The Curling Wand

A few of my favorite things...

Day 7: Sultra "The Bombshell" rod curling iron 1 inch

This is embarrassing to admit, but I don't even know how to properly use a "real" curling iron. So how do I curl my hair? If you personally know me, you would know that I hardly ever wear my hair down, and when I do I like to curl it. Not tight curls, but more like soft waves. About 3 years I made an investment that truly saved my life. Ok, well that is dramatic but it has provided me with ends on ends of great hair days. And, it's SO fast! It takes about 10 mins to curl my entire head. Don't believe me? Then try it for yourself!

I will later be posting a tutorial on how to curl with this "wand" to achieve the look I do on my own hair. The product I use is made by "Sultra" and the product is called "The Bombshell," even the name is adorable. I purchased mine online I think through the Sultra website. But, right now folica is having their Christmas sale and your entire purchase is 25% off, so that will save you lots of $$$, which makes me happy. The iron comes with a cute pink glove so you don't burn yourself. I have a scar that has almost completely faded on my neck from this bad boy and one that I did about a month ago that is still bright pink on the inside of my right wrist. So be caution! They always say beauty is pain, but please try your hardest to pay attention at all times when curling your hair. My accidents happened when I was in a rush and still half asleep. :)

Don't burn yourself and end up sad and in pain like I was in the top left photo! :)

6 days til CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Dove Body Wash

A few of my favorite things...

Day 6: Dove Go Fresh Nutrium Body Wash

I love this body wash. It's so creamy and lathers up luxuriously. And, it's only $5 at your local Walmart. My favorite scent is the Plum & Sakura. It smells fresh, clean, and fruity and is not overwhelming by any means. It leaves my skin clean and moisturized even in the winter when skin can become unbearably dry and flaky. You can purchase it at your local grocery store or online here. 

What do I Want for Christmas?

My Christmas List 

• Ikea Hemes Bed
• Curtains to hang around the bed (think princess-esque)
• North Face Surge Backpack
• Advocare Spark
• Kenra Hairspray
• $ to get my hair done
• $$$$$$$ in general

I feel as I become older, my  lists become more boring. Oh well, these things make me happy. :) 

What is Santa bringing you this year?

xoxoxoxoxo

What I am Working on Right Now...

I am currently working on a picture frame mural/collage for the hallway in front of my room in my apartment. I will describe how to achieve this look and where to buy everything I used when I am finished. What do you think so far? :)

DIY Gel Nails

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Day 5: DIY Gel Nails

I'm sure you've heard of gel nails. If you haven't, well you have now! When I first heard about this type of polish, I was getting my nails done at the salon. Depending on the salon, a gel nail manicure can cost anywhere from $20-$30+ and it lasts about 2 weeks. That is a lot of money! So, being the thrifty person I am, decided to take matters into my own hands. I will do them myself!

I looked at kits online and they were super expensive. I finally found one that I could afford and was appealing to me. I purchased this kit here. I ordered it from HSN for $. It came with everything I needed, polishes, curing light, remover, and cleaner. The reason I purchased this kit was because the polish was an all-in-one. Normal gel manis you have to do a base coat, cure, do the color, cure, color again, cure, top coat, cure. So it gets timely when you're doing our own because you can only cure one hand at a time. With this kit, The bas, top coat, and color are all in one polish. So all you have to paint is the color, cure it and then color again and cure. It saves a lot of time.

The colors for my kit included a light shade of pink, a coral shade of pink, and a taupe-gray. I love them all. However, the colors are limited so I did end up going to ULTA and buying a pretty, sparkly black shade which can be found here and the base and top coat of the same brand. The actual shade I purchased is "An Evening to Remember" and it's not for sale online for some reason, but they should definitely have it in-store.

In the photo above I am wearing the black shade I described above and the light pink from the Haute Polish kit.

