March Beauty Favorites

March is almost at it's end, so today I am sharing with you my favorite beauty products of the month.

1. L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

I have heard wonderful things about this mascara. When I saw a coupon in the sunday paper, I knew I wanted to pick it up. I've used it ever since. It builds great volume but lengthens at the same time. I like it a lot! Plus it's pretty cheap. I think I paid like $3 after coupons.

2. Philosophy Snow Angel 3 in 1 Shower gel

I got this for Christmas from my mom (I'm pretty sure she found it at Ulta) and the smell is absolutely amazing. I have been using it since December, and am just now almost out. I've used it more as a body wash but also as a bubble bath and I even used it as a shampoo. All three worked great, but the most amazing thing about this is the scent. I can't even begin to describe it to you, but its wonderful. I also liked how it didn't leave my skin dry, like most washes do in the winter. 

3. Maybelline Color Whispers

So, you know already how much I looooove revlon's lip butters, so when I saw these come out, I had to see how they stood up against the lip butters. I have to say, that the Color Whispers are much more sheer and actually feel like a lip balm but also have great sheer pigmentation. The lip butters definitely feel more like a lipstick. The color whispers are great for just throwing in your purse and applying on the go. I love all the colors and I want to try more. Right now I have pin up peach and pink possibilities. 

I love both shades!

4. Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder

I have never been much of a powder person, mainly because I don't really get oily throughout the day. I picked this up because once again I got it super cheap with coupons and sales. I was so shocked about how this powder feels! It has the most unusual texture (Almost creamy, but not if that makes sense) and goes on the skin so smoothly. I use it to set my foundation (I have also tried the nearly naked foundation and like it too!) I have already hit the pan on mine, and I will be repurchasing. 

What were your beauty favorites for the month?

My Day at Blissdom

As soon as I heard the news that Blissdom was coming to Dallas, I knew I wanted to go!

Now, I know that I'm not a 'professional' blogger, so I didn't really need to attend the conference, but I had remembered hearing that last year they held a market of sorts with a bunch of handmade goods.

I then heard that The Pleated Poppy would be there selling her goods! 

I couldn't have been more excited.

You see, Lindsey is my favorite blogger. I read her blog daily and have purchased a few of her handmade items. I even link up with her every wednesday!

So, thursday morning, I threw myself in a panic trying to find the perfect outfit for meeting her.

Well, I wasn't sure if she would actually be running her booth, so basically I was just going to show up and hope for the best. 

I ended up finding an outfit, and hopped in my car to head to the Gaylord Texan i.e. the texas mecca.

After I willingly paid $12.99(!!!!!!!) to park at said mecca, I wandered around the huge hotel trying to find the handmade marketplace.

I eventually found it and walked inside. To my surprise, there was not only Lindsey, but also THE Lisa Leonard. I kinda freaked. No really, I did. I saw them and instantly walked out. I was so excited and nervous, that I guess I just couldn't handle it.

(Your talking to a girl who has not only met her favorite singer but also her favorite author.)

I guess when I met those two people there was a long line so I had a while to pull myself together and think about what I was going to say/do. 

But they were just sitting there like normal human beings!

(Yes, I do realize they truly are human beings.)

It was one of those surreal moments.

So surreal, I just left.

and then I went home and never ever came back.

ha. 

Just kidding.

I found myself a chair, and sat for 15 minutes. I had to pull myself together.

and gosh darn it, I paid over $12 just to park, so you can bet your bottom dollar I was going to do what I came there to do. 

I walked in, and no one was at Lindsey's booth, so I went there first. 

My squeaky, high pitched voice quacked something remotely similar to a "hello" and she smiled and we began chatting. Lindsey was so kind and warming, that I never felt uncomfortable once.

She was genuine and so sweet, and talk about down to earth!

and at one point or another a  big crowd came in and pushed me out of the way. Lindsey was so sweet, and walked over to me and continued talking! I was shocked! She really made me feel important. 

She even let me take her picture for What I wore wednesday

I was so honored!!

Here is the picture, by the way. 

I can't believe I got to take THE Lindsey's WIWW picture! 

after all, I take embarrassing pictures of myself every week all because of her!

