Tag Archives: pampering

Aug21

New Violet & Punch Pink Nails

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New Violet & Punch Pink Nails

Hello! After several long and stressful weeks, I was in desperate need of some self care and had been counting down the days till my next appointment at Elysian Nails. Not only did I need a pampering session but my nails were looking JANK. As always, Elysian got me right and my nail tech did a fabulous job on my talons. Check it out:

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Normally, I have a color palette in mind before I go to the salon for a fill. This time around, however, I decided to let the polish wall speak to me and made my choice almost instantly. Directly in my line of sight was the OPI shades in Strawberry Margarita (Which I totally get) and Grandma Kissed A Gaucho (Which I don’t get at all).

Lol despite one nail polish name making no sense to me or my nail tech, I am in love with this color combo. It is such a perfect palette to wrap up summertime with before we move onto plum, oxblood, and jewel tones for fall. These nails look like a sweet candy treat or summer sunset and I catch myself looking at them constantly. So cute!

As you all know, pampering is my favorite form of self care and this trip to Elysian Nails definitely helped put some pep back in my step. It’s almost impossible not to when I leave the salon with nails looking like a billion bucks!

What color of nail polish are you wearing? What are your favorite summer nail polish colors? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Aug11

Treat Yourself With Some Self Care

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Treat Yourself With Some Self Care

Hello! When we think of the phrase “treat yourself”, Parks & Recreation usually comes to mind when Donna and Tom splurge at the mall. A great shopping trip is definitely a treat yourself occasion but so is a day of self care! Self care is all about taking the time out of your day to do things that make you feel good. Let’s explore some ideas for when you’re feeling like you could use a pick me up:

Pampering, Please:

My favorite form of self care is definitely some pampering! Whether it’s a face mask or bath bomb from Lush, getting my nails or hair done, or simply using a nice lotion – I love it all. Being pampered whether it’s at the salon or at home is so soothing and it’s always nice to feel like a million bucks!

If you are in the mood for pampering with the works, it could be a fantastic treat to book an afternoon at a Day Spa. Take note of what you loved about your visit and then you could even host your own personal “spa day” so your friends can get in on the self care too. Everyone could bring their favorite products, drink tea and spill the tea as you catch up, and enjoy each other’s company. How fun would that be?

Treatments:

I am a firm believer that if there is something that makes you feel self conscious, it is worth going to a professional for. Whether you want your teeth whitened, Botox, lip filler, dermal fillers in Chicago (or your local area) or anything else – go for it. There is nothing wrong with any of this and if it makes you feel good about yourself, then that’s all that matters.

Of course, treatments are not always cosmetic. If you are experiencing aches and pains, you could try PEMF treatment for health maintenance and pain relief. Or, you could book a monthly massage to help work the kinks out. This is also an excellent practice in self care to help you feel your best inside and out.

Veg Out:

Sometimes the best form of self care is sitting on your favorite armchair or couch and vegging out. You could spend the afternoon with a good book or binge watching that show that you have been dying to watch. Taking the time to just sit, relax, and be can do wonders for your mental health. Vegging out gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different world and you will return to reality feeling refreshed.

Work Out:

Whether you are hitting the gym or just taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, it will feel good to get your body moving. I love to take my mom and dad’s dog for runs and when I’m done, I feel happy that I gave both of us a work out – even when my legs feel like Jello! After your exercise, you could treat yourself to a yummy smoothie or a delicious dinner to refuel your body.

Everyone could use some self care in this crazy world and these are just a few ideas to help perk you up whenever you need!

Jul30

July 2022 Finishes

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July 2022 Finishes

Hello!!! It’s about that time to discuss my beauty finishes for the month of July and it was a good month, indeed. I got to try some new to me products, used up some of the ones that took forever, and revisited some old favorites. It was a GREAT SUCCESS so let’s get to it:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Spray: Omg, did this spray take forever to finish lol – at least half a year of almost daily use! This is fine by me, though, because I love anything apple scented and B&BW always delivers. The Country Apple is the perfect mix of sweet and tart and it is the perfect pick me up before leaving for work. I would definitely use it again but am fine with not using it for a while!

SkinLab Cleanser: I love SkinLab products and the Lift & Firm Daily Gel Cleanser was amazing. After about a month and a half of daily use, my skin looked more supple and felt smoother. It was invigorating to use every morning and also removed remnants of makeup really well. Although, I have to admit that it’s a bit sad to be moving onto products that Lift & Firm lol.

