Weekly Roundup : Friday Faves #31

 Hey friends, can we all agree to be super grateful that it's Friday? I know I sure am! I've rounded up some of my favorites of the week and, as always, be sure to share yours in the comments!

My first favorite is this Milani Bronzer in the shade Fake Tan. I love the contour because it's so cool toned and the bronze has just a bit of shimmer for a nice summer glow. Also, the pan is HUGE so it will last forever and because it's Milani it was affordable.

This second Milani product is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also is really pretty as a blush topper. It's the illuminating face powder in the shade Amber Nectar. It's a bronze, blush, and highlight all in one but when you mix them all together you get the prettiest sheer coral. You can use it for a super natural blush or highlight and it's just gorgeous.

I've been doing more shop my stashes lately as I am trying super hard to rotate my ridiculously large makeup collection and I pulled out this beauty that I was obsessed with last summer. It's from an Etsy store called Give Me Glow and it's in the shade Halo, a super gorgeous golden highlight that packs a big punch. It was also really affordable.

I've also been loving using this e.l.f. contouring brush to get a majorly defined contour. It's super thin and dense so it really gets in the cheek to add definition and I am loving a bold contour lately.

Last but always most favorite is Stephanie, the blogger behind Go Fashion Deals. Not only do I love her blog for fashion inspiration, she also has an Etsy store (GeekyGlamSteph) now where she sells tee shirts like the one she's modeling above. I love them, especially paired with a skirt like she's showing here! Go check her out.

Well that's all for this week my lovely lot, I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and try to stay cool! XO

Diary of a Real Life

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I've made it a point to be as open and honest as I can on my blog. In a world where social media reigns supreme, I feel like it's so important to continue living a "real" life and portray that on my blog and various social media sites. I allow myself to be vulnerable, imperfect and even just plain "normal" because I'm human. We all are. Sometimes I feel like people mistake that for insecurity when nothing can be further from the truth. I get comments reassuring me that I'm fine, that it's okay, etc, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love every single one of my blogger friends and each and every comment is so sweet and thoughtful and I couldn't be more grateful. I guess I just don't want what I say to come across different from what I mean.

In my quest to live my normal life via the internet I want to make it clear that I have lots of self confidence, am more than okay with myself, my life and my image and don't need to be reassured that what I do or say is okay. I know that and I want you guys to know it too. I don't want people to see my blog and mistake it for a girl who is worried about what she is doing or what others think. Instead, I want all my blogging friends to know that I don't live in a fantasy world and I'm okay with that. I'm still 100% grateful and you should be too, whether you're keeping up with the Jones' or simply trying to keep it together.

I've had people in my day to day life comment on my blog to also reassure me that what I'm doing or saying is okay. If I've ever written a post coming across as needing this reassurance I apologize profusely. I simply share my life, my real life, with you guys because you are my friends. I know you'll be inspired, be amused, or simply come to catch up with me. Basically, what I'm trying to say is, friends, it's okay that my life is messy, I embrace it. I'm happy with it. If you come to my page, I hope you are happy with it too. Love you all, and happy Thursday! XO

What's My Face Worth?

hteorI've seen this post floating around and I found it interesting for a couple of different reasons. I pride myself on always finding affordable alternatives to high-end products but I also use a lot of makeup everyday. A lot. So even though the majority of my products are drugstore, I had a feeling it would still add up. This doesn't even include eyeshadow because I don't wear it all the time.  This is the day to day basics of what I always wear. Also, whatever the amount ends up being, don't tell my husband okay? Here's what my face added up to on this day:

The base : I use NYC's smooth skin primer. It retails at Walmart for $4.12. I also use NYC's smooth skin liquid makeup which I also purchase at Walmart for $5.56. The e.l.f. hydrating under eye primer which is amazing is $3 at pretty much any drugstore as well as on e.l.f.'s website.

