Recent Drugstore Favorites $10 or Less

I love finding products at the drugstores that are worth speaking about; it's like winning the lottery. Well, not really, but it's an awesome feeling to know you've purchased something (usually) for less than $10 that's of great quality. Here are a few recent products I adore, use on a daily basis, and that you can snatch up at your local drugstore! 

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow $7

I am a stickler for putting on my Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer; however, it is unnecessary when I used these Color Tattoo shadows. They are incredible! There are a variety of colors, it's easy to apply, and it doesn't crease - and, best part, it looks the same at the end of the day as it did in the morning when you applied it! I have Bad to the Bronze, Tough as Taupe, and Pomegranate Punk. 

NYX Slide On Eyeliner $8 

I always go back and forth between liquid liner and eyeliner pencils. For the past several months I've been on a pencil kick because of these bad boys. They are comparable to higher-end brands - usually compared to Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On pencils. I love pursuing makeup stores and I have swatched these pencils side by side. There's no difference - they both go on smoothly and I can rub over them until my had is red, and they don't budge. The only difference is that NYX's pencils are significantly less expensive.   

Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow - Addictive $8

I love this whole line - not just because the colors stay put throughout the day, but all the pallets are gorgeous! I love the Addictive one especially. Three of the colors are matte and the taupe color has only a slight shimmer - which is great in moderation during the day. The pigmentation isn't as great as some higher-end shadows, but the colors are buildable and it's really not an issue for me. As I mentioned earlier, I always wear my eyeshadow primer, so I lay that on before applying these colors, but so far they've always lasted all day. 

Baby Lips Lip Balm $3

I'm in love. It's a lip balm in lipstick packaging and these make my lips incredibly moisturized and soft. some of them have a light sheen of color and others are just to renew that pout! I have more of these than I should admit to, so I'll stay quiet. 

Do you have any recent favorites?

Five Things

Smokehouse Potato Soup

It's been a bit chilly down here in the south. Nothings better than hearty, flavorful soups on cool days. This soup is one Chris and I love. Love! It's delicious and even better the next day. Here's the recipe above - just add to the first line "cook until potatoes are tender." Add to the second line "add in crumbled bacon." Enjoy!

Shellac Manicure

The picture above is day seven of my manicure. I use my hands and fingers a lot throughout the day. My regular nail polish usually chips on day two (if not day one). I'm amazed and will definitely be getting my Shellac on when it comes to special events, holidays, and long trips. You literally don't have to take it off until your nail grows out and there's a noticeable gap between your cuticle and polish. They typically last 14+ days. It's a slightly longer and more expensive manicure, but worth the extra time a couple bucks! 

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters

Ah! You've probably heard of these already, but I can't help but mention them. The line comes in an assortment of gorgeous colors and calling them a butter could not be more true! These butters are moisturizing and have great pigmentation. I have berry smoothie, peach parfait, candy apple, and cotton candy (not pictured). Go try one! I promise you'll love them - and you'll probably buy more. 

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream

I received this in a sample size in a more recent Birchbox. It smells amazing, works wonderfully, and you don't have t worry about that greasy film that lotion can sometimes leave. It's jam-packed with minerals and other goodies to keep your hands looking and feeling great! I love it!

Jimmy V's ESPY Speech circa 1993

If you're a college basketball fan, you know this week is Jimmy V week. If you have 11 minutes today (or tomorrow, whenever) I urge you to watch this speech. This is his acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award; it is sincere, emotional, and motivating. He speaks powerful words and you can't help but smile when you listen - you'll probably cry too. Less than two months following this speech he lost his life to cancer (bone cancer). 

Fab Five Friday

My birthday. 

Yesterday I officially entered my upper twenties. 27 if you have to know. It's weird, but cool - I guess. But mostly weird. I must say, though, I take pride in the fact I am still always asked for my i.d. - and when I ask a waiter to guess my age before looking at my i.d., the number is usually between 19-22. Which is awesome.

