September Favorites

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! It’s been a while since I did a monthly favorites, which we all know the reason by now I’m sure. So today I decided why not?! I must fair warn you all that I do have quite a bit and I have included some fall favorites as well because who can honestly wait until October? I don’t want to spend too much time on the introduction to this post because there is seriously so much but I will say this month has been so short! I don’t know if it is because all I do now days is clean or because it is just that short! What do you guys think?! Are your months short?

Beautifully Disney Curiouser and Curiouser Eyeshadow Palette: I bought this when I went to Disney and I have used it literally every time I have done my makeup this month! This is the most amazing palette I have ever owned, it definitely out beats Urban Decay Naked. I don’t wanna go into too much detail because I really want to upload a review on YouTube but if you are a Disney Lover and happen to be going to Disney… I’d pick it up- or I’d buy it online!  My favorite shades are Mushroom (which is a taupe shade) and Quiet as a Mouse (which is a burgundy brownish shade).

Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover Pads: While these say they are Eye Makeup Remover Pads… I use them for the removal of my face makeup as well! There isn’t much to say about make up remover but I will say that they work so well and I will repurchase them! Two pads gets the whole face done, and im sure you can get it done with just one but I personally like to keep eyes to eyes and face to face.

EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint: I have not been a huge fan of these lip balms because they don’t moisturize enough on their own but I do find this particular one to be more moisturizing than the others I have tried and it also leaves a nice tingling feeling and a wonderful taste and scent. I also like to use this if I am going to be around people because I feel like it helps the “breath”. My favorite use of this is to put it on before my other lip products and essentially use it as a lip primer. It wont make the lip products slip and slide but it also doesn’t allow my lips to dry out.

Olay Long Live Moisture Moisturizer: For me… this is perfect! It moisturizes my face so well but doesn’t make it too moisturized that my makeup doesn’t stay in place! It is said to be a satin finish but I find it to be more of a natural finish. It’s perfect for a day time moisturizer.

Milani Multitasker Face Powder: So who else is disappointed that Maybelline discontinued Dream Matte Powder? I bought this in hopes that this could at least be compared to Dream Matte Powder… I think it outshines that! It’s very nice, not cakey, finely milled, matte, nice coverage, and overall amazing. If you liked Maybelline’s powder, I think you will love this!

E.L.F. Nail Polish in Red Velevet: Fall means red… at least to me. I’d label this as a burgundy shimmer nail polish and it dries amazingly fast and is very pigmented with just one coat. I think it’s great for fall and on into the winter season. If you really wanted to jazz it up and get into the fall season you could do an accent nail of a shimmery brown.

Nude Lip Duo: Excuse the picture... a little too much camera fun but, here is a sneak peak of a future post! I have been LOVING a nude lip during the month of September! My nude lip consist of E.L.F. Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Summer Nights layered under Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Crum Brulee and Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Foiled. PERFECT! Maybe not long lasting but it’s a beautiful lip duo!

Secret Outlast Completely Clean Deodorant: This kinda speaks for itself but I love this particular scent! But for an added bonus I don’t find myself having to apply more after a day of full blast cleaning.

Avon Flutter Sleeve Dress: I LOVE this dress, I think it is flattering on just about anyone because of it’s A line style. And its blue, royal blue, and that’s flattering on all skin tones. Its also very comfty! I wear this to church on Sunday with a pair of wedges and a few pieces of jewelry and throughout the day with some flip flops and hair in a bun.

Torrid: This store… I want all of it! It is a plus size store that carries sizes 12-28. Its amazing quality and up-to-date clothing styles. I seriously look on there every single day. Now if I could just have a few things… that would be great!

Mainstays Vanilla Spice Candle: This is burned so low because I have used it so much! It’s a vanilla but with a cinnamon and nutmeg scent added to it, it smells so wonderful and so perfect for the fall! I’m hating myself that I didn’t pick up a bigger one!

Mainstays Apple Pumpkin Diffuser: My grandmother got me this last year and it has been put up in a box waiting to be brought out for the fall months! Its that perfect balanced of apple and pumpkin! I am definitely not a fan of apple cinnamon scents and because of that I find it very hard to find an apple scent I might have a chance of using… but this is so nice!  

Avon By The Bonfire Candle: Hannah’s mom gave me a little sample of this and I am in love! It a very unusual scent that smells so manly but also kinda “smokey”. The name is absolutely perfect! If your man has his own “area” I’d buy him this! Or… buy it for yourself.

Plastic Fashion File Pockets: These came from the Dollar Tree and they come with two per pack. I find myself constantly using them! I have one for my youth group, one for church bulletins, on to carry my children’s church lessons in and then one for boy scouts! They are so handy!

Once Upon A Time Season 3: I became addicted to this show earlier this year… season 3 is now on Netflix, my addiction is back! No words to describe this just go watch it!

