I blog a lot about beauty here at Everyday Baby Steps. I talk about beauty a lot in my real life. I even write about beauty for a salon. Why am I so obsessed with beauty? Is it because I'm vain? Or maybe because I'm insecure? Nope, neither of those. I simply love beauty products because they're another way for women, particularly moms, to take time for themselves, to make themselves feel good and to pamper themselves.

I love to play with makeup. Exploring different techniques and selecting various colors is part of the fun for me. Granted, as a busy mom, I don't always have time to get real experimental with my beauty routine, so I do have some beauty musts that really speed things up in the morning. Here are the areas I focus on when it comes to looking as good as I can each day.

Skin Care - Even if I don't wear any makeup at all, I always wash my face in the morning and NEVER skip moisturizer or facial cream of some kind. I have some favorites, but it all comes down to skin type and preference. Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Serum is a P&G product that's a good choice for those of us who could use a little lift.

Mascara - Over the years, my once full and beautiful lashes have gotten a little skimpy. Add to that the fact that I have narrow lashes, and I just really feel better when I darken my lashes a bit. No black for me, though. This redhead likes brown or I sometimes splurge on mascaras formulated in colors specifically for redheads.

Lip Color - My lips are another area I feel could use a bit of improvement. They're pale, and if I don't use some kind of lip color, I tend to look a bit under the weather. I just feel livelier with a bit of color on my lips. I like natural colors best and often go for a tinted lip balm. CoverGirl Natural Luxe Gloss Balm fits the bill nicely.

Here's me after my morning routine. Taking time for myself always puts a smile on my face! You know what else makes me smile? Giving things away to you! P&G has provided six of their award winning products for me to give to one lucky winner! Wanna win these products for yourself? All you have to do is leave a comment telling me one of your favorite beauty secrets by Monday, April 2nd at noon EST.  Here's what one lucky winner will receive:

Award-winning P&G beauty products 

Time on your Side

Never let your beauty routine drop off the list – even if your day is full. Discover P&G beauty award-winning picks and shortcuts to streamline your daily routine.

Spring Awakening

When the temperatures rise, it’s time to refresh your beauty routine. Update your warmer-weather beauty routine with these must-have products bearing the seal of approval from your favorite magazines.

• · Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof (Real Beauty Gold Star Awards)
• · Venus Bikini Trimmer (Marie Claire 25 New Products That Will Change Your Life)

A Fresh New Look

Sometimes it’s hard to get out of mom-mode. But a pretty, polished style is easy to achieve at home, even on the most hectic mornings, with these award-winning beauty products.

If you'd like to join the conversation about the best beauty tips for your routine, head on over to Twitter and follow the hashtag #PGBeauty. I'll be chatting there with several other bloggers (who are also holding giveaways, by the way.) We'd love to have you join us!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

I love all things beauty related. Ever since I started wearing makeup in sixth grade, I've been a cosmetics addict. I write a lot about beauty here at Everyday Baby Steps. I've written beauty articles for other sites around the web. And one of my best gigs is blogging for a local salon where I receive salon services in exchange for my writing and social media management. Great trade, right?

I've often thought about going to beauty school. When I was younger, though, it wouldn't have been seen as a wise decision by my family. Not to mention the fact that I just don't think I'd be very gifted with a pair of shears. What I didn't know back then is there are so many different options in the cosmetology industry.

Nail artistry is a big one that really catches my interest. I love the creativity involved in choosing length, shape, colors and styles. The possibilities are endless. An option I was actually considering recently is becoming an esthetician. These beauty professionals do things like skin care, hair removal and massage. What an amazing job it would be to make people feel good for a living!

One day, when my kids are older and I have fewer responsibilities, I think my next career move may be in the field of beauty. Someday, I may even look into escuelas de cosmetologia en Miami. Did you know I was a Spanish major in college? I'd love to live in the warm, vibrant culture of Miami. Have you ever considered a career like cosmetology? What's your dream job, and where would you live?

