Beauty: Spend vs. Save

We are all on a budget, and as someone who really enjoys trying new beauty trends and products, I have to pick and choose what to spend my money on and where I can cut corners. We all do this I'm sure!

What I Spend On:

1. Gel Manicures. Cost, $25 per month

I can't believe how much I enjoy gel nail polish. I first decided to get a gel mani last Summer during my sister-in-law's wedding activities. I've always loved doing my own nails, and I have quite an extensive collection of Essie, O.P.I. and the like. But I didn't want to worry about chipping, so I went to a salon that I had heard wonderful things about. A year later, and I'm still trying to justify my monthly manicure. I keep telling myself that the next time "will be the last time" but I can't give it up. It doesn't help that I enjoy talking to my manicurist! She's pregnant and when she goes on maternity leave, I think that'll be my push to take a break. Maybe...don't hold me to it. 

2. Hair Blow-Outs. Cost, $60 per month

This is my biggest treat, and I do it about twice a month. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I swear it does wonders for my confidence. I can feel like a slob, walk into a salon, and leave feeling like royalty. I don't know what it is, but if I had to stop all beauty treatments aside from one, a good blow-dry is something I wouldn't give up. Maybe I have a slight complex which I won't get into here, but my hair has always bothered me. If it looks decent, I'm a happy girl. Weight fluctuates, we get older, but a good blow-dry won't disappoint. 

3. Botox. I've done it four times total. Cost, $130 per session

I've mentioned botox in a couple of comments to my readers, but I've been hesitant to write about it at length for fear of being judged. There, I said it! Before my first appointment, I did a ton of research. I researched so much that I waited over a year to finally go ahead with it. I was extremely nervous, and even though I know people who have had cosmetic surgery, I was afraid that getting botox would make me look unnatural. You know what I'm talking about. We've all seen people on social media that look pulled and bulgy in all the wrong places. Some people become unrecognizable. I only get it in between my eyebrows, where the constant worry and anxiety I manage turns into deep frown lines. I don't want to look concerned all the time. However, because we are planning to have a baby, I think I'm done for awhile because it can be harmful and I would never risk that.

If you'd like to hear about my experience, let me know! Botox and fillers aren't as taboo these days, but I still feel sheepish. That being said I'd actually love to do an entire post, if you care to read. 

What I Save On:

1. Facials

I can count on both hands how many times I've had a facial, and although they are definitely relaxing, I actually enjoy doing my own mini facials using my own products at home. I think if you have scarring or acne, facials are probably more of a necessity. For me, I usually reserve one night a week to turn on some music, throw my hair in a ponytail, and use a sheet mask. I also use Fresh and Milk makeup. 

2. Hair Cut & Color
I think by now you've probably noticed that I don't fuss with my hair. I let it air dry during much of the Summer, or I get a blow-out. My hair is fairly healthy because I don't color it often. About three times a year, I darken it or just do a glaze for shine. I keep playing with the idea of lightening it, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I like how low-maintenance it is, and it allows me to get my blow outs without feeling too terribly guilty. As for the cut, a simple trim every three months is enough.

3. Tanning Treatments & Products
Once upon a time, I was a sun worshiper. I would lie on my patio in the dead of Summer, bronzing lotion slathered all over my body. I still enjoy the sun, but I don't actively seek out a tan appearance. I wear sunscreen religiously, a hat, and sunglasses (muumuu optional though I like those too). Nate teases me because whenever we are outside, I'm the one that has to sit or stand in the shade. I don't mind being fair skinned anymore. As long as I have a good moisturizing lotion mixed in with some glowy liquid highlighter, I'm good to go!

What do you ladies splurge on, and what do you save on? I'm curious about this topic so please share below! 

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Real talk: the good side of all this

First and foremost, Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope you are enjoying this unofficial kick-off to Summer.

In this installment of real talk, I want to keep things light-hearted. I have come to the realization that oftentimes I am a little bit negative in my real talk posts, and while the whole point of these is for me to be brutally honest with you about certain topics or experiences I've had, I also don't want to feed into my own negative thoughts.

I don't consider myself to be an outwardly negative person. If you watch me on snapchat, you'll see that I laugh like a bumbling fool about 90 percent of the time and that's not an act. I'm easily amused. If you make me smile, I'll probably be your friend for life. But inwardly, I constantly battle with self-talk that I would be embarrassed to say out loud.

Blogging affects my mood in strange ways if I play the comparison card. But what I haven't really touched upon very much is how blogging has affected me in such positive ways.

