Absolutely Loving...

So this weekend I was perusing around on Pinterest for hours, which can only mean two things...

1 //  It's going to make me hungry and want to bake everything.
2 //  I am going to get so many ideas that my head will be spinning and I won't even know where to start.

That being said, I shouldn't be shocked that my DIY list has grown substantially and now all I want to do is shop 'til I drop...*le sigh*. Don't worry, I haven't gone out on some kind of neurotic shopping spree, which I know both my debit card and husband and thankful, but I am scheming. And scheming is never good.

So after thinking about it and setting some priorities, here are my current obsessions (both already purchased faves and little wishlist items). I seriously cannot get enough!

// Current Obsessions //

1) Succulent Living Wall/Vertical Garden DIY
Holy gorgeousness. I was inspired by a sweet little succulent that I found at the Farmer's Market this weekend and transplanted into a quaint little Anthro teacup I had in my kitchen. But now, I suddenly have my eye on bigger projects. Hence, a vertical hanging living wall and a cool rustic letter, both of which would make our beloved patio so fun, don't you think?

{via}

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Has anyone ever made a living garden?
Tips? Tricks?


2) Linen Striped Sperry Top-Siders
So I was waltzing through Nordstrom one day on a mission to help my hubby find some new jeans, when I spotted these beauties. My sister has been telling me for years how awesome and comfy Sperrys are, but once I saw these cute neutral stripes I couldn't get them out of my head. Thankfully I had a Christmas gift card and an item I needed to return for store credit, so they are now permanently glued to my tootsies.

3) Crate & Barrel Smoothie Straws
If you absolutely love smoothies and don't own these yet, you'd better hop to you nearest C&B! Every morning I fix myself a fruit and spinach protein smoothie to start my day off right, but I was tired of tipping up my glass and getting it all over my freshly set makeup. Umm, I cannot say enough how much I love these smoothie straws. They are super wide, hard plastic straws in fun colors and make sipping a little concoction extra fun!

4) Maybelline Falsies Mascara
I decided to steer away from my usual go-to-favorite mascara on a mere whim, and I tossed this guy into my Target basket. It's incredible! I have short, straight, blonde lashes that make me look like I am sleepy until I can swipe on a coat of mascara. But the second I tried this mascara I knew it was a game changer. My lashes actually CURLED and every single lash was coated without it being clumpy or chipping off. I'm sold.

5) Tom's New Sandals
Okay, I don't own these puppies, but they're on my wishlist. First off, I absolutely love Toms brand. I love their mission to help people, I love their products, and I'm sold. So when they announced their new sandal line, I was already sold. I've been reading tons of reviews and have even felt the sole of them, and I was surprised my how cushy and comfortable they feel. Saving my pennies...

6) "Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vinz
I'm definitely that person who hears a song once, becomes obsesses, and plays it on repeat for the next 3 weeks. Trust me, or even better, ask my poor husband! Haha. I literally heard this on the radio on my way home last night and I cannot get enough. Listen to it, download it, and then tell me it's not so gosh darn catchy. I dare you! :)

What are you absolutely loving lately?

8 Favorite Beauty Buys

Do you ever feel completely lost when you walk down the beauty aisle?
There are an overwhelming amount of products staring you in the face and who knew there are
4,756 different kind of mascara?

Seriously.
What's a girl to do?

So I always love the annual Allure beauty awards issue that helps point their readers toward the best of the best, tried and tested products to buy. And what's even better? Personal recommendations from family and friends raving about their new favorite finds.

After all, that's what girlfriends are for, right?
So I'm sharing my favorite go to beauty buys with you today, my friends!

1) Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

If you have acne prone skin or are in need of deep pore cleansing, this mask is for you. I use this mask about 1-2 times a week, especially if my skin needs a little clarity boost. It's easy to apply to your skin, simply let it dry and work it's magic, and rinse off 10-15 minutes later. The second I rinse my face, my skin feels so much cleaner and already is softer to the touch.


2) Aveeno Positively Ageless Night Cream

I bought this two years ago on a whim after reading product reviews and I couldn't be more sold on this night cream! Just within a night or two I could tell a huge difference in the reduction of fine lines, puffiness around my eyes in the morning, and skin texture. My face feels like silky buttahhhh the next morning (I hope you read that in a Paula Dean accent).


3) Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

This is my dermatologist's favorite product, I kid you not. She said that Cetaphil is the best face cleanser someone could use due to it's gentle cleansing ability that won't irritate the skin. It completely removes my make-up after a long day with no residue. Just fresh, healthy skin.


4) Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

This was chosen by Allure as one of the best drugstore purchases for foundation, and after trying it recently, I can't get enough. To the touch, the product is so light and fluffy on my finger tips, but it skims over my face like silk with great coverage. I don't understand how a product so airy can have such great coverage with a lightweight feel, but I love it. Definitely try this out!


5) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer

Oh man, I just picked up this little miracle after my old concealer started looking too cakey once it set. So when I already have dark circles and blemishes, why on earth would I want to add blobs of concealer on top of all of that to point it out? No thank you! But I love this one. You just turn the concealer stick and it pumps product into the sponge tip. Dot it on, blend, and you have flawless coverage. Goodbye dark circles!


6) Revlon Nearly Naked Powder

I have been looking for a pressed powder that doesn't leave me looking like I have fresh baby powder sitting on my face. My goal is not to look like a geisha, but to have a shine-free light look. This powder creates such a smooth flawless finish, and really does make your skin look like your skin is naturally that even. I love how light and airy it feels, and it simply sets my make-up for the day with a silky matte finish.


7) ELF Bronzer and Blush Duo

Okay, this is a major best buy, and half of the reason is the price - $3! If you haven't checked out the ELF line at Target, you definitely need to! They have a really great line of cheap make-up and brushes that ranges from $1 eye shadows to $3 make-up brushes - and they're awesome. This bronzer/blush duo is no exception. Great color combo and it's so nice to have both in one compact. I had a friend go from the most popular NARS blush/bronzer duo (pricey!) to this one because it's that awesome of a buy.

8) CND Stickey Base Coat

If you want your nail polish to stay on twice as long, buy this. My sister had been raving about it ever since  a nail technician told her it was the best nail product, and they were right. Just apply as a base coat and watch in awe as your fresh manicure stays looking fresh without chips. I'm talking a whole 1-2 weeks with a fresh mani!

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So there you have it. All of these items are my personal favorite beauty choices and aren't product reviews, so you know these are keepers!


So I'm curious... what are your favorite beauty buys?




PS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers ALL WEEK at my Mingle Monday Link-Up!



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