Coverups and powders : I've used the Maybelline Fit me! matte + poreless powder in the shade translucent since I first discovered it and have repurchased it over and over. It retails for $4.97 at most drugstores. The L'Oreal Magic Lumi highlighting concealer is $9.89 which bothers me because a) that's super pricey and b) I don't like it all that much. Time to switch up my concealer, I think. The Laura Gellar balance + brighten foundation powder is a trial size and perfect to set my undereye concealer. I bought it in a kit, but the single product averages out to be $9.75, another pricier item considering I have a lot of cheaper versions that I like just as much.

My two eyebrow products are my some of my favorites and products I feel like I'll use for a long time to come. The e.l.f. eyebrow kit runs for $3.00 and the brow drama is $6.99. The formula is one of the best I've ever tried and is a firm favorite.

Two more NYC products that are really, really good and super affordable. The NYC mascara in Skyrise is super lengthening and the skinny brush makes it really easy to use, even on bottom lashes. I get it for $4.49 which is amazing for a mascara. The NYC liner has been a long time favorite and one of two eyeliners I use on a regular basis. It sets me back $5.17, again, amazing for a liquid liner.

This NYX baked and illuminating is gorgeous this time of year and has been a frequent guest in my makeup bag. It's in the shade Pink Fetish, lasts forever, and only costs $6.99. I've talked about this Butter Bronzer in a recent favorites. It's by Physician's Formula, which is, admittedly, one of the pricier drugstore brands so this comes in around  $12.50, one of my most expensive products. Still, totally worth it.

This NYX lip liner and Chi Chi liquid lipstick have been my favorite combo lately. The pencil, in the shade Purple Rain and costs $3.99. The quality of these lip pencils suggest a much higher price point so I own quite a few. This liquid lipstick is kind of a cheat because I actually received this from a lovely blogger friend, but they retail at $16.95 and can't be found at local drugstores for me...

Altogether, my everyday face costs $97.44. I know that's kind of a middle range price-point but still, seeing it in print really reinforces that makeup buying ban I'm always trying to put myself on. Do you guys know how much your face is worth? Happy mid-week my lovely friends! XO

InstaNatrual Glycolic Cleanser

I'm not skincare expert, but one thing I have figured out is what my skin likes. I have super oily skin with large pores and as I've gotten older, I've also started worrying about the fine lines around my eyes and mouth. Since I battle all these issues I've found that Glycolic acid is a holy grail for my skin. It shrinks my pores and manages my oiliness while giving me anti-aging benefits. I've been using this cleanser for a few weeks and have noticed my skin is softer, smoother and has a youthful glow to it.

This cleanser exfoliates by removing dead skin cells, helps to eliminate acne and also provides antioxidant protection to help against daily aggressors like UV radiation. The cleanser has Vitamin E, cucumber extract, organic chamomile extract and green tea extract, just to name a few of the natural ingredients. That's another thing I love about this particular brand, it contains natural ingredients that are good for your skin while being incredibly gently. The best part? A 6.7 fl oz bottle is only around $20.00. That's a steal for great skincare!

If you're interested you can find out more about the product and purchase it here. You can also check out InstaNatural on Instagram using the #InstaNatural

Let me know if you guys have heard of this brand or tried any of the products. I'm purchasing the mattifying toner so I'll keep you guys updated!

*Thanks to the folks at InstaNatural who sent me this product for free. This post is not sponsored and all thoughts and opinions are honest and are my own.

Life Lately...

I took a week off a couple of weeks ago to get my life semi-organized. After moving and working, working and moving I felt like I needed a bit of a breather. Then I posted once last week and I just couldn't bring myself to post more. I was in a blog funk, so thank you to all my sweet, amazing blog friends that checked back with my blog to leave your thoughtful comments - it never goes unnoticed and it's always appreciated.

Last weekend was the hubs birthday and we had a quiet day celebrating, watching movies in bed, eating lots of treats and going on a late night bike ride. It's been nice to enjoy a slower pace lately as life seems to be go, go, go for us right now. Not only was it the hubs birthday this month, but also my good friend Sash's birthday and my friend Emelia over on Dream Big and Buy the Shoes; so one thing is for sure, I love my Cancer's! Happy birthday and I hope each of you got all the love and happiness you're so deserving of!

