#IRMO2015 Makeover Giveaway!

With summer coming up, we thought a makeover give-away would be just the ticket to start it off right!  We want you to nominate somebody that would love to be pampered!  Maybe it's that sweet mom who never pampers herself, a teen getting ready to start college, or a friend that you just want to celebrate.  Tell us by nominating her on your Instagram!

The winner will receive the following prize worth $800

Photo Session by Jamie Healy Images

Haircut, Color, and Style by Sheena LaRose Hair Artistry

Full Makeup by Tia Celise Artistry

Custom Teeth Whitening by Howe Dental

Spa Treatment by Kahakai Spa

How to Nominate

Post a picture of your Mom, sister, aunt, friend, etc. on Instagram and tell us why they deserve a pampered makeover as a caption.  Make sure to use the #irmo2015 somewhere in the comment and tag @individualrivalry in the image.  
Winner will be chosen June 1, 2015

Nomination Example

Now for the small print!

• Winner must be 18 years or older
• Winner must be able to travel to Ogden Area to receive services
• Not all treatments/services will be done on same date
• Model Release must be signed for use on websites for all businesses listed
• None of the above sites are liable for any injury or loss associated with this giveaway
• Winner will not be compensated for time and travel outside the above services mentioned
• If winner is unable to receive entire package, a new winner will be chosen
• Winner will be chosen by above businesses no later than June 1, 2015
• Any of the above info subject to change at anytime without any notice
• Please contact Jamie or Sheena at individualrivalry@gmail.com with questions

Sweetest Things Cake Shoppe!

Last week we had a special delivery from  

The Sweetest Things Cake Shoppe and baby, was it delish!  You guys have to check out her cakes too. Keli, the owner, is the cutest thing you've ever met and her baked goods are to die for.  Keli's shop info is at the bottom- you won't be disappointed!  

Of course I had to do a few pics of my sweet Ava, her new custom apron, and the cutest cupcake ever!  

 

Thanks Keli for the cupcakes and Mel for the apron!

-XoXo-

Jamie

Jamie's Makeup Must-haves for Holiday.

Alrighty loves, it's my must-have Monday.   We are just a couple short weeks away from Christmas and just a few short days later is my 30th Birthday!  Yikes.  Actually, I've never been super concerned with numbers as much as wrinkles.  You can be 20 and have them and 50 and have great skin.  So, it's not about age, but how you feel and how you take care of yourself. 

Check out my video of Makeup Must-haves and my exciting news at the start!  I know the video is blurry.  I couldn't fix it, but yes I'm aware:) Lets just pretend it's a beauty filter.

Tarte is my fave right now for face and chest.  Check out more info here.  I love the color it puts on my skin and adds a little moisture back!  LOVE especially when you get both items for $39!  The mitt is a must.

I'm pretty die-hard St. Tropez, so when this new tanner came out I had to try it.  It's now my go-to for body.  I leave it on all day for max-color.  

$44 and you will fall in love too.  Find it HERE.

Smashbox has my fave BB Cream and you won't be disappointed.  As I said in the video, on the days I self tan my face I use the BB as my moisture/primer about 30 minutes later I apply tanner.  It's a great beginning to my foundation.  Get it and don't forget it comes in shades (colors are pretty light coverage). 

$36 HERE

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Waterproof Concealer is another must have in my regimen.  I'm seriously not sleeping with all this pregnancy happening and I don't want to have to reapply so I love this.  I use shade 6 to brighten the eye area.   

Pro Tip- use as eye primer before shadow to even out dark lids or add brightness to a hooded lid.

 $32 HERE

NYX Buttergloss is the perfect coverage and feel for this cold winter! Guess what?  They are B1G1 half off at Ulta.com right now. 

That makes them 2 for $7.50 HERE!

Well babes, let us know what questions you have at individualrivalry@gmail.com!

XoXo,

Jamie

Happy Thanksgiving & blessing others with KINDNESS!

Happy Thanksgiving Lovelies!

We just wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how thankful we are for each of you.  We know we have been blessed to get to know so many of you through this site.  We are grateful for our families, warm homes, and the blessings we experience each day.  

We wanted to highlight Matt Tribe and his website www.randomactsofpasta.com.  He decided when he bought his all-you-can-eat Olive Garden Pasta Card, he would use it for good. He used it 125 times to bring warm food to others including friends and even hungry strangers on the street.  Matt, thank you for being a blessing to others.  I'm sure each of them is thankful for your generosity.  

