Rapunzel, Rapunzel

If you're like me, you have that type of hair that gets to a certain length and grows as slow as molasses. This means you also envy every girl with long flowing locks -- you know, the kind that most certainly has to be extensions but they claim they are not.

I've spent years searching for the best hair growth treatments on the market. I spent my first 3 years in the working world as a receptionist a hair salons, so that is a lot of products! But then one day, I was slapped with the harsh truth. I hate to break it to ya'll but....

There is no such thing as a product or treatment designed to make your hair grow faster.

The reality is, products that claim to make your hair grow faster really, in most cases, are just making your hair healthier. It's not putting hair growth into overdrive, but just making your hair stronger. Stronger hair = less breakage = more hair on your head and less in your brush.

If anyone has put their hair through the wringer, it's me. Blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons, bleach, bleach, and more bleach. At one point, all of that damage really caught up with me. My ends were breaking off and my hair was just stuck at that awkward length. So I decided to start taking good care of my hair again. Here are some products that have nursed my hair back to health, allowing it to grow.

Biotin. I'm sure you've all heard of this wonder supplement. Not only is it great for providing necessary nourishment to your locks, but it will make your skin glow and your nails grow. I take the maximum strength biotin (usually Target brand because it's cheap!) daily for the last year and I've noticed a huge difference in the health of my hair, skin, and nails.

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment. I have not been using this product very long, but I already love it! After the first use, my hair was unbelievably soft and shiny, and the benefits just continued from there. This treatment is meant to be used in between shampooing and conditioning. It is full with protein, make the hair shaft stronger, as well as nourishing your scalp -- an important aspect of hair growth. Just like the packaging says, "Remember, if the earth is not nourished, you'll never grow beautiful flowers." You can find this treatment at Ulta.

Redken Extreme CAT Protein Treatment. Protein is necessary for healthy hair. It strengthens the hair shaft from the inside, preventing breakage. I always do a protein treatment after highlighting my hair (BLONDIES--- very important!) and every 2-4 weeks after that. You do not want to do protein treatments too often because too much protein will make your hair brittle and break easily! This treatment is usually not sold in stores or hair salons due to its intended professional use. I buy mine off of Amazon or you can ask your hairstylist to order some for you!

What products do you love for healthy hair?

Happy Wednesday!

Beauty Buys

Have I mentioned how obnoxious my obsession with new beauty products is? Because if I haven't, it's pretty obnoxious. So obnoxious that I can't walk into Ulta without walking out at least $50 poorer -- at least! As I mentioned yesterday, an Ulta opened up right around the corner from my apartment. I kid you not, I've been waiting since September for that bad boy to open it's glorious doors for me. Of course, I had to make sure that this Ulta is up to my standards, so I went on a bit of a beauty shopping spree. I bought some prrreeettttttyyyy amazing products that I must share with you all.

//One// Maybelline Color Whisper in Cherry on Top. Yes, I know I shared this yesterday, but it deserves to be on the top of this list. I cannot say enough about this lip color line. The color is bold and vibrant while still be smooth and translucent -- no cakey lipstick here! The Color Whisper line is a mix between a gloss and a lipstick. Seriously -- go get yourself one of every color!

//Two// theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer. The picture above doesn't do a good job at showing the product. Mary-Lou Manizer, besides having a bomb.com name, is the best highlighter I've ever used. Woke up looking like you were just run over by a truck and then a train? No problem! Dab some Mary-Lou Manizer in the corner of your eyes and you look wide awake! Feeling like your nose is taking over your face? Don't worry, dab some down the center and it's like you just got a nose job! Seriously, this stuff is magical.

//Three// Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo has been one of my favorite shampoo and conditioners for years now. It's perfect for distressed hair -- hello blonde highlights and constant straightening. Ulta has these bad boys on sale for $16 a liter. That's a steal ladies! Go stock up, like right this very moment.

//Four// Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. I fell in love with Smashbox's BB cream when I received a sample in my Birchbox a couple months ago, but there was no way I was going to drop an arm and a leg for a full-sized tube. So then the hunt for the second best BB cream ensued. Maybelline's BB Cream is by far the closest I've found to Smashbox's. It's light and fresh and hides imperfections on those days you don't feel like painting your face.