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Mostly I just wanted to assure you that I'm back, I feel refreshed, I have some new ideas and I'm ready to buckle down and do some more blogging, read some more blogs, interact with my beautiful people and hopefully post some things you'll love!

I hope you all had a peaceful, happy weekend! XO 

Pride + Prejudice + Zombies Palette

Ever since I was little I've loved to read and I distinctly remember reading Pride and Prejudice when I was around 11 or 12 for the first time. I remember so vividly because a) I didn't understand half of it and b) even without understanding most of it I thought it was so romantic. Needless to say, I've read it many times since then and it remains one of my favorites. So when the spoof "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" came out I read it immediately. And it was hilarious. So, in turn, when the movie came out I saw it almost as fast and it was surprisingly good. I say surprisingly because I almost never like a movie after I've read the book...although I suppose the spoof aspect takes some of the oomph out of it. This whole long intro is leading up to the fact that when BH cosmetics came out with a makeup line mirroring the movie, I knew I was going to be buying at least one product from the line. Being the totally responsible and reasonable makeup shopper I am *inserts eye roll emoji* I only bought the palette from the range. It had nothing to do with the fact that technically I'm on a makeup ban and even that was too much.

I'm feeling particularly chatty today, probably because of my week long absence (sorry 'bout that) but when I look at this packaging I just swoon. Like if I were a palette I'm pretty sure I'd look like this. One time I was talking to my husband about if I was a purse (as you do) and I pointed to a floral, pastel pink, purple and yellow one and said, "this would be me!" He, in turn, looked at me, rolled his eyes and said, "I know you want to be that one, but you'd be a black leather studded purse." Sometimes he knows me a little too well if you ask me. Anyhoo, it's true, I'm in love with all things a little dark and mysterious.

"I shall never relinquish my sword for a ring"

As far as the palette itself goes, you get a good range of colors, with a few neutral matte shades that come in pretty handy. I love the shimmery smokes in the middle section but my favorite color in the entire palette is that pale gold highlight. So pretty and buttery. The pigmentation is pretty good, although slightly powdery. The one thing I must say is that orange blusher is super pretty but insanely powdery. Which, weirdly enough, I never noticed until I swatched it on my hand. Applied to my cheeks it blended fine but that's something to look out for.

Have you guys tried any of the Pride+Prejudice+Zombie range or have you seen the movie? What did you think? I hope you all had an excellent weekend and have a Happy Monday! Let's kick this week's butt! XO

Weekly Roundup : Friday Faves #30

This week flew by since it was so short because of the holiday, not that I'm complaining! Happy Friday friends!

One of the things I love so much about the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams is how pigmented they are. This bright orange in the shade Morocco has been a favorite lately. These are super creamy but stay on for hours and dry super matte. You can find it here.

I'd seen this bronzer at the store but kinda always passed it by until my friend Biana over on B Loved Boston talked about it in her blog. Then I felt like I just HAD to have it and I'm glad I picked it up. It's the Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer and I have mine in the shade light. It is so finely milled and goes on so smoothly and it smells like coconuts so that alone makes it worth it! I've always loved Physician Formula bronzers and this one goes right up there with my favorites. You can find it here.

I LOVE Lancome blushes, I'd even go so far as to say they're my favorite blushes out there...well, at least in formula. This is the shade Havana and I'm loving it for a natural flush on my cheeks. When I don't feel like doing contour and bronzer, I just swipe this blush on and it still looks put together. You can find it here. 

The Wet n' Wild highlighters are my favorite highlighters from the drugstore. They're super affordable, you get a ton of product and they are so pigmented and formula wise they are so smooth. This one's in the shade I'll Have a Cosmo and it's my new favorite! You can find it here.

