Tea-rific tea and hot drinks review vlog

My latest vlog features a number of teas and hot drink products that I love and some I don't like.  Hope this helps you select the ideal hot drink product for a superb 'cuppa!'  Check it out, dahling!

American health care - be aware of being uninsured!

Being sick stinks - big time.  It sucks even more if you are unemployed and uninsured.

Just wanted to pop a quick post up to highlight points about health care for those who may be currently uninsured, those who may become uninsured (through job loss, removal from parents' health care plan, etc.) and those who aren't sure about any of how health care works.

I've been lucky enough to always have health care provided by my parents, even when I was not covered by an employer or university etc.  Then, when I moved abroad I was also covered by UK health care.

After recently moving home to the US, I became, for the first time in my life, uninsured and also unemployed.

It wasn't a problem, until it was.

I got sick last December the month that I relocated back home, and luckily, was able to beat the virus with over-the-counter products.  Like a fool, I waited to apply for Medicaid (as I don't currently have a job) and now, I'm paying the price.  I have recently gotten sick with another virus, this time, one that won't be treated with over-the-counter drugs.  Robitussin can only do so much!

After finally doing the Medicaid research that I had put off before, I was told that after sending in my paperwork, it'll take about 45 business days to process and get me enrolled in the program.

This means that the current virus I have will only be able to be cured by antibiotics which I'll have to get from visiting an Urgent Care location near my home.

I'll have to pay almost $100 for the check-up/assessment and more if I need lab tests done.  Let's pray for an easy diagnosis with no lab tests involved!

Then, my medicine costs will also need to be paid out-of-pocket.

The good news -

• If you look into this early, when you know you will become uninsured, most people who are unemployed will be covered and eligible for Medicaid.  

• Any bills that you accrued for medical treatment at least three months or under before being approved for Medicaid will be covered by the insurance too - once you are approved.  Receipts will need to be sent to the Social Services Department to get your money back.

So, my lesson - and what I hope I've taught you - is to make sure you are on the alert about your health care and get your paperwork filed and mailed BEFORE you will need coverage.  Otherwise, you could end up with a hefty bill (even if the money will end up being returned to me, it's still cash out of my pocket) and a longer recovery time.  And let's face it, no-one likes to be sick!

Stay informed, don't slack on your health needs and keep healthy everyone! 

Beauty Hall of Fame Vlog - Maybelline Clean Express! Classic Eye Makeup Remover

Just finished a vlog where I discuss the merits of this sublime eye makeup remover made by Maybelline.  Check it out!

Beauty Hall of Fame: Bare Escentuals foundation and face basics!

I've just created a new vlog to talk all about Bare Escentuals' best product qualities and why they have amazing face basics.  Check it out!

Veracious & vivacious vloggers: my three favorite YouTube ladies

YouTube vloggers are popping up everywhere.  Although, all online creators are, well, not created equal.  Some, are exceptionally good at what they do.

I've discovered three people - through several Google searches and lots of time spent on YouTube  - who define what it is to be not only a superb vlogger but who develop content that is genuine, fun and makes you want to come back to hear and see more from these inspirational people.

I've started a vlog myself to focus on some of the topics I love such as beauty (reviews/comments), reading -things I've read and would recommend - and general stuff I like that I think might be neat for an online audience to hear about too.

Part of the reason I wanted to specifically highlight the work of the individuals below is because I was motivated to create my vlog and continue to update my blog after reading and viewing their outstanding work.  They are so authentic, helpful (through vlog tutorials and recommendations) and sweet. 

It isn't often you feel part of someone's life through the internet but I think these ladies have a real way of entertaining an audience and making you feel connected to them through their video content.  Each person I've recognized is a prime example of a quote I read online that I really enjoyed: "be the type of person you would want to meet."  

Also, I feel it's always nice to give a mention to people who deserve it - and these folks definitely do!  

So, without further delay, my list of unique and excellent vloggers is below.  If you want to contact them/explore more of their work, each person has additional details for their Twitter/website/facebook/blog contact information listed through the links I've included in this blog below.

Keep up the good work, all!

Fashion/beauty/lifestyle vloggers 

• Miss Glamorazzi (look at her other channel too!)
• Amarixe (be sure to investigate her lifestyle channel, Allison vlogs)
• FleurdeForce  (be sure to check out her wedding channel too for soon-to-be brides!)

Maybelline Clean Express! Classic Eye Makeup Remover is the 'sunshine of my [makeup removal] life'

Ok, it's official: I am going to be deeply upset if this product ever becomes discontinued.  I'm talking about Maybelline's latest makeup removal product: Clean Express! Classic Eye Makeup Remover which is one part of a four product makeup removal lineup that includes the following (in case you want to try out the whole range) -

• Clean Express! The Flash Clean 3-in-1 makeup removing lotion (removes, cleanses, moisturizes)
• Clean Express!  Waterproof eye makeup remover
• Clean Express!  Ultra gentle facial towelettes 

I've been through "the lot" (as the English say) of makeup removal products.  From drugstore brands, no-name or store brands to high-end department store makeup removal options, I can certainly say that this is IT for me (am I blushing?)  I seriously doubt I'd ever buy a different type of removing product again if this remains on the market (note to Maybelline: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't discontinue this one, it's amazing!)

What makes this product worth all my praise?  Believe me, I love this item so much, this blog post could probably turn love poem style - never underestimate the power of a product that over-delivers!

