{Valentine's Day} Gift Guide

Jeffrey Campbell floral shoes / Leaf ring / Chain necklace / Vera wang perfume / Nordstrom nail care / Burlap home decor / Sur La Table heart shaped mug / Xhilaration Juniors 2-Pack Valentine's Day Crew Socks Assorted... / Valentine's Day Heart Shaped Berry Wreath 16"

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you are celebrating, it's often best to give a token of affection on one of the most romantic days of the year! I picked these things mostly because they were cute and/or pink, red, white, or purple. Or all of the above. 

What are you hoping for this Valentine's Day?

xoxo

Quote of the Week 12/2/2013

"If the whole world was blind, how many people would you impress?"

-Boonaa Mohammed

In a world that is constantly bombarding us with images, ads, etc. that have been altered to be more beautiful, more thin, more something, and having been raised in that world, it is hard not to think that beauty - or lack thereof - is the only thing our society cares about. I've been struggling with image issues since before my teens, but whenever I am having a really tough day loving my body, I try to remember that I am so much more than just a body. 

I have a mind that loves to learn, I aim to be kind to everybody even when I don't feel like it, I work hard and focus on doing the things that I love rather than the things that will get me money. Money and beauty are not the whole world, just two small parts. 

Today, and everyday, I aim to be a better person. To be a kinder, loving, educated, witty, person. That's what inner beauty is, and that is the kind of beauty that I admire most. 

Happy Monday!

xoxo

My Beauty Favorites: {Summer}

Summer Favorites by darlingdreamer featuring an essie nail polish

Maybelline voluminous mascara / Essie nail polish / Essie nail polish / Styling product / Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

When I was little, I was really into makeup: it fascinated me, and because my mom never really uses beauty products, I was enthralled with everything to do with makeup or hair. I wasn't allowed to wear makeup until I was sixteen years old, and for a few days here and there, I really enjoyed it. But now, I'm a person of minimal makeup: I do really like using Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB cream, because it evens out my facial color, moisturizes my skin, and provides SPF 30! It's also very light, I can't even tell I'm in makeup! I also use Maybelline's Cat Eyes mascara, which makes my eyelashes longer and more pronounced (as well as making my eyes pop!) without clumping. 

As far as hair goes, I'm usually just a brush-and-go girl, unless I'm braiding my hair or putting it up in some other way. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe texturing spray gives my already wavy hair something a little extra. 

And last but not least, nails! I love to paint my nails to match the season or my mood. It's a good way to express yourself. During the Summer months, I really go for the bright colors: turquoise, corals, pink glitter, bright blues, etc. But my favorites this summer were Essie's Turquoise & Caicos (also Naughty Nautical!) and Sunday Funday. 

What are your favorite beauty products this Summer?

xoxo