Decisions, Decisions

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Girl Chat | Hair Help

Do all girls obsess over their hair for days leading up to their next hair appointment, or is it just me?  Outside of my other favorite topics (designs for my clients, Georgia, and food), it's all that I can think about this week.  I think spring also brings a spirit of change in the air -- shed the weight and start anew, right?

So anyway.  My hair appointment is early next week and I need some help, guys.

So, here's what we're working with:

BEFORE

Excuse the stank face (but if your ends were that scraggly, wouldn't you make a stank face too?).  This is my current hair -- day 3 post wash, air-dried, not brushed*.  Also, no filters or editing, so you can get an accurate depiction of the color.  Obviously, a few inches have to go.  That goes without saying.  I have A LOT of crazy thick hair (3/4 of my hair is hiding behind my back), so it will be nice to lighten the load.

Ideally, I'd love a low-maintenance, cut that can go from tousled to sleek and continue to look effortless.  You know what I'm talking about -- that "cool" girl cut that's currently all over Pinterest and celebrities.  

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Not sure if it will work with my thick hair, but I'll let me stylist decide.  Overall, I feel pretty good about it. If you don't -- speak now or forever hold your peace.

Now here comes the area where I really need help...

COLOR

Y'all, I don't even know where to start.  Lighter? Darker? Keep the auburn tones?  Ditch the auburn tones?

The floor is open for discussion!

*Does that make me sound like the laziest human being ever, or what?

Skincare Secrets with Organaca

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It's no secret that I have a bit of a beauty obsession -- I could talk to anyone about lipstick, perfume, and eyeliner forever, it seems (or at least until that their eyes glaze over).   But truth be told, even the newest, fanciest, priciest designer makeup product is a waste of money if your skin isn't in its best shape.  As much as I love makeup, it will ALWAYS take a back seat when it comes to skincare.  I can't seem to emphasize this enough -- good skincare is a million bajillion* times more important that good makeup. 

Makeup is nothing without skincare.  It's like delicious pizza on a cauliflower crust -- what the hell is the point? Even the gooiest cheese and a plethora of toppings can't make up for the fact that it's CAULIFLOWER.  Christ, people.  I blame Pinterest.**

Anyway. Where was I?

Right. After this post, I got quite a few emails asking about my favorite skincare products and secrets.  While I'm working on a post with my full routine, I did want to share my favorite (and possibly #1) secret with you guys today...

Oils.

Yes, I said oils.  Yes, I put them on my face (and my body, and my hair).  No, I'm not crazy.  In my experience, my skin is happiest when I pester it the least.  Therefore, I've been making the transition to all-natural products with as few additives as possible (with the goal being NONE!).  What's more natural that 100%, pure, organic, oils derived from plants found in nature?  Nada!

An amazing resource for oils is Organaca, an online retailer that sells only organic, eco-friendly, cruelty-free beauty products.  After chatting with a company rep about my skin's needs, they were kind enough to send me a few products.  I've been using them for a few weeks, and I can say with the utmost confidence that Suki Balancing Oil and 80 Acres of McEvoy Ranch Verde Body Oil have earned their way into my daily beauty routine. 

The Suki Balancing Oil was actually designed to help regulate and balance moisture on oily-skinned folk.  Yes, oily skinned people can benefit from oils too!  I have normal to dry skin and I didn't find it quite moisturizing enough for winter time (I'll have to try their Nourishing version next year), but the Balancing Oil is a lifesaver now that the temperatures (and humidity level - ugh) are rising in the South. I mix 2-3 drops in with my moisturizer in the AM, and my skin in supple and glowy all day long.  This hasn't caused one breakout either.  Hooray!  This will probably the only oil I pack for our European vacay.

Two months ago, I never thought twice about splurging on a body oil.  Now that I've tried 80 Acres Verde Body Oil, I'm not sure that I could live without this blend of oil, jojoba, and sweet almond oils.  I'm the worst when it comes to putting on body lotion (I. hate. it.), but I can hardly wait until after my shower to apply this oil.  It sinks in so much faster than lotion does, it makes my skin soft, and it smells DIVINE.  Literally, divine.  I'm pretty sure this is what heaven smells like. Since this is such a luxurious treat, I usually only allow myself the pleasure after post-workout showers.  So really, it's helping me fit into my jeans too.  

