August 2104 Favorites

Happy Labor Day everyone. I hope you're all snuggled up on the couch or shopping and not working! 

August came and went for me so quickly. Maybe that's because I am obsessively counting down the days until the wedding or maybe I'm just looking forward to cooler weather (probably both). I can't say I'm sad to see you go, August. You and your 103+ degree temps can go away and never come back. But, on a positive note I did love a lot of new things this past month that I wanted to share with you all!

~This month Joe and I were on a serious Netflix kick. We started watching  Longmire, which is a drama about a sheriff in a small town located in Wyoming. He solves all of these crazy crimes that make me super anxious to watch. I have my Grandad to blame for my addiction to this show because he is obsessed with it. We finished that show within a week or two. I'm pretty mad because the network didn't pick it up for a fourth season.

Now I am hooked on Sons of Anarchy. The new season premiers September 9th and I finished the first season within two days. That's laziness dedication right there. I did the math and in order to finish before the premier I need to watch about 7 1/2 a day!!!! I don't know if I can do that, but I'll try.  It's one of Joe's favorite shows and I know he will want to watch is live with or without me. P.S that Jax is really nice to look at! 

~Music wise I mostly have been listening to country, which is really typical for me but here are a few songs that have been on repeat. 

Florida Georgia Line, ‘Dirt’

Cassadee Pope, ‘I Wish I Could Break Your Heart’

Eli Young Band, ‘Dust’

and I cannot forget my girl T.Swift who isn't so much country anymore but I love her anyway. Her new song 'Shake It Off' is constantly stuck in my head. Although I don't care for the music video, the song is really catchy.

~Makeup hasn't been changed up because when I love a product I typically stick to it and repurchase it like crazy.  The only thing I have tried that's new, but not new to the beauty world is the Naked Basics Palette and I am in love! I know the second one is out, and I kind of want to get my hands on that one too! 

Other beauty products I have loved this month:

They're Real by Benefit mascara
Hervana Boxed Blush by Benefit
NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel
Simple Skincare Soothing Facial Toner  

~ I was chosen to host another Benefit Beauty Bash this year and I couldn't be more excited! I get to throw the party around September 25th which will be so nice to do with the girls coming to my wedding. It'll be a mini pamper day, which will really be needed by that time.

~ My bridal shower of course was a major favorite of mine this month. I got to be around ladies that I love that some I may not even see until the wedding again!

Ipsy Glam Bag | June 2014

This months Ipsy bag is "Pretty in Paradise" I am especially excited about this months bag because of the actual bag itself! Rebecca Minkoff designed this months Ipsy bag, and it is perfect!

The cost is $10.00 a month.

(Isn't this bag adorable?)

 Besides the bag itself the products this month were really perfect for summer as well.

NYX Butter gloss | Apple Strudel (Full Size) NYX Butter Glosses are hands down my favorite lip products. I already own this color but it happens to be my favorite so now I can have one at home and in my bag. 

Laneige | BB Cushion Foundation: This came with three little pods for different skin tones. Since I am pretty fair I will only be able to use the lightest shade. I am excited to try this out though, I have only heard good things.
"The revolutionary 5-in-1 BB in a convenient compact. Go beyond your regular BB cream. Broad-spectrum SPF 50 blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays, while skin perfecting Optimal Mineral Water cools and hydrates upon application. Prevent shine and brighten skin by visibly reducing dark spots. Patented air cushion distributes just the right amount of BB cream. Apply whenever and wherever you want, with no buildup or bother. All day flawless skin is just 1 step away"

Marc Anthony | Dream Waves Beach Spray: I just used this on my dry hair after I curled it, and it made the texture so nice. The smell is great and beachy, with no stickiness at all. 

Skinn | Olive & Enzyme Cleanser I really like this product so far. I put mine in the shower and use it while I'm in there. I think it's great because I have dry skin, but it might not be great for someone with oily skin only because it has kind of an olive oil feel to it. Smells so delicious too!
"Olive & Enzyme Rich Cleanser and Resurfacing Mask is an extra rich, natural cleansing treatment, packed with phyto-aromatic oils, polyphenols, vitamins and enzymes for luxurious nighttime cleansing and makeup removal. This cleanser melts off eye and face makeup as well as dirt, pollution, grime and surface debris, without ever stripping skin of moisture since it is detergent-free! This product also doubles as a wrinkle-softening mask."

