Happy Birthday Sugar

Like so many others, each year I look forward to my birthday. Not because I enjoy aging or even for the presents, but because of the little joys that come along with your big day – a special meal, birthday wishes from old friends and a trinket from Sephora.


Each year I look forward to my little gift, and this year was no exception. The Sephora birthday presents are one of the main perks of being a Beauty Insider. The gift was two sample sized Sugar lip products – one in Rose and one in Fresh. So if you are a September baby, make sure you get to Sephora this weekend and become a Beauty Insider so that you can reap the benefits. More information on the beauty birthday rewards can be found here.

Alyssa

A change of scent

As you probably already know, Alyssa and I are pretty loyal to our Bond perfumes.  I’ve been using the Westside scent since Christmas, there is something about it that makes it hard to refuse. With that being said, I was recently inspired by a change in the weather to try a change in scent.  A little while ago I received a roller ball bottle of Daisy by Marc Jacobs that I had yet to try, so I decided to give it a whirl. I have to say that I am very impressed, the scent is light and feminine and I love that at random times in the day I can still smell it. I also like the fact that the bottle is small enough to through in bag just in case I need a little freshening up.

Alexa

An Old Favorite

While its always nice to buy something new, sometimes nothing can beat using one item season after season. When I was a freshman in college I fell in love with this rust colored Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, I was so obsessed that my boyfriend had to drive me an hour away just to find one. While I’ve never been too keen on small bags, there was something about this one that I loved. Anyway, three seasons later and I was just as excited to take it out of its dust bag this morning as I was when I bought it.

Alexa

Transitional Look

[Scarf] Forever 21
[Tank top] Nordstrom BP
[Jeans] BDG Urban Outfitters
[Purse] Marc by Marc Jacobs
[Earrings] Vintage

This past week has consisted of cool mornings and warm afternoons, which is perfect for leisurely runs and outdoor dining but it is not so easy to select an outfit for this ideal weather. However, this past weekend I was particularly satisfied with my outfit selection. I paired a stylish pair of BDG Urban Outfitters tie dyed jeans that are embellished with studs around the pockets with a simple black racer back tank and light weight cotton scarf. The cotton scarf provided warmth in the morning as it acted as a shawl, however in the afternoon when the temperature rose the scarf became an accessory. I also selected a no fuss chain link over the shoulder purse and vintage earrings to complete the look.

Alyssa

Fall is in the Air

Cranberry Harvest Hand Soap, Creamy Pumpkin Hand Soap, Bat Bite Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer,

Candy Corn Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer, Cinnamon Sugar Donut Candle

You know it is officially a new season when Bath and Body Works puts out their new seasonal items and I am pleased to announce that the fall merchandise is out! Last week I picked up a few necessities and wanted to share these pictures with you.

Alyssa

Matrix Essentials Amplify -- Product Review

Check out this quick video that provides a product review for Matrix Essentials Amplify.  If you are having trouble viewing the video, you can access the clip directly through YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_gB6GL0swo&feature=youtu.be

Alyssa

Preparing for Fall

A reoccurring theme with me is scents.  Scented candles, scented body washes, scented sprays – scented everything!  So with fall just around the corner it is only fitting that I discuss my favorite what I call ‘pre fall scents’.  In my opinion, the Philosophy shampoo/body gel/bubbles pictured above are the perfect pre fall scents – Cinnamon Buns, Pumpkin Pie and Animal Crackers.  As you can see, in one picture I singled out Animal Crackers.  In my opinion this is by far the best smelling Philosophy product.  Animal Crackers is such a different take on the standard fall aromas and my nose is loving it!!

Alyssa

Nordstrom Back to School Haul Video

Hi everyone! I can’t say enough good things about the amazing things that Nordstrom has for back to school. Check out my video to learn more about my new purchases!

Alexa

Back to School!

In the spirit of back to school, it seemed only fitting that I treat myself to a new hair style and a manicure. I've been admiring the two tone hair color trend for a while, but I really was not sure what colors to pick. Initially I wanted to do something extreme like pink or purple, but in the end, the blonde tips won out. After a few days of getting used to the look, I have to say that I am so in love with it and I can not believe that I waited so long long try it!

In terms of my nails I am absolutely sick of light colors so I felt like a dark, dramatic look is just what I needed. I decided to do a flash nail in O.P.I's Black Onyx (the best black nail polish ever) and the rest were done in O.P.I's  Java Mauve-A. I think that by only doing my flash nail dark, it is a great way to transition into fall colors.

Alexa

Most Worn Things TAG -- Summer 2012 Edition

Hi everyone! I am loving this Most Worn Summer Tag that is going around YouTube. Here is my version – enjoy!

1) Most worn Nail Polish: Essie Fiji
2) Most worn scent: Creed Virgin Island Water
3) Most worn hair product: Feather hair tie
4) Most worn bag: Vera Bradley beach bag
5) Most worn shoes: Havaina butterfly flip-flops
6) Most worn accessory: Heart bracelet
7) Most worn clothing item: Sofia fringe bikini
8) Most worn foundation: MAC Prep & Prime
9) Most worn blush/bronzer: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
10) Most worn lip product: Baby Lips pink punch
11) Most worn mascara: Sephora Outrageous Volume
12) Most worn eye product: Nars Sugarland eye shadow

Alyssa