//Five// Bare Escentuals Full-Edge Liner Brush. I've been meaning to find a good liner brush for my cream liner since I've been using the one cent brush that came with the cream liner (which happened to be the worst brush ever). I'm loving this brush! It's easy to use, collects the perfect amount of cream liner, and makes the perfect cat eye every time.

//Six// Bare Escentuals Ready Foundation. I love, love, love, Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation. But I hated how messy the loose powder was. I felt like I got more on the counter top than on my face. Well, problem solved! This compact version of the beloved foundation is perfection. The same flawless face without the mess.

And there you have it, my latest beauty buys! Before you leave me for the day, you need to know that you're definitely going to want to come back here tomorrow. I'm teaming up with some pretty awesome ladies to giveaway something ah-maze-ing. You're not going to want to miss this!

Friday Favorites

FINALLY! One of my most favorite Friday link-ups is back! Ms. Lindsey, better known as The Bargain Blonde, has been super busy with her big move and new job, but she's back this week to bring us Friday Favorites! Join Lindsey, myself, and a million other bloggers and link-up.

 
{favorite all natural product}

Coconut Oil. Anyone else hopped on the coconut oil bandwagon? My lovely mother bought some and begged me to try it. So naturally, I did. Amazeballs. There are so many ways to use coconut oil. It's a great moisturizer. Warm some up in your hands and spread it all over your skin when you step out of the shower and you are guaranteed to have baby soft skin all day long. And while you're at it, spread a tiny amount over your face. My face has been out.of.control lately. The stress of leaving my old job and starting a new one has left my face red, splotchy, and a little broken out. After one application of coconut oil, I noticed the redness lessen and those tiny zits were gone. You can also use a small amount of coconut oil in your hair after you style it to keep the frizz away. Seriously ladies, google this shiz and you will find a million and one ways to use this bad boy!

{favorite snack}

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn. This stuff is like crack. I'm eating some the entire bag as I'm writing this. And a plus, it isn't terrible for you! Although, I eat way more than the serving size so health is completely out the window...

{favorite pastime}

Pinteresting for Justin's closet makeover. Listen, I think my man looks amazing in sweats and a hoodie,  but the boy needs some options. Over the past two and a half years I've slowly been introducing him to the world of fashion, but I think it's time for some culture shock. J needs to be thrown into the fashion world  full force. So, in preparation for that day, I've been getting some ideas via Pinterest. He'll be looking fine in no time!

{favorite beauty secret}

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. And when I say it's a secret, it's because no one sees me with a pore strip on except for my cat. Well, and Justin, but that's just me preparing him for life once we're married. If you wear makeup almost every day like myself, the harsh truth is that our pores get clogged with all that makeup! So do your skin a favor. Wash your face every night before bed and throw on a pore strip every once in a while!

{favorite quote}

I stumbled across this quote while wasting time (what's new) on Pinterest. It was a great reminder for me during this transition I've been going through. I think it's something that can speak to us all during the trials and tribulations of life. 

Happy Friday, lovelies! I hope you all have an amazing weekend.

 

I Hit the Birchbox Jackpot

I thought about not reviewing my August Birchbox since everyone and their mother does every.single.month. But ladies, I've hit the Birchbox jackpot! Well, in my opinion at least. I was super happy with my July Birchbox, but August's has exceeded my expectations. I can honestly say I'm really happy with every item. Thanks for treating a sister right, Birchy.

So without further adieu, my August Birchbox goodies...

You don't have to tell me. I know you love my AWESOME iPhone pictures. I don't own a fancy shmancy camera. Sorry I'm not sorry...

1 // Beauty Fixation Makeup Remover // When I first saw these, I seriously said out loud, "Why the hell did Birchbox send me Q-tips?" But then, after actually reading the packaging, I realized I was given makeup remover gold. These little Q-tip swabs are filled with makeup remover! Just hold vertically, bend one end of the swab, and voila! Perfect for cleaning up messy eyeliner or a mascara oops. I may or may not have intentionally smeared mascara around my eye yesterday just to try these bad boys out. HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THESE?!?

