Black Friday 2013

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the people you love! I know mine was great. With Thanksgiving comes probably the biggest shopping day of the entire year. Black Friday is something that I love participating in not only for the deals but for me it is really fun to go out with everyone for the experience also. I am super excited to say that I think this is my most successful Black Friday yet...I had somewhat of a list of things that I knew I wanted to pick up for sure and then something's were honestly impulse buys. So here is a breakdown of my night / morning!

I did go to Target on Thanksgiving night when they opened at 8pm, and honestly it did not interfere with my family plans whatsoever. We do everything in the morning and afternoon and my family really didn't mind us going that night when we were finished. We stood in line with our Starbucks for about 1.5 hours before the store opened and it was really fun we talked to a ton of people and made it a good time!

Target:

A new vacuum on sale for $25.00 I was way too excited for this, our vacuum recently just broke and this girl needs a vacuum!

Towels on sale for $2.00 each

Justin Bieber Christmas CD (don't judge me) on sale for $5.00

Black Riding boots on sale for $18.00 normally $40.00

Two pairs of gloves buy one get one free at $3.00 (my hands and feet are always freezing) and they're touchscreen compatible.

After Target, we went home and slept until 4:00am when we got up and went to the mall. The Victoria's Secret PINK didn't open until 6:00am so I first off went to Bath and Body Works..

I purchased:

2 Winter Candy Apple Wallflowers on sale for $5.00 for a two pack. Normally $12.50!

At Victoria's Secret / PINK I purchased:

A pair of yoga leggings on sale for $25.00

Two gift sets on sale 2 for $25.00

Two other gift sets each for $15.00

I also got a really cute free tote back with my purchase because I spent over $70.00 inside it also came with a sampler of their popular fragrances too!

I also got two secret reward cards that I cannot wait to use, I always hope for a high amount but I usually only get the 5 or 10 dollar ones!

I did some shopping online at American Eagle because they were having a killer deal and I love their jeans!

I bought my boyfriend several things from there online but cant say because he may read this!

Everything was 50% off and free shipping so I bought myself a pair of jeggings for $20.00 and they're normally $40.00 plus free shipping.

I plan on keeping my eye out on Monday for the Cyber Monday deals as well!

If you did shopping, let me know what you got and what stores will be having good Cyber Monday sales!!

Our Thanksgiving picture!

XO, Vivian

Holiday Guest Post: Style by Kristen Blair

This will be my very first guest post, and I am so excited that it is from Kristen! She reached out to me through the Lucky Community and I am so so happy that she did! Style by Kristen Blair is a fashion driven blog with a ton of inspiration! Kristen herself has such great style, as you will be able to see from her post below! She also is so organized and creative when it comes to blogging! I am thrilled that we are swapping guest posts, and I can't wait for her to takeover the blog again soon! Check out her blog and show it some love! http://kristenblair.com

Here is a little bit about Kristen!

Hi, I’m Kristen! I’m a 20-something student, intern, fashion lover, daughter, little sister, best friend, and author of Style by Kristen Blair.  I am a lover of all things clothes, shoes, and accessories… Basically anything and everything fashion related.  You name it, I probably love it.  I am a senior marketing major at James Madison University, and I am hoping to get a job somewhere in the fashion industry after graduation in May! I started blogging as a requirement for a class, but after the class ended I kept going in hops of sharing my love of fashion with the world.  I currently live in Northern Virginia, but I am hoping to move to New York City (my favorite place in all the land…) after graduation! If you want to learn more about me and my blog, stop by and visit me at http://kristenblair.com

Now...onto Kristen's post!



