It's that time of year again--my birthday! And with that, comes loads of promotional birthday treats and goodie goodie gumdrops from my favorite stores. My birthday was on the 22nd and I wanted to spend time with family but, I thought I would share with you guys what Sephora has in store for you all during your birthday month. 

Personally, the only reason I'm on the Beauty Insider rewards program at Sephora is for the free stuff. That's basically what the purpose is for the card but, you have to spend X amount of money to get more money if you know what I mean. I think I look like a fool when I go up to the register and just ask for my birthday gift but, then I'm like, "Who cares--it's my birthday!". 

Anyway, Sephora usually changes the gift that the Insiders receive. Normally, you can choose either a mini makeup kit or skincare kit of two samples. This year I chose the sample sizes of the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and the Fresh Rose Face Mask instead of a sample size Marc Jacobs Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner and a Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; simply because I own enough black eyeliners and pink doesn't really look good on me! I felt like trying some new skincare products from Fresh and I was pleasantly surprised. 

The two products came in really cute packaging that specifically states it's a birthday gift. You have to be a rewards member (super easy to sign up) and all you do is tell them your email and chose which gift you want--no purchase necessary!

I was really excited that the products were from Fresh. I have heard so many great things about the brand and was really impressed with the way the Soy Cleanser cleaned off all of my eye makeup. The description says that it's for all skin types and it left my skin feeling really smooth and not dried out. The one thing that I didn't really care for was the subtle, nutty smell. Soy doesn't smell great anyway but, it's just something I thought to include in the post. 

I was very surprised that they added a sample of a face mask and was very excited to try it out. I only had enough to use one time and it was probably the best face mask I have used next to the Lush ones I have used in the past. Speaking of Lush, this mask did not resemble or feel as "fresh" as the Lush ones are. However, it did feel very nice on my skin and also toned it and left it very oil free. I woke up the next day and did not feel like I had to wipe off any excess oil that usually forms around my T zone. The rose scent was great but, a little artificial-like to me. I like that they included real rose petals into it, though. 

If you're like me and are obsessed with mascara and all things eyes then you're in for a treat! I have my top 4 favorite high end (with the exception of one) mascaras that are amazing and really create fuller and longer looking lashes. 

I am always sad when I have to say goodbye to a really great mascara. When I buy a really nice mascara from Sephora and it gets to the point that I'm questioning if I should just keep it or toss it, it's probably a good time to just buy a new one. I know I'm going to keep buying new mascaras so I thought I could share you the four that I love and will mostly likely finish (a couple) within the next week or so. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara- This mascara has been around on my blog for a while and unfortunately it will have to leave my collection soon due to it being old and dried out. It is an amazing mascara and I used it so much after I first opened it. It did wing out my lashes and resembled false lashes which really surprised me! I might have to buy another it was so good.

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara- Last but, not least, this mascara has been my holy grail mascara. It photographs so well and to be honest, who doesn't want that? My lashes look 10 times bigger and there's no flakiness or clumping. This was a newer find and I'm really impressed with Smashbox's eye makeup range lately. 

Hopefully soon I will discover more, great mascaras because it's not sanitary to hold on to old (but, amazing) mascaras. Are there any mascaras I should try next?

It's that time of year again; everyone's already getting back to school, going back to work, or even going back to the gym! I love buying new workout gear if you guys haven't already noticed. Athleisure and active wear is like my favorite trend right now and honestly, it's so much more comfortable, too.

This was kind of a collective haul because I needed new compression shorts a while ago but, I thought I would share my finds anyway. 

This Purple Ombre Tank was actually a Nike Outlet find. Normally at an Outlet or Factory store, there are discounted items for pretty nice deals. I looked online for this and they didn't have it on the website, however, I did find it for way cheap on Poshmark if you guys want to check it out.

The fabric reminds me of a terry cloth or a "towel-like" fabric. I don't mind it at all and it is very soft and nice to work out in. I did notice that it kind of absorbs sweat like a towel but, it's livable because you sweat anyway when you work out. Plus, it's really cute! 

I don't know about you guys but, I love working out in compression shorts. I ditch the yoga pants during the summer and swap them out with these bad boys! 

If you like wearing compression anything, these would be great for training in the heat. Whether you are outside on 90 degree heat or in a studio at 90 degree heat, these keep me cool while also giving me a full range of motion and comfort. They have longer types of compression shorts if you aren't about that "short life", they have a nice selection of lengths, sizes and colors, too. 