Remember, everyone's skin is unique so when it comes to these two products, your mileage may vary.  I urge you to check out Organaca's site, and chat with one of their reps about what your skin needs.  They make sure that every product that they carry meets their impossible high standards, and stand by the purity of each and every item.  

Good news! Organaca is currently offering 15% off to all ATT,etc readers.  

Simply enter code ETC15 at the checkout.

Go place your order and make your skin and the earth happy.  Then, I give you permission to reward yourself with some pizza!  But for goodness's sake, make sure to get real, carb-based crust, okay?

*Real numbers, real facts.

**Passionate about makeup and skincare; equally as passionate about pizza.

Thank you to Organaca for sponsoring this post and supporting ATT, etc!

Beauty Review | NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

I'll be honest.  Most days, I don't even wear makeup.  Working from home, I just can't motivate myself to put on makeup before running to the gym, Target, or Publix (the three places I go most often :)). If I do prettify myself for the day, I typically wear tinted moisturizer since it's sheer, natural, and easy to apply.

However, every girl needs a good foundation for special occasions.  Whether it be a night on the town, a nice event, or just because you feel like lookin' good -- sometimes, a tinted moisturizer just doesn't cut it.  I've tried a million different foundations (only the slightest of exaggerations), but my current favorite is
NARS Sheer Glow.

According to the Sephora website, NARS Sheer Glow is "a glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage."  This is pretty spot-on.  Sheer Glow applies to the face with ease (provided you prep correctly -- don't forget to exfoliate and follow up with a moisturizer or primer).  After one layer, I felt like any discoloration was evened out, but it was still sheer enough to see my a few freckles.  I decided to do a second layer (you know, for science), and was very happy to see how well it layered.  Two coats covered pretty much everything, my skin still felt like it could breath, and I didn't feel like I was wearing a "mask" by any means.

I don't have a fancy schmancy camera, but I did snap some iPhone photos in front of a window, to give you an idea of what it looks like in natural (albeit not direct) light. 

BEFORE 

Clean, exfoliated skin prepped with Vitamin C serum, Argan oil, and SPF30.

AFTER

Two coats of NARS Sheer Glow (plus the rest of my makeup routine!).

Type: Liquid.  Application was smooth with both a Beauty Blender and MAC 187 brush (I used the brush for these photos).

Finish: Satin, aka not matte, but not dewy either.  It's really nice for normal to dry skin, but those of you with oily skin will probably find it too rich.  For you oily skinned gals, NARS has another version of this foundation in a matte finish.  Fellow dry skin folks who want even more glow, Makeup Forever Face & Body foundation is my go-to for a really dewy look.

Shade Selection:  Excellent.  Whether your undertones are warm, cool, or neutral, you should be able to find a nice match.  They also have a great selection of very light shades for my fellow fair maidens.  I'm wearing Gobi, which is "light with yellow undertone".

Wear: It lasts a solid 8+ hours on me without fading (again, with proper skin prep).  Note that my skin is normal to dry, so oily girls might not be so lucky.

Price: $55 for an ounce. Yeeeeeeeesh.  However, one bottle will last forever -- several months with daily use, and even longer with periodic use.  I've had my bottle for over a year and still have about 30% left.  Regardless, I've never found a drugstore foundation that I like even half as much.

OVERALL GRADE: A- 

It's pretty close to perfect, but the price is a doozy.

Next on my list to try: Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat Foundation. Because the grass is always greener.

Have you tried NARS Sheer Glow?  Do you have a holy grail foundation?

*NARS did not ask me to review their product, nor was I compensated in any way.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spring Weekend

Weekend recaps on Tuesdays are kind of turning into my signature.

I welcomed spring's loveliness this weekend with a fresh blowout, rooftop wine, a trip to an outdoor brewery*, and lots of grilled deliciousness.  And yes, #selfies too (new sunnies hastang spring, hashtag sunshine, hashtag brightfuture, hashtag diva, hashtag letmetakeaselfie, hashtag ughworstsongever).

