Shining and Sparkling Beauty

My Ipsy Glam Bag has finally arrived and I can say I was completely shocked at how heavy the package was when I took it out of the mailbox.

The question that seems to be asked the most is “what’s the difference between Ipsy and Birchbox?”

In my experience Ipsy sends full sized products and sticks with the lower end and more affordable brands like NYX. In comparison, Birchbox’s samples are of higher end products and come in smaller sized samples. The price of full size Birchbox products are also a little higher. All around I love both companies and enjoy all of the products. I like the variety and choices that I receive each month and that’s why I am subscribed to both.

In this month’s bag each item took on a festive and more glamorous look along with the bag itself in all of its shining golden glory, let’s see what’s inside!!

em michelle phan pillow plush cushiony lip balm in Berries-Retail $15.00
As much as I love lip balm I thought $15 for the size of this product was a little extreme. The lip balm does leave your lips silky smooth and shiny but not worth the price. As dark as the lip balm may look the color was a subtle and nice shade once I applied it on. 
                                              

Be a bombshell Lip Crayon-Retail $14.00
The last Bombshell lip crayon I received was a bright pink so it comes at no surprise that this sample would be any different. Only now in a red shade! It is definitely a bright red. I have actually kept these lip crayons for when Madison needs bright lip shades for her dance recitals. I even in the best shade of light can never pull off these colors!

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer-Retail $13.00
I love my nail polishes so I am a very happy camper when I receive Nailtini products! This shade is perfect for winter and for the upcoming holidays! It took about two coats to retrieve a nice smooth covered look, not bad. 

Pixi Beauty Bronzer-Retail $5.00
I love how subtle this bronzer is! I have purchased bronzers in the past that leave my skin orange and three shades darker than my neck. Yuck! This product leaves your skin with a light glowing layer of color.

Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil-Retail $14.00
All of my eye pencils are black and I have never worn anything else. I feel a little washed out if I am not using a black eye pencil. Although this item is a fun product to play around with I don’t see myself using it unless I blend it into an eye shadow or wear it to an event for the holidays.

TRESemme TRES Two Extra Hold Holdspray Travel Size-Retail $0.50 1.5 oz.
I love mini hairsprays! Especially in the winter when I find my hair experiencing static. I throw a can in my purse and I am on my way! I also use TRESemme’s Dry Shampoo spray as well! I haven’t had a bad experience with TRESemme products!

The value of this bag came to $61.50 which is amazing! If you haven’t subscribed to receive Ipsy’s monthly glam bag I suggest you do! Look at what all was received for just $10! A hair product, 2 lip products, 1 eye product, 1 face product, 1 nail product and the monthly “glam bag” which happens to be one of the best things about this subscription! I love all things beauty and I love Ipsy!

A Skin Care Miracle And Discount

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As a woman, I am always keeping my eye out for the next best thing when it comes to beauty products.

I like knowing that when I go to bed at night I did everything I could to protect, moisturize and clean my skin, especially when it comes to my face. I am in the almost thirty phase.
Therefore I am noticing all of the developing wrinkles, dry skin and fine lines.

One thing I hate is the feeling my skin gets after wearing a face full of makeup. The grime, grease and dirt build up gives me the chills.

When Lara (my newest Mary Kay consultant friend/blogging buddy) posted to Instagram a few weeks back about a newly released product I squealed with glee. I LOVE Mary Kay products and use them daily so it comes as no surprise that a Skinvigorate Cleanser was at the top of my Christmas list.



Seriously, who wouldn't want to try one of these out after watching that video! An at home spa like treatment without the expensive cost and you can use it every day! To my surprise, Lara bless her heart sent me one! I could have not been more excited! I really don't know what I do to deserve things like this but somehow every once in awhile someone surprises you and it is the best feeling ever!
I opened my package and this is what I found:

The Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush, batteries, 2 Skinvigorate Brush Heads and instructions. Of course I had to use this bad boy immediately and it is super easy which makes it even better! You basically pop on one of the brush heads onto the cleansing brush, apply cleanser to your face with a little bit of water and go to town! 
Let me tell you, if you love the microdermabrasion products then this item is for you! Also, if you have sensitive skin and sometimes are unable to use the microdermabrasion treatment the cleansing brush is gentle enough but still does the job!
My skin has never felt so soft and clean. I could feel the brush digging into my pores and gently cleansing out the areas around my nose and chin that sometimes are left feeling a bit "missed". If you have been debating on purchasing this product, DO IT! You won't regret it for one second! The feeling I have each and every time I use it is amazing, a "miracle".
To all the ladies out there, this one is for you!
Lara has so kindly offered up a  20% discount off of your entire purchase and free shipping  to all Wide Open Spaces readers!
Stop by Lara's website to take advantage of this amazing deal!
Happy Shopping!

Would You Like Mail?

