Sephora 2018 Birthday Gift Review and Swatches

All my makeup lovers out there if you aren't a Sephora Rewards Member get on it!!  You get free makeup even if you don't buy anything.  If you do buy things at Sephora you get points that can then be redeemed for products.  For the free products you get a birthday gift every year during your birthday month. 

This year the birthday gift was really exciting!  It was from Bite Beauty and you get an Amuse Bouche Lipstick Mini in Chai, Matte Creme Lip Crayon Mini in Glace, and an Agave Lip Treatment Sample.  There is also a GlamGlow gift if you are more into skincare.

They are "minis" but the size is really good, you get a lot of product.

For the lip treatment you get a sample of the scrub and balm.  I have been using the balm and really enjoying it, haven't tried the scrub but I'm sure it will do the job.

The lip crayon in glace is such a pretty color but it is a little drying on my lips.  I would recommend a chapstick or something to counteract before you put this on.

The lipstick is my favorite, such a great neutral color and it goes on really well.  Not drying, great pigment and stays on well.

All in all I am super happy with the birthday gift this year.  They are the perfect size for your purse and really great amount of products you get for free.

Instagram Roundup

Trying this out again, here are some of my favorite instagram posts from the week. 

I just recently got this Fucci belt from Amazon and finally got around to styling it.  Still obsessed with my floral booties, one of my favorite pairs of shoes for sure.

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Flatlays are a pain but I also enjoy creating outfits and pairing things together.

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I recently got the prettiest jewelry from Keira Nicole and I have been wearing it ever since.  Check her out here.

I recently finished The Great Alone, check out my review to see what I thought about it.  I also made coffee cake for the first time in forever this past weekend and it was wonderful!

We had spring weather for just a little bit and it made me want to bring out all the blush.

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New Favorite Jewelry Pieces!

If you have been around for a while you know I love personalized jewelry (or just things in general).  I am a southern girl and I will always love a well placed monogram or initial.  I discovered Keira Nicole Jewelry on instagram and fell in love with the simplistic designs that are perfect for layering.  She is super sweet and sent me two initial bracelets and a necklace.  I have been obsessed with them ever since!  

I got one bracelet with my initial and the other with my husband's.  I could totally see getting my kid's initials to wear down the road.

I have been wearing these bracelets pretty much nonstop since I got them.  They are super easy to throw on and I love pairing them with other jewelry.

Side note...how cute is my new pearl denim jacket??

I have also been wearing my "e" necklace all the time.  I love how dainty and simple it is.  It looks so chic on its own or layered with other necklaces.

These would also make really great gifts, everyone loves personalized goodies!!

What I read in February

February is a short month but I feel like this one dragged by a little bit.  I read three books this month, one great, one ok and one terrible.  Keep reading to see which was which.

Ready or Not by Meg Cabot: I read a lot of Meg Cabot when I was younger (any Princess Diaries fans out there??)  I picked this one up at the thrift store and decided to step back into my younger self.  What a disappointment, this book was just blah.  I almost stopped reading it because it made me a little angry but I was already almost half way.  The story of Samantha, who saved the life of the president continues but most of this book concentrated on an agenda focused on sex ed.  Characters were annoying and it was just a disappointment.

Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews: Light and fluffy, this book was a super easy read and for the most part enjoyable.  It follows the basis of a lot of Ms. Andrews' books where the heroine has an issue with a man (in this case her husband is cheating on her) and she is left to start a new life.  It was ok, pretty easy to figure out and nothing too exciting in the characters.  If you are a fan of Mary Kay Andrews it's worth a read.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: Ok so now for the best book of the month (definitely the best one I have read this year).  I got this one for my birthday and was so excited to jump in.  I actually finished half of it in one sitting, I couldn't not finish it.  Set in Alaska in the 1970s and 80s Hannah describes it as beautiful and visually stunning but also full of dangers.  It is told from the view of the daughter Leni who follows her mom and dad to Alaska.  Her father is a POW struggling with PTSD (before they knew what that was).  Leni discovers that he is abusive to her mother and realizes that the dangers of Alaksa are not always outside.  I loved this book, the characters were so complex and well developed, as with all of Kristin Hannah's books the female characters were especially strong and she delved into what makes them strong.  I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting and it made me want to go there.  Highly recommend this one! 