Dexter

One of my favorite shows on television started off a brand new season this week. I am so excited for Sunday nights now!

  

BareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow in Top Shelf

Just purchased this eyeshadow duo last night. The colors are gorgeous - actually, all of the duos were gorgeous, but I decided this pair suited me best. Can't wait to try it out!

Sweet Meat

My favorite part of waking up in the morning is seeing Maeby get excited that I'm up. It's like us sleeping through the night is the same as if we had went out to eat. She wiggles, smiles, and licks me for a couple minutes - to let me know she's excited I woke - and then, instead of getting back in her bed, she jumps onto ours and curls up in my warm spot. My little meatball. 

Smartwater

Some people say they can't taste any difference between one water bottle or the next- I can. And smartwater is by far my favorite. Now, it doesn't have a taste, but that's why I like it. 

Also - don't forget to enter the Stella Collection Date Necklace giveaway! And if you can't wait for the giveaway, enter the code D&T20 at checkout for 20% off!

Fab Five Friday: Foundations

I decided to do a themed Fab Fve today. Back when I started my blog (over a year ago - I can't believe that)  I shared Favorites of mine, which usually involved beauty products. So I think I'll be incorporating some beauty favorites - blushes, eye shadows, lipsticks. 

Below are the five foundations I reach for most often. There aren't certain occasions I wear one foundation or the other - it's just kind of whatever I feel like putting on that day. I go through phases of wearing each for for a couple months. I've found that these five are ones I've purchased more than once. 

1. Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation

I find myself grabbing for the loose, mineral foundation on the weekends. It's fast, easy, and offers the perfect amount of coverage that's not too much, but just enough. I have two colors - one for winter, one for summer. 

2. Maybelline Dream Cream Foundation

I don't typically wear drug store foundation. Not because I don't think the quality is good - I actually think drug store brands have several great products. I just hate that I can't swatch the foundation before buying. There are so many different shades, and I almost always grab the wrong one. I just can't handle not having a near-perfect match for foundation. Luckily, when I decided to try this foundation out, I grabbed the perfect color. I love this stuff, The coverage is great, application is smooth, and it lasts all day.

3. Mac Select SPF 15 Foundation

Of the five mentioned, this is my go-to foundation right now. It's water-based, provides just the right amount of coverage, and isn't heavy or cake-like feeling. I love this stuff. 

4. Stila One Step Foundation

This stuff is called One Step because it's supposed to act like your primer, concealer, foundation, and powder all in one. I ended up buy this because of a beauty guru on YouTube that raved about it. I'll admit, I never used it as all found steps - I still applied my primer, concealer, and powder. So I can't speak on its one-step capabilities, but I still think it's a great product. I don't know if it's being discontinued, but it's less than $15 on their site if you want t try it out! 

5. Benefit Play Sticks Foundation

I came across this foundation several years ago by walking into a Sephora, naked-faced, and just trying out different products. This happened to be the foundation I tried out and I loved it! I've bought this foundation several times since. This was the foundation I wore on my wedding day. It's smooth and applies easily - gives the right amount of coverage and it's packaging is sleek and compact. Love this stuff!

Link up below with your Fab Five!

Fab Five Friday

Zoya Pandora

I received this color in my Birchbox this month. It's the perfect nude with a hint of pink - I am in love with it and plan on purchasing a full size bottle (and perhaps additional colors) after this bottle goes dry. Please excuse my chipped nails - the polish had been on for a week already in the above picture. 

Greek Yogurt and Granola

Last weekend, while in Savannah, Frannycakes made me this delicious and nutritious breakfast that combined Greek Yogurt and a honey-nut granola. Y'all, it's amazing. It's also extremely fulfilling. 

Target Boyfriend Tee

I've mentioned several times that I love these tees! I can't get enough of them - these pictured above aren't even all the ones I own. They go with any and everything and are ridiculously comfortable and flattering. They are also more than likely on sale in your store, so snag them up while you can!

