Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Update Loading...

Hello Everyone!
I am gonna make this super, super, SUPER quick because my computer is currently dying! I have 3 post coming up hopefully sometime tonight or tomorrow, I have been in Jacksonville, FL for the last 3 days visiting some of my wonderful family and I was blogging on the way down there as well as on the way back to sweet home Alabama. I am currently trying to straighten my home back up from the Christmas holidays because girls let me tell you... it is a mess and a half, I am trying to find homes for my new stuff but ive gotten so much I don't know of anywhere to put it! Anyways I hope you all had a blessed holiday and I hope you will stay tuned for my posts coming up shortly! XOXO Love ya!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Gift Sets: For Him

    Hello Everyone!
     
    I hope you all are doing absolutely wonderful! Is it just me or is anyone else freaking out that there is only 3 days until Christmas!!!??? Yeah, I thought so. Anyways, today I have some very exciting news and some not-so-exciting news... i'll announce the exciting news first... today's blog post is on some gift sets for the men in your life! Guys can be so difficult to buy for and I find that every single year I have a really difficult time trying to figure out what to purchase for them. So I have put together a list of 5 items that I would purchase for my dad, my brother, my cousin, my best friend, or maybe someday (and by someday I mean in a very long time) a boyfriend, husband, etc. I think these are all really great gifts and I really feel like its reasonably priced because everything is UNDER $50! So lets get started!
     
     

     

 

 

 

 
Men's Classic Analog Digital Watch for $38.99

Okay, so the bad news... I am hosting a Children's Christmas Lock-In for my church on December 23rd (tomorrow) and December 24th (Christmas Eve) so I will busy all day tomorrow getting everything set up and ready, and then on Christmas Eve night I am traveling about an hour and a half to visit some family and traveling back later that night (about 9:30-ish). Christmas Eve is also my little brothers birthday so I do have plans with him. Of course on Christmas Day I will be with my family and will probably not blog for a few days afterwards. The coming up weekend I will actually be traveling down to Florida, to see some family down there. So I do hope to talk to you all very, very, very soon! XOXO!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Perfect Gift: Pampered... plus some tips!

Hello Everyone!
 
 
Christmas is right around the corner, are you excited? I most definitely am! I don't know about you guys but I start doing Christmas shopping especially early, most often in November! With that said, there are so many different types of people on my Christmas list... everything from the sleepers to the girly-girls, and it can sometimes be difficult figuring out what to get these people, so I have put together a list for you all for the type of people who maybe deserve to take a break from life and relax a bit! For this particular list I had my Granny in mind, she is always go, go, go but never takes time to just sit down and breath, this would also be a nice gift to give yourself! Please feel free to substitute anything and if there is something you recommend please leave it in the comments! I have also included a few tips and tricks and descriptions of a few items that might get confusing for some people. Hope you enjoy!
 

  • Bubble Bath: What is a little bit of relaxation without the bubbles? I love bubble baths, they are so relaxing and sometimes you can get some with an aroma that relaxes you even more! My choice is Avon's Vanilla Cream Bubble Bath



  • Bath Bomb: I think these are so fun because they add a fragrance to the bath, and sometimes they add color to the water. I really like these because depending on the time I take my bath, there are scents that can wake you up, some that can relax you, some that can help you sleep, and so many other things! One of my favorites is Hugo Naturals Guiuacwood & Bergamot Fizzy Bath Bomb

  • Body Wash: I don't know about you all but I prefer body wash over bar soap. However, I change my body washes pretty regularly because I don't like to wear out any specific body washes... so 1 month I will have a fresh and clean scent, the next month I might have a moisturizing body wash, and then the next I might have one that is all girl. A few of my favorites are Dial Antibacterial Body Wash, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, and Caress Scarlet Blossom Body Wash

  • Deep Cleanser: I love deep cleaning my face and I especially love when I can feel the product working! I always deep clean my face before exfoliating because I honestly feel like it cleans my face more before than after exfoliating. One of my favorites is Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream

  • Exfoliator: Oh my goodness, I can not even begin to tell you how important it is to exfoliate your face during the winter months! Not only does the wind and the cold dry your skin out but the skin can become clammy-feeling and just look unhealthy. One of my favorites is Burt's Bees Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub

  • Cleanser: I think a cleanser is important for any spa night or anyone who loves being pampered because it really gets you feeling prepared to take on anything and can honestly be very relaxing because you know you are taking care of a few tasks in one easy step. I am still a teenager and I do still have acne so I really know that this is an important step in my daily routine. Currently my favorite is L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Clean Anti-Breakout Facial Cleanser

