Beauty – Page 66

Popsugar Must Have Box September 2014!

September 22, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s POPSUGAR TIME!!!! Today I am reviewing the September 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box.The box contains full size items in all different categories: food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am LOVING this months box, so let’s get into it!

September 2014 Must Have Box:

Stereo Earbuds by Nicole Miller

$20

I needed a new pair of earbuds, and I can’t wait to use these! I love the dark blue color that I received, though I’m not sure if everyone got the same color. If you are subscribed to PopSugar Must Have Box, what color earbuds did you get? Let me know in the comments!

Superfine Purse Size Hairspray by Orbie

$21.50

I like the sleek packaging of this hairspray, and I will definitely use this for travel! It smells pretty nice, too.

Almond Brownie by Urban Remedy

$6.99

I thought this might be kind of strange…it’s a 100% raw and organic…but it was REALLY good!! It wasn’t the same as biting into a chocolate fudge brownie or anything, but it was a nice dense bar with a nice dark cacao chocolate-y taste. That said, would I pay $6 for one of these? Probably not.

Gold Foil Arrow Pencils by Letter C Design

$7.50

I *looove* the sleek black pencils with the gold details! I haven’t used these yet, but they look gorgeous on my desk! I love that they threw in a small pencil sharpener too, because I haven’t used a pencil that wasn’t mechanical in ages.

Modal Gradation Scarf in Raisin by Tilo Scarves

$125

This is far and away my favorite item in the box this month!!! I looooove this scarf! When I first glanced at it, I only saw charoal, but once opened it is a beautiful mix of grays and a raisin brown…GORGEOUS! Seriously, stunning! This makes the most basic tee look beautiful.

Garance Doré Assorted Girls Set by Rifle Paper Co.

$18

I love having blank notecards to send to friends and loved ones! I also will use these for giveaway winners : ) Super cute!

Special Extras:

Milk Chocolate Sea Salt and Almond Minis by Ghiradelli

This was an awesome “extra”! I am ashamed to say how quickly these disappeared, but hey at least I can blame it on the pregnancy…right??! SOO yummy!

$20 Nike Giftcard

I don’t reeeeally count this, because you have to make a purchase to use this, but I will definitely hang onto it and it’s nice to have on hand.

This is one of my favorite PopSugar Must Have Boxes in awhile! And with a total of $198.99 it is clearly WELL worth the $39 price point since I have already been using most of the products! As usual : ) Have you subscribed to any subscription boxes or bags yet? I would love to hear about them in the comments! I finally caved and got my first Ipsy Glambag and I will put a review up on Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe to see that if you haven’t subscribed already : )

Naked Basics 2 Overview with Swatches and Comparison to Naked Basics

September 8, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I got my hands on the Naked Basics 2 from Urban Decay and have been using it almost daily since, so now I feel ready to give my review and overview! This palette launched on August 19th and is avaliable at both Ulta and Sephora. I also want to share swatches of both the Naked Basics 2 and the Original Naked Basics. The Naked Basics 2 is a cool toned answer to the more warm toned Naked Basics. Both of these palettes cost $29.00 and have 6 full size highly pigmented, mostly matte, neutral eyeshadows.

I think that both of the Basics palettes are a great choice for those who don’t want to play around as much with their eye makeup and just want more basic eye shadows.They are also mostly matte, with the exception of the highlight shades, so they don’t bring attention to aging eyelids. The Naked 1, Naked 2, and Naked 3 are beautiful palettes as well but offer lots more choices that not everyone wants or needs.

Swatches:

Naked Basics 2:

Naked Basics:

Naked Basics 2 in Pan:

Naked Basics in Pan:

*Don’t mind the broken eyeshadow!! It broke shortly after buying it because I got a faulty box but never got around to exchanging it. I love this palette and it gets used A LOT!*

Overall I am really enjoying the Naked Basics 2. I tend to gravitate to warmer eye shadows, so it is quite a change for me but I’m really enjoying it!! I love the fact that you can get a smokey eye or a very natural eye easily with this. I think I am going to have fun bringing in some of my other eye shadows with this palette as well, but you definitely can get a complete eye look using just the shadows provided with Naked Basics 2. I love that these Basic palettes are tiny, perfect for travel, and highly pigmented!! I don’t think you *must* have both, but if you want to try out cooler toned eye shadows, this is a great way to start with some beautiful neutrals. I still am the most comfortable with warmer eye shadow colors because that is what I use the most often, so I think I would still grab the Naked over the Naked 2 for a trip away, but I am excited to keep playing with the cooler tones of the Naked 2!

