8 Beauty Must Haves For ANY Girl

We all have have go-to products that we love. It's a girl thing. But these take the cake, at least in my world they do. I use most of these products daily or on a very regular basis. What's great about them is that they are basic, inexpensive products that can do wonders for any beauty routine.

1. Dove Dry Shampoo

Girrlll, I can't tell you how many bad hair days have been saved by this stuff. Plus it lets you be lazy on 2nd (and maybe 3rd) day hair. This product serves a dual purpose for me because it adds some much needed texture and lift to my hair. The struggle of board straight, slick, thick hair.

2. Aussie 3 min Miracle

I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been coloring my hair since high school, albeit for totally different reasons at this point. Coloring does some damage, especially to the ends, and this product totally lets me go much longer between trims without crazy breakage and split ends.

3. Mascara

Has anyone ever told you look tired when you're well rested, but just don't have any makeup on? Me too. I've tried all kinds, and quite honestly do not have a favorite. Nonetheless, mascara is so necessary in my life. The simplest thing can make such a difference.

4. Lip Balm

I'm not a super huge fan of lipsticks or lip glosses, but I do like to keep my lips healthy. My favorite brand is Maybeline BabyLips, but EOS and Chapstick come in close second and often frequent my shopping basket.

5. Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion

So much yes to this new product I found at the store about a month ago. Not only do you get to skip the lotion on your arms and legs post shower, but it leaves your skin so smooth without the greasy hands.

6. Cetaphil

I love this moisturizer because it's safe to use on your face as well as your body. It also mixed well with liquid foundation for a DIY tinted moisturizer. It's inexpensive and can last a long time.

7. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

I don't know about you, but I hate regular liquid makeup remover. The invention of these wipes has been a godsend. The wipes can also double as a cleansing wipe, which makes them perfect part of the pre-bedtime routine.

8. Water

There are so many studies and articles out there (like this one) that emphasize the beauty benefits of simply drinking water every day. So bottoms up ladies!



What are your beauty must haves?

Talk Therapy

Last week I called my mom and it started out as just a gossip fest, cause you know we have to keep each other up to date on the goings on of our family. It slowly turned into something deeper.

My relationship with my mom hasn't always been the best. There were times we weren't even on speaking terms with each other. We do much better when we aren't living together, that's for sure, but we've always lived close enough to visit often. That was the hardest part for me when I made the decision to move to Missouri, was leaving my family behind.

As I've gotten older, I've realized that I had a part to play in the relationship issues with my mom as well. It wasn't just her, or the not so great circumstances of my childhood that are to blame. Talking to my mom about these things have been so much help to me, and I'm hoping to her as well. We've been able to explain more in depth about feelings, situations, and intentions that we weren't able to understand when it we were going through it. Hindsight is 20/20 you know.

I am grateful that my mom and I are at a place where we can talk openly about the hard things. I feel like we get closer each time we are able to work things out better. It's not always easy, but in the end we both benefit from these little talks. There's a level of trust and love that we have developed over the past six or so years through talks like these, and I wouldn't have it any other way.


What are you grateful for?

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I Just Noticed We're Halfway Through August

August completely snuck up on me. Seriously, where has this year gone? I'm more excited for classes to start again on Monday than my birthday this Saturday. This is how you know you're getting old. Don't have any plans so far, but Hubs did already give me my gift: a complete set of the Harry Potter movies on BlueRay! Let's just say there will be a marathon in our near future.

In other news, I can officially apply for my associates degree. I've completed all the necessary courses and have enough credits to go ahead and grab that sucker on my way to my Bachelors. It's kind of a big deal. I won't be walking in a ceremony or anything, but that little piece of paper means I'm halfway done with my undergrad. And I'll be the first person on my Mom's side of the family to have a college level degree of any kind. Woot!

Also, you've probably noticed the changes around these parts. I stayed up all night last night making this happen. It's kinda cool, I guess. There's a new page and everything. I think the new look has inspired me to pay more attention to this little blog of mine and you'll start to see me around a bit more. I missed it. So guess what that means? DISCOUNTS! 

Use the code "BIRTHDAYGIRL" to get 25% off the Mahogany and the Chestnut ad spots through August 31st!

Is your year flying by as fast as mine is?

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