  • Face Mask: This is also an important item for any spa night! I love, love, love facial masks, they just make me feel so pampered after a long day of school or a day at work when I feel gross and dirty. This is definitely a necessity! I really like Freeman Feeling Beautiful Clay Purifying Facial Mask

  • Body Lotion: So... you have had your bath and you are nice and clean, feeling refreshed, what else can possibly make this anymore luxurious? A nourishing body lotion! While your body is still damp, apply your favorite lotion in your favorite scent and wrap up in a bath robe! Your body will soak in the lotion and your skin will be flawlessly moisturized, soft, and smooth. My favorites are from Bath & Body Works, the triple moisture body creams are amazing! I really like Sweet Pea Triple Mosture Body Cream

  • Foot Cream: Why do you need a foot cream when you have lotion? Well your feet need a lot more moisture than your body, for one thing. You are on your feet on and off through out the whole day, on top of that you may not have shoes that are very pampering and relaxing to your feet. Having a foot cream that targets your specific feet needs is desirable and can leave you feeling relaxed with no cares in the world, so pick one up, smother your feet in the cream and then put on a pair of aloe infused socks! One of my favorite foot creams is Avon's Foot Works Beautiful Deep Moisturizing Cream

  • Face Moisturizer: Like your feet, you need a different lotion for your face than your body. You have put so many products on your face and stripped your face from what oils you had, for some this might not be a terrible thing but for people with dry and combination skin you still need to put moisture back in. With my acne prone skin and combination skin, I need that added moisture but I need to make sure it doesn't clog the pores I've just cleaned. Therefor I use three different moisturizers at the moment (keep in mind my skin is more dry this time of year because of the wind and chill the winter weather brings to Alabama). My favorite is Clean & Clear Advantage Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer  

 
I hope this was helpful to benefit you or to shop for someone on your own list this year! Of course you can add your own items to replace others and you can get more or less totally your choice! A few other items I did not mention that would be ideal to complete your gift basket or gift bag would be items such as a body scrub, a robe, a pair of aloe infused socks, lip balm or chapstick, hair masks, shower caps, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
 
I also wanted to apologize for my absence the past few weeks. I have been so busy with school and finals, as well as work, Christmas shopping, and just trying to get time to sleep. I have so many posts planned and everything, it is just a matter of finding the time to write them and add pictures to them. I have a few hauls, empties, gift ideas, reviews, and holiday looks planned out. I am hoping that I may find the time through the holidays to work on my blog.

XOXO, Kayla!

 


Friday, December 13, 2013

Where Have I been this time?!

Hello Everyone!
I know, I know... you don't blog enough! Shame on me! I'm so sorry you guys, I am in my final year of school and truthfully... it is so not what it is cracked up to be! I have so many posts ready to be written but I have had no time at all to even sit down and relax. I am really behind in two classes and they end on the 20th so im pulling late nights. I hope you all understand and I do plan to carry over my Christmas blogs into the new year because I love the holidays and there is always next year! Anyways I love you all!


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Perfect Gift: Sleeper

Hello Everyone!
 
Christmas is right around the corner and I am incredibly excited! I don't know about you guys but Christmas is my favorite time of year and I like to start shopping for Christmas gifts early on before everything gets sold out. I have done a little Christmas shopping a few weeks ago, and no worries I will have a posts on that, but I thought about how difficult it was to pick out gifts for my family. This particular gift is geared towards people who have difficulty sleeping, my dad is one of these people and I was going to buy these particular items for him until I came up with a different idea.   
  •  Lavender Vanilla Aromatherapy Gift Box: This gift set is $35.00 at Bath & Body Works and includes Lavender Vanilla Body Lotion, Body Wash, and Wallflowers Fragrance Bulb, and a Fern Wallflowers Plug. Which covers $35.10 worth of products that I would originally buy separately, plus a pretty gift box.



  • Lavender Vanilla Pillow Mist: This is $10.00 at Bath & Body Works, it might seem a bit much, however, when you spray this onto your pillow just before you lay down, you will smell the lavender which will relax your body and help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.



  • Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Herbal Tea: This is $2.38 at Walmart and it includes 20 tea bags. You make this about 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime to comfort the body and give a perfectly balanced flavor achieved by blending soothing herbal ingredients from around the world--including floral Egyptian chamomile, cool spearmint from the Pacific Northwest, and lively Guatemalan lemongrass.
 
