Skincare Saturday: Clairsonic Mia 2

Skincare is an important part of my life, but it's taken a while to perfect my skin system.  I finally splurged on a Clarisonic Mia 2 over 2 years ago & I'm in love!  It's very spendy, but worth every penny (in my opinion).  My skin totally changed after using this on a daily basis.  This is a brush makeup remover, it was amazing how much extra makeup I was leaving on my skin each night - yuck!

When I first go this, I was having a few small breakouts each month.  After I got my Clarisonic, I started to break out like crazy, but I knew that was going to happen.  The Clarisonic is going to break you out as soon as you start to use it, it's removing all the impurities in your skin and bringing them to the surface.  My big breakouts only happened for about 3 weeks.  It was nothing a little concealer couldn't take care of :)

After the 3 weeks was up, my skin has been very clear.  Obviously, I'm not perfect, so I do get minor breakouts from time to time.  But overall this has changed the texture of my skin for the better.  This makes my skin fell so much younger and brighter.  Also a great bonus was that ALL my nighttime skincare products were being soaked into my skin so much better. 

As for the cleanser I use, I enjoy the Cetaphil Daily Cleanser for normal to oily skin.  I have super oily skin, so this one works well for me.  With the Clarisonic I need to use a "gel" like cleanser with no beads.  I've tried this tool with "cream" cleansers before and I feel like it didn't work as well for me.  So that's something to keep in mind if you invest in a Clarisonic. 

All in all, this beauty tool product is amazing and I can't imagine my nighttime routine without it.  I would pay over $300 for this, knowing how much positive change my skin would have.  I get told all the time that I look so much younger than my actual age.  I know that's, in part, because I take care of my skin.  Daily cleansing is only part of my routine, but I'm not overly fussy with it.  I just do what works for me. 

I hope this review was helpful to you all.  Let me know if you have a Clarisonic, or are thinking of purchasing one.  Let me know if you'd like to see more skincare posts like this.  

Thanks for reading!

February GIVEAWAY

"Hello" to all my loyal readers, and a warm "Welcome" to some new readers! It’s the end of the month so I’d like to do a little giveaway of some of the fun products I've talked about this past month. Head over to my Facebook fan page and find the status that is associated with this blog entry.  All the details will be posted there.  Make sure to read the instructions carefully to win.

Check out the details / blog entries on all the products here…

Nail Polish

Hand Cream

Foot Cream

Cuticle Cream

All of these items, minus the nail polish, this is nighttime skincare routine (that’s not face related). I hope you all enjoy a peek into my opinions on products. If you’d like to see any other types of blogs from me, feel free to post them in the comments below. I’m always looking for new ways to get creative on my blog.

Thank you all so much for reading, and don’t forget to head over to my Facebook page to be entered in the giveaway. Good luck to you all!

Fashion Thursday...?! Twin Cities Haul

Hello all!  I have a little Fashion Friday (Thursday) edition for you today.  Tomorrow will be an extra special post, so stay tuned for that.  Spoiler alert:  it's a GIVEAWAY!!!! ;)

Ok, so on to the haul.  I went to the Twin Cities last weekend and picked up a few goodies.  I live in North Dakota where there are NO Banana Republic or J. Crew stores - I feel deprived :/  Anyway, if I have time I like to pop into those shops if I'm in the city.  Here are all the awesome things I found.  I'm pretty sure everything was on sale/clearance. 

Right to left...

The Limited - The Ashton Blouse in Mint Green
The Limited - Pave Ring
Banana Republic - City Tee in Neon Cobalt
J. Crew - Tipped Silk Tee Windowpane in Black
Banana Republic - City Tee in Emerald
J. Crew - Drapey Swing Tee in Mauve Blush

So that's if for the haul this week.  I hope you all enjoyed & make sure to check in tomorrow for an awesome giveaway!!!! 

Thanks for reading!

