april 2012 julep maven box

This month I bought Julep Maven's Classic with a Twist box, and I am completely in love with both of the polishes.

 

The nail polishes were the standouts of the box- especially Mandy, a bright coral red! It's literally been on my nails since I got this box a few weeks ago. Gorgeous, gorgeous color for summer. It has a slightly neon quality that separates it from every other red out there. Susie is a very, very pale mint. As pale as you can get before white. The color is very hard to capture on camera, but it looks really beautiful on and makes you look tan! 

I also got The Best Pedi Creme Ever and two toe separators. I haven't tried the Pedi Creme yet, but I've heard that it's incredible- I'll keep you posted! To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled about the toe separators. I would've preferred a sample of one of their other products, but overall I did like this box! Mandy alone is amazing enough to make me happy :)

If you're interested in joining Julep Maven, you can get your first box for only one cent with the code COLORS4ONE

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway {here}

weekly beauty coupons!

Who doesn't love a good deal? Here are this week's newest beauty product coupons! Let me know if you score any good deals! Also, be sure to enter my First Blogiversary Giveaway {here}!


Makeup Products 

SAVE $1.00 on ANY Colour Riche lip or L’Oréal Paris lip product
$2.00 off Revlon Eye Makeup Item at Target
$1.50 off any Maybelline New York Eye Studio
$1.00 off ONE MAYBELLINE NEW YORK DREAM product
$1.00 off Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Gel Shadow

$1.50 off 2 Lip Shimmers

  Skincare Products

SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal Paris skincare item (excludes trial size)

$1.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun product $1.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze product 
$2.00 off any one (1) Clearasil PerfectaWash™
Buy 1 RapidLash, Save $10.00. Expires 5/9/2012. (Only at CVS)

Hair Products 

SAVE $1.50 on any TWO (2) Garnier Fructis Shampoos, Conditioners or Treatments (excluding trial size)
$1.00 off 1 GARNIER FRUCTIS Product
$1.00 off ANY (1) GARNIER FRUCTIS Shampoo

50 cents off any ONE (1) Suave Everlasting Sunshine Shampoo 

$2 off any L’Oreal shade of Preference Hair Color $1 off ANY L’Oréal Paris EverCrème, EverSleek,EverPure, EverStrong shampoo or conditioner

$2.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Healthy Look® CrèmeGloss Color

Body Products

$2.00 off one EUCERIN PRODUCT 13.5 oz or larger
$2.00 off any Sally Hansen Wax Kit


Fragrance Products
$3.00 off any Heidi Klum Shine Fragrance 

Magazines 

  Buy 1 May issue of People StyleWatchmagazine (does not include People or People Country magazines), Save $1.00 Expires 5/11/2012
$2.00 off when you purchase any PEOPLE® Magazine
$1.00 off when you purchase any PEOPLE® Magazine

one year blogiversary giveaway!

A few weeks ago, Ashley Brooke officially had its first blogiversary! I knew I wanted to do a giveaway, but I couldn't think of the right prize. I have been so blessed to meet some amazing people and discover many incredible blogs over the past year- all thanks to my little blog :) I thought the best way to thank you for helping make my blog a success was to help other blogs! That's why for my 1st Blogiversary giveaway I'll be giving away seven advertising spots on Ashley Brooke! Entering is super simple- there are tons of ways to enter in the Rafflecopter form below! 

Thank you for an amazing first year blogging! 

I'm so excited for the fun things happening on Ashley Brooke this year! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

now accepting may sponsors + special 2 for 1 offer!

I am now accepting sponsors for May! . Advertising rates are very affordable and include all sorts of fun perks in addition to sidebar ads of various sizes- like the opportunity for introduction posts, guest posts, individual and group giveaways, and plenty of love from Ashley Brooke on Facebook and Twitter :) 

PLUS...until May 1st, anyone who signs up as a May sponsor will get another month of advertising FREE. So you'll get two full months of advertising for the price of one!

If you're interested in advertising on Ashley Brooke, please feel free to email me at ashleybrookeblog@gmail.com 

caudalie vinosource creme sorbet + eau de beaute beauty elixir {rave review}

Caudalie is an amazing skincare company featuring high quality ingredients, including many extracts from grapes and grape seeds, commonly known to have outstanding antioxidant properties. I'm always on the quest for my perfect skincare routine, and I was thrilled to receive the opportunity to try out several of their skincare products! I was highly impressed with both products, and I can't wait to share my experience with you. I've literally rambled on and on about these products to my friends and family, and several friends have even received these products as gifts from me recently! They're so good that I can't stop my mouth from gabbing on and on with the rave reviews. Read on if you're interested in a superb moisturizer and unique facial spray!

Caudalie Vinosource Creme Sorbet I have officially found my holy grail moisturizer for my sensitive combination-oily skin. This moisturizer manages to be extremely light and non-greasy while simultaneously leaving your skin moisturized and velvety smooth. Grapeseed polyphenols, organic grape water, and Vinolevure combine to soothe and moisturize skin while protecting against free radicals. I use this moisturizer morning and night after my cleanser and toner, and I love that it doesn't leave any greasy film or residue. I also love, love, love the scent of this product- it's a very delicate fruity scent. I think this creme sorbet would be a perfect moisturizer for sensitive skin ranging from normal to oily.

Caudalie Eau de Beaute Beauty Elixir I am so happy that I was introduced to this product. Since receiving this product, I have already bought several as gifts for friends and backups for my own supply. Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a refreshing spray that you can use before applying your moisturizer and throughout the day to refresh your look. The Beauty Elixir is described as a half-serum, half-toner mist containing several essential oils, including rosemary, orange flower, and peppermint, and grape fruit extract. I have found this to be an essential purse product for the perfect pick-me-up throughout the day. It refreshes your makeup, and I've found that it's helped slow oil production throughout the day. Whenever I'm feeling a bit shiny, I've been spritzing this beauty elixir on my face rather than caking on the powder. This product was a lifesaver during my honeymoon in the Caribbean!

Products were sent for review consideration; however, all opinions expressed are my honest and genuine thoughts.

what a stud

 A girl can never have too many stud earrings. In my opinion, they're the perfect no-brainer addition to any outfit, and they have the magical ability to make you instantly look more put together. If you're anything like me, genuine diamond studs are out of the question because studs are so easy to lose. Luckily, designers from Kate Spade to Marc Jacobs have come out with amazing and affordable studs for any occasion.  Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Banana Republic Women's Cubic Zirconia Vintage Earring 
2. Baublebar Peach Cushion Cut Studs
3. Stephan & Co. Enamel & Rhinestone Earrings 
4. MICHAEL by Michael Kors Large Gold Stud Earrings  
5. Tinley Road Crystal Owl Studs 
6. Baublebar Jumbo Ice Studs
7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Boxed Holiday Pave Heart Studs (Light Peach/Rose Gold) 
8. Baublebar Crystal Cushion Cut Studs
9. Kate Spade New York Baublebox Clip Earrings in Fluorescent Pink 

my april 2012 birchbox

1. amika nourishing hair mask : I'm excited to try this product because it is supposed to be an intense deep conditioning hair mask. I'm always looking for new deep conditioners, and I'm hoping that the Sea Buckthorn Berry and Argan Oil will make this mask a winner.

2. juice beauty oil-free moisturizer: Juice Beauty is one of the brands that I've discovered through Birchbox. I'm a big fan of their Green Apple Peel, so I'm hoping this moisturizer will be another great find from this certified organic skincare company.

3. wonderstruck perfume by taylor swift: I'm always a bit wary of perfumes created by celebrities. I just feel like they're usually overpriced generic-smelling fragrances. I've only just begun to try out Wonderstruck, but I'm surprised by how much I like it. The perfume contains notes of freesia, green tea, apple blossom, raspberry, and dewberry. 

4. zoya nail polish in lotus true spring collection: I'm not excited about this Zoya polish. Lotus is a dusty grey-lavender with a purple-pink flash of glitter. I love how Zoya polishes apply, so I have high hopes for this shade. 

5. dropps laundry detergent I love these little detergent packs- they make washing clothes so easy, BUT I think it's really odd for them to be in my Birchbox. I'm always happy to get free samples of detergent, but I would've much preferred a beauty product sample. 

Overall, this wasn't my favorite Birchbox. I think that the products I received as samples were fine (except for the dropps), but I wish that the sample sizes would've been as generous as they were in previous boxes. I'm still happy with Birchbox at the moment because I have over 400 points saved with them, so that means I'm eligible to spend $40 in their store :) What did you get in your April Birchbox?

weekly beauty deals & coupons

Here are some of the beauty coupons I've found for this week! Combine them with sales for even better deals. Happy shopping!

Makeup Products

$1 off any Maybelline New York Mascara 

$1.00 off COLORsensational® Lipcolor, SHINEsensational™, High Shine, Pearls, Lip Liner, Lip Gloss, or ANY Maybelline New York Lipcolor 

$1.00 off on ANY Maybelline New York Eyeshadow or Eye Liner 

Skincare Products

$1 off L’Oreal Paris Skincare item

$1.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun product 

$1.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze product 

Hair Products

$2 off any L’Oreal shade of Preference Hair Color 

$1 off ANY L’Oréal Paris EverCrème, EverSleek,EverPure, EverStrong shampoo or conditioner 

$2.00 off on ANY L’Oréal Paris Healthy Look® CrèmeGloss Color 

Fashion Magazines

Buy 1 May issue of People StyleWatchmagazine (does not include People or People Country magazines), Save $1.00 Expires 5/11/2012

Free Stuff!
Free gift tube sample of Vaseline® Total Moisture Lotion

kiss nail dress

I've always been a nail polish fan, but I was always too lazy or didn't care enough to actually change my nail color that often. The fun spring/summer colors and fun trends like color blocking have made me nail polish obsessed...like changing my nail polish every few days obsessed. I've been dying to try the new nail polish strips that all of the nail companies are releasing, but I wasn't really sure if it was 1. worth the money 2. easy enough for me 3. would live up to the hype. I'm happy to say that I think of all of these three things are true for the Kiss Nail Dress stickers. 