It was definitely the best weekend that I've had in a while, but I'm ready to detox a little this week.  Friday and Saturday were filled with champagne, beer, wine, and crazy amounts of hairspray fumes, and my body needs a break.  Here's to lots of water, cooking at home, and a few trips to the gym.  I don't mind -- it was worth it!

What are your plans for the week? Anything exciting going on?

*Greenville folks -- Brewery 85 just opened up and it is awesoooome.  The beer is delicious, the owners are as nice as can be, and they have two REALLY cute dogs that hang out on the property. For my Athens folks, it's Greenville's version of Terrapin.  Levi and I decided that we'll be spending a lot of time there this summer!

Weekend

Top of the morning to ya.  This weekend was one for the books -- sunny, warm, and filled with good food.  Just how I like 'em.

Levi was out of town all last week, but surprised me by coming home on Friday early enough for us to have a lunch date.  We went to one of of our favorite spots in downtown Greenville, Nose Dive.  We took advantage of the gorgeous day and sat outside to people watch.

I always, always, always order the lobster sandwich when we go to Nose Dive. I would try something different, BUT LOBSTAH.  Enough said.  I did try the roasted brussels sprouts with a warm bacon vinaigrette as my side and they were beyond delicious.  We do like to try new beers every time we go.  This time, we enjoyed a red ale by local brewery Thomas Creek.

On Saturday, I did a little window shopping* at JCrew and Forever 21.  

While I kind of loved everything, I only purchased the pop-pom dress and the tortoise shades from Forever 21.  I had a $25 Visa gift card that covered the purchases exactly. Cha-ching.  However, I fully intend on purchasing that little summer tunic from JCrew as soon as it goes on sale.  I have a serious thing for tassels and pom-poms right now (boy, never thought I'd say that), so it's a must.  Levi, if you're reading this, my birthday is coming up...nudge, shove.  Also, I think it's officially time for a spray tan.  Like, tomorrow.

Sunday we brunched at Southern Culture Kitchen + Bar.  I've heard amazing things about their brunch, so I wasn't too surprised when we were told that the wait for a table was over an hour.  Their kick-ass bloody mary bar and live music made the hour fly right on by! As expected, the food was great.  I got a burger, which was good, but a mistake.  Levi got fried chicken, biscuits, gravy, and fried eggs and I dropped some not so subtle hints that I wanted to trade plates.  No dice.  Even true love can't come between a boy and his biscuits.   The rest of our table was really happy with their meals.  We'll definitely be back.

I spent the rest of the day nursing a head cold, picking up the house, and giving myself an at home mani. I went with another neutral (surprise!), OPI Mimosas for the Mr. & Mrs.  

While I'm completely in love with the color, the formula le sucked.  It will definitely be going back to Ulta.

I'm still trying to fight off this cold before I head to Atlanta tomorrow and then fly to New Orleans on Thursday for MARDI GRAS!  Send me some Vitamin C love, please!

How was your weekend?  Did you have beautiful weather?

* By window shopping, I mean trying everything on and torturing myself by not buying anything.  Dressing room attendants love me.

Beauty Busts, Episode One

I have a bit of an obsessive personality, especially when it comes to purchases.  I will research a topic or product to DEATH before I buy it.  I'll spend days, weeks, even MONTHS reading every single review on the internet before handing over my hard earned cash -- for small purchases and large purchases alike.  Usually, my time and energy pays off and I end up thrilled with my purchases. However, occasionally there's a fluke and I end up with something terrible.  Nothing is worse than a lackluster beauty purchase. 

 I get passionate over my beauty products, so I'm making it my mission to save you from the heartaches that I've endured (I know, I know -- dramatic, much?).  I've got so many that this will have to be a multi-part post, so let's go ahead and get started!

Maybelline Great Lash

Okay, is there anyone that actually likes this stuff? No? Just PR girls who pay its way onto every "Best Of" List in the beautysphere? The formula sucks, the brush sucks. Hello, Tammy Faye Baker lashes.