What can each of us do to help someone this holiday season?  I guarantee not only will someone be thankful for you, but you too will be thankful for the experience.    

Have a safe & Happy Thanksgiving!

XoXo,

Jamie & Sheena

Baby T Moccs heart & SOLE!

Our #1 favorite footwear for our littles would have to be BabyTMoccs.  We have talked about them before on our blog, this time we are testing out their new rubber sole.   Ava has pretty much exclusively worn her platinum moccs seen here since March and they have held up perfectly with a lot of love on the soles.  As Ava started walking everywhere, I decided it's time for the sole.  We took them straight to Disneyland and she loved them.  Moccs help little growing feet bend and move in the shoe.  Ava is a tippy toe walker and she can still do that with the rubber sole.  I have never found anything that stays on her little feet better and the elastic helps hold the shoe on without being too tight. 

 Overall I would suggest adding the sole if your little is a walker or if they play outside a lot.  It's a $10 add on, but I think it will extend the life of your babe's moccs.  Ava's newest pair are gunmetal and to-die-for.  I'm also loving BBT's newest fun stripes, skulls, and flowers.  I love buying local and these shoes are made right here in Utah.  The quality is unreal and they are super soft.  
Check out their website here and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Pink Pea Coat from Ted Baker's Spring Line

Silver Sparkle Leggings from Carters

Moccs in Gun Metal from BBTMoccs

XoXo,

 Jamie

Don't buy the wrong tampons and other helpful mom tips.

The other week I was sitting around the table with a couple of my sister-in-laws discussing the upcoming school year.  Shelby has a pre-teen still in elementary, but not too far off from Jr. High.  We were talking about how all kids hit different points of needing hygiene as well as fun items for growing up.  I love that she is so in-tune with her girl.  Growing up for me wasn't that easy, my mother and I weren't besties that talked about anything.  The day I asked for my own razor, I about croaked because I felt so embarrassed.

Here's your chance to be the cool mom.  Let's not make our girls feel like it's another maturation program-bleck!  Make your gal feel excited to make changes about hygiene and growing up, but in a way that they don't just jump from 12 to 18 overnight.  Just like everything, if you walk them through it then maybe they can avoid the bad eyeliner and makeup tips from their friends. 

1.  When I was a teen, I loved loved loved my caboodle.  Ya know, the thing you put your makeup in in the early 90s.  I had a few.  Well, I think a great kit starts with helping your girl pick out a great bag to store it all in.  Plus it will help their sibs stay out of it later.  This benefit bag was free at an event, but Target, Ross, and Ulta has some great options for little $$.  You might even have something great in your closet, it's worth a look.

2.  Skincare!  Start them young.  

• Dove bar is essential in my kit.  I recommend buying a travel soap dish for it to live in.  This is not just a girl tip, I recommend this to everyone!  It will clear up the breakup and it's not going to over-strip the skin. 
• Treatment- I picked the benzoyl peroxide gel (Target brand) to spot treat the acne that pops up.  Helpful hint is to make sure you use white towels- the peroxide portion of this can bleach towels, pillow cases, etc if not used correctly.
• Face Lotion- My top recommendation for this is something basic like cetaphil.  Again, it's so gentle and the price point is minimal.   (The ones pictured are Ole Advanced Hydration and BB Cream by Smashbox).

3. Makeup-Utilize places like Sephora to get matched perfectly.  They also provide samples so you can see how it wears with your teen.  Don't feel like you have to spend a ton of money on makeup, the grocery store brands make some great products that I mix and match in my own collection. 

• A bb cream is a great intro to foundation.  It provides a tiny hint of color, hydration, and sunscreen.  I really like Bare Minerals for a step up from a bb cream as well.
• Concealer is a great option for those little red bumps that pop up.

4. Eyes.  I'm going to tell you right now, one of the first things your girls will run to is eye makeup.  More than likely they've had gloss since they were tiny so next step is eyes.

• If you know me, you know I love E.L.F. and you know they are super inexpensive and make a great product.  Their lash curler is my fave (Tarte curler shown and is great too-Ava hid my elf).
• Clear Mascara is a great tip for girls with dark lashes.  It's a great beginner item and they can't mess it up.  This will usually hold them over until 8th or 9th grade I've found.
• They're real mascara is still my fave.  This sucker is $24 a pop, so maybe keep this secret for yourself.  Mammas, if you aren't comfortable showing your girl how to do her makeup, most places will do a little intro for next to nothing.  Plus it helps keep their makeup age appropriate.