BLT Pasta Salad

I made this last night and it was delicious. It's a great alternate to the typical BLT sandwich. I think the recipe calls for too much thyme, but that's just my personal opinion. Next time I make this I might put my own spin on it. We'll see how that goes. 

Shower Cap

Mine is not this adorable, but I have one and use it most times I shower. It's a life saver and I'm not sure why I never invested into one a lot earlier. I've had mine for a couple years and I can't live without it. Have you ever had to shower without getting your hair wet? Where you're dodging the shower head to keep your hair dry, but you fail? Ever been there? Get one of these if you don't have one already.

Link up with your Fab Five Friday post!

Summer Essentials

So I was recently featured on Good Life for Less sharing my summer essentials, and I thought I'd share those favorite summer items with all of you as well! 

1. Easy and loose clothes. I'm from the south. Last year my husband and I made the move from NC to Alabama - I thought summers were rough in NC... they are nothing compared to the hot, humid air here in Alabama. When I'm hot, I want clothes that are easy to wear, will allow a nice breeze through my body, and that are simple. 

2. Bright nail polish. Essie is by far my favorite nail polish brand. I love the way the formula goes on my nails and I love all the colors they have to choose from! One of a Kind is perfect for an indecisive mind like mine - it's a blend of red, orange, and coral which are all colors I love for the summer. It's on my toes all summer long! (I'm also currently loving Cute as a Button)

3. A moisturizer that provides color and SPF.  This DDF Enhancing Sun Protection moisturizer is perfect. Not only does it moisturize and protect your skin from the sun, it also has "self-blending" color spheres that give you a more even skin tone and a hint of color. During the summer I usually skip foundation and lather up in this!

4. Lip Butter. Anything that will keep my lips moisturized is in my bag - no matter the season. This particular lip butter provides the perfect pink-coral tint you want during the summer months. 

5. A fishtail braid. Much like my clothes, I like my hair to be easy. I like it to be easy and out of the way. A fishtail braid is the perfect way to keep your hair out of your face and off your neck, but still looking fabulous. I honestly love a fishtail during any season of the year, but summer time just screams fishtail braid - for me, anyway!

What are your summer essential items?

Friday Favorites

Urban Decay Half Baked Eyeshadow

This is a true gold colored eyeshadow. Which may or may not sound intimidating to you - just looking at it was pretty intimidating to me, but I tried it out not too long ago and I love it! I've been using it on my lid and then a darker brown, gold color in my crease (which I talked about here) just about every day. 

If applied with a light hand, this combo works well for daily wear. It's also a great color for transitioning into an evening look, and just perfect for the holidays in general. This is also a versatile color to purchase as shimmering golds are perfect for summer time. If you are more of a MAC guru, I believe Flip and Amber Lights are very similar. The Loreal HIP colors probably have a nice quality gold as well. 

Love, love, love this color!

Friday Favorites: November Favorites

1. Smashbox Blush Rush in Passion This is definitely my favorite blush at the moment. It is a true pink, it's matte, and it is blendable. You can use a light hand for a soft, light application or you can really build the product up for a bright pink cheek. This is definitely going to be my go-to blush throughout the winter.

2. Rimmel Intense Wear Lipstick in Airy Fairy I purchased this a while ago and I am only now getting into regularly wearing it. This seems to happen a lot with me and makeup and clothes. Anyway, I had heard a lot of rave about this color and decided since it was inexpensive I would give it a go. This is a soft pink lipstick. Again, a perfect product for the winter months as it is a soft, light, and has a romantic feel to it. 

3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Smog UD eyeshadows are my favorite. They are good quality and there is such a variety of colors available. I've probably talked about Smog before - it was the first color I'd ever tried from UD and I've loved it ever since. It's a brownish-gold color and it's perfect for packing on the lip, blending into the crease, and lining the lash lines. So it's a super versatile color which is what most of your eyeshadow colors should be. 

