you've got mail

This little beauty found itself to my doorstep yesterday and I'm so glad it did.

After hearing about Birchbox online, and then talking to a friend who had recently signed up, I decided to bite the bullet and become a member myself. And I am super excited about it! After signing up last month, I finally got my first box and I can't wait to try out my new stuff.

If you haven't heard of it, basically for $10 a month, you sign up and Birchbox sends you a box full of goodies to sample--beauty related products like makeup, perfume, tools, etc.

I love going to the drugstore and scoping out all the new things. It's fun to sample new products, but rarely let myself splurge and buy things on a whim. The luxury of Birchbox is that you get to sample new products without worry or waste. For $10 a month you get a package on your doorstep filled with new makeup or beauty products to try. If you love it, great! If you hate it, no worries.

Plus it's like receiving a new surprise every month since you don't know what you're gonna get! This month they did something a little different and mixed and matched their favorite products since it is their one year anniversary. But most months, you get products specifically picked out for your tastes and likes--which they find out from a questionnaire you fill out when you sign up.



I can't wait to test out all my new goodies. This month I got nail appliques, a mascara sample, mascara cards, a perfume sample, and a cute friendship bracelet. If I find something I love, I will definitely share it with y'all. And if you're interested in joining in on the fun, click here to become a member now!

hair DOs

I am admittedly not much of a risk-taker when it comes to my locks. My hair typically stays on the longer side, unless I'm feeling restless and then I've been known to chop it off a time or two--each time hating it more than the last. I think I've learned my lesson to just keep it long and save myself the trouble. Instead, I've learned to play with the color a little bit! Adding highlights or low lights or sprucing up your whole head of hair is always fun--might as well try something new from time to time, because after all it's only hair. That goes for bangs and layers. Switching those up can completely change your whole look without touching much of the length.

At the end of June, I added blondish highlights to my hair, giving it a golden brown look that I loved for those sunny days. With summer ending and fall creeping in, I think it's time to go darker again. And since I've decided I want something, I want it now! Unfortunately, apparently so does every one of my hair dresser's clients, because I can't get into to see her for two more weeks. So until then, I'm left to daydream about potential cuts and colors that I most likely will never do. And you get to play along :). Here are just a few of the favorites I'm loving today...



middle part... switching up the part of your hair changes your look instantly. try moving it to the middle for a little while and see how you like the sleeker look.
ombre locks... two-toned hair has been on my radar for quite some time. it might be time to finally try it out. plus, you save on coloring costs--it looks great even when it's growing out.
stick straight... whip out your straightener for a sexy and polished look.
bang! bang!... bangs are for much more than hiding your five-head--these dramatic bangs make a statement.
a hint of red... i've longed to be a ginger most of my life. perhaps a reddish tint is in the cards for this fall.

the friend zone

(via)

Do you think it's possible to stay on good terms with your ex? Do you think it's healthy to stay friends with your ex?
Is it okay that your significant other is friends with their ex?

Both deep questions I am pondering on this lovely Friday. Here's my take:

Personally, I think it's possible and healthy.

Of all of my exes (I am talking casual dating to serious boyfriends) I am friends with the ones that ended on good terms. I can proudly say I can not only carry on a conversation with all but maybe three of my exes, I would even consider them friends.

Here's my philosophy. Most guys I date, I date because I like them as human beings first and foremost. They are good people. We have things in common obviously. We once had a mutual affection for each other. I care about their well-being not just because we have a history, but because they are my people, just like any other platonic friendship I have. So why shouldn't that be translated to a friendship?

Perhaps it takes a while to get to a place where you can be friends. For example, one of my ex-boyfriends who I dated for almost two years.... {This could be awkward if he's reading this.} Needless to say I loved him at one time. Eventually we broke up and moved on. He started dating another girl. At that time there is no way I could have been friends with him. Yes, I was happy for him. But a part of me was still bitter about our relationship. Today, I am not the same person. I truly could be friends with any of his future girlfriends and wish him the best. The love I have for him now comes from a much different place then it did when we were dating. Both he and I have to accept that to be able to forge a healthy and peaceful friendship.

Being able to accept that your significant other is still friends with their exes is an extremely personal decision. I believe that if you trust your partner, are honest with each other, and know that their love for you cannot compare to the love they had to any of their past relationships, I say its possible. Letting jealousy and concern for past relationships come between your current relationship is the quickest way to ruin something--true for any circumstance I think. Am I crazy and delusional?

I think a good criteria for any boyfriend is this: Ask yourself if you could see yourself being friends with him should things not work out. If the answer is no, think about why it's no. Is it because you fundamentally don't like something about him? Are you too different to be friends? Chances are things may not work out in the long run for your relationship... Just saying.

And those are my deep thoughts for this Friday. Happy weekend loves!

Dress to Impress...Yourself.

Recently a high school girl and her mom were in our store looking for a homecoming dress. The girl was deciding between two, and said 'Maybe I should let Andrew decide.' Andrew was her boyfriend. Her mom's response? 'Uh, no. You choose the one you want.' His opinion didn't count in this realm. I overheard and said, 'She's right. That's a good mama.'

Because she was right. Now don't get me wrong. There are times on a date with my man I will opt for a sexy black dress versus my floral jumpsuit. But that doesn't mean I still don't own the floral jumpsuit and wear it whenever I like. 

I conversed with a girl recently who opted out of a certain clothing item she loved because her boyfriend didn't like it. It made me a little mad. I wanted to shake her and tell her to wear whatever the hell she wanted. Beyond the feminist fire shooting out of my ears in that moment, it goes back to the ability to have a good relationship... you can't change who you are to make someone else happy. We're talking about clothes, I realize, but even changing that small thing about yourself isn't a good move.

I'm not saying you have to rock a turban and harem pants. Or not want your boyfriend to think you look hot. But the bottom line is, you do look hot. Be confident. Rock that jumpsuit and I bet he's going to become a fan. But if he doesn't and you love it? You better wear it!

I remember one night my man had planned a fancy dinner out. I went back and forth over what to buy to wear and ended up buying this gorgeous, flowy white maxi dress. I felt beautiful in it. It wasn't sexy, it wasn't tight or low cut. It was fashion-forward and pretty. When I opened the door he just stood there. We shared one of those sappy take my breath away moments. Then there was the 'Wow,' that made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. (Gosh this paragraph is cheesy. My apologies. Roll your eyes if needed.) 

So be you. Wear what you want. Chances are he's going to think you look most beautiful in sweats anyway. Plus he should love you for who you are. (Including your fabulous fashion sense.) And if he doesn't? Well, you know what to do with him.

Below are some of my favorite looks you should try!

Boyfriend jeans. Gotta love the name for the baggiest jean there is. 

Shoes with socks. Yes, yes, yes.

High-Waisted EVERYTHING.

Maxi ANYTHING.

Maxi's with boots.

Maxi's with sweaters. Or tees. Or cardies.