What's on my phone?!

My first glove! Off to the range... 

Amazing leopard/camo jacket found at Forever 21. Lightweight and Perfect!

Renewed love for seche vite! Best new purple shade from Essie! 

Marinate your  short ribs with Trader Joes Island Soyaki... It's AWESOME!

Be on the look out for this review! Sneak peak!

My extreme pale legs! 

Ugh, my chicken legs... But now theyre darker! And I couldn't be happier with the product!

HEY!

Organic Raspberries with Sugar

So cute!!

The Quest for the Best Self Tanners!

I was sadly disappointed with the St. Tropez  Gradual tanner.  I have been on the hunt for a different one.  I refuse to hit the tanning beds again, so now I am on the quest to find the best self tanner and become a self tanning guru!

I recently purchased two products that I can't wait to try out.

Nature's Gate Glow Lotion in Medium

I really didn't know where to start so I just went to amazon.com and searched for self tanners.
This one popped up and got fairly good reviews.  I like that its from a "natural" brand. It also won an Allure beauty award so  I guess it can't be all bad.   This one is a gradual self tanner.  I hear people like to prolong their fake tan with a gradual self tanner so that's how I will plan to use this one.

Fake Bake Flawless Tan

This one is a best seller on amazon.com. It has really good reviews as well.  I've actually used this a few summers ago but  I don't remember if I liked it, so we'll find out!

New Obsession: The Mindy Project

I just finished the first season of The Mindy Project. Thank you Hulu! I could not be more pleased with this show! It's hilarious! And I am completely obsessed with Chris Messina.

Chris Messina aka Jon Bernthal Doppleganger?! And you all know how much I  LOVE Jon Bernthal. 

Am I right?!

Anyway, this show is so refreshing!  I don't watch TV anymore, so I don't know whats hot and whats not.  So when I was perusing for new shows to watch online (I can only rewatch all the seasons of HIMYM so many times, and I also watched all the seasons of Scrubs...) I thought I would give this Mindy Kaling a chance. 

I'm so glad  I did! She is hilarious! It kind of has a Sex and The City feel to it, but not annoying (yeah I said it. Carrie Bradshaw is SO annoying!!!!) The cast is amazing too!

I just watched the season finale yesterday and I really hope they continue the show!!!

St Tropez Gradual Tan

ULTA, $30. You can find this on Amazon for $19

My main concerns with self tanners are of course, scent and color.

I particularly go for the gradual self tanners because I feel like they are more goof proof/forgiving, and I don't want to be one day white and then BLAM- TAN! haha..

I thought I would use this for about a week before giving a review.

I applied this every night for four nights in a row.

PROS:
-Scent is AMAZING. No self tanner will ever NOT smell like self tanner, but this one is pretty close.  There is a faint smell, but I don't mind it.  The lingering fragrance smells really good. It actually lingers on my bed sheets and I actually like it!

-Decent moisturizer.  It made my legs feel super smooth, and it felt like my skin got gradually smoother with each use.  It was almost like an exfoliating effect.

-Color does not stain/transfer onto fabric

-You see color results quickly.  I was definitely "tanned" by the next morning after first use.

-Wears off nicely.  It isn't blotchy.  The color actually looked better after a days of not putting any more product on and the color faded.

Which brings me to...

CONS:
-Color is orangey. :(  Not sure if its just my skin tone, but no matter what kind of self tanner I use, it just ends up looking orange.  After each product I try, I always swear off self tanners for a  few months.  And then I see a product I haven't tried, and I'm suckered in again.

-Takes a while to absorb into your skin.  Although the color doesn't transfer, I still feel like I should wait for it to dry before really getting comfortable in bed.  I feel like I might streak the color if I don't wait. So I do, and I'm not happy about it.

There are certainly a lot more pros, but the orangey color is definitely a deal breaker.  This is definitely by far the best smelling self tanner I've ever used though.   Maybe if you have a different skin tone then mine, you might want to give it a try.  I do have to say, after I quit applying the product and let it fade, the color actually started to look better, but my legs looked surprisingly naturally tan.  So I might try it again, but only use it every other day.

Overall: 2.5/5 "Stars" haha

What's in my bag?!!

Alexander Wang Rocco Dupe from Little Black Bag (Purchased about 7 months ago) 

I love that it is crossbody! It is also HUGE. And I pretty much wear this everywhere, everyday. 

I am ALLLLLL about lip products.  I think a bright lip or even just your classic daytime lip color is CRUCIAL. It can instantly brighten your face, or prep you for an unexpected evening out. I like L'oreal Lip Caresses and their lip stains from time to time.  Revlon Creme lippies are my holy grail lipsticks.  Best drug store formula out there (in my opinion). 