What I Ate Wednesday

Hello all!  I've never done a post like this, but I figured it would be kinda fun.  I always love to lust over food photos I see on Facebook and Instagram.  So, as my co-worker would say, let's see the FOOD PORN

8:52am - Some people start their day with a cup of coffee...  I start my day with a can of Coca-Cola.  It's my one vice and I can't live without it.  But don't worry, I only allow myself one per day - all in moderation.

10:34am - Gotta love a few Hershey's Kisses with Almonds.  I was having a serious chocolate craving after a customer came in and was hoarding the candy dish on my desk...  It's so tempting!

12:19am - Lunch time!  Yummy salad, water and cinnamon apple sauce.  Every time I eat something in a little individualized cup it reminds me of being in grade school and having a super cool plastic lunch box with a matching thermos.  Anyone else feel that way too?  Or is it just me...

3:43pm - Tea Time! (too bad my co-worker was off, we love our mid-afternoon tea)  Had to indulge in a cup of Twinnings Tea.  I love the English Breakfast Tea flavor.  I don't add any sugar or honey to my cup, I like mine plain-Jane :)

6:19pm - Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, well it's really a turkey dinner.  But it really was a turkey taco and some water.  Soooo yummy.  I love making these myself, since you can customize it with what ever toppings you'd like. 

8:42pm - It's the before bedtime snack.  I love me a little cheesy popcorn.  And my dog loves it too!  Everyone once and a while I drop a piece on the floor and Doyle is there to scoop it up - silly pooch

And that was my day of food.  Hope you enjoyed lusting over  my food choices for the day, if you're into that kind of thing .  I'd love to see what you ate today if care to send it to me.  You can post it on my Facebook page or tell me about it in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

Cuticle Cream: Qtica Intense Cuticle Repair

One of my favorite nail products of all time is the Qtica Intense Cuticle Repair.  Since the current weather is so incredibly cold, this cuticle cream saves my hands day after day.  I wear this nightly after I slather my hands with my Philosophy Hands of Hope.  I tend to wait for about 10-15 mins for the cuticle repair balm to set into the cutile area/nail.

I try to bring down all the excess down the nail to help condition it.  I wear this if I have polished or naked nails.  Either way, this balm is extremely effective.  Even in the warmer months I tend to use this on the daily. 

This is one of those HOLY GRAIL products for me.  I use it everyday!  I even decanted some into a small pot for my travel bag.  Yes, I am that dedicated to this in my night time routine. 

So do any of you have a great cuticle creams you can recommend?  I always love trying new products.  Leave a comment below if you care to share.

Thanks for reading!

Makeup Monday: Sigma Beauty Spa Glove

I posted on my Facebook page that I was spending my Sunday afternoon cleaning my makeup brushes (because there was an epic rain delay with the Nascar race).  I asked if anyone would be interested in the tools I use to clean my brushes and a few people sent me private messages saying that they are interested.  So this ones for you, Facebook people!
 
I usually deep clean my makeup brushes about once a month.  I'm pretty sure you're supposed to do it more often than that, but that's what works for me.  I used to NEVER clean my makeup brushes!  But that was before I ever really got into makeup.  After I invested in some nicer brushes I decided I wanted to keep them clean and nice for a long time, so monthly cleaning is a good thing to do. 
 
Here are a few photos of what I did on Sunday...

The Sigma Spa Glove is the best tool I've ever come across for deep cleaning my makeup brushes.  There is a great "how-to" video on the Sigma Beauty website demonstrating how to use it.  After purchasing this glove it has cut my cleaning time in half!  For me to clean all these brushes it took me about 15 minutes - record time.  Sigma Beauty is a Minnesota based company and they have their Flagship store located at the Mall of America.  Also their makeup brushes are amazing!!!  I highly recommend them.

I use mostly synthetic brushes, so I tend to always use Johnson's Baby Shampoo as my cleaning agent.  This shampoo lathers up the brushes pretty well and gets them squeaky clean without leaving any residue.  A little goes a long way with the shampoo, so I only need to purchase a big bottle about once a year.  That's pretty good for cleaning all these makeup brushes once a month!