10 Must Have Gifts For The Fashionista This Holiday Season

 

Struggling with what to get the fashion lover in your life this holiday season? Trying to make a list of what you want for the holidays but struggling to pick what you should include? Whatever the reason is, here are 10 must have items this holiday season for the fashion forward ladies everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

1.    Lia Sophia ‘Pinch’ Earrings, $24 – Get them here! (http://sites.liasophia.com/sites/lynnbooth/productcatalog?page=productgroup&productGroupId=1001412&showCrumbs=true)

2.    Lia Sophia ‘Exotic Bloom’ Necklace, $118 – Get them here! (http://sites.liasophia.com/sites/lynnbooth/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=103536401&showCrumbs=true)

3.    Tory Burch ‘Reva’ Ballet Flat, $225 – Get them here! (http://www.toryburch.com/reva-ballet-flat-51138200.html?start=30&dwvar_51138200_color=422&cgid=handbags-torys-classics&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=cj&utm_content=2687457)

4.    Michael Kors Rose Gold Studded Leather Watch, $180 – Get yours here! (http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306616260&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446642720&site_refer=AFF001&mid=13816&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-VVHWLGfV3aC0xopB9ZG9CQ&LScreativeid=1&LSlinkid=10&LSoid=304450)

5.    Burberry London ‘Haymarket’ Check Bowling Tote, $745 – Get yours here! (http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/16742-designer-burberry-london-haymarket-check-bowling-tote-item-10373604.aspx)

6.    Coach ‘Mysie’ Boots, $233 – Get them here! (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/coach-mysie-boot/3628918?cm_ven=Linkshare&cm_cat=partner&cm_pla=10&cm_ite=1&siteId=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-lyoDFmQke06C4DXoS2faew)

7.    Tory Burch ‘Walter’ Thin Bracelet, $125 – Get yours here!(http://www.toryburch.com/walter-thin-bracelet-32135897.html?start=31&cgid=accessories-jewelry&dwvar_32135897_color=003&utm_medium=aff&utm_source=cj&utm_content=2687457)

8.    Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Katie’ Bracelet, $163 – Get yours here! (http://www.mytheresa.com/us_en/katie-bracelet-256800.html)

9.    Kate Spade New York ‘Draw the Line’ Bangle Bracelet, $32 – Get yours here! (http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/shoes/boutiques-46155--1/draw-the-line-bangle-bracelet/?avad=68853_e5666e1b&al_affid=52293&utm_campaign=52293&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_medium=Affiliates)

10.   MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘York’ Python Embossed Bootie, $198 – Get them here! (http://www.michaelkors.com/p/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-York-Python-Embossed-Bootie-BOOTS-BOOTIES/prod21180021_cat18501_cat121_/?index=58&cmCat=cat000000cat121cat18501&isEditorial=false)

 

*Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smokey Eye Palette*

Hi everyone~

Today I have a really fun post because I was asked to review a holiday palette from studio gear cosmetics. The holiday smokey eye palette has been really fun to try out. I love that everything is so compact, and easy to use. In the fall and winter time it's perfect to branch out and try more dramatic eye looks.

 

 

 

 

 

 The colors in the palette are shimmery, which I know a lot of people prefer to use matte eye shadows for more intense eye looks. If you like the more shimmery colors then this would be great for you! The palette also comes with a highlighter and a blush which is a really pretty light pink color. The colors aren't super pigmented, however they do build up very well. I personally love the frost color for the inner corner of my eyes.

This could make a really great holiday gift for a friend or family member as well! I love that on the palette lid it has instructions to create the eye look, this is perfect for beginners.




Studio Gear is giving all of you a discount code, which is located below! The palette is regularly $40 and is currently on sale for $25. Plus the 10% off code!


http://studiogearcosmetics.com/shop/eye-make-up/holiday-smokey-eye-palette/


Reader Discount: 10% Off
Reader Discount Code: SGHOLIDAY


**FTC I was given the holiday smokey eye palette to review, all opinions are my own. This is a sponsored post for an honest review of the product mentioned, I am not gaining compensation from sales of this product.