For the big shebang, I needed a new pair of sneakers. "Needed" can be used lightly but, c'mon--these are pretty amazing shoes just looking at them. They're the Nike Free Rn's and I have laid my eyes on them ever since I walked into the Nike store when summer started. 

I think a quality type shoe like these are worth every penny. I have worn these almost everyday and I know I will a lot when I run and I'm not wearing flip flops everyday anymore.  

I have a pretty wide foot so I was unsure about what size to get in the first place but, when I tried them on in the store, my exact shoe size (8.5 US), fit perfectly. It was a little concerning that it fit so well because it wasn't a wide shoe in the first place. Good for Nike! Usually I have a really difficult time finding the perfect size depending on the shoe; these fit great and feel great when I walk and run in them. Obviously, these are training shoes and are not made for long distance running. 

I would recommend these as street shoes to moderate length running. I wouldn't say that I am a distance runner at all so, I can't compare Nike's running shoes to more appropriate or practical ones. 

I have always liked Nike's clothes. I love to wear them to workout in and to just lounge in really! They're super comfy and reliable for pretty much any type of occasion. What are some Nike products you love?

Xoxo, Nat

Face

Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream- I love this BB cream. BB creams in general are, in my opinion, the go-to foundation for school. This one is light enough to not feel dewy and gross but, gives enough coverage to feel like you have pretty even skin. I enjoy Covergirl's BB creams and they really do a great job with all the formulas. 

Soap & Glory Glow All Out- Now in a previous post, I mentioned that this could be used as a blush--was I more wrong! This is totally a rose-toned highlighter. Not a blush. I thought at first that it was more of just a shimmer blush than a highlighter so I was surprised to find out that it actually looks better on my upper cheekbones than it did on my cheeks. Oops. Still a great product, though. 

Lips

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Matte Lip- I recently fell in love with Soap & Glory and a ton of their products. You can see my full impression of it, here. I was looking for new fall shades and this Choccoberry color is so delectable. The name sounds delicious, too. This is a great matte lip that's super moisturizing as well! 

Eyes

Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Mascara- More Soap & Glory! I really like this lengthening and volumizing mascara from their collection. The applicator is really nice and tear dropped shape which helps get every lash. 

Urban Decay Primer Potion- An oldie but, a goodie. The Primer Potion Mini has lasted me throughout this whole summer and makes my shadow stay put for over 8 hours. Now that's amazing. 

Maybelline Master Prime Eye Shadow Base- I also like to dab a little of this shadow base with my finger after the primer to really make my shadow stay put during school. 

Laura Geller Baked Color Intense Shadow Duo in Dolce/Raisin- After I use the eyeshadow base, I blend the Raisin (right) shade into my crease and apply the Dolce (left) into my inner corner to make my eyes pop and make me look less of a zombie in the morning at school.  

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade- If I do decide to do my brows, I normally reach for my Anastasia Dipbrow to sculpt my "ladies" out. I love this so far and it has really changed the way I have ever done my brows. 

Xoxo, Nat

Just recently I was inspired to redecorate my vanity/desk space and make it actually look pretty awesome. I have loved redecorating and organizing ever since I was little. I remember always re-painting my room; it went from white, to yellow, purple, and now mint green. Now that school has officially started in my town (ughhh), I was wanting to get some pre-school cleaning and reorganizing done. 

Starting out with the main piece of furniture, my desk, I think my mom bought it for me a while back at an Estate Sale. So, I'm not for sure where you can exactly find it but, there are many white desks similar to this one out there. I used to use it as an actual desk and now I just do all of my homework at school or on my bed. It works amazingly as a vanity, though. 

I love my little mint green, metal basket I bought from Target a while ago. I think baskets are great to store stuff in as well as displaying cute things like perfume and brushes, too! 

If you happen to get makeup or hot tools on your vanity a lot, I would recommend investing in a glass table top. The one I have is from Ikea and it was pretty inexpensive and has lasted for about a year now. I love it because it's easy to clean. However, DO NOT place hot tools on top of the glass. I had an incident last year with an older glass top where I left a curling iron on and it completely shattered. 

What I personally think a vanity 100% needs is some type of mirror. It doesn't have to be so expensive either! I know how much mirrors cost nowadays. All you need is a reliable, makeup mirror. It's simple and minimal for your space! This one from Target has it's own light, too which is really good when doing night makeup. 

