How to Pack for Holiday Travel: Must- Have Travel Items

I have to admit I pack just like Jenna Marbles and although we find it  funny…I have yet to find someone at baggage check or a person that I’m riding with who is laughing when it takes me forever to pull out my things or there is no room in the car for their stuff. Instead of bringing my entire vanity along –  especially for quick holiday trips, I've included some must-have items below to save some time, space and sanity!

1.      First off don’t touch that pretty little face without clean hands!

Purell kept it clean and classy by sending over some of their new limited  edition seasonal scents to test out for this travel.  It was a tie between Ginger Spice and Oven-Baked Apples for my favorite. I love taking advantage of these scents this time of year!

 As soon as the box arrived, my boyfriend quickly grabbed the ocean breeze. While he was feeling especially clepto, he grabbed one of their new jelly wraps and snapped it on his book bag and another for his gym bag— proving the usefulness right out of the box. Another big selling point for these I have to say,  is that these little guys are made in the USA! #Merica

2.      BB Cream

Use  your favorite BB Cream as a base and foundation. No need to pack primer, foundation and your cream when you have this product in you arsenal. Bring it to wear during your travel to keep your face moisturized and fresh! Don’t put BB to bed before you go out either— use it as your foundation and add touches of bronzer and blush to create a contour effect ready for your night out.

3.      The Right Eye Pallet

I personally have SmashBox’s Exposure travel pallet. You can use any pallet you are comfortable with but I selected this one for two reasons: it gives you all the best colors out of the full pallet AND travels wise you can use the entire pallet for day or night looks. So there’s no need to pack multiple products- and its travel sized! OK, I guess that’s three things but you get it.

4.     Neutral and/or Bold Lip Stick 

If you really want to be minimal opt for nude. Nude is perfect for a day look and can be the        perfect pout with a smokey eye. If you have some extra room choose a bold color to be your main accessory in your make up bag which will limit the amount of product needed for the rest of the face- again saving room in your bag.

5.      Eye Liner & Mascara

Personally if there is one beauty item I can’t go without its eye liner. A little goes a long way and really, how much room does a stick really take up? Same goes for Mascara. I personally select the Cover Girl product shown and have had tons of compliments when wearing it, even compared to when I wear the designer brands!

6.      Bronzer

I left this one for last since you don’t Really  need it thanks to the color in BB Cream, but if you have room it never hurts to use this to contour color below the cheek bones adding a depth to that pretty face.

Safe Travels everyone!

2014 Best Executed Wedding Day Ideas!

After having the honor and opportunity to attend more than 12 weddings in 12 months, I've been able to experience firsthand some of the best executed wedding day ideas-- all which I'm assuming came from the ever inspirational Pinterest.

Pinterest is great place to go for personalized and unique wedding ideas- but how many of these adorable ideas are actually affordable or realistically feasible? I can’t speak for them all but I can personally say that the concepts below left me telling everyone about them at the end of the day, making the experience memorable for guests as much as the bride and groom! In no particular order and ranking here are the top 5 that stood out:

Hanging Photo Frames 

DIY- simple- inexpensive-super cute- interactive: All the ingredients for a successful wedding idea. My date and best friend (along with the rest of the guest list) enjoyed taking photos while waiting for the bride and groom to enter. There were three different sized frames hanging from a tree just off to the side of the refreshment tables. This concept  made waiting in line much more entertaining!

S'mores Station

 This station had guests gathered around for their own DIY s’mores. The wedding I attended has smaller burners as shown, to keep the smell and smoke away. Don’t forget to place some wet naps out so after after the 12^th s’more, your guest can clean up before continuing to the dance floor. What ..no one else at the party had 12 of of these things?

Photo Booth Guest Book & Favors

This worked as an awesome 2-in-1 for guests. Two strips provided- one for the guest book, where guests can stick their photos and write a small message, and the other works as a party favor with the bride and grooms names at the bottom! 