2 // Schick Hydro Silk Razor // I think Birchbox read my mind. The morning before I received my Birchbox, while shaving obvi, I realized that I was going to need to buy a new razor soon. Mine is falling apart; the razor blade barely stays on. Who knew razor's fall apart?! And then I'm given this gem. A real, live razor. Not a disposable one that slices your legs like a perfectly cooked turkey on Thanksgiving. And the best part? It also came with a coupon for blade refills. It was like smooth leg Christmas over here, peeps!

3 // Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fluer // I love this scent. I tried it on recently at Ulta and fell in love. And while I splurge on stupid things every now and then, $70 for a bottle of perfume is just ridiculous to me! Girls gotta pay her student loans and car payment! So I was very excited to see this little sample. I can pretend like I dropped the big bucks and smell all pretty.

4 // Miss Jessie's Original Quick Curls // I've been eying this curl cream at Target for a couple months now, but again with these ridiculous prices. I wasn't about to drop $32 dollars on a product that I didn't know if I liked or not. But once again, Birchbox did me right. And I'M.IN.LOVE. Quick curls is ah-maze-balls. My curls have never been so unfrizzy in my life, not to mention is smells so good. I want to eat my hair. I really want to try this curl cream in the winter months when my curls lack life and volume.

5 // Pixi Beauty Lid Last Shadow Pen in Shell Sheen // First, who doesn't love a free full-sized product? I was excited just for that reason. But I also really like this shadow pen. I used it as an all over lid color as well as a liner for my bottom lid, and I was very happy with the product. The color is really soft and pretty and the product lasted all day with very little fading. A+ in my book!

Well ladies....that's it, that's all! Until tomorrow. Peace, Love & Lil Wayne...

...and that is why I love Lil Wayne

June's Birchbox

You can guess how excited I was when my June Birchbox arrived at my house. I've been obsessively tracking the box since Birchbox sent me an e-mail letting my know it shipped.

This month's theme revolves around Jet Setting! June is the month to begin summer travels, so what better way to kick off vacation season than with a box full of products to help make your vacation that much better!

1. tili Bags // This adorable plastic bag is designed to hold you travel liquids and samples, especially useful for the airport. I appreciate that Birchbox sent me this, but it just makes me angry that I won't be jetting off to an undisclosed tropical location any time in the near future. I guess I'll just have to hold on to this until I find someone who wants to fund a cruise for me! (I'm taking applications just in case you were interested...but really...)

2. John Varvatos Star U.S.A for Men // Okay Birchbox, that's nice of you to throw in a sample for Justin or my dad, but I'm sometimes selfish and this box is supposed to be 100% for me, so you could have excluded this. Danka! But really, I smelt this cologne and it reminded me too much of my dad, so Justin won't be getting this...awkward! It's a blend of ginger, juniper, berries, and vetiver, and in my opinion, the perfect cologne to get your dad for Father's Day!

3. Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive // I love that I got these European self-tanning towelettes! I've tried quite a few self-tanners, but never in towelette form. I'm pretty dark right now (thank you skin for tanning so freaking easily) so I'll be keeping these bad boys to use once my tan goes away.

4. theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen // By far, the best thing I got in my Birchbox this month! Inside this little tube is the best lip and cheek stain I have tried yet. The color reminds me a lot of Benefit's Bene Tint, only so much better. Unlike Bene Tint, which is a liquid, Stainiac is a gel, making application oh so easy. You know how some liquid stains leave an awkward line 10x darker on your lower lip? Not Stainiac! The gel formula helps to make even application so easy! Its also very long-lasting! I used Stainiac on both my lips and cheeks today, and the color lasted honestly all day! At $17 for a full size tube, it sure beats Bene Tint's $29.00 bottle!

5. Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect // This leave- in condition smells amazing! I have to admit though, I'm pretty obsessed with Dove Nourishing Oil Hair Therapy Detangler right now (review coming soon!) so I didn't really welcome this product with open arms. This product is designed to detangle, defrizz, and protect hair from UV-rays. Now, I can't exactly determine if my hair is more protected or not and my hair is always beyond frizzy (enter Dove Nourishing Oil Hair Therapy Detangler, but that's for another time) I can't really write much about those. It did do a good job at detangling, though!

