Hello...it's me.

I realize it has been over a year since my last blog post and that is completely ridiculous.  I keep intending to get on here and post something, but obviously that has not happened. Until now.  I was just way too excited about this new find not to share with anyone who would listen (or in this case, read).

If you’ve read any of my previous blogs, then you know I am a deal hunter and not opposed to buying used clothing.  Perhaps this stems from my childhood days when my sisters and I would get a garbage bag full of our older cousins’ hand-me-downs and fight over who got the Abercrombie and Fitch T-shirt.  It was always so fun to dig through that bag, never knowing what kind of fashion forward treasure you may find! (This is me shaking my head at some of the ridiculous things that I wore in my younger years)

The other day I happened upon a website that sells consigned clothing.  You can find anything from name brands to Target brands.  I’ve seen websites like this before, but this was the first one that actually reflected the fact that it was consigned clothing in most of the prices.  I’m not above buying used clothing, but I also don’t want to pay $25 for something that someone else has already worn.  But if that item was only $6, then that’s a different story!

Swap.com allows you to buy (or sell) gently used items from the convenience of your living room.  The best part is they offer a wide variety of departments to shop in.  Some of the departments include;

•         Women’s Apparel
•         Maternity Apparel
•         Kids Apparel
•         Baby Apparel

From each department you can select the search criteria including size, brand, or category (tops, dresses, etc.).  The first thing I did was check out some of my favorite brands to see what they had to offer.  I quickly found several things I loved that I immediately added to my cart. 

I ended up buying 8 items and spent $42 including shipping. Now think about the last time you went shopping and how much $42 bought you.  I’m guessing only 2, maybe 3 items if you found a good deal!

Here are a few of the items that I bought.

Chevron Top, $5                                          Ann Taylor Loft Dressy Top, $4.20

Express Black Top, $3.60                          Lauren Conrad Peach Top, $11

The Lauren Conrad top was obviously more expensive than the rest, but I was able to justify this since I actually already own the top in the same size but a different color and I just love it so much!  The condition on this was item was also “Like New”.

If you’re the least bit interested, you should definitely check it out!  If you use my link, you will get free shipping on your first order plus an additional 20% off!  Returns are also free for up to 3 items per order if it doesn’t fit like you were hoping or if you find any defects.

Fair warning, this site can be a little addicting.  I would suggest turning on one of your favorite mindless reality TV shows and shopping to your heart’s content (at least that's what I did!).

Thanks for reading!

~Sarah

March 2015 Ipsy

This month's Ipsy theme was Floral Fantasy and it came in one of the cutest bags I've gotten yet!  

I got a wide variety of products, three of which were full size!  Here's the breakdown of what I got! 

NYX Butter Lipstick in Pops; Full Size $6 - This is the third NYX lip product that I've received in an Ipsy bag, and I have to say this is hands down my favorite so far.  I don't wear lipstick very often, but this formula goes on smooth and does a great job of staying put.  When I do wear lipstick I usually go a little more dramatic with a red or pink, but this is a great natural shade for everyday.

Purlisse Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser; Full Size $36, Sample Size $6.50 - I haven't actually tried this yet so I can't really tell you much about it.  I don't really like trying face cleansers; I would much rather have some nail polish or blush!

Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in 50 Shades; Full Size $22.50 - This eye shadow was an obvious homage to Fifty Shades of Grey and although I have no interest in reading that book or seeing the movie, I absolutely love this!  I've said before how much I love mineral eye shadows.  They're easy to apply and the color payoff is always amazing.  I used this color in my crease and outer corner and as a liner on my bottom lashes and really love it!  

Chella Highlighter in Ivory Lace; Full Size $18 - I was really excited when I got this.  I had seen it in a previous month's Ipsy or Birchbox and was really interested in trying it.  I always feel like I need to brighten my under eyes and was hoping this would do the trick.  Unfortunately I haven't noticed that it works any better than what I have been using so the search is still on for my miracle product!

Cool Way Glow Oil Treatment; Full Size $29.95, Sample Size $5? - I was really confused about how to use this product so I haven't tried it yet.  The website says its a finishing oil and to use it as your last step in the styling process.  I don't know how I feel about that.

Overall it was another great month for Ipsy!  My favorite item by far was the eye shadow and my least favorite was a toss up between the hair oil and the face cleanser.  I would much rather just get all makeup items!  The total value of the products was $58!  Please tell me where else you can get that value for only $10 a month!  If you haven't already joined the subscription box craze, you should consider it!  Here's my Ipsy referral link in case you're interested!  You can always try it for a month or two just to update your makeup collection!