Maybelline, stop trying to make fetch happen.  It's not gonna happen.

Ole Hendriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster

Truthfully (hehe)? This stuff isn't terrible.  It didn't make me break out and it didn't ruin my skin forever.  In fact, it's got some really great ingredients - Vitamin C and Vitamin E, both of which my skin loves.  However, the concentration of Vitamin C is so low that results would be almost nonexistent.  Plus, the texture left a lot to be desired - it goes on easily, but dries into a plastic-like film that sits on top of the skin.  My main issue is that they charge an arm and a leg ($60 for 1 ounce - OUCH), and the amount of Vitamin C is too low for anyone to see significant results.   It would be like buying a pricey bottle of wine that had 1/4 cup of wine diluted by 4 cups of water.  You're not going to feel relaxed after drinking a glass of that mess, are you? This is also a product that makes it on a lot of "best of" list, but you're better off spending your money elsewhere.  I actually make my own Vitamin C serum at home for WAY less than a quarter of the price and it's a million times more effective.  Plus I get to feel like a mad scientist, so that's cool.

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo

Man.  I really had high hopes for this stuff. I love (l-o-v-e, LOVE) using coconut oil as a hair treatment, so I assumed this shampoo would be hydrating and leave my hair soft and silky.  I know what my father always said about assuming.... it makes an "ass" out of yo"u" and "me"...and my hair.  I'm not sure if it was the overwhelming amount of proteins in the shampoo or what, but it made my hair feel like straw.  It was almost like it left a gross coating on each strand of hair.  Heck, I wouldn't even use it on my dog.  It does smell nice though, in case you're into straw-like hair that smells good.  I picked it up on a whim at Target without reading any reviews, so this pretty much my own fault.

Maybelline Color Whisper in "Lust for Blush"

I'm calling you out again, Maybelline.  The Color Whisper line is Maybelline's take on the balm lipstick trend (YSL Sheer Candy, Revlon Lip Butter, etc).  This color has great reviews, so I picked it up.  The color was pale, frosty, and dried my lips out a lot.  Have you every seen dry lips with a frosty lip product?  ICK, ICK, DOUBLE ICK.  I sampled it in the parking lot, then promptly threw it away. Life's too short for dry lips.  Every once in a while, the reviews get it wrong, and this was just one of those times. I recently tried L'Oreals version (Colour Riche Balm in "Rose Elixir", also gets great reviews) and it is awesome! 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow

I know, I know.  I'm just begging for an onslaught of hate mail.  But seriously, I don't get the hype.  Their matte shadows are actually okay -- I've used them and they are smooth and pigmented.  But seriously, UD only has one matte shadow per 800 glitter shadows, so they're the outliers.  In general UD eyeshadows are either glitter bombs or super frosty.  I prefer for my makeup to "glow" rather than "sparkle" or "shine", so they just aren't for me.  I've tried to like them, I really have.  But it's just not happening. Sorry.

Don't tie any Naked palettes onto bricks and throw them through my window okay?

What are your some your beauty busts? Do share!

This Week According to my iPhone

Hey gang.  I hope everyone has had a great week.  I put myself on a self-imposed blogging ban in order to focus on some business stuff.  I hated being away, but my gosh it feels AMAZING to be caught up on my to-do list.  I will enjoy this feeling while it lasts -- for approximately the next 2.5 minutes.

Anyway, let's check out what my iPhone has to say about this week, yeah?

Mail day! I was excited to receive these goodies from my sweet and fabulous friends at Organaca.  I've sampled all of the products once or twice and so far, I'm in love.  For those of you who saw this photo on Instagram and asked for reviews -- I promise I'll post my thoughts and opinions after a couple weeks of consistent use!

A little breakfast fuel from earlier this week.  This is one Van's gluten-free waffle, half a banana, cinnamon, a dash of agave, and coconut shavings -- it tastes decadent, yet it's completely guilt-free.  Less one Kraft Mac & Cheese incident, I've been cooking at home and eating healthy all week.  It feels great!

