Bought my first Ban.do Planner...

Well I finally did it! I have been eyeing the planner community for a while but never really pulled the trigger, until now.

I had a coupon for Macy's and ordered my first ban.do planner. Gosh, it is so cute! I got the Medium in Sunset and it was $28.

I then went a little crazy this week  to get stickers, more washi, pens and the like for this new hobby of mine. Wow, why is crafting anything so expensive?!

Luckily, Michael's has had some pretty good sales this week. I was able to get a good handful of products at 50% off. I did get some Staedtler pens today for 55% off!! So great. Also, don't forget to sign up for their new Rewards program! I feel like there are so many more coupons already.

I'm going to show you my planner now, look at this beauty!

I can give you a peek at what the inside looks like too. It comes with two pages of stickers and great dividers! Here are some examples:

They have the whole month in boxes and then a couple pages of notes each month. After that, is the  weekly calendar.

Here is my very first week! I don't have a lot of things just yet and need more practice. Of course, this is a slow week too but I like it!

I also will show you my haul from the past two days. Seroiusly, using the 50% off and the 40% off at Hobby Lobby, saved me so much money! I also found some great clearance prices on some other crafty things but the majority is planner stuff!

Do any of you use a planner? Any tips you can give me? Let me know!! 

Avery's 1st Minnie Party Decorations!

I was in charge of making decorations for my nieces first birthday. My sister has loved Mickey, since we were children. So, we did Minnie for my niece. She also wanted a gold and pink theme. Pinterest was my best friend for ideas! I took on some tough things, the mason jar vases were very time consuming. I started with my favorite thing that I did.. the Minnie heads for the centerpieces!

                                   

I bought sheets of gold paper from Joann's and cut out a mickey head to trace onto the gold and cut the Minnie shapes. I then used some pink tulle to make a small bow and super glued a rhinestone in the middle for some bling. I then found a Disney font online and printed out a large "A". I then cut A's out of pink cardstock and this was a very detailed, long process! I think they turned out pretty great though. Below are the finished products!

The mason jars, I painted with a pastel pink color. It took about one good coat. I just did one side of the jar, let it dry, turned it and painted some more. It took a whole day for these to be painted completely. I did 5 of them.

I then tied gold ribbon around it and super glued a bow on the front. I then cut out 1 shapes from the same gold paper and used mod podge on the jar. I stuffed the inside with tulle and a stuck the stick in a piece of Styrofoam.

The "ONE". This was actually really easy to do! I got paper-mache letters from Hobby Lobby, on sale. I painted the letters white (O), pink (N), and gold (E). I then wrapped tulle around the O and cut out mickey ears and a bow. I used a glue gun to attach them. I had to pain the N twice and get two good coats on there. I used all acrylic paint for these. I then painted little gold circles with acrylic and immediately added gold glitter. It dried on with the paint! When I painted the E, I did one layer of gold paint and then did piece by piece with paint and adding glitter. Glitter does a great job sticking to paint. I then went over all the glitter with mod podge, to keep the glitter from falling everywhere!

This banner took fore-ever--rrr! My husband actually had to help me roll up these pieces and twist them. I used a whole pack of gold and pink tissue paper, from target. They were the smaller packs for $1.49 each. I can't remember if each had 6 or 12 sheets, I think 6. Anyways, I hand made this whole thing, with my husbands help. After we had a huge pile of the tassels, I glued the twists together, so they wouldn't come apart. I then just used hemp twine to add the tassels on. I actually got the twine at the Target dollars spot for $1! Below, is just a small piece, it wasn't the whole thing. The second picture, my sister sent me and it's all scrunched together. She's actually going to use it above Avery's crib as décor! Thank goodness! I told her not to throw it out since it was so much work. I would take it back, if she didn't want it. She totally wanted it though, so that's good.

                           

                           

This is another banner that I did. It is just circles that are pink and gold. There's two different strands here, for one to go under the other. This was pretty easy to make! Super cute too.

I bought a mickey head whole punch at Joann's! I used all the scrap pieces of pink, black and gold and made these little cut outs. These were a big hit at the party! They were so cut and just added so much more to the tables.

