman, but does feature the film's star Bradley Cooper. I loved how much action is in this show, but that its also mixed in with a little science. Will definitely keep watching this. (On CBS Tues. at 10pm).

Blood & Oil- This show centers around a young couple who have just moved to a North Dakota town that seems to be the new big oil boom, however they soon realize they may in way over their heads, especially when it comes to the big oil tycoon who seems to be running it all. I have to be honest, my main reason for watching this one was Nathaniel Archibald I mean Chace Crawford (sorry still having Gossip Girl withdrawals), but I actually really enjoyed it. It is very high drama so I am not surprised ABC put it in their Sunday night line up. I almost feel like its a combination of Revenge and There Will Be Blood. I will say though that it can get a bit Soap Opera-y so be warned.(On ABC Sun. at 9pm).

There are still some brand new shows I need to see, but I was pretty busy this past week and also totally forgot some were premiering (oops). It probably doesn't help that premieres seem to be a bit all over the place this year. The ones I still am curious to catch up with are Quantico, Heroes Reborn (b/c you gotta save the cheerleader), Blindspot, The Player (b/c my friend works on it) and Minority Report.

Now for the shows that came back this season:

Mysteries of Laura- I started watching this last season and found it to be a very cute procedural comedy. What can I say, I am a sucker for cop shows, plus love Debra Messing in this role. *Spoiler Alert* In the season premiere Jake(Laura's ex husband) has been temporarily replaced as chief while he is on medical leave. However, the temp chief is not any of the precinct's cup of tea and everyone is  trying to show the new chief how things get done there. Oh and the case for this show centers around the kidnapping of a child, but with twists, obviously.

Then there was #TGIT:

Grey's Anatomy- I was a bit hesitant to watch the season premiere because well *spoiler alert, not really* McDreamy is dead so I wasn't sure if it would still be the Grey's I've loved and cherished. However, I'm glad I did end up watching it. In the premiere, we see Meredith and Amelia try to cohabit in the aftermath of Derek's death. If you expect a really tearing soapy scene however, then sorry but that didn't happen, at least not pertaining to him. It actually felt very much like the old Grey's camaraderie (oh I miss the intern days). And the medical case centered around two teen girls who are struck by a train it was at first seems an accident, but is later revealed was an attempt to stay together (they were in love).

Scandal- Olivia Pope is back...and with Fitz! In case you forgot, last season ended with Fitz kicking Mellie out of the White House (she did a terrible thing, like for realsies this time) and so now it seems the door is wide open for Liv and Fitz to live out their fantasy, but again that would be too easy. While Fitz's camp is trying to keep up appearances that everything is fine, Olivia and Quinn (only Gladiator left right now) are trying too look into the death of a Princess (think Kate Middleton). But the biggest scandal comes at the end of the episode!

How to Get Away With Murder- Out of all the Shonda Rhimes show premieres, I have to say this one was the one with the most bombshells! It seems that murders don't ever stop on this show, but then again you gotta keep with the title. In the season premiere, Annalise's students are trying to figure out where's Rebecca (they don't know she's dead) and we learn that Frank's not the only one with the willingness to kill. If you're not watching this show, then get on it!

Brooklyn 99- I must admit, I miss working on the lot where some of this show is filmed. But anyway, the gang is back with their shenanigans, except they have a new captain (yay, Bill Hader) and Peralta and Santiago are finally giving it a go. Still so funny!

There were other shows that premiered and many more still to premiere. If I didn't mention a show, it may be because it simply isn't my cup of tea or I still need to binge watch the previous seasons (sorry Empire). As the weeks go by, I may just start doing full reviews each week, let me know if you'd like that in the comments. Also share what shows were your favorite so far.  As for this coming week, I am looking forward to Grandfathered, The Grinder, Code Black and Homeland (catching up this week). Let me know if there is anything else I should watch. (And sorry for the long read).

Love,

Astrid

InstaNatural's Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

*This post is sponsored by BrandBacker & InstaNatural, but my opinions are 100% my own*

One of my favorite ways to pamper my skin is by using masks. While I try to pamper my skin everyday with my daily routine and eating well, masks take pampering my skin to a whole different level. There are times however that I forget just how much my skin needs and appreciates a good mask. That's why I was happy when InstaNatural sent me their Dead Sea Mud Mask to review.

Like I mentioned, I love me some face masks, but my favorite are the mud based ones because they do such a great job of cleansing my skin while giving it some hydration. InstaNatural's Dead Sea Mud Mask comes from the sacred Dead Sea (kinda obvious in the name, DUH!) and acts as an all-natural detoxifier and purifier. It does this by working to absorb oil, dirt and toxins from the skin. This in turn helps get rid of acne, pimples and blackheads. It's also meant to even skin tone, giving you a more gorgeous complexion.