Tips for applying:

• Apply THIN layers of polish. I know it says this on all gel nail polish instructions, but I thought I'd save time and do one thick coat of color so I wouldn't have to paint twice and cure twice. Wrong. It doesn't work that way. When it's too thick the polish will peel off and it looks horrible. Trust me. It may look too thin, but I promise it's not-- that is why you apply 2 coats.
• Make sure your thumbs get cured. I like to put both thumbs in at the same time after I've cured both hands just to make sure.
• Clean your nails with alcohol before applying polish. You don't have to buy special "cleaning" solution or pads because all they have in them is rubbing alcohol which is super cheap.

Happy Tuesday y'all! One week till Christmas!!!

What I Want Most for Christmas

I am especially in the Christmas spirit today! I am not sure if it's because I was listening to Christmas music for most of the day, or if it's because Christmas is only TWELVE days away!

The thing I want most for Christmas this year (other than getting to go home sooner to see me family) is the Ikea Hemnes bed in gray-brown. It's so cute and vintagey. I just love it! It will also add more personality to my bedroom, which I'm excited about.

What do you want most from Santa this year? 

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Facewash

A few of my favorite things...

Day 4: "Philosophy Purity Made Simple" Facewash

Believe it or not, like most other people in the world my skin is not perfect by any means. I started getting pimples on my skin at an early age and still occasionally get them from time to time. I swear by this facewash. Not only is it one of my favorite things, but it is something that I cannot live without. I am lazy when it comes to removing my makeup, meaning that I don't use eye makeup remover, face makeup remover, or any of that nonsense. I want something that does it all and leaves no trace. This is that something. It is so creamy and foamy and removes all of my makeup in less that one minute. It doesn't even sting when I get it around (or sometimes even in, oops) my eyes.

It smells delicious and clean too. I have a very sensitive nose to harsh fragrances, so if you do too, you will not have to worry about it with this product. Also, my skin is very oily. Super, super oily... especially in the summer. In the winter my skin becomes combination and is dry on some parts and oily on others. This still does the trick for that. It not only removes makeup and cleanses but acts as a toner too. My skin feels so baby soft and refreshed every time after I wash it. I will never switch or try something cheaper because this stuff truly works. It also lasts forever. Whenever ULTA or Sephora has a coupon, this is what I use it on, so I'd recommend that to save a few extra bucks. Right now ULTA has $10 of $60 online with free shipping and $3.50 of $10 in store.

You can purchase the Philosophy Purity facewash at Sephora, ULTA, or other stores that carry the Philosophy brand. You can also purchase it online through Sephora here or ULTA here.

Let me know what you think!

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Embarrassing Moments

You know those moments when you just want to curl up in a ball and be invisible to everyone around you? 

Yeah, that happened to me today. I decided to buy my lunch at work instead of bringing it today, which was the first mistake. I go to pay for my lunch in the company diner we have and the lady at the register said my card was declining. I said, "what?!" There's no way my card could have declined. I have money in my account that I have been saving up to pay for my school next semester.

So I am really frazzled and embarrassed (because there are people I know around me in line) and I look at the card to see if there's a number on the back I can call. Then, I see it. My boyfriend's name. Last night he pumped my gas for me, and when I asked for my card back he accidentally gave me his. He keeps his money in his savings, and for some reason they didn't transfer over when I tried to use the card. Sigh of relief. I then explain to the woman the mishap (she probably still thought I was broke). Thankfully, she let me right my name and department down and I told her I will come by tomorrow with the correct card and pay for my meal.

Have you ever had anything like this happen to you? I have had my fair share of embarrassing moments, but for some reason a declined card when trying to pay for something is the worst. I think it's because you can't really laugh it off!

I love the movie, "Bridesmaids." There is usually a relatable quote that I can use in my everyday life. "Help me I'm poor," was definitely something I could relate to today.

Happy Thursday! xoxoxo

My Favorite Lip Products

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Day 3: ChapStick, Dior Addict Lipstick, Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss, & ULTA Super Shiny Lipgloss.

For some reason I am always testing out new shades and types of lipsticks, lipglosses, and tinted lip balms. At the end of the day, these 4 things will always remain my favorites and I always keep them stashed in my purse to ensure I never leave home without them.