So how do you clean your makeup brushes?  Leave a comment below if you care to share.

Thanks for reading!

Daytona 500

Today's the day!  I can't wait to finally watch some NASCAR.  I've been waiting months to get back into the swing of things.  The race starts at 1pm today, but I especially love watching the pre-race show for the Daytona 500.  The commentators go over all the changes/teams/sponsors for the beginning of the year.  Even typing this blog, I'm getting super pumped!

I've been to the Daytona race track many times, but I've never been to the 500 race.  I have always been to the July race, which is a 400.  It's still a super fun time, but going to the Daytona 500 is definitely on my bucket list!  Hopefully in 2015 or 2016 I'll be able to make that happen :)

I am such a nerd....  I even did my nails last night in honor of my favorite driver, Dale Jr.  He drives the National Guard car.  I have been looking online to see what die cast car he was going to drive this week (he has a few different sponsors), but it looks like National Guard is the one for today.  Gooooooo JR!!!!! 

At 1pm you'll catch me affixed to my sofa wearing my JR Motorsports sweatshirt and cheering on Dale Jr.  I literally wont move from the sofa unless there is a commercial break.  I'm pretty dedicated to NASCAR. 

So do any of you like NASCAR?  Who's your favorite driver/team?  Let me know in the comments below if you care to share.

Thanks for reading!

Snack Saturday: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Pomegranate Seeds

Last week I went to Minneapolis for an appointment and on my way back out of the cities I decided to stop at the Trader Joe's in Maple Grove, MN.  I tried to order these Dark Chocolate covered Pomegranate Seeds online, but Trader Joe's doesn't have an online store :(  Unfortunately, this is the closest location to my home in Fargo, ND.  Hopefully someday Fargo will get a Trader Joe's... 

I have been watching Ingrid from Miss Glamorazzi (on YouTube) talk about this tasty treat for some time.  I finally remembered to put this on my list of things to pick up the next time I was passing through the cities.  I bought 2 containers.  They are $2.99 each for .5oz, and worth every penny.  These tasty little treats are amazing!  You only need 5-6 seeds to get your chocolate fix for the day. 

I highly recommend picking up a container next time you're in your local Trader Joe's.  Do any of you have other yummy favorite foods at Trader Joe's that you recommend?  I'd love to know in the comments below if you care to share.

Thanks for reading!

A Special Announcement

Hey everyone.  I know it's Fashion Friday, but I am just not inspired to write about fashion today.  Next week I promise I'll have a wonderful fashion inspired post for you all.  But today, I just wanted to take a few moments and say "Thank You"!

Thank you so much for reading.  I know that some of you read everyday and send me personal messages on Facebook or text me about that day's entry.  I am so thankful for all of your support.  It means the world to me that people are actually reading the content I put out in my little blog.  There are even people I don't know subscribing to the blog!  That's amazing. 

Time for a special announcement...  I also wanted to let you all know, as a sign of my appreciation I will be hosting monthly giveaways on my Facebook Fan Page.  Make sure to LIKE the page, here, so you don't miss out on the monthly announcements.  As of now I am combining all of my posts from the last month and giving away some of the awesome products I've been talking about.  Just as a way to share the love! 



photo source: Target

So make sure to tell your friends to like my Facebook page for more upcoming giveaways.  I can't wait to share more with you all very soon.  Thank you so much for all the positive feedback and I look forward to sharing for a very long time.

xoxo,
Emily

ps.  As always, thanks for reading!

Tag Blog: 99 Questions

So I thought I would do a fun little post about me for today's blog post.  You all seem to like the more personal entries once and a while.  Let's learn some random facts about Emily!  So let the learning commence...

1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
They have to be closed, I can't stand it when the closet door is open while I sleep.  It creeps me out!

