DIY Winter Lip Scrub

I have spent most of the last couple of days picking at my dry lips and heavily applying chap stick every 10 minutes. The winter weather is never kind to my skin and this year is no exception. Over the weekend I used some sugar lip scrub of my mom's but didn't have anything similar at my house, so I thought, why not make my own? I figured that between Pinterest, my many blog reads, and Google I could find a great recipe for a scrub to heal my desperate lips. 

Not only did I find a quick and easy recipe for lip scrub, but I also found a highly addictive website with recipes (drooling over this), DIYs, and articles on "16 New Ways to Leave Milk and Cookies for Santa". 

This recipe has six different variations using the same simple base of a 1:1 ratio of coconut oil and cane sugar. From there you can add different add-ons for the flavor and scent of your choice. I chose the Orange, Clove, and Honey option and loved it. Not only did it feel great, smell and taste great, but it left my lips feeling great- completely moisturized and smooth. I included the Orange, Clove, and Honey recipe below but check out all of them. Trust me, whoever you meet under the mistletoe this holiday season will thank you. 

Ingredients:

- white sugar

- extra virgin coconut oil

- 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed orange juice

-1 teaspoon honey

- a pinch of ground cloves

Instructions:
1. Choose your container, and measure your exfoliant so that the container is just about half full.
2. Measure the coconut oil—you want a 1:1 ratio of oil to sugar.
3. Transfer oil and sugar to a mixing bowl, then add the orange juice and honey, followed by the cloves. Add each of these “to taste.”
4.  Mix gently to combine—over-mixing will make the granules begin to dissolve.To use: gently apply scrub onto lips and massage in a circular motion. Leave on for a few extra minutes and then gently remove with a washcloth and warm water.  

*Add scrub to an air-tight storage container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Remove from fridge at least five minutes before use so that the mixture can soften.

Pucker up

Tips and Tricks

When I came across a pin on Pinterest with a link to the 101 Fashion Tips and Tricks, I figured I would pin it and then never read it. So many of my pins have been pinned with great intentions and then lost in the oblivion that is my Pinterest boards. For some reason, this particular pin was different and only moments after pinning it I found myself returning to read all 101 Tips and Tricks for Fashion, Beauty, and all that happens in between. For all those who didn't read or don't want to read all 101 points, I high-lighted my favorites and those that I found most relevant. 

For those that want to read all of them, follow this link for the 101 Fashion Tips and Tricks that Every Girl Should Know. 

Image

100. Use white wine to remove red wine stains.

96. “Remove white deodorant marks from a garment by gently rubbing the protective foam used on hangers against the fabric.” — Jonathan Simkhai, designer

88. Cut down your closet by 25% by asking yourself this one question: “If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this?” If the answer’s no, out it goes. — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.

87. “Never put your swimwear in the washing machine, and always hand dry. The machine will damage the suit and it will lose its elasticity. The only exception: At the end of the summer or vacation, wash your swimwear in lingerie washing bags on the gentle cycle with a bit if Drift or Woolite. But only after many wears.” —Shoshanna Gruss, Designer

86. To drop bloat five days before a big event, stay away from dairy and whole grains, which can do a number on the digestive system.

83. “Never put a garment on immediately after ironing, as this can actually cause new wrinkles to form. Instead, let it sit for five minutes to set the press.” — Althea Harper, Designer and Rowenta Brand Ambassador

77. To clean dirt off suede, remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale. Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread, and they’ll disappear. To de-scuff suede, use an eraser or nail file.

47. Everyday bras should be replaced every three to six months, as that’s when they start to lose elasticity and support.

45. Pants a bit too tight? Let them air dry and stretch the waistband by hand (or with a hairdryer) while they’re still damp.

42. The power of a silk pillowcase isn’t a myth: Not only do they prevent “sleep crease,” they’re much, much gentler on your skin and hair.

