handpicked bridal event + giveaway

Hey Lovelies! Do I have something fun for you today! Remember last year when I posted about THIS amazingly unique and one-of-a-kind bridal event? Well after it got postponed, I have anxiously been awaiting the new date, and it's finally here! 

Just as I was last year I am so super excited for this event because there is nothing like this for future brides in this area. This event is all about bringing you the best of the best vendors, not filling a ballroom with hundreds of vendors to overwhelm you. 

This event is the brain child of the incredibly talented Baci Designer (aka local wedding guru who's been featured on the like of LaurenConrad.com!). I'll let the team at Baci give you the run down on this lovely little event.

Join us for a completely unique bridal show experience bringing the Inspirational Wedding Trends we all adore right here to you in the Midwest! We've Handpicked the best vendors in the area and brought them together for one night of Styled Bridal Goodness. Come out and witness this Exclusive Vendor Collection and begin planning your truly fabulous event!

What to Expect:

- Unbelievably Gorgeous and Inspirational Details
- Signature Cocktails, Delish Appetizers and a To-die-for Dessert Bar
- A Packed Dance Floor
- Some of the Nicest and Most Talented Local Vendors {You'll wish they were your friends!}
- A Great Gift to Take Home with You at the End of the Night!

The Details:
- Tuesday, December 3rd 2013
- Open House Style from 6:30PM until 10:00PM
- Happy Days Lodge, 500 West Streetsboro Street, Peninsula, Ohio 44264

Ticket Information: 
- $20 Advance Purchase Tickets Available Here
- $25 Tickets at the Door the Day of the Event {Cash + Credit Card Accepted}
- Ticket Purchase Includes Access to Handpicked, Two Drink Tickets, 

Tasty Bites and a Handpicked Guest Favor.

- A portion from each ticket sold will be used to support Brides Across America, a non-profit charity making military bride’s dreams come true by providing them with a free wedding gown.

Vendor Information:
- Check out our Handpicked Vendors Page!

Not currently planning a wedding? You're still totally bound to have a fabulous time!!

Still have questions or interested in being one of our Handpicked Vendors? Shoot us an email {info@handpickedevent.com}!

xoxo
- Amanda, Jami, Ilario, Caitlin, Jennie + Kimberly {The Baci Designer Team}

photo source

If that doesn't already peak your interest, then just check out some of the inspiration behind the event above. I can not wait (oh yes I'll be there too, no I'm not engaged) to surround myself with pretty things, yummy food, good music, and fabulous local businesses. Even if you're not engaged it will be a fabulous night with your girls! For $20 you get to eat, drink, dance, mingle, and do something different! 

photo source 

Oh also there is talk of a smore's bar, I mean a SMORE'S BAR?! You'll know where to find me all night ;)

Anyway here is the extra fun part...

I am GIVING AWAY a pair of tickets! Valued at $40 and a lot of fun! 

The catch? You have to enter over on my Facebook page.

This giveaway will be open for one week, so that if you don't win you have plenty of time to snag your tickets. I should also point out, that the sooner you buy your tickets the better because you get first dibs on booking the complimentary make-up and hair services at the event (which I am sure will fill up quickly).

You can buy your tickets HERE.

Good luck on the giveaway (enter HERE), hope to see you at the event!

xoxo,

ponds bb+ review + giveaway

I had the awesome opportunity to review the new Ponds BB+ Cream via Influenster. I was so happy to have been selected and even happier that I was also given 4 full size Ponds BB+ creams to giveaway or share with whomever I chose! I gave one to my good friend Kaylee because she was already using another brand BB cream in her routine and I wanted to hear her take on it, but I saved the remaining 3 to giveaway to my always lovely readers! 