2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
Yes

3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
Out

4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
No, but I was just reminded that I have stolen a grill and a shopping cart...  I just got the evidence (photos) a few weeks back

5:Do you like to use post-it notes?
Yes!  I use them all day long

6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
I cut coupons AND I actually use them

7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
I'd go for the bees, at least I'd have a better chance of survival

8:Do you have freckles?
Yes

9:Do you always smile for pictures?
Most of the time, yes

10:What is your biggest pet peeve?
I have so many...  Probably over filled drink cups, I know it's random.  But I HATE when you try to pierce your straw into an over filed cup and the liquid goes everywhere.  So annoying.

11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
No.  But now I will, thanks :/

12:Have you ever peed in the woods?
Yes

13:What about pooped in the woods?
Yes - I have even made a "make-shift" bathroom in a campground.  I'm resourceful!

14:Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
All the time - but the music is in my head

15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Nope - that doesn't sound very sanitary

16:How many people have you slept with this week?
People: none, Animal: one

17:What size is your bed?
King

18:What is your Song of the week?
Jason Derulo (featuring 2 Chainz) - Talk Dirty

19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Heck yes!

20:Do you still watch cartoons?
No - but I love to watch animated Disney movies with my Mom

21:Whats your least favorite movie?
Probably the worst movie I ever saw was Wild Wild West with Will Smith many years ago.  I even walked out of the movie theater, and I wasn't the first person during that showing.

22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
I may have a hidden treasure out there so I'm not answering that question.  And I would dress up like a pirate to uncover me-treasure, arrrrrgh!  ha-ha

23:What do you drink with dinner?
Water

24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
BBQ or Honey Mustard

25:What is your favorite food?
Dragon House

26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Silence of the Lambs - "Are the lambs still crying, Clarice?"

27:Last person you kissed/kissed you?
My dog - wow, that's depressing

28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
Yes, and I was a cookie selling wizard

29:Would you ever pose nude in a magazine?
Nope

30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
I wrote in my Brothers Birthday card this past January.  Does that count?...

31:Can you change the oil on a car?
No, but I'm sure I could figure it out

32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Yes

33:Ever ran out of gas?
No

34:Favorite kind of sandwich?
Tuna Fish

35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?
1 egg yolk, 3 egg whites scrambled with fresh cracked pepper, 2 slices of turkey bacon and a glass of orange juice.  I eat this breakfast every Sunday.  It's sooooo good!

36:What is your usual bedtime?
11pm, but I keep going to bed later and later.  In reality it's more like 12:30 - 1am.  I need to work on this

37:Are you lazy?
Sometimes, but I'm always doing something with my day

38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Lot's of things...  This question needed to be more specific

39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?
I'm a Cock <- insert joke here

40:How many languages can you speak?
Only English, so one

41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Nope, but for some reason Better Homes & Gardens has been coming in my mail for the past few years.  I still haven't figured out that mystery

42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
LEGOS all the way

43:Are you stubborn?
Yep

44:Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Neither, Fallon!

45:Ever watch soap operas?
Yes - I still watch Days of our Lives once and a while

46:Are you afraid of heights?
Yes

47:Do you sing in the car?
Sometimes

48:Do you sing in the shower?
No

49:Do you dance in the car?
No

50:Ever used a gun?
You know it!

51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
Engagement photo session a few years back (I never got married)

52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Yes, but they're fun

53:Is Christmas stressful?
It can be, but I try to enjoy all the family stuff

54:Ever eat a pierogi?
No

55:Favorite type of fruit pie?
Apple

56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Psychologist & Fashion Designer - two polar opposites

57:Do you believe in ghosts?
No, but I do believe in Mediums

58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
All the time

59:Take a vitamin daily?
Not anymore.  I used to take a whole arsenal of pills, but I'm off everything for now.  I used have some serious medical problems, but most of them have been resolved now

60:Wear slippers?
Rarely

61:Wear a bath robe?
Never, unless I'm at a spa

62:What do you wear to bed?
PJ pants, tank top, and socks - I wear socks year round