Have you tried the Naked Basics or the Naked 2? Thoughts?? I would LOVE to hear from you!! I know some people have had enough with the Naked line in general but I am a neutral eye shadow lover, so for me I love trying out all of the neutral palettes!! I still need to get my hands on the Lorac Pro 2!! EEEEEEEK!

Have a wonderful week!! Thank you for reading and don’t forget to subscribe : )

My Top 3 Ways To Apply LIQUID Foundation!!

September 1, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!!

I received a request to talk about the correct way to apply liquid foundation and today I am going to share my top 3 ways to apply it. I want to also say that I am not a professinal makeup artist…but I do play around a lot with different makeup, make up brushes and applicators, read blogs and watch videos on makeup a lot…so there is that ; ) If you have any questions or requests, please never hestitate to reach out to me! I would LOVE some more participation from my readers!!

#1 Stipple It On!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to stipple on my foundation!! To stipple means to dot and that is exactly what you do with this technique! You dot on the foundation instead of brushing the foundation on. Stippling on your foundation gives a beautiful diffused finish because the foundation doesn’t go into lines or scars as easily, but rather brushes over them for a beautiful flawless appearance.

What I Do:

I put a little bit of foundation on the top of the hand that I won’t be holding the brush with (so in my case my left hand) between my thumb and pointer finger. I use the pointer finger of my right hand to dot foundation on the area of my face I want to start with because I like to work in sections. I work in sections because if I dotted foundation all over my face some of it may begin to set before I’ve gotten to it. I stipple the foundation onto my skin by making quick dotting motions up and down to get the perfect finish.

What I Use:

My absolute favorite stippling brush is the F50 Duo Fiber from Sigma Beauty. This brush is sold individually as well as in sets. I use this brush so often that I have two so that it’s in constant rotation even when I’m washing some of my brushes. This brush can also be used to apply cream or liquid blush and bronzer.

#2 Traditional Foundation Brush

When I first started out this is the technique I used, and it’s still a great option. I think that this is a great way when you are first starting out with makeup or with liquid foundations. Using a traditional foundation brush can cause streaking, which nobody wants, but as long as you make small strokes it can be fairly easily avoided.

What I Do:

I put the foundation onto my hand just like I described above, but this time I use the brush to brush on my foundation as if I was painting. I am careful to use very short strokes, and change the direction of the brush as I go. Changing direction when using a foundation brush like this helps so that it isn’t all strokes going the same way which can look streaky.

What I Use:

The foundation brush I use the most frequently is my F60 Foundation Brush from Sigma Beauty, but I also have had great luck with foundation brushes similar to this from Real Techniques, Tarte, and Sephora’s brush line.

#3 Beauty Blender Sponge

I am sure by now almost all of you have tried this sponge, and if not you have probably at least heard about it! This is a GAME CHANGER for me!! It is completely worth the price! This allows me to build up the coverage as needed and you can never see the foundation (a big no-no!)…all you see is beautiful skin that looks airbrushed.

What I Do:

I like to lightly dampen the sponge before using it. I use the round end to apply foundation to my chin, cheeks, nose and forehead. I use the pointy end to apply foundation to harder to reach places like my under eye area and around my nose. I both dot and blend the sponge to get the perfect seamless look.

What I Use:

I have only used The Original Beauty Blender but I know there are lots of other imitators flooding the market now! I have read and watched lots of reviews, and the only sponge that seems to stand up to Beauty Blender is the Miracle Complextion Sponge by Real Techniques. The Real Techniques sponge is about 1/4 of the price of the Beauty Blender, so that might be a great option for some people. If you would like to see me do a comparision sponge on any of these sponges, let me know! Also, if you have tried any that you love (or don’t love!!) let me know in the comments!!

I hope that this post was helpful! Please take a minute to subscribe if you haven’t already! Just enter your email into the box on the right side of this page and you’ll get an email to confirm your subscription!! It will make my day : ) : ) If you have ANY questions please let me know and have a fabulous day!!

My Morning Skincare Routine

August 27, 2014 & 1 Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Awhile ago I shared my Get Unready With Me: My Night-Time Routine and now I would like to share my morning skincare routine. While pregnant I do not use certain products, so this will be updated after the pregnancy and I can share that when the time comes.