The basics

It "does what it says on the tin" (again, another Englishism - four years of English living rubs off!) - and more!  Not only does it gently remove makeup (none of this rubbing and stretching your eyes in order to remove product from the eyes as is common with other brands) but since it is an oil-free solution, it won't have nasty lingering oil/sheen on the eye area - 1st two pluses!

Next, it doesn't require a lot of the product to take off any makeup.  Just a small dab (less than the size of a quarter) should do it (per eye).  Using less product = less frequent repurchases = saving money.  We all love that!

Your eye area will be left with a moisturized feeling to the touch.  The whole eye perimeter will feel soft and hydrated.

I tried this product when attempting to remove: lash primer, mascara (one coat), eyelid primer, eyebrow powder filler and cream eyeshadow.  Even with all of this to take off, I only used ONE cosmetic pad for both eyes + product - incredible result!

The extras

Fragrance - I bet you will ask people after trying the product - as I did to my sister earlier this week after sampling this for the first time - "smell my eyes!"  The fragrance is difficult to describe, but lovely.  It reminds me of summertime smells, sunblock and licorice - wonderful!  Rather regularly, I smell the bottle even when I'm not actually intending to immediately use it because I love the scent that much (I know, a bit odd but I can't help it, I'm in makeup remover fragrance heaven!)

Cost and convenience - I purchased this up at my local Walmart for $5.94 but it can be found in any drugstore or big box store like Target or Kmart which means it'll always be easy to find.  The price is very affordable considering I anticipate this will be long-lasting purchase.

Also, the bottle is pink.  Need I say more?

Don't think about it, just buy it!

If you are looking to switch your makeup removal product, you should really consider this one.  I actually went out and bought a second bottle the next day after I took home my first bottle because I loved it so much.  In my [residue free!] eyes, it's a can't fail purchase!

As a final note, I will try the rest of the Clean Express! line (when I do, I'll definitely blog about it), but at the moment, I'll probably continue to use this one until it's gone and then fin out how the other items in the collection compare.  I'd suggest the waterproof Clean Express! product if you are a heavy makeup wearer/in love with waterproof eye products as this one was exemplary and I'd imagine this waterproof (and other items in the range) are too.

Please do let me know your thoughts about any of the products in this collection - it would be great to hear your feedback about them too!  Maybe I'll discover other Clean Express! followers!

p.s. I am so obsessed with this product, I'll even vlog about it.  Watch out for an updated post with the link to my vlog (katebynumbers)!

p.p.s. In case you were wondering, this DEFINITELY is in my Beauty Hall of Fame!

Dry shampoo review - three reviews of drugstore brands

Check out my vlog review of three drugstore brand dry shampoos!

Bargain Big Apple salon: Carsten Institute and Salon

Have you ever needed your hair styled but discovered big city salons don't seem to cater for modest budgets?  Well, I have and it's a sad hair salon reality.

I found myself in the NYC area last December in desperate need of a touch up on my once-blonde highlighted locks - at a cheap price (unemployment makes keeping up beauty treatments difficult on the good old bank account - being jobless is a no-splurge situation!)

After some investigating, I found a gift from the hairstyling Gods: Carsten Institute of Cosmetology and Carsten Salon.  The company is part typical salon - although still has reasonable rates, especially for NYC - and part cosmetology institute which offers even further reduced rates for services performed by students undergoing styling training.

Talented stylists hard at work at Carsten Institute

All services (either performed by a student stylist or a salon professional) are located in the same building found in the Union Square area of Manhattan.  It's convenient and simple to find once you exit the subway at Union Square - just beware that the building exterior doesn't look like a typical salon, so make sure to look for the building number and chalkboard sign with hair styling prices/information on it.

Following a quick look at their service charge list online and seeing a very reasonable $40.00 cost for partial highlights (for newbies to the hair scene, this means a highlight from the top of the ears and above which includes a blending of highlights in the back, sides and front hair sections - done through foiling), I was on the phone instantly hoping to make an appointment.

The front desk staff were definitely friendly, helpful and able to book an appointment for me with a student stylist just three weeks ahead of the date I called them - I'm assuming that most high price-tag salons wouldn't be this accommodating for appointment scheduling.

Upon arrival at Carsten, I was swiftly taken to the official salon area - it turned out they had a junior stylist available to work with me instead of a student - and I was offered a variety of drink choices while I waited for my hair technician to finish working with his current client.

Omar, my hairdresser and a recent graduate of the Carsten Institute, was amazing.  He provided excellent service, including taking the time to do the Balayage technique on my hair - painting the bleach on the hair in certain spots to give hair a more multi-dimension and unique look - in addition to the traditional foil highlighting.

My blowout was also spectacular as Omar took the time to really boost my usually-limp roots to give my fine hair a more va-va-va-voom completed look.  Hailing from Las Vegas and having lived a unique life, he certainly kept me entertained during my visit with incredible stories of his life in Las Vegas, adventure tales from his stint in Japan (while working for Disney) and finally regaling me his experiences from moving to Manhattan.

It would be impossible for me to say enough positive things about my experience at Carsten.  The entire process was extremely impressive and I couldn't be happier with the results - my regrowth is gone and I'm blonde, blonde, blonde again, just the way I like my hair!

I would highly recommend this salon (either the typical salon or the school salon) to anyone looking for a great hair styling day out where they'll get incredible service from tremendously talented people for a pretty perfect price.

For more information about booking and costs for Carsten Institute services, please contact: 212 675 7735

If you visit the salon, please leave me a comment below telling me how you felt about your Carsten Institute/salon experience!