63:First concert?
Janet Jackson

64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
Target!!!!!  I'm obsessed with that store

65:Nike or Adidas?
If we are talking about tennis shoes, neither....  Asics

66:Cheetos Or Fritos?
Ick, none of these are appealing to me

67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Peanuts

68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
Nope

69:Ever take dance lessons?
I took dance lessons for many years, I even competed at one point

70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
Nope

71:Can you curl your tongue?
Yes

72:Ever won a spelling bee?
No way, I was always a horrible speller

73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes, but just gotten misty eyed

74:Own any record albums?
I own a few CD's, but no vinyl albums

75:Own a record player?
No

76:Regularly burn incense?
No.  I haven't done that since High School

77:Ever been in love?
Yes, a few times

78:Who would you like to see in concert?
Madonna & Prince

79:What was the last concert you saw?
Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience

80:Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot Tea

81:Tea or coffee?
Hot Tea

82:Sugar or snickerdoodles?
Sugar - I'm assuming they are asking about cookies...

83:Can you swim well?
Yes, well enough

84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes

85:Are you patient?
Not always

86:DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ

87:Ever won a contest?
Yes

88:Ever have plastic surgery?
No

89:Which are better black or green olives?
Black Olives

90:Can you knit or crochet?
Nope, but I can cross stitch

91:Best room for a fireplace?
Living room / Great room

92:Do you want to get married?
Meh?  Maybe - I'm keeping my options open

93:If married, how long have you been married?
See question 92...

94:Who was your HS crush?
Probably my High School boyfriend, J.G.E

95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
No, I'm not immature

96:Do you have kids?
No.  Just a furry kid, Doyle

97:Do you want kids?
No thanks - not my thing

98:Whats your favorite color?
Black, White, Ivory - I'm so boring

99:Do you miss anyone right now?
Yes.  My Momma :)  She's in sunny FL right now, and I'm freezing my rump in ND

So that's it for today.  Kudos to you if you got this far!  Let me know in the comments below, or my Facebook page, if you like these kinds of posts. 

Thanks for reading!

 

Ipsy Bag: February 2014

So it's time for another installment of my Ipsy Bag subscription.  My February bag just came in the mail yesterday and I was so excited to share it with y'all.  I can honestly say that would use ALL the items that were sent this month!  I don't think that's ever happened to me before - there is usually one dud in the bunch.  I am pretty picky about my makeup, but it's fun to try new things out.  That's exactly why I get this fun subscription.

Here is the run down of all the awesome goodies I got (and links)....  Enjoy

Pop Beauty Plump Pout in Peony Petal
Zoya Nail Polish in Odette
Eyetini Shadow Tint in Spiced Rum
City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon
NU.ME Intense Renewal Hair Mask

So those are all the goodies I got this month.  I love how the Ipsy bag gives you a "full face" of makeup, and that all the products can be worn together or separate.  It makes so much sense.  I had another subscription service in the past that would repeat "like" items in the same month, so I ended my service (an in all honesty, the samples were just - meh).  I am so thankful to have found Ipsy, and for only $10 a month, it's worth every penny!

Do any of you subscribe to Ipsy?  I'd love to know in the comments below, if you care to share. 

Thanks for reading!

Foot Cream: Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm

Hello lovelies!  Today I thought I would share another favorite body care product of mine.  Last week I wrote a post all about my favorite hand cream - here.  I got a few messages saying it was helpful to some of my readers, so I decided to share my favorite foot cream.
 
My foot cream of choice is Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm.  I picked up mine at Ulta Beauty a few months back and I've been loving it ever since.  This foot repair lotion is super moisturizing on my dry cracked heels and soles.  It does wonders for my skin, especially in the harsh midwestern winters. 

I use this product about 3-4 times per week in the winter and in the warmer months I use this a little less frequently, maybe 1-2 times per week.  I also like to wear socks to bed (any time of year), I know I'm strange, but that seems to help lock in the moisture when I sleep.

photo source: Ulta

Do any of you have a great foot cream/balm you would recommend?  I would love to know in the comments, if you care to share.

