Lush Haul

If you follow me on twitter or tumblr, you're well aware of my obsession with LUSH. I'm a definite Lushie. I discovered LUSH through the Youtube beauty community. If you've never heard of LUSH, it's a fresh and handmade bath/beauty product store. They're all natural, non animal testing cosmetic products that are to die for. They vary from skin care, bath products, shower products, hair care, perfumes, and various other body goodies. If you've never been, you will be overwhelmed by the amount and variety that they carry, so I definitely recommend doing some research on their website or watching youtube video reviews.

The closest LUSH store to me was about 40 minutes away and with gas prices, I really can't afford the drive all the time. I was so super excited to have one open about 10 minutes from my house at the mall where I work! Great for me, bad for my wallet. I decided to splurge a little bit on a few more goodies than I usually get to celebrate the opening of the new store (or just because). haha

Butterball Bath Bomb- This is a super hydrating bath bomb for dry skin. It has pieces of cocoa butter and smells like heaven. It's a must try!

Honey I Washed the Kids Soap- This is one of Lush's best selling soaps and scents in general. It's a lovely honey and toffee scented deliciousness. The scent lingers and the moisturized feeling lasts all day. My skin feel so super soft after. 

R&B Hair Treatment- This is one of my favorite hair products, literally of all time. It's magical. I use it on my ends multiple times a day and it's so moisturizing and tames my frizz/flyaways. It smells like a bunch of bay leaves which constantly makes people ask why my hair smells so good.

Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb- This makes me loooove baths all over again. (Okay, I never stopped loving them.) It's a citrus, lemony, fruity magical scent. It's also a super fizzy, crackly fun bath bomb that changes colors within layers leaving your water orange and glittery! So much fun. 

No Drought Dry Shampoo- I'm notorious for going 2 or 3 days at least without washing my hair and always use baby powder as a quick fix to absorb oil from my scalp. Blair (Juicystar07) recommended this new powder dry shampoo because it works wonders without the white residue! Beware it's not only a little pricey, but it's definitely a stronger lemony type scent. A positive - it will last a long time because a little goes a long way! 

Cupcake Fresh Face Mask- I talked about this in my Friday Favorites and I picked up another pot because the shelf life is only 3 weeks. I'm happy to say I'm still in love. (No link to the product because it can only be purchased in stores because it needs to be refrigerated!)

It's Raining Men Shower Gel- This is the shower gel version of Honey I Washed the Kids, so it smells just as fabulous!! A little bit of this shower gel goes a long long way, so for me the travel size is enough for awhile!

I'm glad I was able to share my LUSH goodies from my latest trip! Look out for a full post on my favorite LUSH must haves!! Leave me recommendations on your favorites in the comments too!

xx - Dan

Doll House Room Decor: Furniture Haulin'

We got the keys today!! We officially have a new house. We're moving in on Saturday and slowly, but surely all of the pieces of furniture for my room are coming together. I'm very excited. Here is a very small picture of my new doll house sized room.

I'm excited to share how I put everything together on a budget in a super small space! (10x10 anyone!?) The first post in this series of Doll House Room Decor will be this one and it's a furniture haul of sorts. I'm going to share the pieces that make up the foundation of my room. I was very limited space wise, but I found these to be my essentials to create a great place for me. I'm also including my bedding which I feel to also be a basic piece of my room.

(Glass Accent Table, Target)

(Blanc de Blanc Headboard, Target)

(Puckering Comforter Set, Target)

(Versailles 3 Drawer Mirrored Chest, JC Penney)

(Brushed Chrome Garment Rack, The Container Store)

(Billy Bookcase in White, Ikea)

(Solsta Olarp Chair, Ikea)

As you can see, the mirrored and white theme is very prominent. I definitely was going for a very clean and romantic feel for the room. Also, there is no bed included in the above list because I'm keeping the same frame I currently have and just trading out the headboard for the new one from Target. The chest is definitely considerably smaller than what I'd like, but it will be used mainly for extra storage since I do have a walk in closet now.

I'm excited to put everything in there and see how my vision comes together. I definitely will be posting more on my blog about other aspects of my life, when there are other aspects haha. I've been seriously consumed by the new house, so once we're settled expect some other types of posts.

xo - danielle

Favorite Blog Time!!!

On my Crapberry, one of the few cool things I have is a built in "Social Feeds" app with Social media like Tweets and Facebook News Feed Updates in one screen and then the other screen is for RSS. I thought it would be pretty cool to give a shout out to those blogs that I find myself checking and refreshing my app for most frequently. I have quite the eclectic bunch of blogs ranging from the obvious beauty to lifestyle and even some mommy blogs...yep, I'm one of those girls.

