Tuesday, August 15, 2017

August 2017 Popsugar Must Have Box!


The August Must Have is a special box because POPSUGAR Must Have turns 5 this month! This August box marks Lisa Sugar’s 5th year in curating her and her team of editors favorite items for you! This month’s box features surprises from some of Lisa’s favorite brand obsessions to celebrate POPSUGAR Must Have’s birthday! Below you will find a list of all of the products included in the box.

-Meri Meri Gold Glitter Candles
-Fringe Studio Free Spirit Journal
-Goodie Girl Chocolate Chunk Cookies
-$25 Shoptiques.com gift card
-Fringe Studio Cheers Lacquered Tray
-Dogeared Friendship Bracelet
-First Aid Beauty 5-in-1 Bouncy Mask


Popsugar is even having a giveaway to celebrate their birthday. All current subscribers are eligible to win cool prizes throughout the month of August. You can also sign up here to qualify to win. Good luck!

You can receive $10 off your first box using the code PARTY at check out. 

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Blasts From the Past: Rediscovering Old Favorites

I've been on what seems like a month long cleaning spree, and now it is time to tackle my makeup drawers. I have cleansed and gotten rid of quite a few products, which feels amazing. I was recently thinking about ideas for a new blog post, and I thought about an old Shop My Stash post I did on my old blog. The idea is to go through your collection, find old favorites, and give them a try again. I thought it was about time to reach into my makeup drawers and rediscover some old favorites. 

The first item I reached for when I decided to do this post is Covergirl's Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in the shade Ivory. I was legit OBSESSED with this foundation for ages! I have extremely oily skin, and this is probably the best drugstore foundation I have ever used. It helped minimize the amount of oil on my face throughout the day, and did not budge. I actually wore it one day when I went on an impromptu trip to the beach, and it was still in tact hours later, even though I went in the water and was sweating my but off. I will definitely be reaching for this a lot this summer. 
NYX Powder Blush in the shade Rose Garden. I was in love with this gorgeous warm-toned pink with golden shimmer. I saw quite a few people talking about it a few years back, and ran to the store to get it. I loved how flattering and natural a flush it gave my fair skin. I was hesitant to try this originally because of the glitter, I am always afraid of my face looking like a children's craft project, but it really is gorgeous in person if you apply it properly and don't overdo it.
I was all about the highlight a few years ago. I mean, REALLY into highlighting. I would buy all of the new ones that hit the market, and quite a few people at that time were raving about the Hard Candy So Baked Illuminating Baked Bronzer in the shade Tiki. It was advertised as a bronzer, but it was really a champagne highlight. Baked products feel so luxurious and expensive, so I loved that Hard Candy brought that to the drugstore. Tiki gives a gorgeous glow that makes you look like a shimmering glowy goddess when you have a tan. I put this on this morning when I did my makeup, and I cannot stop staring at it.
There is an eyeshadow combination that I swore by a few years back, and I decided that this would be the perfect time to bring it back. I start off with the Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo in the shade Bad To The Bronze as a base, and layer the L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Eyeshadow in the shade Iced Latte to add a nice shimmer and glow. I received so many compliments back in the day when I would wear this combo, so I think I might make this my summer go-to look. Excuse how gross both of these look in the photo. They are very well loved.

I am so glad that I did this. It can be easy to forget how many products I actually own since I typically throw products into drawers whenever I move onto something new. Also, why spend money on brand new products when I have perfectly good products already in my collection? It just doesn't make sense to me. I can't wait to play with these little beauties over the next couple of weeks, and hopefully rediscover my love for them. 

Until next time! Xo

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Ipsy: May 2017

It's time for another Ipsy unboxing! I absolutely loved my first bag last month (you can read about it here), and I couldn't wait for my next one. Once again, I couldn't resist the spoilers and totally snooped online. The theme this time around is Summer Friday. I am so excited for summer, and the theme this month is perfect! Is there even a better time then a Friday in summer?
The bag this month is so damn cute! It is a plastic waterproof bag that is covered in an ice cream cone design. Ipsy is killing it this month with the bag. This is definitely going to be used this summer in my beach bag. I love that it is waterproof so that it can be used at the beach or at a pool, and you don't have to worry about your things getting wet or damaged. 
The first item in my bag isn't really a surprise to me. I emailed Ipsy's customer service in April to select one of the items in my box. I knew that I needed to try Briogeo's Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Spray. I emailed Ipsy at support@ipsy.com, and they were able to accommodate me immediately. Great customer service! I absolutely love spray leave-ins and this one has been on my radar for a bit now. Can't wait to try it!

The next item is a little disappointing to me. I can only use waterproof mascara because of how oily my skin is, so unfortunately I won't be able to try the IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara. It is said to be an ultra volumizing mascara that separates and lengthens each lash. I already have someone in mind to pass this along to.

Ipsy must think that I need to improve my highlighter game, haha! This is the second month that I have received one. I'm not complaining though, since it is the Urban Decay Afterglow Powder Highlighter in the shade Sin. This champagne colored highlight is stunning, and I almost wonder if it is the same thing as the shade Sin in the Urban Decay Naked Palette....I'll have to swatch these two to find out. Either way, both are gorgeous, and I can't wait to use this. I've always preferred powder highlights, so this is right up my alley.