The other day I wrote about how my new hairstyle has improved my outlook. I also mentioned that I'm fortunate enough to blog for a wonderful local hair salon, and I'm able to trade my writing services for hair and beauty treatments. It's an awesome exchange! Even if you're not lucky enough to have your hair stylist on retainer, there are still tons of ways to treat and pamper yourself, as well as your family, without spending a ton of money. These are tough economic times. Throughout my working life, I've had various period of ups and downs with my finances. The times I was the least happy were the ones in which I constantly denied myself. Living in a mindset of lack or want is not healthy. It's no good for you, and it's no good for your loved ones. So I'm going to get you started with a list of things you can do to add some fun and pampering to your life without spending the big bucks that so mahy of us just don't have right now.

Health and Beauty

Going to the salon and buying beauty products can really take a chunk out of your budget. Consider these ways of pampering yourself on the cheap.

• Ask a hairdresser friend or family member if you can barter services. Or check out your local beauty school to see if you can't get a great new color from one of the school's students at a significant discount.
• Score some freebies at the beauty counter. I know that some cosmetics brands at high end department stores offer samples for customers to try. Stores like Sephora or Crabtree & Evelyn are also generous with the free samples. Sometimes these samples can last up to a week or more.
• Check out online beauty sample sites. There are websites that allow you to sign up to receive small boxes of samples sent to your door for a relatively small fee. Some of the ones I'm familiar with are birchbox.com, newbeauty.com and herbeautysamples.com.
• Get a makeup lesson at the beauty counter. Many department store makeup counters will provide complimentary makeup application lessons in the hopes of making a sale. It's a great way to learn new techniques and get a little pampering for free. If you can't afford to make a purchase, you're likely to find an item you'll add to your wish list for later.
• Give yourself a mani/pedi or trade services with a girlfriend. I always feel so much better with a coat of polish on, and a nice scented lotion just adds a touch of pampering. It's almost as good as going to the salon. It is!

Dining and Leisure

We all can start to feel a little deprived after being stuck in the house for weeks on end. Don't get stuck in a rut. There are plenty of things you can do to get yourself and your family out and about.

• Head to the internet for deals. There are so many discount sites right now like Groupon, Living Social and PopSugar Shop.They may not all be to your liking, but surely you'll find some bargains that work for you and your family. My husband and I got to have dinner at a fabulous local restaurant we normally couldn't afford for half off because of a Groupon deal.
• Go for ice cream. One thing I always said was that I could take my kids out for ice cream no matter how poor we may be. It doesn't have to be to Dairy Queen, which can be a bit pricey. Head to McDonald's for a sundae off the dollar menu or pick up supplies at the store for a make your own sundae bar at home. It's a fun tradition.
• Have a movie night. Going to the theatre can cost an arm and a leg. It's a luxury we can't often afford. But another tradition my kids love is movie night where we choose a Netflix movie to watch together. We eat popcorn or a sweet snack and stay up late. The kids get to sleep out on the living room floor. It really feels special.
• Check out your local radio station for auctions or half price deals. Most stations these days have some kind of discount partnership with local establishments.

There are so many more things you can do to treat yourself and your family for little or no money. I will continue this post in the coming days with ways to find time for yourself and ideas for enriching your life spirutually or academically.

Leave a comment sharing how you treat yourself without spending a lot of money.

I've been in a slump lately. A really bad, no good, horrible slump. Entire days have passed by with me accomplishing not much of anything. Yes, I realize that just chasing after a three-year old and taking tween kids to various practices and meetings is work in itself. But I know that I've got more in me. We all get the blues sometimes, and what I've been going through may even be considered depression. True to my "baby steps" philosophy, I know that I need to just put one foot in front of the other to take positive steps in the right direction and change the path I'm on.

One thing I decided to do was to give my hair stylist a call and schedule an appointment for a whole new do. It's been months since my last haircut. I really have no excuse because I blog for a fantastic salon and can get nearly any service I want done without paying a dime out of my own pocket. I've simply let things become routine in my life and not taken the energy to step out of that routine. Leaving routine behind is why I started this blog in the first place - to remind myself that it's the "everyday baby steps" that make all the difference. You have to continue making those small changes in order to see any kind of results. So here's the difference you can SEE after taking those steps to the salon.