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

Dessange VoxBox

Last week I found out that I was selected to receive the Dessange VoxBox from Influenster!  I had never heard of Dessange before but was really excited when I realized that it's a new hair care line!

In the box, I received the Dessange Paris Oleo Miracle Replenishing Shampoo, the Oleo Miracle Replenishing Conditioner, and the Oleo Miracle Replenishing Oil.  This line is specifically formulated for dry and damaged hair and contains argan, camellia, and pracaxi oils.  I straighten my hair everyday which really dries it out so repairing formulas are one of the things I look for when considering what kind of hair care products to buy.  My main concern with this was excess weight and oil since it is oil based.

After using this all week, I have to say that I am definitely a fan!  I could tell that I liked it as soon as I rinsed out the shampoo the first time.  Most shampoos strip your hair which is why it feels rough and tangled after you rinse it out and why us ladies have to use conditioner; but this left my hair feeling soft, smooth, and tangle free after just the shampoo!  I only applied the conditioner and oil to the ends of my hair because that's where the most damage is, and I wanted to avoid excess oil along my hair line where it tends to be the worst.  The only thing I'm not crazy about is the smell.  It is very strong, and I still can't decide whether that is a good thing or a bad thing!  

You can find this line and others from the brand on Target's Website.  The Shampoo and Conditioner each retail for $9.99 and the Oil is $11.99.  Again, I got all this (a $32 value!) for free thanks to Influenster!  I get so excited when I get to try new things so Influenster has been great!  It's completely free to join, so if you're interested, you can use my referral link.

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah



I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

What is Nerium?

One of my friends recently started selling Nerium.  I had never heard of it before but I wanted to see what is was all about and thought I'd share with you all! 








This is an anti-aging skin care line for men and women that features a day cream and a night cream for your face, and a body cream.  This product helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and removes impurities at the same time.  It is also paraben and gluten free!

People have always told me that its never too early to start a beauty regimen to help prevent the effects of aging!  Here are my friend's results after using the day and night creams for 5 days.  


Although the product itself is more expensive than what I would normally pay, there is a way to get a discount and potentially even get it for free!  

If you sign up as a preferred customer you get a discount on each bottle you buy.  Nerium will automatically bill you and send you your order each month.

So now you're wondering, how can I get it for free?  If you sign up as a preferred customer and refer 3 people who also become preferred customers, you get your next bottle for free and continue to get your product free as long as your referrals are using the product!

Since it is such an investment, I'm still on the fence about whether or not to start using it, but I thought that some of you may be interested!  I've been using a sample of the day cream for the past couple days and am considering getting the day/night package!  If you want to see what this is all about or have any questions, check it out here! http://nerium.com/meganmeador/

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

February 2015 Ipsy Bag

Can I just say that Ipsy has been killing it recently!  February's bag was no exception.  This month's theme was Ipsy Love and it came with 5 great products and a really cute makeup bag!

Glam Glow Brightmud Eye Treatment; Full Size 12 Treatments $69, 2 Treatment Samples $11.50 - This is an under eye treatment mask.  I got two samples that are good for one treatment each.  I really like the packaging because it gives you exactly how much you need for each eye!  I'm really excited to try it! http://www.glamglowmud.com/brightmud.html

Demeter Roll on Perfume Oil in First Love; Full Size $10 - This perfume is a great floral scent and the roll on applicator makes it great for traveling.  I already have a perfume that I love so I don't think I'll buy this anytime soon, but I'll definitely use this up! http://www.demeterfragrance.com/784477/products/First-Love.html

City Color Creamy Lip Stain in Flirtini; Full Size $5 – This was the only thing I didn't like in this bag.  It goes on super thick and the color is just no flattering at all! http://citycolorcosmetics.com/creamy-lip-stain/#.VOzcJfnF8k0

Rob Scheppy for Tini Beauty Eye Shadow in Pearl Fizz; Full Size $12 - You can never have too many neutral eye shadows.  I've been using this as a base and its perfect! https://www.tinibeauty.com/product/pearl-fizz/

ModelCo Blush in Peach Bellini; Full Size $22, Sample Size $11? - This is the first blush that I've gotten in an Ipsy bag and I was so excited!  As the name suggests, this is a great peachy color.  Surprisingly I didn't have a color like this already and I love it!  The color is really pigmented so a little goes a long way. http://www.modelcocosmetics.com/shop/blush-cheek-powder

This month was my one year anniversary of Ipsy bags and I am still so in love with it!  It's so great to come home from a long day at work and find that pink mailer in your mailbox!  If you're thinking about trying it for yourself, here's the link!  https://www.ipsy.com/r/6b49 

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

Physician's Formula Freebies

I think I speak for most girls when I say that we will never turn down free makeup!  Even though I have about 15 blushes right now, I can always use another one.  After all, the color Rose is way different than Rosey!  Right?!? 

