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Monday, August 29, 2016

August Empties



Hey y'all!

It's been a long time & I want to apologize for that. School has been killing me, if you think that going back to school is tough as a student-try doing it as a teacher!

In all seriousness, it's been a wonderful year so far, just very busy so I've been trying to keep up with everything. 

Today I want to bring to y'all my mini reviews on some of the products that I've used up lately (as well as some products I'm simply trashing & why!).

There will be links for all the products I recommend :)


Y'all, this is the best smelling soap ever & I am SO sad that Bath & Body Works doesn't have it anymore. It's sweet and floral at the same time, perfection.

I really liked this shampoo, especially since my hair is SO dry.
It also smells really delicious, so of course I recommend :)

Y'all, I got this in an Influenster box & since then I've been a believer.
It keeps me feeling fresh all day long and smells really fresh & nice.

I also received this in a Vox Box from Influenster and really enjoyed both this & the shampoo.
It smells really good and is really affordable as well.

White Barn Salted Caramel Candle
This candle smells really incredible, it's all kind of baked goodness mixed with sweet caramel and just a little bit of salt for a savory note.
I wish B&BW would come back with a new candle with this same scent, because it's really great for the cooler weather months.

I love these EOS lip balms, they're so convenient and I tend to keep one on my desk at school, beside the sink, on my bedside table, etc.
This flavor is really nice!

Y'all if I could afford this I would buy it over and over again.
It feels so hydrating and refreshing, when my skin is being crazy (like pretty much always) this has the best calming effect on it. Highly recommend.


Love this mask, so much & I'm so thankful for the Target Beauty Box for introducing me.
It was very hydrating and cooled & reduced my puffy eyes. It was incredibly relaxing, but the only bad part was that you have to sit for 30 minutes to let everything soak in.

I always have loved these, I keep them in stock always from Sam's Club.
I 10/10 recommend for everyone!

Laneige BB Cushion Foundation
The pros: It has SPF 50, it was incredibly dewy, and lasted all throughout the day.
Cons: I didn't like the cushion applicator at all, I felt like I needed a lot of product to get good coverage, and I felt as though the color selection was a little weird.

Figs & Rouge Rose Berry Hand Cream
This came in an Ipsy bag a while back and honestly, I hate the smell so much!
I kept it because I just wanted to use it up, which I did, but the scent is overwhelmingly sweet and strong. It's a watery formula and not really thick like you would expect a hand cream to be.
Won't purchase.

Nugg Face Mask Revitalized with Flaxseed & Peppermint
This came in a Target Beauty Box and although I really liked this mask, the scent was really nice (very minty), but I didn't like the amount in this "single use" mask. I definitely could've used this two or three times.


Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
I am really trying to use up all of my lotions & potions and I was so glad to see this one leave.
It smells like crayons-so weird!
The formula was also very watery, which I didn't like, won't repurchase.

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara in Extreme Black
I loved this mascara so much & was so sad that I had to toss it.
The brush is a "broken heart" shape which means it gets all of your lashes and coats them really well.
If I can ever get through my stash of mascaras then I will repurchase!

Covergirl De-Puffer Eye Concealer
Loved the formula, hated the applicator. It was hard to get product out at the end and it wasted a ton of product. Also, the de-puffer factor isn't really an honest claim.
I won't repurchase, so if you know of a good under eye concealer, let a girl know!

Freeman Purifying Avocado and Oatmeal Mask
The smell of this product is really, really bad, almost like play dough.
It tingled in a bad way on my nose, so I'm kind of not feeling like purchasing this one ever again.

Nip & Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads
Y'all, these sound great, but they dried out so fast.
I didn't even truly get to try them out because they dried out so quickly.

Victoria's Secret Noir Tease 
It smells so warm & sweet, perfect for summer nights.
I would highly consider buying full size of this when I finish going through some more of my perfumes.

Maybelline The Colossal Lashes Mascara
This mascara was good while I had it, more for an every day look-it didn't give you very much volume.
It is also waterproof, which I've found that I don't like so of course I won't be repurchasing.


Victoria's Secret Pink Pretty & Pure Hand & Body Cream
This is a very warm and fresh scent, I'm really sad that VS is not selling it any longer.
It's really moisturizing for a nightly hand and foot moisturizer.

OLLY Perfect Women's Multi Vitamin
I was in need of a multi vitamin and this is the only gummy one that Target had, so I picked it up instead of my old favorite which I guess they no longer sell.
The taste is really weird, but they work okay I guess.

I really, really love this stuff. Once you get in the habit of using it every night, it's really easy.
It keeps moisture locked in for over a day, which is better than any other lotion I've ever used.

Bath & Body Works Winter Candle
Y'all, I am so excited for this candle to be back when it gets colder-the smell is incredible.
The packaging on this one is so sweet & nostalgic.
The scent is warm & piney, it reminds me of the night that you put up your Christmas tree.
I will definitely be repurchasing this one!