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Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

This is going to be my second gift guide for 2013! I am super excited for this one because this has given me an excuse to start looking for items to add to Joe's Christmas list. Sometimes shopping for a guy can be hard, I know that it is for me. Whether you're shopping for a boyfriend, husband, dad, uncle, brother, or friend; I think I've found some really cool things for any guy in your life!     1~ Tickets to his favorite sporting event, If the guy you are shopping for is really passionate about sports then you really cant go wrong! I know tickets to games can be pretty expensive, but buying in advance and going through a ticket exchange where season ticket holders sell seats to certain games is a great option!       2~ Cologne - I personally love buying Joe cologne as a gift. I think it is a really gift and it can go for any guy you are looking to buy for. The price really ranges on what you are looking to buy as well which is awesome!     Burberry - Brit Rhythm ~Sephora $60.00       3~ Hats or Beanies -  Just as much as we need handbags and shoes, they need their accessories too. There are so many options to go for when buying a hat, there are always good sales and you can get them from any store.  

LA Lakers Fitted Hat Lids.com $36.99

4~ Watches - Watches are not only stylish but are convenient. They make a great gift for any guy no matter the age!

AX Armani Exchange Watch Nordstrom.com $180.00

5~ Video Games / Video Game Console - No matter how much girls hate video games, guys will always want to play them and why not give them something they truly want for Christmas? The new PlayStation 4 just came out recently and I know that is probably on the top of a lot of guys wish lists this year!  

PlayStation 4 bundle pack Walmart.com $517.00

It's not about the price tag on what you spend for the guy in your life, it's about the thought behind it! Some other great ideas are those hand made coupon books for your husband or boyfriend or a deck of cards with reasons you love that person. Pinterest has a million of DIY and handmade gift ideas that are so thoughtful and inexpensive.

                           

Holiday Gift Guide #1 - Beauty Junkie

Hi everyone!

I am so excited for the holiday season, because I love picking out the perfect gifts for the people I care about. I know that every person, no matter who you are knows someone or may be someone who is a beauty junkie. I know I am! So this post is for you! Whether you are searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, or you're looking for gifts to put on your wish list this year then you're in the right place!

I will be doing more holiday gift guides similar to this for guys, and other items besides just beauty products. I hope you enjoy, and lets get started!

1: Fragrance gift sets are something you can never go wrong with, unless you aren't quite sure of her personal favorite scent. This is the gift you really can't go wrong with. A fragrance sampler set is great because she can try out all of the different high end scents, and then for future reference you'll then know what her favorite was and what she would want for her birthday and anniversary! They have a ton of other fragrance sampler sets that are more or less expensive that will work with any budget!

 Fragrance Sampler For Her by Sephora - $65.00

2: Any bath or body gift sets are always loved in my book. I love getting new lotion's and new things to try out that smell amazing! There are a ton of these type of products out there but one of my favorite brands is Soap and Glory, their products make your skin feel so smooth and smell awesome! Sephora has a great beginners set.

Soap & Glory Beginner's Luxe Set by Sephora - $30.00


3: Makeup: Women of all ages will most likely want something makeup wise for the holidays that they normally wouldn't splurge on. Ulta.com has great makeup sets from all prices to help you in your search. My favorite that I am seeing at the moment is the Benefit gift sets!

Benefit Cosmetics - Little Love Potions    by Ulta.com - $36.00


4: Nail polish is a great gift because a girl can never have to much nail polish! Essie is my personal favorite brand because they always come out with different sets for the different seasons. They make great stocking stuffers as well as a sweet gift. I love each and every color from the winter 2013 collection and they have a mini gift set at Ulta!

Essie 2013 Winter Collection Cube  by Ulta.com - $17.00


5: This is something that is on my personal wish list for this year; Urban Decay Palette. I know that they are coming out with the brand new Naked 3 palette just in time for the holidays. I just know if you surprised a beauty junkie with that she would love you forever! Although it's not for sale just yet, it will be soon! I love that also on ulta.com they do free gifts with purchases like this so you'll always get free samples and something else special.