I was doubtful that I would actually like this BB cream, only because I have tried probably close to 10 other BB creams (from bargain drugstore brands to high end) and have almost always been disappointed. Needless to say BB creams just aren't usually for me, they seem to say they offer coverage but they never cover even the smallest of flaws. Anyway I went in skeptical and can honestly say this BB cream made me a believer! Hands down THE BEST BB cream I have ever tried. My friend Kaylee also loved this BB+ cream and actually made the switch from her other brand!

What I like most about this BB+ cream is that it's non-comedognic and hypo-allergenic, which means it wont clog your pores and break you out. Always a plus whether you have sensitive skin like me, or not. My second favorite thing was that it was created with Tone Perfecting Complex, which targets the source of dark spots and begins to visibly fade them over time, as well as hide them after application. Now I cant speak for the over time part because that is with regular use over two weeks and I have been using this when I don't feel like using full foundation (only about once or twice a week). But I can speak for concealing them and fading them when its on! That might seem like a given but this was the first BB cream that I felt actually covered imperfections as it claimed. 

Of course watch my review to get my full thoughts, some hair in the eye action, and typical Lyndsey-isms. Then enter below to win one of THREE full size Ponds BB+ Creams I have up for grabs!

ENTER TO WIN

One of Three Full Size Ponds BB+ Creams

Valued at $10

To ENTER this giveaway you MUST complete these TWO tasks:

1. LIKE A Lovely Little Blog on Facebook.

2. Leave a blog post comment with shade choice.

*All other tasks are considered EXTRA entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck Lovelies!

xoxo,

little loves

Hello Lovelies!

I've missed you so! I am SO GLAD to finally be done moving, have internet, and be winding down with my CRAZY summer weddings schedule. I have been so busy the past honestly like 6 months, its unreal. I can't wait to get back into a routine! Let me catch you up quickly on some recent happenings, and tomorrow I have a new post for you with a GIVEAWAY! I know how you love those!

 Went to Columbus this weekend for a wedding and also got to spend time with my brother and sister in law, who came from Florida for it as well. We celebrated mine and my brothers birthdays together. On Saturday night we went to a place called Lemongrass in The Short North and it was so good! Definitely recommend going if you're ever in Columbus. 

(ps. a MUST is Northstar Cafe as well.)

 Myself and my friend Tricia at the wedding (who is getting married NEXT weekend!).

Tricia is wearing a recent Express purchase I believe and I, a Jessica Simpson dress from Dillards.

 Me and my gorgeous mother. She is wearing a recent Loft purchase. 

 Myself, my brother, and his wife Lara (who were both in the bridal party). Since I picked up this headband at Ulta I've gotten so many comments on it. Everyone thinks it's my real hair braided, but it's just a headband to hide my bangs that I'm growing out. They have lots of color and braid options, and its so easy to throw on and make it look like you did something really fancy with your hair!

HERE and HERE are options for the headband but I suggest going in store to match your hair perfectly. 

Have any of you lovelies been to this new chain called Piada?! OMG AMAZING! Think Chipotle but with pasta! They also have killer salads too! Me and the boy went to the one near Belden Village mall but they have a few locations. Totally worth making a drive to try out! We both got the pasta bowl with pesto sauce and veggies (and meat for the bf of course).

Just a little product shout-out, I LOVE (like head over heels, serious relationship, he's the one) with this foundation from Almay. You all know how much I love Almay overall but this foundation is the best foundation EVER! It has smart shade technology (which means it comes in only a few shades and matches your skin tone), aka basically foolproof. No more lines where your foundation ends and your skin begins! It's incredibly lightweight but covers beautifully, it's sensitive enough it won't break you out, it's affordable, should I stop? I could go on forever! I love the way it makes my skin look too! Seriously pick this up ASAP! 

I like to apply it with a Beauty Blender sponge with a stippling technique. Let me know what you think!