Jesse's Girl | Black Eyeliner: I am not overly excited for this product only because it made a major mess when I opened it. I think too much product comes out of the tip and it got everywhere.

Overall I am very pleased with this months bag. I will use every item minus the eyeliner but besides that I am really happy with my new products. 

You can try Ipsy here for $10.00 a month!

Wedding Planning | DIY Planning Binder

Today for my second wedding planning posts I wanted to share my DIY wedding planning binder!
I got the inspiration from several outlets online and found blog posts on how they found it useful to put together your own binder. I liked this idea because some bridal books are roughly $30.00+ and I liked the idea of making this custom to our needs. I have major OCD when it comes to organization, so this was exciting and fun for me!

What you need:
- 1 inch or bigger; binder
- 10 dividers (depends on your needs)
- Paper protector sleeves
- Post it notes
- Wedding lists and templates

- Here are the planning templates I used and printed. - These are great, they have every check list you need and other worksheets that will come in handy when dealing with budgeting, vendors, registry, rentals, etc.

(Sorry for the awful iPhone photos)

I also added clear page protectors to keep all receipts or business cards in as well. I kept everything from brochures, information packets, contact information from venues, etc all in this binder. 

I used post it notes for to-do lists each week so I knew what needed to be done or who needed to be called that week. Let me know some of your tips for staying organized and within budget when planning a wedding! Take this with you to bridal shows, and you wont regret it. It helped me so much! 

I also kept another folder inside my binder for RSVPS, gifts, and thank you cards. I had to stay organized when it came to keeping track of gifts and who was coming to the wedding.

Did this help you? What did you use/what will you use to plan your wedding?

February Ipsy Bag and It's my Birthday!

Now I don't know about y'all but I'm feelin' 22! Now it actually will make sense when I sing the song; best year ever! I have had that song permanently drilled into my head these past few days.  

Amen girl, AMEN!

Leaving for the beach tomorrow with my love is just what I need right now!

Anyway I'll shut up about my birthday, I got my Ipsy bag just in time for my special day, and it was beautiful like a perfect birthday/Valentines gift that I sent myself.

 

This months bag is of course PINK! You can't send an Ipsy bag and it not be pink the month of February, it just wouldn't be normal.

So...here's what I got!

"The Look Of Love" Ipsy Bag:

Pop Beauty Plump Pout Mini "Peony Petal" This is such a pretty color lip-gloss! Peonies are by far my favorite flower ever, so when I saw the name I was stoked. The lip-gloss is not sticky at all, unlike many other lip products, and it's a very pretty pink color.

Zoya Nail Polish "Odette" Oh my gosh guys, I love when we get really good polishes in our bags and this made this whole bag for me! I am in love with this color and with Zoya.

City Color "Be Matte Blush" Blush is not something that I get too excited about, nor anything matte, I have pretty dry skin. I'm sure this color will be very pretty in spring though.

Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow I received the brown shadow, and I will say it is VERY pigmented, I am a little intimidated to put this on my eyes, but it is very pretty!

NuMe Intense Renewal Hair Mask - I am always excited to get anything to help moisturize my hair, so I cant wait to try this out!


I was overall very pleased with my bag this month!

If you're interested in signing up with ipsy here is the website!

Week 1: Get Fit, Feel Confident Be Healthy Linkup!

This is my first week of joining Brittany and Sam's "Get Fit, Feel Confident Be Healthy Linkup". I am so excited to read all of the girls posts on being healthy and getting fit, it is super motivating for me!

I will say that I am starting as of now; Monday January 13th. I also have not weighed myself yet for the week which is why I am starting today and weighing myself tonight to get started!

My problem: I have hypothyroidism, it was diagnosed about a couple of years ago and pretty much every girl in my family has the same problem. We all have to take thyroid medication every morning for probably forever. It's not fun having to wake up and remember to take a pill every morning when you should be a young healthy 21 year old. But I am very thankful that it is manageable, it just makes some things tough for me.