                              

Here's a picture of all the things that I made that were waiting to head to the party. I didn't get as many pictures at the party because it was a crazy day and I just didn't have enough time. There were way too many people there to get any good pictures of just the décor anyways. Not to toot my own horn, but I think I did a pretty awesome job! :):):)

         

Boxycharm July 2016

                                 

I don't usually sub to Boxycharm on the regular. I only buy the month when they have an awesome box, usually with a palette. Guys, this month was awesome! I've been needing a Z-Palette because I have all these single pans and nowhere to go. Plus, it came with 6 Ofra eye shadows. I haven't had time to try any of this out, I will work on it this week and update with a review at the end of the month! This box has all items that are FULL size, so I'll post the prices of the items. You pay $21 a month, so this box is beyond worth it!

 OFRA Professional Magnetic Palette + 6 eye shadows ($59)

Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Ice Blue ($18)

Noyah Lip Gloss in Malbec ($16)

PYT Hair Oil Treatment ($30)

Ipsy July 2016

 

I was not too excited to get the Meet Matt(e) Trimony sample because I own the full palette. I guess, I can throw this in my makeup bag or gift it. I think the brush looks cool, so I'm excited to try that. I'll go ahead and update at the end of the month, to review. I am not excited by the bag at all. I think it's one of my least favorites.

theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow in Matt Kumar

Befine Food Skin Care

ML Cosmetics Felt Tip in Emerald Isle

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Sedona Lace Synthetic Blender - EB 13

Play! By Sephora July 2016

                                      

This month's Sephora Play! is a pretty good one. They also did something different and made two different boxes. There's a normal/dry and oily skin box. I received the box for normal/dry skin, which I am, so that's good!

Inside we have  6 samples, which seems to be the norm now. I will go ahead and list the items and then at the end of the month, I will update with the reviews!

Benefit Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer

BeautyBlender Blotterazzi single piece

OUAI Wave Spray

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

Nest -Citrine

Birchbox July 2016

                                

Overall, I don't think this is a bad box. I will go ahead and list the products and then at the end of the month, I will update with the reviews.

 Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer

Oribe Shampoo for Brilliance and Shine &

Oribe Conditioner for Brilliance and Shine

Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35+

Balance Me Radiance Face Mask

My Daughter Fragrances Bloom 23

July Favorites 2016!

                            

                            

I can't believe it's almost the end of July! This summer is really flying by. Before we know it, it's going to be fall. Anyways, here are the products that I've been loving this month! Almost all of them are new to me. The milani blush is the only oldie but goodie. I pulled it back out and started using it again.

                                  

This really is no surprise. It's probably in a lot of favorites this month. This palette is gorgeous! You can get so many looks from it and it's pretty unique. I wasn't sure how I was going to like the reds/pinks but it works out great. I have made a few different looks with this and have loved them all. The shadows are so soft and pigmented. I will say, they do give up some kick-up but that's not the worst thing in the world. This is definitely worth every penny!

                                  

This foundation is amazing. I have normal to combination skin, depending on the day. I was worried that this would make my t-zone extra oily. I'm so glad to say that it does not! This foundation is so light and feels so good on the skin. It makes your whole face look like you just have a radiant glow from within. It's not over the top at all either. It looks so natural and it is very long lasting. This foundation has made it through some terribly hot, humid weather! I will be purchasing a lighter color of this for the winter. My current color is 203- Nude Beige. I love this!  

                                    

This is the most beautiful packaging for a blush! I was so scared to use it at first but I'm pretty impressed with how well this rose shape lasts. I have two of these shades but for some reason have been really drawn to this one. This is the shade, Romance Rose, in 01.This shade is just perfect! It's light and it will build up beautifully. This lasts all day too. I do need to get my hands on a newer one that was released this summer. These blushes are amazing. They are a little pricier for drugstore but so worth it.  