I love trying new brands. The next two items in my bag are from brands I am not too familiar with. The first item is the Cailyn Cosmetics Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint + Velvet in the shade Practicable. It is a cinnamon matte tint that is meant to by hydrating, long-lasting, and opaque. The shade is very pretty, and I think I might actually hold on to this one instead of giving it away. I have a thing for matte lip tints. The last item is the Jelly Pong Pong Supercharged Super Intense Eyeshadow Duo in the shade Electric. The packaging is so cute, and I love the bright blue! Both shades in the duo (rose gold and gold) are highly pigmented and will completely flatter my blue eyes this summer. I might need to go try this once I'm finished writing this review.
This is a really great bag this month. I can see myself using almost all of the products included this summer. I already have a feeling that the Briogeo spray and Jelly Pong Pong eyeshadow duo will be well loved over the next couple of months. I'm already excited for my next bag!

Click here if you would like to sign up to receive your own Ipsy Glam Bag!

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Love With Food: May 2017

I don't know about you, but I am so thankful that it is finally spring. We had a few weeks of constant rain not too long ago, and I thought I was going to go crazy if I didn't get a bit of sun. I've finally gotten my wish, and the weather ha been absolutely gorgeous. I'm spending more time outside now, and my mood has definitely improved. Who knew that weather could effect your mood so much?

Anyway, I was on my way home from a walk when I spotted my Love With Food box on my doorstep. Needless to say, I was pretty pumped. This month's theme is Savor Every Moment. I'm going to switch things up this month and list everything in the box below. Enjoy!

-MadeGood Chocolate and Banana Granola Bar
-WOWButter Toasted Soy Butter
-La Panzanella Multigrain Croccantini Crackers
-Mandy's Rich Chocolate Cookie Thins
-Dolcetto Cookies and Cream Wafer Bites
-Sensible Foods Organic Apple Harvest Crunch Dried Snack
-Route 11 Dill Pickle Kettle Potato Chips
-Lance Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
-Bakery On Main Maple Multigrain Muffin Instant Oatmeal

That's everything! I really like everything that they included this month. I can't wait to try the dill pickle kettle chips and chocolate and banana granola bar. Actually, everything in this box looks freaking amazing! This is another great box!

Click here to subscribe and get your own Love With Food box!

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Home: Room Sprays

I'm a scents person. I like for things to smell nice and fresh, and work hard to ensure that where I live is just that. Room sprays are my favorite way to keep things smelling good. I have quite a collection of sprays that I use, and thought I would share my favorites with you today.

My absolute favorite spray I have ever purchased is the Primark Home White Tea Room Spray. Tea is one of my top favorite scents, and this makes my room smell like a delicious cup of sweet tea. It also has some floral notes that balance everything out, and leave my bedroom smelling so freaking good. The spray is pretty cheap too, and I am still using the bottle that I bought last year since I only need about 3 sprays to really make my room smell nice. The spray comes in a glass bottle with a wooden lid, and it feels way more expensive than it actually is, which my high maintenance self appreciates. 

A recently favorite of mine is the Febreze ONE Fabric and Air Mist* in Mandarin. This is a brand new product from Febreze that doesn't have any aerosols, dyes, or heavy perfumes. I absolutely love the Mandarin scent. It smells like a tropical paradise, and allows me to pretend that I am actually on a tropical island. I spritz this on the couch and my comforter whenever I want to give it a bit of a pick me up. I may or may not have also sprayed this on a pair of funky smelling boots I own and it totally worked to make them not smell like death.

My final room spray is actually an aromatherapy spray that is meant to be used on the face or body, but I'm a rule breaker. It's the Happy Spritz Breathe Deeply. I tend to be an anxious person, and I have found that aromatherapy sprays and oils really do help me to calm down and relax at night. There was a time about two months ago where I couldn't sleep at all. I started spraying my pillow with this spray, and I would fall asleep almost instantly. The calming peppermint and eucalyptus scent helps my brain settle down, and allows me to sleep through the night. I am actually surprised that I like this as much as I do, because I typically don't like eucalyptus. 

Let me know in a comment below if you have a favorite spray for your house. I'm always on the lookout for new scents to try. Until next time! Xo

*Product provided for review purposes by BzzAgent. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

MiamMiam Box: April 2017

Bonjour! Okay, I'll stop pretending like I know French now. I attempted to dust off some of my French skills today because I'm going to be reviewing a French food box! Yes, you heard me right, a subscription box filled with yummy treas from France! I've been trying different food subscription services for awhile now, and international boxes are my favorite. I found out about MiamMiam after reading an article on Buzzfeed that they were featured in. I decided to give them a try for a month to see what they are all about. Fun fact; MiamMiam translates in English to 'yum yum'. How cute!

MiamMiam comes in three sizes: mini, orignial, and maxi. They also have an organic box and a candy box. I opted for the original box this time around. Each box is said to include the latest and tastiest treats from France that legit French people eat. I'm sold. They also have a shop on their website where you can buy products that are included in the boxes.


My MiamMiam arrived in an adorable yellow, blue, and white geometric designed box with the company's logo in red.  They included a recipe card in the box for Easter cookies, which is a fun touch. They also include a little booklet that let's you know more information about what you received in the box. This will come in handy for me since I didn't apply myself in school, and my French is extremely rusty. I will write a quick blurb about each item I received in the box below. Enjoy!