So catching up on work and not leaving the house much means that I've put stuck in a pajama and yoga pant rut this week.  I haven't even put on makeup once.  As nice as it sounds, by Thursday I was ready to feel pretty again.  While makeup and real clothes didn't happen (let's not get crazy now), I was able to give myself at at home manicure with Essie Vanity Fairest.  

So I did manage to sneak out to the mall once to pick up my new favorite perfume and stopped cold in my tracks when I saw this gorgeous place setting at Macy's.  This is a terrible photo and doesn't do it justice, but I promise that it was some of the prettiest china that I have ever seen.  Buy it online at Neiman Marcus here.  You will see my dining table one day, my pretty.

Monday is the LAST day to enter in the Ginger Mail giveaway!  See this post for more details.

Happy weekend!

Beauty Round-Up

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Anyone who knows me is familiar with my beauty product obsession.  Skin care, cosmetics, hair products... all the best parts of being a girl, am I right?

I ran across this list of The Top Ten Drugstore Beauty Products on Clementine Daily, and I have to admit that I'm impressed!  There are a lot of list floating around the internet full of products that really aren't all that great, but this list is the real deal.  I can personally vouch for the Revlon Tourmaline Ionic 1875 Watt Dryer, Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum (Fragrance-Free), Weleda Skin Food,  and Batiste Dry Shampoo.  

Great guide on how to choose the right size curling iron for the look you're trying to achieve.  My default is my 1" iron, with the 1.25" as a close second. 

I got a real kick reading Martha Stewart's Beauty Regimen.  Guys, it's INTENSE.  Like, really intense.  But there is something so refreshing about a beautiful woman admitting that she doesn't just "wake up this way".  From one high maintenance woman to another, I salute you, Martha.  Do your thing.

The Eyeliner Tragedy.  I laughed SO hard.  If you wear liquid or gel eyeliner, you'll understand.

While my BFF was in town, we stopped in Sephora to try some perfume samples.  We somehow ventured into to the men's cologne area, and I found two colognes that stopped me in my tracks -- Yves St. Laurent La Nuit de L'Homme and Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb (the name is kind of stupid, I know).  Spicebomb smells like a guy I would want to date -- spicy, woodsy, a real man's man.   It makes me think of handsome guy in a flannel shirt who has a five o'clock shadow and still looks fantastic.  It's not overly perfumey at all, and definitely doesn't make me want to gag like a lot of other men's colognes.  La Nuit de L'Homme is a little more smooth, and makes me picture a guy in a tailored suit, like Harvey Specter (any Suits fans here? Holla!).  The smell is intoxicating, and a little bit sweet.  I sprayed it on myself and could not stop sniffing my wrists.  I might actually buy it for myself.  Look at me, breaking gender barriers.

Cute leather hair tie DIY to spice up your daily ponytail *.

Don't forget about the first Sunday Edition link-up this Sunday, January 26th!

Details can be found here.

*Unless your one of those girls that doesn't wear ponytails because they take their time to style their hair every morning.  If you are, I hate you.  Okay, not really.  Just a little bit.  Mostly jealous.

Worth It: November's Purchases

November was a great shopping month.  I didn't buy much, but everything I did buy exceeded my expectations.  Gotta love that!

JCrew Stadium Cloth Cocoon Coat

By far my biggest purchase this season.  I've been wanting this baby for a loooong time, and I'm so glad that I finally took the plunge.  It's warm (pretty important, wouldn't you say?), well-made, and works just as well with casual outfits as it does with nicer ensembles.  The other thing that makes this coat so wonderful is the color.  I bought "Sandstone".  Not only does it go with everything, but IT DOESN'T SHOW DOG HAIR! It's a Christmas miracle!

I've gotten an endless amount of compliments on it, and I can see it being a part of my fall/winter wardrobe for years to come.  