Here's my crazy before picture, with the frizz and roots growing out from summer. I was trying to let it grow out long. This is actually the longest it's been in awhile. However, I wasn't satisfied with it. I knew that I really preferred to have a shorter, sassy kind of style. So I went with my gut and asked my stylist to chop it. Here's the results.

These pictures show my hair right after getting it done. It's straight because I had a treatment called Brazilian Keratin Treatment, or BKT, done. There is a very expensive version of BKT, which I've blogged about before, but this is simply a maintenance treatment that lasts for 4 - 6 weeks and helps to lessen the frizz. I also got a richer, cinnamon color with blonde highlights done, and I love it!

Here's my new style curly, right after letting it dry. All I did was add some product, scrunch and let air dry most of the way. Then I dryed the rest while scrunching. It's so easy. And it's cute! The back is stacked and adds just the right amount of bounce.

Sorry I couldn't make this bigger, not sure why. I really like the versatility of this cut. Having a new hairstyle makes me feel better about my appearance and gives me the kick I need to choose a nice outfit and put on some makeup. After that, I'm more energetic and ready to face the world. What small changes can you make to change your outlook and energy level? If you can't afford a whole makeover, I totally understand. I wouldn't be able to, either, if I didn't trade out the work for blogging. Is there a hairstylist among your friends or family who could help you? Another possibility is to buy a few accessories to jazz up your wardrobe. Maybe you could take a class at a local community college to learn something new. Or start a new project like a craft or a new blog? Whatever it is, making a small change can totally transform you outlook. I truly recommend it.

Here are some fabulous makeup tips for redheads from celebrity makeup artist Amy Hollier of Luxe Beauty Team at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in West Hollywood. I'm always thrilled to get more information on how to apply makeup for redheads. We redheads are definitely a unique breed, and I love learning ways to enhance our assets. Check out these tips!

We all know the saying, “Blondes have more fun.” Well, a new phrase is taking over: “Reds are more rad.” Going red is a bold and daring move and with these six steps from celebrity makeup artist Amy Hollier of Luxe Beauty Team at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon, you can rock the red with the perfect make-up to match your vixen look.

Step 1: Prime Eyelids

To start, use a light brown or copper cream shadow (I used Mac paint pot in "Groundwork") on eyelids and buff out with a fluffy eye shadow brush so nothing is in the crease.

Apply copper/gold shadow to inner half of eyelids closest to the tear ducts. Then apply a bronze/brown shadow to outer half of eyelids. Blend the crease with a clean, fluffy brush.

Step 3: Eyeliner

For a more fashion/editorial look, opt for a dramatic cat eyeliner but in a plummy brown rather than black. It's much more wearable and accents red hair perfectly. Start by lining the lashline, then building the outer corners and extending out and up at the end of the lashline. Check eye to eye for balance. I used Bobbi Browns "Black Plum Ink" gel eyeliner with a pointed liner brush.

Step 4: Eyelashes

Curl, curl and curl. Then apply black mascara to top and bottom lashes. Finish with 2 or 3 individual flares of false lashes on each outer corner.

Step 5: Gorgeous Skin

Wipe away any fallen eye shadow and moisturize entire face. Next apply a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer (I used Mac Face & Body).

Next apply a little glow to the temples and cheekbones with a liquid or cream bronzer (I used Makeup Forever Uplight#23). Lightly dust the center of the face with translucent powder to set. Add a little soft peachy blush to cheeks (I love Smashbox soft lights tint).

Finish the look with a tinted lip balm. I chose the Clinique Chubby Stick in "Whole Lotta Honey" for it's beautiful golden nude color.

About Luxe Beauty Team

It all started when Luxe co-founders Sarah Uslan and Amy Hollier started a mobile salon based on providing socialites and celebrities with everything from makeup and manicures to tanning and eyebrow shaping. This enterprise has now turned into a full-service tour de force inside the well-known Serge Normant at John Frieda salon located at 8440 Melrose Place in West Hollywood. With a hand picked team of elite stylists, artists and experts, they bring personal, red carpet-worthy attention to clients from Jane Lynch to Denise Richards to Rose McGowan.

