My 2013 Motivation

It's been a little over a month since New's Years, and I'm so proud to say that I stuck to my number one resolution. I wanted to reach my goal of getting my dream body in 2013, and I'm working extremely hard to acheive that goal. Not only was it my goal to get toned this year, but I also want to be a healthier person in general. I've noticed changes ever since I started working out a month ago. I made exercise a daily routine in my life; so much so that I sometimes feel weird to take a break for even a day or so. The motivation to excerise is different for everyone one. Some people want to fit into that perfect dress, and old pair of jeans, or any number of inspirations or driving forces. TO push myself, I bought a beautiful bikini to keep me motivated. I even hung it in my closet just so I could see it every time I went to get dressed. It serves as my reminder to fight on, to never stop gyming it!

Sometimes, I like to buy fitness magazines because it helps me find new ways eat healthier or discover new exercise routines. This summer my girlfriends and I are planning a beach trip, which is definitely another key motivation for me as well! As we all know, a beach trip assuredly involves a bikini; this gives me not only the motivation to look good in my new bikini, but also a reason to do so.

I've been taking classes at my gym like cycling, kickboxing, and Zumba (super fun by the way). I also was lucky enough to get trainer twice a week to help me learn new ab workout routines. I've been eating a lot more salads, while drinking more water as well. Soda may be hard to quit, but doing so makes a HUGE difference. I've noticed that by cutting back on all the junk food I've eaten over the past year I feel more energized in addition to just being healthier. I'm so proud of myself for having stuck to my new-body plan. Not only do I feel like I'm working towards a new body, but rather towards being a new, healthier person overall.

LORAC Front of the Line Eyeliner Doupe

If I was told I could only use one makeup product... I know, I know, it's too difficult to even begin to imagine... My number one pick would be eyeliner! I'm a huge fan of black eyeliner; it can come in a gel, pencil, liquid form, or any type you can imagine. As long as it is black eyeliner, I'm satisfied. So, that being said, I did some research as to which eyeliner can give me the perfect cat eye (or winged) look, a favorite of mine...

That's when I came across the Lorac Pro Eyeliner. This super fine-tipped eyeliner works wonders! It's a liquid liner shaped like a pen for easy use. Here are just a few reasons reasons why I LOVE my new eyeliner:

1. It's smudge-proof (because NOBODY wants the dreaded smudged eye look)
2. Waterproof (you never know when a rainstorm might pop in)
3. Long-lasting (for those days when there just isn't time to continuously reapply)
4. It allows for thick or thin lines to be applied (versatility is a wonderful asset)

Now, and I hate to do this part, the con side of this product. The price is around $23.00 depending on what store you purchase it from, be it online or in-person. However, a product this great comes down to an age old argument: price versus value.

Since the price was a tad high, I went on a mission to find the dupe! Ladies, always do your research; more often than not there is a very similar, less costly alternative available for most cosmetics. The first place I went to was my local drug store, and that's where I met Revlon's version of the Lorac Eyeliner. Revlon's Colorstay eyeliner was valued at $7.99, now that's a deal! The only thing I don't like about this product is that it fades after a while unlike the Lorac eyeliner. However, I can get the same winged-eye look from the Revlon Colorstay liner, just like the Lorac eyeliner. Pretty much, it comes down to this: the Lorac liner may be a better product, but for the money the Revlon Colorstay liner is a remarkable deal. Having used both products, I'd have to say that in either case I'm a happy eyeliner fanatic!

Fifty Shades of Pink...

My Mac Lipstick Collection

 MAC Lipstick Review and Swatch: LoveLorn
 With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to go through your lipstick collection to find the perfect shade of pink. After searching for what seemed like forever for that fabulous hue of pink, I stumbled across a MAC product. I was relieved as soon as I set my eyes on the one I sought after, especially having looked at literally the FIFTY SHADES OF PINK available at your the MAC store.

Oh Yes! The Big 50...Shades

 The pink lipstick I found is selling lightning-fast; I couldn't believe it, but it was sold out in every MAC store I walked into... So, after much searching, I finally found it! Drum-roll please… Introducing the MAC LoveLorn lipstick; this pink shade looks wonderful on any skin tone. 

  LoveLorn is an easy, wearable shade of pink, with a creamy texture that makes you feel like you’re wearing lip balm (great formulation… such a chem. nerd). You don’t need a mirror to apply either, which is a huge plus! It’s in the MAC Lustre Finish Collection, products of which provide an extreme amount of moisture to your lips. This glossy lipstick beats any typical pink lip-gloss any day. 

LoveLorn on my lips

 I like to wear this lipstick with a deep brown smokey eye look, the perfect pair. At, last I’m so glad I finally found the right shade of pink.

Magnificent Macarons!

 As I was going about my Sunday in Atlanta, I found myself craving a trip to the Virginia Highlands area. With a full day ahead of me, I followed my gut and found myself surrounded by the cutest restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops Atlanta has to offer. For anyone visiting Atlanta, take time (NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!!!) to visit this beautiful neighborhood.

 One little restaurant/boutique in particular caught my attention as I walked down the beautifully landscaped streets: Cacao.

It is a small company, with locations in Buckhead and Virginia Highlands,specializing in chocolates, candies, and desserts. This beautifully decorated shop had an air of sophisticated elegance... There was a very Parisian vibe to the setup and style the owner's had created.

 After taking in the setting, I had just one choice left: which chocolaty treat would I try? I decided to go a slightly different route, opting for a raspberry macaron.It was the first macaron I had ever had, and the next macaron has a lot to live up to because of it!

 The treat had a light, airy texture with a creamy raspberry center. Needless to say... I was transported straight to Heaven at first bite! So, to anyone finding themselves perusing the streets of Virginia Highlands, make sure you eventually find yourselves inside the four walls of Cacao!

Josie Maran Skin Balm... A Refreshing Must-Have!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to show you a new product that I'm loving as of this moment! This little gem should be on any girl's "must-have" list this season. It's the Josie Maran Skin Balm. The majority of Josie Maran's products are rich in healthy minerals and antioxidants, so it should come as no surprise that this balm falls into that same category. It contains Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, but the main ingredient is argan oil. This oil is well known as a great anti-aging substance for the skin. The aroma of the skin balm is irresistibly delicious; you can really partake in the mintiness of the tea tree as it is mixed with the argan oil for a scent so refreshing you will find yourself hooked.  The only con I can give to this product is the pricing... It is roughly $20 per stick, but I guarantee you will not regret the investment. The different colors I have here are some of  my favorite shades of the Josie Maran Skin balm sticks; I trust that there should be something for every girl to enjoy!

Manicure Monday: Irreplaceable Red

For years I've been a huge fan of NYC (New York Colors) nail polishes; it so happens that the first nail polish I ever got was NYC brand! Today's Manicure Monday is a classic go-to color... A beautiful, elegant red that I have worn for almost seven years now. The polish is a dark, sexy shade of red with almost a tint of black to add some extra luster. This nail polish staple has kept a place in my collection for a long time, and will continue to do so for years to come... You just can't beat that irreplaceable shade of red!