Christie's Blog Moany Mouse is one of my favorite blogs to read. She shares snippets of her home and I've been following along on her budgeting journey and getting tons of inspo from her blog. Check her out, I know you'll love her!

That's it for this week guys. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend - eat lots of food, have lots of fun and stay cool! XO

July Goals (2016)

It is scary and surreal to think the year is half way over! I feel like I'm kind of cheating because looking back at my June goals right now, I'm only starting to do them in July. Whoopsies. Technically, though, until I do this blog post it still counts right? Sure. So I started biking to work again this week, which has been going well so far, so I anticipate continuing that for the following months. I did get a date night in with the hubby, albeit it was the 4th of July. I did not spend a relaxing day during our vacation but we are going on a working vacation in August (at least working for the hubs) so I anticipate plenty of relaxing days as he'll be in conferences all day. So I'm not too gutted that I didn't actually accomplish that one. I mean, even though it took me to the very first week of the new month to complete the goals, they still got done, okay. Okay.

1. In July I really, really want to take some time to get back into yoga. Honestly, I need it more for my mental health than anything and with the last few months being busy and rocky, I need it now more than ever. I'm shooting for doing a 30 min session at least 3 times a week.

2. Drink more water. I'm on and off with this one...I used to be really good at drinking about 10 8oz glasses a day but with my coffee consumption at an all time high I find myself drinking like 4 or 5 a day, which isn't nearly enough. I want to be more cognizant this month of that.

3. Complete all my tasks before settling down for the night. Now I'm not talking about getting everything done on my never ending to-do list...I'm talking more daily tasks. I used to be super good about getting everything I needed for work, etc, together the night before but lately, I've taken an "I'll do it in the morning" stance. Not only do I forget half the things I need but it also starts my day off super frazzled and crazy, and we all know I don't need any more of that going on.

Those are what I'm hoping to accomplish in July...what are your goals for the month? XO

Red, White and Blue

Even though July 4th's over, this combo of colors is one I wear quite often, aside from the holiday, because they just go so seamlessly together. Not only does the look scream American classic, but the boldness of the red is always downplayed by a pair of worn blue jeans. I top off with my favorite red lipstick and no matter what time of year I always look put together and classic.

Excuse my super pale legs...I haven't had a chance to soak up some of this awesome sunshine we've been having so I'm still wearing my winter skin. Actually, to be honest, I rock the SPF 70 so even if I was out in the sun I'd be this pale...I hope you all had a wonderful holiday/weekend my beautiful friends! XO

Shirt: Ross, similar here
Jeans: Walmart, old
Shoes: Qupid, similar here
Necklace: Orelia, here
Purse: Angela & Roi, here

Link up with Andrea and the Blended Blog crew here for their summer style linkup!

Weekly Roundup : Friday Faves #29

Another Friday's here again and I couldn't be more happy about that. This has been a long week but now that it's Friday I see the light at the end of the tunnel! Here are some of the things I've been loving this week.

I love the Maybelline brow drama line, like, a lot. I have both products in the shade Auburn which is perfect for me right now and the formula is ah-mazing. One thing I don't enjoy? That ball at the end of the spoolie...would much prefer a normal one.

I wasn't sure how to feel about this Wet n' Wild fiber mascara at first because you definitely will get little cotton fibers in your eye every single time. However, they do make my eyelashes super thick and long so that's the price you pay I suppose.

I love to line my lower lash with a pop of color as opposed to a harsh black and this super pretty brightening silver pencil by Pacifica is my recent favorite.

This Kate Moss lipstick is showing up way more pink on camera but it's actually a gorgeous bright purple shade that is stunning this time of year. It's in the shade 29 and it's been a favorite for a while now.

I first really started following Meadow through her Instagram account because her love of vintage clothing is right up my alley. However, her blog has quickly become one of my favorites because she is just such an amazing writer and storyteller. Check out her blog here. Also, she just went blonde and I'm totally obsessed!

Let me know what you're loving lately! XO

P.S. Rainbow's latest video here...that girl is amazing and spreading her message helps a lot of people!