This was all I needed to hear. Honestly, this winter my skin has just been awful, it's been dry yet oily and I've been breaking out like crazy. My skin was definitely in need of the extra pampering. I needed to get my complexion back on the road to gorgeousness (always the goal right) and also get rid of my acne and frustrating blackheads. I actually remembered to take a before picture this time, which you can see above. The lighting helps disguise some of my acne, but it's there on my forehead, chin and on my cheeks.

After I washed my face, I applied the Dead Sea Mud Mask. Don't I just look gorgeous with the mask on? Seriously I should make it a look (NOT). Anyway, my first thoughts about the mask were, "Wow, this is really watery." I decided not to be quick to judge based on that because other masks I've used have also been on the thinner/waterier side, but build up. Unfortunately, putting on more did not help. It was still very thin and watery and putting more on actually just made it slide around on my face. But alas, the truth was in the results.

After waiting about 10 minutes or so for the mask to dry, I washed it all off. While I was initially less than impressed due to the consistency of the mask, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. My skin felt so soft, a huge difference to how it felt before which was dry and bumpy. Also, I did see less blackheads and my complexion seemed slightly more even. The mask itself felt good on my skin despite the thinness of it and after a few weeks, my skin improved and I see less acne. 

Overall, I was happy with InstaNatural's Dead Sea Mud Mask. I still wish it was a bit thicker in texture/consistency since it is a mud mask, but the results speak for themselves. For that reason alone, it will be staying in my rotation and I'm sure my skin won't mind the weekly pampering. If you would like to try the mask out for yourself, click here.

If you have tried this mask, let me know your thoughts on it in the comments below. If you haven't let me know if this review was helpful and share with me what are some of your favorite masks. 

Love, 

Astrid

Paula Dorf Cosmetics Review

*This post was sponsored by Brandaacker & Paula Dorf Cosmetics, but all opinions are 100% my own*

 If you need to know anything about me when it comes to makeup, it's that I love eyeshadows, and really any sort of eye makeup. It is my first love, always. So when I was given the opportunity to try out and review this Paula Dorf Aztec City Palette and Mascara, I got very excited. Aside from my excitement to add more eye makeup to my collection, I was also excited to try out a new-to-me cosmetics line.

Paula Dorf Cosmetics have actually been around for a while and are hailed as industry favorites. Much of the love can be due to their innovative additions to the beauty industry such as Transformer® a product that goes from eyeshadow to liquid liner (um, really why hadn't I heard of this?! I need it in my life) and Clean-Up Stick® which helps get rid of makeup mistakes (I really need this!). 

The palette comes with 5 eyeshadows and a double-sided brush. On one side you have an eyeshadow brush and on the other an eyeliner brush, which allows for versatile application. It also comes with a mirror, which I like since I can take it with me when I travel or just if I need to clean up my makeup throughout the day. The eyeshadows are soft and build able, which is great especially if you work in a more conservative office setting, which I sort of did. I must say though that the two more neutral colors (the browns) are the most pigmented of the five, while the others are much more subtle. But those are probably the two I'd use the most, along with the lightest (white silver color) shadow as a highlight. 

Along with the palette, I also received their mascara in teal. I was excited when I first read that I'd be getting a colored mascara since I love using that to add some color to my look. The teal however is very subtle and only gives a hint of color. This is great for the office, but if I might as well have gotten it in black. I like my color mascara to be slightly bolder. Then again, my lashes are pretty dark naturally so that may have played a part as too why the color was very subtle. In the sunlight however, it is slightly more noticeable.

So here's the look I created using the palette. It is very natural as you can see and doesn't come off to heavy which is great for the everyday look. I did use some of the blue and purple shadows to give hints of color, but mostly stuck to the brown neutrals. I would recommend really using this palette for interviews since it's not overwhelming or harsh.

Here's a better look with my eyes closed. I must admit, I am just now noticing that the mascara does make my lashes look subtly fuller/longer. The shadows blend well (although I should have done a better job LOL). I love how they look with my skin tone and really, they seem very versatile with any skin tone. Overall, I am happy with the shadows and will continue to use them for everyday looks as well as a staple in my handbag.

I hope this review was helpful. If this seems like something that should be a staple for your own everyday look, click here and use the code TEAL to receive a free Paula Dorf Teal Mascara with purchase! And let me know in the comments if you have tried it or any other Paula Dorf Cosmetics out. Also feel free to request anything else you'd like me to write about.

Love,

Astrid

Make Up Mondays: Argan Oil Hair Mask Review

*This post is sponsored by BrandBacker and Insta Natural, but all opinions are my own*

Make Up Mondays are back! I'm so happy to be doing this year's first post in the series. To start it off again, I am happy to be reviewing Insta Natural's Argan Oil Hair Mask. With winter here (yes we have winter in Los Angeles), my normally oily hair gets rather dry. In fact, lately I've been using a lot of heat on it. I've been using the blow dryer a lot because it's too cold to go out with wet hair and have also been using the straightener a lot. Therefore, my hair needs some extra care.