Another Guest Book Win

The next wedding used a shadowbox type frame for guests to sign their names on little hearts provided and drop in for a later to be hung wall decor and guest book!

Custom Wine & Beer

Sure signature cocktails are a fun spin on the bar menu but all that fun can come with a high price tag. The first wedding I attended had personalized microbrews, that were more affordable and much more fun than your usual name brands. With the bottles the description of this signature brew was described on the back. For example, the bride- who I let me do her wedding day make up (no pressure right?)- is a beautiful petite blonde who grew up in the south. Her beer consisted of a light blonde brew with a hint of honey suckle, as described on the back. The groom is tall, dark and handsome- so understandably if you ordered him, you ordered a dark and strong stout! 

Party Favors

Until these guys go out of style I will continue to rock my favorite wedding favor yet! The bride and groom offered guests a variety of colors while the bridesmaids cornered the market on the pink pairs.

5 Staple Items Every Girl Needs to Have in Her Closet: Go-To Outfit Ideas

1.      Statement necklace

2.      Blazer- any color you’d like (preferably white or black for ease in matching)

3.      Loose fitting fashion tee or shirt

4.      Back and Nude Pumps

5.      Black Skinnys 

Statement necklace

Every girl today needs a statement necklace.  The statement you are trying to make is entirely up to you, but if you want it to be a fashionable one- I suggest you invest in one. Beware though- they are like pringles. My statement necklaces quickly turned into a statement collection- which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you can score deals on them. Why are they now a staple item?  You can pair them with almost ANYTHING! Go bold and bright to bring color to your all black ensemble or keep it clear to dress up a dressed down tee. Men have a tie to pull themselves together and ladies have these.

Blazer- any color you’d like (preferably white or black for ease in matching)

Blazers are no longer all business. Pair a Blazer with anything from skinny jeans to a dress to take an outfit to another level. They demand authority which is what you have ladies. Why so staple? As stated before- you can bring them from the office to out on the town while mixing and matching shirts and bottoms with ease.

Loose fitting fashion tee or shirt

Oversized is underrated. Gone are the days were the tighter the better- and personally I love it. Not only is it easier for everyone to enjoy the less form fitting and more forgiving ensample but it’s oh-so-comfortable and effortlessly chic.  Why is it a staple? A loose fitted tee can carry you through almost any occasion. Pair it with a blazer to dress it up or stick leggings and boots under it for a casual but fashionable ensemble. 

Back and Nude Pumps

Night out- no problem, pick up the pumps. Black is easy to match with almost any attire. Perfect for the office or out you can take business to casual with the right jeans or a casual dress to the next level with these guys. I’ve included nude in my round up because I’ve noticed I’ve started opting for them to break up the black. The heel will serve the same purposes and can be used with virtually any color pattern! Why a staple- read above ;).

Black Skinnys

Leggings are perfect for under the sweater weather but it you want a more polished look you have to go for the form fitted pants. I have both jeggings and a cuffed skinny dress pant that go with absolutely any look. If you have to opt for one over the other because sometimes we can’t have it all at once- go with the jeggings that will be office appropriate ( as long as they are fitted correctly) but will work for a night on the town, dinner date, concert or even a day of shopping. 

Eye Brow Product Review- Bodyography Essential Brow Trio

Eye Brow Product Review- Bodyography Essential Brow Trio

Frame that fabulous face girl  ;)

If you read my last post, you know I wanted to try more products for beautiful brows, and I got my wish thanks to Bodyography!  Their more than capable team filled my need by sending over their essential brow trio.  Before you read my through son the product, I wanted to share a little background on what really left a lasting impression— the actual company itself!

Essential Brow Trio

Typically, if a product is not Sephora or Ulta, I have limited knowledge of it. Although shopping in these stores with wall to wall treasures is something I more than enjoy to do— it’s important for us to remember life outside of the mall when selecting products for our beauty arsenal or closet collections (Yes, I refer to my clothing and accessories as a collection and whole-heartedly believe shopping is a hobby – planning to write a tangent post soon).

