Monday Must-Haves: Sample Sizes

For a number of reasons, I am in love with samples. Most of the time they are offered along with an order, for example, on Nordstrom, if you spend money on any products from their beauty department online, they will let you select 3 free beauty product samples at check out and will be mailed with your order. Sephora and Von Maur, and I am sure other department stores do the same thing, as well. They can also come in the form of a Birchbox subscription (great gift idea, for any of the special ladies in your life!), where you are sent a monthly variety of beauty product samples. My friends must know me well because I've gotten two separate gifts (not at the same time!) of Birchbox subscriptions. Additionally, you can buy sets of beauty product samples which is sometimes the BEST option--I even gave my bridesmaids sample make up sets for part of their bridesmaid gifts.

I love samples not only because they are the cuter version of their larger counterparts, but you can really try some great products without blowing a wad on a regular-sized version right off the bat. I actually keep a candy jar in my bathroom closet full of samples for when I might need them. I love having little mini perfumes on hand to stick in my purse for a night out, or having shampoos and conditioners on hand for guests, or for traveling (those pesky carry-on-size plastic bags...grr!)! And I do occasionally buy sample sizes on purpose. I think sample mascara is the best thing since sliced bread! The shorter wands allow for more control and by the time you get to the bottom of a tube of mascara, its crumbly anyway.

Here's a sampling of my favorite samples you can purchase--no pun intended! Hover over the captions to click on links directly to the samples and websites!

Essie Minis: I purchased the Resort collection earlier this year because quite frankly, for us indecisive ones, its a large commitment to purchase just one bottle of fingernail polish. So instead of dropping $40, I dropped $17.  You can purchase sets like these on Nordstrom (right now they have SPRING and WEDDING sets). Plus, you'll get free shipping and free beauty samples with your order! ;) Other websites have the sets, as well! 

BAD gal lash by Benefit cosmetics is my go-to mascara, it is available here in .14oz. If you are a Sephora Beauty Insider, you can easily rack up points for amazing products and samples! Also, with every online Sephora order, you can select up to 3 samples to try!

I have a love-hate relationship with Bumble and Bumble. They are amazing products for your hair, but the price point isn't so amazing! My old hair stylist got me on to it. Anytime I am able to snag a sample, I do! Plus, its so much better than using those hotel room shampoos while on a quick trip somewhere, not to mention they are easy to pack! If you sign up for Bumble and Bumble emails, they will send you free travel sizes and also samples with every order! The thickening shampoo and conditioner are my favorites, and the smell is heavenly!

Buxom White Russian is my absolute 'go to' lip color. Unfortunately it doesn't come in a sample size. For a little sparkle, I'm a huge fan of April (go figure... is that vain?!). However, if you are anything like me, I love lip gloss that acts the same no matter what shade you buy. Slightly sticky, plumping and a little shiny. Side note, do not apply before you roll your windows down! This is a wonderful set available at Sephora. 

Honeymoon in Curacao

Bon Dia!

Well we are back from the Caribbean with a healthy glow and relaxed attitude. It seemed like the grass turned green and it got warmer here in Iowa in just a little over a week! We visited Curacao, which is part of the ABC islands (A - Aruba, B - Bonaire, C - Curacao) in the Netherlands Antilles. Curacao is a beautiful, colorful and culturally diverse country. It is a wonderful honeymoon spot for those looking for some activity along with some relaxation, as there is lots to see and do on such a small island.

Here are a few highlights of the trip in photos! Wonder where our next destination will be... hmm.

We spent a night in Miami before heading further South. I snagged this beach cover-up on Amazon of all places!

Queen Emma Bridge; they dub the island Dutch Caribbean for obvious reasons...look at that architecture! 

Playa Porto Mari, one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited!

Boats gathering in a bay.

The most Western point of the island: Westpunt.

Monday Must-Haves!

This week's must-have section is dedicated to vacation. I'll be airborne by Friday, so its all I can think about...we are headed to Curacao in the Netherlands Antillies for our delayed and much-awaited honeymoon! What I used to get me ready and what I am taking with me...in my carry on bag jam packed with 7 pairs of shoes and outfits for more than 9 days! Proud?

A TAN
Why wait for a tan til you go on a trip? Thanks to a close friend, I've been turned on to Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for face! First of all they are GOOD for your skin, containing none of the following: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, GMOs, and the list goes on!

You can find them on Sephora or Amazon!

Gives my face the healthy sun-kissed glow without harmful UV fake bake rays. Who goes on vacation pasty-white anymore anyway? Haha, I've tricked you, Iowa Winter!

BIKINI READY BOD

A good workout prepares your body for any bikini! In the past year I've discovered Tracy Anderson, and am addicted to her work outs. Maybe its because we are both super petite and she does the entire work out DVD WITH YOU. I started doing her work outs because I wanted to get my arms in shape while in a bridal gown. Well, I've been really loving the challenge to see how and if she really can change my body! Along with a clean diet at least 6 days a week (always have a cheat day!), Tracy has started to transform my gymnast-like figure, into hopefully a more svelte and sleek version of myself. Her work outs are refreshing, and possible to do 4-6 times a week.

You can purchase the DVD from Amazon Instant Video and have it conveniently located on your tablet, phone or computer! I also love the Mat Method.

Here's a photo of my transformation from January 1 - April 6, 2014 just by doing 45 minutes Tracy 4x per week! Love handles have shrunk and hips / legs are more slender. Oh, and need I say more, bring a hot dress with you on vacation, too! Remember my consignment steal from a couple posts ago? Well Herve is coming with!

BEACH COVER UP & ACCESSORIES

Purchase this cover-up from Free People

I purchased the Lakeside Cami from free people as a cover up! Can't wait to wear it. It has a little more fabric than the photo let's on but it will look fabulous on the beach and you can't go wrong with lots of white on a tropical vacation! I am petite enough that I will just pair mine with my swimsuit, no need for shorts! 

 

Headwrap by Pink Pewter via Von Maur

I love the headwraps that are "in" this season! Plus, they are easier to pack than hats. Love this one from Von Maur, it is neutral enough but has great delicate beadwork, it will match a lot of my outfits so I can pick and choose when to wear it.