I had started doing morning smoothies with a ton of fruit and veggies including spinach....well after doing more research I found that I really shouldn't have raw spinach with hypothyroidism because it contains Goitrogens that slow down the thyroid function. NOT COOL, I thought I had been doing so good every morning throwing all these delicious fruits and veggies only to find out I was sabotaging my thyroid and medication! Since then, I have added carrots, Chia seeds, ginger root, and zucchini. I have also taken out all things that may affect my medication in the morning. So I am starting fresh this week with my new and improved smoothies, and I am bringing my lunch to work every day as well as cooking dinner at home.

I know that roughly I would love to loose about 15-20 pounds, as well as being fit and healthy!

My fur baby will love this because that means more walks for him daily as well.

 

Follow the hosts on Bloglovin (Brittany and Sam)!      

 

 

 

Radical Skincare - Instant Revitalizing Mask

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

I have been trying out the Radical Skincare - Instant Revitalizing Mask and absolutely love it!

Skincare products is something in my book that you should spend a little more time and money on because it is so important. A good skincare routine now will benefit you in the future so much! You can never start a good routine too young.

Here are some facts about the Radical Skincare line:



When I was given the opportunity to try out this line I was very excited, I researched their website which is SO informative, you all should go check it out! I found that the products are all paraben free which is amazing for people with sensitive skin.

I have been trying out the Instant Revitalizing Mask twice a week now. You apply this to clean, dry skin and keep it on for about 3-5 minutes before rinsing it off. You will feel small bubbles on your face disappearing (it's really cool). After rinsing the product off your skin literally feels so soft and amazing. They have a video you can watch on the product page showing how the product works!

My skin will tell me one day after using a product if it doesn't agree with it by breaking out, I have not had any breakouts whatsoever and my skin feels smooth and soft.

Where can you find it? The product can be found at http://www.radicalskincare.com/products or Barneys

What does it cost? $65.00

"The Instant Revitalizing Mask is the ideal coach for the skin: it delivers the nutrients necessary for hydration and regeneration while teaching it to breathe, stock up on energy and optimize its oxygen resources in rarefied conditions."

I absolutely love what the sisters Rachel and Liz are putting out there; empowering people and their skin!

I would never blog about a product that I didn't think was amazing, unless I state otherwise. I have actually been using this product, doing research on the product and really loving it!

The website has so much information including their mission and results of the products. I also see on the website that they offer free shipping and free samples which is always a bonus!


XO, Vivian


*Disclaimer- I was given this product for testing purposes only, all opinions are my own. *

Voluminous Butterfly Mascara Review!

Hey everyone! Today I am going to review a new mascara that a ton of people have been talking about! The L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara has been catching my every time I went to the drugstore. Although I am still obsessed with my Benefit's They're Real mascara, So I denied buying it for the longest time, until now!

 

I ordered this mascara through Ulta's website on Cyber Monday because all of the Voluminous mascaras were 40-50% off! I paid less than $5.00 for this product!

 

 

Butterfly Mascara - mine is in blackest black

 

I love the wand on this mascara because it is very unique to other wands I have tried, and I must say I love it! I personally love the plastic / rubber thin wands as apposed to the thick ones.

I only had to apply one coat on the front and back of my lashes to achieve these lashes above, with no curling of my lashes either! I didn't use any eyeliner at all. When I use other mascaras usually I have to combine different mascaras for volume and thickness, but this one did both and I really think this is my new favorite mascara!  

 

 

I am very impressed with this mascara and love when I find a really good one!

 

If y'all try it out let me know how you like it, or what your favorite mascara is!

 

 

XO, Vivian

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This is in no way a sponsored post, I purchased the product on my on with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own.

 

 

Lets Chat!!

 

Twitter :)



My Winter Essentials!

Hi everyone and happy weekend!! Whether it be snowing, raining, or just plain cold, these are some essentials that I always keep around in the winter months.

 Cozy socks for obvious reasons, no one likes frozen toes.

Body butter because my skin has been so dry lately and my new favorite is "Warm & Cozy" from Victorias Secret.

Tissues, once again pretty self explanatory.

Chapstick is a must for me, I keep one in every single place I will be throughout the day. Car, desk, bathroom, bedside, purse, etc.

Scarves are not only convenient but also an accessory. I love wearing them not only to look cute but to keep warm.

Cough drops or cold medicine in general is a good thing to keep stocked up on for emergency mornings when you need something to get through the work or school day.

Vitamin C is a must.

Hot chocolate or tea - both are amazing and there are so many varieties to choose from.

Gloves because I have the worlds deadliest, coldest hands ever! I recently bought a pair that are touch screen compatible which makes wearing them easier!

And of course Christmas movies or Netflix cuddled with your dog or special person makes those cold days a lot better!!!

XO, Vivian

Chat with me!

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Holiday Gift Guide #3 - For Her

Happy December everyone! I am so excited for the holidays, so I thought I would put together a mini gift guide; stocking stuffers - for her! Whether it be your friend, sister, mom, girlfriend etc. I think she will love these items! All of the links will be below as well where you can find these products. Stockings are a great way to spend a little less money but still get quite a few things within your budget. I hope you enjoy!

Victoria s Secret PINK body moisturizer
victoriassecret.com

Essie nail polish
$18 - harrods.com

Essie nail polish
beauty.com

Burt s Bees makeup
target.com

Victoria s Secret PINK panty
victoriassecret.com

Victoria's Secret socks
victoriassecret.com

Google Play $25 Gift Card
target.com

Box Of Chocolate Candles
arhaus.com




Xo, Vivian

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

 

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~

October Ipsy Bag!

Hi everyone!

So I just recently received my October Ipsy bag and I wanted to share all of the products from my bag. This is a monthly subscription service that is only 10.00 a month including shipping!

This months "theme" was the art of beauty. 

1. Full size Zoya nail polish in Giovanna, I was so beyond excited to get this in my bag this month! You could receive one of three beautiful jewel tones and I would have been happy with any of the colors! Such a great formula and beautiful pay off!

2. Buxom Full On Lip Polish "Dolly" - This was another one I was so happy to get in my bag! It is a beautiful color for fall and the perfect size to throw in your bag!

3. La Fresh Oil Free Face Cleanser Wipes set of ten - I had never tried anything from La Fresh before and I am always going through makeup wipes like crazy. The only thing is you for sure cannot rely on these to take off your makeup or to really clean your face. I feel like these would be perfect for the morning when your face is already cleaned and you just need to re-fresh. 

4. Nourish Organic Coconut and Argan Body Lotion - Before receiving my Ipsy bag I had never heard of this brand before, but after trying the lotion I really do love it! It's USDA Organic and also sold at target! It kind of gives your hands a tingling feeling when you put it on and works so great! 

5. Sexy Hair Blow Dry Volumizing Gel - This product was probably the one I was not excited for at all, I have super thick hair and I really don't need any more volume in my hair! I really do enjoy Sexy Hair products though I just don't think I will get much use out of this one. 

I think that overall this was one of my favorite months so far with Ipsy! I was so surprised by the Buxom lipgloss and the Zoya nail polish! I really recommend trying this subscription service out! 

Join me on Ipsy!

~Vivian

Moment of the week!

Hey everyone! This week myself, my mom, and Joe went to Los Angeles for a day trip and to visit one of my grandparents! I wanted to share some of the pictures from our little trip because I had so much fun! The weather was warm and sunny; around 80 degrees! We went to third street promenade in Santa Monica and The Grove. Of course every time we head that way we always have Pei Wei, which is our favorite place to eat!!! We all never have days off together so this was a great day!

I also picked up a couple things from Lush, because I have never tried any of their bath products! 

I hope you all had an amazing week!!!

~Vivian

Lash Bash + Giveaway!

Hi Girls!!

lash bash by vivianstonee featuring benefit makeup

I am super excited about todays post....because; I was chosen to throw a benefit + Ipsy Lash Bash!

Basically on September 21st is when the bashes take place and you can invite 9 other girls to attend and receive fun bags! In those bags for the guests is one mini benetint, a mini sugarbomb lip gloss, and a they're real mascara; of course, since it is a Lash Bash! 

(I would include pictures of the lash bash kit, but mine is stuck in North Carolina due to weather :( )

Since finding out that I was chosen to do this, I have been shopping like crazy to get things for the party. I also wanted to include a giveaway for one of my readers! I will keep one guest bag to give away to one winner on October 5th!!

Please comment below if you wish to win a gift bag with the Benefit goodies! I will choose one winner at random and let them know on Oct. 5th

Rules: Follow my blog, google+ this, follow me on twitter @VivianStonee, and retweet my blog!

I am super excited, and will post more when I get my box, which I hope is before my party!

VivianStonexo

Join me on Ipsy!!!