My Morning Routine

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The way you wake up and your morning routine have more of an effect on your day than you realize.

The way you start your day lays a foundation for how well or how badly the rest of it will go, so it's so important to get off on the right foot!

I'm going to take you through my average morning routine (for a day that I have class in the mornings) so you can see how I start my day.

First things first, I hit the snooze button two or three times (this isn't preferable, but you do what you gotta do, right?)

This gives me time to gradually wake up, especially since it's still dark when I wake up now (at 6 AM).

I reach over and play with my phone for a few minutes after I turn the alarm clock off; checking the weather (to see what outfit I should wear today), seeing who's posted what on Instagram, checking and responding to comments on the blog, etc.

This helps me wake up and know exactly what's going on for the day.

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Coffee is always the first place I go when I wake up.

My coffee pot has a pre-set, so it goes on automatically at 6 AM.

I pour myself a cup & stir in 2 packets of Splenda (sorry big sis!), a splash of milk, and a splash of some sort of flavored creamer (I'm loving this & this right now)

Then while my coffee cools a little bit, I head to the bathroom.

Back in the bathroom, I turn on my straightener (I'll talk more about that later), wash my face with this toner by Neutrogena, brush my teeth with my favorite toothpaste, and then moisturize with this (which I'll be reviewing soon!) by Yes to Carrots.

After that, I head back into the kitchen for breakfast.

I used to hate breakfast, but now I realize that it's the most important meal of the day & I make sure to load my breakfast with lots of protein.

My favorite breakfast is made with sourdough bread (which I toast), scrambled eggs with a little cheddar cheese tossed in, two slices of deli chicken, and a thin slice of cheddar.

It's delicious, filling, and pairs perfectly with my cup of coffee.

I enjoy it while watching the morning news with my favorite guy, it just really kick-starts my morning.

C leaves for work after breakfast & then it's time for me to go get ready for class.

The NuMe Silhouette  is the new straightener that I just bought (you'll see it in my next haul post & maybe even a review of it!). Basically, when I have class (& pretty much every other day, too) I just straighten my hair since it only takes about 15 minutes.

Now for makeup. . .

Stay Matte Primer by Rimmel is the primer I'm using right now, it's not my favorite, but it gets the job done. I'll probably be trying a new one, so if y'all have any suggestions let me know in the comments below!

The next step is my Maybeline eyeliner & my NYX eyebrow pencil.

They are my go-to's and I don't feel like a human unless I've used these two products.

Covergirl Clean foundation is my long-time foundation, I've been using it since I first started using makeup. I apply it with a dampened blending sponge (this one is from Sonia Kashuk at Target).



Maybelline Fit Me concealer is my new go-to for problem areas such as my chin & nose, it really gives them a matte appearance and covers any small imperfections that I might have.

Y'all will probably think this next step is weird, but I use L'Oreal True Matte Naturale powder on my t-zone, and then I use CoverGirl Trublend Mineral loose powder all over my face with a large brush.

Next I use my Maybelline Master Glaze cream blush stick in Coral Sheen on the apples of my cheeks & I use this Pop Beauty bronzer (which I received in one of my Ipsy bags!) to contour my cheekbones, on my temples, and on my neck.

My Physician's Formula highlighter goes on next and then...



I use eye shadow from my Sephora makeup pallet from Christmas 2012 (I think), which they obviously no longer have, but Sephora always has great, high-quality makeup sets for the holiday season. (This is a great set & great value here).

After my eye shadow, I use. . .


Maybelline Colossal Volum Express Mascara

This mascara probably isn't the best, but it's waterproof and it gives my lashes the little extra that they need.




Flower Sheer Lip Tint is usually what I use to top my lips with for the morning.
Believe it or not, I stumbled upon this in Wal-Mart & fell in love with it's moisturizing texture, soft yet pigmented shade, and easy to use crayon applicator.
It's great to wear for just a day of classes because it goes on really easy but doesn't make your lips look too red.

After my makeup routine is over with, I just put on my every day pieces of jewelry which are. . .



My Tacori engagement ring, my Sea Magic pearl studs by Kay Jewelers, & my Open-Heart necklace by Kay Jewelers.

Sometimes, I also add bracelets, depending on what I'm wearing for the day & my mood. ;)


After all that is done, I go pick out an outfit...here is an example of what I might wear to class on a casual day.


You can always find me in a Spirit Jersey (now that the weather has cooled down!), leggings (usually from Victoria's Secret!), Riding boots (my favorites are from Gianni Bini), carrying my NorthFace backpack around, texting on my iPhone 5C, and wearing my favorite Essie nailpolish (which at the moment is the shade Wicked).

Thank y'all for sticking around through this long blog post, I hope y'all enjoyed living through my morning routine & seeing what it takes to get me ready for school!

What do y'all do to make your day get off to a great start?

Until next time. . .

xoxo,

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, y'all! Even during the summertime, I can't help but be excited about Friday and what each weekend will bring. Friday Favorites are a way to officially start off my weekend right & let me show off a few of my favorite things. . .