4. Say Yes to Carrots Lip Butter in Melon The cold months of fall and winter are now upon us and I don't know about you, but this means my lips are going to get chapped. It happens every year. My go-to solution this winter is this lip butter. It's so smooth and smells delicious, plus it works really well. It's also organic which is pretty awesome in my book. It's available at any drug store.

5. Mac Mineralized Skinfinish Natural I like using pressed powder to set my foundation. It helps to keep it lasting throughout the day and give a more natural, airbrushed look. I really like Mac's MSF line; however, when I run out I'll probably buy a cheaper pressed powder. I feel like there are certain beauty products you should splurge on and others that drug store brands are just as good - and pressed powder is one that it's all kind of the same. 

6. Stila One Step Foundation I have been using this foundation almost everyday since getting it. It claims to be a primer, concealer, foundation, and powder all in one and it may be, but I haven't tried that out. I need to just wear this stuff one day, but I always just go ahead and put on my primer and concealer first and then top it all with powder. Either way it's fantastic. It offers full coverage and goes on so nicely. It is extremely pricey, but in my defense, I ordered it from a wholesale website and got it for less than half ($17!). There's also a lot of product in the package - I've been using it everyday and still have over 3/4 left! Love this stuff!

Friday Favorites

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Today's Friday Favorite was easy. Earlier this week I tired, for the first time, using this gel eyeliner on my waterline. I usually use a smooth-gliding pencil for my waterline and they all fail. By the time I am out the door, the liner is at least half way off and looks horrible. Not this. This stuff... was on until I washed my face later that night. I was shocked and excited.

I've never been able to find a product that stays on my waterline. And, just for the record, I don't cake on the eyeliner. I use very little liner on the lash line and the waterline during the day (and sometimes a little more at night for the dramatics), but however much I use, I want it to stay put.

I also love this stuff because it's relatively easy to apply. Granted, I required a bit of practice as this was only the second liner I've used that isn't a stick or felt-tip application. Once you get the hang of it though, it's nothing. And it's worth learning, because (again) this stuff is great.

Let's talk the price. It will set you back $15 - which may seem like a lot or may not seem like a lot depending what you already use. The price is worth it. This stuff last a super-duper long time, it doesn't dry out, and it does its job. Three great reasons $15 is worth it. I will continue to buy this - perhaps even in other colors too.

You will need an angled eye-liner brush to apply this if you do not already have one.

So that is that:

1. It stays on your lash line and waterline all day long.
2. It's fairly easy to apply (just practice if you need).
3. The price is worth what you get and how long it lasts.

Any questions...

Friday Favorites

{via}

Urban Decay Naked Palette 

{it's not in stock right now on Sephora or Ulta, but try actually going in the stores or other places online like Amazon}

I've written on this palette before, but it has never been featured as a favorite, and it most definitely is - especially since I have been using it almost every day since it came in the mail back in September. This palette is most definitely a bit pricey, it will put you back $44 (ask for it for Christmas!), but it is well worth the price - let me explain.

The palette is comprised of 12 full-sized eye shadow colors. Full-sized UD eye shadow pots are $17. If you buy three solo pots, you've already spent past the $44. The palette features some of UD's most coveted colors as well as some new colors that you can't buy individually. The colors in the palette range from light highlighting colors to dark smoky colors. In the palette you will see colors such as white, tan, brown, gold, rose, plum, black, and blue (check out the picture). I've swatched a few of the colors before. Something I personally love about UD eyeshadows is that not only are the colorss gorgeous, but they are highly pigmented. Which means one sweep with your brush does the trick, and the colors will last you longer when you aren't having to constantly build the color on your eye. As if getting 12 full-sized colors wasn't enough, you also receive a mini UD Eye shadow Primer Potion (which is a favorite of mine) and a double-ended 24/7 Glide-On Pencil which features Whiskey (brown) and Zero (black) - I'm not a huge fan of pencil liners, but this one is great! Very smooth and perfect for waterlines.