B&BW Shower Gel: Normally, the travel size shower gel from B&BW lasts me three weeks of daily use. However, this month I used up two of them because Johnny helped me out after he ran out of his shower gel. We both smelled awesome for the month of July and I adore the Gingham Love scent. It has all of the fresh, crisp feels of the original Gingham with juicy berries thrown in for good measure. Although I think it’s super cute that Johnny used my shower gel, I’m bummed out that I’m all out of Gingham Love!

Tatcha Moisturizer: This moisturizer was a freebie during my last Sephora Haul and it was nice but I wouldn’t use it unless I got it as a free item again. I love a water cream formula, especially during the summer and this one was delightful. It absorbed so quickly while still leaving my skin feeling ultra hydrated. It took me four days of twice daily use to finish the sample jar.

Lanocreme Moisturizer: I purchased this moisturizer during a winter haul at TJMaxx and finally got around to using it towards the end of June. Although it absorbed well, it was a bit too thick for my liking during the summertime. That’s not to say that it wouldn’t be great for fall and winter use, though! This moisturizer was rich, creamy, and left my skin looking and feeling peaches and cream perfect. It took me about five weeks of twice daily use to finish the jar.

Hope Soap Lotion: This is the second lotion that I’ve used from Hope Soap, which is a local shop in my area. I received both of them as a gift and the first one that I finished in June wasn’t my favorite because its texture was so runny. The Vanilla & Fig was the polar opposite, however, and had the consistency of a normal lotion which I liked much better. It also smelled awesome! As nice as it was, I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it for myself but it made a wonderful gift. It took me a little under two months to finish the jar.

As you can see from all of these empties, July was a month full of pampering. Whether the product was good or bad, I am glad to have used them up and am ready for lots more finishes come August!

Which products did you use up this month? What are your thoughts on any of the above products if you have used them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul17

New Red & Peach Nails

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New Red & Peach Nails

Hey!! After a super lame streak of bad luck, I am finally getting back into the swing of things. Of course, some retail therapy (Peep a brand new TJMaxx haul soon!) and pampering at Elysian Nails definitely helped the cause! I had a short work day this past Wednesday so I treated myself to some shopping before and a fresh fill after, which was just what the doctor ordered. Check it out:

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Unfortunately, my favorite nail tech no longer works at Elysian Nails and I’d be a liar if I said that I didn’t feel weird having someone else care for my claws. However, the staff at Elysian is simply the best and I knew that my hands would be in capable ones no matter who is doing them. This past fill was actually awesome because the tech who did my nails when I first started going to Elysian is back. It was SO nice to catch up on lost time and see how much she improved at her craft while working at different salons!

For my color combination this time around, I went with a fiery red and peach combo and I am loving it. Alone, the red is very vibrant but it popped even more against the subtle peach and I think that it is such a fun, summery palette. When the peach polish was wet, I was a bit worried because it looked darker than I anticipated but it dried into the perfect pale shade that I had in mind and was instantly sold. So cute. 😀

With new hair, nails, and gorgeous new additions to my wardrobe, I feel ready to take on the world again. Big ups to my stylists for keeping me looking my best and TJMaxx for helping me dress my best! ❤

What color of nail polish do you have on? Who else turns to the salon or retail therapy when you are feeling down? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul4

New Hair, Who Dis?

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New Hair, Who Dis?

Hello!!! It had been a very long time since I was able to get my hair done because my brilliant stylist, Anna, unfortunately got COVID. Needless to say, I was counting down the days until my rescheduled appointment this past week and the results were worth the wait… My hair is finally red and white after two trial attempts! This is exactly what I’ve been wanting for so long and I am beyond obsessed. Check out how it started VS how it’s going:

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^^^ The red is Pulp Riot’s Fireball and the white is Pulp Riot’s Ghostblood.

I have been wanting red and white anime style hair for forever and the past two appointments with Anna got us close but not quite. My natural hair color is a medium to dark brunette and the bleach just wasn’t lifting enough to achieve it. We had to bleach my hair once and then a little bit more and the results ended up being more beige with hints of white peaking through.

This time around, however, was a totally different story and the bleach lifted the color to something Anna was happy with on the first go. This was a success in and of itself and we were both eager to see how the color turned out after the Fireball and Ghostblood sat. We were expecting to have to bleach it again so we were both surprised when Anna told me that she didn’t think we would have to as she washed my hair.

