Arm Candy

My new obsession.

 

Words are not even needed, the pictures do the job. 

Xoxo

M

Instyle: May 2012

It's the time again for my Instyle recap! I absolutely loved this issue, all 406 pages were filled with spring outfit ideas as well as the latest trends, beauty secrects and my favorite part...

the best beauty buys!!

I went through and made a list of items that I am dying to try! Here are my favorite picks..and I will warn you, it's pretty lengthy :)

 Eco Tools $3-$10 (Found at Target!!!)

These durable, densely packed brushes, made of sustainable materials like bamboo, come very close to most upscale lines. The only difference: Eco is easier on the wallet.

 Exude Lip Creme $29

go to instyle.com/bbb for a 20% discount!!
The ingenious bullet is protected by a plastic barrier, and all nine colors are infused with vitamins C and E to leave lips lush. And you'll never over apply-one click delivers the perfect amount of color every time

 Fresh Brown Sugar Body Scrub $65

 This wonder polish, a feast of fine brown-sugar crystals marinating in jojoba, almond, and apricot-kernel oils, gives skin a vacation from dullness, eliminating dry, dead cells and re-hydrating skin simultaneously

 Josie Maran Argan Lip Treatment $18

This apple-scented balm is the first thing I reach for in my makeup-kit says N.Y.C makeup artist Lucky Smyler. It heals delicate lip skin with argan oil and leaves a pretty pink tint. Bonus: The packaging is recyclable.

 La Mer Lip Balm $50

It's incredible hydrating, has a silky finish, and makes a great base for color. Some makeup pros swear it plumps lips

 

 Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer $42

It moisturizes, gives a hint of color, and has SPF. It's a one stop shop

I have heard SO many great things about this product that it is #1 on my list!

 MAC Eye Kohl $15

Sharp enough to draw a defined line yet creamy enough to blend, this pencil liner wont smudge and comes in every color imaginable 

 Mason Pearson $170

Pros sing the praised of this boar-bristle brush so often, they could practically use it as a makeshift microphone. it detangles, stimulates the scalp, redistributes natural oils for incredible shine, and last for years-maybe even a lifetime

 Nars Powder Blush $28

In 25 shades, the is from Nars has a vast color selection and it's a great value. You get so much product in the pan

How can you go wrong with Nars?!?!

 Sally Hansen Double Duty $5

Double Duty is a misnomer. N.Y.C nail pro Gina Viviano uses this product three ways-"as a base coat, a top coat and in between manicures when I don't want to wear color. The pantheonol-infused formula actually enriches nails without ever yellowing

 Shiseido Foundation Brush $30

It's a compact for total control and has densely packed synthetic bristles for cream, liquid, and powder foundations. The slightly  angled flat head ensures there's no streaking, so foundation becomes one with skin

 Shu Uemura $20

It has a long bed plate that actually curls lashes. (Other curlers simply blend them, which can damage fragile hairs). And its curved angle gets every last stray.

 Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay $37

Lavish, refreshing, nourishing-dermatologists lay the praise on pretty hick for this non-drying mask. Not that you'll need to apply any more than the thinnest layer to see results. It relies on "natural earth clays and botanicals to unclog pores, while hydroxy acids get rid of the dead layer of skin. And unlike so many other clay masks, this one never feels crusty.

 Smashbox Photo Finish $36

It evens out skin tone, shushes yawning pores, and creates the perfect canvas for foundation. The velvety formula is also teeming with antioxidants, so skin begins to look smoother all on its own

 Stila Convertible Color $25

Can be used on bare skin or over foundation. The sheer formula doesn't feel waxy and leaved a bit of sheen

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour $25

It makes skin look good, and it's good for skin. Loaded with protective antioxidants and skin-firming clay, this finely milled blush gives a natural glowly sheen. True to its name, it lasts all day and comes in impressive shades including vibrant berry, soft peach, and delicate rose

Phew! That was quite long, but I couldn't resist!

Please let me know if anyone has used any of these products and let me know what you think!

Xoxo

M

Hello everyone! Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

Friday night Michael and I left for Charleston to celebrate his brothers wedding. He was a best man and I was a bridesmaid but funny thing...we didn't get any pictures of the two of us together. Honestly  I didn't take any pictures the ENTIRE weekend (worst blogger award) however I was able to snag a few off of people's Facebook who went :)

The wedding was so beautiful and I cannot for the photographer to email us all the pictures, then I'll do a post with all the professional pictures..not iPhone uploads!!

Also on Friday afternoon all the girls went to get mani & pedi's one at the salon. I got a gel manicure, which I have never got before and let me tell you..they are absolutely the best and I will never get a another regular manicure again!

The polish lasts over 2 weeks and looks like acrylic nails because the polish is so thick! I love it!

Highly recommended!

Sunday afternoon we spent the day in Charleston..and of all the great food, we end up at Andolini's pizza. Our thoughts were just a light meal because we were so stuffed and Michael got a calzone and look how big it was!

 

 I said it looked like an elephant tusk because it was so massive!

Sunday evening I took a stroll after dinner with my family. It was so nice to catch up on the crazy weekend because they also went to another wedding, so we had a lot to talk about! But look at the gorgeous sunset

So pretty. But hope everyone had a great weekend !

Xoxo

M

New Gym Bags for Motivation

Phew, I am alive believe it or not!

It's been just crazy lately and I am not going to make any more excuses because that's all I have been doing the last two weeks :)

Any who, so now that spring has finally sprung it's swim suit season! 

For me, that means hitting the gym a little harder and eating a little healthier so I feel confident in my suit! AND what better way to make going to the gym a little more fun and exciting by adding a new gym bag!!

Throwing out the old, and getting a new bright/fun bag is a easy way to make the dreadful trip a little more fun because you can walk in with one of these little babies on your shoulder and be more than happy to show it off!

(I am taking my own advice and ridding of my monogrammed LL Bean bag that I currently use!)

Now here are a few pictures I found on my phone of the last few days:

Mikey making me cupcakes because I was/still am sick and all I wanted was a cupcake...so he made me a dozen :)

Dinner at Dockside, a favorite local seafood resturant that's right on the water

Here is the view.. it's just gorgeous at sunset!

This picture cracks me up only because my mom is SO obsessed with Pintrest...honestly she is worst than a teenager and might need to go to Pinners Anonymous because I think she is addicted. Lately she has came up with all these crazy craft ideas, recipes, and lord knows what else but found these devilved eggs. She was dying to make them..when just the basic deviled egg would have done the trick.

 

And here is how here's turned out:

 It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. They were absolutely horrible. But I do have to give her a 10 for taste because they were absolutely delicious..just not very presentable.

Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!

 Happy hump day :)

Xoxo

M

 
 

Oh school...

I swear I am not neglecting my blog and all my followers on purpose! I am swamped but I have only three weeks of school left thank goodness and I will then resume my normal posting

I hope I can return before the weekend (which I am crossing my fingers I will find a spare moment to blog a little). If not, I'll have a lot to catch everyone up on! This weekend is my boyfriends-brother's wedding and I am one of the bridesmaids so I am excited for all the festivities to begin..Lord knows I need a relaxing weekend after these past two weeks!

Xoxo

M

P.S. To those who have tagged me in posts, commented, and newly followed I promise I haven't forgot about you! I will say though to everyone who has commented thank you so much and I love reading what everyone has to say, it just makes my day!