5. Gloss.  Not a ton to explain here, keep it fun.  I love the CO Bigelow line from Bath and Body!  Yum, to the mint. 

6.  Hygiene.  After the horror of the razor when I was 12, the rest of dreaded puberty hit.  I think I was 14 and I decided I wanted to move up in the world to tampons.  Yes.  The "T" word.  Again, I waited until we got to the store and asked my mom if I could get some, expecting tampax or something I was familiar with.  Wrong.  OB.  Do you know what those are???  The terrifying terrorist that doesn't come in a pearl shell.  This doesn't even have a horrible cardboard shell.  Nothing.  I got home from the store very concerned about how exactly to dispense these into such a tiny area.  Please don't do this to your daughter.  I was traumatized for a good while after that.  

• Find a fun deodorant.  Make it some they want to use it.  Please.  
• Body mist is a much lighter twist on perfume, so they can't fragrance bomb you too bad.  
• Lastly-a razor.  Don't skimp on this part.  And remind your littles not to share these with their friends!

I hope these recommendations help and I'm here if you have any specific questions.  If you have something you would like to know- email me at individualrivalry@gmail.com

XoXo

Jamie 

Lashes, oh so many lashes!

I would be lying if I said I wasn't  worried about getting lash extensions.  I've heard terrifying stories and seen bad lash jobs.  So the research began and I found the lovely Andrea from Kahakai Spa.  She took away all of my concerns and this gal knows her lashes.  I'm going on a week and a half and they still look perfect!  We made a little do/don't video and so take a watch and see what you think.  I can't tell you how important it is to find a professional.  

Remember to find out if they are licensed.  Here is an example of what can happen if someone isn't properly trained.  Yikes!

 

Also listen to all the care instructions.  If you use the wrong eye makeup remover- you're lashes may fall out.  

Perks of the falsies: You get to wear minimal makup and you always look made up.  That's my personal fave.  

If you want to book with Andrea (here), she seriously has the best prices!  Follow her on Facebook (here) and don't forget to tell her you saw her on Individual Rivalry.  

Here are my personal Before and After!

If you have something you would like us to feature on this website, contact us at individualrivalry@gmail.com!

XoXo-

Jamie

It's almost that time of year-AGAIN!

Ready for Summer to end?  Me neither.  We are officially half way into summer and in just 6 short weeks Salt Lake will be welcoming Comic Con again!  We are sooooo excited.  Celebs, nerds, panels, costumes, kettle corn, and of course us braving the crowds for your enjoyment.  Check out our previous post on Surviving Comic Con for tips and prepping for the biggest event Utah has to offer.  Don't forget that everyone should check out SLCC- it's fun for all ages and you don't have to be a self-proclaimed nerd to go!  It's also super kid friendly. 

We braved the crowds in April and are so excited for September

Here are a few announcements straight from SLCC!  I tried to stick with the super hotties

 Sheena and I can hardly wait for Simon to come!  We are giant Big Bang Theory Fans and he's hi-larious.

Netflix is now streaming this gem- ARROW and did I mention there is a new hottie in Jamestown (my world)?  Watch out Mr. Dixon, Oliver Queen is quickly moving up on my radar.  

Ladies- even if you aren't into superhero shows, watch it.  Stephen is shirtless I dare say 50% or more of the time.  Plus, he's fighting crime.  All there is to say about that. 

Marvel is coming and it's such a big deal for SLCC!  I can't wait to see the energy they bring and maybe more announcements??  I hope so- I would love to meet any of my fave superheros!

I know ND was filmed in Idaho, but I still feel like Jon is a local celeb.  He seems like the nicest so I hope we get a chance for a meet and greet!

Lastly,  Manu is also an Arrow guy as well.  See???  You have to check out the show, you won't be disappointed!

So long story short, plenty of eye candy and goodness to make the next Salt Lake Comic Con worth it.  

XoXo,

Jamie

A practice marriage & a now happy life.

Photo by Veronica Reeve

I'm Jamie and I'm married.  We achieved 4 years of blissful marriage yesterday.  Yep, another anniversary happened.  I'm as surprised sometimes as you are.  I never thought I deserved to be as happy as I am at this moment.  

5 years ago, it was more like "I'm Jamie and I'm divorced."

When I was 18, I met the man I thought I would spend my life with.  We dated a couple years and then got married.  I was 20.  That marriage didn't work out how I thought it would.  I don't know how many people get married thinking "someday I will divorce this person."  I didn't.  I thought I could weather the storms that marriage threw at me.  I couldn't.  He couldn't.  The love diminished, along with the trust and the respect. 