1. Cupcakes and Cashmere - If you're not reading this blog, you're crazy. Seriously Emily (we're on first name basis...jk haha) has the greatest variety of blog posts from recipes to fashion to makeup. I love seeing her blog posts pop up because it's always something new and well put together. 
2. Sunday Morning Sugar - I think I've been reading Malori's blog for well over a year and she has never disappointed. She's well on her way to having the next Cupcakes and Cashmere type blog. Her recipes are divine and her style is so freaking cool with proof in her fashion, home decorating, and her cute DIY's. Definitely check her out if you haven't!
3. Amarixe - Allison is one of my favorite youtubers and has one of the most consistently updated blogs. I love that there is a variation between her videos and blog posts. Her posts feature swatches, in depth reviews, nail of the days, etc. It's a definite must read for any makeup addict. 
4. Musings - I'm a little biased since Rachel is my best friend, but her blog is one of my favorites. She is constantly posting what's on her heart and inspiring my faith all the time. She is a talented writer and has such a way with words that makes me feel like she's been reading my mind. (This is how we became so close.) 
5. Her Late Night Cravings - Another one of my favorite Youtube channels is this fabulous pair of ladies: Jayme & Mendi. Hannah introduced me to their blog and channel and I was hooked. They have such in depth and honest reviews with a lot of laughs and fun along the way. They're great to watch and there's always something new and exciting on their blog!
6. Dear Baby - I'm a long time reader of Melissa Jordan's, since before their first child, Everly, was born and they were really just letters to her. I've fallen in love with their family and her honest posts about life, love, and children. One day I hope to have such an optimistic outlook on my life even when it's sometimes a little chaotic and overwhelming.
7. Carly Cristman - Carly is everything I wish I could be. She's in one word, fabulous. If you've never seen her Youtube videos, they're unlike anything I watch. They're so well edited and fashionable and amazing basically. Her blog is definitely a supplement to her Youtube channel with even more style posts, nail posts, reviews, and such. 
8. The Kennedys Amongst the Kardashians - These ladies have one of my favorite "preppy" inspired blogs. It's so unique and there is truly something for everyone. Their outfits are always so wearable and put together and I love their little features like "Mind Your Manners Mondays." It's definitely a girly girl's paradise. 
9. Project Baby - I think I found Kristen's blog through Dear Baby above and fell in love. She's one of the fashionable moms/pregnant women I've ever seen. It's crazy. I love reading her heartfelt posts and seeing her awesome pictures especially of her daughter, Tinsley's nursey. Oh man it's to die. I'm super stoked that she's pregnant again so I can relish in some more months of pregnancy posts. (I'm so creepy, whatever, I love mommy blogs!)
10. Southern Gorgeous - One of my "newest" favorite blogs, but definitely not one of my new favorite girls, since I've known Em for quite a while now. She shares a makeup addiction much like mine and Hannah's and her new blog is all dedicated to that love. I'm super duper excited because I'm constantly going to her for recommendations and such!!! 

Definitely check out all of the lovely ladies above, they're worth a look for sure!!

xx - Dan

Bedroom Inspiration

Since my first post on moving, I've grown to accept the idea since papers are signed, furniture is ordered, and moving trucks are scheduled. It is very much a reality that is happening in a little less than 2 weeks. While I'm sad to leave the bedroom I've essentially "grown up" in through all of high school and college, I'm more than ready for a change.

Almost every free moment I have, I'm online pinning and researching bedroom ideas. From the beginning of the planning I've had a very clear vision of the end result. I was advised about how dangerous this could be because it can be hard to find exact pieces to mimic the look you want and the disappointment that could ensue. If you know me even a little bit, you know how stubborn I am. When I want something, I'm pretty determined to have it my way at all costs, even if my mom is trying to rein me in. I wanted to share a few of the pictures that have inspired my vision that I've been lovingly calling "Mirrored, Monogrammed, and White."

My key components:

• White quilted/tufted headboard
• Solid white girly bedding
• Simple white desk
• Mirrored night stand
• Mirrored chest of drawers
• Monogrammed shams
• Somewhere to store all of my makeup
• White ruffled curtains
• Ghost desk chair
• Rose colored or Tiffany blue accents

Yes, I'm really that picky. Now you can begin to understand why my mom is about to lose her mind at me because I'm not settling at all and quite frankly my budget can't even begin to cover what my crazy mind has concocted. Ideally, I want my bedroom pictures to be "Popular" on Pinterest just kidding...yeah sort of, my priorities are quite skewed when it comes to the place I'm going to be sleeping hahaha. 