6. beautyblender blendingcleanser // Let me admit, when I first glanced at the product description card, I thought I received thee beautyblender, and was a little bit disappointed to read that I really just received the sponge and brush cleanser. But, it really is a great product. I used it this morning to rid my make-up brushes of excess make-up and oil. Would I spend $17.95 for a full-size bottle? Heck no! But I'll enjoy the sample while it lasts.

This month's Birchbox wasn't my favorite, but there were a couple of products that I'm really glad I have the chance to try out. What did you get in you June Birchbox? 

**If you haven't entered for a chance to win my Essie Giveaway, do it!! Click here to go directly to the blog post. Good luck! **

Let's Talk About HAIR!

If there's one thing I know about, it's hair! I've spent a total of three years as a salon receptionist. Let me tell you, I was quite the salon receptionist back in the day! (Ladies, if you're looking for a great part time job, hit up your local salons! Three words...DISCOUNT. ON. PRODUCTS!) I worked in salons that had some amazing stylists with so many years of experience and had the opportunity to learn about hair and products from them. I want to share with you some of my favorite hair products.

WARNING: I'm obsessed with hair products, so there's a lot!

Favorite Shampoos

I have two favorite shampoos. The first being Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo. I buy this gem in a 32oz. bottle at Plum Market for $10. Tea Tree Oil is great for calming a dry, itchy scalp! I've shared with you all that I was blessed with my parent's bad genes and have eczema. Unfortunately, because I don't rub lotion all over my head, the eczema on my scalp gets pretty bad in these Michigan winters. This shampoo helps calm and moisturize my scalp. And for those of you who are beyond blessed and don't have to deal with a dry scalp, this shampoo still will do wonders for you! Healthy scalp = healthy hair!

My second favorite shampoo is Biolage Hydrating Shampoo. This shampoo smells heavenly! When I turned 16, I got my first job as a receptionist at a salon in my hometown and they used this shampoo and the conditioner. I fell in love with it then and I am still in love. It's the perfect moisturizing shampoo! It makes my hair as soft as a babies butt and smell oh so good. I highly recommend any product in the Biolage Hydrating line! If your salon doesn't carry the Biolage line, you can find it in any Ulta store.

Favorite Conditioner

I absolutely LOVE the Redken Extreme Conditioner. It's packed with protein to help strengthen my over-processed hair. If you color/highlight, or use a lot of heat on your hair (blow-dry, straighten, curling iron) your hair needs protein! Protein helps to strengthen our hair and prevent it from breaking. BUT, too much of a good thing is a bad thing, as they say. Too much protein will cause your hair to become brittle and will break. If you use a shampoo or conditioner packed with protein, only use it a couple times a week. Switch it out with a moisturizing conditioner like Biolage Hydrating Conditioner. Oh, did I mention this products smells so delicious? I want to eat it! You can find this product, if not at your salon, at an Ulta store. It is also sometimes sold in drugstores.

Favorite Deep Conditioner

I discovered this product at the salon I worked at during my Sophomore year of college. TIGI S Factor Serious Conditioner. This bad boy costs a pretty penny but I have yet to find a deep conditioner that I like better. It has a questionable smell (but don't worry, the smell rinses out with the product) but it leaves your hair feeling softer than soft! A lot of stylists recommend that you deep condition your hair every two weeks, but I deep condition once a week. My hair is naturally curly, which also makes it naturally dry...boo! Bring on the deep conditioner! I have yet to find this product in any stores, but I have bought it on Amazon before.

Favorite Restructuring Treatment

My hair stylist (who also happens to be my best cousin) introduced me to this product. Redken CAT Restructuring Treatment is a protein treatment. This product has an ingredient that transforms the inner structure of the hair shaft by putting protein back in. It helps strengthen the hair shaft making it less likely to break. I do a CAT treatment once every two weeks in between shampooing and conditioning. Because this product is packed with protein, I don't recommend you use it more often. Redken CAT is amazing! My hair is stronger and grows so much faster than before. HIGHLY recommended! This product isn't sold in salons or in stores. If you're interested in purchasing it, ask your hair stylist if she could order it for you. You can also search for it on Amazon, but make sure you buy it from a trusted seller, preferably a salon!

