Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sephora Haul

I've been stuck with the winter blues recently, so I decided to do a little beauty online shopping spree to prepare for spring (if it ever gets here!).


I stuck with some favorite brands and products and then also purchased a few new ones. I normally don't go this crazy with online shopping, but it actually felt good to get some new things and treat myself.


One item that I re-purchased was the Marc Jacobs Lip Lock Moisture Balm.  This has been my holy grail product this winter. I cannot say enough about this balm. It gives great protection, without having your lips feel greasy.  I guess the only downfall, is that there isn't too much product in the tube, so it makes it seem like you use it pretty fast.  It's well worth it though.  I keep mine at home, on my vanity.  It's too pricey to throw in my purse. http://bit.ly/1bX64me 


Did I really need a new Beauty Blender?  No, but how could I pass up one in the color of the year!  It seems to have a different feel to it, than the original.  However when submerged under water it still doubles it size.  Can't wait to use it! http://bit.ly/1dgJn7b



Anti-Aging??  Come on! I'm only 30!  Yes, I broke down and picked up the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging. I've been lucky to not show too many signs of aging yet. However, I want to be pro-active.  When I twisted the cap off, I expected to have a wand to apply the product, but it looks like you just apply with your finger tip.  Not the cleanest way to do it, but hopefully it will do the trick! http://bit.ly/1fIS6zT



I normally don't spend a lot on nail polish, however last year I splurged on some Deborah Lippmann polish and decided it was time to purchase another one.  I love her polish and I'm a little bummed out, because I didn't take into consideration that I had already purchased a blue hue one from her. Oh well!  I wanted a great color for spring.  I picked up the shade-Blue Orchid. http://bit.ly/1fk0niC



Finally the last product that I picked up was a hair brush.  I've heard a lot of people talking about the "Wet Brush", however I couldn't find it anywhere around where I live, so I just decided to search for one on Sephora.  The original version didn't come up in the results, however the brand DryBar has one called "Lemon Drop".  This brush is amazing!  It can be used on both wet and dry hair.  Just the perfect detangler brush. http://bit.ly/1jY6pHS



I would have to say this was a very successful online shopping experience. I also got universal atomizer, make that 2 in fact!  Originally they are $16 or so.  These were on clearance for $7 each.  Unfortunately, I think they are sold out of the one in clearance, but still have the full price one in pink. http://bit.ly/1nX0Tm0


Let me know what beauty items you are picking up this spring.  Remember to always Treat Yo Self!


~Holsnicole




*All pictures have been provided by Sephora.com, however this is not a sponsored post.  This is my personal opinion and purchases.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

February Birchbox Review

A new month means a new Birchbox review!   Could this box get any better.  They surprise me every month!

This month Birchbox and US Weekly have teamed up to bring us red carpet products in their 'Step and Repeat' box.  My box felt a little on the light side this month, but I was still really happy with what I received and will continue my subscription next month.



Here is what was in my February box:

Coastal Scents-Revealed Eye Shadow Palette Sampler
   Never really been a fan of these small samples that Coast Scents provides, however this month it was a quad and the colors are beautiful! They kind of remind me of colors from the Naked 2 Palette.  The full side Revealed Eye Palette is $34-worth checking out.

Fekkai-Brilliant Glossing Shampoo &Conditioner
   Both samples came in the size 2 fl. oz.  Decent to get a good feel for the product and also great for traveling.  I don't have a lot of flyways, but feel this could bring shine to my hair and a nice texture in the winter months.

Harvey Prince-Hello Fragrance
   At first I didn't know if I liked this scent.  It isn't the normal scents I go for, however the more I opened the packaging, the more I enjoyed it. It has lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit, forsythia and plumeria.  This might just be the next perfume I purchase!

32 Oral Care-Effervescent Breath Crystals
   They seem a little likepop rocks.  However, I'm looking forward to trying these.  The spearmint ones  smell amazing!

Check out Birchbox.com for great products and their monthly subscription service for both men and women!


~Holsnicole

Monday, February 10, 2014

Shopping Haul-Galena, IL Edition!

This past weekend I spent time in Galena, IL.  I had never been there before, but my mom suggested it, as one of our seasonal weekend trips away.  I didn't know what to think at first.  When I started to google shopping in the area, I didn't think that I would find much, let alone buy much...boy was I wrong!




They had such cute stores!  There were just a few that I really fell in love with.  To name a few: Poopsies and  Simply Elegant Boutique




At Poopsies I picked up two Ginger Snaps for my bracelet.  If you don't know what Ginger Snaps are-check them out!  Great interchangeable bracelets, rings and necklaces.  I also got some cute greeting cards (you know I'm a sucker for those) and I also special ordered a Chicago Blackhawks print.  (Great service-purchased late on Friday, shipped out today and with reasonable shipping). They have a website that you can purchase some goodies on.




Simply Elegant Boutique was by far my favorite!  On Friday afternoon we went there and they had handbags for 40% off.  I picked up a brown crossbody bag for only $37!  I also got a really pretty scarf in some of my favorite colors and a brushed silver star bracelet.  We went back on Saturday and noticed that they carried the brand Free People-so I coped another scarf that is perfect for all seasons!

Overall, if you are ever in or around Galena, IL please check out there downtown area.  Great shopping and restaurants!

Can't wait to go back sometime!


~Holsnicole

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Positivity

Positivity can make or break a moment, day, or even your life. I will admit I'm not the most positive person, but I'm trying to change that.  One of my goals this year is to be more open about things and just enjoy each moment of my life.




There are a couple of things that have help me.  First thing, this blog!  I have been really interested in social media and blogging recently.  I am currently enrolled in social media classes at my local college to earn a certificate. Hopefully, that will lead to more career opportunities. You can just express yourself within social media and it's a great outlet. Second thing, just surrounding yourself with people you enjoy being around and distancing yourself from ones who knock you down. 


The last thing was reading Mod Sun's book-Did I Ever Wake Up?  In this book he speaks about what he did to change his life and how he got to where he is today.  Not only does this book have a positive vibe, but so does his music and it just puts me in a great mood!



Final thoughts---Do More of What Makes You Happy!

~Holsnicole