lovely little find + giveaway

A good statement necklace isn't an easy thing to find when you're working with a budget. They can come off extremely tacky when they aren't made right. I'm sure all of you lovelies have seen this gorgeous style of statement necklaces popping up all over internet shopping sites. The one below in particular is a JCrew bubble necklace that comes with a hefty $150 price tag. Yikes! I don't know about you but I definitely don't have $150 to spend on a trendy necklace, even as much as I love it. 

PHOTO CREDIT

So I was extremely excited when I found this gorgeous bubble necklace below from

Blue Bird Shop on ETSY, with a much more reasonable price tag of $34.

I mean come on, the necklace is stunning and you can tell it is made with high quality pieces, not that cheap shiny plastic stuff. I'm not even sure if I saw them side by side I would be able to pick which was which. Not to mention you could pick out almost 5 different color necklaces from Blue Bird for the price of the JCrew one above. 

Diane is the woman behind Blue Bird and she was kind enough to tell me a little about herself and Blue Bird.

"Hey everyone! My name is Diane. I’m a native New Yorker and here inspiration is EVERYWHERE! Truthfully though, my biggest source of inspiration comes from a tiny little package… My daughter Samantha. As much as I love what I do here at Blue Bird, being “Mama” is really the most amazing job in the whole world!"

"While taking courses in ceramics, jewelry design, textile, and studio arts… I found a love for creating just about anything with my hands. Translating my ideas and style into something unexpected and beautiful really gets me going! I create all my pieces from the notion that every woman should be able to afford beautiful things and this gives me a fulfillment that goes beyond words! Hope you love my items!"

I fell in love with practically every single item in Diane's shop and love her motto about creating beautiful items that every woman can afford. She was such a pleasure to work with and is even offering up one of her stunning bauble necklaces for one of you to win.

As for the rest of you lovelies who don't win this giveaway, Diane has also extended an exclusive discount just for you! With the code LOVELY15 you'll receive 15% off and FREE US shipping. 

ENTER TO WIN

A Bubble Necklace of Your Choice from Blue Bird

Contest Rules:

- Head on over to Blue Bird Shop and let me know what piece is your favorite.

- Leave a comment below and tell me your choice.

- Contest ends at August 21, 2012 at 11.59 PM EST.

- Winner will be chosen by random and announced on August 22, 2012 on this blog (NOT BY EMAIL).

- New winner will be chosen if I do not hear back from original winner by August 28.

- One entry per person please

One additional entry for each of the following:

- LIKING Blue Bird on Facebook

Make sure to include your FB name in your comment below

- Following a lovely little blog on Twitter

Make sure to include your Twitter handle in your comment below

- LIKING a lovely little blog on Facebook

Make sure to include your FB name in your comment below

- Following a lovely little blog on Pinterest

Make sure to include your Pinterest name in your comment below

Make sure to include your YouTube name in your comment below

Be sure to set a reminder and check back to see if you won! And don't forget to use the code LOVELY15 to score a $34 necklace for only $29! Or snatch up one of her other stunning pieces. Shop HERE.

little loves

So two weeks to catch up on again. I missed putting up the last "little loves" because I usually compose it Friday or Saturday night but I had a busy weekend. I went to Ikea with my mom, worked, kick boxed, squeezed in some date nights, some friend dates, the Noto Big Blue Couch sale, and of course slept. 

Last week I got this lovely little package from Adore Me (a lingerie subscription service). I will e filming a video review of it soon so stay tuned! 

Last week I was having one of those "I don't like ANYTHING I own" moments but then I remembered these new black dressy Loft shorts. I paired it with a simple cream pocket tee (but with a see through lace back), my go to gold jewelry, and one of my favorite vintage necklaces. I need to wear shorts more often, I really ended up liking this look.

Last weekend we were having some house guests over so I had to clean my bathroom. My beauty products tend to take over the bathroom, and spill out into the hallway (since that is where I keep my Helmer). The hallway floor did not really look like this but that was how I started organizing. I rearranged my Helmer a little bit too.

Top Drawer: Brushes, cleaner, tools, eyelashes, and lash glue.

2nd: Foundations, primers, highlighters, powders, and concealers.