1. Blogging has given me a place to document not only my personal style and beauty choices, but also some important milestones in my life. I began writing here just as I was about to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree, something I'm really proud of. I also shared my engagement and then subsequent wedding. I also wrote about my dog Nettie. She will be three years old in August. I never meant to delve into anything personal, but I enjoy sharing more about who I am because clothes and beauty products don't always interest me.

2. It has taken me out of my comfort zone and has pushed me to meet new people, and thankfully, people I now consider friends. The picture below was taken at my first rewardStyle event, and even though I was absolutely terrified of feeling alone and out of place, I pushed myself to go. I met Gina there, along with Jodi and Sabrina, and I am so happy that I didn't let my fears win. Getting out of my comfort zone to meet new people is difficult but it's an important exercise for my confidence. You don't move forward in life by confining yourself, and blogging has taught me that.

3. It's given me a platform where I can create and write content that is unique to my interests and personality. I've wanted to be a writer in some capacity since I learned my ABC's, and although I took a different turn in college, I am now playing catch-up with what I feel happiest doing. I don't proclaim to be amazing at it, but I love language. I love how words can fill that void in my heart. Here, I can write about practically anything I want to, and that's something I'm truly grateful for.

4. It's a hobby that I have become proud of. I used to keep this space a secret from pretty much everyone in my life. I was embarrassed and sort of ashamed of it because it didn't quite fit the mold that I think my friends and family had of me. Honestly, I still cringe a little when my family brings it up because I know they don't completely understand why Nate takes photos of my outfits every week. If I like clothes and fashion, does that make me vain? Shallow? Yes, in some ways it does. But we all have our interests and there is nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel your best. Everyone deserves that. I like being able to share my take on style, and so long as you'll read, I will continue to write.

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Summer '17: Sure Looks Like Spring

This Spring has been all about sweet little details, even for women I follow that have an edgier style. With trends leaning towards ruffles, off the shoulder tops, scalloped hemlines, midi length dresses, and lace, it's difficult NOT to give into your feminine wiles. I feel like a broken record because Summer looks just the same - and I don't mind one bit.

Here are some pieces that I have either purchased already or are on my radar. I also want to mention that I now have a "shop" tab at the top of my blog so you can see more whenever you'd like! I'm personally hoping to do a little shopping while I'm in Las Vegas, so maybe I'll come home with some of these in my suitcase 💗

Standout Item:

American Eagle One Piece Swimsuit

Have a great long weekend! Happy shopping if you have your eye on any sales. I'll see you back here on Monday for a real talk post.

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VIIcode O2M Oxygen Overnight Eye Mask

This post is sponsored by VIIcode. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Now that I'm well into my thirties, skincare is my main concern in my beauty routine. I know I've said this before and I'll say it again - no amount of high-end makeup can cover up problematic skin. If you don't have a good canvas, there really isn't much you can do. My skin looks better than it ever has, and I know it's because I'm making it my priority every morning and evening. I can comfortably go without wearing makeup on some days, and I love the freedom and self-confidence that comes along with being able to do that!

One product that has entered the beauty market over the last year or so are eye gels. I'm sure you've all seen them alongside sheet masks and even lip masks. I have used a different brand before, and while I love those for a quick fix, I wanted to try something with a little more lasting power. When I was contacted by VIIcode to sample their oxygen overnight eye mask, I was ecstatic. Banishing puffiness and under eye wrinkles while I sleep? Sold! Sign me up for that. 

The box comes with six treatments. They call it a treatment because it's the only eye mask that you can use overnight as you're sleeping. For best results, you should use them two to three times per week. I still have one more pair left and I'm saving it for my Las Vegas trip on Sunday night.

What I like about them is how saturated they are. The gel formula really sticks to the skin and feels incredibly soft and cooling. It's been so hot here the last few days and using them has been a soothing treat.

You can wear them overnight for up to eight hours, but I think my maximum number has actually been around seven because I'm not a good sleeper. However, I still saw amazing results and even Nate commented on how much better my under eye bags looked, or rather, the lack thereof. I don't yet have any wrinkles around my eyes, so I can't attest to disappearance of those. I believe these are so moisturizing though that fine lines will definitely benefit.

I'm a side sleeper so I worried they would slip right off during the night. However, they stayed in place which is quite a feat. I'm impressed! These would be great to wear on a night before a big event, when you want to look extra refreshed.

What do you ladies think? Have you tried eye masks before? Thank you to Elle at VIIcode for kindly sending these to me. 

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