                                   

I purchased this with my Birchbox points because I've heard so many people talk about it. They were right to. This is the best setting powder! It is the loose translucent powder. I love how it feels so soft and silky on my skin and a little goes a long way. There is so much product in here that the steep price tag, is really worth it. This just makes my face stay oil-free all day. I love how there is hardly any flashback when I take photos too. I was using the Tarte one and it really gave back a lot of flashback in pictures. You need this setting powder in your collection!

                                  

I happened to throw this in my cart when I was making an Ulta order last month. It was in the just arrived section and I was excited. I'll buy just about any highlighter and this was less than $5 bucks! It's in the color, Be My Light -10. Oh my gosh, you guys! This highlighter is all I have been using this month. It's amazing. I didn't swatch it because it doesn't do it justice. It goes on the face so much better than it looks on a swatch. I get the most beautiful glow from this. It's not too subtle but not too crazy. It's actually perfect for those low-key or no makeup days. I love this so much. I was even more excited when I saw that Kathleen Lights talked about it!

                                  

I had to dig this out of my purse for this. I have been loving this color this month. It's the color Petal de Rose by Jouer. It's so creamy and dries down to a matte finish. It's gorgeous and lasts such a long time. I do have to re-apply touch ups after eating but that's no big deal. It just feels so light and good on the lips. I forget that I'm wearing anything and it's so hard to find a product like that when it's a matte formula.

                              

I wasn't going to and I tried not to ever buy anything from the Kardashian/Jenners... I honestly had no idea this was a Kylie Jenner line when I purchased this. I was quickly walking though target, saw the great color and threw it in my basket. It's the color, Denim and Bling, in the Matte finish. I bought this for my toes when we were going on vacation to the beach in May. Guys, I have re-applied this every time, since then. It's seriously so gorgeous. It dries down to a matte finish but the color and the glitter are so unique to my collection. It looks like a mermaid tale on my toes. I love this so much and it really bothers me. I have this thing against the Kardashians. It's so unfair and so stupid but I just do not want to support them in any way. They are literally famous for NOTHING. So, I have refused to give into the Kylie lip kit hype and all that. So... I was pretty sad when I realized what I had purchased but I don't regret it. Although, I should have realized when it was more expensive than the norm. The color is amazing. It does a pretty great job lasting on my toes for a while too. I was really surprised since it's sinful colors.

                               

This is one of my first purchases from LUSH. I also bought a bath bomb that I loved too! I should have taken a picture before using it. Anyways, this stuff is amazing. It really does smell like coffee, which I love. I have been using this on my face in the mornings, especially, when I didn't get to bed at a decent time. It seriously does what it says!

"A rich and robust mask with ground coffee to leave skin radiant and smooth."

I feel like it just wakes me and my skin right up! You leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Your skin looks and feels amazing after. I had no idea what to try and I'm glad that I picked this out! I am kinda becoming obsessed with LUSH, the  more and more I use this!  

These are all of my July favorites! Have you tried any of these? What are your July favorites?! Leave a comment down below, I would love to know!

All the clothes! Thanks, Kohl's!

I've never done a clothing haul before. It just really never crossed my mind. I then though, wow, this is impressive, I need to share it! I have a love/hate relationship with Kohl's. Working there for 3 years, might be a reason. I really can't stand the store they have become but I LOVE their clearance. 

My husband and I went into the store to find some wedding essentials, since it was the last day for the 30% off with your Kohl's charge. He's in a wedding and needs pants, shoes and a belt. Of course, none of it was on sale at all, so it was going to have to wait. I then noticed a shirt that was much cheaper than it was last week. THEY did ADDITIONAL markdowns!! I immediately told my husband to grab a cart. 

Sure enough, almost 2 hours later, we had a cart full of clothing. My husband has never found so many items this cheap, ever. Guys clothing is really not the cheapest,even on clearance. He got 9 shirts/sweaters and I got 12 shirts/blouses/sweaters, 1 swimwear cover-up and two pairs of pants and a dress. Total, we spent just under $85! WHAT!!! Yes, I just had to share. Seriously, go to your local Kohl's ASAP. Most items were under $6! The dress was $4.33 total, including tax. The only thing, is they didn't have Kohl's cash going on, which is rare for them. Too bad! 