Okay, gals, here's a real quick video showing what I do to combat frizzy hair. Some products were provided, but all are loved. Please let me know in the comments what you do to deal with the frizzies.

Here are the products I used, including my affiliate link.

I am a beauty-holic. Anyone who knows me is aware that I'm a little over the top when it comes to cosmetics. In fact, even in high school, I was crazy about beauty. I once had a party where we played a game that asked, "Who do you think spent the most time getting ready for this get-together?", and EVERYONE answered with my name! I can't help it; I just love to play with colors and to see how products can really enhance a look.

However, even the best quality makeup isn't worth the money if you're not taking proper care of your skin. Healthy skin provides a smooth foundation for your cosmetics. With healthy, radiant skin, you can even feel confident leaving the house without makeup. Yes, as much as I love my makeup, the reality is that I'm a busy mom of three kids. There are many days I walk out the door cosmetic-free. And I'm fine with that because I know my skin looks beautiful.

photo by A Florida Studio

I must confess that I wasn't always good about taking care of my face. I didn't really learn about the importance of skincare until I was a mom and started selling a well-known beauty brand as a way to make some extra money. Since then, I've been devoted to my face care and have really seen the difference it makes.

I'm no longer a new mom. My oldest is 12, and now I'm beginning to explore anti aging skincare. The new ingredients and technology used in skincare products today is just amazing. There are potions devoted to every skin type and problem you can imagine. I strongly advise doing a little research and finding a skincare regimen that works for your type of skin, problem areas and lifestyle. Just a few minutes each day and night will make a world of difference in your overall appearance.

What's your skincare routine? Any advice?

* sponsored post

I love e.l.f. makeup. I've proven it time and again by writing about their products here at Everyday Baby Steps. The most affordable makeup I've ever used comes from e.l.f. Not only are their cosmetics affordable, but e.l.f. also offers exceptional quality for such a low price. I have tried some cheap drug store brands, but the key word with these products is definitely "cheap". There's nothing cheap about the quality e.l.f. offers.

I especially like their Mineral and Studio products. These lines offer makeup for eyes, lips and face, just as the company name says. Everything I've tried goes on smoothly and seems to be healthy for my skin, which is rather sensitive to some cosmetics. While the prices are a bit more than the basic e.l.f. lines, you still can't beat them, with most things costing only $3.00 - $5.00. You can't go wrong with prices like that!

What I love most about e.l.f is that such affordable prices allow me to experiment with the latest trends in makeup and to try new looks and products. I always visit the What's New page for the latest makeup trends. And now is the perfect time to play with new makeup, isn't it? With holiday parties going on and New Year's Eve fast approaching, you'll want to pick up some new colors to help you shine.

I think I'll have to pick up  a few things myself for the holidays. I'm thinking the new Red Velvet nail color would be perfect for New Year's Eve. I'd also like to add a little glitter with the Shimmer Eye Liner pencil in Gunmetal. Changing up your eyeliner color is a great way to add a big impact to your look. And for only a dollar a piece, there's no reason not to "splurge" on myself a bit!

* This is a sponsored post, but I am an actual e.l.f. customer, and I can't say enough good things about the brand.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - AWAITING WINNER REPLY

Okay, ladies, today's review is an amazing one. I'm so fortunate to have been offered the chance to try the best wrinkle cream ever, and I'm a happy girl. What's also making me happy this holiday season is that I get to offer my readers a chance to win a product valued at $150 or less from PerriconeMD! The product I chose to review is the Cold Plasma anti-aging treatment.

About the Product

Cold Plasma by Perricone MD is an anti-wrinkle treatment with five years of research behind it. It's an amazing cream that treats the 10 most visible signs of aging:

• wrinkles
• enlarged pores
• dryness
• redness
• discoloration
• uneven skin tone
• impurities
• loss of smoothness
• loss of firmness
• loss of radiance

My Thoughts

Whew! That's a pretty big claim on the part of Perricone. I've been using the cream for over a week now, and I can tell you I have seen a difference in my skin's texture and brightness. In fact, the deep creases in my forehead are definitely less noticeable. I'm not saying they're gone by any means, but they are a bit less noticeable.