What have you been reading lately?

Instagram Roundup

I am trying something new this week, inspired by Emily over at With Style and Grace.  I am sharing a roundup of some of my favorite instagram posts from the week.  P.S. if you aren't following me on instagram go give me a follow!

Recap of my Disney trip went up and I had to share one of my favorite pictures from the trip.  Plus how cute is that top??  Check them out here!  

If you saw my Gucci dupe post you might recognize this bag.  It has been in heavy rotation and I am obsessed with it!!  Also still obsessed with an Iced Coconut Milk Macchiato...can't stop won't stop.

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We have had some flip flopy weather, really cold and then really hot.  I am not quite ready to give up my sweaters yet so I am trying to wear them as much as I can.  Also these pom pom sneakers are some of my absolute favorites!!

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Have you tried IHop's iced coffee??  Y'all it is great!  I usually get the original but I tried the mocha this time and it was delicious!!

Rocking a couple of birthday gifts from my girl Nicolette here :)

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Again with the weather layering is my best friend...

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I received the prettiest bangles in the mail this past week from Simply Put Studios and I am obsessed with them!!  I love "arming" and surrounding myself with scripture.  These are so pretty and great reminders in my life to count it all joy, and also that it is so well with my soul.    

If you don't have a pair of super stars I highly recommend them, so comfy and I find myself reaching for them so often throughout the week.

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Flowy tunics are my favorite!  Pretty much anything that is flowy and can be worn with leggings is a win in my book. 

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Ok so obviously there are more pictures than a week in this post, I had a lot I wanted to share.  Let me know if this is something you guys like and if you want to see more! 

Five Things Friday

Keira Nicole Jewelry: I saw these on instagram and immediately fell in love with their simplistic yet classy design.  I love a good personalized piece of jewelry and these are gorgeous.  I picked out the initial necklace and two initial beaded bracelets (one with my initial and the other with my husbands).  I have been wearing them nonstop.  I love how dainty they are and can be paired with anything, I have really been enjoying layering them with other jewelry.   

Tassel Crossbody: My mom picked this bag up for my birthday from Walmart and I am in love with it!  It looks like a Kate Spade but guys this one is less than $15!!  Great quality and holds everything I need.  

The Crown: I started watching this show last month when I was sick for a couple of days.  I am on season two now and am obsessed!  If you haven't heard of this show it follows the life of Queen Elizabeth and how she became queen.  It is such a well done show, you feel for her in her struggles and you cheer in her triumphs.  The acting is great and the historical drama gets me every time.  If you have Netflix I highly recommend! 

Coconut Caramel Latte Creamer: I saw someone post about this on instagram and being a coconut lover I had to try it out.  It isn't overly coconuty but you still get a little hint.  Very smooth and not too sweet.  I will definitely be repurchasing.  

Camo Sneakers: These were another birthday gift and I love them!  I have been wanting a pair of camo sneakers for a while.  They are a great neutral shoe, comfy and the zipper detail is really fun.  They are also on sale right now for under $20!  If you do order them, they run a half size big.  

What have you been loving this week?

Splurge vs. Save: Dolce Vita Baz Mule

Leopard is a neutral and I am all about it!

Dolce Vita Baz Espadrille Mules: These leopard mules are so cute, their stitching details are so pretty and obviously nicer than the dupe.

DV Elaine Espadrille Mules: Honestly I think I might prefer the dupes to the real thing.  I like the spot pattern and shape on this version a little bit better.  These shoes have been all over instagram and I fell like they are going to be pretty big for spring and summer.  I have a pair on my list.