My "Go-To" Lip Combo

Hi Beauties, 

Sorry for the stank face, but I was trying to get a picture where I wasn't smiling so I could show you my go-to lip combo.

The combo is as follows:

-I start off with the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask ($26 - available [HERE]) This is my h-o-l-y grail lip product. Its thick, comes in a squeeze tube (downside is you do have to use your finger to spread it), and well worth the hefty-ish price tag. It use it in the morning, and at night, and have recommended it to anyone that will listen. 

-Next I do a ever-so-slight overline using the MAC lip liner in Spice. ($17.50 - available [HERE]) Spice is described on the MAC site as "Pink Cinnamon stick" and I couldn't agree more. It is BEAUTIFUL. It goes with anything, and is a true "your lips but better" color. I have gone through several of these throughout the years, and I never want to be without it. Sometimes I even wear it on its own, and just fill in my lips completely with it.

-Finally, I top it all off with MAC's Creme Cup lipstick. ($17- available [HERE]) It is described as a "Light Blue Pink", which I would agree with under normal circumstances. However, when combined with the Spice liner, it completely transforms. It is a beautiful, natural, "your lips but better" color that is completely business appropriate, but is also gorgeous for a night out.

What are your favorite lip combos? What should I try out for summer?

Let me know in the comments, below!

Lots of love,
Erin

Daisy Vox Box

Good Morning Beauties,

Recently, I had a very exciting mail day.. the day my Daisy VoxBox Arrived!! If you haven't heard about Vox Boxes, then you need to get Influenster on your beauty radar. This company sends you surveys, and if you qualify based on your answers, you get sent a (Vox) box to try out and to review for free. There's really no catch at all, you get sent the products and in return you review them. Easy as that.

My Daisy Vox Box was filled to the top with so many goodies.. which included:

Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner: I LOVEEE the smell of coconut so I was thrilled when I saw this product. I have tried it once so far and it was really great and moisturizing my thick, dehydrated, curly hair. I can't wait to see the results from continued usage.

Always Infinity Flex Foam Pads: Always is my "Go-to" brand of pads and tampons, but I have not tried the Flex Foam kind. I will definitely keep you updated after I try these out.

Yes to Tomatoes Charcoal Sheet Mask: To be honest, they had me at charcoal. Recently charcoal masks have been all the rage, and I cannot wait to try this out as it blends my two skincare loves (Charcoal, and sheet masks!)

Nature's Bounty Probiotic Gummies: Probiotics are something that I have been interested in trying for the longest time. The only catch is that I could only seem to find probiotic yogurt, and I'm lactose intolerant. I have tried these out for several days now, and they are tasty, and don't hurt my stomach, which is a win-win.

Skinny Pop: Sea Salt Popcorn: This was such a delicious afternoon snack for me at work. It wasn't greasy, and had just the right amount of salt to satisfy my salt craving that I get every afternoon. I will definitely be purchasing more, and stashing these in my desk at work to have on hand for afternoon snacks.

Dannon Light & Fit Coupon: There was also a coupon for a free Dannon light & fit yogurt. Even though I'm lactose intolerant, I will pass this along to my husband who will be excited to try the light & fit. I will definitely report back.

Again, I was sent these products to review for FREE. I am not getting paid by the companies, and all opinions are my own.

Be sure to check out Influenster, for your chance to get in on the next VoxBox.

Lots of Love,

Erin

Nerium - Firming Body Contour Cream

Hi Beauties,

Today, I have a cheeky little purchase from Nerium to share with you. As you can tell by the pictures, I picked up the Nerium Body Contour Cream after seeing amazing reviews and before and after photos. Basically, this cream is a firming cream that helps to reduce the amount of stretch marks and cellulite while tightening your skin. It comes with a hefty price tag ($120), but I knew that I had to try it! 

I will most definitely keep you updated on my progress!!!


xo

Unicorn Frappuccino - Nearly Wordless Wednesday.

I finally got one. If you love Mango, then you will LOVE the unicorn frapp.

So, you're thinking of getting Nexplanon..

So, you're thinking of getting Nexplanon?

My hopes for this post, are to share with you my experience so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to get the Nexplanon implant.

Let's get personal for a moment..