The versatility of the palette allows you to create a natural looking eye, a brown smokey eye, a blue smokey eye, or anything else you can think of with these colors. Since fall rolled around, I've been using Toasted (shimmery rose) on my lid and Hustle (a dark plum) on my crease - it's a great fall combination. With all the possible combinations this palette has to offer, it's perfect for traveling. If you are going on a weekend trip or somewhere for just a couple days, this palette is perfect. You only have to keep up with one piece for your eye color and you can create just about any look you would want. There's no opening and closing little pots of eye shadow or digging around your makeup bag for the color you are looking for.

I feel like I've written a ton, but it's just such a favorite of mine. (And I'm not getting paid to say any of this - I just am in love with the palette). UD eye shadows are definitely a favorite of mine since the very first time I tried them. My first color was Smog - a goldish-brown - and it's front and center in the palette.

If you are curious about the palette, just go to your local Sephora, Ulta, or UD counter and play with it. But I'm warning you, you may fall in love.

Friday Favorites

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle 

Y'all, this is my all time favorite eau de parfum. And I mean all time. The scent is fresh and elegant, it stays on all day long, and the bottle is easy on the eyes - perfect for displaying on a dresser or vanity. Without fail, any time I wear this goodness someone comments on how amazing it smells - it's that good. It's also Chanel, which, in my opinion, makes it a classic and something worth splurging on. I received a bottle of Coco Mademoiselle a couple Christmases ago and I am just now down to my last few drops - which is great because I usually never make it through entire bottles of perfume so quickly, but now I need more. The only other time I raced through a bottle of perfume was when I had Very Irresistible by Givenchy - another amazing and favorite perfume. 

I don't remember the exact moment I was in a department store and first smelled Coco Mademoiselle, but I'm so glad that happened and that I asked for it for Christmas. I highly recommend you get out there and sniff some yourself. You won't regret it! 

October Favorites

I apologize in advanced that half of these favorites are lip products. 

1. Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Serenade ($20)

I found this lip stick on clearance a while back for $9. It's a beautiful color. A burnt orange almost - which sounds weird for putting on your lips, but it works. It's really a great color for Fall. This lipstick lasts as well. Which is always a plus. 

2. Maybelline Color Sensational in Park Ave. Peach ($4.50)

I've spoken on this line of lip stick before, but I've only recently purchased this color - and I love it! It's a shade of red, but definitely has the undertones of peach and even pink. It's bright and gorgeous without being overly red - which I love a bright red just as much as the next person, but sometimes a subtle red is more appropriate. 

3. Urban Decay Lip Junkie in Naked ($19)

I'd been eyeballin' this lipgloss for a while and mom bought it for me on my birthday last month. There are several great features to this gloss. It's long lasting and the color pay off is great - definitely better than most glosses. It also contains Maxi-Lip which is a plumper, but it's non-irritant, which means it doesn't sting like other lip plumpers. Which is awesome. Naked is a pinky neutral. It taste good (vanilla mint!) and lasts forever. 

4. Stella by Stella McCartney ($20-$92)

Now, I haven't technically purchased this, but I have been using a couple samples that I was given through Sephora purchases and it's one of my most favorite scents. (Maybe I'll share my very favorite scent this Friday!) This is a very feminine, soft, and fresh scent. The description says it's a combination of roses and amber. I'm sure it's a little more than that, but whatever the combination is, it works! I love this stuff! 

5. Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss ($7 or 2/$12 or 5/$20)

I like this gloss mostly for it's flavor, although, it does do a great job at glossifying. I have two flavors, Passion Fruit Pop and Juiced Berry - both delicious. There are 21 flavors to choose from, and I'm sure they are equally delicious. 

