Monday, March 4, 2013

February Favorites {Beauty, Fashion, Life + Food!}

 Fun Spring Accessories: As much as I love winter, I am beyond thrilled with the arrival of spring! I have been so excited to accessorize with bright, fun colors for the warmer months. I've probably been resembling an Easter egg with all of my neons and pastels, but I could honestly care less. The Florida girl in me has been dying to break out the fun colors for months! I can also tell spring is also going to be the season of bling for me. Lately I can't step out the door without some sort of sparkly necklace or earrings- especially the adorable sparkly pink earrings in the picture above that I received this Christmas from Megan. I've been absolutely DYING to buy the JCrew Pave Link Bracelet and matching necklace since November, and I have resisted until now because of the obscene price....but lately I've been seeing a lot of cheaper knock-off versions. I'd like to say that I'm going to stay strong, but you might see a few more sparkly things in next month's favorites post :) Let me know if you've seen any cheaper alternatives that are still good quality!

My Jobs: While I am nowhere near achieving my ultimate career goals, I am so happy that I have the opportunity to work at artistically fulfilling jobs along the way. In addition to my blog, I teach dance (mainly classical ballet with a bit of jazz, tap, and other classes mixed in) and do a bit of acting. I've been involved in the performing arts my entire life, and I feel lucky for every opportunity I receive to earn money for doing something that I'm passionate about. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to work on an acting project, and it was so much fun to spend the day on set. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute in front of the camera, but I always love spending time with wardrobe, hair, and makeup. All the women were so talented and incredibly. I learned so much from the stylist I worked with, and she definitely inspired me to do a bit of shopping!

Nivea Lip Butters in Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss and Raspberry Rose Kiss: I am a lip balm junkie in general, but I am crazy about these Nivea lip butters. They are obviously incredibly moisturizing, but they give your lips a gorgeous glossy look and smell uh-maz-ing. Like I want to eat them out of the package haha. I have been searching for the Caramel Cream scent this week, and they have been sold out everywhere! I have the Raspberry Rose in my bathroom and the Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss in my car, so that I never have to be without my beloved balm. Go pick one up if you stop by CVS or Walgreens. I found mine next to the Nivea lotion instead of near the other lip balms!

Sephora by OPI Nail Polish in I'm So Sari: Possibly the prettiest color in the world. This polish is just breathtaking on your nails. It's one of those polishes where you just stare at your nails whenever the sun hits them. The formula is amazing, and it lasts forever. I had this one my nails for at least five days with minimal chipping!

Shadow of Night I finally finished Shadow of Night, the second book in the All Souls Trilogy, and I enjoyed every minute of it. After reading the first book in the series, Discovery of Witches, I waited patiently for Shadow of Night to come out. Ok, maybe not so patiently...and I grabbed Shadow of Night on my Kindle the second it was available. I've been so busy that it's taken a while to finish, but I am devastated that the third book doesn't come out until this fall! I am really enjoying this book series, and I can't wait until the movie version of Discovery of Witches comes out in theaters! Let me know what book I should read next!

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss: I love, love, love NYX Mega Shine lip glosses. I couldn't find a picture of my current favorites shades online (plus I was too lazy to get them out of my car haha), but I have been especially loving the shades Perfect, a sheer peachy pink with shimmer, and Salsa, a creamy light pink with shimmer. It seems like I haven't gone a day in February without wanting to add a lit bit of one of these glosses to my lips. They're beautiful alone and on top of your favorite lipstick. They're affordable (around $4-5 and constantly Buy One, Get One 50% off at Ulta) and smell exactly like red Starburst candy. I'll be doing a full blog post about these beauties, but the whole line is phenomenal.

Girl Scout Cookies: I love the Girl Scouts...and their cookies :) As a dance teacher, I usually get bombarded with requests to place orders, but I was surprised that not a single one of my students this year was a Girl Scout! At first I took it as a sign that I shouldn't be eating cookies, but then I started seeing Girl Scouts EVERYWHERE. At the grocery store, Target, gas station, everywhere. I finally broke down and bought a box of Thin Mints and Samoas. Maybe my thighs don't appreciate this move, but I had to do it for the kids...right?

Crystal Light Liquid: I am a long time Crystal Light fan. Stephanie and I consumed more Crystal Light than is probably healthy throughout high school. I couldn't resist adding two of the new flavors to my pantry. While I normally don't love the liquid concentrates, I love the Crystal Light liquid in Peach Bellini and Pomtini! The flavors are delicious, and the containers are small enough to fit in your purse! I've been trying really hard to break my Diet Coke habit and drink more water, and these drink mixes definitely help make my water bottles less boring!

What were your favorites this month? Anything new that I need to check out?

...and remember to enter to win a Clarisonic Mia!

54 comments:

  1. Hello Purty-
    Wow has it ever been a Monday around here! Hope yours was super awesome. Keep up the great posts, I enjoy learning from you!
    Ciao ciao for now!
    Cherelynn
    P.S. I’m doing a free webinar for beauty consultants, if you know an Avon, Arbonne or MaryKay lady who could use more sales and bridal clients, would you share this link? Thanks!
    Visit http://makeupuniversity.blogspot.com/2013/02/free-webinar-how-to-build-your-bridal_23.html


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I have a few friends who sell those brands, so I will be sure to let them know!