20. “For guaranteed weight loss, I advise people to follow my A, B, C’s – no Alcohol, Bread or processed Carbs.”—David Kirsch, celebrity trainer and fitness guru.

Beauty is pain- but these might make it less painful and less stressful!

Wanderlust

 My June Birchbox might be my favorite in a long time! It is the first time that I have loved and will use everything that I received. 

{suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser}

A two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator that smells like heaven. I am terrible and don't have a face wash that I use regularly so this will just get thrown in the mix!

{Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk}

Dry shampoo means that you don't have to shower and blow dry your hair as much, so it is pretty much the greatest invention ever. 

{Color Club Wanderlust Collection Nail Polish}

I love this color for summer! It is a pinkish white and stands out on nails. The whole Wanderlust collection features four colors based on four cities. Mine is the New York color, which is perfect since it is the only city I have been to!

{LAQA & Co Lil Lip Pencil}

I love this lip pencil! The color is bright, bright pink but it can be applied lightly for just a touch of color that is perfect for summer.

{Twistband Nautical Hair Tie}

I live in these twist bands! Normal pony tail holders give me the worst headaches, but twist bands are so comfortable that I can sleep in them. This nautical print made me want to go straight back to the beach!

Loving the new Birchbox design.

beauty diaries

Let's jump right in to this. We all know where this post is going. It is probably my 225th post about my monthly Birchbox, but I love sharing my beauty treasures and finds. 

{1. amika: Nourishing Mask I used this product immediately after receiving my box. My hair has been frighteningly dry with all the crazy weather ups and downs and my breakage is becoming painfully evident. I used this mask after my normal conditioner and my hair feels so soft and smooth, even the next morning. I am a fan!}

{2. COOLA: Classic Face SPF 30 I have been frequenting the pool every week since the weather has warmed up and I have been using all my Birchbox sunscreen samples. As long as I don't get burnt and peel then it is good in my book.}

{3. Marvis: Toothpaste There is nothing like a fresh tube of toothpaste. You have to put in so little effort to get the paste on to your brush, and that is a lazy girls dream.}

{4. Sumitra: Color Contrast Eyeliner This is my FAVORITE from this box. It is a classic eyeliner pencil but I have never had one go on so easy and smooth. It lasts for hours and withstood my makeup remover, which means that it will be great for hot, summer days!}

{5. Isaac Mizrahi: FABULOUS eau de Parfum Okay, I actually love this perfume sample. It smells great, but not too heavy, and doesn't give me a headache. And what a great coincidence that my current favorite shoes are Isaac Mizrahi, so I can coordinate.} 

Birchbox also sent me a fantastic pen, by Pilot, that writes easy and smooth and happens to be purple. I feel like putting hearts over all my i's today. 

Just 30 more days until the next box!

Tiny Tweaks, Big Results

My April Birchbox finally arrived! I used to receive my box during the first week of each month and now I am getting it so much later, which I am sure is due to the fact that Birchbox is growing like crazy and can hardly keep up with the high demand. 

This month Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health Magazine, who I am especially loving this month with Katharine McPhee on the cover!

{1. J.R. Watkins Peppermint Foot Repair Salve}

Confession. I really do love putting lotions and salves on my feet, then pulling on thick soaks and just relaxing. I too often forget to do this, except when I get the treat of a pedicure, and this new salve gives me the perfect excuse to prop my feet up for a little and relax and repair.

{2. Caudalie Divine Oil}

Put the word 'divine' in anything and I will probably use it because it sounds luxurious and relaxing. This oil is for skin, hair, and your nails, which is perfect because the other beauty oils I have usually end up all over anyway. And not just my skin, hair, and nails, but also my laptop keyboard and phone.  

{3. Supergoop Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream}

Yay SPF! This girl loves anything with SPF because I love sunscreen! If you ever try to leisurely lay out with me I will bug you every hour to reapply sunscreen, and you better believe it is at least 35 SPF.