Totally random. Rihanna concert ticket stub (she's AMAZING), got Milk Duds as a prize at work :/ and my ulitmate favorite lip products Maybelline and Covergirl (see March Favorites post) 

Current Obsession: Sweet and Flirty

I typically do not like Victorias Secret scents. I find them to smell too "fake" and "alcoholly". Oh and cheap too. But this scent has been kind of all over YouTube so I thought I would see what all the fuss is about.

This stuff smells absolutely amazzzzinnnggg. I am obsessed. I want everything I own to smell like this. It reminds me of lychee. But it's described as sugar berry and grapefruit. Whatever. It's lovely. It wears pretty well, doesn't have the alcohol smell, and lasts fairly long. I have to re spritz by lunch time.
I'm not mad about that though. This will probably be my signature scent until I decide otherwise :)

I got the travel size lotion and spray. $8 Each. Will go back to purchase full size :)

What's on my phone?!

Third time seeing Russell Peters here in Seattle! Get's better every time! Happy Early Birthday Prezzy :)

lolz @ Whole Foods 

Breakfast of Champions. Coffee in my favorite mug and QFC donut holes are the absolute BEST. 

I went to a wedding recently and my legs are as pale as can be.  Mini Review: This stuff makes you look like you're wearing nylons. Its pretty cool, but really weird too.  It definitely hides your imperfections- leg foundation if you will. I opted for "Light" because that't pale I am. Sigh. It dries fairly quickly and when it does, it won't rub off on clothes or smear (how embarassing!) It was pretty warm that day, so even though I got sweaty, this stay put! I'd say thumbs up. 

Got this at Costco. It's a good way to ease into the whole Quinoa craze.  I like to boil my water and add a tablespoon of coconut oil.

lolz

March FAVES

I am a little late... but oh well!!!!

Top to Bottom swatches: L'oreal Color Riche Caresse Stick in Rose Taffeta, Maybelline Color Sensational Lipgloss in Mirrored Mauve, CoverGirl Shadow Blast in Beige Blaze

I love wearing Mirrored Mauve on top of Rose Taffeta. It is my go-to everyday work look.  I don't wear any eye make up (except for a wash of the CoverGirl Shadow Blast on my lids to brighten things up) so I like to add a pop of color on my lips to "wake" my face up.

The Maybelline Color Sensational Lipglosses are absolutely AMAZING.  They aren't sticky, have great wear time, and don't wear off in a gross way.  They gloss my go away after a while, but the color is still there, so you are left with a nice stain.  It's very moisturizing and does not dry out your lips as the day goes on.  I have these in a variety of colors, but Mirrored Mauve is definitely my favorite.

CoverGirl Shadow Blast in Beige Blaze is like a dupe for MAC's Paint Pot in Bare Study. I wouldn't recommend it as a base, as it will definitely suck for that purpose.  But if you are going for a natural, effortless shimmer on the eye lids or even maybe a highlight- this is perfect.  I've been wearing it literally everyday.

Dream Cream $26.95

This stuff has worked wonders for my skin and my extremely dry hands.  I have recently repurchased this.  I love how quickly this absorbs into my skin.  The smell is not to like OMGDELICIOUSZZZ!! but it's tolerable, OK for your night time routine.  It has smoothed out my "chicken skin" on my legs and my skin just feels really luxurious.  I'm not crazy about the fact that Lush boasts that their products are "natural" or whatever, but this lotion does have parabens in it.  Granted, its at the bottom of the list. Still not a deal breaker though.  I'm not extremely happy I have to pay almost 30 dollars for this thing, but I like what it does, and I can't seem to go back to drug store body lotions.

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and Powder
Loved this foundation and powder in March. Used it everyday since I bought the duo.  Loved how it just evened out my skin tone, and perfect for my dry skin.  BEST thing about it is it didn't break me out. I usually have pretty good luck with Revlon foundations.  I loved Photoready foundation and the powder.  Never was a fan of the ColorStay though.  My face tends to go from REAAAAALLLLLLY dry to combo/oily.   I think it just depends on the weather, and time of the month.  So some days, this foundation really worked for me when my skin was on the dry side.  Recently, my skin has been needing more oil control so I've been opting for a different foundation (will be in my April favorites so stay tuned!)



Maybelline FitMe Blush: Medium Nude
I've worn this blush like everyday since I've purchased it. You have to be careful where you buy it though. The first time I bought it, I thought it was crap because it was "dry" if that makes any sense? Like, it wasn't pigmented and when you swatched it, there was barely any product.  I was upset because I really liked the color, but the product just wasn't getting on the my brush. I figured, maybe it was just old. So I repurchased a second one and it was amazing.  It was nothing like the first on that I bought, so it was just a one-off.  I love how it just gives off an inner glow.  It gives a natural highlight when you apply it. Beautiful and CHEAP!