Haribo Soft Dragibus: I was on board with this box the second I saw that they included Haribo. These are an exclusive with MiamMiam. They look kind of like button shaped jelly beans. I like jelly beans, so I'm sure I will like these. Side note, did anyone else think of a dragon when they read dragibus? Just me?

TUC: These look like big crackers to me. I had to look at the card for this one since I can't tell if they are savory or sweet. The booklet says that they are, " crunchy and melting at the same time".

Pépitos Pépites: How stinking cute are these mini chocolate chip sponge cakes? The package comes with 5 mini cakes, which is a lot compared to other food subscription services. These would make a cute little dessert after dinner.

Chabrior Palets Brentons: I absolutely love butter cookies. They go really well with chai tea as an afternoon snack. These cookies look really yummy, and will be perfect for dunking!

Bahlsen Pick Up!: Who doesn't love chocolate? A Pick Up! is milk chocolate between two cookies. I think I'll save this when I'm looking for a sweet treat.

Brownie Blanc: Unfortunately, this isn't in the photo above. My sister and I already couldn't help ourselves and tried this before I could get a photo. It was freaking delicious. It wasn't too sweet, and both of us could not stop talking about how good it was.


Well, that's everything! I have to admit, this is a pretty cool subscription box. I haven't been able to travel the world just yet, but boxes like this let me feel like I have. All of the items look wicked yummy, and I like how they only include full sized products. Not a tiny sample in the whole box. This is such a cool concept.

Until next time! Xo

Thursday, April 27, 2017

How I Relax: Sanity Savers

As I have gotten older I have found that it is more important than ever that I take time for myself to decompress and relax. I tend to be the type of person that bottles things up when I'm stressed, so finding outlets for me to relax and be calm are vital for my sanity. I've compiled a list of my top 5 sanity savers in the hopes that it might help someone else that needs to relax and unwind. Please let me know in a comment below what strategies that work for you.


Sanity Saver #1: Music
The song Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine has been my go-to song since it came out in 2011. Whether I am relaxing on my bed and listening to it while practicing yoga breaths or dancing around my living room, this song always lifts my spirits and makes me feel like everything is going to be okay. Pretty much any Florence + The Machine songs chill me out. I used to listen to her albums on repeat whenever I was stressed in college. 

Sanity Saver #2: Reading
Reading books, any books, instantly calms my mind. I tend to reach for fantasy or science fiction books whenever I need to have a bit of an escape from the real world. I recently have been purchasing collectors editions of children's books that I loved as a child, and I love looking at the illustrations and rereading the stories that I loved.  To be honest, everyone should take some time to read children's books. They are just plain happy!

Sanity Saver #3: Trashy Reality TV
Reality television isn't even a guilty pleasure of mine. It is a pleasure that I indulge in frequently. Yes, I know that they are trashy and that I could be watching something more educational, but I love The Real Housewives. Bravo is on my TV probably just as much as the History Channel, which is saying something. I will literally watch ANY reality show whenever I need to zone out.

Sanity Saver #4: Water
You may be like, um water? Yes, I literally mean any body of water. I love sitting my the river near my house or taking trips to the beach and just sitting and listening to the water. Everything about it clears my mind and allows me to think. I went on a trip to a lake a couple months ago and spent almost an hour by myself on the dock just listening to the water and watching the fish swim by. It had to be one of the most relaxing days I have had in awhile.


Until next time! Xo

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Pinterest in Real Life: Tie Dye Canvas Tote

Pinterest is one of the greatest places on the internet for someone like me that likes to think of herself as crafty. Crafting and DIY projects are a fun way to add your own personal touch on an item that you already own. Plus, it lets you tap into your creativity, and helps you create a one of a kind item that no one else will have. How cool! That led me to the idea for Pinterest in Real Life posts. How it will work is that I will find a tutorial for a craft or recipe on Pinterest, and I will try it myself. If I'm successful then I will end up with cool unique items for my house or things to wear, and if I fail then we can all laugh about it. It's a win-win!
I knew that the first tutorial I needed to try was this one for a tie dye canvas tote. The original tutorial came from the website Homemade Ginger. I instantly fell in love with spray tie dye technique. This tote was made for me. I thought it would be fun to make one for the beach to keep my wet bathing suit and towel in. My sister and I decided to make our totes over April vacation when she had time off from school and I had time off from work. I thought this would be a fun thing for us to do together. Sibling bonding, anyone?

What you will need
I made a trip to my local craft store, and loaded up on supplies. I purchased 2 canvas totes, a tie dye kit, spray bottles, and a variety of vinyl letters. The totes that I got are the largest that I have been able to find, and would easily fit a few beach essentials and a towel. 

My creative process, because I'm a serious artist...
I decided to create my own tote for the beach saying 'I'd rather be a mermaid' on one side using pink, purple, and blue dye. I chose this because in all honesty I would totally rather be a mermaid. My sister decided to go with 'Let's go to the beach 2k17' using the same colors as me.

Our first attempt was an absolute fail. I mean epic failure status. First, the stickers that I bought would not stick. I mean, who has ever heard of a non-sticky sticker? Then the Dollar Store spray bottles wouldn't spray. The Universe conspired against us. The colors all bled together into one hot mess.
Try 2 was much better. We went and purchased higher quality tote bags, stickers, and spray bottles. Don't be a cheapskate like me! I ended up only being able to fit the word 'mermaid' on my tote, but it came out way better than the first so I'm not mad. My sister's also came out WAY better than the first time. The only fail this time around is that we ran out of gloves and had to bare hand it...We looked like a bit of a mess for a few days.