Hope you lovelies have been wonderful and lovely, and your summer has been beautiful! Stay tuned for a fun giveaway tomorrow and another FB only giveaway after that!

xoxo,

hanes undercover color

Ladies (well and gentlemen), I have some great news to share with you! Hanes recently launched a brand spanking new line of under-lovelies and a fun, cheeky (yes pun intended) campaign to go along with it, Hanes Undercover Color. My #undercovercolor is RED, because I adore red! It makes me feel powerful (kicking butt at the gym), sexy (sexy is just as much for me as it his for the bf), and all around confident. 

I was thrilled to get an awesome care package from Hanes for this campaign to try out some of their newest items. I've always been a big fan of Hanes because they are an incredibly affordable and dependable brand, but I was super impressed when I got my care package because they totally stepped up their game! The colors, prints, and patterns were fun and vibrant, who wouldn't feel powerful and sexy with some bold color on their side?

the Hanes padded bandini and cute printed panties (guaranteed wedgie free) were perfect for working out.

Out of all the products they sent my way (which were all fabulous) I was LOVING the bras. Now without sharing too much info here we all know I am, as some would say "blessed in the chest". Finding a good bra is like a wild goose chase, and finding a good comfy bra to wear while working out, or running errands is even harder than finding your standard under wire type. They sent me these new awesome Bandini bras that can be worn racer back style, one strap, or strapless. I loved the one with padding because it seemed to offer a little more support for working out. I also loved the cut of these bras, as strange as it sounds I loved how the straps look peeking out of a shirt or a dress.

the hands live.love.color tee in a light lime green (come in v-neck too) and the not 
padded pink striped bandini, and super comfy blue striped boy shorts.

I was also loving their new Live.Love.Color tees, they are so comfy and the fit is amazing. I am planning on snatching up some of their v-neck styles next. If you need some nice quality tees that wont break the bank, try these! They come in great colors too!

I'm loving Hanes right now, and will definitely be stocking up on some more Bandini bras ASAP! Find out your Under Cover Color HERE, share it, and wear it!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective 

and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

xoxo,

little loves

Lovelies!

It has been too long! I have SO MUCH going on, that it has been really hard to keep up. I hope you all follow me on Facebook because while I might not be sitting down and blogging here as often as I'd like right now, I am always sharing pictures, deals, and happenings there! But I finally have time to do some catching up here too, so I'll fill you all in! 

Besides working, staying fit, the 8 (yes 8!!) weddings I have from June to September, I'm also working on a BIG surprise project (that will be revealed by October 1, stay tuned), and am MOVING out on my own for the very first time! Moving out is a lot of work, and I have a lot of nerves about it! Any Advice?

Some outfits I've worn recently, three weddings and the jumpsuit out to see The Lion King at Playhouse Square on date night.

Top Left: Michael by Michael Kors dress I scored for $40 instead of $200. LOVE this dress! The sleeves are actually full length but I cuffed them under a bit here. The fabric is a nice thicker fabric, and it has a gold exposed zipper up the back. The shoes are Zara.

Top Right: Urban Outfitters dress I got back in February in NYC. I felt like "The Girl On Fire" in this dress! And it was nice and breezy thankfully since it was HOTT out this day. The shoes are from LuLu's.

Bottom Left: This was one of my more casual weddings so I wore one of my favorite Loft dresses (few years old) because its perfect to dress up or down! Clutch from some random boutique in Columbus, and Jessica Simpson shoes from like 2007 or something crazy!

Bottom Right: Loft Jumpsuit (recent) and Gianni Bini pumps. LOVE both these items SOOO much! I felt like Sandy from Grease during "You're The One That I Want".

Random little happenings from the past few weeks.

Was flipping through my Akron Life magazine and flipped when I saw MY BLOG was voted as one of the best blogs!! It was SO COOL to see my blog's name in print! Thank you to whoever voted for me, it meant so much!

Had a great time of July 4 with some friends (and the boy) at Blossom for The Cleveland Orchestra Concert. We packed yummy food, drank, laid out a blanket, listened to good music, kept good company, and saw fireworks. Can't wait to make it to another show this summer!