I got Nexplanon inserted at age 22, after suffering from terrible monthly cramps and migraines that came along for the ride. I wanted to try something that may help, and after trying several different birth control medications, none of them seemed to work for me. (The worst being the Seasonique pill, which left me with intense cramping and blood clots.. I told you we were getting personal here.) After doing hours of research, I came across what I thought was a fix all - the nexplanon implant. Something that I wouldn't have to remember to take daily, and would last for three years.

Depending on your type of insurance will depend on whether or not there will be any costs in getting this. I ended up having to pay $80 out of pocket, and my insurance covered the other $720. YES, you read that correctly. It normally costs $800. 

Nexplanon was inserted by my doctor during a routine office visit. The doctor numbed my arm and inserted the implant. I got mine in my right arm, because I am left handed. They normally insert it in your non dominant arm. Once the numbness wore off, I was left with a gigantic bruise that ran from an inch down from the back of my shoulder, all the way to my elbow. The whole procedure lasted no more than 30 minutes, and that included the time waiting for my arm to become numb.

The first week/month(s) were great. No periods, no cramps, no migraines. I was so happy that I had made this great decision. That was until I was at the 1 year with Nexplanon mark, and shit decides to hit the fan.

It happened with the slow realization that my clothes didn't fit anymore. Then I stepped on a scale and discovered that I had gained 60 pounds. Yes, you read that right, S-i-x-t-y, the big 6-0. SIXTY POUNDS IN ONE YEAR. I was chunky, I was emotional, I was depressed. The sad thing is, that I wasn't eating more than usual, and after speaking with my doctor, found out that weight gain is one of the more serious side effects.

After that one year mark, things went from bad to worse. 

The periods started again. Except 10x heavier than before. They would also last up to 3.5 weeks. We are talking a super plus tampon and overnight pad every hour and a half. The migraines also started up again.

After almost a year of this, I decided that I'd had enough. I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN, and told her about my experience. She knew several other people who had the same or similar experiences as mine, and always encouraged her patients to explore other options before going the route of getting Nexplanon.

The problem was this - my insurance had paid for me to have the Nexplanon for 3 years, and they weren't going to pay to have it removed without making me jump through many hoops first. They had my doctor run tons of tests to make sure that my symptoms weren't being caused by another underlying issue. This included several rounds of blood work, a vaginal ultrasound of my cervix/uterus, and a test to make sure that there were no polyps inside my uterus. Once all those tests came back normal or negative, my insurance finally gave the green light to have the Nexplanon removed. 

The removal process was easy, just like the process to have it inserted. The doctor numbed my arm, and made a small incision which allowed her to gently push out the Nexplanon. I literally cried tears of joy when I saw her drop the implant onto the tray. (I was emotional, what can I say!!) 

It has been a year since I got the Nexplanon removed, and I have already seen a huge difference. I lost 40 pounds (still have 20 more to go. It's a process, as the pounds are much harder to lose than they were to gain.) I started taking the Loestrin 24 pill, and I have never looked back. I finally feel like I am in control of my own body, and I am forever thankful.

So, if you are still reading this, first of all Kudos to you. Second of all, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, if you are considering getting Nexplanon, please do your research, and make an informed decision. My hopes for writing this, was to share my experience. I know that reading message boards, and realizing that I wasn't alone in my experiences, really helped me when I was struggling and feeling overwhelmed.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Lots of Love,
Erin

Fragrance Friday: Bath & Body Works - Cactus Blossom

Happy Friday!!!

Today's Fragrance Friday is none other than Cactus Blossom by Bath & Body Works. Typically, I'm not a huge fan of floral scents. They've never really been "my thing". I had a coupon for a free item up to $14, and I saw this medium 1 wick candle. Cactus blossom is a scent that intrigued me. It is a floral, but it smells smoky to me, almost like flowers at a bonfire..is that even a thing? I have burned this in my guest bathroom, and it lingers into the hallway which I love. This scent really sticks around, but is light enough to not be headache inducing.

I didn't think I liked it at first, which is why it ended up in the guest bathroom. Now that it's almost done, it really has grown on me. I'm interested in picking up a 3 wick, if I can find it on sale!