My personal and first favorite about the company is the fact it is Cruelty Free claiming they live by the saying ‘Beauty with a Conscience’.  They are listed as a Certified Cruelty Free Brand by PETA  ( that’s legit).  ECO friendly- Read more here on how the company develops products in a way to reduce trash in landfills and air pollution. And Made in the USA, ‘Merica!

Second favorite, OK, maybe it’s a tie for first, the products are infused with enriching vitamins and antioxidants to leave your skin looking and feeling its best. So knowing this…let’s take a look at the essential brow trio now…

Bodyography suggests that the trio can be used in three ways. Is this why it’s called the brow trio— I have no idea, but it works. There are three different shades of power in the pack, that not only function as a brow filler, but can also be used as a liner,  eye shadow and/or blush depending on your skin tone. The three different colors are present to provide ladies who color their hair either seasonally or spontaneously, an option to go for a lighter or darker shade to match. Hello Options!

So, the whole concept overall looks great on paper. Now how does it function in real life use? So glad you asked!

$10 Small Angled Brush

When I first went to test out the product I realized I wasn’t provided with a tool for application.  The company offers a Brow/Lash brush which they recommend to use the product with, but note that any angled brush would work. Using an old one I had lying around I was able to play around with the colors and found that the darkest power looked best with my brows and filled them in naturally. I tested the powder out as a liner even though I only use black, and it worked just as promised. So for those who opt for a brown there are two nice color pallets here you can line your eyes with and count on the color not to smudge.  

In my opinion, $19 is a little steep for an eye brow product. But you aren’t getting just a little eye brow pencil with this kit.  You are getting three, really 6, products that are made up of quality ingredients,animal cruelty free and eco- friendly! Oh and, the icing on this already beautiful cake? The entire company is family owned and operated by beauty industry professionals who have over 25 years’ experience  and own professional salons across the nation.

Ah, I love a good company and a good product!  

Eye Brow Beauty Review - Perfect Brow Wand from Ramy.com

Eye Brow Beauty Review

Frame that  fabulous face girl

Often forgotten and regretfully so- are the eye brows during a daily beauty routine. It is often said in the beauty world, that the eye brows frame the face- and if we stop and think for a moment, it’s true. It is similar to the way the beauty of a painting can either be intensified or depreciated by the frame that surrounds it.  The frame doesn't change the painting itself or the fact that its breathtaking- yes lovely you are-but it changes the perception of it at the first look.

And in a world full of quick first takes, let’s make our overall canvas easy on the eyes by finishing off the masterpiece with the right frame.

Sure, you can go out and hunt down 20 different products to find the right one for you… but my blog is here to save you the trip to the store and buyer’s remorse of purchasing multiple items you won’t like, use or need. All affordable for the everyday work life that 90% of us you professionals are living.

For this review I was provided products from the Miracle Brow to test out.

The first product I tried was Miracle Brow ($28 at Ramy.com). The compact contains brow colors in a mirrored compact with double ended brush. I used the brown compact to best match my eyebrows. 

The sheet provided lists the product as light weight and waterproof, which are both true. I was also provided the tip below: 

RamyTip: First apply Miracle Brow with the angled brush tip, and then brush through with the other end for natural looking results

The second product I tried was the Perfect Brow Wand ($28 at Ramy.com). This one was my favorite from the two. However, I actually wish that I had the brush that came in the first compact to work the color through. The highlighter is a nice added touch and it’s also self-sharpening which I love.

I was provided the tip below by the vendor; however I wound up with my own.

·        Ramy Tip:  Trace a highlighter under the brow and blend with fingers for a more visual lift

·        My Tip: Place the highlighter in the corners of your eyes to bring light in to those dark corners

I’m hoping to continue to review best products for brows to provide more options so stay tuned!

* update- I got my wish, check on my next review here! 