MY MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE:

Step 1: Solve Math Problem Alarm App , Drink Water, and Drink Coffee

Math isn’t my thing, and so having the Freaky Alarm App makes sure I get up because I really have to think to solve even simple math in the morning!! The next step is throwing on a sweatshirt or a big comfy sweater because even in August, I’m cold most mornings. And then I drink a big glass of water which absolutely is part of my skincare routine(sometimes lemon water). And then finally, finally, my coffee (decaf right now!)…through a straw of course ; )

Step 2: Hair Goes Up

I put my hair up into a messy bun using a hair tie like these from Lucky Girl Hair Ties on Etsy or a big claw clip.

Step 3: Cleanse Face

I wash my face with my all-time favorite facewash, Purity by Philosophy with my Clarisonic. Then I dry my face with Kleenex Hand Towels to make sure that I’m not putting a dirty towel onto my just cleaned face. I also use a wash cloth just for my face after showering that I change out every couple of days to keep it as clean as possible.

Step 4: Use Toner

My favorite toner is an oldie but a goodie, Sea Breeze, and I like the one for sensitive skin.

Step 5: Use Moisturizer

I use Esteé Lauder Day Wear and it is my FAVORITE of all time!! I love that it has built in SPF 25, and never feels greasy on my combination/oily skin.

Step 6: Use Brightening Eye Cream

I have pretty bad dark circles…maybe it has something to do with two little kiddos and a pregnant mama?! ; ) To counteract the dark circles, I have been using the It’s Potent! Eye Cream from Benefit for a couple of years. I can tell that it helps, because a few times when I have not used it for awhile I can really notice a difference.

That’s it : ) Then I do any needed body grooming, get dressed, do my makeup, and hair. I hope that you enjoyed this post! What do you like to use for your morning skincare routine? Have a fantastic rest of your week and don’t forget to subscribe by entering your email in the box on the right side of this page! Thank you for reading!!

Gallery Wall and Desk/Vanity Overview!!

August 20, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Today I want to share a tour of my gallery wall and vanity with you. Because of limited space, my desk functions as my workspace and also has my vanity mirror and makeup brushes on it. I keep all of my makeup in a seperate storage unit next to my desk and that is a post for another day! Before I launched Leah Tackles I knew that I needed a space that was filled with beautiful things that I love, with a great chair and an inspirational gallery wall where I could work…oh, and also a desk ; ) Below I will share pictures as well as websites for some of my favorites things from my gallery wall.

MY GALLERY WALL AND DESK/VANITY SET UP:

MY FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP FOR PRETTIES FOR MY WALL:

1) Pearls and Pastries Shop

This is where I get most of my gorgeous prints and where I get my sequin hangers!! Plus, Lauren is the sweetest : )

2) White Faux Taxidermy

This is where I got my *adoreable* jackalope…isn’t she the cutest?!

3) Studio Mucci

How gorgeous are these tassle garlands?! I need about 10-15 more of these and then I’ll be set ; )

4) Ooh La La Finds

My “Press For Champagne” frame is one of my favorite pieces! My sweet hubs knew I was swooning over them and got me one for Mother’s Day this year : ) Thanks bugs!

If you have any questions of any of the other pieces on my wall or vanity please ask away in the comments below and I will be sure to get back to you!! To comment, just click the link by the title of this post!! It’s easy, promise : )

PopSugar Must Have Box August 2014!!

August 18, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!! Annnnd Happy PopSugar time!! This is one of my favorite posts of the month to share with all of you!!

Before we get started: Don’t forget to check out my column Leah’s Friday Five on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog! This past Friday was all about my favorite fall boots and where I shop for them!!

Today I am reviewing the PopSugar Must Have Box for August 2014!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am really enjoing this months box so far, so let’s jump into it!

August 2014 Must Have Box:

I want to mention that I did think that the packaging was not done very well this month : / And I have heard from others that there boxes also were not packed very securely. I thought for sure one item that is made of glass would be broken, and the most delicate thing in the box had slipped out of it’s packaging and was loose : ( I have only ever had 2 boxes with a damaged item in the 20 months that I have had the subscription, and PopSugar is always great about replacing things, but I hope the packaging is back to normal next month!