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer: Reserve Your Cabana
This is more of a highlight rather than a bronzer.  I use it as a highlighter and it's beautiful.  Don't drop it though, it will for sure break.  I've already broken 2 :( But luckily, at 3 bucks a pop, I don't feel so bad. I think its better than MAC MSF's bc its not glittery and its way smoother. I feel like its just a better product for what it does and especially for the price!

Nivea Lip Butter: Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss
Smells and tastes delicious.  Feels really luxurious on my lips.  I use this at night time and I wake up to plump, soft lips in the morning time. Preps my lips for my daily lip colors.  I hate it when you wear lip products and your lips look "line-y" or wrinkly.  Not cute.  This stuff helps! :-*

Anyway, that's all for now!  Can't wait to share April Favorites! There's a ton! :)

Holy Grail Status: Michael Todd True Organics

Michael Todd True Organics became sort of a YouTube "sensation" with a lot of beauty gurus about 6-8 months ago.  I instantly ordered a regimen set to see what all the buzz was about and I have been hooked ever since.

I wanted to share my holy grail products from this line because I think everyone should know how amazing these products are!!!

Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

I use this during the night time as my initial makeup removal cleanser.  It takes everything off and I like the fact that it is a "detoxifying" cleanser catering to people with acne-prone skin. It isn't drying at all and washes away easily.  I like to really massage this in my skin with my hands to get the detoxifying effects. This is how I prep my skin for the rest of my cleansing routine. After rinsing it all off,  I follow up with my Olay Pro X  cleansing brush (aka Clarisonic dupe... to me anyway, but that't a whole different post) with my Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid cleanser  if my skin has been breaking out.

Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser

After the Charcoal cleanser, and if my skin is normal and has no blemishes, I will use the Honey and Oat cleanser with my Olay Pro X cleansing brush to exfoliate and to deep clean my pores. I use this as my morning cleanser as well.  It is super gentle, smells refreshing, and rinses away easily.  It's just your basic cleanser that has really great ingredients.  I think it is suited for all skin types.  It is moisturizing enough for people with dry skin, but not so heavy that people with acne/oily/combo skin wouldn't be able to use. (For reference, I am acne prone, combo skin on certain days, and extremely flaky dry skin on others- it can be a nightmare).  This cleanser is great overall and I can't imagine using a different one, literally, ever again.

Blue Green Algae Anti-Bacterial Toner

I never was a believer in toners, and I always thought they were more problematic than helpful.  I mainly thought this because of the alcohol content that is in most toners.  (Alcohol is drying and causes your skin to produce more oil to compensate, causing you to become more acne prone, and the spiraling goes on...) When I found out that this toner is moisturizing, contains no alcohol, and has antibacterial properties to deter acne, I had to try it.  I use this morning and night and I truly believe it helps prevent acne and preps my skin for moisturizers.

Citrus Cream Moisturizer with DMAE and Hyaluronic Acid

If you are looking for a moisturizer that is light, yet extremely moisturizing, and is packed with amazing ingredients that feed the health of your skin- this is it! The smell is a mix of citrus and herbs and at first sniff, you might not like it.  It is definitely an acquired scent. I have grown to love the scent and I really can't use anything else now.  I used to have extremely dry and flaky skin around my mouth and chin area.  I tried EVERYTHING to heal it.  I even used La Mer Creme and failed miserably. I use this in the daytime under make up, and  I also massage into my skin at night.  It definitely will work with all the other products in the line to give you an inner glow.

Charcoal Detoxifying Facial  Mask

This mask is AMAZING.  My face is glowing after I wash this off and looks like I have a full face of foundation on.  This really evens out my skin tone and the effects of it last until the morning and throughout the day after.  I use this mask twice a week and it is great at preventing acne.  The consistency of this mask is unlike any other. Along with the rest of the products I've mentioned, it is moisturizing- yet would be ok to use for oily/acne prone skin.  It doesn't prevent acne by drying out the skin like most acne clearing products do- benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.  It is just jam packed with ingredients and anti bacterial properties that heal the skin and feed the skin.


So all in all- Michael Todd True Organics products are TRULY amazing.  The skin problems I mentioned in this post (extreme dry skin, acne prone, combo/oily skin) has been alleviated by using all these products.  Of course, this might not work for every one, as everyone's skin reacts differently.  I just know that I've been using these products religiously for the last 6-8 months and I don't plan on looking for anything to replace them- like ever.  My skin has never been better and I am confident that my skin is being "fed" the right things.   I love that their products are mostly organic.  The price point is just right and they are always offering discounts (I've never paid full price!).