 
If you are looking for alternatives for the Bath & Body Works products I would advise you to check out Glade's Lavender & Vanilla products at Walmart, Target, or the Dollar Stores in you area. The brand includes items such as candles, plug-ins, room sprays, and a solid air freshener. Same method as the Bath & Body Works items, but often a lot less.
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Autumn is Ending...

HELLO EVERYONE!
I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far! I haven't been blogging an incredible amount lately and I apologize. I have been working and I am currently sick and with Thanksgiving coming up I want to spend time with them and wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. I really love the Autumn season and I am sad to see it go but I am also very, very, very happy that it is almost Christmas.
I have to say I love Christmas so incredibly much and I am just so, so, so excited for this year because with me working I have the money to get everyone gifts this year and I have the extra money to have a lock-in with the children! So I have been planning that and just planning some December posts to do because I really need to get up with my blogging again. I love blogging but sometimes finding the time is a challenge. Anyways, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and I hope to see you all soon! Love Lots, Kayla!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Benefit They're Real Mascara: Review

Hello Everyone!
I hope you all have had a lovely weekend! Sorry I have not blogged much, I am constantly incredibly busy and have a full schedule on my hands- that I may need to free up sometime in the near future! Anyways, if you are a Sephora Beauty Insider (and if you are not then I strongly recommend you go sign up) you know about the birthday gifts you can receive, now these are always really amazing gifts (or at least for the past two years they have been) and they are no cost to you at all. This years birthday gift was Benefit Cosmetics products: They're Real Mascara and Watt's Up Highlighter. I love both products but as for now I am only reviewing the mascara.
 
I am constantly looking at Sephora because they are ALWAYS so informative about everything and here is what they had to say about Benefit They're Real Mascara:
 
What it is: A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look. 

What it does:
This breakthrough bestseller reveals lashes you never knew you had! The specially designed brush features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The custom-domed tip uses precision bristles to lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. With a glossy, jet-black, long-wearing formula, you’ll flaunt luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out. True story!

What else you need to know:
Go horizontal! The staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume. Then go vertical! The custom-domed tip with precision bristles lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes.

Research results:
In a consumer panel survey, the following results were reported:
- 94% saw dramatic length and volume
- 90% saw base-to-tip curl
- 94% saw visible lift
-100% saw long-wearing results
 
 
My Thoughts:
This mascara runs for $23.00 at Sephora, which to me is way more than my usual $7-$8 mascaras from the drugstore. I do love the mascara and I think it is totally worth the hype... BUT, I also think that purchasing the product one time and keeping the brush to use for a different mascara will accomplish the same look with half the price.
 
 I love the rubber bristles the wand has. I also enjoy the bristles on the end that allows me to get those little inner lashes that can sometimes be rather difficult to get even the tiniest amount of product on.
 
(Left: curled with the mascara and Right: no mascara)
 
I love the fact that this really does lengthen and volumize my lashes but still keeps them separated, but a lot of rubber bristled wands can achieve that same look... however most do not contain the bristles on the end. I curl my lashes before I even apply mascara so the whole curling lashes claim they have going on... I don't agree with entirely, but it does HOLD my curl.
 
 
 
Okay, so the mascara is perfect, other than the price. WRONG! We all know I am in colorguard with the marching band and yada, yada, yada. With that being said, I expect a lot from all of my make-up because I don't want to have to reapply it before every game, that's a waste of product and a waste of time...  that said... I have no problem with the mascara not being there from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, because it most surely is... but the mascara flakes. I usually have no issues with flaking, but I do with this mascara and if I am even going to consider $23.00 for anything... it best be PERFECT!
 
Moral of the story... I really do love this mascara but it is incredibly pricey, and it isn't perfect. However... it does achieve the look I want, just doesn't hold up to my 16-hour days! Would I purchase? Yes, but I would keep the mascara wand to use for other mascaras such as Maybelline Great Lash.
 
 


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

DIY: Decorations for your bedroom!

Hello Everyone!
I hope you all are doing good! Today I have a few Do It Yourself projects that I am wanting to do, when I hopefully re-decorate my room. I really love all of these ideas and I think they are especially perfect for the preppy, girly-girl I am. This will also help keep me organized and give my room more elegant look!
 