Favorite Straightening Serum

I recently bought this product and it has surpassed any product I have ever used! Redken Real Control Slim Supreme is the ultimate straightening serum. I apply it right before I blow-dry and a small amount after straightening my hair. This product helps to reduce unwanted volume, eliminates frizz, and resists humidity...all of which I need when I straighten my hair! I've read so many reviews on this product and I haven't found anyone who doesn't absolutely love this product.

Favorite Curling Cream

Again, my cousin introduced me to this product. Curly Sexy Hair Curl Power Spray Foam. That's a mouth full. Love love LOVE this product. Like it says, it's a spray foam and actually kind of sticky. When I apply it, I flip my head upside down, spray some of the product into my hands and scrunch it through my hair. This product amplifies your curls without making them crunchy like mousse or gel does. It also does wonders for wavy hair!

Favorite Hairspray

I like a hairspray that has a good hold but still gives my hair some movement. I know you've seen those women! It's a fricken tornado outside but their hair doesn't move an inch. Yeah, no thank you! Enter Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray! This hairspray has the hold that lasts all day but still allows you to run your fingers through your hair. All you TJ Maxx ladies out there, you can almost always find this amazing hairspray in their hair product section! I also love using this hairspray to hold my curls when I let my hair dry naturally. It keeps my curls in tact all day long and give them some volume. No one likes limp curls!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your faves?

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo, J

May Birchbox

Ladies, the day has finally come...

My first Birchbox arrived yesterday!!!

I was so beyond excited to open the mail box and see this little gem sitting in there. This month's Birchbox was inspired by the TV show, Gossip Girl. I'm honestly not really into the show, but I did read all of the books back in the day!

I was so excited about my very first Birchbox that I tore it open right away. And this is what I found!

Samples of six different products and an adorable note card (envelope included!). Who knows who I'll send the note card to, but it's still really cute!

(From top to bottom)


Kérastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal - Luminous Perfecting Shampoo. This shampoo removes oil from your scalp without drying out the ends.

Kérastase Cristalliste Lait Cristal - Luminous Perfecting Conditioner. This ultra rich condition is packed with hydrating aloe.

stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Curacao. This is one of my favorite products I received. This eyeliner is a gorgeous sparkly navy blue color. This product claims to be very long-lasting with easy application thanks to the pen-like wand. I can't wait to try it out!

(From left to right)

Color Club Nail Polish in Disco Nap. I'm a sucker for gold metallic nail polish with a summer tan, so I'm pretty excited to try this out!

Kérastase Cristalliste Lumiére Liquide. This is a shine serum that you put on your hair when it's dry. My naturally curly hair tends to get a little dull after all that blow-drying and straightening, so I'm always up for trying a new shine serum. And a plus - it smells AMAZING!

Dr. Jart + Waterfuse BB Cream. This is, hands down, the product I am most excited about! All this buzz about BB cream has really got me interested. This four-in-one mositurizer, serum, sunscreen, and skin-perfecting tint is going to be perfect for this time of the year when I wear less makeup. 

I'm not super thrilled about the shampoo and conditioner and wish I would have gotten samples of different makeup products instead, but you can't always get what you want! Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with my first Birchbox ever, and I'm already excited about my next box!

What did you get in your Gossip Girl Birchbox?

xoxo, J

P.S. Who watched The Bachelorette last night?? I honestly hate the hype of The Bachelor/Bachelorette (have any of these relationships ever actually worked out?!?) but I watched the season that Emily won and I just love her! It must be the fact that she's the Southern Belle I've always wanted to be!

What's In My Makeup Bag?

Happy Monday! Normally, I would do a weekend recap, but since my weekend was filled with being lazy, no makeup, naturally curly hair, yoga pants, and a Mothers Day brunch, there's really nothing to write about. And might I add, I am so happy my weekend consisted of nothing! Sometimes, you need that!