{4. Nexxus Hydra-Light Leave-In Conditioning Foam}

When I picked this month's box for the first time, I thought that Birchbox had sent me rocks. It was so heavy and I realized that this conditioner was the reason why. The bottle is huge and definitely doesn't look like a tester to me. Jackpot!

{5. Simple Eye Roller}

Like the name states, this is simple. Roll under your eyes to appear less tired.

Goodness, I am going to need that in a few hours when I go to six A.M yoga.

Where's the salve that makes my voice like Katharine McPhee?

Our Beauty

Unfortunately, as women, we too often get caught up in our personal appearance. I know that I catch myself staring in the mirror, wishing that I looked different or that certain things looked "better". We all have those body parts that we hate, whether that be our thighs, our arms, our hair, or are nose, the list can unfortunately go on forever. Everyone sees herself in a certain way, and that image we see in our heads (and that we think we see in the mirror) isn't always pretty. 

When I first saw this Dove Real Beauty Campaign video, I cried. I cried when I watched it again because I was so moved by the reality that it portrays.

This video proves that the way that we view our facial features and our bodies is harsh and almost always a false opinion masquerading as a fact. As the women in this video described themselves, they degraded their features and highlighted their "fat" and "protruding" characteristics. It was heart breaking because I know that it is probably similar to the way that I would speak of certain parts on my body. But what a beautiful thing to hear as mere strangers spoke of their natural loveliness to provide a more accurate description for the artist. Today I challenge you (and myself) to stop spending so much time in the mirror, criticizing the little things that no one else sees. Allow your true beauty to come out, smile, and laugh so that the people around you can enjoy the loveliness that was naturally given to you. Also, mention to a family member, friend, or stranger something that you find in them that is beautiful and allow them to hold on to that comment for even just a moment and see how it brightens their day. 

"We spend a lot of time as women trying to fix the things that aren't quite right, and we should spend more time appreciating the things we do like."

Your beauty is beautiful. 

March Beauty Madness

Is there really anything else that I can say about Birchbox? Do I need to continually praise it each month?  If you haven't signed up yet then you are crazy and if  you do receive a monthly box then you understand me when I say that it is worth every penny for the joy and products that it brings each month.

The Birchbox that I received for the month of March was especially sweet and full of exciting new products that are perfect for Spring!

From left to right

{MAKE Eyeshadow} - I will admit that I was disappointed by the color when I first opened my Birchbox. Purple? The shade seemed so eighties, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it on to find that the color is a beautiful brownish-grey that is perfect with my skin tone!

{MAKE Face Primer SPF 30} - This is a two-in-one base and SPF that I used immediately upon opening. I found that my make-up stayed in place and looked even better hours after applying it when I used the primer. Plus, it has SPF 30 and I love that!

 {Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Color-Saver Shampoo} - This smells incredible, has a lite shimmer, and it is so much larger than my normal hair samples... I know I am going to be a huge fan!

{Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream} - The beauty gods answered my prayers and needs again as they delivered this yummy blueberry scented shave cream as I just ran out of my old shaving cream yesterday! Perfection!

{Madewell Emery Board} - Yes, Madewell helped out with this month's box and used one of their spring patterns to create the prettiest nail file that I might actually use (I usually loathe nail files and have  kicked people out of rooms for using them in front of me!)

Wait are you waiting for?

Red Carpet Ready

It is February Birchbox time, so let's get straight to it!

{1. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Beauty Balm - this is a cream based foundation which has me nervous. I have never had good luck with cream foundations but I am anxious-excited to keep using it to see how my skin reacts.}

{2. Color Club Nail Polish in Wild Cactus - Couldn't be more excited about a new nail polish color in such a great color!}

{3. Ghiradelli Caramel Chocolate Square - Because I definitely needed more chocolate this week. I have a bag of candy, full of M&M's, lots of Pixie Sticks, and some salted caramels, that I have to finish off before I can even think about nibbling on this delight. Maybe I will hide it and get a sweet surprise when I find it in a few weeks.}

{4. Juicy Couture Couture La La - I can't lie. I kind of, sort of, maybe actually like this scent from Juicy. I'm not even planning on throwing it away, but rather will keep it in my purse for emergencies and on-the-go needs.}

{5. Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle - I have never had a problem with tangled hair, except in the summer after long days in the lake or the pool. I will be saving this for my beach bag!}

This month's Birchbox was all about products to prepare one's self for the Red Carpet. I do love this time because I absolutely love award shows. The red carpet, the fashion, the dates, the performances, the acceptance speeches and the anticipation of who will take home the highest honors!

