Nordstrom, you rock!

I ordered a Tory Burch key case and a Kate Spade bluetooth speaker from Nordstrom. I've been waiting for it for 2 weeks because one of them is a birthday present for my boss. I finally checked the tracking information to find the horror - I shipped it to my old address in State College, PA. I called Nordstrom admitting that there's probably nothing they can do but I just wanted to see it was 100% hopeless. Sandy from customer service sent me a brand new order of my items to Sacramento. I was literally blown away by this and so inspired to be more like Sandy. I will forever be loyal to Nordstrom and so thankful to Sandy for saving me so much anguish. Some fellow Nittany Lion is probably stylin' and groovin' with their new presents.

Birchbox

For my birthday back in February, my boss got me a 3-month subscription to Birchbox. First off, what an awesome gift idea! I definitely want to do this for someone. I saved all of my birch boxes with the exception of one product in the first welcome box - Gilchrist & Soames Body Lotion - I had to use it when I ran out of lotion one day.

I haven't exactly tried any of these products yet but I'm excited to try them. The only one I am familiar with is the Benefit POREfessional primer. But having a mini sample size on deck can't hurt!

The packaging of these boxes are very cool; I am usually not a hoarder but I will probably hang onto these boxes for something else in the future.

If I end up loving any of these products, I will be sure to report back!

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

I recently splurged on a skincare product after seeing a few people on YouTube rave about it. I'm one of those people who believes that your face/skin is worth spending money on. Sunday Riley is definitely a luxe brand for makeup and skincare but it tends to receive a ton of positive feedback.

I use this sleeping night oil before going to sleep. It is a dark blue/green oil with a droplet applicator so it can be a bit tricky to apply. It also smells a bit like medicine but these factors are worth the results. You can notice results overnight - a more even, nourished skin tone in the morning. I'm not sure about reducing pore size but it definitely does improve the appearance of skin.

You can find this product here (Sephora) for $105.

If you're itching to try a new product for your skin, I would most definitely recommend this!

Sephora VIB Sale 2015

I shop in Sephora pretty regularly so I had to control the urge to purchase 15 more things than I did but I just wanted to share the products that made the cut for me during the Sephora VIB Sale this year. I've used these products for a good month now so I will share my thoughts about them below.

Nest Indigo Eau de Parfum: I got this using my Sephora points. It is a tiny little bottle that is perfect for travel. When I tried to apply this at first I spilled a quarter of the bottle all over myself because it doesn't have any type of applicator - it's just an open bottle with a screw-on cap. However it smells divine and I have experienced the tendency to grab for this fragrance every day since I got it!

Urban Decay Complexion Prep Spray: a facial mist meant to be used after cleansing, before moisturizing. It feels incredible and I usually spray a little too much. It helps to prep and prime the face for the day ahead.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: a facial mist meant to be used after applying makeup - used to lock in your look for as long as possible. I find that it does help immensely but when I have an abnormally long day, I look haggard regardless. Really nice product though! My makeup routine doesn't feel complete without it.

YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch: This product is said to be very misunderstood. It seems like a concealer but really, it is more of a liquid highlighter used to brighten the face in certain areas. I'm not in love with this product mainly because of the applicator brush. I find that the product comes out inconsistently - either too much at once or none at all. The formula leaves a lot to be desired as well.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Mad Max Brown: I have this eyeliner in Tropper - ink black. I love it so much and it has gradually become a definite staple item in my every day makeup routine. However before I discovered this product, I have always used brown eyeliner. So when Kat Von D came out with this brown shade, I had to buy it. I do like this product a lot and when I'm going for a more subtle eye look it is absolutely perfect.

Atlanta, Georgia

 

I took a 4 day trip to Atlanta, GA with my friend Cassie, mainly to attend the inaugural 2-day country music festival called Shaky Boots. The festival was absolutely amazing and I know it will become a huge event in the future after their success this year. There were a ton of artists there but the shows I personally attended were by Jana Kramer, Josh Thompson, Joe Nichols, Kip Moore, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Eli Young Band, Rodney Atkins, Justin Moore, Rascal Flatts, and Brad Paisley. Such great performances!!

We stayed in the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead and it was such an incredible stay. Everyone was so welcoming and sweet - southern hospitality is a real thing! We stayed on the 24th floor - their Grand Club floor - and having club access proved to be such a convenient service.

On our last day in Atlanta, we went exploring. We headed to the Atlantic Station and tried a fried chicken sandwich from Chick-a-Biddy. Chick-Fil-A ain't got nothing on this place! Atlantic Station was a really nice place for shopping, dining, and just a really cool atmosphere overall. Then we headed to the Georgia Aquarium which is the largest in the world! Unfortunately we didn't get to see the beluga whales because there was a newborn beluga and Maris needed time to bond with her mother. But we got to see whale sharks which are considered the biggest fish!

We walked around Centennial Olympic Park but it was a bit rainy. We made our way to the Westin Peachtree Plaza which is a very tall, cylindrical building.  You can pay $8 to go up to the 72nd floor and see the city of Atlanta from up top. The building doesn't look to be very high but when you're up there, it seems like you're in the clouds. The view was killer.

Thanks for the memz, Atlanta!

Cacti Flowers

Two days ago I looked out my patio and saw these beautiful flowers had bloomed on my cactus plant.

This morning I looked out my patio and saw that the orange flower had disappeared and this red flower poked its beautiful head out into the world! Can you believe this is even the same cactus plant?! All within 2 days!

Update: Three days have since passed and the cacti have bloomed two more beautiful, fuchsia colored flowers!

Essie Spring 2015 Collection

The last time I got one of these mini Essie season sets was in the Fall. I was so impressed and I still use that collection even when it's not fall. I skipped the Winter 2014 collection and bought the Spring 2015 collection which is what you see in the photos. 

1) Flowerista: a deep fuschia/purple; looks darker on the nails than in the bottle

2) Blossom Dandy: a mint green color very similar to their 'Mint Candy Apple' color but with a more green/teal hue

3) Petal Pushers: a blue/gray color similar to 'Merino Cool' with more blue

4) Perennial Chic: a light peach color

I would have to say that for the spring time, my favorite out of this collection would be Flowerista. It's such a unique color that I really enjoy looking at! You can find this collection here for $17.