(P.S. If I happened to just randomly save the picture to my Housespiration folder on my Desktop, I won't have credit because most likely I found it on tumblr, but I do not take credit for any of the following:)

(here)

(here)

and my biggest inspiration as of recently:

I'm seriously obsessed with everything about it!

xx- Dan

Rachel's Visit to Arizona

One of the absolute highlights of March, actually of all of 2012 was definitely meeting Rachel and getting to spend a whole week with her and Emily while she was here visiting on her Spring Break. Rachel and I have kept an internet based friendship for um, let's see, the past 3 years. We both called Emily our best friend, so it was natural for us to start talking via Facebook, my senior year of high school. Quickly we realized a common interest in blogging and writing and it was history from then on. To all of those people who say internet friendships don't count or aren't real, have no idea of the friendships I've maintained without meeting someone in person. She has kept me going when I felt weak and inspired me to stay strong. She's truly one of the most beautiful, kind hearted, and strong people I've ever had the pleasure of finally meeting.

Emily and I had a blast calling Rachel, our daughter, that week while we split time between the both of us while keeping our work and school schedules in check and dropping her off at various places. We did a lot of shopping, even more eating, and even more talking. Having her here was one of the biggest blessings in the world and it was extremely difficult to say goodbye after getting to spend so much time together. I'm so grateful God gave me the opportunity after so long to finally meet her and enjoy her company in person.

I could go on and on and on about how wonderful it was to have her here, but a picture is worth a 1000 words (cheesyyyy), so here's a few of those instead.

xx - Dan

Friday Favorites

I've been neglecting my monthly favorites, oh well. Life happens. I'm going to "TRY" to do a weekly favorites gather up post like this one. Life has been extremely crazy for me and I'm working on a few new time consuming projects all while preparing for a move to a brand new house. It's a lot. I'm overwhelmed to say the least, but I'm excited for it all. Share with me your favorites in the comments down below!!

(From left to right)

• Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara- One of my absolute new favorite mascaras of all time, it adds fibers to the ends of your lashes to make them look seriously fake and long and fabulous!
• Jewelmint Starbound Ring- I love this rose gold unique ring. It's a definite conversation starter and adds an interesting touch to any outfit. Picture of me wearing it here. (Coupon code for Jewelmint 65% off - JM11)
• Mix No.6 Chanel Floral Wedge Sandal- These were my Easter wedges of choice and they were so comfy and easy to walk in. I got a lot of compliments on them and they're def going to be a staple spring shoe for me. 
• Easter Sunday- I had a wonderful Easter spent at church, then having an amazing time with my family eating and playing baseball (in a dress mind you!). It was relaxing and great. 
• Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask- This mask is perfect for those with acne prone/oily skin. It smells like heaven, literally like chocolate cupcake batter and draws out any impurities while softening your skin like crazy! It's a must purchase in the Lush store (not sold online)!
• NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny- I've never been into matte bronzers until I found this one. It's soft, smooth, and is very natural (not orange at all!!). It's also only $3!!! AWESOME!

xx - Dan

The Reality of Moving

This past month has been a whirlwind of sorts. I was always coming and going and working and stressing. I've been absent and I swore this blog wouldn't be this way. But that's life. I can't promise posts.  I worked a lot in February. I can't remember many days off in a row, except for that one long weekend spent on a cruise to Mexico with my family and their coworkers. That was a serious blessing. Overall, I'm thankful for the tired nights and feeling over worked because it was worth it when Rachel came into town last Saturday.

I could go into a whole spiel about how awesome Rachel is and how excited I was to finally meet her, but that will come in the next few days. (Plus you can find that on every other social networking site that I'm on!) It will be awesome to talk about someone that I first connected with through our posts on Blogger.

I've chosen to come back to my blog mostly because right now, I don't know how to effectively communicate my feelings to anyone else. For me, words have always flowed easiest from pen to notebook and keyboard to screen. I'm 20. I don't know very many others my age still in the predicament of living at home. There are some blessings to it, there really are: not having to spend AS much money on food, no rent, no utilities, someone to do your laundry, a fairly well stocked pantry/fridge etc. But I always imagined the next time I moved it would be into an apartment with a roommate or even on my own. My mom's decision to buy a new house came to me as a shock and honestly I was stunned. I've lived in this same house since the summer before my freshman year of high school. Don't get me wrong, I love this house, but it's just the fact that I'll be 21 in 3 months from tomorrow and instead of moving out on my own, we're just moving out.

I've sort of resisted the whole idea. Every time we went to see houses, I was uninterested and complained most of the time. I don't know why I thought that if I pouted enough, she would decide otherwise. How mature of me... I have yet to actually see the house she is purchasing because quite frankly, I'm trying to pretend like it isn't a reality. But it really really is. They took pictures of my furniture today to sell and we're having a garage sale next weekend. I'm trying to embrace it, but I'm struggling. I'm hoping through blogging about it that I will find the positive in all of this and maybe even find some excitement? Ha, one can dream right?

xx - Dan