Half Price Craft Book Haul!!

So, I've been a frequent shopper at Half Price Books! I mean, it's one of the greatest places to get books, besides the library. Anyways, I haven't really gone much the last couple years, since I work at a Library. I am very picky and OCD when it comes the cleanliness of books. They can get pretty gross after being checked out a few times. 

Well, they were having their week of coupons and I decided to go in and get the next book in the Outlander series. Of course, they didn't have any! So, with a 30% off coupon, I walked around and decided that I was going to buy something, anything really. I could not waste this trip and opportunity. 

How crazy that all these years, I have never thought about CRAFT books!! I always check the YA/Teen and the adult fiction. The only non-fiction I ever check is clearance. I was walking around and there was a small cove of craft books! I was so excited. I have a ton of them from the library but it gets old having to re-check them out and bring them back home. 

So, I bought a book that I had at home, from the library, and a new one for a total of $10.29. WHAT!! That's crazy! Considering, they are never on sale at the stores and they were each over $20. 

I'll give you a little preview of the library books I have (mine and library). Now, there will be a few of my own!

These are the lovely books in my collection. Down below are the pictures of the new books that I will be adding/replacing to my collection! I went to HPB a couple times, with my husband on the 40% and 50% off days! 

I ended up going several days and taking my husband along. I'll just show you a haul photo below! 

                                

I have so many new craft books that are my own! I'm actually making an amazon wish list for some of the ones I REALLY want that are from the library. I think it will make good Christmas gift ideas and this way I can keep an eye on the prices.

I'm so excited to have found a Quilling book on clearance! I can't find much at the library.. it's an old art, I think. It's just now becoming a tad bit more popular. Still not much in the book area though. So, I'm excited about this book! 

 Gotta love Half Price Books though!! I'm just sad that they didn't have Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. I need that one ASAP because I just finished Outlander! 

Play! By Sephora June 2016

                             

I'm so sorry but this is still sitting on my vanity! We are short three people at work and it's summer reading time! I've been working extra hours and I've been exhausted when I come home. The only thing that I've used is the Becca Primer and I LOVE it!  I guess this month will be more of an "unboxing"

Birchbox June 2016

                                             

I actually really liked this Birchbox! I got a couple of products that I've been wanting to try. These are the items that I received! 

-Benefit Gimme brow Volumizing Fiber Gel 

-This is the same as their previous one, just repackaged. It works decently enough. 

-COOLA Mineral Face SPF30 unscended Matte tint

- I have been really liking COOLA products! I love this. I've used the whole sample already. I might be purchasing it. It feels light and has a good SPF. I use it in place of foundation on most days, when I'm too lazy to go full face. 

-Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo

-Foil packet of Number 4 Reconstructing Masque

- I can tell you, I hate this. It makes my hair feel weird and I can't stand the smell. This is probably the 3rd time they have sent it and my review is always bad. Quite annoying. 

-Avene Thermal Spring Water

-The dumbest thing ever. Basically, it's like spraying water on your face. Will not be using the rest of this. My Mario Badescu Rose Water is all I need! 

-Dr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion

-I like this well enough. Not sure that I saw much of a difference. I haven't used most of the sample yet though. 

Ipsy June Glam Bag 2016

                       

I love this Bag! How unique and cool. I've been using it all month as my purse make up bag. Now, onto the products...

Urban Decay eyeshadow in Lounge

-This shadow is tiny! Wow! I couldn't believe it when I got it. It does make it a hard time to get a brush in there. Anyways, the color is really pretty and kind of a duo-chrome. Here is a swatch:

As you can see, this is the pan compared to my mac pans. It's a lot smaller! Anyways, the swatch is great at showing you the differences in pigment. It has this green metallic look but then in certain lights it has a brownish color to it. It's really pretty on the eye! The shadow also feels really soft and buttery too.

Hey Honey: 24Seven Day & Night Revitalizing Cream

 I haven't used this yet, not going to lie. I have too many open right now that I'm sampling.