I love beginning a Monday morning feeling organized, refreshed and ready to accomplish another week!

This feeling is rare and only happens once in a blue moon.

My five to try that I posted on Friday turned out to be a great success! 

I stuck to my goals and succeeded at four, one is still in the works but 95% ain't too shabby!

I had an overnight babysitter Saturday night so I managed to lie in bed for ten hours. Did I sleep? Some. I keep having dreams that leave me tossing and turning and feeling restless. It was still nice to have that time to breathe, lie still and enjoy the silence.

My first batch of Christmas cards will be going out in the mail today to you lovely readers! I still have Christmas cards to send out so if you would like one please send me an email with your mailing address and I will get one to you! If I run out of these I have more! So please feel free to send me your info!

Although we did not start Madison's letter to Santa, we did spend most of our Sunday afternoon decorating this yummy goodness! I love gingerbread houses and Madison did a great job adding all of the details to the house. Eating it is the best part besides the great memories we make while doing it.

I am happy to announce that besides a handful of gifts and stocking stuffers my Christmas shopping is complete! I stashed the secret Santa items and put the others under the tree to be wrapped. I love knowing all of my planning and time spent scouring ads for deals paid off!

Back to the sleeping and resting part, I can say I gladly accomplished both. Kicking my feet up Saturday night I rented a movie and kept warm under a blanket. By the way if you haven't watched We Are The Millers rent it now! I love Jennifer Anniston so of course I loved the movie!

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Besides accomplishing my to do list, here are a few things that kept me smiling this weekend!

I started teaching Madison how to make snowflakes. We didn't have much time before she left to go to grandma's house but she got the picture. She loves making crafts and being creative!

I went onto Starbucks website and they were sold out of these adorable mugs. Wah wah. While shopping at Target for the tenth time this week I found a shelf of them!! I snagged one as I did a little happy dance inside.

Madison had her winter recital Friday night which turned out to be a success! She danced her little heart out and smiled almost the whole time. More details to come later this week!

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I found my hair stylist! As many of you know my hair stylist quit and so I have been on the lookout for someone new. I decided to try and get in touch with my stylist and found out she moved to a different salon right down the street! I have an appointment tonight and couldn't be more thrilled! Pics to come!

What fun things did you get into this weekend? Don't forget to join the link up if you haven't already!

How Hard Can It Be?

The last couple of weeks I have been linking up with Vickie for Friday’s Five To Try.

Basically the goal is to make a to-do list or five things to try over the weekend.

We all know how life gets in the way and how chores and “to-do’s” start to pile up. As I have said before, I feel more accountable when I have all of you lovelies following up reading about the outcome come Monday morning.

Also, I feel like I accomplished more when I have a smaller list completed rather than a large list with only a couple of things checked off.

So here is my list for this weekend…

1) Sleep! I have been going to bed after midnight and most mornings getting up around 5 or 6 am! I am drained! Hence the lack of blog posting yesterday. I have yet to find the time to crank out multiple blog posts ahead of time therefore you can find me most nights blogging for the next day. Sometimes things just don’t work out.

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2) Mail out Christmas cards to all my frannndddsss. Keep an eye on your inbox I might be emailing you for an address

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3) In downtown Indy the city has set up a mailbox for Santa! You place your list/letter in the box for Santa and Santa (a volunteer) sends a return letter. I plan on sitting down with Madison and having her write one out so we can deliver it. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she receives that package!

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4) Organize the presents I have bought for Christmas. Both of our trunks are jam packed with boxes and bags. I have yet to find a place to stash all of the goodies so Madison will not find them. We need a bigger house!

5) Rest and relax. Besides sleep, I really want to stay at home and just enjoy being indoors. The past week has been very hectic and exhausting. Sometimes it is nice to become a couch potato, spend the day eating good food and remember to enjoy the small things.

What are your weekend plans? Are you linking up?

Blog Crushes

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Every day at some point I take a period of time out of my day to catch up on my blog reading.

I use Bloglovin so of course I have categories made for certain blogs. My daily reads, my best bloggy buds and well you get the hint.

If you aren't following me yet please stop on by and say hi!

If you are a new reader around these parts this little post might help you to find additional friends or posts to read! If you have been around for awhile the same might apply to you. I am feeling an overwhelming sense of love, compassion and happiness in my life and want to share with you those who have inspired me, helped me through tough times or have went out of their way to help me in some way.

Now of course I could spend hours listing out my top faves throughout the entire blogosphere but ain't nobody got time for that! So instead I give you my and I say my because this is based on who has had the most impact on my life and this little blog :)

1. Holly blogs over at Back Home Again. She also lives in Indiana and leaves me the sweetest comments! I envy all of the places she has traveled to and the adventures she has encountered. If you want to gain an open, honest and kind friend, Holly is your girl!

2. Kate over at Classy Living amazes me every single day. She is the one who helped me get this blog up and running. If it weren't for her I wouldn't be where I am today. She responds quickly back to any question you may have, always is there with open arms to help in any way and her blog posts keep you coming back for more. I would love to meet Kate for a Blate one day!

3. Lara, Lara Lara...there are no words to describe how much it means to me every time I receive a comment or email from this pretty lady. She is a Mary Kay consultant and a blogger as well. She knows her stuff when it comes to beauty products! I have been so lucky to have "met" Lara. I have been spoiled by her Mary Kay gifts and feel so grateful to have such a good friend!

4. Chelsee writes over at Southern Beauty Guide. Chelsee and I have a special bond. We connect on a higher level than just blogging. She feels like my long lost friend that I have yet to meet in person. We share the same interests in beauty products, blogging and real life topics. Chelsee is amazing at helping with blogging issues and finds free time almost anytime you need her.

5. Kaitlyn is my bloggy buddy from Wifessionals. Besides being drop dead gorgeous on the outside, Kaitlyn also shows true beauty through her personality. Although we have never met in person we have met on a V-Blate before making me feel like we know each other even more. Kaitlyn was one of the first people I sponsored and I learned so much through her. Her blogging advice and the way she does things makes it seem effortless.

6. Stephanie from Diary Of A Debutante is the true definition of all American girl! Her and I first "met" when we were paired up for a Valentine's Day gift exchange. I am lucky to have gotten to know this beautiful woman over time. Her posts are jam packed full of pink, beauty items and great suggestions for traveling and party planning! Stephanie is a down to earth girl who loves to have fun! A day spent with Stephanie seems like a pretty good time!

7. Last but not least Samantha blogs over at Hooah and Hiccups. With a husband in the military and a little toddler at home, this girl has her hands full! While reading her blog you suddenly become inspired to do something great! With her posts about fashion, beauty products, staying true to yourself and parenthood you find yourself wanting to become a better person. She is a leader, a strong woman and one of the nicest bloggers I know. If there is anyone to follow in their footsteps it would be Samantha.

So now that I have given you some great ladies to go and "meet" please share with me who is on your list and remember to stop by their little corners of the universe and say hello :)

To all that are not included in this post, I love you all....

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Birchbox: November 2013

What's in the box?

That is what immediately pops into my head every time I see my Birchbox peeking out of my mailbox every month.

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I cannot tear the packaging open fast enough.

For all of you that might not be up to date on what a Birchbox it is, it is basically a monthly beauty subscription box for $10. 

You receive 4-5 beauty samples. 

Some are full size and some are sample size. 

Most of the time Birchbox provides a wide range of products including edible treats, eyeliner, mascara or even moisturizer. 

The $10 is definitely worth it! I have found some of my favorite products through the Birchbox subscription!

So let's see what's in this month's box!

Color Club Cocktail Hour Collection in Top Shelf: $8.00

The picture doesn't do it justice but the nail polish shade is a golden color. I just purchased some Christmas themed glitter last night so this will accent it perfectly! Can't wait to share my new mani!

Vasanti BrightenUP! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: $34.00

I love the way this product smells! It is a mini mircodermabrasion product! Exfoliating the skin and moisturizing as well. This little tube made my skin feel silky smooth and soft in just a few mins!

TOCCA Crema de Mano in Cleopatra: 
$20.00

Around this time of year my skin and hands become very dry. I find myself reaching for moisturizer more than usual. This tube of cream combines my two favorite scents: grapefruit and cucumber! I put this cream on before bed and woke up with great smelling and looking skin!

Chella Highlighter Pencil:
$18.00

I actually have already received this product in a prior Birchbox and I use it almost every day. I also use it as a concealer around my eye area. The eye pencil matches my skin perfectly and hides blemishes along with dark eye circles!












Chuao Chocolatier Chocolate Bars: 
$6.00

Anyone who knows me knows I love chocolate! Especially chocolate and caramelized honey! This small piece of goodness tasted delicious! I love trying out new decadent treats and this one aimed to please! Birchbox knows the way to a girls heart!

What's in your box this month?

Have you signed up yet or thinking about?

Share your thoughts!!

That Kinda Crazy

Once again a weekend came and went faster than I could say the word weekend. 

Although it went by quickly I achieved my main goal and that was to get all of my indoor Christmas decorations out and displayed. 

I usually cram the indoor and outdoor decorating all into one weekend but this year I wanted to break apart the two and enjoy it for as long as possible.

I am one of those crazy Christmas obsessed people. 

I love everything Christmas. 

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The holiday puts a burning fire in my heart and fuels my happiness. 

It is even better now that I have a little one to share the joyous moments with.

I went out for a little window shopping and ended up picking up some of the cutest things!

So needless to say my house puked Christmas this weekend!

It may be early, it may seem like a special kinda crazy but I anytime you find a little piece of happiness, love and desire in your life....enjoy every second of it!

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