I hesitated asking for a picture together because I didn't want to be rude. But I did.

and she said yes! 

and can you believe who she asked to come take our picture!??!?!

Yes. Lisa Leonard.

As if my day couldn't get any more surreal. 

So, naturally I asked if I could grab a picture with her too!

She said yes :)

Talk about comforting! Lisa was so warm and welcoming. She remembered my name for goodness sakes!

She even laughed with me as I dropped my phone on one of her cupcakes for decoration. I was mortified, but Lisa made me laugh it off and she made it no biggie at all. 

She was seriously amazing. 

Lisa even helped me pick out a necklace. 

I had saved up money for this day because I knew I would never get this experience again.

Here is the one I got:

I can't find it online, but it's from her heartfelt collection.

It also was on sale! You know I can't pass up a good deal!

oh, wondering what I got at Lindsey's booth?

I got this Zippered Pouch for my purse. I fell in love with the colors.

and I loooooved the inside:

So cute, right!?!?!!

I also got:

This posy

I adore red and blue together, so this was pretty much a done deal.

and finally, I got 

this sunglasses case

I loved the fabric on this, and since I can't go literally anywhere with out sunglasses, I knew I needed this (I use 'needed' loosely)

I really really really wanted her chevron messenger bag

but it was out of my budget right now.

and I just dropped $12 just to park my car.

anyways, all in all, it was so much fun! I got to meet two of my favorite bloggers and I got to splurge on a few things for myself. 

It was a very successful day.

OH! I almost forgot....

Lindsey  actually commented on my insta pic! I was floored! 

Thank you Lindsey and Lisa for such an amazing experience!

I will cherish this day forever!

What I Wore Wednesday

Well, I only have two outfits to share.

But one is really really important.

Last week, since I live in Dallas, I was able to visit the Blissdom Handmade Market Place.

Which basically means that I got to meet some of my favorite bloggers!

Now, trying to find the perfect outfit only took 500000 tries. 

and I'm pretty sure my closet looks like a hurricane still.

So wanna see what I picked?

I definitely played it safe outfit wise.

I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin, so that's why I chose a flowy top and heels.

Because lets face it, I'm no model. I'm short and curvy.

Shirt/dress: Goodwill $2.99

Jeans: LC for Kohls via goodwill $5.99

earrings: etsy (sorry, I cant remember which shop)

and the necklace was a find from the market!

I wore my go-to comfy wedges from target.

Next was friday's outfit:

(why, yes this is a shameless picture taken in Old Navy's dressing room.)

My top is Prabal Grung for target, which I showed in this post.

It was on clearance for like $9

Jeans are the same from the outfit before

(Shh... it's our little secret!)

and my shoes are from goodwill which I revamped myself.

Earrings were a Franchescas clearance find for like $6

and my necklace is the same from before.

It's a Lisa Leonard.

and that's all!

Come back tomorrow to hear all about who I met at blissdom (although if you saw my instagram, then you already know!) and what I got and all that jazz!

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy!

Two girls, one lipstick.

Recently, when my grandparents came to visit, my grandma (whom I call 'Nana') and I were cleaning out my bathroom.

While we were going through some of my drawers, she pulled out my most beloved tube of lipstick.

The conversation went something like this:

~"Amber, Do you use this lipstick?"

~"Yes, that's my favorite. I use it everyday."

~"I have that exact same shade. That's my favorite! I use it everyday, too!"

and we both erupt in laughter.

 Unbeknownst to us, we had been wearing the exact same lipstick.

It was like this one lipstick had united us.

It made me feel like no matter how far we are from each other, 

I will always be able to share this simple fact with her.

Not only that, but I think knowing this made us both realize how much we are alike.

We both need organization to thrive.

We both love to please others.

We both are generous with our time and love, even though sometimes we shouldn't.

We both are sensitive at heart, even though we put on a tough shield on the outside.

So no matter where life takes us, and how far apart we are,

I know that somewhere out there, my Nana is wearing Revlon's Berry Smoothie

and so am I. 

March Monthly My Glam Bag

It's that time again!

I can't believe that I am already at the end of my subscription!

I got a three month trial, and I am still debating if I want to continue on. 

I loved January's and February's bag, but March's kinda disappointed me.

By no means was it bad, I did receive a few things I liked, but also a few I didn't.

I guess that's the breaks of the game, right?

So here is what I got:

The bag was adorable! I loved the nautical print and the stripes!

First were these wipes:

La Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes

 What They Say:

La Fresh® Travel Lite® portable towlette wipes are perfect for jetsetters, go-getters, outdoor enthusiasts and multi-taskers everywhere. Towlette packets are small in size, designed for practicality and are easy to apply discreetly. Each item is carry-on friendly and slim enough to slip into a pocket, purse or wallet. Perfectly portable, La Fresh® makes beauty a breeze when you’re on-the-go. For a refreshing getaway, grab any Travel Lite® and Live. Life. La Fresh.™ 

Travel Lite™ personal amenities are made in sunny Southern California with clean renewable solar energy! These makeup remover wipes feature biodegradable and compostable materials.

What I say:

While my go-to makeup removers are the olay wipes that you have to get wet, I do use the pre-moistened wipes to supplement sometimes. I will definitely use these and I plan on saving them for traveling. I also love that they are eco-friendly!

Next:

Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist

 What They Say:

Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist tones, hydrates, and refreshes your face and hair while on the go, anytime of the day. Hydrate with the refreshing blends of organic juices for a fresh, radiant complexion. 

What I Say:

I hated the smell of this. Honestly, I really couldn't get past it, and after reading several other reviews, I know I'm not the only one. It could be a great product, but I am really sensitive to smells because I get headaches easily.

I will say, though, that I gave this to my mom who has dry skin, and she loves it! I asked her if she liked the way it smelled, and she said it didn't bother her.

To each it's own I guess!

Next:

 Glam RX Mini Freestyle Palette

What They Say:

The GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette was made exclusively for ipsy Glam Bag subscribers. The magnetic base is the perfect spot to store pan-only eyeshadows (2 of which are included in this Glam Bag!), blushes & bronzers, or whatever you need for perfect for quick touch ups on the go! Whether you are headed off to spring break or just need a cute & clever way to store products in your bag, you can create the perfect makeup look and take it with you with your exclusive GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette.

 What I Say:

I have to say, I've been wanting to buy a Z Palette (which is basically the same thing)for a while now, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this! I love the concept of saving room in your makeup collection, because I have far too many singles to count. If this is cheaper than the Z Palette, then I might buy it!

and to go into the palette:

 Yaby Eye Shadows

What They Say:

Whether you want to make a dramatic statement or just add a veil of color to your eyes, the yaby eyeshadow refills are extremely easy to work with. Can be used wet or dry and the smooth texture allows blending with ease. All shadows are vegan friendly and the pans are reusable for mixing. Glam Bag subscribers receive two of 80 fabulous shades. 

What I Say:

I am more of a neutral eye person over using wild colors, so I was a bit thrown off by the blue color.

(Blue on top, beige on bottom)

The blue was a really great shadow. It was velvet-y and very pigmented.

The beige was extremely chalky. Can you see the difference on my fingers?

And it barely showed up when I swatched it on my hand.

I liked how they were the perfect size for my glamRX palette!

 and that's it! I have to say 2 out of 4 aint bad, and I will definitely use all of what I got (I am one of those 'Waste not want not' believers).

So do you think I should continue my subscription? It's only ten dollars a month,

which doesn't seem that bad, but when I think of it being $120 a year, it seems crazy! I really like the concept and I've received a lot of products I loved. I think I might just go month-by-month...

what would you do?

Happy Monday!

Our Trip to the Arboretum

While my Grandparents were here for spring break, we ventured out to the Dallas Arboretum.

My youngest brother missed out on the fun because of work...boo!

Even though it's only about a 30 minute drive from where I live, we hadn't gone in over 8 years!

The weather was perfect and it wasn't too crowded.

It was perfect!

Here are a ton a few pictures of our trip!

Apparently walking around burns quite a lot of energy! We refueled for lunch at the Tea Room on site.

It was so quaint and cute!

After lunch, we walked around a bit more and stumbled across this little garden. It reminded me of the ones I saw in France at all the castles!

My oldest brother and his newlywed. 

ahh, Hydrangeas. My favorite flower!

The whole gang

minus Addison.

It was so much fun!

If you live in the area, I definitely reccomend going!