When my ex-husband and I started to separate, there were only a few people my age going through the same thing.  I remember the whispers from friends, family, and even strangers.  That's right, people I never met were somehow involved in my business.  So many people told me to stick it out or just deal with the problems.  I think that can be great advice.  I also think that sometimes (in my case) divorce was the answer.  

Did you know so and so is getting a divorce?

I think that celeb gossip carries over into our real life.  Facebook is our modern newspaper.  It will tell you the weather, obituaries, marriages, pregnancies, parties, disputes, political info, and even who is getting divorced.  I think about how hurt I felt every time I found out what someone would say about me.  Bummed.  I wasn't sure where I fit in.  I dated and dated and dated.  Some great guys and some not-so-great guys.    

A practice husband. 

I love referring to my first marriage with the term "practice."  I made my mistakes and learned from them.  I took a negative about being divorced and made it a positive.

A while into my dating, I found Tim.  Or should I say found again.  Tim and I dated for a minute in high school and he had just returned from a mission the year before we started dating.

 

When we started dating, I couldn't figure out what was wrong with him.  He was spiritual, sweet, and so loving.  Why wasn't he married?  I think he was waiting for me.  He just didn't know it!  Our first date went something like this "Let me tell you every skeleton in my closet before your friends do."  I never thought he would call me for a second date.  I mean, would you want to take on all the baggage?  I'm sure it wasn't easy for him, but he never let on.  He loved me and I adored him just the same.  

I never realized how unhappy I was until I was happy.  

Once every couple of weeks I would try and break up with Tim.  Finally after a few times of this, he told me "I know you aren't used to being treated well in other relationships, but I'm not those guys.  I love you so stop trying to end a good thing."  Finally I listened.  I'm so thankful everyday for that conversation.

Just because you think you don't deserve something, doesn't mean that's how it is. 

I determine what my life will be.  As difficult as some of my decisions were, they led me to the life I have right now.  I wouldn't change any part of my past.  Bold words since I made a few, cough cough, bad decisions.  

I'm so thankful I got a "do-over."

I think so many people experience getting a divorce later in life.  I'm glad to have experienced mine young.  Getting a redo was where I lucked out.  Most second marriages are less likely to last than the first.  I knew that going into my second and I think it makes me work harder to keep it going. 

If you're unhappy, maybe reevaluate.  Know what your getting into before you say "I do" or "I want a divorce."  Both things shouldn't be taken lightly.  The grass isn't always greener and sometimes it feels like a dog has peed all over the grass you are currently barefoot on.  You might just need a little fertilizer to make your own grass green again.  You only get this life once.  

I'm so grateful for that first date with Tim and the many dates since then.  Marriage is hard, but with the right partner the weight is somehow lighter.  We still argue and promptly makeup.  We let go of the dumb little things and cherish great moments together.  He makes me laugh and I still make him a little crazy. 

I love you honey and I'm so thankful you chose me.

Happy Anniversary.

Photo by Veronica Reeve

Photo by Veronica Reeve

Photo by Veronica Reeve

Photo by Veronica Reeve

Photo by Veronica Reeve

Photo by Jamison Elizabeth Photography

I had a dream the other night.

It's summer.

It's almost 1/3 of the way over.

Yep.  Count your weeks parents.  Before you know it, you can ship the kids back to school for a few short hours a day so you can drink your rockstar in peace. 

You thought I was going to say the opposite right?  Enjoy your kids while they are home all summer... blah blah blah.  I mean that too of course.  But, sometimes you need a break with just adults.  As my grandma tells me, you can love your baby all you want- but love yourself too.  

(insert lovely dreamy music here)

Sometimes I imagine I AM a rockstar.  I walk out on stage, the crowd screams, & I hit the perfect pitch every time.  Not to mention I have stellar dance moves & if you have heard me sing or dance we all know how far from perfect I am. 

(exit lovely dreamy music for loud alarm...  reach for the snooze button...)

When One Republic adds a Salt Lake show to the list, I'm there.  And for a few short hours, I can pretend all the above with 10,000 other people around me doing the exact same thing.  I've now seen them more times than albums they've released.  I'm that girl that knows way too much trivia about the band & all the obscure lyrics.   They rock my world.  Any chance I have to sing live with them-yes-I said "with them."   