Bath & Body Lemon Pomegranate Cream Triple Moisturizer
This stuff smells delicious, so tasty!
I love how moisturizing it is & am once again, so sad that Bath & Body Works doesn't sell it anymore.
They do sell it in a candle now, so I'll probably be buying that as well!


So these last few products are ones that I'm simply getting rid of, I want to let you know why I'm tossing them so that maybe you can dodge them too!

Maybelline Master Glaze in Coral Sheen
I thought this would be a nice product because it's one of those lips+cheek product, but the color is just not great. It's a really sticky product too, so I don't like it on my face or lips.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Tiger Eye Shimmer
I really should've taken a picture of this out of the tube because it is truly a terrible color.
It's a brown/gold shimmery shade and I literally cannot wear it.
It's awful, so of course I'm not going to keep it and I can't pass it on (because that's gross), so I'm tossing it.
The formula is really nice though, I have several other Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipsticks & love them!

Mary Kay Sweet Plum Mineral Eye Color
I loved this eyeshadow so much when I first got it, but I hardly ever use singles. Plus it's old, so it's probably time to toss anyway.

Covergirl Clean Glo Blush in Peaches
Another product that isn't necessarily "bad", but it just doesn't have a lot of pigment.
I really prefer a pink blush anyways, so off it goes.

Costal Scents Quad in Vibrant Blue, Deep Eggplant, Candlelight, and Elven Midnight
This came in an Ipsy bag and I just don't like the colors, who wears that blue on their lids anyways?
The shadows are super buttery and pigmented, so maybe in other colors they would be good.

Measureable Difference Paradise Palette
These colors also suck, really bad. I'm just more of a neutral color girl.
The shadows are soft, although there is a lot of fall-out.

NYX Butter Lip Balm in Marshmallow
The product has a really great feel on the lips, but the color makes me look dead.
So...definitely going!

NYC Color Wheel in All Over Bronze Glow
I loved the idea of this product, but dude-no pigment whatsoever!

Well guys, I guess that's all!
I hope you enjoyed my little roundup, aka mini-reviews of these products!

Until next time. . .

xoxo,


Thursday, August 11, 2016

Back to School Bedroom {Get the Look}

Hey y'all!

It's about that time; the time of the year that all teachers and students alike dread and parents rejoice-back to school!

While I'm not "going back to school" as a student, this will be my first full year of official teaching so I'm really excited about that :)    

And while I would love to give you tips for living in the dorm as you start college this year, I never did that, but I did have my own apartment so I'm going to talk about that in a few posts over the next few weeks.

Today we're going to talk about getting a luxe, chic look in your first college apartment bedroom on that college girl budget.


This room is full of beautiful (also known as expensive) pieces like the gorgeous chandelier, the tufted headboard, and mirrored furniture.

But with a little bit of internet browsing and willing to compromise-you can achieve this look on a budget!




I love so many things about this bedroom, but when I started looking for the items in the photo-I didn't like the prices!

Here are a few tips when searching for the perfect decor and furniture for your first place:


Take Advantage of Sales:
I always stalk the sale sections of Kohl's and Target-they're some of my favorite places to get decor for insanely cheap.
Also take advantage of eBates (sign up using this link!), store coupons (sign up for emails to receive first notice about sales & store coupons), and make sure to regularly visit stores like Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, and TJ Maxx. 
These stores will help you find great deals.

Don't be Scared of Thrift Stores:
I found several pieces of furniture for my first place at yard sales and thrift stores.
My husband and I re-did my bedside tables for my first apartment and some mirrors and we had a blast! It's so much fun to pick out your own colors and hardware and you often have huge savings!

Shop Small:
If you don't like thrifting, then I highly suggest visiting small, locally owned furniture or antique stores.
I had my heart set on a black iron/metal bed but they were so expensive in every furniture store we looked at online. Luckily, my mom thought of a small furniture store that she knew of and we went there and they ended up having exactly what I wanted, & because my husband (then boyfriend) is a wheelin' and dealin' genius-we managed to get the bed, mattress, and a dresser at a fraction of the cost it would have been elsewhere.

Be Willing to Compromise:
Like in the picture above; you may not be able to have the exact same products without breaking the bank-but you can get the same feel.
Exchanging the rectangular pillow out for a square saves over $100.
Swapping out the mirrored bench at the bottom for a stool (or even two of these!) saves several hundred dollars.
Even just compromising on the bedside tables, from the mirrored enclosed ones to the basic table shape with an open bottom saves a ton of money in the end.


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I hope y'all are able to get some use of out those tips-I think that they will help out any person starting out in their first place!
Check out the items in the widget below to shop the image above-also two items that are not linked in the widget are the pink quilt and these lamps that are $70 a piece, which is a pretty great deal for a lamp+shade & these lamps will last forever, you could use these in a home with your husband some day!