On my shelf I have a few knick-knacks which I kind of move around and rearrange every now and then. I have this gold terrarium which I also bought from Target. I found a similar one, here.  I added some fairy lights into it and it gives a little light and looks really cute.

Then I have my Victoria's Secret dog and some magazines, more fairy lights, candle holders and a turquoise clock. I also love stacking books up on a shelf to give it more depth and dimension. Add your own personal touch to any shelf! 

Soap & Glory has now been added to many Walgreen stores recently, or at least my local one, and I have been so excited about it! The only place I know that sold Soap & Glory was at an Ulta Beauty store a couple miles away from me. I haven't ever tried Soap & Glory because it was so just hard to go out and get. Now that it's a couple minutes from my house, I can finally try out their whole collection. 

What I love about Soap & Glory is that it is great quality makeup and skincare for a very affordable, drugstore price. They have a great collection of products all around and I love the convenience of it being at my local drugstore, as well. I want to thank Sarah from her blog, Temporary Secretary, for introducing me to all things Soap & Glory!  

Makeup

Glow All Out Luminizing Face Powder in Shimmer Switch- Not only is this blush/highlighter's packaging extremely adorable, it gives just the right amount of sheer pigment on the cheeks. It's a blush and highlighter all in one basically! It has super long staying power and leaves a great shimmer for glowy looks. The picture doesn't do the color of the blush justice but, it does leave a little rosy tint to it on the cheeks. 

Thick & Fast Mascara- I think I go through about 20 mascaras a year and it was time to finally pick up a new one. This mascara makes my lashes look so much more fuller and bigger. It also doesn't flake which is very much appreciated.

Skincare

Irresistibubble Gift Set- When I saw this at the little Soap & Glory Kiosk I was really excited because I fell in love with the Sugar Crush sweet lime scent before and this gift set was kind of amazing for travel so I was like, "why not?!". It comes with a body butter and a shower gel; two things I need the most when I am travelling! This is also great for a gift, too! 

This set was also nifty because it's super budget friendly. Only $7 for two mini products that could last you a really long time. That's one of the main reasons I love Soap & Glory is because of how great the price (and the quality) is! 

Face Soap and Clarity 3 in 1 Vitamin C Facial Wash- I was wondering if any of the face products like the cleansers were any good so I picked up this one to try out. I found that it kind of acts like an exfoliating cleanser and really smoothes out my skin. It smells really minty and fresh so it's great to use in the morning to wake up with. I only used a pea sized amount so I think this travel size bottle can get me through the rest of summer. 

I am back in civilization at last! A week in the woods isn't something every single person would like doing but, I love it and I captured some pretty candid shots as to why camping is something I think everybody should do. Camping to me is very personal. I have been camping for about 12 years now and love every minute of it. My family and I go every summer to this place in northern Michigan. Sure, there are bugs, mosquitoes, birds, sand, dirt, raccoons, storms, etc. and did I mention that I camp in a tent? Ah yes, the beauty of nature my friends. 

I'd like to call myself a very well experienced camper, however, I don't think the hair dryer, curling iron, Kuerig coffee maker, or electric skillet can make me an authentic camper. We just call it "Glamping". 

Where I camp, we have a beautiful bay area to swim, paddle board, kayak, and watch the sunsets. One of the reasons we always come back to this same place is just because of the amazing views. 

Another reason, besides the gorgeous views, that I camp is that I do make experiences that I will want to keep forever. We invite friends and other family members to join us camping; we go swimming, kayaking, play on the dunes, paddle board, or just enjoy the camp fire together. 

The Benefits of Camping:

Of course I brought my puppy along! My dog loves to camp and since we live in a big city, he never really gets to experience the "Great Outdoors". A lot of people bring their pet to camp and it's really not that hard. I think the hardest thing about bringing your pet is actually finding room for them in the car among all of your gear. 

A lot of places have kayak and paddle board rentals which can be really nice because buying one is like $600! Fortunately, my camp site just added these amenities and people are able to rent one for like $15 an hour. You do not have to be a pro either! I have never paddle boarded before and I learned really quick (after falling a couple times). 

If you are looking at places to camp, consider what types of amenities you would want! Maybe a beach store, bike rentals, kayak rentals, or just a bathhouse is your desire. Many places have websites that list what they have. 

If you guys have any questions about camping and what I do, please ask! I had a wonderful week camping and got a ton of sun. If you have been camping, please share where you camp and your thoughts on it as well!

Xoxo, Nat