 
Makeup Brush Holder:
I would need about 3 of these for 22 brushes. A clear wine glass from the Dollar Tree or a Thrift Store would be fantastic, add a light pink or white ribbon and it would be perfect!

Lighting:
Adding icicle lights behind a sheer white curtain on the head of the bed would look beautiful.

Candle Holders:
Wine glasses flipped upside down with a pale pink flower, and my candles on top of each one, would really de-clutter my bedroom!
Perfume Stand:
White or clear plates with wine glasses glue to them for perfumes and lotions!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Where have i been?

Hello Everyone
 
I know I have been M.I.A. for a few days, I apologize, I just wanted to let everyone know what is going on. Those of you who have read my past post or even have become very close to me on social media, you know I am a senior in high school. I have attended the same school for three going on four years now and I have been through ups and downs like anyone else in high school. I have survived being hated, being loved, having a crush, being in relationships, being made fun of and so much more... just like every teenager has. In these 3 years I have become close to very few people and even less people I claim as a friend. Saturday, November 9th, 2013, a classmate, Sammy Jackson, of the Class Of 2014 from my high school died. His life came to an end when his father shot him and his brother, thankfully his brother was only shot in the leg and ran for help... he is okay. I can not even imagine words to describe how much this hurts not just me but my classmates as well. As a class we have stuck through everything together and I could not be more thankful or grateful for that. In 10th grade the class lost Gernishia Barnes, a basketball champ, and in 11th grade we lost Jalen Cowart, an all around wonderful young man, and now as seniors in 12th grade we lost Sammy Jackson, a football player who was loved by so many.
 
 I don't think people realize how fast you can be taken out of this world and how everyday you should be grateful because in the blink of an eye, you can be taken. We all have a choice to make and a life to live, but no guarantee for tomorrow. One thing I can say is I will miss this young man walking past me in the hallways and saying hello, asking me how to work a problem in math class, and just being a talented person. But I know where he is, and I know he will never be in pain or suffering again. We may have lost him here on Earth and we may miss him but on November 9th, God and Heaven gained a very special angel.
 
I hope you all understand that it may be sometime before I do post because this situation is really difficult and it is going to take some time to gather up thoughts and get my mind off of this. I do have plenty of posts coming up soon: Cover Girl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation review, Benefit They're Real mascara review, N.y.c. Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer Review, Christmas List for several different types of people, and a few fall makeup looks. I would also like to announce that football season is over with for high school, we have a few practices for a Christmas Parade and that will be it as far as band goes, I will be getting caught up on my access classes over Thanksgiving break (if not sooner), so I will be having more time to do more things for my blog and I will hopefully be working on YouTube very soon!
 
My focuses for the time being is to get the access classes together and finished and to clean my room, as well as my bathroom and then I will worry about everything else, so please you guys just bare with me and I will get back in the game as soon as I can! I love you all lots and stay beautiful!
 
 
XOXO,
Kayla <3

Sunday, November 3, 2013

October Favorites and Haul!

Hello everyone!
Its November! That means its time for OCTOBER FAVORITES! I loved, loved, loved October... it was honestly a pretty good month, I had an amazing 18th birthday, amazing friends to hang out with, and even started liking someone (which went downhill- but that's okay!). Despite that November has been a pretty rough month so far I'm still gonna manage to do my favorites... even if I don't have many!

***Will have a picture soon***
Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Decadence and The Color Workshop in 7: I have been LOVING this nail combination! I use Decadence (a duo-chrome deep purple) on my ring-finger for an accent nail (two coats) and 7 (a shimmery crimson shade) on all the other nails (2 coats). Both have really nice formulations and dry fairly fast, but the look of Autumn is gorgeous!
 

Bath and Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Body Mist: Who doesn't want a pumpkin perfume for fall?!?! This definitely screams Autumn/Fall to me! Lavishly spray your skin with a cozy blend of New England pumpkin, crisp apple and ginger kissed with spiced vanilla and a hint of rum. Our sophisticated new pump delivers great coverage and delicate mist for the lightest most refreshing way to fragrance! A cozy blend of New England pumpkin, crisp apple and ginger kissed with spiced vanilla and a hint of rum. Yummy!
 