The carnage

I absolutely love how our totes turned out. The spray technique we used looks super cool, and I love how the colors fade into each other. This tote will be perfect for trips to the beach this summer. I always hate bringing more expensive totes to the beach since they usually get ruined by sand and sunblock, but this tote will be easy to just throw in the wash. Of course, it cost me almost $50 to finally get this tutorial right, but I learned to spend a little extra if I want it to look good.

Until next time! Xo



Sunday, April 23, 2017

Meaghan Reads: Some of My Favorite Books

Books have been my greatest tool for escape since I was a child. I love nothing more than curling up with a blanket and a good book. I could lock myself away for hours reading (and I have). Basically, books = bae. Below I have thrown together a list of my favorite books. This list will include a mix of YA/children's books and adult novels and books. I will literally read anything put in front of me, so my favorites can be a bit eclectic.  


The first book that I have to mention is Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls: A Handbook for Unapologetic Living by Jes Baker. Jes runs the website The Militant Baker, and is a very outspoken voice in the body positivity movement. I came across her website when I was in college and going through a pretty long period of body hate. Her posts were a god sent. They helped me to love my body, and helped to educate me about body image. I was beyond excited when I found out she released a book, and ran to Barnes and Noble to grab my copy. Her book challenges common misconceptions about weight, encourages self-love, and educates people about body shaming. Oh yeah, she also is absolutely hilarious. I couldn't put this book done, and find myself rereading it whenever I need a pick me up.

The next book on my list is Yes Please by Amy Poehler. I've been a fan of Amy Poehler since she was on SNL. Her one-liners and comedic timing are incredible. This book is a collection of stories, poems, and pieces of advice that really show how funny Amy is. This is a great book to bring to the beach and just get lost in. I brought it along last year on a trip I took, and I had to force myself to put it down around 3 am so that I could get some sleep. All of the stories she included about when she was younger are so relatable, and I love her girl power message.

Now, it's time for a children's/ YA book, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts I & II by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne. This is the screenplay for the Harry Potter play that was performed in 2016. I was a huge fan of Harry Potter growing up, and I was so excited to find out that someone was continuing the story into Harry, Ron, and Hermione's adulthood. I really enjoyed being able to see the characters become parents and deal with a brand new villain. I highly recommend this to anyone that is unable to see the play in London or loved the original series. 

The last book on my list is The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. I know, many people don't like books with romance in them, but I absolutely love them. Nicholas Sparks' books might be a bit dramatic at times for my taste (my life is stressful enough), but when he gets it right he gets it REALLY right. The story revolves around a Marine that finds a photograph of a young woman while he is on duty in Iraq. He then decides to find the girl. I won't spoil the plot for anyone that hasn't read the book or seen the movie, but it's really good. I will say that this book and Safe Haven  are tied for my favorite books by Sparks. Heck, just read both of them. This man has made me cry each and every time I have read one of his books, and that says something since I'm not a crier. I mean, have you read The Notebook?!

I have loads of other books that I could include on this list, but I figured I would keep it short this time. Let me know if you like this kind of thing, and I can recommend some more books. Until next time! Xo

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Beauty Wishlist #2

Today's post is going to be pretty quick since I've come down with a bug and am feeling like death. I'm sharing another one of my beauty wishlists. This time I decided to break it down by makeup and body products. Let me know in a comment below what you are loving or if you have tried any of these products.




Until next time! Xo

Sunday, April 16, 2017

MunchPak: April 2017

Hey guys! Happy Easter! I'm back with another late night, I'm hungry but too lazy to get up and get anything purchase. I've got myself another MunchPak. Yes, I am fully aware that my logic of ordering food online that won't arrive for weeks when I am hungry currently makes no sense. This time around I decided to try a MunchPak mini. The mini includes 5+ full sized snacks. I also paid an extra dollar to specify that I wanted something sour in my box. I have been craving sour things all month, and I couldn't help myself when I saw that I could customize an aspect of my box for just a buck. 

Like always, they include a cute little card to let you know who packed your box. Thanks, Nick! I will list everything in my box below and give a quick little blurb for each. Keep reading to see what is inside!
Dorval Cotton Candy Sour Power Straws (Netherlands)
This is the sour item I paid extra for, and I am so pumped. I love cotton candy anything, and sour straws are one of my favorite things to sneak into movie theaters. Shh, don't tell anyone.

Vitaminka Stobi Flips (Macedonia)
The website describes these as sweet peanut butter Cheetos. Okay, am I weird to find that appetizing?

Ppushu Ppushu Honey Butter Flavor (South Korea)
I can't be the only person that eats uncooked ramen out of the package. I guess this snack is uncooked ramen that you put honey butter flavoring on. This sounds pretty interesting to me, and I've never tried anything like this before.

Olza Prince of Polo Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Wafer (Poland)
This is a hazelnut flavored wafer that is covered in milk chocolate. My dad loves these, so I'll pass this along to him.

Crown Saekom Dalkom Grape Hi-Chews (South Korea)
I freaking love Hi-Chews! I have never had the grape flavor before, but I imagine I will like it. Excuse me while I go eat the entire thing now...