Counting down to the Oscars. 

Market Must-Haves

Last week I went to Dallas for the January apparel market where stores and boutiques from all over come in to scout and buy the upcoming seasons newest trends in clothing. I was working in the lobby of the Fashion Industry Gallery watching people rushing in to go to appointments with Starbucks in hand. I found myself wondering what everyone was drinking (such an odd trait of mine) and observing what everyone was wearing. There were lots of silk pants, printed jeans, Louis Vuittons, and great boots. There were some outfits that walked past me that I couldn't help but noticing and lusting over. I pulled out an old receipt and a pen from my purse and started jotting down certain things that I feel like my closet are in desperate need of.

The following are my market must-haves and other things that I loved my whole time in Dallas. 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Outfit inspiration. 

Best Year Ever

There is no post for the final night of Smitten with Friends and Food. 

I had planned on making pizza with homemade dough, but my dough didn't rise throughout the day so I had to move to Plan B, which was frozen flatbreads from Whole Foods. The margherita pizzas still turned out good with a simple tomato sauce, lots of mozzarella, and fresh basil, but in the rush of making them and the fact that I was exhausted on a Friday night there aren't any pictures. Sorry to disappoint! Just know that it was good food (yet another great recipe by the Smitten Kitchen) and wonderful company with some of my dearest friends.

The good news of the day is that during my Smitten Kitchen week I received my Birchbox and since I have had it for a week I have fully tested all most of the products and can give you great reviews on this months hottest beauty samples. 

 Overall, I wouldn't say that the box was a knockout, but there is always something that secures my love and devotion to Birchbox. This month that item came from one of my favorite brands that I have discovered from Birchbox, theBalm.  

(Clockwise from the top, left corner)

{1. Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream - "A favorite of models and makeup artists" that has been saving my winter-dry skin.

{2. Aerie Shimmer Fragrance - I was very excited about this when the description mentioned blend of peony and vanilla, but like most perfumes, it was too strong and went in to a drawer where are my other unwanted perfume samples live. 

{3. theBalm cosmetics Hot Mama Blush - This is my second product from theBalm and they are two of my all-time favorites. This blush is a great color with a little bit of highlighter to give light during these extra pale months. I love this brand!

{4. DDF Acne Control Treatment - Not to jinx it, but I don't have any breakouts right now so I will be saving this one for a later day!

{5. La Fresh Waterproof Makeup Remover - I also love this brand and I love having these little packets for times of need!

Tomorrow is a very special day!

Oh My Gold!

Oh My Gold! and Embrace the Lace Essie Sleek Sticks

I know that nail-art stickers are old news, but I have been waiting for Essie to introduce their own designs for a long time. I find that most nail stickers are over the top but (no surprise) Essie has designs that are chic, classic, and quite perfect.

They are available online but I decided to search all over the state of Oklahoma to find a Target store that carried them. It was worth the drive! I was tempted to buy up all of the different patterns but I limited myself to just two this time (that goes with my New Years Resolution of being smarter with my money).

I am embarrassed by how terrible my nails look- this cold, winter weather is killing my skin!

This fun and different manicure took longer than I usually spend on my nails for a day, but the fact that I can't stop looking at my hands proves that it is worth it.

I'm obsessed!

All Wrapped Up

I checked my mailbox three times this month before my roommate finally discovered my Birchbox on Wednesday afternoon. She so sweetly sent me a picture, knowing how excited I would be for it's arrival. 

