Friday, December 30, 2016

Fashion | NYE Looks With SemSem.com


* Sponsored by SemSem.com

Stumped on what to wear for New Year's Eve? First off, I envy you because with two kids, I know exactly what I'll be wearing and I can tell you it'll be nothing close to a sparkly dress. Hint: they're incredibly stretchy and black. Second of all, the chances I see the ball drop are slim to none because this. mama. is. tired. y'all. 



But for those who are going out, I've partnered up with SemSem.com to share with you a few of my favorites I'm lusting over from their site for some NYE inspiration!

Dresses:


How gorgeous are these dresses? The Laya Mini Dress is super fun and flirty with a sequined neckline and slit while the Aida Broderie Anglaise Short Dress (custom order) and the Lotus Short Dress bring the heat with sexy cut outs and lace.

Jumpsuits:


If you're celebrating outside or just enjoy a gorgeous jumpsuit, how stunning are these? I'm loving the slits in the pants in the Lana Jumpsuit as well as the sexy cut out in the Aisha Jumpsuit (and that orange - swoon!) and the sequins in the Layla Jumpsuit. 

Jackets:

A jacket can pull together the whole look - and keep a girl warm! I'm loving the sparkles both the Dana Jacket and the Layla Jacket bring while keeping it classy with a blazer-type style. The Samia Biker Jacket has my heart, however, as I'm a sucker for a biker jacket and this one is so unique with the blue tweed. I'm in love!

What are you rockin' for New Year's Eve? 
* Sponsored by SemSem.com
Friday, December 23, 2016

Beauty | Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire


Hey guys! I've always liked Christmas but I've never been more excited about it than I am this year. I think it's the kids (our circle has gotten HUGE between us, my fiance's family and friends having kids) that are bringing the spirit back. Hunter is so excited for "Ho Ho" to come! We've started traditions (like cutting down our own tree on seemingly the coldest day ever for the second year in a row) and are hosting Christmas Eve again this year!

Anywho, I've been inspired to create a few holiday looks this year! I'm being ambitious with two kids but hey, 'tis the season! This look features a dark lip (my fave!) and a smokey burgundy eye. 


My "what do you mean there's no more tacos left?" face.
  • FACE: Urban Decay Skin Perfector in Light is my absolute favorite thing ever right now and it's all I ever wear. It's enough coverage to smooth everything out but still let my skin breathe. It Cosmetics CC+ Concealer in Light is used to cover my super-duper dark circles and then set with Laura Mercier Brightening Powder. I used the Smashbox MasterClass 3 Palette's bronzer, contour and blush for this look. Highlighter in Urban Decay Highlighter in Sin.
  • EYES: MAC Paint Pot in Painterly as a base, per usual. Then I used Makeup Geek's Steampunk on the lid (LOVE this shade!), Bedrock in the crease and Americano mixed in the crease as well as on the outer V and lower lid. tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara and then Ardell Wispies for my falsies. Brows are Full Brow wax and powder.
  • LIPS: ColourPop Matte Lippie in Notion (one of my top 5 fave dark lipsticks!)

Will be back in a few days for the next (super easy!) tutorial!
Monday, December 19, 2016

Lifestyle | Getting Your Pets Holiday Ready With Isle of Dogs + CocoClean


* Products were sent for review.

Guys, we are t-minus six days until Christmas and let's just say, it's getting pretty crazy over here. The kids have colds again, my phone is dunzo (but currently getting fixed - yay!) and we're hosting Christmas Eve so we're getting ready for that as well. Decorations are hung, Christmas cards are sent out, grocery lists are made, clothes are picked out and if you're like me, you have an idea of what makeup you're going to wear as well (if not, my latest copper/burgundy look is perfect!).


Everything is basically set - except the dogs! It wouldn't be right to call myself a beauty blogger if I didn't admit that I like to get my Yorkshire Terrier, Scarlett, holiday-ready with me. Usually it's just a nice bath and I ex-nay the makeup routine ;) Scarlett's long hair is a constant upkeep and requires a lot of maintenance - especially with her love of running around in the leaves and rolling in the dirt. #gag



That's why I'm obsessed with the CocoClean beauty products from Isle of Dogs, an amazing site that carries organic and all-natural canine health and beauty products that are made and sourced in the USA.

CocoClean products are all natural and contain coconut oil in a lot (if not all) of their products which in turn helps relieve itchy skin, reduces protein loss and strengthens hair, keeps hair smooth and soft and creates a stronger protective skin barrier.


  • CocoClean Xtra Clean Shampoo ($8.99) - The Xtra Clean Shampoo is ah-mazing! It removes all the dirt without being harsh on Scarlett's hair - even when you have to wash her four days in a row because she kept finding mud to play in. And the scent! Holy cow. The raspberries and champagne scent is to die-for. Someone bottle that in a shampoo for people and I am SO sold!
  • CocoClean Brush Spray ($8.99) - Did you know it's recommended to use brush spray before brushing your dog's hair? Probably in the same way we should use a detangler in ours so we're not pulling and tugging our hair out when we brush. This one contains coconut oil to keep everything silky smooth and hydrated. Again, I'm a huge fan of the scent! The Violet and Sea Mist mix keeps her smelling so pretty without being overpowering.
  • Isle of Dogs Violet and Sea Mist Repláscent ($9.99) - Gone are the days of that fun smell of wet dog and flowers! This odor-neutralizing spray completely neutralizes the odor instead of just adding to it. While this is not to be sprayed on your dog itself, it can be sprayed around the house and car.