The last thing in my box is a chocolate cupcake with chocolate flavored cream filling from Israel. I cannot find this on their website at all for more information. It looks good though, haha!

Another great box. I actually think I might like my mini more than the full size I got the last time. All of the snacks are either unique or something I already know that I will like. I will definitely be getting another box next month.

Until next time! Xo

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Love With Food: April 2017

Hey guys! I hope you all have had a good week so far. I've been on a bit of a spring cleaning spree recently. The clutter was really starting to make me claustrophobic. I had no idea that I owned so much crap. It feels so good to throw away things that I know I will never use. 

Yesterday I came home from work, and saw that my Love With Food box had arrived. It could not have come at a more perfect time. I typically keep snacks in a drawer at work for when I forget to pack a lunch, and today I went to grab something and found out I was all out. SUCH a bummer! I'm going to restock my stash with items from my box this month. Fingers crossed I received some good items. Keep reading to see what is inside! Oh, and this month's theme is Be the Change.
I figured I would start with the savory items in my box. The first thing I pulled out if something I have actually purchased before, Utz Original Potato Chips. I get these to bring to parties and barbecues all the time. The next item is the 180 Snacks Almond Pops with Blueberry. I use to buy something similar to these at Target a few years back. I'm super excited to give these a try.

I had a ton of sweet items in my box this month. The first item is the Prince of Peace Ginger Candy, and I already know that I will be passing these along. I'm not a huge fan of ginger, so I'll pass these along. I am very excited to the the Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears. Anything gummy is right up my alley. I guess the fact that they are organic makes them healthy, right? I also received a bag of Dang Foods Cacao Coconut Chips. My dad loves coconut, so these will go right to him. Next is The GFB's Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar Bites. I've actually tried this brand before in a Popsugar Must Have box. I'm not a huge fan because of the coconut, but one of my friends really liked them so this will go to them. The final sweet item looks absolutely delicious! The Kashi Salted Chocolate Chunk Nut Butter Bar sounds so amazing. I've eaten Kashi cereal before, but never tried one of their bars. Who doesn't like chocolate though?

My box also included a protein powder this time around. I had no clue that Burt's Bees made protein powders. The Healthy Radiance Protein Powder isn't really my thing, but I can pass this along to someone else.

Click here to subscribe and get your own Love With Food box!

Until next time! Xo

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Ipsy: April 2017

I have made it no secret that I am a huge fan of subscription boxes. I have tried pretty much every popular beauty subscription box under the sun over the past 6 years. I've finally decided to give Ipsy a try after talking with my best friend last month and she shared how much she has loved her Ipsy subscription. I have no clue why it took me this long, but I was excited to finally see what all of the hype is about.

We first need to take a minute to fully appreciate how freaking adorable this month's bag is. It's a giant red-orange ticket. This totally brings me back to raffles and carnivals from when I was in school. This is definitely a fun bag compared to the others I have seen in the past whenever I read reviews online.
Now, onto the items in the bag! I have tried to become a more patient person, but I've come to terms with the fact that I'm nosy and I don't regret it. I totally looked at the spoilers for this month, so I already knew what would be included in my bag. Keep reading to see what's inside!
Okay, I will admit that I was a little over excited to see a product from OFRA Cosmetics in my bag. I've seen so many people review products from this brand, and I have wanted to give it a try. In my bag was the OFRA Cosmetics Blush in the shade Rendezvous. It is a cool toned rose shade that I am excited to use this spring. It will look great on my fair skin.
Who doesn't love a good multi-purpose product. The Elizabeth Mott Show Me Your Glow Shimmer Shadow & Highlighter can be used as either a highlight or a shimmery eyeshadow. I typically save highlighter for days when I am wearing a full face of makeup, but I always love a subtle bit of shimmer on my lids on days when I am going a bit more natural and want my eyes to pop a bit. I've never heard of this brand before, but it seems like it would be perfect based on the swatch that I did.

I was so excited to see that my bag included the Theorie Marula Oil Transforming Hair Serum. I recently tried a spray leave-in that had marula oil in it, and my hair felt amazing afterwards. This serum is meant to moisturize and nourish hair, and it is safe for color treated hair. I dye my hair red every 6 weeks, so I definitely need this.
It has been ages since I received a nail polish from a beauty subscription service! I am so pumped to see that  the Dream by PS Cosmeceutical Infused Nail Lacquer in the shade Southern Sand is included this month. I adore peachy nude polishes, and I have been wearing pale pinks and nudes almost exclusively for the past 4 months. Apparently this brand includes grapefruit seed extract in their formula to make nails healthier and shinier. Sounds good to me!

I've been a fan of TONYMOLY for awhile now. They are a Korean brand that make amazing face masks and other products that have the worlds most adorable packaging. My bag included the TONYMOLY Liptone LipCare Stick in the shade Rose Blossom. This is such a pretty pink. I'm always game for a lip balm.

Okay, I am kind of kicking myself for waiting this long to subscribe. I will totally be able to use all of the products that were included. Sometimes beauty subscription services send some whacked out crazy stuff that I will never use, but all of my products are like things I currently use. Plus, I like that I haven't tried or heard of most of the brands that are included. Oh, and can we talk about that bag everything came in?! It will be such a fun makeup bag or mini bag to keep in my handbag.