Recently, I went through my HUGE makeup bag, threw away a ton of products I never use, and downsized to a smaller bag and thought I would share with you some of my favorite makeup must-haves. Makeup is one thing I don't mind splurging on (although, I probably should since I don't really have money to blow!). My makeup must-haves consist of high end products as well some really cheap (and really great) drugstore finds! Take a look:

Sonia Kashuk Tribal Print Small Train Case

Target - $14.99

 Ulta Minerals Powder Foundation in Medium 01

Ulta - $14.00

I love mineral powder foundation because it's really light on my sensitive skin. I used to use bareMinerals Powder Foundation, but ran out when my funds were a little low. I found this gem at Ulta (at the time it was on sale for $10) and it works exactly the same! Better price tag for pretty much the same product? Sign me up! P.S. Ulta Minerals Powder Foundation is now on sale for $6!

NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in 724A All Over Bronze Glow

Drugstore - $4.99

I've tried a lot of different bronzers, with a lot of different price tags, and this bronzer takes the cake for me. I hate hate HATE bronzer with sparkles or shimmer in it - I'm not going to the Junior Prom! This matte bronzer is the perfect shade for my skin, and come on people! You can't beat $5! It lasts all day and doesn't make you look like a displaced Oompa Loompa.

Revlon Color Stay Under Eye Concealer in Light/Medium

Drugstore - $7.99

This concealer has maximum coverage that will cover up the darkest of under eye circles! I also use it to cover up blemishes on my face. There's a soft brush at the end to blend the concealer, but I find it more effective to use a makeup brush or my finger.

Ulta Eyeshadow in Silk OR Benefit High Beam

Ulta - $7

Sephora - $26

I use both the Ulta Eyeshadow and High Beam as a highlighter. I prefer the Ulta Eyeshadow because, well for starters, it's a lot cheaper, and its a powder which I find easier to blend than the creamy High Beam. I received High Beam as a sample at Sephora, so I didn't actually buy it at full price. I apply my highlighter on my cheeks, right above my blush, and in the inner corner of my eyes to help them look less squinty and fatigued on those early mornings!

bareMinerals Brow Color in Pale/Ash Blonde

Sephora - $11

My eyebrows are pretty much non-existent. Not only are they super light in color, but there also isn't much hair (I actually have a huge bald spot on my right eyebrow). So since I can't have those gorgeous, full eyebrows, I make up for it by using this. I apply it with an angled brush and believe me, a little bit goes a long way! (I've had the same jar for over two years!) bareMinerals Brow Color defines your brows without making them look harsh.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion

Sephora - $20

I got this gem for free when I bought the Urban Decay Naked Palette and I love it! I was a little skeptical at first and thought it was just another unnecessary product, but it really works! My eyeshadow lasts all day and by the time I take my makeup off at night, it still looks like I just put it on. Now, would I spend $20 for a small bottle of this, probably not. But I'm enjoying the free sample while it lasts!

Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener

Sephora - $18

Another great product for making your eyes look bigger and brighter!

Maybelline Define-A-Line in Soft Black

Drugstore - $5.00

 Best long-lasting eyeliner. Ever. (Well, in my opinion!)

Maybelline One by One in Blackest Black

Drugstore - $8.50

This mascara is my absolute favorite. I'll try another one and instantly come back to One by One. It makes my (super light) eyelashes look long, separated, and defined.

Once you have your makeup done, outfit on, and the perfect accessories, nothing ties everything together like the perfect perfume. My fave:

Lola by Marc Jacobs

Ulta - $48.00 for 1 oz

And there you have it, my makeup must-haves! What items do you have to have in your makeup bag?


And good news! My J. Crew Turquoise Bubble Necklace (knock-off from eBay) finally arrived in the mail!

Pictures of me actually wearing it coming soon!

xoxo, J

Latest Obsessions

Today while my toddlers we're taking a nap, I was trying to stay awake/pretending to be working (but really just Facebook stalking) when I started to make a mental list of everything I've become obsessed with the past couple of weeks. And since I have this so-called list, it only makes sense to blog about it!

