2.27.2015

Working Out With Fabletics

**This isn't a sponsored post-I just really like Fabletics!

I know I mentioned before how I tend to be more motivated to work out when I have something cute to wear. Don't get me wrong, I still wear the oversized tee and comfy yoga pants to work out in every once in a while. Those are usually the days where I have to drag myself to the basement to work out. (which has pretty much been this week!)

A few months ago, when I started my weight loss journey I decided to join Fabletics- knowing I would be able to wear cute things when I work out was a game changer for me! Here is how Fabletics works for those of you that aren't familiar:

Image via Fabletics

I chose the VIP option. Knowing I would want to build my workout wardrobe, I thought being a VIP member made the most sense. Being able to get the items at a discount, and as often or as little as I wanted totally fit what I was looking for. Also, the option to cancel at any time was also great. Nothing is worse than being locked into a membership program like this and not being able to cancel when it suits you. Here is how the VIP membership works-

HOW THE VIP MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM WORKS

SHOP

Browse your personalized picks ready on the 1st of the month. Complete outfits start at just $49.95

SKIP BY THE 5TH

Make a purchase or log into your account to "Skip the Month" by the 5th and you will not be charged. If you do not shop or skip by the 5th, your credit card will be charged $49.95 (1 membership credit) on the 6th until you cancel. Skip as many months as you'd like – you may still shop after skipping the month. Each credit can be redeemed toward 1 outfit - use it to shop anytime.•

CANCEL ANYTIME

You may cancel your membership at any time. To cancel, call our Member Services team at 1-844-Fabletics (1-844-322-5384)

* New members who join the VIP Membership program this month do not have to shop or skip until the following month.

What I love about the VIP membership is also the fact that you get the credit when your credit card is charged. Typically, I forget to skip the month when I want or need to, so more often than not, my card is charged. I can rest easy knowing that that charge is put towards my account. Some monthly subscriptions charge you regardless and you get nothing. Totally not the case with Fabletics!

I can't tell you how many complete outfits at a really affordable price. Most outfits start at $49.95. In the grand scheme of things, that is not a lot for a whole outfit (which is usually 3 pieces). Can't say enough good things!

This is my third Fabletics outfit. The pants were what won me over with this outfit. That and the fact that the top can be worn two different ways-how I am wearing it, and flipped around!

So far, I haven't had any that I don't like. I am also to the point where I can start sizing down on some things (like the top I am wearing....I realize it is a little big). What I like is that I can mix and match the pieces from the different outfits I have gotten as well!

What get's you motivated? Are you like me? Does something as simple as a cute workout outfit motivate you to work out?

Have a great weekend, all! And don't forget to enter the giveaway I am hosting with a bunch of great ladies! You can enter here!

2.26.2015

Tutorial: My Daily Makeup + a Giveaway!

I am not one of those girls that can wake up and look flawless. My skintone is uneven, I have terribly dark circles under my eyes, and well....it just isn't pretty!

For the most part, my daily makeup remains the same. Sometimes I give myself a little more coverage, depending on how terrible I look/feel when I wake up. I may wear a little more concealer, or less eye makeup than the day before. In general though, you can find me wearing pretty much the same makeup every day.

Over the last few months I have gotten a few requests as to what makeup I use, how I apply, etc. Since I am not tech savvy, and I just don't have the time (translation:patience) to film a video and edit, you get my daily makeup routine in pictures!

This is what I look like sans makeup, when I get up in the morning (if I remembered to wash my face the night before). Dark circles, uneven color, the whole shebang.

Lately, I have been applying the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel after I shower, along with Neutrogena Rapid Dark Circle Repair. As you can see, I need some repair! It has some light reflecting minerals (a little bit of shimmer) to it and just evens out the dark circles a little bit.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue (I use Natural) has been a recent add to my beauty routine. I have been using Bare Minerals products for about 10 years now, so I am always eager and willing to try out anything new they have. This is a tinted moisturizer, similar to BB and CC creams.

I put this on before any of my other makeup. Some days, if I don't really have any plans, I just wear this and nothing else, but it does act as a great base to your other makeup. It gives a sheer to medium coverage and has an SPF of 30, which I also love. So far, I love it- I feel like it evens out my tone! You can use their Smoothing Face Brush to apply it, or you can use your fingers, like I do.

This is after the Complexion Rescue. I feel like with some blush and some light lipgloss I would feel totally comfortable heading out like this!

Next, using Sonia Kashuk Brush No 110 (similar) and Bare Minerals Correcting Concealer in Light 2, I apply to my under eyes in an inverted triangle. I end up using my ring fingers to blend. I dab to blend- not rub.

I don't use the concealer every single day, either. As I've gotten older, my skin has gotten more sensitive under my eyes. I noticed if I use the concealer pretty frequently it starts to irritate. On days where I don't need as much coverage, I use Bare Minerals Well Rested. I am telling you guys, I SWEAR by this eye brightening powder. I started using it after I had Ella- I remember my boss at the time asking me how I looked so rested with a newborn. Well Rested! To apply that I use their Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush.

Next, I move on to my eyes. I used to do my eyes last, but I do them before my foundation. It is easier to clean up any eye shadow remnants. I use Bare Minerals Queen Phyllis on my brow bone with an old shadow brush. Although I have a good bit of eye shadows, I use Urban Decay's Naked palette on a daily basis. I use the brush provided with the palette to apply Smog all over my lid. I use Darkhorse for eye liner and Bark to fill in my brows. For both of those are use a brush similar to this.