That love yourself time for me involved a babysitter, a couple redbulls(never again), & some of the best friends this chick could ask for.  Basically, Sheena & I took our husbands & the Hassells along for our ride.  My music-filled, friend-singing, stranger-dancing night was pure perfection(minus the cluster to get in & out of the venue).  

Music is my passion.  Everyone loves a good song.

Sheena only knew a few songs & stuck with me the entire time.  That's true friendship.  I promised her she could pick the next concert which I'm guessing will involve something country.  Get your spouse/bestie (or both) & find a summer concert, dance your a$$ off and sing like you think you can. If you don't, you will only regret not having a much deserved kid-free evening.  
No mommy guilt for this girl.

Thanks One Republic for an excellent show!

xoxo

Jamie

Boulder, Mary Jane, & a dirty 30.

The last month has been crazy.  I quit my job at Sephora after 6 years so I could spend more time with Tim & Ava.  Since then, we have traveled twice, ran a half marathon, met a couple celebs, planned more vacations, & celebrated Tim's 30th birthday three times (at least).  

Now to back up a bit.

After quitting my job, we were able to schedule a great little trip to Colorado.  I have never been.  It sounded like a great idea, but for those of you who know me.  It's NEVER that simple. 

 

We hopped on a quick flight to Denver & it was perfectly short.  My adorable baby girl is rapidly turning into a rowdy pre-teen.  Let's just say she doesn't have the patience for long flights.  Or maybe that's me.   

 We stayed in Louisville, right next to Boulder.  Travel tip 1: Download Tripadvisor.  Tim always looks at the top places to eat & visit in any city we go to.  First stop: Pearl Street in downtown Boulder.  It was beautiful & quaint.  If you head down to it, parking happens on the streets around Pearl.  Be prepared to pay for parking almost everywhere.  Also take a stroller for the littles & take the time to watch the street performers.  It's free entertainment.

Tim hit the big 3-0 while we were on our travels.  

He's the bee's knees.  

 

 

I found the best mall called Flatiron.  It's about 15 minutes from Boulder & it's magnificent.  You might think I love to shop.  Not really.   Maybe for makeup.  Yea, I could spend a lifetime in Sephora. Ever since I had little miss, I haven't loved looking for clothes.  This mall... Holy crap it was huge.  I spent 5 hours too many in it.  I left with some goods that later got lost on a plane.  Yep.  That my friends is why I HATE clothes shopping.  Later this summer we will be talking to a clothes buyer who is the ultimate shopper!  Maybe she can relight my love for clothes.

Here are a couple pieces I bought knowing we would be going to the One Republic concert (yesterday, but more on that later).  I wandered into Old Navy to pick up Ava a couple things & I left with this cute tank.  I then headed over to H&M for this super light sweater.   Tip 2: Get the WRAPP app!  It's free giftcards for you and your facebook friends.  I had a free $6 to H&M making my sweater on $7.

Sweater// H&M $13

Tank// Old Navy $10

Black Skinnies// JCP $15

 

Now for our favorite part of our trip.  Food.  When we travel, we throw our diets out the window in the evenings & love to try out new places. 

We hit up the Yardhouse.  Yes, it's a chain- but not in Utah.  

Tim had the PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN -garlic mashed potatoes with sun-dried tomato three mushroom sauce.  Yum!

   I'm sure most of your are pretty savvy when it comes to political happenings.  Colorado passed a law legalizing marijuana.   I only bring this point up for two reasons.  One: If you aren't a good driver, DON'T travel into downtown Denver without someone who is.   Not only is Denver a labyrinth of one way streets (just a minor nightmare-no biggy), but jay-walking is a huge problem.  Everywhere we drove, people were almost getting hit by trax or cars.  ANXIETY.  Holy crap.   

Where are you going with this Jamie?  

Where there is pot, there is smoke.  

Wait, I don't think that's how that goes.  Lets try again.  

Where there is smoke, there is the munchies.  

No, I don't smoke, drink, do drugs, or even have Diet Coke.  But, other people do- soooooooooo VooDoo doughnut rolled into town to help fulfill the late night needs.  Open 24 hours!  Imagine eating a doughnut and then multiply the best doughnut by 1000.  Seriously.  The BEST treat I've had in forever.  Prepare to wait.  There is a consistent line out the door, but they are worth it.  

Tip 3: know what you want before you get to the front!  

I had a blast on our little getaway.  The ride home was puke-turbulent & the airline lost our luggage.  

All in all I would say it was perfect.  

 

Happy Monday my loves. 

XoXo

 Jamie