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

Beauty Wish list

Hi Y'all,

It's been quite a bit of time since I bought any beauty products, but I've still been watching beauty videos and ready blogs. While doing this, I've started writing things down on my "beauty wishlist". Here are a few of the top products that I cannot wait to try.

Brazilliant Lush Shampoo bar: Apparently shampoo bars are all the rage. I've heard tons of amazing things about the Lush shampoo bars in particular. The Brazilliant bar was the one that really caught my eye because it claims to help manage unruly curly hair. (which I have!) [$9.95]

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick: Sheer Rapture: Confession time.. I've only ever tried one Urban Decay lip product. It was way back when I first got into makeup and all I remember is that 1. There was a guy in his underwear on the lip gloss packaging, and 2. it smelled like really nasty popcorn. It kind of made me nauseous and that turned me off of lipgloss for quite a while. Anyways, these sheer lipsticks look so gorgeous that it makes me want to give Urban Decay lip products another chance. The color Sheer Rapture is described as a dusty rose color, and I cannot wait to try it. [$22]

 The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Body Spray: I love peach anything. and I mean ANYTHING. I just know that I would love this body spray. I think that it would be perfect for summer! [$7.50]


Too Faced Boudoir Palette: I really love eyeshadow palettes, but I don't remember ever trying Too Faced shadows. I saw a video where LisaLisaD1 raved over this palette, and it looked gorgeous on her. Perfect for everyday eye looks! [$36.00]


Well that's what is on my list right now.. What products are on your wish list?


Love,
Erin

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

Hi Y'all,

 

 

I'm back..  For real this time! I have time now, which is amazing because now I actually have time to write!

 

I saw the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish while watching The Schuerman Show, which is my favorite vlog on youtube. The gorgeous Sam, tried a color and it seemed to hold up so well while still looking lovely! I knew that I had to try it.

 

I picked up the color Pinky Promise, along with the top coat. They are kind of pricey for drugstore polishes but if you think about it, they are cheaper than getting a gel manicure at a nail salon. (They retail for about $7.99 each at Walmart)

 

How gorgeous is the Pinky Promise shade? I chose this shade because it seemed the most wearable for everyday. I wanted it to be work appropriate.

I know it is a very natural color, but I think it is perfect for everyday!

 

So far, I am on day four of my manicure. Guess what? There is absolutely ZERO chipping!! Seriously, that is unheard of with me.. I tend to be really rough on manicures. The Sally Hansen brand claims that you can get up to 14 days of a non-chipped manicure.. do I really think my manicure will make it two weeks without chipping? Not really, but who knows! I'll definitely keep y'all updated on how long it lasts! Right now though, I'm really impressed, and plan on stocking up on other colors!

 

 

What do you guys think? Have you tried it? Did you love it? What colors should I pick up next?

 

 

 

Talk soon!!

 

xo,

E

Winter wonderland

My first snow day in college. I'm still doing homework of course, but today I get to work from my recliner. 

How beautiful is the snow? (There is ice of course under it - making it dangerous!)

Glossybox Limited Edition Gold box! // Thanks SISTER

Hi beauties,

It has been a while.. forgive me?

I'm back at it! Back to blogging which is so much fun for me, and a lot cheaper than therapy.. can I get an amen?! What is more relaxing than talking about beauty products? Exactly... there is NOTHING more relaxing!

Okay, so:

For Christmas, my sister got me a year's subscription to Glossybox, which made me literally the happiest girl on the planet!! It's like Christmas rolls around once a month, instead of once a year! :)

Since she ordered me the one year subscription instead of going month to month, she was able to snag me the super luxurious [Limited Edition] Gold Glossybox! EEEEK!

How beautiful is the packaging? :)

 Now to the goodies inside:

 

Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr Clay Purifying Mask: I was BEYOND excited to see this in my Glossybox! I have been wanting to try the Kora Organics line since it first came onto the market quite a while ago! I haven't tried it yet, but will report back soon!

Butter London Nail Varnish- Henley Regatta: This color reminds me of Mermaids! I cannot wait for my next mani/pedi, because I plan on getting my nails AND toes done in this color!

Philip B. Chai Latte Soul & Body Wash: This smells exactly like my beloved Starbucks Chai tea latte, and I cannot wait to lather myself in it!

Nuxe Fondant Body Scrub: I have heard wonderful things about the entire Nuxe body care line from all of the British beauty blogs that I read, so I'm super excited about trying this out! :)

beautyAddicts- lip Addiction lip gloss in "St. Tropez": I love toffee lip colors, and think glosses with brown undertones compliment my skin, so clearly St. Tropez is right up my alley! It is a thick but not too sticky lipgloss that has some definite substance to it, so it stays put on your lips! I'm loving this gloss at the moment.

Bodyography lip pencil "Crimson": A gorgeous true blue based red! Perfect for wearing under my favorite MAC lipstick Viva Glam Cyndi!  

There you have it! The contents of my LE Gold Glossybox I'm thinking of doing a monthly US Glossybox post! YAY!

Talk soon & Lots of love.

XOX,
E

REVIEW: St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion

 

 

 

 

Hi beauties,

Long time no see!! :) Sorry about that! Life kinda happened, and I neglected my blog for a few weeks. I'm back though! I have a product review for you today on the St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion. This lotion has a AHA complex, which helps with skin turnover, and helps take care of uneven skin! The good thing about St. Ives, is that it is completely natural! The AHA comes from fruit extract, and not harmful chemicals! It smells fruity, and does a great job at moisturizing, without leaving a greasy residue. It sinks in really quickly! All in all, I'd give this a product an A+. I have noticed that my skin looks smoother, which is great for fall when it starts becoming drier outside, and my skin needs the most help!

 

Have you tried this product? If so, I'd love to know what you think about it!

 

XOXO,

Erin

Crockpot Vegetarian Chili Recipe

 

 

 

 

 

Hi beauties,

 

Today I wanted to share with you my crockpot vegetarian chili recipe. Recently, my Mamaw gave me her old crockpot that she wasn't using, and I was MORE than excited!! I had been pinning to my "Crockpot//slowcooker" board on Pinterest and was excited to give it a go! I used a mix between my mom's recipe and The Pioneer Woman's recipe, which turned out to be a great combination.

 

What I did:

 

1.) Chopped one large onion, (I love onion) but it is totally optional if you don't like it.

2.) I sautéed the onion pieces while I cooked half a bag of Morning Star Grillers Recipe Crumbles. I did so in the same pan.

3.) In my crockpot I put 1 can of light red kidney beans and 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed).

4.) I next mixed in 2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

5.) Finally I added, 1 can of tomato sauce, and one of the tiny cans of tomato paste.

6.) For the seasoning, I added 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano.

 

I mixed up the ingredients in the crockpot, and set it to the "low" setting and let it cook for 5-6 hours.

 

That's it -- easy right?

 

It is a hearty vegetarian chili perfect for those cooler fall days!

 

Let me know if you try it out and what your thoughts are on it!

 

XOXOXOX,

E