Urban Decay - Naked Palette  by ulta.com - $52.00


So I hope this is useful to anyone with a beauty lover in their life! More will be coming with the holiday gift guides!

xo, Vivian

Ipsy's November Glam Bag

 

This months Ipsy bag theme was glam it up! It also featured six items, which I was so excited about!

 

The bag itself this month is so cute, a pink zipper detail with a gold snake print. I am going to list below everything I got in my bag as well as the links to the items!

 

 

1. Nailtini Nail Polish in Champagne - I have this color on my nails at the moment and I am obsessed! The formula is great because you can use it alone or on top of other colors, and its not gooey or thick when you apply!

 

2. Lash Gallery Mascara em, by Michelle Phan - I received this mascara in brown which I normally wear black mascara but I still wanted to try the product to see if the formula was good! When I tried this out I felt like it didn't do anything different for my lashes or make them stand out like other mascara products that I have tried. I thought it did a great job at separating my lashes though!

 

3. Be a Bombshell Lip Crayon - "Hot Damn" is the color I received, I have pretty pale skin so I haven't tried this product out yet because it honestly looks so dark for my skin tone. It retails for $14.00

 

4. Pixi Bronzer - I really love bronzer and love trying out new ones, a pale girl needs her bronzer! I love this because it's not too drastic on my face and it gives it the best sun kissed color!

 

5. Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil - "Topaz" - This eye pencil is great for the holidays, especially Christmas and New Years Eve, I feel like it will draw attention to your eyes and make them sparkly and pop!

 

6. Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow - " Asteroid" I absolutely love this color, I thought at first it looked a bit scary with the blue and brown but when they are swirled together they produce a really pretty color. I personally love BH Cosmetics because they are pretty inexpensive but they don't dull down on the pigmentation of their products.

 

I know I said this last month....but this tops all of my previous bags for me. With the extra item I am literally going to use 5 out of 6 of the products on a regular basis so for $10.00 a month that is great!

 

Here is my link to join Ipsy.com !

Sweater Weather Tag!

This is the Sweater Weather TAG!!

 

 

1. Favorite candle scent?

I just recently purchased my favorite "winter candy apple" and "Autumn" from Bath and Body Works and I love those!

2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

All of the above.

3. What's the best fall memory you have?

Anything I do with my family, pumpkin carving or Black Friday shopping!

4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?

I am kind of scared to try a dark lip because my skin is so light, so I would have to say winged eyeliner.

5. Best fragrance for fall?

Taylor Swift - Wonderstruck

6. Favorite Thanksgiving food?

Potato salad, or pumpkin pie!

7. What is autumn weather like where you live?

In California, it's pretty nice not usually too unbearably cold.

8. Most worn sweater?

I just bought some that I think will be my new most worn sweaters this fall and winter.

9. Must-have nail polish this fall?

I love nudes, reds, and really dark almost black polishes.

10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?

Well, I love stepping on really crunchy leaves; does that count??

11. Skinny jeans or leggings?

Skinny jeans.

12. Combat boots or Uggs?

Neither to be honest.

13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?

I really loved pumpkin spice but I am over it now. I literally don't want anything that flavor now.

14. Favorite fall TV show?

I have been watching Survivor, American Horror Story, and re-runs of Friends!

15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?

 Taylor Swift's Red album, probably because it came out last fall!

I am ready for Christmas music though! I love me some Michael Buble!

 

16. Hats or Scarves?

Scarves are my all time favorite accessory ever.

 

 

~Vivian

 

Haul! Bath and Body Works & Cotton On!

Hi everyone!

 

Today I have a haul post because I went to the mall today and they had some really great deals!

 

 

 

So first I have to start with Bath and Body Works! To begin with they were having 2 for 22 on their big three wick candles, and they had a ton of new scents and designs. So I picked up winter candy apple, and cranberry pear bellini which both smell amazing!