Click here if you would like to try Ipsy!

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Outfit of the Day: LuLaRoe Irma and Leggings

Today's post is a little different for me. I'm slowly starting to include more fashion posts on my blog and photos on my social media. Fashion has always been something that I am interested in, but I've never felt that I'm extremely stylish by any means. I know what I like and what looks good on me and that's about it. 

One of my coworkers introduced me to LuLaRoe about a month ago, and I have been hooked. LuLaRoe sells ultra comfortable clothing. They are known for their leggings, comfy tops, dresses, and cardigans. Basically, everything I wear on pretty much a daily basis. The thing that makes their company unique is that they only make a limited amount of each pattern or style. This means that if you like something you better buy it immediately. Also, LuLaRoe doesn't sell their clothing online, so you will need to find a consultant in your area in order to make a purchase. I currently belong to 4 LuLaRoe groups on Facebook, so it's not hard to find someone that sells it.
Ignore all of the junk in the background. I was in the middle of cleaning when I decided to take this picture, haha!
For today's post I am wearing a black Irma, a high low tunic that is wicked comfortable. I own 4 Irmas right now, and I swear I would wear this every day if I could get away with it. This top flatters my curves, isn't clingy, and the fabric is very high quality. I've already washed mine a ton and the colors haven't faded, and they still looks the same as the day I bought them. I paired my Irma with a pair of their Tall/Curvy leggings. I lusted after these leggings for almost a month before I finally broke down and purchased them. The light purple shade along with the blue flowers are so pretty, and I couldn't not own them. LuLaRoe leggings are ultra soft and make you feel like you aren't wearing anything. 
I absolutely love this outfit. I've always been a black leggings kind of girl, but I really like the fun pattern of these leggings paired with a simple black top. I also like how I can dress this outfit up a bit with a statement necklace and booties or keep it casual with riding boots or leather Vans.

Until next time! Xo

Monday, April 10, 2017

What's in My Trash #2

Who is ready for another exciting installment of What's in My Trash? Who doesn't love digging around another girl's trash...Okay, that sounds a bit weird, but you all know what I mean. I haven't used up too many products recently, but I do have a few little things that you all may be interested in. 

I've never had a true holy grail nail polish before, but I think I may finally be able to commit to one. Target's  Defy & Inspire Nail Polish in the shade Pinky Swear has been my go-to polish for almost a year now, and I can't get enough. I wear it for weeks at a time, and am currently on my third bottle. It is the absolute perfect pale pastel pink that compliments my fair skin. I've abandoned most bright polishes in favor of pastels and nudes, and Pinky Swear is always my top pick. The formulation of this line is also incredible. GO BUY IT!

I love me some Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes. These are the makeup wipes I always come back to after trying other brands. My skin can be easily irritated and red, and I've never experienced any sort of problem with these. They help to remove all of my makeup at the end of the day, and leave my skin feeling really clean. 

I've been religiously using leave-in treatments for the past couple months to add moisture back into my hair, and the Living Proof. Restore Perfecting Spray from my recent Birchbox really helped my hair. The spray is meant to detangle and moisturize hair to make it more healthy. My hair felt very soft when I used this, and I was genuinely sad when the small travel-sized bottle ran out. I am currently using another spray, but I would definitely purchase this in the future.


Until next time! Xo

Saturday, April 8, 2017

What I'm Listening To #2

Hey guys! I hope all of you have had a fantastic week so far. I've been wicked stressed over the past few weeks, so I've spent more time than I usually do on my morning routine. I love setting aside an hour each morning to pamper myself. I switch up my playlist every couple of weeks so that I don't get bored. I really love my current playlist. It's a good mix of upbeat songs and more thoughtful slow pieces. Let me know in a comment below what songs you are currently listening to! Xo
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  1. Zedd and Alessia Cara Stay
  2. Ed Sheeran Galway Girl
  3. Bruno Mars That's What I Like
  4. Chance the Rapper Finish Line/Drown
  5. Jade Don't Walk Away
  6. Busted On What You're On
  7. Andra Day Rise Up
  8. Selena Gomez Hands to Myself
  9. James Taylor Carolina in My Mind
  10. Noname the Mind Sunny Duet


Wednesday, April 5, 2017

First Impression: L'Oreal Paris LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray

I've been a loyal user of Tresemme's Tres Two hairspray for years now, but I felt it was time for me to try something new. On one of my almost daily trips to Target I was checking out hairsprays and stumbled on the L'Oreal Paris LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray. I've used loads of products from L'Oreal Paris before, so I had a feeling I would like. Plus, I'm a sucker for this brand in general.
The product comes in a fairly plain black and blue can with a nozzle designed to create a fine mist. I tend to gravitate towards hairsprays that deliver the product in a fine mist since they are easier to work with and prevent too much of the product from being sprayed at one time.

This stuff smells AMAZING! It has a light vanilla scent that makes my hair smell yummy, and it actually compliments my perfume (which I was worried about). I've read a few reviews that said it was sickly, but I really like it and I'm a huge scent snob.

