Sometimes I go to write about a product I love, and realize that I am using it all wrong. This will be one of those posts. I adore Laura Geller Balance-N-Brighten. Only problem is I thought it was a powder, which is how I use it. When I read the back of the container to make sure I was using the correct title, I realized it is a powder foundation. Now, feel free to use it like that if you want. However, I have the color “porcelain”, which is the second picture above, and after I read it is a foundation I tried it like that. There is no way I would use this as a foundation, it does not give me enough coverage. I use it with my Missha BB Cream, and love the finish it gives me. Never cakey or too heavy, just the right coverage to give me a matte finish, but brighten at the same time.

From Laura Geller:

Red Envelope is one of those stores I started out with the catalog. Long before my online shopping addiction. It is still one of my go-to favorites for gifts. Or to pick out a little somethin’ somethin’ for my husband to buy me. I try to make it easy!

I love the way their site is designed, so that you can easily access the perfect gift for the person you are buying for. They have gifts categorized by occasion or person, or hobby/interests. So easy to navigate to exactly what you need.  Plus they also have the brands of ProFlowers, ProPlants, Cherry Moon Farms, Personal Creations, and Shari’s Berries, so if you can’t find what you are looking for at redenvelope.com, you can easily access their other sites.

Here are just a few of the unique gifts you can find at redenvelope.com:

Ceramic Fire Bowl

Craft Beer Barrel Sign

Inspire Bracelets

Personalized Fairy Tale Storybook

Twilight Turtle Nightlight (ps, I have given this as a gift many times and I always want one. I love it that much!)

The Good Grips Storage Containers are my favorite containers for dry food. I use the 1 1/2 quart storage container for my ground coffee, and nothing will keep your coffee fresher than the Good Grips. The first scoop out is still as fresh as the last scoop. I also use one of the taller ones for my pasta, and one for my protein shake mixture. If I had small children I would love the smaller ones for keeping their little snacks.

From OXO:

The OXO Good Grips POP Containers are airtight, stackable and space-efficient, making it easy to keep your dry foods fresh and your kitchen organized. The Containers have a unique push-button mechanism that creates an airtight seal with just one touch. The button also serves as a handle to lift off the lid. The Containers are designed for modular stacking so that you can efficiently organize your countertop and pantry. In addition, with their square shapes, the POP Containers make the most of any storage space, while their corners allow for easy pouring. This set contains 5 POP Containers that are ideal for storing a variety of dry foods including pasta, brown sugar, nuts, candy and spices. They are also great for use in the home office, sewing room, play room and more; in fact, the Containers can be used in so many places that you’ll want them POPping up everywhere. The Container lids come apart for thorough cleaning. All POP Containers are BPA free.

I have many other OXO products, including a potato peeler, tongs, and ice cream scooper, and I love them all, but these storage containers are my favorite. If you have never heard of the brand you can find it at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Container Store, and of course, amazon.com.

Do you own any of these products? Leave me a comment about your favorites, or your favorite storage containers in the comment section.

One of my favorite apps is the Amazon Price Check. I use it so much because I hate to buy something and then get home and find it cheaper somewhere else. Don’t you hate that? So, now if I am thinking of making a purchase, I always scan it first with my handy amazon price check app and I know instantly if I should buy on the spot or shop around some more, or just purchase from amazon.

A few weeks ago I was out shopping for boots and realized I could get a much better deal on line, and by going through ebates, and then not having to pay tax or shipping, and finding an online coupon, well, those extreme couponers shows got nothin’ on me!

Last week I went to go pick up my brand new iPhone 5. While in the store, they had all their $50 cases, and a $30 film to protect the screen. $30! So I quickly scanned the packaging and guess what? $12 at Amazon. I purchased two, since my hubby needed one too. I also got the same cases that were $50 at AT&T on Amazon for $22 each. Do you realize how much I saved? Well, I do. There is just no reason not to be a smart shopper these days!

You can either scan the barcode, or you can snap a picture of it, say the item into the microphone, or type in what you are looking for.

Amazon will not only give you their price for the item, but also competitors’ prices as well.

 From the iTunes store:

Ever wondered if you were getting the best price on a product when you were out shopping? With Price Check by Amazon, you can use your iPhone to compare prices instantly with Amazon.com and its merchants while on-the-go. Price Check enables you to search for Amazon products quickly using barcode, picture, voice, and text search, and access product descriptions and customer reviews to guide you in making informed purchase decisions. And to make in-store price comparison even better, we’re introducing a new price sharing feature that helps ensure our prices remain competitive for our customers.

When you find a low price while using the app, simply log into your Amazon account to complete a secure purchase. All prices are in U.S. dollars, and all products are from the U.S. Amazon store. Price Check also supports sharing via Twitter, Facebook, text message or e-mail link; immediate purchasing using 1-Click ordering and Amazon Prime. This app is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 devices, and camera-enabled iPod touch devices running iOS 4 or greater.

Search for products using four easy methods:

• Scan a barcode: Amazon’s barcode scanner will match your item and provide Amazon and merchant product pricing instantly.
• Snap a picture: This app uses Amazon’s photo matching algorithm to instantly match your picture to books, DVDs, CDs, video games, and more.
• Say the product name: Speak your search queries and use voice search to return accurate product matches and Amazon’s pricing.
• Type your search: Type the product name to retrieve instant matches.

Pssst, Imma gonna let you in on a little secret. Sometimes onAmazon, it will say the item will be shipped from an outside store, or that it comes from another store but is shipped by Amazon. When that happens, immediately go to Ebates and see if that store is listed on Ebates. Then, just purchase from that store. I know Amazon has started offering some merchandise now through Ebates, but so far it has not been anything that I have needed. If you missed my posts before about Ebates, read about it. You know who you are!

Price Check by Amazon is another great free app that is a must have for your smartphone.