Celebrate Cookie Mix from The Mason Jar Cookie Company:

$12

My 3 year old LOVES to bake in the kitchen with me, and sometimes it is so nice to have the mix pre-made so that I save some clean up and time!! My daughter still gets the joy of mixing and working in the kitchen, so it’s a win-win! We haven’t tried this one yet, but I love the packaging and with sprinkles and chocolate what’s not to love?!

Lush Fruit Lip from Bite Beauty:

$22

I have been swooning over the Lush lipsticks for months now, so I was super excited to find this lip gloss in my box! The color was created especially for PopSugar subscribers for the 2 year anniversary of the Must Have Box. It is a nice hint of color, and it is a bit sticky but I actually like that to a point because it stays on the lips longer. I love that this lip gloss is naturally nourishing with strawberry, coconut, and avocado oils.

Purple Meal and Dipper Set from Goodbyn:

We already have one of these bento style boxes, but it gets tons of use, and with my daughter starting pre-school (ah!!) soon we are happy to have another. This is dishwasher safe, and I love the seperate little compartments.

Ocean Tide + Sea Salt Mini Jar Candle from Paddywax:

$10

I have burned this several times already and I am really impressed!! I usually gravitate towards 3 wick candles exclusively because I want a candle that will have a throw that will really fill the room, but this is a powerful little thing! It smells SO good, it’s hard to find a beachy scented candle that doesn’t overwhelm you with suncreen or coconut, and this candle is able to with the nice sea salt scent.

At Last Perfumed Shower Gel from Lollia:

$22

I haven’t tried this yet, but I always love getting fancy bath products in my box : ) This smells nice and I am excited to try it out.

Elle Earrings in Slate from Kendra Scott:

$52

This are easily my favorite item in the box which is really saying something since I rarely wear dangly earrings (2 little kiddos and another on the way…so maybe in 3-4 years I can wear them more!) but these are stunning! I think they’ll look great with so many things and can’t wait to wear them for a date night with Stephan : )

Special Extra:

Brownie Crunch High Protein Bar from thinkThin:

I originally tried a thinkThin bar because of Pop Sugar back in February of 2013, and they are a great option for a high protein bar. I haven’t tried this one yet, but I love tossing these in my bags for those “I-need-energy/food-now!” moments! Having a healthier option stops me from making a bad decision (ahhhhm candy bars!).

Overall I am really excited about this months box! I am so excited for fall this year, so I am hoping that next month has some fun things as well that are more fall geared. I was disapointed by the packaging, but the items made up for it! And as always, this box is WELL worth the $39 price point! This box totals $126 not counting the special extra.

Do you subscribe to PopSugar? What other subscription boxes do you enjoy? I love hearing what other people subscribe to and what they are loving!!

Before you go, don’t forget to enter the TWO giveaways that are currently running on the blog!!

#1 Arbonne Sea Salt Scrub

#2 Chloe + Isabel Jewelry

I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog : ) XOXO

Arbonne Sea Salt Scrub Review and Giveaway!!!

August 6, 2014 & 25 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

ANNOUNCEMENT: I have been posting every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday but will now be changing to a Monday and Wednesday schedule. I will still be blogging on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog biweekly on Friday’s. I want to focus on quality while still bringing you blog posts on a very dependable and consistent basis. I really appreciate all of your support as I work to improve my blog with every post, so please subscribe if you haven’t already!! Every one of you who has subscribed I am so grateful for! : )

Okay….onto today’s post!

I have been hearing little bits about Arbonne products more and more lately, but just a couple of weeks ago I was finally able to try something from the company. I am SO excited to share it with you!!

Arboone is all pure, safe, and maybe best of all, benefitial. All of the products are vegan, plant based, soy free, paraben free, and dairy free. One thing I found really awesome is that the products are formulated in Switzerland and are held to Swiss standards which are some of the highest, but made in the United States.

NOTE:****Be sure to read to the bottom of this post for your chance to win a full size of the Awaken Sea Salt Scrub!! Details are at the end of this post!!! : )****

Aromaessentials Awaken Sea Salt Scrub:

My Arbonne consultant, Kim, introduced me to this and I am in love! Before using this my go-to body scrub was the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Coconut Lime, but the Awaken Scrub blows that out of the water!! I was a little apprehensive about whether or not this would be anything different from scrubs I had used in the past, but the exfoliation combined with the oil is a total game-changer. I know having “me time” is important, but with two toddlers, work, appointments, life…..it is really low on my ~~to-do~~ survival list! I almost didn’t use this scrub when I first got it because I was in a rush (per usual!) and didn’t think I should spend the time, but I ended up using it anyways. Ahhhh! SO glad I did! It sounds so cheesy, but the smell was seriously uplifting!! I immediately felt relaxed, happy…that feeling you get after hours in the chair at the hair salon or after a fresh mani/pedi. I want to try some of the “unwind” products now because the “awaken” works wonderfully.