Favorite Etsy Find: 

While perusing Etsy this week, searching for graduation gifts for my very best friend who gets her BSN tonight, I stumbled upon several other things (other than what I got her!) that I thought would make beautiful gifts for the graduate in your life. This bangle from KorenaLoves is so adorable. The inside reads, "While you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you." 

Favorite Treats:  

I've been looking for something sweet to make and we have a whole jar of Golden Eagle syrup just sitting in our fridge begging to be used in pecan pie (& Golden Eagle is an Alabama tradition, if you didn't know!)

This recipe came from the blog Roots, Boots, & Rambles and I cannot wait to try it out this weekend! 

Make sure to check out my Pinterest board for more dessert inspiration. 

Favorite Quote:

With all of the engagements & weddings happening around me, it's easy to get caught up in the wedding fever. But, I have to remind myself sometimes that I have forever to be with C, so there's no need to rush anything. I'm learning to enjoy the here and now. 

For more quotes like this one, check out my Pinterest board here. 

Favorite Look:

This outfit is from the blog Covering The Bases and I have to say...I'm mildly obsessed with her blog. 

This outfit is something that I can see being carried from the heavy, hot August weather here down south, all the way into early fall by switching out the shorts for skinny jeans and boots. And let's just talk about this top, it would be perfect for Auburn games on the Plains too! 

Buy the top here for only $34!

Also check out more fashion finds like this on my Pinterest board here. 

Favorite Photograph:

I know in my favorite quote above, we just talked about slowing down, enjoying the process, and not rushing what is meant to last forever. But this photo isn't really about being married. It's about those girls that are by your side. I'm so blessed to say that in the past few years, I'm truly blessed to have become best friends with the girls that will stand by my side on my big day. I love the emotion that this picture brings. 

I couldn't find the original photography page and it's not watermarked, so I haven't given credit (if you know who it belongs to please comment below & I'll give credit!)

To see more engagement & wedding photography, please check out my Pinterest board for that here! 

I hope you enjoyed my Friday Favorites, now tell me...what are your favorites?

xoxo, SS

Ipsy July Glam-Bag Review

July Ipsy Glam Bag Review

During the month of June several of my friends posted on Facebook about joining Ipsy, which is basically a service that you pay $10 to every month & in return they send you several different beauty products to try based on a quiz that you take about your preferences. I had previously tried the Julep service, but opted out because it was too expensive. But, let's face it. I definitely spend more than $10 per month on beauty products, so I thought "why not". 

I thought I would take the opportunity to review each of the products from July's bag now that I have had time to experiment with them all & let you know my thoughts on Ipsy as a whole! 

First up is the Bare Minerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum 15 in the color Divine Wine. 

At first I wasn't sure I was going to love it, but hello...I took this cream eyeshadow to Florida on vacation and not only did it stay on ALL day in the hot and humid Southern summer air, but it looked amazing. It goes on so smoothly and a little definitely went a long way. I think that I would prefer a slightly lighter color, but it's something I will strongly consider purchasing (& using my coupon provided by Ipsy!)

The Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08

I was excited to take this to the beach with me, but honestly I don't think it got me any darker than my tanning oil from Target. It smells delicious and it's less greasy than other oils I have previously used which is a big win. Unfortunately, I don't think I would spend $11-14 for tanning oil. 

Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Pretty Pink 

This was probably my most favorite item in the July Glam Bag! The color was so natural and beautiful, somewhere in between the popping pink and the sultry reds that I usually prefer. It goes on so smoothly and moisturizes my lips so well. Although to buy it by itself is $14, I really want to try Orchid Petal & Craving Coral for the end of summer and maybe even Radiant Rose & Bitten Berry for fall and winter! 

Sunkissed Bronzer by Pop Beauty in the color Secret Sunshine

This bronzer is so nice! Usually my bronzers are a bit lighter/more golden, but this shade worked really nicely after I tanned a bit at the beach. It goes on really well and blends nicely. Although I liked this product, I probably wouldn't purchase it for $10 when my NYC Color Wheel bronzer has almost the same results. 

Soy Renewal Beach Spray Conditioning & Texturing Spray by Sexy Hair

 This spray came at the most perfect time because when I go on vacation, my wavy hair has to be left natural because I cannot and will not fight the Florida humidity. I combined this spray with the mousse I already use and I had pretty great results. I was going to insert a picture, but all the pictures of my hair were taken after I had ridden down the strip with the windows down...let's just say, the wind-blown look doesn't look so great on me. But I would definitely recommend it, the smell itself is worth it!

Overall, the bag was really exciting to get and I would recommend becoming a member, especially since it's only $10 (including shipping!) P.S. the little bag they sent this month was super cute as well, as you can see in the picture that I posted first. It was hot pink with little scallops and perfect for tossing into my Longchamp!

Click this link to get to Ipsy  and make sure to do the facebook posting offers to get off the waitlist as soon as you can so you'll be able to receive the September Glam Bag!   

Are you a member of Ipsy or any other monthly services? If so, tell me in the comments so I can check the other ones out! 

Thanks so much y'all! 

xoxo, SS