Seraphone Botanicals Happy Hibiscus Blush

This is gorgeous! I took it on vacation and didn't need another one. It's a great summer color and I really loved it. It was soft in the pan and went on great on the skin. It's also really pigmented.

Formula X Nail Polish in Wingwomen

This color was just okay for me. It was really bright and not in the flattering way with my skin tone. Maybe it was just me. I've had several Formula X polishes with ipsy and it's usually along the same color. It's a really small bottle. It reminds me of the little bon bon nail polishes that I used to get as a kid. The formula is just okay, I've had better.

BioRepublic Skincare Fiber Mask

It's cool because you get two of them in here! I haven't used it yet because I'm trying to get rid of some of my older masks. Will get to it soon! I've heard good things though.

Overall, this was a great bag! It's been a while since I've liked all the things in my bag. There are some great items in this bag and I'm highly satisfied with it. For $10 this is not a bad deal.

ABH Glow Kit in Sun-Dipped!

                              

Guys, these Glow Kits are Amazing! I have one of the originals, Gleam, which I cannot find anywhere but the Anastasia website. So glad that I snagged I months ago when it was at Sephora!

Anyways, I finally got my replacement in and wow, is it gorgeous! Look at the swatches. They are so pigmented and they really do last all day. These are just amazing quality. When you think about it, it's like $10 per highlighter and that's not bad at all. These are warmer tones and really shimmery. They don't really transfer as shimmery on the face though. This is perfect for summer when I have a tan! These are easy to blend and so soft in the pan. They don't have much fall out and really do blend in the skin so easily. It really does look like you have a glow. I didn't have a problem with these lasting a full day at work! Great product overall and I highly recommend this!

Here are some swatches.... Bronze, Summer, Tourmaline and then Moonstone.

                               

The Bronze color is really pigmented and it's very warm. I think it's beautiful as an eyeshadow too. I do feel like Summer and Moonstone do look a little bit like each other on the skin. There are some slight differences and I like them both but they are a bit similar.

Busted Glow Kit & Palette Transformation!

I excitedly, ordered the new (Sun-Dipped) Glow Kit by ABH with my 20% off, being Platinum at Ulta. I also ordered her new Modern Renaissance palette. I was eagerly awaiting my new beautiful pieces. My husband texted me that an Ulta box had arrived for me. I still had 4 hours left of work! UGH. I just wanted to get home and play!

So, skipping 4 1/2 hours ahead, I arrive hope and upon up the box. DISASTER! There is powder everywhere and not a light color, dark brown. My ABH eye palette had the dark brown shade completely busted. I mean there was powder everywhere. The palette itself was just a mess. The outside too. The beautiful purple cover. So, I decided to clean it up the best I could. Ulta decided to replace my Glow Kit, which they should. The ABH palette could not be because it was out of stock, so they refunded me. I remembered the alcohol trick and decided to use it for these. See what I could salvage!

The Palette

The Glow Kit

I think I did a pretty good job with what I had to work with! The alcohol trick really works!

What you need:

-Spray bottle
-Rubbing Alcohol
-Item to press the powder
-I used a fork to break up the rest of the pan

What to do:

-Crush up the rest of the pan to make it all a powder. I used a fork to do this because it was most sanitary, in my opinion. Make sure that it's a powder consistency. Once that is finished, you are ready for the next step.

-Put some alcohol into a spray bottle and spray the powder. Try not to get it in any of the other pans. I put some paper towels over everything but the pan I was working with. Also, try to do a small spray because it can spray powder everywhere. This was the hardest part. Once you spray it and it's wet but not too wet, it's time for the next step.

-I found some various things around my house that would fit inside the pan. I used a small stamp for the square in the eyeshadow palette and a dollar coin for the glow kit. I wrapped it in a paper towel, so you weren't putting un-sanitary items in your eyeshadow. Then you just press everywhere and the powder kind of just sticks together. Once you are satisfied with the "re-pressing", you are ready to let it dry!

-I let it dry over night and it works perfectly! No difference in quality and I was able to make something out of nothing!