3rd: Shadow, liners, eye primers, mascara.

4th: Lip + cheek color

5th: Whole face palettes and extra make-up bags.

6th: Polish, strips, files, clippers, + other nail needs.

And my everyday make-up bag with my favorite products.

It felt really good to get re-orgianzed.

I had two of these single use Bamboo UV+ hair masks, and got this Ahava mud face mask in my July Birchbox (with Glamour) box. I've used these two products two weeks in a row now for Mask Monday and they are really giving my usual favorites a run for their money.

These were my two Ikea purchases. One is this kitchen cart (really wanted in teal but my store only had gray), I'm using as a bathroom/ beauty product cart. I really love it a lot, and it can be good for so many other things to if I ever want to use it for something else. I also got this really simple white clothing rack for $10 (!!!). I've wanted a clothing rack for a long time to store my "recent purchases" and to use for filming video hauls but they were always either too chincy or too bulky and industrial. This isn't the sturdiest of racks but it's definitely not chincy either. Seriosuly love how slim line it is (and yes those might be 2 out of 3 of my new NOTO purchases).

Got my August "beauty school" Birchbox and am very happy with the contents! I LOVE this razor so I was really excited to get another. Really loving the Stila mascara too (the wand is nice and skinny). I haven't tried much else out yet but I'm also excited about the Shu Uemura hair oil too!

My last Noto purchase was this maroon hi-lo skirt. This is my first hi-lo hemline piece and I love it! I stole this shirt from my moms closet and paired it with a brown belt and sandals, this adorable leopard print bag from Dorothy Perkins, and of course my go to gold jewelry. This outfit got a lot of compliments too which always make a girl feel good. I wore this out for date night Sunday, followed by a small gathering of friends at a wine bar in Kent. 

Hope you lovelies had a great week! 

As always love to hear your comments and feedback ;)

collective fashion + home haul

A collective video on some recent fashion + home buys. Items from Loft, Macy's, 
TJ Maxx, Dina's Days, + Thirty-One. Hope you lovelies enjoy!

And yes I did just say "...silly ridiculous.....ly good priced". Oh the things you say on camera ;)

new Deux Lux bag

new Loft dress

new Loft shorts

ps. I just found out that Thirty-one is discontinuing the amazing jewelry roll :( But you can shop it while it lasts HERE. And contact my lovely friend Jessalyn if you want to host a party!

Do any of you lovelies own any of these items?

What item is your favorite?

As always love to hear your thoughts!

lovely little obsession + giveaway

Sometimes you stumble upon something that is just too good to keep to yourself. That is how this "lovely little obsession" series came to be. If you're anything like me you love a good soiree, dinner party, cook-out, picnic, cocktail hour, or any reason to have a party! 

About a month ago I was helping a local business plan an event for bloggers in the area and wanted to send a virtual invitation. I did a quick google search and pulled up some of the well known sites, and began browsing thier designs, but nothing really stuck out to me. 

Then I clicked on a site I had never heard of before called Punchbowl. Not only did my amount of options for design increase greatly, but Punchbowl has customization and cuteness down to a science! Unlike the other sites I was used to, Punchbowl invitees actually receive a virtual envelope complete with a liner and postage (yep you can customize those too)! Upon further exploration of the site I found Punchbowl also has features that allow you to add polls (what cocktails should be served?), potluck lists, gift registries, and so much more!

The first invites I made using Punchbowl for an Olive Oil Tasting Event.

After I made that invite I kept going back to Punchbowl over and over to make all kinds of invitations, they were so fun and cute to make! I just had to share with all of you what a wonderful site Punchbowl is and how often it can come in handy. For example, while I did send out paper invites for a Stella + Dot brunch I am hosting, I also sent a Punchbowl save-the-date too. I also made invites for 3 special birthday events for myself and the boyfriend. 

The save-the-date I sent for my Stella + Dot doughnut brunch. Love this invite and liner! 

Notice you can customize your postage and envelope message too!

A close friends only invite for a tour, tasting, and birthday dinner for myself + the boyfriend. 

This was a fun one to design as well. The liner says things like beer, alcohol. yeast, drink, etc.

The big party celebration invite for myself + the boyfriend at our favorite local spot. 