6. NARS Blush in Orgasm ($26)

Another birthday gift from mom. I'd been wanting this blush for a while. It's considered a "cult" favorite and loved by all. It's a peachy pink with golden shimmer. It's almost exactly like the Lorac Blush I mentioned in September Favorites, but the shimmer in Lorac is cooler, with silver highlights instead, but the peachy pink color is the same. I love them both, though. This color is universally flattering. It highlights and warms up the face. It's perfect. 

7. Lush Sexy Peel Soap ($5.95 for 3.5 oz)

I love Lush. I want everything in the store, but that's not possible. This particular soap is what I am digging right now. It's citrus scent is so delicious and takes over your entire shower. All of the products at Lush are handmade and natural. Sexy Peel is made of organic lemon, lime, and orange peels which help to exfoliate while washing and also made up of orange juice. It's especially nice to use in the morning, but I love it any time of day. Another soap I really like is the Bohemian Soap - it's made with lemon oils and smells oh, so fresh. 

8. MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NW20 ($16.50)

I've been using this concealer almost every day since I purchased it over a month ago and haven't even made a dent in it. A tiny bit goes a long way and offers full coverage. This stuff works miracles and I can't really see myself buying any other concealer any time soon. I love it. A tiny bit fully covers under my eyes, discolorations on my cheeks, and any redness around the bottom of my nose. It you are interested in trying or purchasing this stuff, definitely go by a counter and have someone help find your correct color - that's what makes the difference. 

Hope you all enjoyed these favorites!

Friday Favorites

MAC and Disney's Venomous Villains Collection

This collection was released late September/early October and I jumped on it. Most likely because of Cruella de Vil and the Evil Queen and Maleficent - what can I say, I'm a Disney baby? 

 Now I didn't purchase all this collection had to offer, although I would have liked to, I only walked away with four items - and I love all of them. And they were all things I didn't necessarily have already as far as makeup. There are a couple other items I would have liked to gone back and purchase, but I didn't. What I do have and love is as follows:

Her Own Devices Beauty Powder

This color is great for just a light dusting of rose blush. Even with a hard hand, the power goes on lightly. 

My Dark Magic Mineralized Eye Shadow Duo

This eyeshadow is awesome for several reasons: It's a duo and iridescent. And it can be used as a shadow (dry) or liner (wet). And when you wet the product, the colors are so much more intense. Love it!

Vainglourious Eye Shadow

This color is great because you can really pack in on and make it true to the color you see below, or you can apply it softly and blend it out into a really pretty light rose/pink color.

Wicked Ways Lipglass

This stuff is awesome. You can't completely tell, but it is a super vibrant, hyper-pigmented red lipglass. And don't let it fool you just because it's not a lipstick. This stuff is the real-red deal. If you want bright red glossy lips - get this. The great thing is that you can apply a couple dots and smooth them out for a (still intense, but) less intense red lip... or apply a full coat for super red lips. It's great. 

{via}

(if you are interested in any of these products check on MAC's online store or even at the counters first, then look at places like ebay. You will pay so much more on ebay, but I'm just not sure if these are still available at the counters since the Holiday Collection Tartan Tale has been released)

Friday Favorites

A week or so ago I was in Ulta (shocker...) and right as I walked in, I was greeted with a display of several pink products - for breast cancer awareness. On one table there was Ulta shampoos and conditioners and other bath products in pink colors, another table had a huge raffle basket full of pink goodies, and another table had some TIGI products. I naturally moved towards the TIGI products.

On this table was the Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo, Massive Shine Hair Spray, and Hard Head Hairspray. What was even prettier than the display of all these pink products was the price. They were all on sale for $6.99. I got one of each. Getting one of each is equivalent to buying one at regular price. That's a deal steal.

If you use these products or want to try them out, I would suggest getting to an Ulta now. I'm not completely sure they are still running this sale, but it's worth stopping by to check. I love the dry shampoo. I love the shine hairspray (great for a bit of hold and shine - like when straightening). And I love the hard hold hairspray - my curls stay curled. And the bottles look pretty.