I was especially excited about Birchbox this month, because not only did I receive a box, but I also signed my three best friends up for their own subscriptions for Birchbox!

Like I always say, some things are too sweet not to be shared!

This month's box was especially sweet, due mostly to two products (#2 and #5)!

{1. Benefit // It's Potent! Eye Cream - fades dark under-eye circles!}

{2. ModelCo // Ultra Lip Gloss - this is not even sample size, but rather a full-sized lipgloss with mirror! This ties for the top product this month!}

{3. Rent the Runway // $50 off a purchase of $125 or more - thinking this would be perfect for a New Years Eve frock!}

{4. Kerastase // Nutritive Nectar Thermique - a leave-in cream to repair hair from chemical processing and heat styling. Seeing as that I blow-dry and straighten my hair almost every day, this is wonderful}

{5. Emily's Chocolate // Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Fortune Cookie - oh.my.goodness. I am saving this for a special day, which could just happen to be today}

{6. Juicy Couture // Juicy Couture Perfume - I wore this in middle school so naturally I am wearing it today with other thirteen year-old trends like my low rise Abercrombie jeans, with an Abercrombie graphic tee, Abercrombie fur-lined jacket, and Jack Purcells. Hit me up on AIM later - backtuck89 ; )

It's not too late to order Birchbox for someone you love!

Giving Back, Thanks, and Treats

I am typing from the comfort of my own bed, at my parents house, and I couldn't be happier. I am in full Thanksgiving mode and even though I am technically not on break yet, I had to come home to prepare myself for the food and family festivities this week. 

Being thankful is what this time is all about and even Birchbox got in the holiday mood with their November box. Along with giving me treats this month, Birchbox gave me the opportunity to give back to someone that I love.

The morning that I received my monthly Birchbox in the mail, there was another package in my little mailbox for me. You can imagine my excitement to have not one, but two surprises in the mail, especially when I realized that the second package was from my little sister. I opened her package first to discover that the sweetest gift that was inspired by her own Birchbox.

In this month's Birchbox came a small, purple box thats sole-purpose is to regift to someone else. It originally came filled with the monthly beauty samples, but can be filled with anything else to give to someone else. In the case of my sister, she stuffed it with the ultimate gift-- a Starbucks gift card. 

Thanks sis, you made my whole week!

Now I can't wait to give this polka-dot box away to "make that special someone smile". In fact this whole concept makes me wish that I had more purple boxes to give out!

Along with a wonderful reminder to give thanks and give treats was my monthly dose of beauty happiness.

{Masqueology Revitalizing Eye} 

An under-eye gel mask that can hide even the dark bags after an all-nighter. It brightens while giving the illusion that you slept a full 12-hours. Sounds like a miracle worker to me. Now if I could just find a product that actually let me sleep a full 12 hours each night. 

{MCMC Fragrances in Phoenix}

It is another miracle! A perfume sample that I love! I am so hard to please because I am picky when it comes to perfume, but this scent from the Brooklyn perfumer is warm and feminine and I am happy!

{One Love Organics Body Serum}

A skin serum that smells wonderful and keeps skin hydrated and feeling soft. I have put it on the last couple of days and the scent lasts hours and makes my hands feel wonderful.

{stila All Over Liquid Luminizer}

My favorite Birchbox product is stila, so I am always thrilled to receive another sample from the beauty brand. This month it is a liquid shimmer that you can add to any makeup to add a bit of shine and sparkle for every day or special occasions. 

Swoon.

{Masqueology Masque Cleanse and 7 Day Moisture Cream}

The moisture cream was the first thing that I opened this month. With the colder weather my skin has been crying out for something like this and I am a big fan. The tiny sample has already lasted me four days and there is more left. 

Better to give than receive. 

October Birchbox

Another wonderful Birchbox for October! 

I don't think I will ever get tired of this monthly gift.