Thanks for reading! 

Makeup Monday: Lancôme Translucence Pressed Powder

Todays Makeup Monday is a special one for me - mainly because I have used this product for over two years, consistently.  I love recommending products for my friends & readers that I really LOVE.  I use this powder every time I apply makeup and it works extremely well for my skin type. 

So lets get in to the nitty-gritty about this amazing product...  it's the Lancôme Translucent pressed powder.  It is specialized for mattifying the skin, so it works wonders on my crazy "oil-slicked" face.  After I apply all my face makeup, minus my blush, I set everything with a very light dusting of this product.  After that is set, then I apply my blush and loose setting powder by Coty (check out the post about that product here) 

I wear the shade 250 Buff.  Even when I have a little more color to my face in the summertime, it still works well with my skin tone.  It's such a light powder and not meant to be a heavy color on the face.  I'm sure you could use it as a powder foundation, but that's not the main purpose of the product. 

photo credit:  Lancôme

I am always on the hunt for anything that is a good mattifier for my skin and also makes my makeup look good at the same time - I don't want to walk around with "cake-face".  This is one of those rare finds that I can not live without.  I even have one of these in my purse for touch ups.  I rarely touch up my makeup during the day, but in the warmer months I will have to use another light dusting around 3pm.  Darn oily skin ...

Do any of you suffer from problem skin like I do?  What are your remedies?  I'd love to know in the comments, if you care to share. 

Thanks for reading!
 



Foodie Corner: Dragon House

I have been going to the Dragon House for my entire life - no seriously, for the last 33 years, no joke.  My dad was the first in the family to discover this hidden gem in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.  I have had many Birthday celebrations in the place, they even catered my High School graduation party!  That's just how much I'm obsessed with this food. 

Unfortunately I live in North Dakota now, so it's not like they take deliveries to my area (trust me, I asked the owner).  But they do, actually, deliver locally!  But yesterday I went to Minneapolis for an unrelated appointment, so I had the chance to get my nummy Chinese grub-on.  So in famous Emily-Style, I ordered the heck out of that food!  Our wonderful server was probably wondering where I was going to put it all - haha.

I met my brother for lunch so we could catch up, and get our grub on.  It was a great time, chit-chatting, taking photos, and the best part... eating!  I even took 2 meals home - across state lines and everything, I'm obviously dedicated.  I know, I have an obsession.  But it's soooo good!  For lunch we got Spring Rolls and Gee Bow Gai for starters, and our entrées were Pork Lo Mein and the Dragon House Fried Rice (enjoy the photos)  Everything was gobbled up in record time, and we took food home.  In all the years I've been eating there, I've NEVER had a bad meal.  I always know I'm going to have a satisfying meal at the Dragon House :)

So have any of you ever been to the Dragon House in Columbia Heights, MN?  If you live in Minnesota you should check it out.  Here is a link to their Facebook page.  Make sure to "like" them and give a review after you're experienced  all the yumminess.

Ok, now I'm hungry....  again.  Good thing I brought food home.

Thanks for reading! 

 

Diary of a Single Girl: Justin Timberlake Concert

If you follow me on Facebook you'll know that I went to the Justin Timberlake concert last week.  Click HERE to see a fun video I took of the concert!  He came to Fargo, ND for The 20/20 Experience Tour on February 7th.  I had been thinking for a while about going to see him, but the only problem was I didn't have anyone to go with.  I moved here about 6 months ago, and don't know anyone my own age...

After thinking about it, I decided the night before to buy a single ticket.  I actually got FLOOR seats!  I had never been on the floor of a concert before - it was pretty cool to see everything up close and personal.  The crowd around me was super awesome.  I met a few groups of ladies going out for a fun night.  I even took a photo of some of their wine glasses for my collage!  And another woman was kind enough to take my photo before the concert started. 