Have you heard of Gym Pact? It's a great new app that rewards you for hitting the gym, and helps you get your butt there when you're feeling lazy! You make a pact every week, and place a bet (mine is $5) to you'll lose for each incomplete workout and the end of your week. I'm now on my second week and have already earned $4 (you can earn more if you set your pact for more workouts, mine is set at 4 a week right now). It may not seem like a lot of money but at almost $10 a month it practically pays for my Birchbox! And this week it successfully got me to the gym TWICE when I REALLY wasn't feeling it.

I am giving away this awesome set of a Sally Hansen's Gel Strips Kit (comes with one pack of gel strips) and a refill Gel Strips pack on my Facebook page RIGHT NOW! Valued at $45 this is a great giveaway! GO ENTER NOW, and Good Luck!

Working on packing and purging for the move, and condensed my outerwear down to this rack. Got my love for a great coat from my mom, totally makes an outfit.

Had the awesome opportunity to try out Pond's new BB cream, and was REALLY pleasantly surprised! I'm not the biggest fan of BB and CC creams (they are too sticky), but this one I honestly really love! I am filming my review tomorrow and uploading it this week, a well as GIVING AWAY 3 BB creams to you lovelies! Stay tuned to the blog and my Facebook page this week to get yourself's one of these!

That's all for this week! Hope you lovelies are having a great week! Be sure to stay tuned to the blog for the Pond's giveaway, a post about the best necklace you'll ever buy!

xoxo,

stella + dot giveaway

Hey Lovelies!

You might remember last summer when I hosted my first ever Stella + Dot trunk show (that post HERE) in celebration for my birthday. I have become a huge fan of the Stella + Dot brand since, and have been dying to plan another trunk show for my birthday again this year. Of course I already have a wish list started and they are launching their fall line soon too!

I adore this Rebel Pendant Necklace, so simple and classy!

I love how it can be worn in totally different looks, but still be the perfect finishing touch in any of them.

While some of their statement pieces are a bit on the pricier side (granted totally worth it because they are hand made at a studio in NYC and amazing quality) it is great to host a trunk show because it is so easy to earn hostess rewards and splurge on some of the pieces you might not typically be able to get. That being said they also have a ton of gorgeous pieces that are totally affordable (I'm actually more drawn to these pieces anyway because of their simplicity).

Side Note: It's also great to host a trunk party for your birthday because you get to have a party where your friends buy themselves pretty things, and in return earn you more rewards to spend!

Two of my wish list items that have the simplicity look I love so much. 

I love how so many of their pieces find the perfect balance of trendy and timeless. 

I love a good jewelry travel case, and the new jewelry roll's Stella & Dot launched are so amazing! 

Not only are they super chic and trendy but they make traveling with jewelry a cinch! No more tangled necklaces and missing earrings.

All this being said I am so very excited to work with my personal Stella + Dot stylist Jennifer Caccamo to offer a great giveaway for you lovelies! When S&D launched their summer line I was immediately smitten with the new Gilded Arrow Bangle. 

I've seen this style of bangle quite a few places but none seemed to deliver the look as elegantly as S&D did. Others were cheap looking, or full of rhinestones, this one is just so perfect in every way! It's a great stacking piece (and adjustable too), or even perfectly understated to wear alone. I've worn this bangle a lot since I got it a few months back and every single time I wear it I get compliments on it. Another thing I love about S&D is that even a lower priced item like this could pass for a $200 bangle, it looks so high end!

Right now the have an amazing promo that for every $50 spent in June you earn $25 to spend in July! Not to mention for anyone who places and order before June 30 (through Jennifer's site) you get an extra entry to win the Gilded Arrow Cuff. It's a win-win!

