My thoughts about my first Jamberrys

Recently my friend Ally Summers started selling Jamberry Nails. If you aren't familiar with Jamberry you can check out her site here: http://allysummers.jamberrynails.net. Warning-it's addictive to look at all the nail designs!

Here is the first set I tried last week (called Webtastic):

I switched out my nails last night and here is the set I am currently wearing (called Widow's Web):

Now that I've tried out two different pairs, I'll give you my honest opinion about Jamberry. I have to admit, when I put Webtastic on I just followed the directions on the label. I also used a hairdryer. I should have watched the videos out there because it would have saved me a lot of grief. I'm not a fan of using a hairdryer so the second time I put on a set I used a Jamberry nail heater and it worked AMAZINGLY. Since Webtastic was my first pair it took a little bit longer than what they say it should because you are trying to get the adhesives on juuuussssttt right and trying to match the adhesives to the correct nail. My second set took so much less time and I had learned what not to do this time for my second set. I definitely recommend giving it a few times before you start to feel comfortable applying them. But maybe I'm the only impatient person out there who doesn't like to read or follow directions!

My nails aren't flat and have a curve to them so I have had to use the flat iron method to re-seal the edges a few times. Being a theatre teacher I use my hands and fingers a ton. But I much prefer to have to reseal an edge than have to reapply nail polish when you chip them. Also, it took me less than 5 minutes to take off my first set and there was absolutely no damage. There is nothing more irritating than having to take nail polish off and it stains your nails-you don't have to worry about that with Jamberry.

I really do like having my nails look nice. I usually try to paint my nails or change them out once a week. Jamberry is so much quicker than what I had been doing and they have so many cute designs. I'm definitely a fan now!

My co-worker Simone and I are hosting an online Jamberry party curtesy of Ally Summers. Feel free to check it out here. Also, feel free to post any questions or comments you may have about Jamberry, and I will pass them on to her!

October Ipsy

I was so excited to receive my second Ipsy bag in the mail yesterday! I really liked my first bag from them last month.This month’s theme is “Beauty Candy.” Cute name! I love the pretty blue bag it came in-the texture and material is very durable. I’ve already thrown it into my work bag to hold this month’s makeup goodies in. 

A side note- I’m not sure how the rest of my bag relates to “Beauty Candy?” Hmmmm….I don’t think I received as many makeup products as other people did. Maybe I’m comparing it to a Meme box where all of the products relate to a certain theme, but my products or the looks I could possibly create from the products didn’t make me think of candy. Speaking of Memebox, I should be getting my special themed Halloween box this week! Eek! 

Here are the products I received and what I thought of them: 

*Nicole by OPI nail polish in “I’m On a Gilt Trip”-I’ve been meaning to buy a gold nail polish so this was good timing. The color looks more like a sand than gold color on me and has more of a matte finish. It does add a little sparkle to my nails. I’d probably use this on an accent nail instead of all my nails next time. 

*Noyah lipstick in “Deeply in Mauve”-The sample size is teeny tiny cute! But that’s ok because this isn’t a color I normally wear. Don’t get me wrong-I really like the raisin color! It’s perfect for fall. I didn’t experience the “sticky” texture that some reviewers had about the product. 

*Skone Cosmetics Tattooed Waterproof Eyeliner-Glides on nice and smooth. Easy application. Great eyeliner! 

*Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser-I used this for the first time last night. I liked the smell of it-very fresh and clean. I felt like I got a good clean from it but it did leave my face feeling dry. I had to put on extra nighttime moisturizer. I have sensitive skin and I didn’t break out from it which is always a fear of mine. 

*Ayres Patagonia Body Butter-This product has jasmine and rosemary in it which makes it smell so nice and calming! Not too powerful or overbearing of a smell. It did leave my skin feeling super soft and left no greasy residue.  

Overall this month’s bag was a hit for me. What did you thing of “Beauty Candy?” Did you get the same or different products as me? And, if you aren’t signed up for Ipsy and would like to, be sure to use my referral code! Both of my sisters signed up-can’t wait to hear what they got and what they think about it. 

September Fall Finds

I've been having some fun this week buying fall fashion accessories and coming up with new ideas for my nails. Here is the result of my recent trip to Charming Charlie's and Target:

I just LOVE this infinity scarf from Target! It's a tan color but with pops of hot pink in the stitching. I'm also loving the purple/pink/grey necklace from Charming Charlie's. It can go with so many different colored tops! And the best part about my shopping trip? The price!

Here's a couple of different nail ideas I saw on Birchbox last week. I'm going to use the nail polish I received in this month's Ipsy bag.

Ipsy September "Street Style" Bag

I received my first Ipsy glam bag on Wednesday. I signed up in July but was put on a wait list so I signed up for Birchbox in the meantime. It was actually a complete surprise that I got it this week-for whatever reason their emails had been going to my spam folder. Imagine my delight when I opened up my mailbox and there was a pink package for me!

I opened the package and found the silver studded makeup bag and the "Street Style" card. While I appreciate the novelty of a makeup bag, for somebody like me I only need one, not one with every shipment. I'll throw this one in my work bag and then start giving them away. It's pretty flimsy but fits my personality as far as an accessory goes. The theme is cute; I wouldn't describe my beauty style as "street anything" haha.