I hope y'all have enjoyed this little post & I hope that y'all will be interested in seeing some more "Back to School" posts in the next few weeks-who knows, I might even share my classroom with y'all :)

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 



Monday, August 1, 2016

Insta Lately

Hey y'all!

I haven't shared what I've been putting on my insta with y'all lately, so that's what we're going to do today!

I like to share behind the scenes stories or details that sometimes you can't share on the quick platform of Instagram...so let's see the other side!



Alex & Ani U/Alex & Ani Auburn/Maybelline Mascara

I love posting flat-lays of the products or items that I've absolutely been loving lately, so you'll see that from time to time.

This summer in Alabama has been a rough one, so I've sworn by Tula's products for keeping my skin looking great, but not only that-I've needed a lippie with staying power; enter Too Faced Melted lipstick (mine is in the color berry!)

Another all time fave in this post is the Bamboo perfume that I've been wearing.
You know what people say about scent association?
As in, I have a scent that I wore on our wedding day & now every time I wear it, that scent takes me right back.

This Bamboo scent is so fresh & clean, I absolutely have loved it for my first summer being a real, true adult. I know that when I wear it, I'll remember our trip to Nashville, decorating my first classroom, adopting our pup, and the many other memories that we've created these past few months.


Estee Lauder/EOS Lip Balm

This is an oldie, but I still wanted to post it because I loved the pink tones in this picture (especially since I do love all of these products so much!)

Funny backstory behind this photo; my husband and I were in Montgomery, AL at the Renaissance Hotel (which is on the Riverfront in Montgomery).
I had a plan all in my head to take a gorgeous photo of my bags on the bed looking out over the Riverfront...and then they placed us in a room overlooking the parking garage instead.

So I proceeded to take this photo (the only "blogger" photo of the trip), but it has my most favorite scent ever from Bath & Body Works in it-B&BW, bring back Magnolia & Mimosas!


BB Cream/Blush & Bronzer Duo/Jewelry Box

True life, the background of most of my flat-lay's are towels!

I was using my "It's Summertime, Let's Get Ready Quick!" makeup routine when I decided that I needed to feature it on insta at least.

It consists of a BB cream, a bronzer/blush duo that also doubles for eyeshadow, and then I thought that my turquoise bracelets would make a nice match with the BB cream...and then in true Lilly-lover fashion I pulled over the small box that I keep my earrings in to make a cameo!


Primer/Gloss

I was perusing my local Target the other day and I knew I needed a new primer (I'm SO ready for our Ulta to be built!) so I headed over to NYX.
I picked up this Angel Veil primer and Butter Gloss on a whim, but I actually have ended up loving them both!

The primer goes on so smoothly, not sticky and it doesn't feel like it leaves a residue.
The gloss is really sticky and unfortunately doesn't have a lot of staying power, but I've actually learned to love it.
The color "Dulche de Leche" is gorgeous!



I purchased these flats for less than $20 when I saw the Halogen ones from the #NSale.
I think they're an amazing dupe and so comfortable! 
If you're a teacher looking for something your feet can last in all day & not break the bank, I highly recommend these.


Dress (sold out, similar linked)

I used this photo to announce my new blog name, but it's also the dress that I bought at the Lilly Pulitzer store in Green Hills for my birthday.

It's a Sophie in the print Southern Charm and I'm so excited to have another Lilly dress that I can wear to teach in!



This summer I have began taking my skincare very seriously, partially because I have lots of amazing skincare products and I just need to give them a chance and try them out.

Right now, my nightly ritual includes the Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser because it cleans my face so well and takes off any remaining makeup and leaves a blank canvas for my other skincare.
Did I mention that it's less than $10 for this giant bottle? Since stumbling upon this brand, which you can find at Wal-Mart, I swear by their cleanser and moisturizers!
  Then I move onto the Exuviance Non-Acid Peel (I use this about once a week to exfoliate and firm my skin.
I follow that with my Valentia Rose Hydrating Serum which smells absolutely amazing and keeps my skin so smooth and hydrated.
And lastly I smooth on my DMAE Moisturizer which is supposed to help with preventing wrinkles, etc. and then top it with my EOS lip balm!


Lilly Pulitzer Maxi (Similar)

This is one of my favorite pictures because it reminds me of relaxing summer mornings which are now gone :(
I loved looking through a magazine (especially Lilly!) and sipping from my Biscuit Love mug while Chris eats breakfast, but after today I'll be back to the school grind.

I thank you all for sticking around & hope you enjoyed this Insta Round-Up!
If you want to see more images like these, then please follow along at @SouthernAndStyle!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 




A big thank you to Fragrance Outlet & Aquation  for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support Southern & Style.

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