I'm a skin care fanatic and have tried many brands. The feel of this cream is sublime. It goes on so smoothly and makes my skin feel so refreshed. Cold Plasma is meant to be effective for all skin types, and it was absorbed into my combination/oily skin very quickly. That's a plus in my book. So many creams just sit on my skin or require a great deal of blending. Not this one. It goes on smoothly with no shine or greasiness.

My overall review of Perricone MD Cold Plasma is a positive one. I love the cream and can definitely see a difference in my skin. However, I must note that this miracle cream comes with a $150 price tag, making it cost-prohibitive for many - including myself. If you are dedicated to a skin care ritual that works and have the room in your budget to accommodate quality products, this is definitely worth a try.

With that being said, I'm very happy to have had the chance to try the Cold Plasma. I'm dedicated to my skin care and quality cosmetics. I know that beautiful skin and a good foundation are the most important aspects of a makeup routine. For this reason, I'm planning to try Perricone's No Foundation Foundation. It's $50, which is an affordable splurge for me for a quality daily foundation.

The Giveaway

So if you had the chance, which Perricone MD product would you choose? Go to their website and have a look around. Come back here and leave a comment telling me which product under $150 you would love to try, and you just may win it! All comments received by Monday, December 6th at noon EST will be entered to win the product of their choice, valued at $150 or less.

Want extra entries?

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect in the side bar.
• Tweet about the contest - be sure to link here and add @marybabysteps to your tweet.
• Blog about the contest with a link here.

Each of these is worth one extra entry, but you MUST visit the PerriconeMD website and tell me about your product of choice for any extra entries to count. Be sure to leave one comment for every method of entry. Good luck!

Back in June, I underwent a hair treatment that has completely changed my life. Truly, it has. It's called Brazilian Keratin Treatment, or BKT, and it's absolutely amazing. Basically, it's a treatment that infuses the protein, keratin, into your hair. Keratin is a building block of healthy hair. In the words of my stylist, Gay, from Vitastile Hair Designs, it's like giving you "virgin hair".

You may have heard of a similar treatment called the Brazilian Blowout, and there has been controversy lately surrounding the Blowout method. The reason for this is because some salons have been using product containing formaldehyde. You can probably guess that formaldehyde is not only bad for your health, but bad for your hair as well. A proper BKT treatment should contain no formaldehyde. Take a look at an article I wrote on the process to learn more. You can expect your treatment to last around four months, giving you frizz-free hair that takes less time to blow dry and style. BKT can be pricey. It's $200 at my salon and can go even higher, depending on your area of the country. Ask your stylist about a keratin color seal treatment if you'd like to try it out without the long-term commitment or high cost. A mini treatment like this should last you about one month and cost significantly less ($50 at Vitastile.)

Take a look at my results. I had the full BKT process done in June and have had the mini touch up done as well. The texture of my hair is completely changed. I no longer have to worry about it frizzing like crazy if it gets wet, which I absolutely love. It's so soft to touch and easy to take care of. But I haven't had to give up my curly entirely. I'm able to wear my style wavy if I want, which is nice.

Here I am before BKT.

Here's me after the first BKT treatment.

Here's me at my next appointment - 5 weeks later.

This is right before my last appointment, to give you an idea of what it looks like curly. Much less frizzy than without BKT.

This is me after getting my hair done a few weeks ago.

What do you think? I hope these pictures give you an idea of the versatility the Brazilian Keratin Treatment offers you. I love it. It's given me so many options, in terms of style, as well as making my life easier when getting ready in the morning. I can't say enough good things about BKT. It is important that you find a salon you trust that has been properly trained in the method.

If you live in western Pennsylvania, I highly recommend the staff at Vitastile. Thankfully, I do the social media and blogging for the salon, so I will never again have a bad hair day! Let me know what you think of BKT and if you have any questions about the treatment.