The hold is what impressed me the most. It locks everything in place. I guess it really did earn it's name. The mist is ultra fine, isn't sticky, and dries quickly. I have used this at 7 in the morning while getting ready for work. and it held my curls in place well into that night. I was extremely impressed. Now, the best part of this hairspray is the fact that it doesn't leave my curls feeling crunchy. Any hairspray wearer will tell you that crunchy hair can feel uncomfortable and look unnatural. I'm not into that at all. This definitely gave hold, but I could still run my hands through my hair.

The weather control aspect also intrigued me. It's the middle of winter where I live right now so I haven't been able to test that just yet, but I have worn this out the middle of a rainstorm and snowstorm, and it held up like a champ. My curls stayed in place, and you couldn't even tell that I had been out in the elements.

The best part of this hairspray is the price. I picked up my bottle for only $4.99! That is a complete bargain in my book. I think I may have found a new favorite hairspray.

Until next time! Xo

Monday, April 3, 2017

ModCloth Stylish Surprise: Spring 2017

Typically, I can't stand surprises. I am a proud control freak, and I like knowing what I am getting myself into. I am able to put all of that aside however when it comes to ModCloth's Stylish Surprise. Stylish Surprise allows you to select your size for either apparel, dresses, shoes, or accessories. The catch is you don't know what you are going to ultimately going to receive. It will be a complete surprise! This time around they also added home decor into the mix. I love that ModCloth does this, and it actually is a cool way to refresh your wardrobe. 

My box arrived in the mail a little over 2 weeks ago, and I am just now getting around to reviewing it. I know, bad blogger. I've been so busy with work and life, and I could not motivate myself to try these pieces on. I mean, I could barely pull it together enough to wear anything other than a t-shirt and leggings.

Stylish Surprise can be a total hit or miss, and it's always a bummer when some fugly clothes arrive. Last time I tried this I received a sweater that wasn't really my taste, and I was a bit disappointed. I am choosing to stay positive though. This is a mystery grab bag type of situation, so there really is no point in getting upset. My sister ended up loving the sweater in the end, so it really was money well spent. I ordered two apparel items this time around, and I could not wait to see what they sent me!

The first item I received is a black and white skull cardigan from the brand Hell Bunny. First of all, I find the name Hell Bunny hilarious. The cardigan is definitely right up my alley with the colors, and I love skulls. Unfortunately, the cardigan doesn't fit my broad shoulders or long torso. It fits really snug in the shoulders, and I could see this driving me crazy if I ever tried to wear it. I tried to find the cardigan on the ModCloth website, but I had no luck. I was able to find it here if you are interested in purchasing it. The sweater retails for around $58 from what I found online, so it is definitely a steal considering the $15 I paid for it. I already passed this along to my sister, and she loves it. It fits her way better than me!

The second item they sent me is blue capped sleeve blouse that features a bow from the ModCloth brand. This is something that I would never purchase for myself because of how I am allergic to capped sleeves, but I actually like how this blouse looks on me. The blue shade is feminine and perfect for spring, and the bow is a girly touch. I still don't like how the sleeves look on my arms, but this top will be cute with a cardigan or blazer. The only thing that might be a bit of a negative with this top is that it seems to wrinkle easily. I'll definitely need to iron this bad boy! I was also unable to find this top on the website, but I found a similar one that you can purchase here. I can't find this blouse online to figure out the retail value, but I think it's easy to see that it is worth way more than $15.

Overall, I am happy with what I got. I am disappointed that the cardigan didn't fit, but the blouse makes up for it. Plus, it's always fun to be able to pass something onto my sister. I have been looking on Instagram to see what other people received, and I have to admit that I am a tad bit jealous. Some people received some really gorgeous pieces. I will definitely try this again the next time around, and I might even try to snag one of the dress Stylish Surprises or maybe even a home decor one! Screw it, I might just grab one of each and see what happens...

Until next time! Xo

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Curvy Girl Thoughts: Things I Am Tired Of Hearing

I'm back today with another Curvy Girl Thoughts. I had so much fun writing the last one where I discussed problems I have with plus size fashion. You can go and read it by clicking here. This time around I thought I would share some of the absolutely ridiculous comments people have actually made to me. Now, I'll be the first person to admit that I have a bit of a temper and let people know what I'm thinking if I think they are out of line, but there are other times where I can't help but laugh at how dumb some people can be. Let me know in a comment below what weird stuff people have said to you so that we can all collectively laugh at some people's ignorance.

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Have you ever thought of trying "insert name of diet here"?
I must try new diets constantly, right? No. 

You are so pretty for a big girl.

Actually, I'm stunning, but nice try.

Are you really going to eat that?

Yes.

I don't think we carry your size here.

Um, mind letting me look around? Also, who asked you for your opinion?

Are you sure you want to wear that?

Yes.

I'm sure some guy will find you attractive some day...

Some day? Hate to break it to you boo, but they already do.

You would be so pretty is you lost "x amount" of weight.

How random is this comment? Are you a human scale or something?

I wish I could be like you and stop caring about what I look like.

Another random comment. Is this a complement or a diss? Do you even know?

You must love Rebel Wilson!

Of course I do, but not because she is plus sized. That girl is HILARIOUS!

You are so brave.

For what? Living?