I have been using Cover Girl Lash Blast since Ella was born. I swear by it! I have tried many others over the years but I always go back to Cover Girl! Something about it just works so well for me! I apply my mascara after my eye shadow and eyeliner. I typically do several coats.

After completing my eyes, I apply my foundation. Bare Minerals foundation has been in my makeup bag for about ten years. I have always used the same Medium Beige shade and have been super happy with it. I am able to use it year round, and the coverage is perfect for me. I use the Precision Face Brush to apply. I just purchased it a couple of months ago and love it. I had been using the same brush for years, so it was definitely time for a new one! I make sure to apply all over my face, into my hair line and blend down into my neck.

Next I do my contouring and highlighting. I use Bare Minerals Concealer in Honey Bisque. I realize it is a concealer, but it applies so well as a contouring powder. I use elf's blending brush to apply.

I apply the Honey Bisque to accentuate my cheekbones, on either side of the bridge of my nose, and right along my hair line.

I don't blend after I apply-I save that until the very end. It looks a bit dramatic and over the top, but I swear it blends well!

Next, I use Bare Minerals Full Tapered Blush and Eye brush (gifted, similar) to apply blush to the apples of my cheeks. I use Bare Minerals blush in Laughter. Just like the contour powder, I don't blend yet.

Lastly, I use Bare Minerals Illuminating Mineral Veil to highlight my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and my forehead. It has the perfect amount of shimmer to highlight. Once again, I don't blend yet!

Finally, I use Sonia Kashuk's No 4 brush. The flat top is perfect for buffing and blending!!

The completed look! Subtle highlight and contour, but perfect for everyday!! I know it seems like a lot, but it really doesn't take long at all. And like I said before, I don't do all of this every.single.day. Most days, yes, but not every day.

While you can achieve this look with any makeup that you have, I definitely recommend Bare Minerals. While it isn't the least expensive, it is totally worth it. Any questions at all, just ask! I'd be happy to help!

Now on to the fun giveaway! I have partnered with several other great bloggers to give away some great prizes! Good luck!

Your Hosts
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Afternoon Espresso

Sweeter than Serenity

Keri Lynne

Alex Butler TV

Fashion, Bling, and Other Girly Things

Enter below!! Good luck, loves!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2.24.2015

My First Fix

I shared with you all last week about Stitch Fix and how it works! Since then, my first fix has arrived and it was pretty awesome to say the least! Will I be keeping everything? No. But did I love what I got? Yes!

Here is a breakdown of everything that I got, whether or not I liked it and why!

MARKET & SPRUCE CORINNA STRIPED DOLMAN TOP (LARGE, $48)

I loooooved this top-once I put it on. I wasn't so sure about it when I saw it in the box, mainly because the colors aren't ones that I am drawn to. But once I put it on and saw how flattering it was, I loved it. Then once I tossed on my moto jacket and my hat I loved it even more. This is what Stitch Fix is all about, am I right? Trying things you normally wouldn't pick out for yourself! This one is a keeper!

PAPERMOON BELLINI KIMONO (LARGE, $38)

I usually love kimonos, so I was excited about this particular piece. But, knowing it was a large, I knew it was going to be too big for me. For the future, I will have to let my stylist know that I can size down in kimonos! Sometimes, I am able to size down two sizes, depending on how large/flowy they are!

I wanted to love this, but it just didn't look right on me and wasn't doing me any favoris. I will not be keeping this, unfortunately.

41HAWTHORN SHARA HERRINGBONE VEST (LARGE, $78)

There really is nothing to hate about this vest. It is super cute, comfy, and it was heavy on the warmth, without being bulky. If I didn't already own one similar to this (in black) I would have considered keeping it. I just couldn't see spending $78 on something that I pretty much already owned. Plus, with spring (maybe? hopefully?) right around the corner, I want to focus on things that I will get more wear out of.

(I am aware I am half blinking in the one pic, but I wanted you to see how flattering the cut is of this top!)

41HAWTHORN MONI GEO PRINT & CAMISOLE BLOUSE (LARGE, $58)

I really can't say anything bad about this top. I knew as soon as I saw it that I would love it, and I loved it even more once I put it on. It is super flattering on me and feels comfortable. What I love about it, is that as I lose weight, I think I will still be able to wear it because it's meant to be a little flowier! The detail in the pleats and the brass (?) just adds to it. I am definitely keeping this one too!

MIA & MOSS GEORGEANNA SKINNY JEANS (SIZE 10, $98)

As you can see, there is no pic of these....because I couldn't even get them up over my butt! I wanted to love them, but just couldn't get them on! I am typically a 10 in everything, but am getting to the point where my sizing is awkward because of losing weight. I was pretty surprised when they didn't fit! I don't know if I would have kept them, as I can't remember the last time I spent that much money on jeans, but if the fit was good, I totally would have considered it!

I am super excited for my next fix to arrive. I have it set to come the week before I leave for LA, so I sent a note to my stylist (a feature that I love) to let her know about my trip and that I would love some items to take with me! Can't wait to see what I get!

If you have any questions about Stitch Fix let me know, or if you are doing it, I would love to hear how you love it! You can sign up here and get started on your profile!

2.22.2015

Layered Up

Two things: we finally got a Loft here in York, and it finally went above 20 degrees. Anything above 20 feels like a spring day!

Wearing this sweatshirt from Loft was on my agenda for the weekend! Layering with it was a must. Although it felt a touch warmer, it was still pretty cold!

Tossing on a chambray tunic underneath and a lightweight utility jacket worked perfectly. Once the temps increase a little I would love to be able to wear it alone! While wearing this though, I did swap out the ankle booties for my leopard sneakers- totally easier to move around in!