They have skincare lines that cater to all different skin types.  They offer sets so you can try out a little bit of everything for cheaper. Check it out!!! I know you won't be disappointed!!! :)

Workin' It!

Banana Republic, Gemma Wrap Dress, Sale $65

They say the wrap dress is universally flattering.  I've never owned or worn one before, but I thought I would give it shot as I update my work wardrobe for spring. 

Old Navy, Long Sleeved Wrap Dress, $29!!

I debated on whether I should go the cheaper route with the Old Navy dress, but I didn't like the color selection.  Black was the only color that appealed to me, but I just don't need any more black. Luckily the Banana  Republic dress was on sale, but still double the price.  I essentially paid for the color, but I am hoping that the style and quality of  BR won't make me regret my decision.

One thing I AM happy about is using ebates.com to get an additional 2% off at bananarepublic.com

It's nice to get things on sale, but its even sweeter to get another discount on top of it! 

I guess its not technically a discount, but you get 2% back from whatever you purchase. So I like to think of it as a discount because eventually I get that back (hence ebates...like...rebates..)

Anyway, look it up, check it out.  I never purchase anything online without going to ebates first to see what kind of rebate they're offering.

Ok bye!

Top Shop Dress: A tad too much??

I hear black and white is all the rage this spring.  But I think bodycon is out.  At least in my opinion, I am so sick of bodycon!  Like the whole Herve Leger bodycon deal, OVER IT.  And the knock offs are even worse. But gah,  I love this dress.

Scratch Graffiti Midi Dress $64, TopShop

Now I ask is this a tad too much because I am planning on wearing it to a Spring wedding.  I just feel like it may err on the side of inappropriate.  It's too loud. Too tight.

If I can't come up with anything else, then this will just have to do.

Just Fab: Caprice

Caprice

I purchased these bad boys from Just Fab  and I finally got down to the post office to pick them up.

 I know its almost springtime but being in Seattle, boots will be acceptable up until June.  I got these in a 7.5 (I am normally an 8).  With boots, I tend to go a half size smaller. These fit like perfection!  And they are even cuter in real life! I was worried they wouldn't be comfortable upon first touch when I grabbed them out of the box, but when I slipped them on and walked around, they're very cushion-y and extremely comfortable.  Although I will have to put it to the test on my next long outing, but I'm pretty confident I'll feel the same way.

I absolutely love the red zipper detail! 

I don't have a casual pair of boots and these are perfect for every day wear.  I got sick of wearing my fuggs (fake uggs...from Target...) everywhere... everyday.  So hopefully these new boots will implore me to not wear yoga pants all the time.

Anyway, I will have to post an OOTD with these boots soon! I absolutely love em!

Juice juice baby!

I always make a night time green juice/smoothie. I prefer night time over morning because the juice is kind of like a fruity dessert/treat so its a great alternative to unhealthy stuff, and still satisfying. And I'm not a fan of anything cold in the morning. Will never give up coffee.

I added cucumbers for the first time and it was delicious!

organic cucumbers, kale, spinach, and parsley

Banana's sweeten up the juice.  Organic apples really give it nice flavor, plus fiber beneftis!  I also add a chunk of organic lemon skin plus the juice of half of lemon. Then I add ice and water.  I don't really know exactly how much, it just depends on how I feel that day. Haha.  

Try to always use organic ingredients whenever you can.  The only ingredients I'm OK with buying non organic are banana's and lemons (but I will only use organic lemons if I am going to use the skin).  We don't want no pesticide smoothies in heah!  These juices help me cover all my bases as far as daily nutrients go, all in one glass!

Look at that beautiful green!  It's super cleansing and detoxifying.   The lemon really alkalizes your insides which is apparently a good thing.  This juice does miracles for my digestion, skin, and immunity! 

Why did Shane have to die?!!?!!!!

My new favorite number is going to be 22.  For no reason other than the fact that Shane is wearing that 22 necklace. I wish I was that 22 necklace.

I am SUPER late jumping on The Walking Dead bandwagon.  I just finished watching seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.  My timing could not be any worse since the third season is still going on and won't be available on Netflix until who knows when! UGH! 

Jon Bernthal is one sexy piece of man and I will never understand why anyone would kill him off of this show! Yeah yeah, I get it. He was just getting too crazy and hot headed and blahblahblah.... he was dangerous. Mmmm....  Ok I'll stop.

I'd still hit that.

I am trying not to read any facebook statuses for any shocking twists and turns.  But I am DYING to know what happens!  Oh well.

I will leave you with this YouTube video of  Jon Bernthal and his beautiful pups. Heart melts and the beginning of an unhealthy obsession @ 2:38 and 2:53. Love.