Here are some fun photos from my ticket, to me at the venue before the concert started.  I thought that Bison head was hilarious!  This was the first time I had ever been to the Fargodome.  It would have been better if that head was wearing a scarf or something.  It was frigid that night - Brrrrr!

 

As for the actual concert....  I was amazing!  I have been to all of Justin Timberlake's solo concerts.  The last two I attended in Minnesota.  This show was a good mix of his new songs and old favorites that we all wanted to hear.  Before going to the concert I had only downloaded one song, Drink You Away.  That was the only song on iTunes that I really liked.  I finally downloaded a few others after hearing him sing live.  He is truly an entertainer at heart.  I would highly recommend for anyone to see this concert, even if it's alone! 

 

 

 

Like I said before I attended this concert alone, but it was still fun!  I had to work the next day so I couldn't get too "buck wild", anyway.  I inserted a photo of the "floor" and where I was able to get a ticket.  I'm glad that all the people around me were super cool.  I introduced myself to everyone and said that I was there by myself (rather than having people wonder).  After I introduced myself, everyone was including me in their conversations, I even got an invitation to out with one of the groups after the show.  Unfortunately I had to decline, because I had an early morning the next day. 

 

So if you ever the opportunity to go to a concert alone, do it!  Especially if it's to see someone you really enjoy.  It's not a scary as it seems.  Biggest tip:  Introduce yourself you your neighbors, people are still very kind out there. (especially in ND) 

 

Have any of you ever gone to a concert alone?  I'd love to know in the comments below.

 

Thanks for reading! 

 

Fashion Friday: Frugal Haul

Another installment of Fashion Friday for y'all!  This haul is a little more budget friendly.  I only bought one item that was full price, but it was too cute to pass up (plus it was the only one left).  You know I love a bargain.

So last Sunday I had some extra time, so I decided to browse at my local mall. Browsing doesn't always mean buying for me.  But that day I found some great sales and additional discounts at some of my local stores.  I went to Ann Taylor, Forever 21 & Express. 

Ann Taylor - Dalmatian Print Top
$54.50 - reduced to $39.99 on sale - in store promotion made it only $23.99!

Forever 21 - Jigsaw Bib Necklace
$12.80 - this was the only full priced item I got

Express - Sleeveless Porto Fino Shirt
$44.90 - reduced to $29.99 on sale - in store promotion made it only $14.99!

Express - Sequined Graphic Tee
$39.90 - reduced to $19.99 on sale - in store promotion made it only $9.99!

All in all I made some good choices.  I was amazed that these sleeveless tops and tee were on clearance since all the SPRING styles are so similar.  I will definitely be wearing these tops as soon as the weather warms up in my area.

Have you found any awesome sales recently?  I'd love to know in the comments below, if you care to share. 

Thanks for reading!

Hand Cream: Philosophy Hands of Hope

It's a cold dry time in Fargo, North Dakota.  And this hand cream is litteraly saving my hands from getting flakey & cracking on a daily basis.  I use this lotion like its going out of style in the winter, and really any time of year when my hands need a little pick me up.




photo source: Ulta



 

Here is what the Ultahas to say about this product...

"Hands Of Hope Hand and Cuticle Cream by Philosophy is designed to help moisturize and smooth dry hands and rough cuticles. The formula contains shea butter and a blend of natural oils to help provide long-lasting moisture and help prevent dry skin and nails. This ultra-rich hand cream helps aid in moisture retention and improve skin's smoothness for silky, soft hands. Hands Of Hope absorbs quickly without leaving hands feeling sticky or greasy. It's the hope your hands have been searching for."

 If you are looking for a useful gift or just a great hand cream, this is the ticket!  Anyone would love this, especially if they live in a cooler climate.  I gave away a few of these for Christmas this year, and everyone loved it - even guys! 

Do you have a good hand cream that you love?  I'd love to know what one is your holy grail cream.  Leave a comment if you care to share.

Thanks for reading!