Thursday, May 31, 2012

new fav {styleunited}

I've always been fascinated with makeup and fashion. As a little girl, I smashed my mom's Chanel lipsticks all over my face and paraded around the house in her high heels and jewelry. Even though I looked like a crazy person, I felt so glamorous and grown up. Now that I'm older, I'm still style-obsessed, and I'm constantly searching the internet for new sources of tips, tricks, and inspiration. 

My latest find is StyleUnited - a beauty/fashion/hair website started by brands such as CoverGirl, Frederic Fekkai, Olay, and DDF Skincare. I personally love all of those brands, so I was excited to check the site out. I found out about StyleUnited from SheSpeaks (another GREAT resource for women!), and I almost always love their suggestions, so I figured I'd check out the website. StyleUnited offers quite a few features, but my personal favorites are the video tutorials from fashion, hair, and makeup professionals and one-on-one beauty consultations with professionals. I probably spent a good hour looking through all of the video tutorials, and my favorites were the tutorials on how to achieve a festive evening ponytail, the Hamptons chic look from DKNY's Spring/Summer fashion show, and seeing some hair looks from various Spring/Summer fashion shows in NYC.

I'm really excited to try out the one one one beauty consultation! Basically, you schedule an appointment online, and one of StyleUnited's beauty professionals will give you a free 30-minute consultation with advice on skincare, makeup, and hair products that would suit your particular needs. The consultation is via webcam or phone, and I just think it is the coolest idea. I'm scheduling mine soon, and I'll definitely let you know how it goes! After joining StyleUnited, you can also add your friends to your "Inner Circle" and share your finds with them or get their advice on products you might like. Also, StyleUnited is running a fabulous giveaway right now! You can enter to win a $500 gift certificate from Nordstrom or Macy's {here} SheSpeaksbutton

What are your favorite beauty and style resources online? Let me know your favorite blogs and websites!


I am not affiliated with StyleUnited, and I was not compensated for this post. I received the opportunity to check out the StyleUnited website from SheSpeaks, but it is a free service and everyone has the opportunity to join and browse the site for themselves :) StyleUnited will provide products for review to this blog.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

back from vegas!

 Hi ladies! So sorry for the absence...I've been in Vegas! My dad has a work conference in Las Vegas every year, so he normally hops on over to LA to visit me. This year, I thought I'd visit him in Vegas- my dad couldn't believe that I lived only a few hours away and had never been. I'm pretty boring lol, so I thought Vegas wouldn't be a good fit for a vacation. I was definitely wrong! After touring all of the gorgeous hotels/casinos and eating at some amazing restaurants, I'm officially a fan! Here's a recap of my week- be sure to follow me on Instagram to get daily updates.  I had such an amazing time, and I can't wait to get back into the swing of blogging. This week I'll be announcing the winners of my 1st Blogiversary Giveaway, reviewing a few products, and holding giveaways for My Memories scrapbooking software, Benefit cosmetics, Invite Cottage, Honey Bunches of Oats, and more! 

Also, be sure to check out the group giveaway going on right now at Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson . I'm giving away a 250x250 ad space, and there are 10 other prizes up for grabs!

    
 From top left clockwise: 1. Check in at the Paris hotel 2. Eiffel Tower at Paris
3. Another shot of the gorgeous Paris hotel 4. Inside the Venetian hotel 5. Gondala rides inside Venetian
6. City shopping streets inside the Venetian 7. Beautiful ceilings inside the Wynn  8. Waterfall near the exit of the Wynn 9. The BEST fried rice of my entire life at Red at the Wynn 10. Menu from Red at the Wynn
11. Super cool ceiling at Red 12. The most amazing umbrella waterfall at the Wynn 13. They had ongoing shows that displayed on this waterfall, and people also danced on the water in front of it! 14. My favorite garden walkway in the Wynn


Monday, May 7, 2012

weekly beauty coupons!

Here are the latest beauty coupons for the week! As always, I'll be sure to update this post throughout the week to add any new coupons that I find! Be sure to combine these coupons with store sales to get the best deal. Let me know in the comments if you find any great deals to combine with these coupons! Also, don't forget to enter Ashley Brooke's 1st Blogiversary Giveaway {here}.

Makeup Products

Fragrance


Skincare Products

Hair Products

Body Products


Thursday, May 3, 2012

love you mom! {mother's day gift ideas}

Mother's Day is just over a week away, so I hope these ideas will help you find the perfect gift to honor your mom. My mother is so selfless and loving, so I always enjoys finding things that she's never buy for herself to spoil her a bit on her special day! Don't forget to enter the One Year Blogiversary giveaway {here}! There's only a few days left to enter!



1. ASOS Skinny Cross Bangle also available in silver $10.91
I think that this bracelet is a classic that any mom would love. It's light, affordable, and has a great, simple design.


2. Tory Burch Bengal Small iPhone 4 Case $48
Fancy IPhone cases are always a luxury for my mom. It's something she loves, but she would never spend the money on herself. This Tory Burch case is fun but still classy.



3.Estée Lauder Mad Men Collection Lipstick in Cherry $28
Who doesn't need a great red lipstick? This limited edition Mad Men lipstick from Estee Lauder has a lovely  formulation and incredible packaging. A classic color that will never go out of style.



4. Fleur De Lys Tumbler available in pink, yellow, and clear $8
A few years ago, I bought a set of these Fleur De Lys tumblers for my mom, and she absolutely LOVED them. At the time, they only came in clear, but I think it would be such a cute idea to buy a set in a variety of colors for your mom! These tumblers are beautiful and wonderful for everyday use as well as entertaining.

5. Elephant Teapot $15.79
As a child, I used to buy my mom a teapot every year for Mother's Day! This elephant teapot would an adorable gift. Fill it with several kinds of tea and honey to make it extra special. 

6. Ribbon Wreath $40
My mom is a huge college football fan, and she loves hosting tailgate parties! I think a ribbon wreath would be a super cute way for her to celebrate her alma mater in style- except I'll have to order the wreath in Florida State's garnet and gold!


7. Tarte The Luxe List Amazonian Clay Color Collection $44
Tarte products are amazing, and I think this kit is a fantastic kit for anyone. The kit includes mascara, eyeshadow quad, finishing powder, lip tint, brush, eyeliner, and a highlighter in neutral colors that will flatter every skin tone. It also includes a really nice makeup bag!

8. Kate Spade Mom Always Said Idiom Bangle Bracelet $58
I am in love with this bracelet. It is the perfect gift for mothers, sisters, and yourself (as a tribute to your mom, of course!). The outside of the bracelet is engraved with mom-like sayings, such as "take a chance," "have courage," "eat your vegetables," and "wear sunscreen," while the inside is engraved with "mom always said." I just think it's so cute- can't wait to get one for myself and several for presents!


9. Gorjana Friendship Heart Bracelets  $55 Matching Earrings $55
I think these friendship bracelets are such a fun idea! Both you and your mom will have a special piece of jewelry to remind you of each other. There's also a matching earring set!


10. Name Plaque $30
Name plaques are so versatile! Your mom can proudly display hers (with a customized pattern and whatever words/name you'd like) around the house or at her office. I recently got a name plaque from Unique and Chic Creations (post coming soon!), and it is beyond adorable in our home. I've already gotten so many compliments from friends! I'm thinking my mom would love a plaque with her name or something cute like "World's Best Mom!"