 
Bath and Body Works Wallflower Bulb in Leaves: Ummmm... everyone and their mama knows about this scent from Bath and Body Works... its like a staple for everyone's home! Its a must for fall! A fragrance that embodies the richness of fall - with all of its colors and pleasures - featuring notes of golden nectar, ripe delicious apple and red berries  
 

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara: A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look. This breakthrough bestseller reveals lashes you never knew you had! The specially designed brush features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The custom-domed tip uses precision bristles to lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. With a glossy, jet-black, long-wearing formula, you’ll flaunt luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump, or dry out. True story!... I don't wanna get into too much details with this because I soon have a surprise for you all!
 

Dairy Queen Pumpkin Pie Blizzard: I'm seeing a pumpkin pattern here. I love this blizzard it is by far my favorite... and I love pumpkin pie!
 
Royals by Lorde: This has been stuck in my head all month!


Hannah: Someone I adore! She is my best friend and Lord knows we've had our moments but she is definitely the one I talk to when all seems to go downhill... and we agree on a lot!

 
 
HAUL TIME!
I went shopping for a few things I needed and thought I would share them with you all.
 
 
Cover Girl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation: I have been wanting to try this for a while so decided to pick up a bottle. I will have a review.
 
 
Dial Spring Water Body Wash: I really wanted a body wash with a scent this time around and I've had this once before... it smells like watermelon and doesn't leave a residue!
 
 
N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer: I ran out of my E.L.F. primer and was wanting the Rimmel London Fix and Perfect but my local Walmart was sold out so I thought I'd try the next one I wanted. This is an Allure Beauty Winner. Will have a review.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Ariel's Eyelook (The Little Mermaid)!

 
 Hello everyone!
I hope you all are having a wonderful week! Today I wanted to share with you all one of my Disney Princess looks... how about The Little Mermaid!? I love Ariel, she may not be my favorite Princess but she is definitely my 3rd! With this particular look I really wanted something natural almost like a seashell. I know, I know "look at this stuff isn't it neat, wouldn't you think my collections complete, I've got blushes and brushes a plenty, I've got matte and metallics galore. You want lipstick?  I've got 20, but who cares, I want more".... Oh that's not the song? My mistake. Any who... I really loved this makeup look and I think its perfect for several different occasions.
 
Face:
 

Flawless Face Routine: I have been wearing this non-stop when I wear full face make-up! Its so simple, pretty and stunningly flawless!
 
Eyes:
 
 
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion: I switch between eye shadow primers pretty regularly and for the time being I have really been liking this particular primer. I definitely find that I have a love/hate relationship with it though. 
  • Avon Precision glimmer reflect precision in Dune: I'm sure this is a discontinued product (I haven't seen it on the Avon website). But any champagne shade will do, I applied this with the same finger used to apply the primer with. I really like the brightness, shimmer, and eye enhanced vibe it gives. It is so incredibly pretty but not very pigmented. I have to apply about 2 or 3 coats to get the shade I desire.
  • Covergirl Eye Enhancer trio in Shimmering Sands: I used the deepest shade in this trio and placed it in the crease with my favorite brush, Urban Decay Shadow Brush. I then blended it out with the ELF Blending Brush and applied more of the deep brown shade in the outter-v to give much more definition.
  • Urban Decay Virgin Eyeshadow: I have been using this quite a bit lately as a highlighting shade. Usually I reach for my shimmery shades to highlight with but I thought this was really nice for this look. I applied with ELF Eyeliner brush to get a precise line.
  • L.A. Colors Black/Brown Automatic Eyeliner: I really like this little eyeliner. I purchased it on a whim at the Dollar Tree months ago and loved it. It isn't too dark for my porcelain skin and it makes the blue in my eyes really pop! I tightlined and waterlined my eyes with this.
  • Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara: I first applied this to give my lashes a good bit of volume and put a second coat on to make the lashes thicker.
  • Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara: I used this to separate my lashes and extend them.  
 LIPS:
 
  •  Revlon Lip Butter in Cupcake: I love the formulation of this lipstick and love the look it gives and I do like this lipstick with this look but I think a nice red would have looked nice too.




   XOXO,

     Kayla         


I hope you all enjoyed! Here are some late homecoming pictures... Dress up day/ first walk as seniors!


Devon awkwardly holding Hannah...

Me and Devon (slightly noticing a purple thing going on here)


(Lauren and Hannah... Lauren "talk, talk, talk" and Hannah "Yeah whatever"- Love it!)

 

A normal picture of Hannah and Devon

 
Okay so this was a few weeks ago on senior night. My wonderful parents... wouldn't change/give them for anything in the world!

Me and Hannah

and Me and Hannah Again! I adore this girl!