Hautelook Summer Essentials Bag

Okay, as promised, here is the in-depth review of Hautelook's Summer Essentials Bag! I'm still in the process of trying everything out, so this may be a sort of post-in-progress.

This was my first ever purchase from Hautelook - a website (sort of like an online version of Nordstrom Rack) that features crazy discounted prices on high end and designer products. I saw this Summer Essentials Bag listed for $20 and I really just couldn't resist. They claimed it was over a $120 value of products, so it seemed like a pretty great deal to me. Several of the products were full-sized, or a generous deluxe sample size.

Catering and a Confession

Holy wow, I am exhausted. Second catering event ever tonight and my legs are feeling seriously jello-like. I didn't even work a whole shift and I'm dead. I think it's one of those things where, when you are going non stop you don't even realize it. It's only when you stop and sit down for a while that it hits you.

But before I crash for the night, I wanted to finish up this post!

I have a confession to make....I may or may not have turned "No-Buy July" into a "Buy-Less-Than-Usual July". There were a few limited time deals that were just too good for me to pass up.

Sigh.

Stressful Days and Self Care

Today was one of those days.

It's rainy and unseasonably chilly outside. Work was stressful and hectic. I had to go to the dermatologist to have a cyst removed from my head (and now get to sport some lovely sutures).

Not exactly the best Thursday ever.

But, there is one redeeming factor. I don't have anywhere to be this evening, and can finally take some time for a little R&R.

There is nothing better than treating yourself to a little TLC at the end of a less than perfect day. Sometimes you might get lucky and manage to have several hours of uninterrupted free time. Sometimes you may only get 15 minutes. Either way, I think it's really important both for your physical and mental health to practice good self care. You owe it to yourself!

July 2013 Ipsy Glambag and Beachy Waves Tutorial

Good morning world!

Happy Saturday :-)

I couldn't be happier that the weekend is here. I decided to celebrate by cooking myself a legitimate breakfast - scrambled eggs and blueberry pancakes (nom nom). I saw Wild Blueberries & Multigrain Pancake & Waffle Mix at Target earlier this week and couldn't resist.

July 2013 Birchbox

My favorite time of the month is here - my Birchbox has arrived! It's always so nice to have something fun to open when I get home from a long and stressful workday. Throughout the week I've had a chance to try everything out (with the exception of the Bobby Pins...they haven't matched an outfit that I've worn yet) and I'm pretty happy with all of the products I received.

OCC Lip Tars in Action and No Buy July

Anyone who knows me personally is aware that I'm a pretty saavy shopper - coupons, sales, special promotions - I almost never pay full price for anything, because, well, why should you if you don't have to? Unfortunately, though, buying something at a bargain is still buying something, and sometimes  buying anything that isn't a necessity just isn't an option.

The freedom of adulthood is a beautiful thing, and I would never for a minute take back my decision to officially "leave the nest". But such freedom does come with a price.

A large price.

Lazy Day Look & Free Sample Friday

I love the summer.

The heat, the sunshine, the longer days, trading in regular coffee for iced, shoes that show off my latest pedicure...everything about the summertime just makes me feel a little bit happier to be alive.

I think I'm in a little bit of shock that it's already July. The summer months always seem to fly by so quickly, despite my attempts to savor them as much as possible. As a birthday gift to myself I decided to take the 3rd-5th off from work and it has been FANTASTIC. I've already had a whole weekend's worth of time and it's still only Friday!