So here you go people...my latest obsessions:

1. Hope in a Jar for Dry Skin

While this little gem isn't exactly cheap, it is AMAZING. I have eczema, so not only is my skin super sensitive to products, but its unbelievably dry (like Sahara desert dry). This moisturizer does wonders for my dry, sensitive skin. I smooth it over my face every night and my skin still feels moisturized in the morning! It is a rich facial moisturizer, and for me, is too heavy for the day time, but perfect for overnight.

2. Fishtail Braids

Really, I've been obsessed with fishtail braids for a while now, but since I rocked one today, I thought I would post about it. It took me a while to master the fishtail, and many YouTube videos, but I did it! I have really fine hair, so if my hair is straight or clean, a fishtail braid won't stay. I usually wear a fishtail braid the day after I let my hair be naturally curly (I usually wash my hair every other day). The extra texture of curly hair helps to make my fishtail braid last all day.

3. Statement Necklaces

I absolutely love this J. Crew bubble necklace, but the $150 pricetag is outrageous! I mean, I love it but not that much! After some searching the web, I found a replica on Ebay for about $30. It's going to be mine! Let's be honest people, does anyone really care if the necklace around my neck is J. Crew or a knock-off? Because I sure don't!

4. Chobani Greek Yogurt

   
Once you go Greek, you never go back. That's a saying, right?!? But seriously, Greek yogurt is so much better than that regular stuff. I eat a Chobani every morning... every morning. Strawberry is my personal fav, delish! Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than normal yogurt and has twice the protein! Yum!

5. Sephora Facial Brush

I had been looking at the Clairsonic Mia facial brush for some time, but again with the pricetag, ridiculous! I had dinner with a friend when she told me that she picked up this little gem at Sephora for $5! The next time I was at the mall, I went to Sephora and picked one up. For $5, this facial brush is amazing. My skin legitimately feels cleaner and smoother! And the best part is you use less facial cleanser since the brush really helps lather it up! 

What are your latest obsessions?


XOXO
        
            Yours Truly ♥ 

Birchbox!

FINALLY! After months and months of waiting (ok, really only three weeks), I finally got an e-mail yesterday letting me know it was time for me to sign up to start receiving a monthly Birchbox!!

For those of you who may have never heard of Birchbox, here is a little information about it from the e-mail I received:

"As a Birchbox member, every month you'll receive samples from the best beauty, grooming and lifestyle brands. Plus, you'll get access to expert advice to help you get the most out of your samples. Buy full-size versions of your favorites in the Birchbox Shop and earn loyalty points with every purchase."

I first heard about the Birchbox while reading The Small Things Blog. I immediately went to the Birchbox website to sign up! Now, there is a waitlist, so I did have to wait three weeks to sign up. But you can go to the website, give them your e-mail address, and they will e-mail you when it's your turn to sign up!

There are two different options for a membership. One is a yearly fee of $110, or, the option I chose, a monthly fee of $10. With the monthly membership, you can choose to end your subscription at any time with no hassle!

I am beyond excited to receive my first Birchbox and see what gems are tucked away inside! There's nothing I love more than trying different beauty products!

XOXO
        
            Yours Truly ♥

Latest Obsession

You can ask my boyfriend, I'm obsessed with painting my nails. He doesn't understand why I HAVE to paint my nails every week, but come on? Am I supposed to walk around with chips?!?

This past weekend, I picked up yet another Essie nail color. My collection has been growing exponentially, which is making a dent in my bank account. But, by buying my nail color instead of getting a manicure, I'm saving money, right? (Make me feel better here!)

And when I said I picked up another nail color, I really meant two.

Anywho, this week I tried Essie's Turquoise and Caicos. It's the perfect turquoise color. Not too bright, but a beautiful springtime color.

I'm obsessed with Essie nail polish. It's high quality and they always have the best choices in color!

On another note, my work day was AWFUL! Listen, I love my 8 out of control, high-energy, wild toddlers, but when they're all in a bad mood, I want to punch someone in the face (NOT a child so don't be going and calling CPS on me). Everyone talks about how Kate Gosselin is a first class biotch, but let's be honest...if we had to deal with 8 young children 24/7, we would probably feel the same way!

Tomorrow is my 23rd Birthday and I am so excited for a paid day off and some shopping with my madre! I'm sure I'll find something fabulous to share!

XOXO
            Yours Truly ♥