I was so happy to receive this fun leopard print design in my Influenster VoxBox (BTW, if you haven't joined Influenster yet, do it now! So much fun!). These nail polish strips require no drying time and are supposed to last up to 10 days. I've only had them on for one day, but I'll let you know!

Each kit comes with 28 polish strips in various sizes and a small nail file. Priced around $6.99, I think these kits are not a bad deal (plus, there's always a stack of Kiss coupons in my local Rite Aid near the display!). If you keep your nail relatively short like I do, I think that you'd be able to do at least 2-4 manicures/pedicures with this kit. I used less than half of one sticker sheet on my manicure this morning!

The process was very simple, but it did take a few nails to really get the hang of it. I should have watched the Kiss How-To Video here before starting, but of course I didn't! Even so, all you have do is apply the sticker to your nail, smooth it onto your nail, and use the included nail file to remove the excess sticker at the end of your nail. I used the excess of each sticker on my other nails, and it worked out great! 

Overall, I think the Kiss Nail Dress kits are a fun alternative to nail polish, and I hope that they actually last up to 10 days! I'll keep you posted on how it goes :) Have you tried nail polish strips before? What was your experience like?

FTC Disclaimer: I received this product for review purposes from Influenster. I was not obligated to do a review, and all opinions stated are my honest and genuine thoughts.

sip, see & shop to benefit the national ms society

Tomorrow, Sweet Tea Paperie and Stella & Dot are hosting a charity trunk show to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of Jodi Dwyer. Jodi- be sure to read her blog {here} - was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008, and she has made it her personal mission to raise awareness and money until there is a cure for MS! Jodi has committed to walk 50 miles in 3 days this September on Cape Cod for the MS Challenge Walk. In order to participate, she also has to raise $1,500 or more! The Sip, See & Shop hosted by Sweet Tea Paperie and Stella & Dot will help her fundraising efforts.

If you live in the Boston area, please consider visiting the charity trunk show in Boston (information below). 

          

If you don't live in the Boston area, don't worry! All day tomorrow Sweet Tea Paperie and Stella & Dot will be donating a portion of all sales to Jodi's amazing cause!

Shop at Sweet Tea Paperie any time on Thursday, April 12th, and they will contribute 25% of your purchase to Jodi's cause!

If you need some inspiration, here are a few of my favorite items!

Sweet Tea Paperie has the most adorable things. I know from experience. I just bought a super cute madras monogrammed serving platter a few weeks ago from Sweet Tea Paperie (pictured below!), and I couldn't be more impressed with the quality! 

Shop at Stelladot.com/katelyndwyer , and Katelyn will donate 50% of her commissions to Jodi's cause! Be sure to select "Jodi Dwyer" as your Trunk Show Hostess at checkout to ensure your purchases will be directed towards the fundraiser!

Thank you in advance to all who support this wonderful cause!

{closed} printrunner giveaway {100 5x7 postcards!}

I'm a huge DIY-er, especially when it comes to stationery related products! I actually created most of the stationery products for my wedding except for my save-the-dates and stationery (didn't want to take a risk on those!), so I am constantly on the hunt for affordable and high-quality printing companies. I'm so happy that I found a printing company with 1. high quality products 2. affordable prices 3. a location fairly close to me! May I introduce you to PrintRunner and afterwards, you'll get a chance to win 100 free 5x7 color postcards from PrintRunner!

PrintRunner.com, a full service high quality printing company, was established ten years ago in Southern California with little more than a small press and a dream. Their commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price is what made their company grow. PrintRunner offers convenient online printing services. Be sure to check out their site to print postcards! 

Giveaway!

Now, who wants to win some postcards? PrintRunner has generously offered to giveaway 100 5x7 postcards to one lucky Ashley Brooke Reader! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

Prize Details: 100 5x7 postcards, 4/0 front only printing, 14 pt, UV coating on the front, rounded corners, no proof, ready to ship in 4 business days. Giveaway is open to US residents only, ages 18 years and above. Winners are only allowed to win one PrintRunner giveaway over a six-month period

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclaimer: Thank you to PrintRunner to providing the prize for this giveaway. I am eligible to receive the same prize for hosting this giveaway.

splurge vs steal {bright satchels for spring}

1. Cambridge Satchel Classic in Red $165 2. Jazzed Because You Can Bag $52

3. Cambridge Satchel Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Neon Pink $155

 4. Steve Madden Crossbody Bag in Fuchsia  $78 5. All Bright With Me Bag $60 

6. Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Green $155 7. Steve Madden Cross Body Bag in Green $78

Classic satchels are a classic, perfectly functional accessory that are constant staples in my wardrobe. I LOVE that companies are introducing these classic satchels in bright and neon colors for spring/summer; however, I can't justify spending that much money for such a trendy item. I'm so excited to have found several affordable alternatives that are just as cute as their high-price counterparts! Since they're half price compared to the originals, I can buy two...right?