Besides all that I totally encourage you to set up a trunk show this summer! It is such a great time, and Jennifer is an awesome stylist! She isn't pushy or over bearing like a lot of at-home consultants can be. You'll be amazed how quickly your hostess rewards add up, and how much great stuff you'll get for it. Seriously I think I only had maybe 6-8 small orders and I scored some serious swag! I'm not kidding you here.

Ok, ok now onto the GIVEAWAY!

ENTER TO WIN

One Gilded Arrow Bangle 

In Your Choice of Gold or Silver

Valued at $45 (with shipping)

To Enter:

1. LIKE A Lovely Little Blog on Facebook

2. LIKE Jennifer's Stella & Dot Stylist Facebook

3. Leave a comment on Jennifer's Stella & Dot Facebook page saying I sent you.

All three tasks must be completed for one entry.

Extra Entry:

If you place an order by June 30th, through Jennifer's shop HERE you'll get a second entry. Please email me at alovelylittleblog@gmail.com after your order has been placed with the name the order was placed under. 

Best of luck lovelies!

xoxo,

if you're over 20, you should be using this product

As time has gone on in the past few years, I have really and truly discovered an intense love for knowledge on beauty and skin-care. I love learning the why's and how's of products, skin care issues, and solutions. Seriously I could sit for hours and listen to skin care issues, the causes, the remedies, and even better the science behind all of it. 

That being said, I am so glad that I have taken a liking to all this knowledge at the most critical time in my beauty routine. It, of course goes without being said that the 20's are the most important years for your skin. How you treat and care for your skin now will decide how your skin will look and age in the next 10, 20, or 30 years. So that sunscreen you didn't apply, will show in the sun and age spots that start to show in your 30's when the skin becomes thinner.

You should know by now that daily sun protection and moisturizer are a must, no exceptions. But what I've found is that most of my girlfriends my age (and older) don't know, is how extremely important your 20's are for your eyes. I can't tell you how many women I know who think if they don't have any wrinkles around the eyes, then there is no need for preventive measures. 

Let me quote the creator of my favorite all time skin-care line Mario Badescu “Every man or woman over the age of twenty-one should apply an eye cream in the morning and in the evening, as part of the daily routine. There are no exceptions.” 

WHY?

The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest, and most delicate on your body (roughly only about a third in thickness compared to the other skin on your face). It also has less water and oil glands, causing it to dry faster and creating lines and wrinkles. The drier the skin around your eyes becomes the worse wrinkles look, and the deeper they become. 

HELP

While your daily moisturizer might be helpful temporarily, it is most likely not rich enough. The earlier you start applying eye creams, the less wrinkles you'll notice later on down the road. 

If you're under 25, Mario Badescu recommends a gel based treatment that will keep the area moisturized, and can also be chilled to treat puffiness after long nights out. 

Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel

If you're in your mid twenties- to early thirties, you'll want to step up your routine a little and go for something with Glycolic Acid (that helps cell turnover), vitamins C and E (C helps with collagen and E protects), Hyaluronic Acid (aka super moisturizer).

The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream

Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream

ps. Glycolic should only be used overnight. It makes you more sensitive to the sun.

If you're over 35, Retinol is the way to go if your skin can stand it. If not stick with the options above. Retinol not only helps cell turnover and cologne production but it also helps even skin tone and diminish sun and age spots. 

ROC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream

So there you have it! If you're over 20 an eye cream should absolutely be in your beauty routine (twice daily). These are only a few of my personal favorites, but there are many more options out there that might better suite you. 

As always if you have any questions, comments, etc I would love to hear them! 

Do you use an eye cream? What is your favorite? 

Do you wish you had started using an eye cream in your younger years?

xoxo,

adore me review no. 2

Getting to work with some of the loveliest companies on the internet is such an honor for me. I was thrilled back in November when I had the chance to review the online lingerie boutique Adore Me and quickly became smitten their site (you can check that review and video out HERE). Not only do they offer stunning, high-quality pieces, but they are extremely affordable and totally unique too (aka if you're gifting for a bachlorette you'll feel like a gift giver superstar when your box doesn't say Victoria's Secret)! 