Then I had a coupon for a free item - up to 13 dollar value, so I got the sparkling icicles mason jar candle for free!

I then got a mini candle  in black tie that was $4.50, a hand soap in candy cane bliss, and a sent portable for my car in sparkling icicles.

In my email this morning I also got a coupon for 10 dollars off any purchase of 30 or more. So I did that of course, making my total before coupons around 68.00 dollars and I only paid 26.00! I was pretty excited and today is the last day for 2 for 22, so definitely check that out!

 

 

 

Now onto Cotton On, I really needed some beige flats for work and I always am looking for more scarves. Right when I walked in I saw these cute flats that were 50 % off, normally 20.00 and now on sale for 10.00! Then at the register they had scarves for 5.00 with any purchase so I picked one of those up as well!

 

I feel like I had a really successful day of shopping!

 

I hope you all enjoyed this haul!

 

Xo, Vivian

31 things to do before December 31st!

 

 

 

Hey everyone!!

 

 

 

So today I was browsing on pinterest, as usual and I came across a picture from Kate Spade on 31 things to do before December 31st. I thought this was a great idea and I had to make my list right after reading it! The fall and winter months for me are a time with family and to do new exciting things. I hope you enjoy my list!

 

 

1. Take longer walks with Joe and our puppy.

2. Bake a pie from scratch.

3. Do black Friday shopping.

4. Buy gifts for children who need them.

5. Send out Christmas cards.

6. Hand make Christmas decorations.

7. Watch ABC Family Christmas movies.

8. Buy someone coffee at Starbucks.

9. Go to our local museum and zoo for their Christmas festivals.

10. Try a bold lip.

11. Drink hot cocoa - a lot.

12. Make my Aunt Kim's fudge.

13. Go ice skating.

14. Decorate our house for Christmas.

15. Drive around and look at Christmas lights.

16. Kiss my love under the mistle toe.

17. Make my new years resolutions.

18. keep working toward my goals and future.

19. Celebrate mine and Joe's four year anniversary.

20. Put effort into picking out thoughtful gifts.

21. Bake cookies.

22. Build a gingerbread house.

23. Listen to a ton of Christmas music.

24. Take a ton of pictures.

25. Buy my dog a cute winter sweater.

26. Donate clothes and blankets to a shelter.

27. Be kinder to people, even when they may not be kind in return.

28. Make homemade soups.

29. Try egg nog for the first time.

30. Spend the holidays with my favorite people.

31. Make a ton of new memories.

 

Let me know some of your things you would like to do before the end of 2013!

 

~Vivian~

 

 

 

 



October Favorites!

Hey everyone! I cannot believe how fast this year has wen't by, and now it's almost time to for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas shopping! If it was socially acceptable I would decorate for Christmas now... anyway I hope you all had a great month, and here are some of my favorite things and moments from the month of October! 

Fashion wise I have been in love with chunky sweaters, I recently bought a few and I love them! The weather here in California isn't quite ready for them yet, but soon enough I will be wearing those! Scarves have been another all time favorite, I will pair a scarf with pretty much any outfit. I feel like they add so much to a casual outfit. 

Onto beauty products, this month I have been using my peek-a-bright-eyes kit by Benefit, It literally has everything you need for an eye look. Hervana by benefit has been another absolute favorite for me, this is the perfect blush for my skin tone. 

Favorite perfume of the month; Noir Tease from Victorias Secret!

Favorite TV show; American Horror Story Coven, this season has been so great!

Favorite moment #1; My mom and sisters got a puppy in Ocotber and I love him. His name is Bambino or Bambi! My pup doesn't love him quite yet, but we're working on that he's too cute not to love!

Favorite moment #2: Pumpkin carving with my favorite people! We had everyone over to our apartment to carve / paint pumpkins last weekend and it was so much fun. We also had amazing BBQ thanks to my momma. 

I had a great month, and I hope all of you did as well! I am really looking forward to the holidays this year! 

~Vivian~