Mocking Jay: Yes the Hunger Games… yes the movie is about to come out in November… yes I am really late in reading this book… no I do not care. To be fair, the beginning of this book was very dragging but once you get to about the seventh chapter… it is AMAZING!

Blogging: I love blogging… I started this blog because I love to share my opinions with everyone. I know I have run into the obstacles that have sometimes won, but I am back and typing ever so much! I have BIG plans and I have amazing support from everyone! I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who reads my blog, follows me, and emails me! It means the world to me! If it were not for you all I would never feel as blessed as I do!

Planning Church Events for the Youth: Big plans, big events, its what I live for! I love having big bashes and teaching our children about our Lord and Savior. Enough said.

@Rodnay on Vine: This kid has had me laughing too much this month! His vine videos are so funny and he makes things that we all do in our everyday life seem so funny and when you actually think about it… he is so right. I have probably watched every single video he has out there and oh my goodness… my stomach begins to hurt so much from the laughter! And how can we forget about that cute southern accent?! Let’s take a minute to appreciate it! AND he lives in Alabama too! That is a cherry on top to me ;) Any who, I stumbled across him because of Hannah and well… fell in love! If you care to, and i strongly recommend you do, here is a link to his Vine page! https://vine.co/u/953536018974433280

Church Supply Haul from Dollar Tree!

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! I am super excited about this haul because it is for my classroom at church! I am a big church go-er, I love it and I am blessed to have such a wonderful church. Now being with my church for about three years has given me a wonderful chance to see what God wants out of me! I have been a Sunday School teacher for a year and have been given the opportunity to do it again for another year, I have also been a Vacation Bible School teacher for 2 years and was just recently given the chance to be a youth director.

Why should I care about this, Kayla? Well, having all these blessings also carries the responsibility of cleaning up after the little ones. I don’t mind it but I could make it easier on myself by having things that organize our supplies. I do plan on getting some other items in the future but for right now I thought I would share what I do have. Not only have I include storage for supplies but also a few books that we use for our Wednesday night bible studies.

I hope you enjoy!

3 green rectangular slotted plastic storage baskets: I thought these would be perfect for markers and pencils. I would like to get a few more as backups but I think these are just perfect for the children.

Fashion File Envelopes with snap closure, 2 pack: I had no clue that this contained two, so that was a bonus! I got these to hold all our youth group stuff in for the year. I added a few notebook dividers that I had left over from last school year and I think it works just divine for the purchase purpose.

Black and White Paisley Print Cardboard File Holder: I wish I would have picked up more of these and im beating myself up that I did not. I only have 1 compliant to this item and that is that you have to tape the holder to keep it together. It can get a bit annoying but for $1, im not complaining too much.

Wipe-off Bible Workbook “Daniel and the Lion’s Den”: I love how this is reusable! Daniel and the Lion’s Den is very popular with the children but having an activity to do with it is an added bonus. I think they will enjoy working on this alone or as a group. Then erase and reuse.

Read and Learn “Stories from the Bible” Workbook: These workbooks have 4 books with them and several different work pages per story. I think they are really useful for the children to learn stories that may not be popular but have important lessons. I think they are so useful for Wednesday’s and easy to discuss.

4 Read and Learn “Champions of the Bible” Workbooks: This book is similar to the one I was just talking about, same setup and same brand just different stories. I really liked these books and how could I pass them up for $1?

1 Purple Rectangle Storage Container with Handles: I got this for another place to store crafts and books and papers and such. It's a nice size for that specific use.

1 Purple Plastic Storage Box with Lid: I purchased this as a just in case thing, but i actually decided to use it for several boxes of markers and it is wonderful for that use!

Nightly Skin Care Routine!

Hello everyone! Just curious… do certain skincare products stop working on your skin after about 4 weeks or so? I seem to have to switch certain products out all the time. Anyways today I am going to share my nightly skin care routine with you all. Before I begin I feel like I should let you guys know about my skin situation; I have breakouts all the time and I’m not 100% sure if its acne or dirt and oils getting trapped or if its just something that I intake that my body doesn’t handle well but it’s a very common thing that I have battled with since I was 12, and depending on the seasons and time of year my skin is dry with an oily nose, normal everywhere but the outer edges have dry patches, or combination oily- currently its dry with an oily nose.
 

Please keep in mind that everything listed is not something I do every night and those particular things are in rotation on an every other night basis. Often times they are replaced with something that is essentially the same but not quite; these things have an asterisk (*) by them. I hope you enjoy!

 

Step One: *I exfoliate using Burt’s Bee’s Willow Tree and Peach Bark Scrub. I think that this is gritty enough to exfoliate with and I find that it leaves my skin feeling nice and smooth which I like.

Step Two: *I use Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Peel Off Mask to basically clean really deep and pull out any impurities that I may have.