When Adore Me contacted me again in the hopes of another review, I jumped at the chance. I had actually purchased a handful of new pieces since my review in November, and have really fallen in love with the brand since. When they contacted me I knew exactly what set was next on my list, and quickly snagged the gorgeous Edwina set HERE.

As I was with my first Adore Me set (and the multiple items I have purchased myself since then) I was so incredibly impressed with the quality of the products. I have to admit every time I place an order on Adore Me the price always throws me, and I half expect to be let down. But I have yet to be disappointed. The fabrics are rich, lush, and delicate and the tiny details are always executed flawlessly.

I would 100% recommend Adore Me to any friend. It's the perfect site to grab something special for you (and your significant other), to get something sexy for a girlfriend, for a bachlorette gift, or just because! A few months back myself and few girlfriends actually all threw in funds and surprised a bachlorette friend of ours with a loaded gift card to Adore Me. She was so thrilled to go crazy on the site and pick out all her favorite styles. 

What I really love about Adore Me is that unlike other "showroom" style sites, you can either "pay as you go" or you can become a VIP member and never pay more than $39.95 for any style (did I mention all items come with their set counterpart, built into the price?), get your 6th set free, free shipping + exchanges, and so much more!

I love the variety of styles on Adore Me as well, everything from satin robes, to corsets, to sexy lingerie, to comfy bras and panties, even to swimwear! Below are some of my favorite wish list items. 

What piece catches your eye? Have you ever ordered from Adore Me? 

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback! I'm off to shop right now! All these pretty things are calling my name!

xoxo,

ps. I did receive these products from Adore Me for my consideration and review, but all opinions expressed are truthful, and my own. As always I value your trust in me, and would never do anything to compromise that.

noto presents :: fashion live and local + giveaway

If you read my blog on the regular you know I have a huge love affair with my favorite lovely little local boutique, Noto (check out a post dedicated totally to Noto HERE). Besides the sweetest boutique owner in the whole wide world, and the most wonderfully curated collection of clothing and accessories, I also have a soft spot for Noto because they know how to throw one heck of a party. 

Noto's events never disappoint my high expectations for events. With my slight need for order and organization and after working with one of the best event planners in Cleveland, I am not ashamed to say there aren't many events in the area that manage to impress. 

I always have a great time with Noto in charge, the atmosphere is magical, the food is delicious, the drinks are themed (and included with ticket), the music is on point, and of course the fashion is fantastic! 

ps. Noto just recently added a plus size section, so now there's something for everyone!

Anyway tickets are now on sale for this years amazing show! You can buy tickets HERE.

Details

This will be the second year Noto is doing a Designers Challenger where local fashion designers send their own personal creations down the runway and the crowd votes using text, or iPad voting stations to name the winner LIVE at the end of the show. Think Project Runway LIVE!

One of my favorite salons, and the highly acclaimed MC Hair Consultants will hair a braid bar (and usually hands out some killer beauty swag too).

The Orange Truk, a local food truck will be there too with their creative menu in tow.

And of course Noto styles will be available for purchase right after the show!

Saturday June 1 at 7PM

The Trolley Barn

(behind Austen BioInnovation)

47 North Main Street

Akron Ohio 44308

Tickets are $25 and include show admission, two drink tokens, and seating. 

The event location is just a quick hop, skip, and jump away from some killer dining places that would be more than perfect to grab drinks or food after the show. Some of my favorites are The Lockview, Cilantro, Luigi's, and Bricco. 

For $25 you couldn't ask for a better ladies night. So head on over and grab your tickets quick! This event is major in Akron and tickets don't last too long.

BUT if you're feeling lucky I have great news, I am giving away one pair of tickets to the show over on my Facebook page! Winner will be drawn and notified Monday so enter now HERE.

Good Luck Lovelies!

xoxo,