(The large round stickers pull off. So read them first, then pull them off - if you want.)

Friday Favorites

I have a somewhat busy day today, but I could not skip out on my Friday Favorites. 

This week I wanted to share a mascara with you. Back in September I posted on my Summer Staples. In that post I raved about Maybelline's Colossal Mascara. And I still love that mascara; however, I have ventured out of my comfort zone to try a new one. I chose to try Almay's One Coat Triple Effect Mascara. It's rare that I am initially impressed with a product, they have to grow on me. So after a few uses I really started loving this stuff. It lengthens (which I need) and thickens (which I need). The triple effect stated is that it "instantly builds, extends and sculpts lashes" and I believe that it does. The brush is a bit intimidating in that one side has normal sized bristles and the other side has tiny bristles. You first coat with the long ones, then the short ones for length (I believe). 


I usually do two coats with the long side, then move on to one coat of the shorter side and my lashes look fabulous (and trust me, they need all the help they can get; they are pretty pathetic). I will most definitely be buying a second tube of this mascara.


If you are interested in trying this, I would suggest looking at Walmart for the cheapest price or checking out the weekly sales at your favorite drug store. I did see these where two tubes were packaged together and it was "buy one, get one" which is a good option just in case you do love this mascara. And if you don't love it, you can pass it on to a friend or family member that may like it. Just an option. 


Well I am off to a fabulous weekend with my parents and grandma. They are visiting and I am so excited to see them, show them our place, and just spend time together. Happy weekend to you all!

Cool Weather Staples

Just when Fall starts rolling around and the weather is verging on cool, I like to sport the shorts and long sleeve look. This look definitely falls into my favorites category. Something about pairing shorts with long sleeves is nautical and fresh, and straight out of a Spring LL Bean ad - I love it.

We were in Gap over the weekend and they were having a sale on striped and solid colored SuperSoft Long Sleeve T-shirts. I picked up four - two solids and two stripes (I never ever follow that shopping rule that states, don't buy several colors of the same piece. my rule is, if it works, it works, so stock up.). They are perfect. And don't let the "t-shirt" label through you off - they are exceptionally thick and warm. So you can be sure that I will be wearing my shorts/long sleeve look until I need some warmth around my chicken legs.

These shirts are also a great buy not only because they were on sale, but because of their versatility. They can be paired with skinny jeans, a blazer, and boots; they can be dressed up with a colorful scarf, ,chunky necklace, or long pendant necklace; and they can be tucked into a skirt for an even dressier look.

It's always a good idea to invest in basics.

Friday Favorites

So I don't know about you, but I avoid multi-vitamins. Why? They are obnoxiously over-sized. I mean it's more likely that I choke while taking a multi-vitamin than actually get it down my throat. Seriously.You know, tons of memory and programs can be put into a chip the size of my little toe nail, but muti-vitamins can't be smaller? Someone needs to get on that (unless there are smaller versions. If this is the case, then I would ask you to inform me, please!)

The other options? Gummy vitamins. This is a favorite because it's a great alternative. It definitely does not pack in all the good stuff, and some of the vitamins aren't 100%, but it's better than chocking six times before cutting it in half and still choking to get it down. If you have the same problem, I would recommend these or any type of chewy vitamin. It's like eating candy and all your fruits and veggies in one!

Friday Favorites

I have two today. One beauty related and one not. Let's start with the not.

Five-hour Energy shots. I feel like a lot of people are scared of these or somehow compare them to a Red Bull. No. Not at all like a RB. I've added the nutrition label to show that these aren't effective because of sugar - which means no crash. It's just a tiny shot pack-full with vitamins, and  a lot of them - thus the reason for lots of energy and no crash. Now, I'm no doctor, but I do know it's not that great to take in too much of a vitamin or nutrient because your body can't break down too many things in bulk. So I don't recommend these things for multiple daily use. However, if you are dragging, need to get through a long drive, or didn't get quite the eight hours last night, throw back one of these guys. 