I was immediately impressed by the "sample" sizes. The only item that is small is the powder which is good because I NEVER use powder. The hand cream is also a sample size but it usually takes me a while to go through hand lotions and creams. As much as I love Birchbox sometimes I wish their samples were larger. No complaints here about the size of the products from Ipsy!

The items I received were:
1. Be a Bombshell "Smooth Criminal" powder
I wasn't excited to see this product in my bag at all, but boy was I wrong in thinking that! I don't ever wear powder; it's just not part of my routine. I'd use it every day if it were this product! It's colorless and 100% silica and made my face feel so soft and smooth. It did as promised on the label and I'm a fan.

2. Avon Big and Daring mascara
I ended up liking this product the least. I've loved and used DiorShow for years and mix in Maybelline when I've run out and haven't had a chance to go pick it up. I feel like I had to apply coats over and over again to try and get some volume and thickness. I get lots of compliments on the length of my eyelashes when I wear DiorShow, and even though it's expensive, I'll continue to use it. This mascara just wasn't for me which is a shame considering the size of the product!

3. Cailyn "Basic Instinct" lip gloss
This ended up being my favorite product (go figure, ANOTHER lip gloss to add to my collection). It's a coral color and is so smooth and creamy. The color looks great with my complexion and stays on pretty good. Usually I wouldn't wear a color like this (I tend to gravitate towards purple undertones).

4. Mitchell and Peach hand cream 
This product is "ok." When I apply it, it feels slick instead of creamy. It does absorb into the skin and leaves it feeling soft; however, I don't like the initial smell-it smells too "earthy." I'm definitely going to use it at work instead of at home. I like my hand creams to have a feminine scent to them.

5. Pacifica "Red Red Wine" nail polish

Overall, I was happy with my Ipsy bag and looking forward to next month's products.

Simply September

I woke up yesterday morning and turned to Justin and said, "It's time to start decorating for Halloween!!!" I've been so excited to try out some decorating ideas I saw on Pinterest (I will share those on my next blog post).

Then, I started feeling a little anxious. Once Halloween hits, then we have Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the obligations that come with the months of November and December. Poor September. It's a month that we take for granted. It's after August with all the end of summer, back to school festivities, and before all the holiday months. I thought to myself, what is there to get excited about for September? It's not quite fall but not summer anymore. I decided that I need to jazz up my September but don't want to commit to any major projects or spend a bunch of money. Here are some simple ideas I came up with to make my September a little more special. 

*Start each morning with a fun "goal" or positive thought. 

I like to believe in the power of positive thinking, and I tell my students about making your dreams a reality all the time. Each morning think about one thing that you are grateful for or one fun thing you would like to incorporate into your day. Why should November have all the fun when it comes to being grateful? I'm going to make it a commitment every morning to think about what I'm grateful for. Today it's Grandparents Day and I thought to myself, how incredibly grateful I am to my wonderful grandparents. They are like parents to me. I also said a little prayer for my Grandmother Nancy up in Heaven. Already my day has been off to a great start! I also like the idea of themed goals. Maybe one morning the theme could be "feel like a rock star" and wear all black with some funky eye makeup. Maybe one morning it's "Feel like a goddess" and you could wear a pretty outfit to work. Or quite simply, "Survive the day" and wear some comfy clothes. I think it makes your mornings a little more exciting :). 

*For exercise, take a walk. 

This is the time of year to start a workout routine before you are bombarded with social commitments and lots of holiday food. Don't have time or money to go to the gym? Go take a walk! The weather is starting to cool off  and you can connect with your neighborhood. Have kids? Take them with you! Some of my favorite memories have involved taking Julian on a walk with him riding in his red wagon. It's such a great way to bond with your family and burn some calories at the same time.  

*Pick one part of your beauty routine that you'd like to change or spend some TLC on.

I've decided it's time to change my hair routine. Last weekend Birchbox had a great Labor Day weekend coupon. I took advantage of it and purchased the following products all for $45 (included was free shipping and the two products in the front row. I also used $10 worth of credit I had earned for reviewing boxes). I'm going to start shampooing my hair less and using dry shampoo more. 

The reason for this? In Women's Health I read ways that celebrities keep their hair looking so gorgeous, and here are the two ideas I'm going to try out this month: 

Want to join Birchbox? Don't forget my referral code: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/crystalking

*Try out some new fashion that won't break the bank! 

I'm never sure what to wear in September. Here in Texas it's still too hot to wear fall clothes and if you are like me then you are already sick of your summer clothes. One simple fix is to buy a few scarves and wear them with your summer tops. I just love anything with sparkles and I can't wait to mix in some sparkly scarves with my wardrobe. Confession: I don't like fall fashion or clothes. I don't like how constricting they are. I'm a sandals/dresses/tank tops and shorts kinda gal.  

Here's another fashion idea-jazz up your nails! People will be so busy looking at your fabulous nails that they won't even notice what you are wearing. I saw these examples in Women's Health and I can't WAIT to try them out, especially the color combos: 

So, how about you? What are some things you would like to try this September?