Make up hot list- Cheerleader reccommendations

 The USA Cheerleaders are always dolled up in full hair and make-up for their events, which gives them plenty of experience with different make-up lines and products. I got with the the girls to compile a list of some of their go-to products when getting ready for anything from a big appearance, to a casual day, to a night on the town.

USA Cheerleader make-up favorites include:

 Face
 MAC Studio Fix powder foundation and MAC Pressed powder

"Mac makeup studio fix powder foundation. It works great, and makes you appear to have a perfect complexion even when sometimes your skin is acting up!"- Jackie Elizabeth

"I love my MAC pressed powder. I have sensitive skin and it's always been great on my skin. I love using it either with foundation or just on its own". -Jessica J.

L'Oreal Magic BB cream
"I love Loreal Magic BB Cream - gives great coverage without being heavy and stays matte - unlike a lot of BB Creams!" -Elizabeth

Josie Maran matchmaker line
"I just discovered this brand [Josie Maran] at Sephora. The sales girl was gushing about how much she loved these new products. I bought all 3 [serum foundation, powder foundation and concealer crayon] and honestly, amazing makeup. I have trouble skin and this has been perfect. Coverage is AMAZING and it's one of those kinds that blends in with your skin tone- seriously, blends in. Love these products!" -Cindy



Cheek
Make-up forever HD blush -Deana


Eye
Make-up forever Aquamatic eyeshadow pencil
"Make Up For Ever Aqua Matic line... it has been tested in water for 5 hours straight and still on. With gym workouts or competitions, we cheerleaders/dancers need stay proof make-up and this is exactly what Aqua Matic provides!" -Deana 

Urban Decay- Naked eyeshadow palette
"The Naked palettes by Urban Decay are awesome for any look!" -Sarah

Lashes
L'Oreal Telescopic mascara 
"L'Oreal telescopic mascara! It makes your lashes look super long & it's cheap too! A couple layers of it & your lashes look like you've got false lashes on". -Sarah

Moodstruck 3D fiber lashes
"Moodstruck 3D fiber lashes! I always hated wearing tons of mascara to make my lashes look good. My aunt bought this for me for my birthday, and it gives you lashes that are full and long without having to put much on!" -Stephanie (also favored by Rachel)

Latisse
"To be honest I don't have a favorite makeup product! I rarely wear makeup. I actually use Latisse. It's only sold in Drs offices & scientifically proven to make your lashes longer. Literally everyone who sees me when I have mascara on thinks I'm wearing fake lashes". -Alicia

Brows 
Make-up Forever brow gel to keep the brows in line on quick and casual days and Sephora Collection eyebrow editor kit for a more complete, filled in look. -Charli (blog editor)
 

Lips 

Revlon Just Bitten lip stain
"I usually use just bitten lip stain as a liner because it says on like nobody's business!" -Cindy

EOS lip balm -Deana

Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing lip Balm
"Baby lips! I never leave the house with out it, there are so many different tints/colors!" -Tia 

Meet Deana!

Meet USA Cheerleader: Deana

Years as a USA Cheerleader:       2 years

Prior Cheerleading experience:   Elmwood Park Rec 1991-1996
                                           Elmwood Park Competition Team 1991-1996
                                           High School Varsity Team 2000-2001
                                           Head Coach (ages 8-18) 1996 – 2003
                                           Dancer (various dance techniques)1996-2002

Birth Place: New Jersey

Where you currently live: New Jersey

Lifetime Goal: Stay happy, healthy and successful.

Career Goal: Have my book make a best sellers list.

College: Graduate of Montclair State University, Class of 2006

Current Occupation: Head Bee of TheQueenBuzz.com & Brand Activation Manger for Northern Eagle Beverage 
        
Greatest Accomplishment: Singing the National Anthem at the Newark Bars Stadium

Hobbies: writing, photography, singing, playing guitar and piano, educating youth, and cooking

Pets: Siberian Husky- "Baby", and cat, "Bella"

Most memorable moment as a USA Cheerleader: Having those who have fought for our country thank me for just being there and supporting a great cause.  These are men and women who have without hesitation, fought for our freedom now and in the past, and to have them thank me was what made being a USA Cheerleader worth every second.

Most memorable moment in Cheerleading in general: I never had the opportunity to be a flyer because I was too tall or not the lightest.  My senior year in high school, the main flyer injured herself and my coach pointed at me to be the replacement.  I not only soared high in a liberty and basket toss that year, but was featured on the front cover of the Virginia ECA National Cheerleading magazine 2 years later.

Favorite TV Show: Orange is the New Black and Shark Tank

Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing

Favorite Actor: Jim Carrey 

Favorite Actress: Reese Witherspoon

Favorite Book: Schooled, by Anisha Lakhani

Favorite Band: Maroon Five

Favorite Song: Summerwind, by Frank Sinatra

Favorite Restaurant: Greek Delights in Montclair

Favorite Style of Music: anything acoustic

Favorite Place to Vacation: Bahamas

Someday I would love to visit: Italy (again)

Words to live by/favorite quote: Life is NOT a dress rehearsal

Describe your personal style: White tee, jeans and heels. I adore trends, but so love the comfy relaxed look.  Simple accessories to dress it up, or Rainbow sandals to ease it up.

The song that best describes me is: This Girl is on Fire, by Alicia Keys, because I am non stop, always on the go.

Favorite sport to play: Golf

Favorite time of year and why:  Summer because of my birthday and the summer wind.

Fun fact: I am currently working on a book that will be published by end of this year.

I've always wanted to: sing at Madison Square Garden.

Reason I choose to volunteer my time to USA Cheerleaders: With both my grandfathers serving their time in the Army and the Marines, I felt it was my duty to volunteer my time by helping and supporting those that have given me the best thing there is to have today, my freedom.

Deana is a true Renaissance woman who loves the rush of life.  Writer/Head Bee of her own website, Head Coach of the Bud Light Girls for Metlife Stadium, with an Elementary Teaching degree; photographer, vlogger and USA Cheerleader… she is a woman of many hats! 

 

Happy 4th of July!

 
Happy 4th of July friends! 

Here at this house we are having our 3rd annual rooftop party, happening this evening for our friends' firework watching pleasure. This has been our tradition since we moved into this home 3 years ago and it will unfortunately be our last year doing so, as we are a military family on the move...and our next roof won't be flat.

It's OK though, we will always have that weird champagne-popsicle concoction mentioned here.

We want to know what your 4th of July traditions are.

This weeks giveaway is going to run a little differently. We have a few small cases of HERO energy shots that we would love to mail out. Just comment on USA Cheerleaders' facebook with your Independence day tradition to enter; something you do every 4th of July...big, small, simple, weird....the weirder the better. ;-)






HERO energy shots are sugar free, carb free energy shots that contain green tea extract! A portion of all proceeds from these long lasting energy shots goes toward supporting military and first responders. Check out their website here to learn more.

Festive drinks for your 4th party.

With the 4th right around the corner, many of us will be hosting friends in our homes. Personally, I don't usually get super cute and themed because it is a lot of work. My idea of festive is pouring some champagne into a clear glass, dunking an original Bombpop into it and calling it a day. (Which by the way, melts and makes purple, NOT red white and blue. But it's OK, because it's delicious).   

But, if you want some festive ideas that will keep the party going I have found some cocktail and mocktail recipes via Pinspiration and random googling that will add a spark to any party.

Red, White and Blue Layered Drinks

Layered Cocktail Recipe

 The key to making layered drinks is all about sugar content. Fill a glass with ice (lots of ice, helps to separate the liquids when pouring), highest sugar content goes on the bottom, pour slowly and directly on top of an ice cube to keep liquids separate. You can make a red, white and blue drink or shot out of just about any ingredients of those colors if you follow the layering rules, however the above linked drink by thekitchenwhisperer is supposed to taste just like those yummy bombpops from childhood. 

For kids, pregs and drivers- try this mocktail recipe.

Sparklers

 

Pop Rock Drink Recipes

Pop rock drinks, or "Sparklers" as we shall call them, add a pop and a fizz just like fireworks. Make a cranberry, vodka, sprite with a blue pop rock rim. Or make a blue hawaiian (rum, vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice) with a red pop rock rim. Adapt with any favorite blue or red beverage, additional recipes linked above.

To make it a mocktail, try blue kool-aid with red pop rocks or a shirley temple with blue pop rocks.

Festive 4th of July Sangria

Festive Sangria Recipe 

 This sangria reeks of independence. Red, white yellow and blue fruit in a white sangria and STARS for crying out loud. If you are lazy, pour some dry white white wine in a pitcher with some sprite, add fruit- good to go. But you could also click the link above and follow the real recipe. 

For a mocktail use sparkling white grape juice or sparkling water.

Cheers! 
Comment below if you have a favorite drink recipe to share!

Hope you have a fun and safe and responsible 4th of July, friends!