Kim shared two of her favorite uses and I want to share them with you as well to give you some ideas!

1) Foot Soak and Scrub

Soak your tootsies in warm water and once they are soft, scrub your feet with one scoop of the scrub! My feet were SO soft after doing this method (but a tad slippery!).

2) Scrub Legs *Before* Shaving:

This way is my favorite use for this product so far! As much as I love the foot soak, finding the time just isn’t always going to happen, but using a scoop of this scrub in the shower on my legs and feet is easy to work into my routine. Simply scrub your legs with the scrub and then shave while the oil from the scrub is still fresh on your legs! SO luxurious and my legs looked amazing after doing this. It was way less of a hassle then shaving cream, and also much more relaxing.

I wanted to have other suggestions for you since the Arboone website is AWESOME but there is so much that it was a little daunting, so I picked Kim’s brain a bit and found some other great ideas.

FALL/WINTER ARBONNE PRODUCT FAVORITES:

1) Shea Butter Body Lotion

An Arbonne favorite in a pump bottle and great for all skin types!

2) FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Creme

Kim told me that her husband carries this around with him in the winter, and to me if a guy is carrying around a prodcut like that it MUST be good! I hate dry winter hands, and I will definitely be trying this out asap because fall is approaching fast!

3) Baby Care Body Lotion and Baby Care Body Oil

This is for the little one’s in your life!! My little man has severe eczema and I love the idea of a natural product line to try out this winter. You can mix the two and apply to dry areas on your little lovess….again, can’t wait to try this!

4) Made in the Shade Self-Tanner Broad Spectrum SPF 15

I love the idea of a more natural, botanicaly based self-tanner to try to keep up a warm glow in the cooler months!! And you all know, I am ANTI-TANNING so wear your sunscreen and rock a sunless tanner, please ; )

OTHER FAVORITES:

1) Lip Saver Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

I mentioned this in my July Favorites post. It is awesome and I have used it daily since I got it!!

2) Vanila Protein Shake Mix (Powder)

Kim suggested these, and I love that they are whey free, soy free, dairy free, and vegan! The protein is sourced from rice, pea plants, and cranberries. Awesome! I want to try this in my smoothies!!

If you are interested in any of these products mentioned above or any on the Arbonne website, you can email Kim: kim.porta3@gmail.com or enter the ID 13107319 at checkout on Arbonne.com!

Now, onto the giveaway : )

HOW TO WIN THE ARBONNE AWAKEN SEA SALT SCRUB:

1) Comment on this blog post and tell me your favorite way to pamper yourself!! Commenting is *easy* promise! Just click the link by the title of this post and you enter your first name, email, and comment : )

2) You *MUST* be subscribed to my blog! To subscribe enter your email into the subscription box on the right side of the page! You will then get an email that asks you to confirm that you subscribed and that’s it! You’ll just get emails when I post something new.

EXTRA ENTRY OPPORTUNITY:

If you’d like to gain extra enteries you can 1) Share this post on your Facebook, 2) Share this post on yourTwitter, or 3) Follow me on a social media platform you are not yet following me on and you will get an entry for each new like or follow (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Luvocracy, Pinterest).

RULES:

1) This giveaway is limited to those in the United States and Canada, but eventually giveaways will be opening up to subscribers everywhere!

2) If you are under 18 years old just ask permission from your parents to enter the giveaway!

3) A random selection website will determine the winner to keep things fair.

4) Once the winner is contacted by email they will have 48 hours to respond and after that I will select another winner.

5) This giveaway will end in two weeks!!

Good luck to all of you entering and I hope that this post was helpful! Have a wonderful rest of your week!!

July Favorites!

August 1, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!!!!

After grabbing my favorite items for this post I was going to break it up into sections of beauty items vs. lifestyle items, take invidual photos, do swatches…the whole nine yards! But then I decided it is FRIDAY and who wants to read all that?! So, if you have any questions on any of the products mentioned *please* feel free to comment and I will absolutely get back to you! I may go back to doing favorites more like this or maybe I’ll stick to something more short and sweet like this. I also want to start mention any product flops…it could be helpful! : ) You can definitely let me know your opinions as well!