Regular ChapStick

Reason I Love it: I always have ChapStick on wherever I am. I always apply it before lipstick too, because I hate when my lips look dry.

ULTA Super Shiny Lipgloss

Why I love it: It's super Cheap. ULTA has sales all of the time on their own products like buy 1 get 1 free. This particular shade "20 Poppy" is gorgeous. I love coral lips and this one gets the job done! It also isn't sticky which is a major plus in my book for a gloss.

Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss

Why I love it: It has a minty scent and feeling when you apply on your lips. It is smooth and creamy and not sticky at all. The color "Streak" is a neutral color, the same shade as my natural lips. So, it just enhances for the most part, nothing too drastic. It is also long lasting and a little bit goes a long way. That is why I don't have a hard time splurging on this product because I know it is well worth it. I think it's better to find one gloss you love and spend $20 on it, rather than continually purchasing drugstore lipglosses that you're unhappy with. When you think of it this way, you'll end up saving money in the long run anyways. Just something to think about!

Dior Addict Lipstick

Why I love it: I think I have had this pretty lady for a few years now. When I first bought it, I was unsure if I liked it and two if it looked good on me. Red lipstick can be tricky and can easily look bad on you if you don't pick the correct shade for your complexion and even your outfit. I love this one though! It is my only go to red lipstick now. I have tried on other ones in Sephora and ULTA and none of them live up to this one. It is slightly shimmery so it's perfect for the holiday season and even summertime when my skin is a few shades darker from the sun. Obviously this color isn't for everyone, but I'd recommend going to Sephora (or any store that carries Dior) to test out some shades and see what is best for you. Although this is a mega splurge in my book it has already lasted me a few years and I haven't even made a dent in this tube of lipstick.

Where to buy these fabulous items:

ChapStick: $cheap at your local grocery store
ULTA lipgloss: $8 at ULTA stores or online here
Urban Decay: $19 at Sephora or ULTA stores or online here or here
Dior Lipstick: $30 at Sephora or online here

Target Riding Boots

A Few of My Favorite Things...

Day 2: "Merona Manette Double Buckle Boot" in "Tan"

I have owned two pairs of these boots. I bought my first pair last fall in the Target store, and I purchased my second pair this fall online at Target. I love these boots. I get so many compliments on them and they are so affordable. You can still look cute when you're on a serious budget, trust me!


You can find them here. They are even on sale for $32 instead of the $40 I paid. ;)

What I like about them: They are stylish. They look like real leather. They are comfortable. They are CHEAP.
What I don't like about them: They stink (probably because I wear them so often). They don't last very long-- mine only last a season before getting scuffed up. (but hey they're riding boots and under $50 so you get what you pay for).

So, if you're looking for a cute pair of boots that won't break your bank, here ya go! :)

Sock Bun Tutorial

A Few of MY Favorite Things...Day 1: The Sock Bun

Here is one of my absolute favorite things... The SOCK BUN! I am obsessed with this hairdo because it is so easy and looks so put together. I always get so many compliments when wearing this 'do. Once you get the motion down, your hair will be done in less than one minute. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself! My hair "donut" was purchased from Claire's for about $4 here. They have blonde, brunette, & black for all you dark-headed ladies.

Step 1: Put your hair in a pony tail. I did a high pony because it's easier to demonstrate and easier when you're first learning .
Step 2: Get out your donut (or sock with the to cut off)
Step 3: Slide the donut through your pony leaving about 2-3inches of hair poking out. I like to pull my pony out in front of me to start out with because my hair has layers & when I hold it straight up in the air, little hairs fall everywhere and that is no fun.
Step 4: The hair you have poking out, start fanning it out over your donut to cover it. You don't want your donut exposed!
Step 5: Now begin tucking the hair underneath the donut. This can be the tricky part so be patient. Practice makes perfect. But really, I promise!
Step 6: Put your thumbs at the bottom of your donut on each side where you just tucked your hairs and pull with your both index fingers on the top of the bun on each side "rolling" it down your hair. Each roll I reposition my fingers back to where they started to keep it nice and tight!
Step 7: Baby bun! Aw, isn't she cute?
Step 8: You're almost there!
Step 9: Viola! You can keep your hair smooth and sleek or play with it a little and pull the hair out a bit to add some volume.

Please comment or let me know if you have any questions! :)

A Few of My Favorite Things

Since I am in the Christmas spirit, I decided to compile a list of my favorite things. I am making a list of my 15 favorite things including anything from body care,  hair products, makeup, clothing, accessories, and everything else in between. They will be posted in no specific order. Enjoy! Image credit

"I love you because"...Dry Erase Frame Anniversary DIY Gift

Supplies & Description: So, this craft was kind of for myself but I thought it would be cute as an anniversary gift as well. I have an obsession with anything in the chevron print, and thankfully my boyfriend likes it too (at least he says he does ;) ). I found this on a blog from Pinterest, which can be found here. I purchased another $4 black 8x10 wooden frame from Walmart, which is the same frame I used for the Fish painting.

How to: On the blog I linked to, she gives you the print out version in a few different colors, and I chose the gray option because it matches my room. So, I printed it out, cut it down to fit the frame and that's it! Total cost: Less than $4.

You're the Only Fish in the Sea for Me Anniversary Gift.

Supplies & Description: I bought a standard piece of 8.5x11 off-white/cream card-stock from Michael's for about 50 cents and a black 8x10 wooden frame from Walmart for a little under $4. I found this design on Pinterest, which can be found here.

How to: I cut the card-stock down to fit my frame before painting to make sure it would fit in when I was finished. To replicate it I just freehanded the letters and the designs with a pencil. Using pencil was helpful when I started writing at a slant and needed to erase. I then outlined my pencil with Black paint pen which I've had from previous crafting projects. I use Elmer's paint pens, they are my favorite. Total cost: around $5. Easy peesy and super cheap! My boyfriend also loves this even though it's kind of girly. He put it on his dresser in his room on display. :)

The ABC's of our love anniversary gift:

Supplies & Description: This little cutie was also Pinterest-inspired and the original post can be found here. I purchased a little book of 24 6x6 inch square card-stock papers that had cute designs and patterns on each page. It was already hole-punched at the top center of each page, so that saved a lot of time. I purchased super skinny, beige satin ribbon from Michael's too, to tie the book together. I bought some scrapbooking stickers from Michael's too also to save time. If you have the time and want to save a little money, drawing everything by hand makes it that much more special and personal. I bought 3D letters also from Michael's to save tame, even though I ended up drawing my own letters too which was timely in itself. This completed craft set me back a mere $20 and I don't think I got anything on sale (sad day).

How to: I put my papers together in the order of pattern that I liked then I put the ribbon in the hole of each paper to make it a book and tied it off in a cute little bow. I then stuck my stickers on the front page and got it just how I wanted it. Next, I stuck all the letters on their pages and realized there are 26 letters in the alphabet, so with my cover page, 3 of the letters shared the page with another letter. Oh well! I think took a piece of paper and brainstormed what I wanted to say for each letter. Even though this did take some time and deep thought, it didn't take nearly long as I anticipated. Then I wrote each saying on each page and that's it! Easy and adorable. My boyfriend loved it.

 

DIY Anniversary Gifts

This past weekend my boyfriend Drew and I celebrated our 5th year of dating. I wanted to make it special and personal, so I tried to avoid the typical, last-minute store bought gift. I am a Pinterest addict, so all of my creations were Pinterest-inspired. I will post them all separately with explanations on what to buy, how to do it, and pictures of the steps and final products. Enjoy and let me know what you think! :)

Holiday Piggies

I love getting into the holiday spirit early with Christmas decorations, music, and movies. I also like to exude the holiday season in my clothing and makeup. Obviously everyone loves the red holiday lip, but  one of my favorite parts of the season are holiday nails. This means bold colors and lots of glitter. I decided to paint my nails black with a drugstore nail polish and then added a multi-colored glitter polish on top. The OPI is "Sparkle-icious" and the wet n wild is "Ebony Hates Chris." What is your favorite nail look for the holidays? :)