I couldn’t get back to her styling chair soon enough to see what she was talking about and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I sat down… Even with wet hair, the Ghostblood did its job and my hair was a pure white. It also had some awesome touches of purple and pink in it for an opalescence pop of color. It. Looked. Gorgeous.

The color was, of course, fabulous but I was also desperate for a haircut too. I always say that I can deal if the cut is good but the color is “meh” but I didn’t have one or the other going for me. After so long without Anna working her magic (Through no fault of her own!), my roots and haircut were so grown out and it was an overall hot mess. Because of this, I told Anna to go crazy with the cut and she delivered with a short, choppy, scene kid style. The cut took me back to high school with a voluminous top and a straight bottom layer and I am so there for it!

I am very curious to see how the perfected red and white fades out because it was not flattering on the first two attempts. Although Anna and I are already plotting for red, yellow, and orange hair next time around for fiery fun, it seems like such a shame to change it when my hair is finally what I have been daydreaming about. No matter what we go with, I know that I will be in the best hands and, as always, Anna is a genius! ❤

What colors should my hair be next? What is your favorite way to pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun20

New Teal & White Nails

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New Teal & White Nails

Hello! My last fill at Elysian Nails was a bittersweet one because my favorite nail tech had moved onto bigger and better things. When I went to Elysian this past week, it was the first time in over a year that someone different had done my nails and I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t a little bummed out! On the bright side, I got another one of my favorite techs who my old one recommended and my claws turned out beautifully:

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For this past fill, one of the owners ended up doing my nails and it doesn’t get much better than that because she is AMAZING! I was in and out in a little over an hour and you just can’t beat that – especially considering how expertly she sharpened and shaped my talons. She also put on a thicker coat of acrylic to better compliment the shape and they have never felt so strong and sturdy before.

Originally, I had wanted nude nails with a colored tip but it was something that I needed to request when I scheduled the appointment. That was okay, though, and I can’t wait to get extra pampered next month as a treat. I decided to go with a teal and white combo, instead, and I am loving it! I can’t recall the last time that I had white nail polish on and I’m not sure why it took me so long to give it a shot. The bright white paired with the beachy blue just screams fun in the sun and I think it looks fabulous as well as different from what I’d usually get.

It is always sad when a preferred hair stylist, nail tech, or artist moves on from the salon but this first fill without my fave couldn’t have gone better. But, I shouldn’t have expected anything otherwise because Elysian Nails is, easily, the best salon that I have ever been to! ❤

What color are your nails? How long have you been working with your hair stylist or nail tech? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May16

New Yellow & Red Violet Nails

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New Yellow & Red Violet Nails

Hello! This past Thursday, I enjoyed a much needed fill at Elysian Nails after a long and stressful week. More like a long and stressful month, actually, with mine and Johnny’s big move! During my last fill, the weather in Ohio was still crap and was cold, rainy, and snowy. The winteresque weather inspired a more muted color combo for my claws but this time around, it has been warm and sunny! Summer style colors were a must and this is what I went with:

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I am very fond of the yellow and red violet color combo and have definitely used it before. I just think it’s so pretty and perfect to welcome beautiful weather with! I can’t help but to smile every time I look at them, especially paired with my fairly new tattoos on my hands that I love oh so very much. 😀

As always, the pampering from my nail tech at Elysian was fabulous but it was also very bittersweet. She is moving on to a new job and I am incredibly thankful that I got to see her one last time before her two weeks are up. I look forward to my monthly trips to Elysian as soon as I leave the salon. Of course, my nails look gorgeous every time but I am more excited to see my nail tech and catch up on the latest in our lives. She has truly become a dear friend and we already have plans for an Indian food dinner soon. I can’t wait!

My hair stylist, tattoo artist, and nail tech are some of my favorite people in the whole world and I am so proud to wear their work. Many thanks to all of them for keeping me looking my best. We’ll see what happens with a new to me nail tech next month!

Do you have a close relationship with your stylists? What color of nail polish do you have on? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Apr18

New Holographic Lavender & Cornflower Blue Nails

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New Holographic Lavender & Cornflower Blue Nails

Hello everyone!!! With insanely grown out nails and a broken one, I was in dire need of a trip to Elysian Nails to get my claws looking right. Between my upcoming move, changes in my job, and some annoyances with the nerve issues in my arms, I have been really stressed out. I was so happy to be able to find shelter from the storm at Elysian and left feeling much better than when I walked in! Check out these new beauties:

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When I was considering nail polish options for my talons, I was feeling inspired by the beautiful hyacinths in my parent’s front yard. I have always loved their fragrant scent and pretty shades of pink, blue, and white. The bouquets my dad arranges with hyacinths in them are also magnificent! I decided to go with a glittery cornflower (Or hyacinth!) blue as well as a holographic lavender.