 

Step Three: Possibly my current favorite product of the moment, Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Cream Wash is my nightly face cleanser.

 

Step Four: As a toner I use Avon Blackhead Eliminating Daily Astringent with a round cotton pad

 

Step Five: *As I let the toner dry, I exfoliate my lips with a tooth brush and then apply an EOS Lip Balm. (On nights I don’t exfoliate my lips I simply brush my teeth as opposed to doing it after I have completely cleaned my face.)

 

Step Six: I use 2 ½ pumps of Olay Fresh Effects Long Live Moisture Moisturizer all over my face using a cosmetic wedge.

 

Step Seven: While I let my moisturizer set in a bit, I apply Carmex lip balm over my lips to give an extra moisturizing layer to make my lips extra soft.

 

Step Eight: As mentioned, I have dry areas, so to combat them I apply Avon Elements Moisture Boost Night Cream to those dry areas using a cosmetic wedge.
 

And that is my nightly routine!

*** If you noticed I didn't include a "cleansing" mask then Kudos to you... Currently I am using two different masks for different reasons- Queen Heleen Mint Julep and Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Peel Off Mask***
 

But I have a few tips for you guys ;)!
 

1.       Every other night I tend to boil a pot of water and lean over it with a towel over my head and sheltering the steam over my face. This opens up the pores really well and gives you a better opportunity to clean your face as best as possible.
 

2.       If possible use the same brand and line of products for your skin care. It makes the products work as best as they can. At the moment my skincare is all over the place because I have too many preferences or I simply have products that I need to use up before purchasing anything else. However, I may-in the near future- go with Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Cream Wash,  Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Clear Scrub, Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Triple Action Toner, Queen Heleen Mint Julep Mask, Olay Fresh Effects Long Live Moisture Moisturizer and Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer or Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin and Neutrogena Deep Moisture Night Cream.
 

3.       Acne Products (MOST) use either Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide make sure that the products you are using are one or the other, don’t mix and match them.
 

4.       On that same subject, figure out which acne treatment is right for you. Research it and try out 1 type one month and the other the next.
 

5.       Acne products WILL dry out your skin, so make sure you are moisturizing very well.
 

6.       It doesn’t matter if you have oily skin, combination skin, or dry skin- you’re not getting the moisture your face/body needs so moisturize!
 

7.       Change out your bed sheets about once a week… you sweat at night and that oil can and will find its way back into that pretty face of yours.
 

8.       Stop touching your face. Your hands are dirty.
 

9.       Before popping that pimple or doing your makeup or washing your face- wash your hands. I keep sanitizer at my vanity/makeup table, in my purse (just in case I get bored during classes or whatever and feel like I will be taking a chance at touching my face), and right beside my sink because let’s face it if I see a pimple it’s getting popped and a mirror is where I criticize myself the most- therefor any imperfections will get noticed.
 

On a side note… I’m not a dermatologist or a doctor, I have done much research and I am very particular with how my skin is taken care of so what I know is based purely on research and personal preferences.

I hope you enjoyed!

Haul from North Carolina!

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! I have seriously been beating around the bush to get this post done- all day! I finally sat down to do it and then somehow went on a curious pinning spree on Pinterest and well… now I’m finally here seven hours later. That is so unlike me. I honestly have not been picking up my computer much at all lately so I assume that when I finally got the chance I really went all crazy on finding things I like. I guess that is what makes me a girl! Sorry this post is much delayed, as told I’ve been in Virginia and I would not dare neglect time with my Nana to blog. That would be insane!

Anyways today I thought I would share some stuff I purchased while I was on my way back home from Virginia, passing through North Carolina to dodge traffic because it’s honestly crazy how far traffic is backed up on I-85. While this is not everything I purchased, this is a good bit. I did decide to split this into 3 hauls for the sanity of my own. Also this entire haul is not exactly from North Carolina… I got some samples while in Virginia and decided that I could throw it in here since it was not necessarily purchased by me. So with no further remarks, shall we begin?

(D)- Dollar Tree Purchase

(S)- Sample from Walgreens

Oil Absorbing Blotting Paper 50 sheets: (D) I’ve only ever tried two brands of blotting papers and to be entirely honest… they are all the same. Of course that’s a personal opinion but I find that these are no exception to that opinion. They get the job done! I would repurchase these as I would the others but $3 vs. $1 this is definitely the better buy. 

Global Beauty Care Cleansing Cloths 25 Count: (D) I am a sucker for makeup remover wipes from the Dollar Tree. I use them most often when I am doing reviews and videos and when Natilee and Sarah are over. They are cheap and wipe off swatches and mess-ups easily. However, I have found that not all of the wipes are worth that dollar I pay. With that in mind, I would say that these are fairly good wipes. The quality is equal to knock-off brands of Neutrogena makeup wipes.  If you’re into that.

Salon Selectives 3 Minute Hair Therapy Intense Conditioning Treatment: (D) I have yet to give this a go, but as soon as I try it you will surely see a review! On the purchase of this… I am all about some conditioning treatments for my hair and if I can find something that does a great job with a price tag I can swallow its bound to be a blessing!

 Swan Strengthening Nail Polish Remover: (D) I have repurchased this a good three times now. Nail polish remover is about the same as a blotting paper to me, it’s all the same- as far as what’s in the bottle. Needless to say, this gets the job done and as much as Natilee uses to remove nail polish it’s a good thing its only a dollar! It’s a good thing I love that little lady!

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash: (S) We all know that this is a holy grail! So no need to review it here and now.

Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo: (S) I have been wanting to give this a try since I first saw it advertised. Many of my friends use the Dove shampoos and conditioners and have recommended it to me multiple times, but my shampoo and conditioner is less than $2 a bottle and I’ve used it for years so we shall see if this changes my mind! Expect to see a review soon.

Dove Oxygen Moisture Conditioner: (S) Again, I have been wanting to give this a go since I first saw an advertisement… expect to see a review soon.

St. Ives Even and Bright Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub: (S) I am very excited to see if this works or not. I have never seen it until now and I have fallen in love with the use of scrubs… so I look forward to reviewing this in the near future!

My Very Basic and Effortless but Highly Glamorous Makeup!

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! I’m kinda enjoy this new intro of mine- it’s a lot like the intro I use with YouTube! Quick Question, when you blog or vlog do you feel like you are just talking with your viewers? I do it all the time! Anyways, today I thought I would share one of my most worn makeup looks of -literally- all time! It’s super simple and super easy but it looks like you put a ton of effort into it. I just love it! I got the idea from a little bit of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and some of my fellow classmates.

So tell me how to get this look Kayla. Don’t mind if I do!

Step One: I apply my everyday foundation routine!

Step Two: Then I use Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded and apply it to my eyelids.

Step Three: This step is just something I do when I have the extra time but, I use the Wet ‘n’ Wild
trio in Walking on Eggshells Brow bone shade and highlight my brow bone and inner corner.

Step Four: Then I use Almay Eyeliner in Brown and tight line. Then use E.L.F. Brown Liquid Liner to line my upper lash line.

Step Five: I curl my lashes with N.Y.C. Eyelash Curler and use Jordana Best Lash Extreme Mascara to coat my lashes. Usually I would wear Benefit They’re Real Mascara and that would be it.

Step Six: Going over the coat of mascara I use Covergirl Clump Crusher to spread out the lashes and elongate them.

Step Seven: Apply E.L.F. Jumbo Glossy Lip Stick in Movie Star.

Step Eight: Apply E.L.F. Lip Gloss in Game On.

And that is my very basic and effortless but highly glamorous makeup look!

If you try it please leave a picture in the comment or send me a email with the looks you’ve created!

Glamorous Mascara Routine!

Hello Everyone! When you think glamorous, big, long lashes… what do you think? Lauren Curtis? False Lashes? I think Mascara! Kayla, do you always have to be the odd ball? Yep, that’s me! Well anywho, anyways, anyjanedoe… wait, what? I think I went too far. Today I thought I might clue you in on what I do to achieve glamorous lashes without the falsies. WHHATTT? No falsies? Yep, no false lashes! What kinda Beauty Guru are you?! Apparently not a normal one! Haha.

I don’t do falsies, I’d just rather spend the money on mascara because I like mascara anyways and I just think that falsies are a little ‘over the top’ sometimes. Don’t get me wrong they are stunning- but I didn’t where false lashes to my junior or my senior prom, not even for my J.R.O.T.C. Military Ball sooo… but hey if that’s what you like, well then that’s who you are and we can’t all always like the same thing. Otherwise… Life. Would. Be. Boring.

So, tell me about this miraculous discovery…!

Step One: Curl those lashes- Base and middle! My tool of choice? N.Y.C. Eyelash curler. It has this spring that I believe helps you hold the curlers there with a firm grab to get a bigger, better, closer, curl.

Step Two: Anyone know my favorite mascara? Maybe. Benefit They’re Real Mascara. Love it! Hate the price! Anyways apply it. Don’t have it? Try Maybelline Falsies Flared… Serves the same purpose in this case.

Step Three: Immediately apply Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara. Millions of lashes. Lots of length. Plenty of volume. No suffering. J

Step Four: Curl lashes again. GIANT LASHES!

Step Five: Take a small index card and coat the tips of lashes with Milani Runway Lashes or Jordana Best Lash.  Personally I hate both mascaras because they are so wet and never dry out in the tiniest amount! But they work well in this case.

Enjoy!

Xoxo,

Kayla <3

P.S. Because Monday's are so dreaded... I'm posting EVERY Monday!