What I've Been Reading: April 2012

Guess what?! It's the last day of the month; which means that it's time for another edition of "What I've Been Reading." April was not my month but I am so excited for the month of May because we'll be celebrating our first wedding anniversary, hosting a Mother's Day BBQ at our home, we are going to see Dave Matthews Band, and we'll be celebrating the beginning of the summer- Memorial Day weekend!

Question of the month: What's your best beauty tip/secret (aside from: drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen and taking off your make-up at night)?

My beauty secret is witch hazel. Witch hazel is known to deep clean and tighten pores and it is also good for washing away excess oils from your skin resulting in less breakouts. I use it at night before I apply my moisturizer and I have noticed a difference in my pore size (which I am estatic about). Another beauty secret of sorts is having a nightly beauty ritual: wash your face, moisturize, apply eye cream, anti-aging serum/cream, moisturize your hands, apply chapstick/lip moisturizer.

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has been discovering new beauty products. See what she recommends, and one product she thinks you should avoid.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's reviewing lip balms - find out which one tops her list.
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's keeping it simple.
• Pearls and Green Tea - Jiye shares her favorite make up essentials!
• Saltwater Dreams - See Andi's favorite inspirations for Spring.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle has re-invented the traditional button-up: wearing it open and belted instantly transforms it from dressy to casual.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette knows to add a bright color to punch up a "Casual Friday" look.

Camera Roll

Going to see DMB!

Revlon -Siren
The weather has been so crappy so some bright nail polish was completely necessary to brighten things up.

Missoni- Target
Funny little story: I went into the fitting room with 2 tops and left with 3. The 2 that I brought in were no good but someone left this one behind and that is just what I ended up buying.

This is a OOTD from earlier in the week. I just realized that this is pretty much an advertisement for Old Navy.
Cardi, Polka Dot Top, Black Skinnies- Old Navy
Bracelet- Body Central
Shoes- Rampage

Goody Double Wear Headbands/Necklaces -Silver & Gold -Target
I doubt I'll wear these as necklaces but I thought they would be great headbands.

Spent some time realxing today with Glamour.

Old & New Hair Care

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle
I have been using this stuff forever and I swear by it. Not only does it smell amazing but it always leaves my hair feeling silky smooth. My hair has been pretty dry lately and I only wash it twice a week, sometimes three times a week so I've been using this every time I was my hair as a regular conditioner. I have repurchased this product a zillion times, so if you haven't tried it yet and you're looking for a new deep conditioner, give it a try.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream
As I mentioned above, my hair has been really dry so I was looking for a new product to help me out and that's when I stumbled upon this little gem. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and I love it. It doesn't weigh my hair down and it leaves it silky smooth after I blow dry it. Most leave-in conditioners weigh hair down and leave it lifeless so I'm usually skeptical because I love me some volume, this stuff gives you the best of both worlds-- I highly recommend trying it.



*Both of these products were purchased with my own money, I have not been compensated in any way from either company, and as always all of the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are purely my own.*

Camera Roll -Birthday Edition

Birthday flowers from my little brothers.

Gift from my momma, and the best smelling lip gloss ever.
She also got me the most enormous bottle of Philosophy's Purity (my favorite face wash) that I've ever seen. It's 32oz.! I think it's safe to say that I will be set for the next 2 years as far as face wash goes. haha

Birthday cannolis and Italian cookies- my favorite.

Tiramisu Birthday Cake!

Birthday gift from my sister in law (who was born the day before me, so we are just a few hours apart -crazy right?!)
Anyway, how pretty is this bag?! 

Filet mignon birthday dinner that my husband cooked for me.
As if that wasn't sweet enough, he also got us tickets to see Dave Matthews Memorial Day weekend!!!

Philosophy's The Oxygen Peel Mask
I did this today and forgot how great this makes my skin feel, such a simple indulgence.

It's My...

via google images

Birthday!

The sixth anniversary of my 21st birthday to be exact. I'm not liking this whole late twenties thing one bit but I am ready; and by ready I mean I am armed with all of my creams, serums, and masks to do everything I can to prevent the aging process.

Birthday festivities are in order for this weekend (yay!) so today will be a laid back kind of day (where I will ponder all day about how I can possibly turn back time). I know I'm being a bit dramatic but really, I'm having a tough time and I'm holding on to my twenties for dear life.

Am I the only one experiencing this "late twenties life crisis?"

Nautical OOTD & NOTD

This post is going to be short and sweet because life has been a little crazy around here, so please excuse the blurry iPhone pics.

Top- H&M
Skirt- Bananna Republic (old)
Pumps- Rampage
Bracelets- Lia Sophia & Express

Sally Hansen- Sorbet
LA Colors Art Deco- Silver Sparkle

Camera Roll

Here's what I've been up to this week, presented to you by the lovely iPhone Camera Roll.

I am obsessed with Draw Something and I am pretty proud of my Lady Gaga drawing.

ice cream in my favorite bowl

having a good hair day, always photo worthy

e.l.f Controur Brush
I just picked it up this week and I have been using it for the crease and outer V. I like it and for $3, you can can't go wrong.

e.l.f Shimmer Pencil in Ivory
This is the second time that I'm going to give the white eyeliner on the waterline look a shot. My allergies are killing me and they're leaving my eyes red and irritated so in an effort to make the whites of my eyes appear whiter, I'm giving this a shot. This phase usually doesn't last long though because I can't ever get used to the look; I prefer a dark smudged eyeliner or shadow.
Do you ever use white liner on your lower lash line?

This is such a brilliant idea! I wish every pencil liner came with a sharpener attatched to the cover.

My favorite polishes at the moment.
left to right: Sally Hansen Sorbet, Finger Paints Circus Peanuts, S. Hansen Mellow Yellow (there's nothing mellow about it though, it's bright neon!), S. Hansen Mint Sorbet, S. Hansen Lacey Lilac

You've Got Mail & You've Been Awarded

Look what came in the mail!

...and they even came with a protective case.

My new cat eye sunnies from Urban Outfitters!

The lovely Sarah from Simply Sarah awarded/tagged me and I couldn't be happier. Thanks Sarah!

The rules for accepting this award are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you.

2. Write 7 random things about yourself.

3. Spread the love the 15 more bloggers.

So here it is, 7 random things about moi...

1. My two favorite snacks are Nutella with pretzels and chips with salsa. Really healthy, right?

2. I have a tattoo (aka a tramp stamp) of a butterfly on my lower back and no, I don't regret it. My BFF and I got tattoos the day before we graduated from high school and it's a great memory.

3. My belly button is still pierced and I can't bear the thought of ever taking it out because it's become such a part of me. I feel like my stomach looks strange without it. How old is too old for a navel piercing? What are your thoughts?

4. I always have to wash my face and brush my teeth before going to bed no matter how tired I am or how many drinks I had that night, I just have to.

5. I'm a worrier and a "what-ifer." Thankfully my husband is the opposite and always manages to calm me down and make me feel better.

6. I used to take baton and ballet lessons when I was little.

7. I love all things cute and girly. I often find myself wondering if I'm too old to have a Hello Kitty notepad or a bow headband. I finally took the pink Hello Kitty bow decal off my back windshield of my car in an effort to be more "grown up."

Easter Photos

What a creative title for a post, I know. I'm so exhausted so this post is going to be short and sweet and full of photos.

Pizza Rustica, a family tradition that is so insanely delicious.

The table, set for appetizers.

Fresh Picked Daffodils

My brother's new scooter, very euro right?
I love it because it's so vintage looking but it's actually new and it reminds me of Italy.

My brother's dachshund, Schneibels

Bright yellow tulips, closing up toward the end of the day

Happy Easter!

Just a quick post to say.... Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate and Happy Sunday to those of you who don't. I hope everyone had a great day filled with lots of great food and plenty of time to relax with family and friends.

Button Down- H&M
Cami- C. Russe
Belt- C. Russe
Jeans- A&F
Flats- MIA

Necklace- F21

Bracelets (from left to right)- Burlington, Tiffany's, little shop in Italy, F21, C.Russe

How cute is this egg shaped candle that my mom got for me? It's from Home Interiors and it's called Creme Egg. I love those three colors together and it smells so pretty too.

I took some photos today with my new Camera so I'll try to post tomorrow with some more photos from today. Last week was pretty chaotic and this week is looking like it will be a repeat of last week so I'll try my best to get on here and catch up on posts.

Treasure Hunting

The truth is, I put away a lot of my sweaters when we got that beautiful week of warm weather and I totally jinxed it because it's been so cold here! I found a few buried treasures when I was sorting through clothes and that's where this look came from- old favorites.

White Button Down- Abercrombie & Fitch (old)
Navy/White Striped V-Neck- Gap (old)
Jeans- ON Rockstar (of course!)
Gold Glitter Flats- C. Russe
Belt- ON
Bracelets- Lia Sophia

Please excuse the iPhone pictures, I know the quality isn't the best but it's just easier than taking out the camera. I have a beautiful new camera that I still need to learn how to use and it's really sad that I haven't made the time to play with it yet. I'm hoping to snap some photos this weekend though on Easter, so here's hoping that inspires me to take it out more often and get properly orientated with it. Until then... I leave you with these lovely iPhone shots.

Pink & Gray OOTD

Gray Sweater- Wet Seal (old)
Jeans- Old Navy Rockstar
Pink Leopard Scarf- Strawberry
Blush Heels- Rampage
Belt- TJ Maxx

Please excuse the mess all around me, we my husband still needs to sort through all of this computer stuff.

Silver Bead Bracelet- Tiffany's
Silver Link Pave Heart Bracelet- (old) Express maybe?