They give a pretty instant boost of energy that sustains itself well. And like I said above, no crash. When I was in grad school I would often drive to Raleigh for the weekend to see my man and my family. I'd leave on Thursdays after a long day of classes and when I stopped for gas, I would grab one of these. Same thing with heading back to the mountains. They just get you going and get your brain a'thinkin. I love them and to anyone who may be weary of them, just give it a try. (the berry flavor kind of tastes like liquid Smarties)

My second favorite: Essie Nail Polish

This stuff. I feel like Essie and OPI are kind of each other's competition. If you are a nail polish guru you either love Essie or you love OPI - me? I love Essie. For me, it applies on the nail nicely, with better coverage, and the colors. Love them. It also seems to offer a bit more glossy finish than OPI when you don't have on a topcoat. 

For some reason, in the past couple weeks, I've accumulated five new nail polishes - four Essie and one OPI. The color above, Forever Young, in on my nails as we speak. I thought I'd support my Wolfpack this weekend via my nails. The other Essie colors I added to the collection are: Mink Muffs (taupe), Sew  Psyched (olive), and Jazz (bone). The OPI color: BYOBoy (it's not as bright pink in person) - this name is so cute, but not the sole reason I bought it. 

Also, Ulta always has a fabulous deal on Essie nail polish. It's buy two, get one free. They can be a bit pricey, but you get three for the price of two and it's definitely a quality product. 

After the weekend, I'm going to move on to Mink Muffs. And come Christmas time, I'll be sporting Sew Psyched fo'sho.

This:

Is the hairstyle I have been rockin non-stop. It's my favorite right now and I won't stop.

Friday Favorites

Maybelline Color Sensational® Lipcolor

Yesterday when I was out and about, I stopped by Rite Aid who happened to be running a sale for 40% off all Maybelline products. I grabbed a couple things I had heard good reviews on and wanted to try and while I was there I took a look through their lip products. 

Now, I am a very picky lipstick kind of gal when it comes to color. I prefer places like Sephora, Ulta, and department stores where you can try on the color before purchasing, but this Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick had an entire line of nothing but neutrals. I love neutral lipstick. (They also have an entire red line, pink line, plum line, and pearl line) So I am looking through the natural line's swatches on the display and finally decide to purchase Totally Toffee. 

I check out, get into my car, and immediately pull out the lipstick. I run it across my lips and boom. It is a perfect color. I nailed that one and I was so excited. Not only was the color exactly what I wanted, but it was moisturizing and smooth. And not too shiny and not too matte. Perfect. Looove.

My luck with lipsticks that work for me goes a little like this: find perfect color, use up the tube, go back to purchase new tube, color is discontinued. I swear. Like every single time. (I'll never forget you Sephora brand #49. Moment of silence, please.) So on the way home I have to pass a Walmart. The idea of this color and line discontinuing or being limited edition or whatever is running through my head and I determine, I need to stock up. So I stop by Walmart - and surprise, surprise, I think the Walmart price of these things was less than the sale price at Rite Aid (so if you decide you want to try these, go to Walmart). I grab myself another Totally Toffee - which is like a taupe with pink undertones. I then decided since I am having luck with this neutral line, maybe I should branch out. And by branch out, I mean stay in the neutral line, but buy a pink and a red toned neutral. So I ended up leaving there with Warm Me Up (neutral pink) and Warm & Cozy (neutral red). 

Again, as soon as I get in my car I try out my new colors - and, I love them. They are definitely my new favorites right now - and this lipstick goes on and looks like a lot of $20+ lipsticks out there, so who doesn't like a great deal like that? Definitely go try them out if you are in the market for a new lipstick that has great quality and a great price!