Have you tried Cactus Blossom? What are your thoughts?

xo,
Erin

TRAVEL: Washington DC - Cherry Blossom Festival / Kite Festival

This weekend, I visited the annual Kite / Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. It started off cloudy, but ended up being a beautiful day. It was nice and breezy, perfect for flying kites. If you plan on attending the Kite Festival, I highly recommend that you bring your own kite. They were selling commemorative kites at the event for $15, which seemed a bit high for how small they were. We really enjoyed walking around the Washington Monument looking at all the different kites. My favorite was definitely the skeleton kite, as well as the dragon kite. 

Seeing the Cherry Blossoms in the spring in DC was always on my "bucket list", and I was so happy to be able to see them this year. They don't disappoint, and I'm still amazed by how beautiful they are. I cannot wait to go back next year.

Have you ever been to see the Cherry Blossom trees blooming in DC? 

Love,
Erin

Fragrance Friday: Yankee Candle - French Vanilla

Happy Friday!!

I've recently fallen head over heels for candles. For years and years, I was an avid Scentsy melter (and consultant). I still love Scentsy, but I no longer sell it, and I don't buy it too often as I have a huge stash. That's where this candle comes in. Back in January, I got an email telling me about the Yankee Candle Semi-Annual sale, and I had a little look on their site. I ended up ordering a few, but this large jar in French Vanilla is a total stand out.

First of all, these large jars last FOREVER. You get a lot of bang for your buck, and you get to enjoy the candle for longer than a couple of days.. (Here's looking at you Bath and Body Works..)

French Vanilla is a light vanilla scent which is PERFECT for a bedroom. It isn't overwhelming, but you can really smell and enjoy the scent.

I'm almost half way done with this candle, and I'm already plotting another order. I will definitely pick up another French Vanilla large jar.

By the way.. if you are a Yankee fan, but have trouble getting your candle to pool out completely.. invest in an illumalid. Totally worth the $8-$10, and it helps your candle burn evenly. I would highly recommend.

What are your favorite Yankee candles? What scents should I try next?

xo,
Erin

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: Saturday stroll to the Marina

Happy Wednesday!

This Wednesday is (nearly) wordless. I wanted to share some pictures I took at the marina while practicing with my newer fancy-pants camera!

Love,

Erin

Victoria Secret: Coconut Sky

Lately, I've been craving coconut scents. It's been unusually warm in the DMV, and I am overly excited for spring and summer.

I found this beauty on clearance for $4.95, and knew it was just meant to be. It was a Limited Edition product, and since I found it on clearance, I wasn't able to find any of the additional products like the body wash or the body lotion..bummer! I've been consistently wearing it everyday since I purchased it, and it really lingers throughout the day, which is good since I work long hours. 

This scent is described as a fruity floral of "Thai blonde coconut, and exotic passion fruit". The scent is more than just a coconut scent, and is more complex than the usual selection that you may find at Victoria Secret. I'd say, if you can find it, then definitely check it out. I'll be keeping my eye out for it at the next VS Semi-annual sale.

Have you tried this scent? What are your thoughts?

Love,
Erin

PS: Did you know that VS has discontinued their Pear Glace scent? I'm heartbroken. I was just checking out the website, to possibly pick up some other fun summer body splashes, and I couldn't find Pear Glace ANYWHERE.. after some expert googling, I found out that it has been discontinued, with no plans to bring it back. That was a scent that I wore throughout high school and it is so nostalgic. I sincerely hope that they will bring it back, and I will be on the hunt for it, at any future Semi-annual sales.

TRAVEL: National Air & Space Museum - Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

If you ever find yourself if Chantilly Virginia, I definitely recommend you check out the National Air & Space Museum - Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. It's kind of off the "beaten path" of the normal Smithsonian museums, but it so worth the trip. As with all Smithsonian museums, admission is free. It's home to the SR- 71 Blackbird, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Bring your walking shoes, because there is so much to see. Another fun fact about the Steven F. Udvar- Hazy Center is that a portion of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was filmed here.

Have you ever visited the National Air & Space Museum - Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center? What was your favorite part?

Love, 
Erin

Change is coming

I know, I know.. I keep saying that "I'm back"..but I am this time. After journalism school, I fell into a loop of job after job, but never felt fulfilled, like I felt when I was writing constantly and updating my blog regularly. So here I am.

In case you forgot:

I'm Erin
I'm ALMOST 27 (OMG!) 


Here you will find anything and everything. Makeup (my first love), cooking, cleaning, organizing, and anything else my little ADHD heart desires.

I hope you'll stick around!

Love,
Erin