      Delete
  2. Great fav list!! i love the NYX glosses too!

    Take Care,
    Mandy Jean
    www.mandyjeanchic.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! They're great, aren't they? And it doesn't hurt that they smell like candy and are super cheap!

      Delete
  3. oh girl scout cookies you are always my downfall this time of the year, that and easter candy too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. omg...easter candy is the best!! i can't resist the pastel packaging and cute bunny/chick shapes!

      Delete
  4. So excited for Spring clothes/accessories! Love that sparkly polish and I can't wait for the Harkness series movies to come out :)

    Annie
    $1,000 Visa gift card giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. me too!! i can't wait to see who they cast :)

      Delete
  5. Great favourites. I really want to try the nyx lipglosses, because I heard a lot of good stories about them!
    xoxo
    Suzanne
    www.writtenbysuzanne.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. they're great, cheap, and come in tons of gorgeous colors!

      Delete
  6. I've been trying to find Crystal Light Liquid for the past two weeks! What the heck, Publix?! Personally, I'm super excited about the various lines of Spring 2013 nail polish. Essie//Dior's looks ADORABLE.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those are my two favorite cookie choices :-) Just picked up Discovery of Witches, I have been wanting to start this series for awhile! I'm so glad I'm going to finally do it!

    -Mia
    www.msmiamaree.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. You certainly had a lovely February..... loving that nail color!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, it was a really fun month! thanks, it's one of my favs!

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. it is! definitely grab one if you stop by cvs!

      Delete
  10. My knockoff bracelet is from ILY Couture, I got it 50% off for 50 dollars and it is worth every penny! I typically don't spend that much but I get insane amounts of compliments and I stare it all day. Hope this helps!!

    Lacey
    sunnyandturquoise.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks for letting me know- i'll definitely check out their website!

      Delete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really love that necklace and those earrings!!! Cute blog :)

    xoxo Ash,
    http://sincerelymissashley.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  13. I can't wait for Spring!!! I have never tried girl scout cookies... I might need to solve this problem.
    xo
    girlintheyellowdress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh my goodness...just know that if you start, you won't be able to stop. they're delicious!

      Delete
  14. I'm loving your blue sparkly nails - so fun!

    XO
    Pearls & Paws

    ReplyDelete
  15. oh that nivea! i just bought that lil tin in the hand cream, it's so good! that vanilla and mac looks like it will be mine by lunchtime, gotta go pick that up at walgreens today.
    thanks so much ashley for coming by and visiting me, im so happy to be sharin the love with ya!
    have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. they are really great- hope you like it!

      Delete
  16. I love the neons and pastels, I'm totally ready for spring and bright colors! And I'm obsessed with Thin Mints... I'm actually eating a box of them right now. Breakfast of champions! :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. definitely a breakfast of choice! and me too- i love the spring/summer color palette

      Delete
  17. Oh my goodnesss....those Samoas are my absolute favorite! I could eat the whole box in one sitting! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm drooling from hunger and fashion over here!!!

    I love that J.Crew bracelet but can't budget for that ;) I'll just admire it from afar :)

    Samoas are delicious!!!! I've had a box for three days and it's almost gone. :( Boo! Sad day for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha yes, the samoas are almost gone at our house too! One of my lovely readers Katie just shared this link for a dupe for the JCrew bracelet for only $25 if you're interested! http://www.styleloveliving.com/crystal-pave-link-bracelet/

      Delete
  19. I bought a knock off of the JCrew Pave Links bracelet and I love it! There's one here thats only $25. Its totally worth getting one!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! Now following :)

    Katie
    Style Diary

    ReplyDelete
  20. Looks like you had a great February! Love your nail polish and I love crystal light!

    xo
    Caroline

    lovecarolineblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Good luck with your artistic pursuits. Bet you'll be successful in the near future.
    Girlie Blog Seattle | Casual Chic Fashion

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi! I found you through I Know All The Words' blog hop :D

    I really like your blog posts, especially the best in 2012 one, its so informative! :)

    I hope you could check my blog out and let me know what you think too?
    If you like it, do follow us on GFC! We have a follow button on the left hand side!

    xx, Sam

    http://samantha--ashley.blogspot.sg/

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great post! I absolutely loveeee those Nivea lip butters! They feel SO luxurious on the lips!

    Great blog.. I'm so glad I've come across it.. Recently followed!
    Xoxo Nicole

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks! me too- now i'm on the hunt for the caramel flavor!

      Delete
  24. great post. i am loving those link bracelets/necklaces from j crew too. so pretty. and that's awesome you teach dance - i've been taking adult ballet for 7 years and i just love it. thanks for stopping by my blog - following you now :)
    -- jackiejade.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks! they're so pretty- i just wish they were cheaper haha. yay for ballet classes! i love it!

      Delete
  25. I did NOT like that peach Crystal light when I tried it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh no! i'm sorry to hear that! i liked the peach bellini and pomtini, but wasn't a fan of the margarita!

      Delete
  26. I too have been wanting that J.Crew bracelet...I would love to find a different version! Let us know if you find anything awesome! Loved this post, I'm your newest follower!

    XOXO
    Ashley
    ashleyspassionforfashion.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have been waiting for that J.Crew bracelet, too! I keep looking at every store I go too, and nothing compares. Hopefully I find one similiar soon!

    www.corporategirlstyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete