March Favorites

Where did the time go this March?!?!? It's already time for another Catoura's Monthly Favorites. This past month, I've been obsessing over seven items ranging from makeup to my favorite book. I truly love March, mainly for the fact that it's Persian New Year's and my college spring break! I had plenty of time to relax and enjoy myself, and you can bet I took full advantage. What were your favorites from March? 

1. Statement Necklace:

I have been wearing this beauty with basically all my outfits this month, and I still can't believe how much it cost me... Only $5! Yes, believe it! I was running some errands at Wal-Mart, and I happened to check out their jewelry section. As I was looking around my eye was caught by a wall of statement necklaces. Who'd have know Wal-Mart was necklace heaven? The price of all the beauties neatly arranged on that wall ranged from $5 to $10. This particular necklace happened to be one of the $5 pieces. I was amazed by the quality of it, and it shows that Wal-Mart has definietly stepped up in their jewelry department. 

2. L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover:

For the longest time I've been on a hunt to find the best eye makeup remover available. I finally ended up purchasing one from Sephora (for $20... No beuno). I personally don't like oily eye makeup removers, but this one from L'Oreal happens to be the best match for me. It even removes my waterproof mascara and eyeliner without leaving an oily residue behind. 

3. NYX Extreme Shine Butter Lipgloss:

This buttery goodness is definitely a lip gloss fanatic's must-have! I adore it, and I will most likely repurchase once it's run out. The color I wore throughout this month was called "Dolly Girl," and it's the perfect shade of glossy, hot pink. It really makes your lips stand out without feeling sticky, leaving just the right amount of gloss. 

4. Laura Mercier Foundation;

The smooth finish foundation by Laura Mercier really does give your skin that flawless finish. I love this foundation, even if it's a tad on the pricier side. I love how it gives me a smooth, flawless look with out causing my make up to appear caked on. With the weather getting warmer, I really don't want my skin looking cakey at all. 

5. OPI Nail Polish: 

If you're a girly girl who loves the color pink, like me, then you would love this polish by OPI. This gorgeous nail polish even has the word pink in its name: "I Think In Pink." I have been wearing this polish nonstop this month, and I may even continue wearing it in the month of April. The nail polish is a light shade, with just a hint of nude tones. This is a perfect polish for a job interview, just to give an example. 

6. Batiste Dry Shampoo

I'm by no means a dry shampoo kind of girl, but there are times when my hair just needs a break from real shampoo (mainly because it drys my hair out). I usually use dry shampoo on days that I don't wash my hair (which is basically every other day). This product not only smells good, but helps get rid of the excess natural oils in my hair. 

7. "The Last Letter from your Lover" by JoJo Moyes 

Earlier this month I was drinking my coffee at Barnes& Nobles Cafe, when decided to walk around and look at some books. I came across this book by JoJo Moyes, and started reading it right there in the store. I ended up reading through five entire chapters before actually purchasing the book. That's how much I loved this romantic story-line. If you're a fan of romance, then you will love her books! 

TBT: Beach Life

Well, all this frigid Atlanta weather lately has me yearning for the days of my summer vaca. It has me reminiscing about the warm sun and sandy beaches of Panama City, Florida, where my family and I (along with my boyfriend, Brian) went to spend a lovely few days by the sea. Let's take it back to those oh-so fun times...

Upon arrival, the first thing we did was put on our bathing suits and head straight to the beach. I, as usual, tanned for a bit before heading into the water; there's nothing like cooling down in those ocean waves. Later that evening we drove to Pier Park for some yummy Italian ice, which is the perfect treat after a long day at the beach. To top it off, we took a relaxing ride on a vintage-style Ferris wheel, where we were able to see all of PCB! The next day we went to an undeveloped island owned by the Florida State Parks, Shell Island, to go snorkeling. If you haven't gone snorkeling, you should do so as soon as possible. I am so glad we did it! It was like diving into an aquarium, where we could watch and even touch the little schools of fishes. Maybe next time we will try to go scuba diving! We wrapped up the day by eating tons and tons of seafood, specifically platters of blackened shrimp. 

On Saturday, we once again hit the beach. I just love sitting on the soft sand while reading my magazines, soaking up sunshine, and listening to the crashing waves. It was such a relaxing day. That night we drove around town and took some pictures, like tourists tend to do. Afterwards, my dad took us to a fancy restaurant with a stunning beach-front view, all while the sun was setting. We, again, enjoyed our huge plates of delicious seafood. Let me tell you, I have never eaten so much seafood in my life from blackened shrimp to grilled fish. The last full day of our beach vacation had come to an end, though not before we all went out for a few awesome laps of go-kart riding! It featured two spiraled, wooded tower tacks that really added an old school feel to the experience! The final morning, right before the nasty storm came rolling in, Brian and I went to take some final picture; we even took time to have breakfast on the beach. I'm going to miss those waves and sands, but hopefully it won't be long until next time! Overall, I couldn't ask for a better vacation.

Birthday Girl

Let the birthday shenanigans begin! It's true, this girl is turning 25 this weekend!!! It's crazy just how time really flies. I wanted to start the celebrations a tad early, so I took the whole day off. A girl's got to have plenty of time to pamper herself. What better way than a little shopping, a nice mani/pedi, and of course my new favorite Starbucks drink, Cotton Candy. Well, I'm off to get my birthday errands done. I hope y'all have as wonderful of a weekend as I plan on having! 

Blazer & Shorts

 

        There's nothing like classy summer blazers and shorts. I have been beyond obsessed with this outfit combo! Sometime last week, I posted a pic on Instagram showing off the look. With that post being such a big hit, I decided to do a full outfit post of my favorite summer blazer and my flirty short-shorts. The blue, pin-striped blazer seems to have a real sailor-type look to it. I wore a white sheer top to give my outfit a more polished clean look. When it comes to an outfit, knowing when and where to keep it simple goes a long way. The shorts are solid navy-blue, adorned with patterns. Of course, an outfit is never complete without a dash of bling, so I added a statement necklace and bracelet that both had dusted-gold undertones. My shoes, which were a steal by the way, were from Rue21. At only $10, I couldn't walk away! I've worn these shoes to the tee, and they still look brand new. My current summer purse obsession is my white Kenneth Cole handbag, which was just the right finishing touch on my look. This outfit is perfect for the cooler summer days and evenings, especially when going out for a date or an event.     

 

Outfit Essentials:    Blazer: J Crew Top: New York & Comp. Shorts: Old Navy  Heels: Rue21  Jewelry: Charming Charlie Purse: Kenneth Cole Outlet     

Google's City Expert

This was by far the BEST event I have ever attended, mainly because it involved an absolutely breath-taking view of Atlanta! Google invited me to their City Experts event, which was held in the beautiful Ventanas venue in Atlanta (hint-hint, this place is a perfect wedding venue).

The venue had a dual level indoor area with two-story floor-to-ceiling windows, along with a rooftop patio featuring a gorgeous skyline view. Small, bite-size hors d'oeuvres were served along with an open bar offering specialty drinks that inspired by the city. I met some lovely bloggers and other City Experts throughout the evening. The best part of this event, by far, was the helipad. From the helipad, you can see all of Atlanta (even out towards Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain); add in a big Google sign in the middle, and the photo ops are priceless. It was a truly breathtaking and exciting event. I definitely danced the night away! I cannot wait for more City Experts events to come :)