As dramatic as this sounds, I swear, these will be the only products I ever use on my dogs again. I'm so, so impressed! The price point is so perfect ($8.99-$9.99), the scents are gorgeous and the shampoo leaves my dog's hair so incredibly soft. And on top of all of that, it's all-natural? Yes please!

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* Products were sent for review.
Saturday, December 10, 2016

Beauty | RAKUTEN Bloomingdale's Bonus Box


* RAN Bonus Box sent to me for possible review.

Oh goodness, y'all. What a week! My phone took a swim and then frizzed out, the kids have colds AGAIN - it's just been insane here. Nothing like the holidays, huh? Thankfully, the lovely, amazing people at Rakuten Affiliates know how to cheer a chick up and sent me this insane Bloomingdale's Bonus Box which is filled with products that I have said, at one point or another, that I need to buy. I kid you not. I'm so blown away and thankful! Let's check it out and see what's inside.


  • Tory Burch Love Relentlessly Perfume ($86) - Did you know this perfume was inspired by Tory Burch's parents? Her father once wrote a note to her mother in a newspaper that read, "If I told you I love you, would you hold it against me? Love, Relentless" D'awwww, how cute is that? I can't handle it. This perfume has a slew of different notes including: Pink Pepper, Pink Grapefruit, Sicilian Lemon, Sparkling Pear, Raspberry, Lychee, Rose Essential, Orris, Jasmine Sambac, Patchouli Heart, Ambertonic, Australian Sandalwood, Vetiver,  Cedarwood Heart and Tonka Bean Absolute. I was surprised, with there being a lot of fruit notes, that this didn't have a fun, fruity scent but rather a more mature, musky scent. I would definitely put this in my "Going Out" perfume collection.
  • Lancome Grandiose Extreme Mascara ($32) - Swoon, swoon, swoon! My first Lancome product ever. This mascara has a slightly more wet consistency than I usually go for but the cool "swan-neck" wand compensates for it as it helps the application be a little more precise. Can we also talk about how gorgeous the packaging is? Love!
  • Clarins Supra Volume Mascara ($27) - Another mascara? Yes, please! I'd say from the two, this one is my favorite. It has a slightly drier consistency that I like working with. It's infused with cassie flower wax and panthenol to strengthen and protect your lashes.
  • MAC G66 Lashes ($17) - I searched all over for these but couldn't find them. I'm pretty sure these are actually the "7" lashes which offer a more natural look with a little something extra. I've never tried MAC lashes before and found these to be way more comfortable than I thought they'd be. I'm a new fan!
  • MAC Ruby Woo ($17) - Ask any beauty blogger what their favorite red lipstick is and this bound to be in the top three. Ruby Woo is just that classic blue-toned red that looks absolutely stunning on everyone AND makes your teeth white. It's a win/win all around.
  • Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray ($29) - I have wanted to try thickening spray for so, so long! It's basically a setting spray for your hair that also thickens which is fabulous for my super thin hair. You can use it to add volume, lift, control, finish, protect and blow-dry. It's, so far, been the only hairspray that my hair hasn't hated yet.
* RAN Bonus Box sent to me for possible review.
Friday, December 02, 2016

LUSH | What's New for the Holidays


* Products sent for review.

Christmas has come early with these yummy new holiday threats from LUSH Cosmetics. I mean, honestly, it's always Christmas when LUSH is delivered to my door but these goodies are specifically new for the holidays and I'm so happy I get to show them to y'all.


  • Sleepy Hand and Body Lotion - I'm not sure if it's having two kids now or the copious amount of coffee I drink to keep up but I constantly feel wired. It takes a lot of effort to shut my brain off to go to sleep. While the Sleepy Lotion might not knock me out alone, the soothing scent of tonka and lavender does help me relax while the almond oil and cocoa butter soften my skin. It's a total win/win.
  • Jester Bubble Bar ($10.95) - Ahh, how fun is this? You can't see it in the picture but it even has a jingle bell on it! This little guy is a reusable bath bar (about two to three uses depending how long your baths are). Simply dip him in the bath tub and stir around for a little to release some zesty tangerine and Sicilian mandarin oils to revitalize yourself.
  • Sugar Plum Fairy Tinted Lip Balm ($9.95) -  "Sugar, yes please. Won't you come and put it down on meeeeeeee!" This subtle berry tinted lip balm is one of my favorites from LUSH during the holidays. It contains Kalahari melon, organic jojoba oils, wild orange oil and ripe berries for a fun, tropical scent that leaves a slightly shimmery berry tint on the lips.
  • Northern Lights Bath Bomb ($7.50) - Bring the Aurora Borealis straight to your bath tub with this ylang ylang and jasmine scented bath bomb. I love the colors of this one once in the tub (yellow, blue and green)!
  • Mistletoe Bath Bomb ($7.95) - According to LUSH's description of this, did you know mistletoe was used to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to you?! I had no idea! This bath bomb is heavily scented when sitting (like, open the bathroom door and wa-bam! in your face) but once you actually use it in your tub, the jasmine scent isn't as strong. I read reviews that the purple stained tubs, skin, etc. but didn't have any issues with it and thought the show was very pretty!
Shop | Buy
* Products sent for review.

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