Now, let’s jump into it!

JULY FAVORITES:

1) “She…” by Kobi Yamada

This book is so special and would be a beautiful gift for any girl. Each page has an inspiring message and the books deisgn is stunning.

2) Hair Donut

Okay, so at first these reminded me of Bumpits (who remembers those from a few years back? Yes, I totally had one! NO worries!) and I was pretty unsure but late last year I picked up a hair donut….I love it! It makes doing the perfect sock bun so easy, and yes I realize you can do it with a sock, but this just works so well for me! This isn’t a new item to me, but it’s a rediscovered favorite, and I’ve been loving it for second day hair. You can get them at Claire’s or Ulta, but I got mine off Amazon.

3) Sparkly Gold Coaster

I just made these glitter coasters for a DIY and I am in love! They are so cute and functional. They make everyday special and I love things like that.

4) Scotch Expressions Washi Tape

I love washi tape and having them so accessable now from companies like Scotch is so conveinient! I like these for hanging up things on my wall, sealing envelopes, and countless craft projects.

5) Zoya Nail Polish in Rooney

I mentioned this in my post What I Wore to the Michigan Girls Blogging and Social Media Meet Up and it has been on my nails a large majority of the summer. It’s a beautiful hot pink that leans on the blue toned side and it goes on perfectly every time.

6) Essie Nail Polish in Urban Jungle

This is a gorgeous nude that is unlike anything I own! It isn’t white but also isn’t nude…it’s the perfect off white, neutral color! It is described as “alabaster orchid”. Out of all the nail polishes I have, Essie is always my biggest crush, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

7) Too Faced Natural Eyes

These 9 neutral eye shadows are super pigmented and blend like a dream! I adore this little kit!!

8) Arboone Lip Saver Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

This product I’ve only had for the better part of a week, so considering it a July favorite is a *bit* of a strech…BUT it’s wonderful! I’ve used it every day since I’ve had it and like putting it on before my lip color. It doesn’t have a yucky sunscreen taste and it is a very shiny chapstick that could truly be worn alone for a nautral summer look.

9) Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in 235 Pink Pop

Super pigmented, long wearing, not too sticky but sticky enough to last more than 10 minutes….I love this lip gloss! The packaging is chic and looks very high end to me which is fabulous for the drugstore price tag. The color Pink Pop is so fun for summer and you can wear this alone and still achive a very hot pink lip.

10) Anthropologie Marbled Sunglasses

I really wanted a pair of round sunglasses and when I saw these with the rose gold toned glitter and tortoise?! I was sold!

11) Lucky Girl Hair Ties

These are my favorite hair ties right now and I love that they cute on my wrists as well. I don’t tend to wear my hair up, but on days when I rock an Elsa braid (as my 3 year old calls it!), I use these : )

12) Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

This is SO amazing! I have been using this nearly every day lately! The contour colors blend out flawlessly and they never look muddy or organge even on my super fair complextion.

That’s it : ) Now, I want to know! What have YOU (yes, YOU!!) been loving lately? I would love to hear your thoughts, product suggestions, and opinions! So let me know by commenting…it’s easy, just click the link by the title of this post. Also, what are your plans for the weekend? I am *super* excited because the hubster and I are going to a Manchester United soccer game…..eeeeeep!!!! Thank you for reading and please subscribe if you enjoy my posts : ) Have a fabulous weekend loves!!

My Random Everyday Essentials!

July 18, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

I talk a lot about my favorite beauty items and monthly favorites, but I thought that it would be fun to talk about the random essentials that I consider must-have items every day. I got the idea for this post after having a conversation with a girl from a new company called Man Crates, but was not paid whatsoever for this post. As always, all ideas and options are my own. Man Crates is a new company who ship out gifts for men in cool wooden crates for all different occastions! I might have to try one for my husband : ) I think it’s nice that it isn’t a subscription service so it’s just a one time purchase. Please be sure to let me know what items YOU have to have or use every day by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) : ) All of my social media links are at the top of this page!!