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy Lipstick in 'Succulent Pomegranate'

Without a doubt, this wins my "Favorite Cosmetic Purchase Award" for 2013.  The color is the perfect sheer pink -- some reviewers refer to it as a summer shade, but I plan on wearing it year around.  Heck, it might the only lip product I ever wear again (except for chapstick, of course).  The consistency is gel-like -- sheer, moisturizing, and very natural looking.  It makes me feel polished without being made up.  Two huge thumbs up.  If  you're new to lipstick or just can't find one that is comfortable to wear, give this line a try!  They are definitely a splurge, but if they prevent me from buying a thousand drugstore lip products that end up at the bottom of my bag after only being used twice, they might even save a bit of cash!  My *only* complaint is that the staying power isn't stellar. 

Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil

I actually got this as a free sample, so it wasn't really a purchase.  Regardless, it's wonderful and lives up to all of its praise.  I've been mixing a drop or two in with my daily SPF and it's been keeping dry winter skin at bay! I've also applied a few drops to my skin before bed and woken up with fresh, dewy skin.  A full-size bottle is pretty pricey, so I might try buying pure cold-pressed argan oil on Amazon instead at the recommendation of beauty editor Andrea Pomerantz Lustig (her book "How to Look Expensive", is fabulous, by the way).  However, if it's within your budget, Josie Maran's version is pretty darn luxurious. 

Celestial Holiday Limited Edition Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Tea

I actually debated adding this one to the list because I don't want all of you hussies running out to your local groceries and buying it all up.  But sharing is caring, so here you go.   I bought this on a whim, and was fairly underwhelmed by my first cup.  But then I had another...and another... and now I have 3-4 cups a day.  Addicted.  I've already bought out inventory at two grocery stores.  I plan on doing the same to a few more other stores before it's gone until next Christmas.  Muhaha!

What have been your favorite recent purchases? Do share!

Four Favorites: Valentine's Edition

PJ's //  Lipgloss // Card // Bubbly

It's Wednesday, which means it's time to link up with Ashlyn and Kristin for Four Favorites!  This week, we all have Valentine's Day on the brain.  Levi and I typically spend Valentine's Day eating a good meal, drinking champagne, and enjoying each other's company... from our living room.  We did go out last year, but it was a bit of a bust (long story), so I think we're going to return to our tradition of spending Valentine's Day at home.  We put away our laptops and really enjoy spending time together without technology.  I love to go out at much as the next girl, but sometimes it's a quiet night at home with your love (with no distractions) that means the most.

What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Will you go out to a romantic dinner? Stay home? Or perhaps hit the bar with your single girlfriends for some fun?

Raves

 Nothing gets my goat more than spending hard-earned money on something that I end up hating.*

I rarely, if EVER, buy something without researching and obsessively reading reviews first.   

Yet, I hardly ever write reviews myself. 

I'm a terrible person.

However, I care about you readers more than I care about the average Amazon user, so let's get to chattin' about some things I've tried and loved this month, shall we?

*Did I really just use the phrase "gets my goat"?  What am I, ninety?  Yeesh.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

I'm a make-up snob.  Really, I am.  The only drugstore cosmetic items I purchase regularly are mascara and false eyelashes.  But this stuff? Awesome.  I have terrible dark circles and bags under my eyes and this stuff makes me look ALIVE.  I purchased this in Ivory, which is perfect for my fair, warm complexion.  I was a little iffy about the consistency at first (I usually prefer a creamier concealer), but I think the tackiness is what helps cover dark circles and makes it stay put throughout the day.   

It's comparable to the cult classic YSL Touche Eclat, in my humble opinion.

GapFit gFast Capri

I'm not going to beat around the bush. 

These make my butt look GOOD.

The material is thick and the quality is top-notch, which smooths out any lumps and bumps one may have. The rise is slightly higher than my other workout pants, and I love that I don't have to tug on these while running.  Plus, the higher rise means that it sucks in love handles really nicely.  

The seams are also placed in really flattering locations.   

Do I even need to say it again?  

THESE WILL MAKE YOU LOOK HOT.

I wouldn't hesitate to say that I love these as much, if not MORE, than my Lulu's (especially for the price!!).

I've fallen hard for the GapFit line, and these capris are the cream of the crop.

Big River Sweet Magnolia American Brown Ale

While in Tennessee the other weekend, we went to Big River for dinner.  While there, I had my first sip of a sweet, sweet nectar known as Sweet Magnolia American Brown Ale.  Big River brews their own beer but to my knowledge, does not bottle or distribute any of their brews outside of their own restaurants.  