Until next time! Xo



Saturday, March 25, 2017

25 Random Facts About Me

I tend to be a private person, and I only really open up once I'm comfortable with people. As the proud owner of this blog I think it is time that I get outside of my comfort zone and let people get to know the real me. That is why I created a list of 25 random facts about myself. I figure I might as well give you a glimpse into my weirdness now before you mistakenly think I am normal. Why not share my weirdness in the hopes that some of you out there might actually be able to relate.
  1. I have studied both French and Spanish. Too bad I am crap at both of them. I know a few words here and there, but I can't really carry a conversation at all. Wish I could though!
  2. I hate odd numbers. I know, it's weird. I always change the volume on the radio to an even number.
  3. I can't help myself from buying things that have a cat print. They are just so cute!
  4. I love pickles. I am not ashamed to admit that I have eaten a jar in one sitting.
  5. I know every word to the entire Wicked soundtrack. 
  6. Chai tea is the bomb dot com. I order it every time I go to Starbucks.
  7. I drink iced tea every single day.
  8. I'm afraid of the dark and still use a night light.
  9. The open ocean freaks me out. I need to know what could be under me! 
  10. Medical procedure shows are my favorite! I find all of the surgeries fascinating.
  11. Boston is one of my favorite places.
  12. The beach is my second favorite place.
  13. I hate heels. 
  14. I live for sarcasm.
  15. Harry Potter is still my favorite book series of all time.
  16. I'm a professional ugly photo taker. I get an abnormal amount of joy from taking ugly photos and sending them to my friends and family.
  17. I cry at commercials. That Christmas Frankenstein commercial had me sobbing!
  18. Spiders make my skin crawl.
  19. Pink peonies are my favorite flowers.
  20. Historical documentaries = bae.
  21. I love all animals. 
  22. I'm an introvert that forces myself to be an extrovert. 
  23. The smell of coffee relaxes me.
  24. I love tattoos. I think they are pieces of art, and I would be covered in them if I had a different job.
  25. I am always daydreaming. 
Until next time! Xo

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

MunchPak: March 2017

I am a massive foodie, and snack subscription services are slowly becoming some of my favorites to receive. I already subscribe to Love With Food, but I wanted to try something a bit different this month. I did some research late one night and came across MunchPak. 

MunchPak is a food subscription service that sends a variety of snacks from around the world. I was so excited when I saw that they include snacks from other countries in their boxes. I have major wanderlust on a daily basis, and I love to try products and foods from different countries. The global aisle at the grocery store is my absolute favorite! I decided to go with the original MunchPak that includes 10+ snacks. I really wanted a wide variety of snacks to choose from...and I was hungry when I ordered so the mini version was out of the question. Keep reading to see what was included in my box! The easiest way to do this will probably be to list it and include a quick blurb about each. I will also be including the country that each snack comes from for any of you that find that stuff interesting like me. 
The first thing I noticed when I opened my box is that they include a little card that lets you know who packed your box. This is such a cool touch. I love when companies give their employees credit for their hard work. Thank you for packing my box, Roxanne! Now, let's jump right in!


Guinness Toasted Cheddar Potato Chips (United Kingdom)
I had no clue that Guinness made potato chips. I am always game for anything cheddar flavored.

Crown Dduk Kko Ji Snack (Korea)
I had so much trouble reading this packaging, haha! According to the website, these crunchy rice snacks that are flavored with chili sauce and garlic syrup, and are based on Korean street food.

Kolson Twitch Sticks (Pakistan)
I absolutely LOVE spicy food! These crunchy sticks are flavored with chili spice, and are supposed to be wicked spicy. I'm so excited to try them!

Parle Kreams Gold Elaichi Cookies (India)
These look just like vanilla Oreos. Who doesn't like cookies? My sister likes these a lot, so I might pass these on the her.

Costa Cereal Bar Golden Cereal (Chile)
This is just like the cereal bars I would eat before school when I was little. It is basically a bar of cereal that has a swirl of yogurt flavored cream. This will be good to keep in my bag in case I get hungry at work.

Koska Badem Krokan Almond Snack (Turkey)
Okay, I totally had to look this one up on the website. The description didn't help much, but I think it's some kind of almond brittle. I like almonds regardless, so this will definitely get eaten at my house.

Yoyo Hazelnut Wafers (Jordan)
Lord I love me some hazelnut. Wafer cookies are so freaking good.

Hi-Chew Lime Sours (China)
Yum! I have had these before, but never the sour lime version. They are pretty much a better version of a Starburst.

Necco Sky Bar (USA)
This is another product that I have had before. My dad loves these! It is a chocolate bar that is filled with caramel, vanilla, peanut, and fudge.

Milka Oreo Chocolate Candy Bar (USA)
Um, how have I never seen this before???? Oreos are my jam. This is going to be eaten immediately!


Final Thoughts
I am over the moon with my box. This is such a cool concept, and I like the wide variety of products included. The 'who packed your box' card was a nice personal touch, and I think I definitely got my money's worth. It's so cool to try products from all around the world. I have never heard of/seen most of these products before, and I am so excited to give them a try. Thank god the Munchpak website has a shop where you can buy more!

Until next time! Xo


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Body Positive Quotes and Thoughts

I have not always loved my body. It has taken me years to finally be able to look in the mirror and like who I see staring back at me. I have to work hard each day to remain positive and not give into negative thoughts that have their way of creeping up on you when you least expect it. Today's post is going to be quick. I just wanted to share a few quotes and thoughts that I keep on my phone for when I need a little pick-me-up. Enjoy!






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Until next time! Xo