If the lavender color looks familiar, it should! I had my nails painted this shade a couple of months ago and I didn’t even realize it until my nail tech pointed it out. I couldn’t believe that she remembered and I didn’t considering she has countless other clients every day! She is the sweetest and it was so nice to girl talk, complain, and laugh for an hour with her.

I am loving the color combination that I picked out and think that these nails are perfect for spring. These colors are a bit muted but the shimmer and glitter adds a little something extra and are stunning when they catch in the light. There’s nothing like a new hair do and some freshly filled acrylics to get your girl feeling just right again. ❤

What color are your nails? What is your favorite spring flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Be sure to tune in tomorrow for Spring Skirt Savvy OOTD bonus pictures! 🙂

Apr13

New Hair, Who Dis?

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New Hair, Who Dis?

Hello! This past Friday, I spent some much needed time at The Shear Shop getting pampered by my amazing stylist, Anna. She is the absolute best and almost six hours of hair magic and wonderful company just didn’t seem long enough. This time around, Anna used a new Pulp Riot dye called Ghostblood to help achieve my goals of red and white hair and I am obsessed with the results:

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^^^ The red is Pulp Riot’s Fireball.

As I mentioned before, this new do took a lot of time to make happen and we are SO close to perfect results that I can almost taste it. After some trial and error, Anna decided that the Icy toner by Pulp Riot wasn’t the way to go and opted for the Ghostblood dye instead and I am so glad that she did. All we need is to ice out the white just a little bit more during my next appointment and it will be exactly what I had pictured in my head.

To achieve this look, Anna bleached my hair for about forty minutes to lift the beige out. Then, after washing and drying, she meticulously brushed on the dye and placed each section in foil so the red and white wouldn’t mix. After the color sat and was washed, we saw that the roots of my hair still had a yellow tint to it so Anna applied a little more Ghostblood to solve that problem and it worked like a charm.

The first time the color was washed out, we were pleased with the results. But, the second application of Ghostblood is what really did the trick and I am always so appreciative to Anna for spending extra time so that we both leave the salon completely thrilled. We are both loving this look so much and, now that we know what must be done at my next appointment, I am already ready to go back. 😀

For almost two decades, Anna has gifted me with amazing hair and the best friendship a gal could ask for. I would not be Lil Red without her hair wizardry and I am still riding the high of how much fun we had at my last appointment! ❤

How long has your hair stylist been doing your hair? How do you like to pamper yourself? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar21

Face Mask Festivities: Farmacy Vitamin B Night Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Farmacy Vitamin B Night Mask Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a new edition of Face Mask Festivities! Today, we are going to be discussing the Vitamin B Night Mask by Farmacy, which I got as a freebie during my last Sephora Haul. Shopping online with Sephora provides lots of options for free product and I always try to make the most out of my purchase with trial size face masks and moisturizers.

This new face mask was free with a twenty-five dollar purchase and it was a no brainer because I love me a night time mask. While I enjoy pre-shower clay or exfoliating face masks, night time ones are a no muss no fuss option and it makes me feel pampered even while I’m catching Z’s. Let’s get to it:

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When first opening the Farmacy Vitamin B mask jar, I was obsessed with the pale blue color and I also liked that it was scent free. I don’t mind skin care with a bit of scent to it but no one wants an especially potent product, especially before bed! I used about three dollops with a Q-tip to cover my face and neck and it felt so nice on my skin. The gel like texture was cooling and it was much needed because I had spent the evening at the park with my niece. We were running around the entire time and as soon as I got home, I got ready for bed lol.

In the thirty or so minutes before nodding off, a majority of this mask absorbed and I knew that the remainder would continue to work its magic throughout the night. When I woke up, my skin felt really smooth and it also looked way less tired than I felt because my legs were like jelly!

While I liked this mask, it probably isn’t one that I would go out of my way to use again. My all time favorite night masks are The Body Shop’s Vitamin E and Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleep Masks and I can’t help but compare every mask I use at bedtime to them. As a freebie, the Farmacy mask was great but it doesn’t hold a candle to my tried and true faves.

What is your favorite face mask? What is your bedtime beauty routine like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah