Friday Favs

Happy Friday!

 *1 month til my Fridays can look like this again*

1. My Sephora birthday order came in recently, and I'm in love with everything! I finally pulled the trigger on Glow Kit, and also scooped up the UD Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush on sale (similar found here) and a fabulous Hourglass set for free with a VIB promo code. I also chose the Fresh birthday gift after Pamela suggested it over the Marc Jacobs gift set, and I couldn't be happier. The Soy Face Cleanser is amazing!

2. Speaking of Sephora, I keep forgetting to talk about my monthly Play! boxes. So far, the July box has been my favorite packed full of summer goodies including my favorite Smashbox primer.

3. Still loving the gorgeous butterflies at Neiman Marcus and the delicious dessert at Cheesecake Factory over the long weekend.

I also brought back to MAC (you can read about their recycling program here). I brought back 6 empties for them to recycle, and chose a free lipstick. Last time I went with a bold cranberry color for the holidays, this time I went with a pretty pink color that can go from day to night.

 MAC Bombshell

4. I can't believe we're already in September, and am starting to look into my 2017 planner because not only am I a basic blogger, but I find such huge satisfaction in writing things down instead of adding them to a digital calendar. No surprise here, but I'm eyeing the Kate Spade Gold Dots Large Agenda. Look how pretty!

5. I'm feeling the love this week...

I was re-grammed by Simply Workout for my But First Barre... then Coffee. Still obsessed with the barre top and barre socks. Two of my favs combined!

I was blown away and honored to be named one of 10 of the best bloggers in Orlando by topvillas in their recent post. They rounded up their favorites as a guide to introduce Orlando bloggers who serve up a mix of delicious recipes, Disney tips, and fashion secrets. It's even more fun that I know 2 of the other bloggers listed, such a great city!

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Linking up today with Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, April for 5 on Friday, Tif for High Five for Friday, Lauren for Fab Favorites, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday!

beauty MAC Sephora Simply Workout Smashbox

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Birthday Month Goodies

I have no problem declaring the month of August "Birthday Month". Not only is it my favorite time of year - oh summer do I heart you, but my inbox is flooded with amazing discounts and freebies to celebrate my birthday. I wanted to list out some of my birthday month freebies in case they weren't all on your radar to take advantage of when your big day comes around each year.

Tory Burch: If you didn't already know, when you sign up on ToryBurch.com at least 30 days out from your birthday they'll send you a $50 gift card to use on their site or in stores every year during your birthday month. Two years ago, I picked up this cuff with my gift card, last year year I picked up these flip flops which have been perfect for the pool and the beach, and this year I ordered these sunnies in milky chestnut. You used to be able to just cash in the $50 (like I did last year on the flippies and paid $0), but this year they're requiring you to make at least a $100 purchase to cash in the $50 gift.

Smashbox: If you're signed up for their emails, they'll send you a code during your birthday month for a free gift. They want you to spend $35 or more before you're eligible for your gift. This year you'll receive a free full size Full Exposure Mascara.

Sephora: My love for Sephora runs deep - aside from their endless amazing products and rewards program I just love walking into their beautiful stores. There's just something more crisp, clean, and elegant about walking into a Sephora than into an Ulta.. am I wrong?

If you're a Beauty Insider, VIB, or VIB Rouge member you'll receive a free gift during your birthday month with no purchase necessary. This year, you can pick between a mini set from Fresh or Marc Jacobs.

Victoria's Secret: VS sends out a $10 gift card to use towards your next purchase online or in stores. Great to pair up with those rewards cards that stack up!

Kobe Steakhouse: Free hibachi on your birthday - enough said. If you sign up for their rewards program at least 30 days before your birthday you'll receive a free meal at anytime during your birthday month. You can sign up for their rewards program here.

Starbucks: During your birthday month, Starbucks treats it's rewards members with a free drink (of any size), and discounts off of food and merchandise. You can sign up for Starbucks' rewards program here and start earning those coveted gold stars!

Ulta: This year you will receive a free UD eyeshadow in Midnight Cowboy with a purchase during your birthday month.

Firehouse Subs: Free sub on your birthday, all you have to do is show them your drivers license.


Also don't forget to check out local spas for free upgrades to facials or massages. Last year, I received a discount on my massage plus a free hot towel wrap and aromatherapy just for going on my birthday.

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Linking up today with Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, April for 5 on Friday, Tif for High Five for Friday, Lauren for Fab Favorites, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday!

 

Sephora Smashbox Starbucks Tory Burch Ulta Victorias Secret

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Spring Wish List

Happy last day of March! As we head into April, I wanted to share some of my favorite items I'm hoping to pick up (if I haven't already) for spring and summer (and here in Florida it means the "fall" too).

Smashbox BB Cream - this time of year I'm all about simplifying my beauty routine which means cutting out primer and foundation, and using BB cream instead. Huge bonus points that it contains SPF in it too!
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - everyone has been raving about micellar water, and I love the extra boost to remove excess oil and makeup. 
KS Elisa Pendant Necklace - Kendra Scott is still killin' it in the jewelry department, and these sparkly Elisa pendants are too pretty to pass up. 
Pineapple Tee - As if we needed another reason to love Etsy!  
J. Crew Chino Shorts - J. Crew's Chino shorts are a staple in my warm weather wardrobe. I've been collecting as many colors as I can!
J. Crew String Bikini Top - we all need a pretty floral bikini top in our lives
Jelly Bow Sandals - these flippies are just too cute, I mean that bow! Tory Burch continues to win all the prizes for best sandals. 
O'Neill Sophie Cover-Up - always on the hunt for a great cover up for upcoming vacations and beach/pool/boat days. How pretty is the crochet detailing in the front?
Essie's Sunshine State of Mind - hands down my favorite new color this season for at-home manis.

What are some of your favorite items for spring?

beauty Essie fashion Featured J. Crew Kendra Scott Nordstrom Smashbox Tory Burch

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Birthday Month Goodies

Oh how I love August... summer is still going strong, I'm enjoying every minute I can outdoors, and it's my birthday month! Birthday month = my inbox being flooded with lots of birthday coupons and freebies from my favorite stores and restaurants. I wanted to list out some of my birthday month favs for you all, and put some freebies on your radar you may not be aware of.

Tory Burch

If you didn't already know, when you sign up on ToryBurch.com at least 30 days out from your birthday they'll send you a $50 gift card to use on their site or in stores every year during your birthday month. Last year, I picked up this cuff with my gift card, and this year I'm eyeing either a makeup travel bag or some flip flops.

Sephora

My love for Sephora runs deep - aside from their endless amazing products and rewards program I just love walking into their beautiful stores. There's just something more crisp, clean, and elegant about walking into a Sephora than into an Ulta.. am I wrong? The past few years they've been killin' it with the free birthday gift (no purchase necessary) for Beauty Insiders during your birthday month. This year's free gift is a mini NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella and a NARS Mini Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien. You can read more about the Beauty Insider program and this year's free birthday gift along with a video message from NARS here. Nothing goes better with cake than a bold lip!

Starbucks

During your birthday month, Starbucks treats it's rewards members with a free drink (of any size), and discounts off of food and merchandise. You can sign up for Starbucks' rewards program here and start earning those coveted gold stars!

Victoria's Secret

VS sends out a $10 gift card to use towards your next purchase online or in stores. Great to pair up with those rewards cards that stack up!

Kobe Steakhouse

*My birthday dinner last year at Kobe*

Yummy hibachi for my birthday? Yes please! Kobe offers a free dinner during your birthday month, and I may have to take advantage of it with friends again this year. You can sign up for their rewards program here.

Smashbox

Another great makeup freebie during your birthday month, you can sign up here. This is a new one to me, and I just signed up so I'm looking forward to this year's gift.

What are some of your favorite birthday month freebies from retailers?

Sephora Smashbox Starbucks Tory Burch Victorias Secret

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Sephora Spring VIB Sale Wish List

I love stocking up during the various VIB sales throughout the year, as a lot of the items I'm usually lusting after are not exactly cheap. Saving 15-20% is a nice way that Sephora says thank you to their "very important beauty insiders" that they know will continue spending money in their beautiful store.

I've had a lot of items sitting in my online loves list for a while that I'm hoping to pull the trigger on with my 15% off this week:

1. Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit - I've been intrigued lately by the art of contouring, and this palette is beautiful.
2. Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Sticks - Ever since Katie mentioned how she was able to perfect the art of contouring with these handy little sticks, I've been thinking that maybe this is the way to go instead of the palette.
3. Sephora Collection Contouring Brush - of course one will need a contouring brush if springing for the palette as well. A painter can't paint without a paint brush...
4. Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette - I've heard nothing but amazing things about this all-in-one travel palette. I've been a huge fan of all three Naked Palettes, so I'm sure I'd love having everything I need all in one place.
5. NARS Dual Intensity Blush - such a beautiful two-in-one blush palette that will give you a soft beautiful glow.
6. Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo - I've been on the hunt for a good clarifying shampoo, and I've heard this one works wonderfully and smells great.
7. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - just what I need for healthier and shinier hair that'll stand up to the Florida heat and humidity this summer. Plus you know it's great when it's on Allure's Best of Beauty List for 2014.
8. Clarisonic Mia Replacement Head - I can always use a replacement brush, as I use mine every day.
9. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer - I've been so let down by so many primers in the past few years, so when the fabulous Deborah recommended this one to withstand the Florida heat I knew I had to add it to my wish list. *fingers crossed*.

What do you plan on buying during the spring VIB sale?

Bumble & Bumble Contouring NARS Sephora Sephora Collection Smashbox Too Faced VIB

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Holiday Makeup

The holiday season is hands down my favorite time of year for dressing up and experimenting with fun makeup looks. Bring on all the lace and sparkles! I tend to go with a lot of red and gold this time of year, and that is apparent in my makeup looks for all the holiday parties and festivities as well. I like to go with shimmery gold eye makeup with a bold red lip and nails.