Can anyone prove me wrong? 

Please?

PLEASE?

I still dream of this deliciousness and want it in my refrigerator. If you're in Nashville or Chattanooga,Tennessee, make sure you stop at Big River for a Sweet Magnolia (they also have a random location in Lake Buena Vista, FL).

Lauren Conrad's "7 Days to Skinny Jeans" Smoothie

Yum-mo.  Sadly, I can't claim a smaller jean size, but I will attest to the fact that this makes a delicious breakfast.  When I drink one around 9am, and I stay full until 1pm or later.  For a girl who usually starts thinking at lunch around 10:30am, this is a huge win.  

I tweaked the recipe slightly, using frozen strawberries, SoDelicious unsweetened coconut milk, banana, Fage 0% Greek yogurt, rolled oats, and honey.  Whatever you do, make sure you include the oatmeal in the recipe.  It adds a lot of flavor and makes it feel a bit heartier.  I also like to add peanut butter to the recipe (I use PB2 to cut calories).  I know it sounds a little weird, but you'll thank me once you're drinking a liquid peanut butter and jelly.

There you have it -- my favorite finds of January!  Have you made any great finds recently?

*I was not in any way compensated for these reviews.  I just wanted to spread the love!

That Bowtie I Like

I've long admired the work of painter Michelle Armas (an Atlantan!).  I've been contemplating purchasing one of her prints to display in my home... I just can't pick a favorite!  One of my top contenders is "That Bowtie I Like", pictured below.  It perfectly encompasses the happiness of spring, don't you think?  We may have only just gotten through the winter holidays, but I'm already inspired to go ahead and start compiling my spring wishlist...

"That Bowtie I Like" Michelle Armas
Chloe Large Studs
Dior Balm
Sheridan French Tunic 
Book Mark
Mark & Graham Monogrammed Leather Tote

Are you as obsessed with the elbow patches on that tunic as I am? So. In. Love.

Wedding Weekend: The Main Event

Finally! It's the wedding!

Several other honorary bridesmaids and I went to Dry Bar Saturday morning in order to look picture perfect for the wedding.  It was my first time and I will definitely be back.  I have a TON of super thick, long hair (it's a blessing and a curse) and blowdrying it is the bane of my existence*.   Dry Bar really was the best start to my day.  In addition to a killer blow-out (I opted or the "Straight Up"), I drank free champagne and watched chick flicks.  Did I mention it was only $35, no matter what hair style you chose? Winning!  I went to the location off of West Paces Ferry in Atlanta, but Greenville needs a location, STAT.

*If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would hire a full-time hair stylist before a chef, personal trainer, or maid.  I hate it THAT much.

After being pampered at Dry Bar, we hurried back to the hotel to get ready in order to make it to the bridal suite in time to see the bride put on her beautiful dress.  Does this dress look familiar?  It's one of my Black Friday purchases that I was a little iffy about.  I'm so glad I kept it because it was perfect for the event.  Plus, I'm a sucker for tartan.

Dress (on sale!) // Shoes // Necklace via TJMaxx

From this point forward, everything was so fun that I honestly forgot to take pictures.  You can tell I'm still a blogging newbie, huh?  The bride was drop-dead-gorgeous, the groom was totally in love, the venue (the historic Biltmore) was out of this world beautiful, and the food and drink was top-notch.  Honestly, I was too busy tearing up the dance floor to worry about pictures.  The band was awesome and the bride and groom had one hell of a fun crowd. One guest grabbed a mic and gave a FLAWLESS performance of "Ice, Ice, Baby".  These were my kind of people.

Quick couple shot // amazing detail at the Biltmore

And then of course, it was Sunday and I had to face the post-wedding world.

McDonald's saved my life, yet again. I have no shame.

I hope you all enjoyed the mini series on the wedding! 

Do you all have any fun stuff planned for the first weekend on 2013?

(Psst! I finally added Google Friend connect to my page. Scroll on down and join, won't you?)

All photos property of All the Things, etc