I've used several Physician's Formula products over the years and overall I've been pretty happy with all of them.  I recently "Liked" them on Facebook and realized that they are constantly doing some sort of giveaway!  Every Wednesday and Friday if you comment on a board on their page you are entered to win one item they are giving away.  In addition to their weekly giveaways, they also do one about once a month where they give away 100's of a particular item!  I've entered three times since October and won twice!  And let me tell you, I am not usually a lucky person, so I was ecstatic!  Here are the two makeup items that I won!

Youthful Wear Spotless Powder with SPF 15 $13.95 - I don't ever use liquid foundation, I prefer powder, so I was really excited to get this!  It advertises that it will make your skin look 10 years younger which I'm not quite sure that I agree with.  I haven't noticed any significant changes for the better in my skin.  I have however kept using it and like it as far as a regular powder.  It does have SPF in it which is something I really like in bronzers and powders. http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/face/pressed-powder/06210.html

Bombshell Collection Blush for Brunettes $11.95 - Free blush, what more can I say?  It's wonderful! http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/powder-palette/blush/06231.html

I think that everyone should stop what they're doing right now and check out the Physician's Formula Facebook page!  They're offering another giveaway tomorrow (February 20) that you all need to get in on!  As I may have mentioned before, who doesn't love free makeup??

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah 

January 2015 Ipsy

If January's Ipsy Bag was any indication of what's to come in 2015 I am really looking forward to the rest of my bags this year!  There were 5 items, all of which would fall under the full size category and it was a great assortment of products.  I think it's pretty fitting that this month's theme was Fresh Start.  Here's the breakdown of what I got and what I thought!

Pacifica Eye Shadow in Etheral; Eye Shadow single $3.50 - This is the second Pacifica eye shadow that I've received in an Ipsy bag.  My main complaint with these is the packaging.  The lid broke off of my first one and unfortunately I think it's just a matter of time before it happens to this one.  The eye shadow itself is pretty average, nothing special.  This color is a light tan/gray with minimal shimmer so it makes a great base which is how I've been using it.  They don't advertise this color on their website, so I'm not sure if it was an Ipsy exclusive or not.

http://www.pacificabeauty.com/makeup/eyes/mystical-supernatural-eye-shadow-palette?id=233

Malin and Goetz Mojito Lip Balm; Full Size $12 - I've said this before and I'll say it again; a girl can never have too many lip balms!  I really like the smell of this and it's always good to keep your lips moisturized, especially in the winter!  The only complaint I have is it tends to be kind of sticky which is one of my biggest lip balm pet peeves!

http://www.malinandgoetz.com/face/mojito-lip-balm

Probelle Nail Lacquer in Into the Blue; Full Size $6 - I happen to be somewhat of a nail polish hoarder, but as soon as I saw this color I knew I would not ever use it so I gave it to my sister.  Bright blue nail polish is not my thing and I don't see that changing anytime soon.  I prefer the more classy colors so bring on the reds and pinks Ipsy! http://www.pro-belle.com/probelle-into-the-blue-nail-lacquer-5-fl-oz-blue-cream-0502/

Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush; Full Size $9.99 - Even though I've already gotten several eye shadow brushes from Ipsy, I was really happy to get this one!  The bristles are soft and the brush handle is shorter than most so its a great size for travel.  It's also pink which gives it a special place in my heart!

http://www.elizabethmott.com/shop/all-over-shadow-brush/

Coastal Scents Liquid Eyeliner in Jet (Black); Full Size $2.95 - I've not had much luck with liquid liners and unfortunately this one was no different.  I had a hard time making a crisp line with this, it was just a mess.  I tried using the very tip of the brush but that didn't seem to help me.  I admit that my issue is most likely user error!  The few times that I did use it, it definitely stayed put until I took it off at the end of the day which is a good thing, except that if you screw it up when applying it makes it really hard to clean up without messing up your eye shadow.  Again, I think liquid eyeliner may just not be for me. http://www.coastalscents.com/liquid-eyeliner.html

The total value of all the products in my January bag was $34.44.  Each of these products was full size with the exception of the eye shadow which Pacifica does not sell in singles online.  I would still consider it a full size as far as eye shadows go.  Overall it was a great month for Ipsy and I'm looking forward to getting my February bag in the next few days!

If you want to start getting an Ipsy bag, you can use this link!

http://www.ipsy.com/r/6b49?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah