Smitten: Pretty in Pink

Once again, thanks to everyone who read/commented/ on my posts while I was away. 

And thanks for my wonderful guest posts, sweet ladies, like Applied Glamour!

I'm getting caught up on comments, and please let me know if I've accidentally not visited your blog.

Thanks! Love, Elle

After a month of No Shopping (post coming soon on this!) I was surprised at how restrained I was! I did shop a little at ELF and Ulta, because makeup (like I need more, right? Wrong answer! Yes, yes I need it) makes me feel prettier. Here's what I'm smitten with this month: things that remind me of Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

{ELF gloss that is so pretty and wearable...the glitter ones remind me of MAC Lipglass}

{ELF shimmer cream shadows...so pretty and romantic}

{Miss Dior Cherie...I always start wearing it around this time of year}

{Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush...obsessed with this! Last seen here}

{Valentine cookies...another annual tradition}

{a Glade candle next to a mirror always looks fancier+ adds ambiance}

{a giveaway prize from Minted...I've filled up 5 pages already with ideas}

{Trader Joes...my favorite source for budget blooms...these are in a red vase #colorblockingobsession}

{a little Pinky Glitter by Sinful Colors to brighten a gloomy day}

{and for my random item, I'm smitten with this Contigo thermos. 

No more spills--I'm rather clumsy--and it keeps my drinks cold all day.}

What has you Smitten lately?

PS: I can't believe you haven't entered my $100 Shopbop Giveaway yet! 

ANYONE can enter! 

Guest Post! Laura from Applied Glamour

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Let's welcome Laura from Applied Glamour! She's guest posting for the day and I'll be back tomorrow. Love, Elle

Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is swiftly approaching.  What a holiday, right?  It's meant to celebrate love of course, but it can often bring out the worst in people.  And by people, well, I mean women.  Just yesterday I listened to a stranger lament about how she was single on Valentine's Day again.  If we're sick of being single and longing for a romantic relationship, this holiday can make the sting of loneliness all the more acute.  On the flip side for some women who are taken, their relationship is thrown into a kiln of expectations and pressure, and woe betide the lover who forgets to acknowledge this all-important day.

It's all a bit ridiculous, don't you think?  If you're in love, why wait till February 14th to be extra romantic?  And why let some silly date on the calendar make you feel bad and inadequate?  This year, why not do something different?

As Carrie Bradshaw famously said at the end of Sex and the City, "The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself."  Isn't that the truth?  Whether you're single or taken, let this be the year that you celebrate self love.  Treat yourself to something awesome.  Do things that make you feel pampered.  Spend time doing what you love.  Get a little decadent because you deserve it!  


For me this means buying myself flowers and fancy chocolates, running a scathingly hot Lush bubble bath, and watching Marie Antoinette while soaking luxuriously and eating my fancy chocolate.  For you it could mean taking a long scenic drive and shouting song lyrics with your playlist at top volume, all wild and carefree.  It could mean surrounding yourself with beauty at an art museum, then working on your own creative project.  It could mean taking time for some yoga and quiet meditation, or throwing a crazy sweaty dance party of one.  It could mean finally purchasing that frivolous thing you've had your eye on for ages.



However you choose to celebrate, know that you are amazing, lovely, capable, and strong.  You are beautiful, intelligent, talented, and deserving of wonderful things.  Make this Valentine's Day this year that you celebrate you.  Do what brings you joy and ecstatic happiness, whatever it may be.  And then get really crazy and do that at least once a month, because once a year just isn't nearly enough!


So tell me: what are your favorite ways indulge, pamper, and treat yourself?  How will you be spending February 14th?




PS: Want $100 to spend at Shopbop? Enter the international contest HERE.

DIY: Decorated Drinks for Valentine's Day

Since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I thought I'd share a few sweet treats this week. First up, I'm showing ways to make ordinary drinks extra special. And don't let a lack of Valentine stop you! Modify these for kids or make them for yourself! Check out my Decorated Drinks:

Make that cappuccino cute with a heart on top for FREE!

• Take a drink lid (free anywhere that sells sodas or these can be bought) and trace a heart.
• Cut out the heart--remember there's a hole in the middle of the lid to make cutting easier.
• Place stencil on top of drink (perfect fit!) and sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.
• Gently remove stencil.

How about Heart-shaped Marshmallows in hot cocoa?

• To decorate hot chocolate, add a dollop of cream (I used Reddi-Whip) and a Peeps heart-shaped marshmallow. 

Milk Hearts

• What goes great with Valentine cookies (that I did not bake)? Heart-shaped milk cubes!
• Pour milk into a heart-shaped mold (I got mine for $1 at Target, but lollipop molds work too).
• Add a drop of food coloring and mix with a toothpick. 
• Once the milk hearts have frozen, drop them in a cool glass of milk.
• OTHER IDEAS: no milk? Use water instead with food coloring or strawberry syrup. Or pour strawberry milk into molds for flavor. Or try Kool-Aid cubes in the milk. I've tried all and they're delish!

 PS: Enter my GIVEAWAY for a $100 giftcard to SHOPBOP! Open internationally! 

GIVEAWAY! $100 Giftcard to SHOPBOP

It's time for another giveaway, dontcha think? And this one is INTERNATIONAL! 

What's the prize? 

$100 giftcard to Shopbop!

Who's Shopbop? 

You mean you haven't heard about Shopbop? It's an awesome site with designer women's fashions at great prices. There are so many designers --like Marc by Marc Jacob's denim. Consider Shopbop the ultimate online shopping destination for fashion-forward women around the world.

How do I enter?

• Leave a comment below with your favorite item or designer sold on Shopbop.
• Extra entry: Fan Shopbop on Facebook.
• Extra entry: Follow Shopbop on Twitter

When does the contest end?

• Hurry! The contest ends FEBRUARY 18th! 
• It's INTERNATIONAL!!!

How To: Gossip Girl Blair's Wedding Hair/Makeup--Valentine's Makeup

I'm so happy to be back!

Looking for a sweet, romantic look for Valentine's Day? How about one that is easy and cheap to do with drugstore products? Here's a look I created inspired by Blair Waldorf's wedding on Gossip Girl. Even if you don't watch the show, it's a pretty look. Let's get started:

• I used Milk (I've previously written about it here) Jumbo Eye Pencil by NYX as my eyelid primer. I also lined my water line with it to make me look more awake.
• Next, I patted the pink shade from the Wet N Wild trio Sweet as Candy all over my lid. I dragged it under my bottom lashes too.
• Using a crease brush, I used a windshield wiper motion to apply the brown shade above my crease. I have hooded lids, so I apply my crease shade above my crease. Otherwise, just sweep it along the crease.
• I lightly brushed the lightest shade under my brow bone and in my inner corners.
• With the ELF liquid liner, I lined only my top lashes. Blair's was much thicker than mine.
• After curling my lashes, Rimmel Scandal Eyes in black coated them.
• I completed the look with Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting and Revlon Lip Butters in Berry Smoothie. I shared my review of Lip Butters here.
• To get Blair's exact look, use Chanel products, like the eyeshadow quad in 47 Dunes ($58), Chelsea gloss ($28.50), Imitable mascara ($30), and blush in Imprevu ($43)

Smiling with your eyes closed=awkward!

Just choose Chuck, already!

• To get Blair's hair, use a two curling wands--I used a 1 in and a 1.5 in. 
• I primarily used the 1.5 curling wand (mine's from Remington) I wound 1/4 inch sections of hair away from my face and held for 5 seconds.
• Some pieces were a little larger and I curled them toward my face.
• I took random pieces and curled with the smaller curling wand.
• I pulled each piece after curling it to loosen the curl and create more of a wave.I also ran my fingers through my hair to make it messier-looking. If curl falls fast in your hair, then skip this step.
• To define pieces and create more of a beachy wave, I used a styling paste.

Let's pretend I have on a tiara, k?

Pouty Blair

Do you ever copy a look seen on tv?

PS: Giveaway tomorrow! International! Exclamation points!

For Sugar

When I though about writing this post, doubts plagued me: is this too personal to share? How would I express how wonderful a woman Sugar was who had a remarkable life, to so many who'd never met her?
And then the answers came: 1--she'd be delighted, 2--no words will ever do her justice, but I will try anyway.

Sugar giving me a hug & a kiss before I started college.

Sugar, as we've always called her, lived an astounding 95 years on this earth. Sugar passed away a week ago, and a piece of my heart will be forever empty. Let me tell you a little about her life: she had a hard childhood, as her mother died when Sugar was 2, and she had to work in the cotton fields. She never gave up and loved everyone, regardless. Sugar was an extremely devoted wife and mother. She was an entrepreneur, owning a dress shop in the 60s. She was the pillar of the community (everyone knew and loved her), and even started the library for one of the elementary schools in town. Sugar later worked as a receptionist for my Grandmother's beauty salon, until she was 90. She survived breast cancer at 80. And her favorite color was pink.

I could go on and on about the amazing things she accomplished, and how she always triumphed over any adversities she faced, but instead I want to list what I loved and will miss:

• She called me Angel Pie #1 (because I was the first great-grand, but I like to pretend it's because I was her fave).
• I'll treasure her singing Horsey Keep Your Tail Up, an old song from 1923, as she rocked us to sleep. I've tried to carry on this tradition with my pup, who is rather unenthusiastic and unappreciative of said tradition/my singing.
• I'll miss her voice; a true "joyful noise" when she sang. I'll miss the way she said, "I love youuuu" before she hung up the phone or at the end of a visit.
• I remember sitting on her back porch as a kid, on a summer day. We would eat ice cream sandwiches, trying to cool off, and I would think, it can't get any better than this.
• I'll miss all the memories of her house, a place I've not visited since she entered the nursing home 5 years ago. It's just not the same without her there.
• When I wanted to go to away to college, but no dorms were available, she got on her knees and prayed every night they'd find me a spot. And sure enough, they did, two days before classes started.
• I'll never forget how she then rode 3.5 hours, walked up 4 flights of stairs, and made my bed when I moved into the dorms. She was in her 80s then. And I was the first in my family to graduate college.
• She was very devoted to her churches and to God. There's no doubt where she is right now. Sugar would always help anyone in time of need.
• I'll remember spending Saturday nights at her house when I was little, so she could take us to her church on Sundays. She always had to be the first one there.
• I'll miss her hands. They were always so soft, and her nails manicured.
• I laugh when I think how she always kept her house, as my Dad always said, "hot enough to melt tin foil." 
• Sugar knew everything about everybody, but she wouldn't dare have called it gossip. She was just Informed. 
• I hope I never forget her smell: part Oil of Olay and part Chanel No. 5.
• I'll remember playing with her costume jewelry and the odd assortment of bits and baubles we called "toys." I'll remember playing in her yard, along the dirt road, and on the back porch.
• She loved receiving presents and always wanted her picture taken.
• I'll miss her trademark bright pink lipstick, which she left on everyone after she kissed them.
• She bragged to everyone about her great-grands, and was so proud of us. I'll miss most of all her never-ending love and belief in me. 
• Sugar was my great-granny, was as sweet as her name, and I'll miss her always.

Sugar always gave me something when I visited. Some things were discarded (there's only so many rose soaps one needs in a lifetime), but on one occasion, she gave me a blanket with an angel on it, but I never used it. When I drove back home (a long, 5-hour drive full of sobs), I came across the blanket, remembered it was from her, and noticed for the first time the words:

...and in my heart.

Thanks for every kind word, thought, and prayer you, my wonderful readers, have offered. Special thanks to those who offered to post and those who did: Ana, Deborah, Maribel, Jackie, Aimee, Jess, and E. Thanks to those who took time to leave comments on their posts and make them feel welcome. I truly appreciate your help during this difficult time. Thank you. Love, Elle       

Guest Post! Ana from The Summer of June

Hello Elle Sees readers! My name is Ana and I blog over at The Summer of June. Since Elle is taking a little time off to remember her beloved Great Grandmother, I thought I'd help her out today.  In the year and a half that I've been following Elle's posts - fun fact: she was the very first visitor and commenter to my blog!!  I discovered how amazing she is at creating beautiful hair and makeup looks. Needless to say, I was a little nervous about guest posting here, as I'm not nearly as good as her; in fact, I'm quite the rookie. However, I quickly realized that, as a girl who's endured many long and harsh winters, the one product that I do know a bit about is lip balm. So, in keeping with my passion for living a natural, eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle, I decided to share a few of my favourite all-natural, "green" lip balms as well as some that are on my wishlist.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - This is my everyday, go-to lip balm. It gives a wonderfully refreshing, minty feeling to my lips.

Best Bath Store Chocolate Lip Balm - I have quite the sweet tooth, especially when it comes to chocolate, and this balm is like a guilt-free treat for my lips.

Bleu Lavande Lip Balm - Lavender was definitely an acquired scent for me, but now I love using this Canadian-made balm on nights when my lips feel especially dry, and waking up with incredibly soft lips the next day.

EOS Lip Balm - I realize that I'm very late to the party, but I have yet to purchase this now iconic. sphere-shaped lip balm. The HoneySuckle Honeydew version is first on my list.

Rocky Mountain Soap Coconut Lip Butter - This past summer I discovered my love for anything coconut, and a lip balm would be a sure fire way for me to enjoy the flavour outside the kitchen.

Hurraw Green Tea Lip Balm - Since green tea is chock full of antioxidants, I would expect this to be extra helpful with my dry lips.

Warning! For those with nut allergies, make sure to read the ingredients list carefully beforehand, as some of these balms contain nut butters.

Guest Post! From Spiral Style

Hi, I'm Deborah from Spiral Style.  We are all missing Elle and send her and her family love.  Elle is a great blogging friend and support and I wanted to jump in and help her if I could.  When I think of what Elle might be posting this week, I think of her Outfit of the Week.  She usually includes a scarf which totally pulls the outfit together.  Being mid-winter, we could all use a wardrobe boost so I challenged myself to come up with 5 scarves, each under $30, readily available for purchase and colorful.  Here are the winners:

Pom Pom Scarf 

 Old Navy $14.94

Solid bold color.  Also available in yellow with orange and red with raspberry pom poms.

Feather pattern scarf  

Forever 21 $8.80

Pattern

Nautical yellow stripe scarf 

 Sears $17.99

Stripes

Butterfly print scarf 

Old Navy $14.94

Some nature

Carrie Print Pashmina  

Scarves Dot Net $11.01

Soft pashmina and subtle colors.  I love this one.

Rainbow half scarf  

Scarves Dot Net $8.46

This is a bonus scarf.  It is called a half scarf because of the width.  

The price it so inexpensive you could order it with the scarf above and with shipping, 

still be under the $30 mark.

Guest Post! Maribel from Stroller Adventures in SoCal

I’m here to support our very sweet friend Elle, which I’m very happy to do so. When I first decided to do a guest post for Elle I began to worry since she writes about fashion, parties, beauty and I write about recipes, my adventures with my 2 kids and fun facts. However I soon realized just like Elle, I love wearing makeup, having my nails done. My name is Maribel, a stay-at-home wife and mother of 2 adventurer kids, and today I will share with you my adventures in nail polish!

Just like every mom I use my hands a lot. I change diapers, get kids clothed and bathed, wash dishes, laundry, clean, also cook and write a blog. Back before I had kids I always wore acrylics short and square with French manicure design –my husbands favorite- now don’t get me wrong being a mom didn’t make me stop wearing them. It was the fact that I discovered OPI and how to do my own nail color to last me a little over a week even with all my activity.

It’s very easy first regardless if I was or wasn’t wearing nail polish I use a cotton dipped in acetone and rub it against my nails then I apply a base coat and 2 –3 coats allowing each coat to dry for about 2 minutes, after this process I apply a top coat.

My favorite colors from OPI are Lincoln Park After Dark, You Don’t Know Jacques and Russian Navy. My favorite Essie colors are Au Natural, Jazz, Chinchilly and Merino Cool. I also like using drugstore brand such as Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear: Lacey Lilac and Wet Cement.

How do you paint your nails? How do you make the color last? 

Guest Post! Jackie from An Enchanted Evening

Hi everyone! My name is Jackie and I'm a co-writer for my blog, An Enchanted Evening. I'm beyond excited about doing a guest post for Elle. She has been such a sweet and encouraging blog buddy to me, that when she needed some help this week, I was more than willing. Remember to keep Elle in your thoughts as she is going through this difficult time. Shower her with lots of love and sweet comments.

So before my post, feel more than welcome to read more about us, Suzie and I have just been blogging less than a year, but already we are so grateful to get to share with each and every one of you.

Now onto the good stuff!

If you're like me, then by Thursday, you are dying for a little pick-me up. The weather here has been gloomy, which has put a serious damper on my mood. I know we all have those moments where we just need something to make our days a little better. So here are a couple of my tips/tricks to turn that funky mood into a fabulous one.

1. Take a couple of minutes and meditate. Now I usually use this time to pray and listen. No sounds, no music, no TV, no distractions. Just sit by yourself and enjoy the quiet. Breathe deep and try to focus on something positive [even a good memory will work].

2. Listen to your favorite song. Something that has a bit of an up beat vibe. I love "How sweet it is" by James Taylor or "Mamma Said" by The Shirelles. Or a song you just loved as a kid, a little N*sync can go a long way. [shout out to all you 90's fans]

3. Treat yourself to something. Go get a mani. Go eat something you love [red velvet cupcake for me please!]. Stop by starbucks and get your favorite drink. Make that batch of tea that you can't get enough of... something that puts a smile on your beautiful face.

4. Exercise. Now, coming from someone who finds working out a pain in my booty, let me tell you... it can make you feel pretty dang good. We've all heard the little rumor about those endorphins but the rumors are true! Working out helps you to feel better about yourself. So get out there and go do that zumba class [my personal favorite] or go for a hike in your local park. Getting off the couch might be a great way to get out of that funk.

5. Last but not least, surround yourself with people who make you smile. It seems cheesy but this might be the best way to change your day from negative to one you won't forget. Whenever I feel horrible or seem to be having a rough day, I go to the people who love and support me. The people who make me feel great no matter what! Somehow I always end up laughing and forgetting about whatever was stinkin' up my mood.

So that's it! Five easy tips to pick-you up this Thursday. So what is your favorite way to change those bad days? Have you spent some time this week encouraging others? Remember even a smile, can make someones day a little bit better. Thanks for letting me a guest Elle, hope you all enjoyed!

C'est la vie, Jackie

Guest Post! Shape of My Heart from Indianapolis Amy

Hi, I’m Aimée and I blog at Indianapolis Amy.  I’ve been reading Elle Sees for a long time now.  Elle Sees is one of my daily blog reads because she always manages to shake it up and deliver fun and informative posts.  With that in mind—here’s a post, just in time for Valentine’s Day. 

I’ve got heart pin and a heart necklace, but I decided I needed to step it up a bit and buy a few new lovely heart things. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (psst, a couple of weeks) and whether you’re married, coupled, single (or it’s complicated)… it’s reason to celebrate the love.  Here are a few fun and kitschy items I’ve got my eye on. 

 (photos via web sites)

Top row (l to r):  watermelon lollipop at Crate&Barrel, $2.95; magenta/gold bracelet set at Forever 21, $6.80; French dove graphic tee at J.Crew, $36.50.

Middle row (l to r):  love on toast stamp at Francesca’s, $6.95; heart candleholder at Crate&Barrel , $0.50; heart shaped sunglasses at Fred Flare, $14.

Bottom row (l to r): LOVE tote bag at Indianapolis Museum of Art, $10; 30” heart rug at Urban Outfitters, $19; heart pj shorts at Forever 21, $6.80.

What about you?  Are you excited for Valentine’s Day?  Love it/Hate it? 
Do you wear a heart pin or jewelry in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day?  
How do ya celebrate?  With your plus one? A night out with friends?

Guest Post! Jess From Jessica, Why Are You So Bossy?

First off I want say that even though it's a very sad reason that Elle can't post for a bit, I am excited that I get to help her out and hopefully gain some new readers (hey, look at that two birds, one stone).  Some background on little ol' me.  I am currently a nanny of three: Whiny Magee (5), Master of Disaster (3) & BabyGirl (1).  And because my days are spent playing with kids I am practically, sorta like, a stay at mom and let's face it, that's not a particularly trend group (no offense).  So I won't be able to give you any beauty tips or fashion advice.  However, I *can* tell all about the ridiculous things that "my kids" say and do.

Whiny Magee got an etch-a-sketch awhile ago and every now and then he gets really into drawing with it. He was in one of these etch-a-sketch phases when I told him about all the really cool art people can do on them.  So we hopped on my computer and Google image searched "etch-a-sketch".  These were the really cool ones I showed him:

 {pics via dreamdogsart.typepad.com, freakingnews.com. bitrebels.com} 

Then he pointed out this one and said it was so cool:

                                                    {sophlylaughing.blogspot.com}


Sometimes I forget that he is only 5 and we have completely different ideas of what's "so cool."

Guest Post! E from E is Random

I'm E and I blog over at E is Random.  I've been reading ElleSees for a while now and love all her tips and tricks.  While she spends some time with her family, I wanted to help on her blog so she doesn't have to worry.  And I thought I'd talk about one area of makeup I love.

I am an eye makeup junkie.  I love collecting the many colors of shadows (so pretty!), tubes of mascara (all the promises!), and types of eye liner (gel, kohl, and more!).
But there are a few products that I always end up coming back too.  So I thought I'd share my favorites with you.

Mascara

My splurge when it comes to mascara is Lancome's Hypnose Drama.  My only warning is that it tends to dry pretty crusty, so whatever you do, don't rub your eyes (bad any idea anyways, but mascara flakes are the worst).

(picture from Sephora)

My regular use mascaras are Maybelline's Colossal (yellow tube) and Volume Express The Falsies (purple tube).  And if I'm going out, I layer them up for an extra thick, dramatic look.

Eye Shadow

My go to brand for quality eye shadow is Mac.  Maybe it's the display laying out the seemingly endless colors, but it always catches my eye.  And the shadows are high quality.  I especially recommend splurging for more neutral, everyday wear colors.  A couple of my go-to colors are Shroom (a creamy beige) and Shale (a grayish purple).

(from Nordstrom)

If you are looking to start a collection, I recommend buying a palette and filling it.  The cost is a little more upfront, but you save money in the long run.  Plus, MAC will recycle old, empty eye shadow trays for you.

For more affordable options, there are plenty of great brands out there.  Elle has mentioned the Naked Palette, which I love.  You are probably thinking $48 sounds like a lot, but you get 12 shadows.  At $4 a piece, that's a pretty good deal.  And you can mix and match them for endless options. Maybelline also has an Expert Wear Quad compact for $6.  I love it in Designer Chocolate.

Eyeliner

This is the one area I haven't really found my absolutely favorites, so I'm asking for your help.  Eyeliner is something I just usually end grabbing on my way out of the store.  What are your favorites?  Do you splurge or do you use drug store brands?


Thank you to everyone for your kind words and prayers. I'm taking a few days off the blog this week, so If you'd like to guest post this week, please send your post to elleseesyou at gmail dot com (it's spelled out to avoid emails!)

Outfit of the Week: Cut Your Hair

Thanks for being so sweet last week! I just adore y'all. While I believe I'm authentic on the blog (but still retain privacy), it's not always perfect peaches around here. Yet I don't want to be the blog that complains about everything/uses my blog constantly as a vent session. So it was nice to just let it all out and not apologize for it.

One thing I will apologize for is my hair. It's the one splurge, the one thing I'm vain about. And I've been keeping pics of myself far away from the blog lately. When my beloved stylist quit, and then her replacement quit, I was in quite a pickle. I decided to dye my brown, highlighted hair. I'd never done it myself before, sans the occasional root touch up or glaze. I had to use the whole box. And it came out black with unintentional ombre on the ends. My grays stayed (I left it on longer than the directions stated). It looked awful. My boss said it looked "witchy" (it did). But thanks to Twitter reccs, I am madly in love with Dada Salon! Yay!
When, Where, Why: Thursday, Dada Salon, to get color and cut my hair
Heard: Cut Your Hair, Pavement (I will not apologize of my love for 90s alternative)

Wore:

• Gingham shirt from Old Navy $5 on clearance
• White sweater from Target, $14 (mine isn't ribbed but I couldn't find a pic)
• Skinny jeans (rolled up) from Charlotte Russe, $20
• Ballet flats from H&M, $12
• Hannah Necklace, gift from GS Lillian
• Bouncy Blush from Maybelline, $3 (with coupon, regularly $8)

It's impossible for me to do a whole shot of myself!

Was this before or after? Guess! 

Have an amazing weekend!




{edit: I just learned my beloved Great Grandmother, Sugar, passed away at 95. She was truly a remarkable, amazing lady. I'm heartbroken and happy, if that makes any sense. I'll be taking the next week off from the blog. If you would like to send me a Guest Post, I'd be grateful. Email me your post if you'd like. Thank you for your thoughts, patience, and prayers. Love, Elle}

Product Test Drive: The Seductress 3-In-One Flat Iron by Sultra

If you saw this post, you know I love a hair product/tool or two (or 3914). So when I had the opportunity to review the Seductress by Sultra, I had to have it. Luckily, I wasn't disappointed in the least!

Appearance and Features:

The packaging

Fresh out of the box; sleek design

On the enclosed heating pad; not heavy in my hands

9 foot swivel cord

3 heat settings/On-Off Switch

• 360 degree flexible 1 inch plates
• Kyocera ceramic technology
• Single pass technology
• High gloss coating prevents drag
• Rapid heat up
• 3 temperature settings for fine, normal, or thick hair.
• Fine 370F, normal 380F, thick 395F
• Fastest heat recovery on the market
• Auto shut off safety feature
• Durable, heat resistant, light weight body
• 9ft no tangle swivel cord
• Universal voltage
• 2 year warranty
• Complimentary iron pad

It straightens, it waves (and makes hair shiny!)

It curls! Just a little flip, an end curl, a ringlet curl

How to Use:

• Place on the heat pad
• Decide your temp by choosing your hair type (fine, normal, thick) and turn on. I use thick, but it feels hotter than 395!
• The Seductress beeps once it is on and then twice once it is ready--this takes maybe 20 seconds
• Use it to straighten, wave, or curl hair. It takes me 10 min to do my hair with it.
• It's been featured in Allure, Lucky, and was named best styling tool for minimal hair damage!

My Opinion:

I LOVE it. I like a product that does what is says, is easy to use, AND that is multi-purpose.

• It straightens, waves, and curls hair (I can do a tutorial on any of these if you'd like. Just let me know!). This is something than cannot be done with a regular flat iron, unless the iron heats on the outside as well, but it's definitely clever marketing by Sultra. 
• The Sultra website has videos on how to use it, as well! 
• My hair was instantly shinier--a great bonus. I didn't experience drag either. 
• I love how the Seductress can be used for international travel. Speaking of travel, it's all I need to do my hair in one tool. 
• It's available online and via Sephora for $210. That's expensive (to me) but you could think of it as 3 tools in 1. I've found it much cheaper on Amazon. Sultra has quite the array of hair tools, if you're in need.
• I recommend the Seductress by Sultra highly! 5/5 rating!

My hair curled with the Seductress!

Questions? Comments? Let me know, below.

I was given the Seductress for review, uncompensated. Opinions are my own.

DIY: Makeup Brush Organization

In yesterday's Beauty Organization post, I shared how I store my makeup brushes. This is the easiest thing ever. Directions: Pour. Add brushes. And you're done. This works better than decorative sand, glass marbles or pebbles, or coffee. Read on:

Weird Elle Fact #9372, I have a habit of doing this, just like Amelie (just play the first few seconds, if you'd like):

Bonus Fact: I like to crack creme brulee like Amelie too. So basically I'm French. Oui.

And it used to be a habit of mine when I'd go into Sephora (just to browse, right?) as I viewed the brushes and gadgets in containers. A few years ago they changed to these glass beads and I had to have some for my own. Oh, I had my brushes in a glass, but when I'd go to pull out a brush, the rest would tumble out. I asked a salesperson one day what they used and he said Sephora uses crazy expensive glass beads. I sighed in a French accent. He said to go to the craft store and get vase filler beads in the floral section. And that's what I did!

Try ColorFill Vase Filler Plastic Beads (around $4). Use whatever container you'd like (free & up).

Pour the beads about 1/3 to 1/2 in the container (depends on size). Remember to use caution if you have children.

PS: Think $4 is too much to spend on beads? Click to see what else you can do with them!

My Space Bag Giveaway ends TODAY!

FYI: I actually gave the package pictured above to my lil sis as a Christmas present (she got brushes & a container too!) so what you're seeing in this DIY are the beads I've used for years. I took my brushes out & poured them into the 2 containers & added brushes. Yes, I'm weird!