August 2013 Glambag

I'm so excited about my Glambag this month! The shipping was a bit delayed, but it was well worth the wait. I got five awesome products, all of which were the ones I was most hoping for from the either/or categories.

Beauty Haul August 2013

If there is one thing that I pride myself on, it's shopping on a budget. I hate paying full price for something, and when I'm going to, there better be an awesome bonus or perk that I will get for doing so.

I have been trying to keep my general spending in check over the past few months, but I was able to splurge a little in August because I received a rewards card from signing up with AT&T U-verse. I spent some of that money on practical things, like groceries, but then decided to treat myself as well.

Birchbox August 2013

It's that time again!

I got my Birchbox last week and I finally have a chance to sit down and tell you all about it.  I have to say up front that I was a bit underwhelmed by this month's box. I didn't dislike any of the products in it, but I also wasn't super excited by any of them. Such is the luck of the draw with subscription boxes. Not every month is going to be amazing. Still, I do enjoy my subscription to Birchbox overall, and I think that have THE best rewards system to their subscribers out there. I also do appreciate the variety of products that they sample every month. And even with their sneak peeks the contents of your particular box are always a surprise (which I enjoy).

As always, if you'd like to try out Birchbox for yourself, a subscription is only $10 a month. If you use this link you will give me credit for referring you (and I will love you forever, not that I don't already :-p).

August 2013 Previews

I never used to enjoy the beginning of the month until I got myself willingly sucked into the beauty world. For the average person, the beginning of a new month often means mortgage payments, new billing cycles, and consequently a lighter wallet. But in the beauty world the beginning of the month means sneak previews for subscription box services, a new round of amazing perks and samples at most beauty retailers, and often the debut of fabulous and exciting new products and makeup lines.

I am really excited about everything this month has in store, so I definitely had to share the latest and the greatest in general beauty news and previews that I've come across.

July 2013 Favorites

Seeing now that August is a week underway, I thought it was about time to officially say goodbye to July and do a quick recap of my absolute favorite new finds from the month.

Garden Party & A Fresh Summery Makeup Look

It's Monday.

I'm not exactly thrilled that the work week has returned. I had such a lovely and relaxing weekend, and I really wasn't ready for it to end. 

A friend of mine threw a get-together on Saturday at her parent's house. They have a spectacular back yard. My inner photographer was seriously geeking out. Now, when I say spectacular, I mean complete with an abundance of picturesque plants and vegetation, a Koi pond (with mini waterfall, of course), a pergola, and an enormous vegetable garden. So, on top of being constantly inspired to take beautiful pictures, I also got to sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature with a glass of wine in my hand, surrounded by the company of good friends.

I can't really think of much else better in life.

So, without further adieu, here are some of my favorite shots of the day.

Birchbox for CEW Limited Edition Boxes

Happy Saturday beautiful people! The weekend is finally here and it could not have come fast enough. I've got some AWESOME stuff to share with you today, so get ready!

Last week Birchbox announced that they were teaming up with Cosmetic Executive Women to create two Limited-Edition boxes filled with product nominees for the 2013 Beauty Insiders' Choice Awards. One box showcased favorites from prestige brands, while the other had the best from drugstore brands. The Prestige box was sold for $18, and the Mass-Appeal box was $12, or you could purchase both boxes at a discount for $26.

Wish List - August 2013

What a crazy week.

I've been trying to stay off the computer at home, since I can't really avoid it at work, but it's so frustrating. I've got a whole list of topics that I can't wait to write about, but most importantly:

- Birchbox's Limited Edition CEW Awards boxes, and also Birchbox's fab customer service
- My July Favs
- Sneak Peeks for this month's Glambag
- My ballroom makeup-ing adventures

So please check back soon! I hope to be able to get writing this weekend.

In the meantime, I had to share with you a few things that I'm totally lusting after right now.

Quick Update

Hi lovelies.

A very quick update.

As life would have it, I've been having some carpal tunnel-esque issues with my hands/wrists/elbows/etc. which have been making it very difficult for me to use my computer or phone. I have SO much to share, but if I'm MIA for a little while, that would be why.

I did join twitter and instagram this week, so feel free to follow me if you'd like to hear my daily ramblings. With my previously mentioned issues I haven't been utilizing either of them too much, but hopefully that will change!

I hope to post again soon, but until then, stay gorgeous!
Lauren