My Random Everyday Essentials:

#1 LOTS OF WATER (ARROW H2o ON THE GO JUG)

I LOVE this water bottle! I carry this room to room throughout our house more than my cell phone, and we all know that’s saying something! I carry this in the car with me or when out and about for the day. Also, for those who struggle to drink enough water through out the day I *highly* suggest getting a jug like this so you have a better idea of how much you’ve actually drank. Is it just me who finds I drink WAY more out of a straw or sport spout than a regular cup? Let me know in the comments!

#2 PURITY FACIAL CLEANSER FROM PHILOSOPHY

Not just any facewash will do! It took me YEARS to find my perfect facewash and I buy the largest sizes possible when purchasing this. It is a little bit pricier and cannot be purchased at the drugstore, but I find that I use such a small amount that it lasts a long time. I usually use eye makeup remover and then a makeup removing wipe, but this DOES breakdown my makeup very well when I skip the remover on lazy days. I notice such a difference in my skin when I use this! My skin is clear, it doesn’t dry me out, it smells lovely, and my skin just feels extra clean after using it.

#3 MINI NOTEBOOK FROM GRAPHIC IMAGE

I am a list maker and I like to have something that fits into my bag easily so that I can write something down wherever I am! I love this mini notebook from Graphic Image and the fact that it is so pretty just makes every day a little more fancy and special, which I love : ) I love being able to jot down whatever I think of so that it actually can get crossed off the list.

#4 NATURE VALLEY SWEET & SALTY ALMOND GRONOLA BAR

I am not one to skip breakfast, so on days when I am really rushed I like to have these on hand to grab and get a little protein in to start my day. I also get what I like to call “hangry” which is that when I get really hunrgy I get angry ; ) I loose patience, and with two toddlers and a hectic schedule?! That can’t happen! So these bars help me be the best mom/wife/human possible by tiding me over until I can eat something more substantial.

#5 EOS LIPBALM

I originally bought this because the packaging is cute and I really didn’t expect it to be better than my other lipbalm or chapstick type products but I was wrong!! I use this every day before applying my lip color to help give me a nice base to work with. I love that it gives such a nice light layer of moisture and doesn’t give me a weird chapstick taste. My 3 year old also LOVES this so I sometimes have to share ; )

Okay, that’s it!! Now, what are YOUR must-have items? I want to know! Thank you for reading and have a fun weekend!!

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JULY 2014!

July 16, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!!

Today I am *SO* excited to be reviewing the PopSugar Must Have Box for July 2014!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am LOVING this months box, so let’s get right into it!!

JULY 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Beach Hat from Michael Stars

$48

I LOVE Michael Stars and I was thrilled to see a fun sun hat in this months box. I have several beach hats and floppy hats now, and I really need to find more opportunities to wear them! This is a nice hat becasue it isn’t too huge and oversized (which is fabulous also!), and that makes it wearable on a more frequent basis.

Sunscreen and Lotion from Sun Bum

$20

First off, these smell AMAZING!! I love that coconut, sunscreen-y scent! I always wear sunscreen, and I am always happy to have some more on hand. Also, the packaging is so cute!!

Toasted Coconut Chips from Dang Foods

These are so tasty! I shared a few with Stephan because we are both huge coconut fans, but now I am going to have to get some more of these! I love that the only ingredients are coconut, sugar cane, and salt.

Jump Rope With Soft Grip Handles from TKO

$13

I have been wanting an athletic jump rope for awhile now, and I am really excited to try this out. And I’m not sure how fast you’d have to jump to burn 170 calories in 15 minutes…but it claims that it is possible, so SIGN ME UP!

Chevron Paper Straws from ACME Party Box Company

I love paper straws and these ones are so cute!

Ziggy Salad Servers from French Bull

$12

These are so cute! I love that PopSugar includes so many fun kitchen gadgets because they are all things that I typically wouldn’t buy myself, but absolutely adore! Summer is the perfect time to show off such fun serveware!!

Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara from Revlon

This is the special extra this month and I am glad that it’s an extra. As you all know, I love makeup! But I would prefer and eye shadow, a lip product, or maybe a blush. Ohh or nail polish…but that’s not quite makeup ; ) I know mascara is easy because there isn’t a color-match issue, and I will definitely try this one out!

This box has a total value of just over $110 and I am VERY happy with it!! Do you subscribe to PopSugar or any other subscription boxes? As always, I would love to hear about them!! I hope that you have a WONDERFUL rest of your week! And don’t forget to enter my Ell and Emm bracelet giveaway!!

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