5 Things That Have Changed My Life

Sorry if you thought I was going to get all deep and insightful or something, but I've got to believe one of these will change yours too! ;) Over the past little bit I've come across some things that have truly made an impact in my life. I keep thinking about them so I wanted to share.

1. Brazilian Blowout Split End Treatment:

This treatment is amazing. As someone who has out of control hair, this treatment smoothes without weight it down. I love that it doesn't have the chemical like the brazilian blowout keratin treatment does. It takes maybe an extra 15 min added on to your service. It lasts about 4 weeks. Seriously, everyone needs this done!!

2. CND Vinylux Nail Polish:

It's as easy as applying normal nail polish with the benefits as shellac. I love shellac. Full believer in it. However, I don't like having to cure it in the light and some of my lighter colors no matter what "extra" steps I take chip off within a week. It dries quickly, looks just as pretty, and removes with regular nail polish remover. I mean I think I'm thawing everything else away.

3. You're Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins:

I'm not as much of Country Music lover as I used to be, but ever since I heard this song (as twangy as it is) it's never left my mind. I'm nostalgic to a fault and life it just flying by. Even more the older I get. These lyrics replay in mind daily. Especially on the more difficult one. I really try to take a step back and enjoy it. I finally framed it and have it in my living room. You can download my lyric art below.*personal use only* It's an 8x10, but found I needed to print it with borders to fit well in a frame. Enjoy!

click the image to download. p.s. the background is white- no idea why it's coming up grey...

4. Rodan Fields Macro Exfoliator:

I love microderms! I notice such a big difference after I get one. My cousin introduced me to Rodan Fields and they are so awesome! This machine is incredible I was told it goes 2 layers deep. A prof one goes 4... don't quote me on that though. Either way it leaves your skin feeling clean and soft and rejuvenated. Best Christmas present ever! 

*click to read more*

5. Aquaphor and Clinique Dramatically Different Moist Lotion:
Technically these should be separate, but they serve the same purpose. I have THE.DRIEST.SKIN. ever. Really. This is why it's so nice to get together with friends, especially Salon friends. They share secrets! Thanks Alisha for the amazing Aquaphor tip! I have been using it as my overnight moisturizer and it's been incredible! I have really struggled lately with moisturizer. I told my Dr. at my last visit and she said Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion from Clinique is her favorite because it is perfume free. It's one I used to use in high school and went away from it probably for something fancier... anyways my face feels like it's had a tall glass of water. Loving it.

Let me know if you end up trying any of these and love them too!

*split end source*

Latest Loves

Oh man. I feel like I need to create a new section called "Obsessed". There are so many posts with things I'm OBSESSED with! :) Here are the latests.

Let's start with Arcona:

LOVE them! I can't believe how instantly I loved these products. After one sample I knew I had to have it!
I've tried:
The Brightening and Cranberry Gommage ( I think I prefer the Cranberry)
Magic Ice and *Magic Dry Ice
*Wine Hydrating Mask
Berry Fruit Bar and Kiwi Bar
*White Tea Purifying Cleanser
Triad Pads

*what I purchased in full size

They carry this at Nordstrom and I was pleasantly surprised at the affordability of it. Especially after considering an $80 moisturizer. It's an all natural line for all skin types. Nordstrom is happy to give you samples, so run and check it out!! Thanks Sierra for the great recommendation!

Next Perfect Image TCA at home Chemical Peel 12% with 5% Salicylic Acid. Now I only recommend this to those who have had lots of chemical peels. I LOVE chemical peels and will forever be mad at myself for doing IPL's. (that's another story for another time) I happened upon this at home one and decided it was worth a try. The professional strength TCA's make you really peel. I only mild peeling from it after about 3 passes with an extra 5 min. I loved it. If it's your first time, for sure follow the directions. I'm going to up my percentage next time.

(this one is 15% I started with 12)


L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Wipes:

I took a random chance on these and I can't believe how in love I am. For 6 at $7 (sale at Wal-Mart) they are a steal!! I have found I get the best results if I exfoliate 24 hours before use. As soon as they dry you can put your clothes on without any orange residue, they make my face look fresh, and give a great glow. They can go a little streaky and orange if applied directly out of the shower, but it's ok. You can layer them for a deeper tan and longer lasting color.

Elta MD SPF 41 tinted physical sunscreen:

LOVE! A dab goes a mile, the tint makes it so I don't have to wear any foundation, and it's moisturizing. I've used other sunscreens in the past that would still deepen my melasma. I noticed no difference after wearing this in the sun. It truly protects. I will wear this the rest of my life. For reals amazing.


Target Up&Up Make-Up Brushes:
I randomly grabbed an eye shadow brush there about a week ago for around $2. It's awesome at an amazing price! I haven't tried any of the bigger ones, but I would definitely look into them! Great find!


GAP Sandals:

You guys, these are the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned IN MY LIFE!! I wanted them mainly for the color (I got cognac). I scored them on sale for $25 and wish I would have bought 2 pairs, or maybe one in every color. They are heavenly.

After hearing so much about Pretty Little Liars, I decided I had to see it. I started it on Netflix and am obsessed right now! Highly recommend it.



Yes- I still can't get over this color. Citron! It goes with everything!!! Are you dying about the home decor? Making me really want those pillows and chairs!

*photo cred: http://www.faucethead.com*


Finally, I think my latest favorite song find comes from a duet with Ne-Yo and Tim McGraw called She Is. I REALLY love rap and country duets. It's almost like they balance each other out and become neutral. ;)

April's Top 5

Since April is almost over, I thought I'd share a few things I've been obsessed with this month.

1. Absolutely Shore by Essie

perfect pastel polish- other than pink of course.

2. Powder Puff by Kevin Murphy

ultimate messy texture/volume. can double as a dry shampoo.

3. I For You by The All-American Rejects


they never disappoint. been on constant repeat.

4. Chambray Shirt by J Crew Factory

i have yet to find anything it doesn't go with.

5. Spinach & Artichoke Dip by Alton Brown

forgot about this for a while. seriously amazing!

Adele

I have been going through a serious music slump lately. I got the new Adele album before I headed to AZ. It was just what I was hoping for and more! I love it! Here are just a few of my favs from 21. I highly recommend this- seriously the best album I've heard in a while!



Create a MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

The Grammy's

I LOVE the Grammy's! I love music and it's like a 3 hour long concert of tons of various artists! So fun. As I sit there and watch though there are many times people pop up and I think "what the"? Here are some things I loved and did not love about last night- mainly dresses. :)
My Dress Do's:


Kelly Osbourne in Tadashi Shoji's Presentation Collection

LeAnn Rimes in Reem Acra

Jennifer Lopez in Emilio Pucci
(wish it were longer though-hello)

Selena Gomez in J. Mendel

Esperanza Spalding
LOVED this dress however I was soo nervous someone was going to "see something". I'm sure they did! Needed a little lengthening in front.
My Dress Don'ts:

Ciara

Florence Welch in Givenchy

Rihanna- scared to look too close!

Nicki Minaj

Hayley Williams
Hair:
I felt like it was a lot of down and more casual looks. I've been seeing this Christina Aguilera look a lot lately. Waved but kind of not. I'm thinking it's the extensions that make it a little too messy for my liking.


Oh and I loved the Cee Lo Green performance with Gwyneth Paltrow of "Forget You"! Weird, but so entertaining!!