Part of a well-balanced beauty routine

Must-Have Beauty Bag 

First Up: New Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture.

It's highly important to have a healthy beauty routine and having the basics in the bag first make all the difference. The first item on our bathroom counter and beauty bags: New Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture. 

With out sugar coating we all sweat. I've heard ladies glisten, so if that makes the concept a little easier to read- we can go with that. Keep you "glisten" down with Dove.. see what I did there? ;p  There's more reasons to select Dove than just a fancy alliteration. The brand promises softer, smoother underarms in just three days and offers 48-hours in addition to providing odor and wetness protection. Still need a warm and fuzzy reason to side with the brand? Ask and you will receive: 

Not only is Dove a brand well known for effective and quality products at affordable prices ( Our favorite trifecta), but the brand supports real beauty  that can only come who a person is and not what they cover up with. Check out this feel good  “Real Beauty Campaign” for more detail.

Dove was kind enough to provide samples of their New Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture, to create this review. 

You can find Dove at your local grocery and drug stores available in a variety of scents and ranging from $4.99 - $6.49. 

Stay Beautiful My Friends and follow us on twitter for a chance to win something beautiful!

Pop Sugar Must-Have Review

I would say the value of the box was worth the try- especially after finding a $5 coupon ( REFER5) from digging around online. The box itself $39.95 without the coupon I used. Items inside ranged from $48- $3, so I feel it’s a fair gamble. However, I do not think I will be trying this again until perhaps closer to winter- and here’s why:

Michael Stars Sea Grass Crusher Hat ($48)

 My hat did NOT look like the one in the photo. It was much darker brown and the holes were bigger. It reminded me almost of fishnet and not the fine and chic look in the product card they provide.

French Bull Ziggy Salad Servers ($12)

I love the pattern but I hate to cook. If the box knew more about it, they would never send over a kitchen related item. However for those who do enjoy some time in the kitchen and can actually make a salad- unlike myself- I think they’re a great little item to add a little pizazz to an ordinary white serving bowl.

Sun Bum Suncreen and Lotion ($20)

These were awesome- they smelled great and totally a must-have summer item.  I took them with me to the beach and the pool.  I loved them so much that I will actually be including them in the late summer product round-up that is coming soon- This stuff smells like summer in a bottle!

ACME Party Box Company Chevron Straws $7

I say “YAY” for these! You are never going to pay $7 for a pack of straws, especially paper ones. But when you factor in your hat was $48 and that you paid $40 for your box- you technically got these little guys for free right? That’s my logic anyway.

TKO Jump Rope $10

HUGE FAIL- Once again the box not knowing me makes the difference. We’ll put aside the fact that I hate to work out- but I’m 4’9 and this rope is LONG. I couldn’t use it and had to hand it over to my boyfriend. It’s a great touch for someone who works out at home, but if you are so into healthy you are excited about a jump rope- aren’t you more likely to be at the gym? I guess BYOR might work ?

Dang Foods Tossed Coconut Chips $3

They reminded me of a topping you would put on something….my suggestion is to throw them in your desk drawer. They were a good quick snack when I found myself hungry in between meetings.

 Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara ($8)

At first I was a little annoyed- I mean I could have picked this up at Walmart. But I wouldn’t have- and that’s the point of the box, to try new things that are approved by someone with credibility. The verdict- I really liked it- honestly. As soon as I run out I’m going to purchase this again as one of my daily make up items.

Overview: The winning part of the box is that it picks out the latest and greatest. You get to try new things that you would not normally have heard of or picked up for yourself. The fail part is without any type of personalization, the box only had a few items that I enjoyed or would use. So, after paying basically $35, I only really used $28 worth of items out of it. I would give this box a try it…but only with a coupon and  a back-up plan to re-gift the items to someone who might better enjoy them, hence my “winter” reference- think holiday gifts.  I don’t fully consider this re-gifting…. I mean I did pay for it after all.