{Luna Fiber} Chocolate Raspberry Bar

Yum Yum Yum, and only 110 calories

{La Fresh} Eco-Beauty Nail Polish Remover

This is so perfect for on-the-go and one of my must-haves in my purse!

{Supergoop!} City Sunscreen Serum

I should probably be better about wearing sunscreen all the time

{Sprout} Lip Balm

Super creamy and I can already feel the difference in my dry lips

{theBalm Cosmetics} Mary-Lou Manizer

Three-in-one highlighter, shadow, and all over shimmer. The clear winner from this Birchbox!

More beauty from The Beauty Department

Beauty School {August Birchbox}

It is early on Monday night and I am already curled up in bed with my laptop and my sleepy time tea. 

 I am also decked out in bright red lipstick and wearing perfume; I have never felt more like Grace Kelly in every movie that she went to bed in full makeup...

This can only mean one thing-- It is Birchbox day and I have tried out every beauty sample that I received so that I could carefully review them for you all. 

This month's Birchbox was "back to school" themed which brought back the best memories of shopping at the Gap for that perfect pair of Gellies and overalls to wear on the first days of elementary school (because I think I wore this stellar combo every year).

{Beauty Fixation- Lipstick Touch Up}

Lipstick not included in Birchbox- it was a birthday gift from my mom!

This fancy q-tip is filled with serum that helps perfect those lipstick lines and get rid of any unwanted color around your lips.

While it seems like a great concept, the serum ended up all over my chin and I had to use a tissue to fix it, which I could have just used to fix my lipstick lines.

I will definitely use them because they were free but not a necessary object in my makeup bag.

{GLOSS Moderne- High Gloss Masque}

&

{Sumita- Brow Base}

When I hear the word "gloss" I automatically think of something shiny to put on my lips. So when the first thing I pulled out of my Birchbox was a little white tub of "gloss" I just naturally swiped some on my lips. It was so moisturizing and the scent was great-- until it started to burn a little, and then a lot.

This is when I started frantically searching for lip balm and the booklet that tells me what exactly I got in my Birchbox...

Oh there is gloss for your hair too? Oops... and ouch.

Now that the product is correctly being used, my hair looks a little shinier and smoother after just one use. It's incredible what can happen when you use something the way it was intended to be used.

The brow base is a wax concealer that keeps all those pesky eyebrow hairs in place throughout the day.

It doesn't leave any color, just a waxy hold which is great unless you were blessed with perfect eyebrows.

And if you were then you probably have perfect hair too and you don't deserve a Birchbox. 

{Schick- Hydro Silk Razor}

As if Birchbox needed to remind me yet again that it is the greatest thing on earth-- they sent me a razor!

This just saved me $10 and a trip to the drug store and I couldn't be happier.

Apparently this razor is great, but they could have sent me a $.05 disposable one and I would have been just as happy.

I also was sent a sample of Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur perfume, but honestly I am getting a little tired of a perfume sample in every box. They all give me headaches and I am a creature of habit who is faithful to Marc Jacobs Daisy and Bond No. 9.

Does anyone still need convincing that Birchbox is the greatest gift sent to woman since Nutella and Spanx?

Pucker Up

Even with the included nail polish in my March Birchbox, this lip tint by Tarte easily took the prize for my favorite item in my monthly little pink box. Whether it is lipstick, lip gloss, or lip balm I love adorning my lips with something to give them an extra boost of color or shine.

I love the idea of a lip tint; the color that stays all day and doesn't come off with each sip of a drink or kiss on the cheek you dish out. I have invested in multiple brands of "long term coloring-lasting" products but find them to either leave my lips feeling dry or the dreaded look of lip-liner rather than flawless, all-over color.

LipSurgence by Tarte is the perfect lip tint and moisturizer that I have found thus far (thank you Birchbox!). The color is smooth and easy to apply, even without a mirror, which is perfect for us gals on the go.

I'll be stocking up on shades for summer!