This year's line up features some oldies but goodies (Naked3, Smashbox Softlights, Benefit's They're Real! Mascara, and my end all and be all UD Primer Potion) along with some new products I'm currently obsessed with. I am absolutely loving my new bareMinerals Blemish Remedy foundation and Naked Illuminating shimmer which together provide great coverage and the perfect hint of holiday sparkle. Add some bold eyeliner, red nails, and some red lipstick with some UD All Nighter spray to set your makeup and you're ready to deck the halls.

What are some of your favorite holiday makeup looks?

Benefit MAC Cosmetics OPI Sephora Smashbox Urban Decay

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The Holy Grail

I've had a few people ask me to do a holy grail products post of my every day must haves. I've been meaning to put it together for a while, and finally took the initiative today to go take pictures of everything *yay me* 

I wash my face daily with Philosophy's Purity and my Clarisonic Mia. I've been struggling with adult acne for a couple years now, and my face has never felt as clean as it does with the Purity and my Clarisonic. I use a prescription topical gel afterwards, but the Purity and Clarisonic get all my makeup off and really leave my face feeling fresh and soft.

Bumble and Bumble Hair Thickening Spray I was not blessed in the hair department... at all. I have very fine hair that sits very flat and lacks pizazz. I started using this thickening spray and it definitely helps. I simply spray it on damp hair before I blow dry it. 

Sorry for the blurry pic! Now it's time for primer! I've been using Smashbox Photo Finish Primer w/ SPF and it works great, but I've also heard great things about Sephora Perfecting Primer so I'm going to try that out too. We'll see if it replaces my Smashbox. I see a big difference when I don't use primer first before applying makeup. If I don't use it first, my makeup disappears before lunchtime, and forget the FL heat. It'll just sweat right off. With primer, it has much better staying power, and when I get home after work I have to wash my face to get my makeup off. It's not as fresh as in the morning, but it's still there.

One of my all time fav products is Urban Decay Primer Potion. I fell in love with it when I purchased the original Naked Palette, and had to restock it once it ran out. It used to come in a tube with a wand that would dry up, now they smartened up and make it in a squeeze tube so you know when it's truly empty. This stuff is amazing! My eyeliner, shimmer, eye shadow, you name it stays put! If you're sick of your eye makeup fading away quickly, this is a must have!

Sorry for another blurry pic.. I tried taking it a few times and it just wouldn't cooperate *sigh*. This is another one of my all time favorite products. Benefit Erase Paste is the only product that even comes close to covering up those hereditary dark under-eye circles. Thanks Mom and Nana! I'm sure I'll pass this gift along to my future daughter(s).. it's the gift that keeps on giving! Anywho... I blot this on underneath my eyes and they instantly look brighter and the dark circles almost disappear. Mine are so bad that I don't think anything will completely eliminate them, but this stuff gets closer than any other product has before. The trick is to not rub it in, but to dab/blot it on with your fingertips.

Foundation: I was an exclusive MAC Studio Fix user for about 10 years, but as I did with most of my products, I switched to the Sephora brand. Not only is it cheaper, but I earn Beauty Insider points. With MAC there aren't any rewards for being a frequent shopper, just constant free shipping. So, I broke up with MAC once and for all when I tried Sephora Collection's Matifying Foundation. It works just as well and provides great coverage. 

I used to use MAC's Refined Golden bronzer, but switched to Sephora Collection Bronzer and haven't looked back. It provides the same look for cheaper, plus those Beauty Insider points! Gotta keep that VIB status! I've heard amazing things about NARS Laguna bronzer, but haven't been able to bring myself to paying that much for bronzer just yet. Some day I hope to try it out. I'll probably try the double pack with their blush as well in Orgasm to try them both out.

Blush was another product I switched from MAC to Sephora Collection and haven't looked back. Again, it's cheaper and provides the same look/coverage. 

Highlighting Powder I love using this powder on my cheeks and it gives my skin more of a glow.

When going out on the weekends, I like to add Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights.

Oy.. more blurry pics! For eyeliner, I use Sephora's Nano Eyeliner

Benefit Eye Bright I reviewed this in the past and wasn't really a fan, but then I came back saying that I gave it another try and ended up liking it. I use it in the corner of my eyes to help brighten them up when I'm tired. As I mentioned above, I need all the help I can get with my dark circles.. blah.

Mascara: Maybelline Falsies

I've used Cover Girl's Lash Blast, Smashbox, and Sephora Collection as well and none of them compare to Maybelline's Falsies! 

I love both Naked Palettes and use both of them almost daily by mixing different shades to form day time and night time looks. My fav shades are Virgin, Sin, Sidecar, Half Baked, Smog, and Toasted in the original and Bootycall, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Verve, and Pistol in Naked 2. 

I also like to use MAC's Shroom

For my makeup brushes I use Sephora and ELF brushes. LOVE my Sephora brushes, but with the ELF brushes at $1 a pop I've got a bunch of those too.

My fav scents are Viva La Juicy, Fancy and Fancy Love by Jessica Simpson, and Lola by Marc Jacobs.

Clarisonic MAC Sephora Smashbox

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