That's where Insta Natural's Argan Oil Hair Mask comes to the rescue. The mask is a deep conditioning treatment to help transform dry and damaged hair to beautiful healthy shiny hair. Like with other Argan Oil based products, it is super moisturizing. But it is not the only ingredient that helps revamp your hair. It also contains Japanese Green Tea, Amino Acid Complex, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil & Vitamin B5 to help penetrate hair and provide it with the nutrients and hydration it needs. It also helps protect it of other external elements such as heat (i.e. blow dryers). Best of all the ingredients are organic so you can be assured you're not putting junk in your hair.

Personally, I use this product once a week and really love how soft it leaves my hair. I will first wash my hair with a deep cleansing shampoo. After making sure my hair is nice and clean, I will get a generous amount of Insta Natural's Argan Oil Hair Mask and leave it in my hair for about 10 minutes. If I have a shower cap handy, then I will put it on and continue with my shower while I let the mask do it's work. Then once the 10 minutes are over, I rinse it off and finish my shower.

After my shower, I will towel dry my hair before I blow dry it. I cannot even begin to describe how soft my hair feels after this. And best of all, it doesn't feel oily, it just feels soft and clean and healthy. Now I have tried other hair masks and I didn't like them very much because my hair would still feel oily or just not as soft as I'd expect. But with Insta Natural's Argan Oil Hair Mask my hair truly feels rejuvenated. Like I said, my hair has been taking a lot of heat (HA!) lately, so it really does need this extra care and hydration at the end of the week. And it leaves my hair smelling really good.

Hope this review was helpful. If you'd like to give your hair some extra care as well, you can purchase your own jar here. Also let me know in the comments what you do to combat the effects of winter and the winter blues.

Love,

Astrid

Tea Tree Oil Review + Giveaway

*This post was sponsored by Brand Backer and Apothecary, but all opinions are my own*

Another day, another skin care product I was given the opportunity to review. Now I'm sure you've heard of tea tree oil or have used a product that had it as an ingredient. This could have been a facial cleanser, a shampoo or a lotion among other things. But most of those products probably only had traces of it and it most likely wasn't 100% pure tea tree oil. However, Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil is the real thing, with no extra additives to it. And it can be used in many other ways.

Review: Exuviance® Performance Peel AP25 & Evening Restorative Complex

*This post is sponsored by Brand Backer and Exuviance®, but all opinions are my own *

So happy to bring you another review. Like I've mentioned before, lately I've been very into my skincare routine. I've also been getting so many opportunities to try new products thanks to you and the wonderful networks I've become a part of. This time around, I got the opportunity to try the Exuviance® Performance Peel AP25 and Exuviance® Evening Restorative Complex. I was suppose to try their Illumination Duo that also features the complex, but they ran out of samples. However, I'm quite pleased with what I was sent.

Makeup Monday: Even Glow Serum Review

*This post is sponsored by BrandBacker and Valentia*

Sorry I haven't posted as often the past two weeks, but thankfully I am back with an awesome product review for you. Last week was just as crazy as the one before, but things seem to finally be calming down and I seem to finally be adjusting. Anyway, I've been waiting to share this review with you and I'm happy to finally be able to share it. I was chosen by Valentia Skin Care through BrandBacker to try out their Even Glow Serum. I wanted to try it for at least a week to review it so now here it is.

Must-See Monday: Cold Justice, "Stranded"

*Sponsored post, but opinions are completely my own*

Remember I had said I had exciting news to come sometime last week? Well this is one of the things I was talking about. Today's Must-See Monday is all about the return of season 2 of TNT's show Cold Justice. The show returned last Friday with the episode "Stranded" and I was very kindly (and surprisingly, LOL) asked to review this show. 

Ready for Love Review

Disclaimer: This photo belongs to http://www.nbc.com/ready-for-love/

So on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013, the show from executive producer Eva Longoria premiered on NBC. The show Ready For Love is about 3 guys looking for love, including Tim Lopez, lead singer of the Plain White T's (i.e. Delilah), and employing the help of 3 matchmakers with a variety of techniques.

I tuned into the show because as a girl, I am always curious about dating type shows. I also tuned in because using matchmakers seemed like a nice twist to the typical dating shows and for once it seemed like these guys and girls were serious about dating.

At the beginning of the show I was pumped. It was the first time in days I was actually watching something not on my DVR. However, not even halfway into the show, I was bored. I ended up watching the whole thing regardless, but honestly I was using it more as background noise while I went through my emails and looked for some good pins for my Pinterest class project.

I really wanted to like the show, but it seemed to fizzle out shortly after choosing the girls. Maybe it's the fact that it took 2 hours to show the selection process and date of only one of the guys. The date was a nice idea, but there seemed to be little interaction between Tim and the girls, although we did get to see him talk to a few of them, it seemed more like a get together for the girls. It almost made it seem there was no chemistry between anyone.

I don't know, that's just my opinion. I like that they are trying to fall to the hands of making dramatic television and keeping it real, but at the same time they need to spice it up or at least execute it slightly better. I will tune in next week to see if it gets better, which I hope it does. Let's just hope it's not another two hours on one guy.