Since the party will be on the roof and there are string lights, I chose this design. 

Punchbowl would be perfect to use for birthdays, some of the low-key wedding festivities (bachlorette party + brunches), cookouts, housewarming parties, and would even be awesome for a consultant (Mark, Stella + Dot, Thirtyone, Pampered Chef, Etc.) to make save-the-date or invites for thier host or hostess.

Myself, my mom, aunt, and grandmother do this twice a year for mine and my mom's birthdays. We get sushi and go shoe shopping at DSW. So this one was only sent to 3 other people, but like I said it becomes addicting, and how cute is this anyway? Of course I love the hearts on the envelope!

Punchbowl has multiple membership options, including a FREE membership that I used to design and create all of the invites seen here. Depending on what you might need Punchbowl for (could be a great tool for certain businesses) they offer the free, plus, premium, and platinum memberships. 

Punchbowl was kind enough to offer TWO of you lovelies, 

one year PLATINUM memberships (to say I am jealous is an understatement).

ENTER TO WIN

One of Two - 1 Year Platinum Memberships to Punchbowl

Valued at $99 Each

Contest Rules:

- Like Punchbowl on Facebook.

Make sure to include your FB name in your comment below.

- Leave a comment below telling me what you'd use your 

Punchbowl platinum membership to make + don't forget your email!

- Contest ends August 13, 2012 at 11.59 PM EST.

- Winner will emailed on or around August 14th, 2012.

- One entry per person please.

One additional entry for each of the following:

- Following Punchbowl on Pinterest

Make sure to include your Pinterest name in your comment below

- Following a lovely little blog on Twitter

Make sure to include your Twitter handle in your comment below

- LIKING a lovely little blog on Facebook

Make sure to include your FB name in your comment below

- Following a lovely little blog on Pinterest

Make sure to include your Pinterest name in your comment below

Make sure to include your YouTube name in your comment below

mark lust list + preview

As many of you lovelies already know, I am a MARK rep. I love working for MARK for so many reasons! 

Check out my post HERE or watch a video on my favorite MARK products HERE. 

By far my favorite Mark fashion items come out in the fall, and I must say they did not disappoint this year. 

I'm giving all you lovelies a little insider sneak peek at what's coming over the next few magalogs. 

First off how ah-mazing is the whole entire outfit above?! I want everything from the cigarette pants (very Audrey Hepburn), to the spot on trend pussybow blouse, to the gorgeous dark teal blazer (perfect darker shade for fall), 

to the killer bag (will look awesome as a clutch too).

ps. the classic black pumps are Mark too

Love this tablet case that fits iPad, Nook, and Kindle! Though I think I might just get it for a clutch!

All of the above items, except the cigarette pants will be available to purchase online on October 5th in Magalog 11 (however I can order them for you on September 7th, and ship them to you). The pants will be available on August 10th. Email me at LMH.Mark@gmail.com if you'd like for me to send you an email reminder when a certain item becomes available. 

Really interested in this dress, could be really amazing or kinda not. I'll have to see it once more photos of it are released to us, or on someone. However I'm love, love, loving the hat. I could totally see my friend Jessica from Midwest Muse wearing it. 

Who doesn't need skinny belts? These comes together in a set of three! The snake skin is a great detail for fall.

Not loving how this cardigan is styled here but I do love it! I would like to see it paired with some leggings and flats. It looks so comfy and cozy for the fall too. Definitely on my wish list.

ps. the boots, bag, and necklace are all Mark too.

All of these items will be available for purchase online on September 7th on Magalog 10. I can however order them for you on August 10th and have them shipped to you. Email me at LMH.Mark@gmail.com.

Adore these vintage inspired earrings. 

Both of the above pictures are sets of three! 

Bows are so in right now, and those love knot earrings are almost identical to a pair of Kate Spade ones.

All the items above, including the cigarette pants (top photo) will be available for purchase on August 10th in Magalog 9. Email me at LMH.Mark@gmail.com if you'd like me to send you an email reminder when a certain item becomes available. 

And last but not least is this amazing summer to fall transition dress. I just ordered one for me and my mom. I've already seen it styled so many ways; with boots, bare legs, and a jean jacket, to tights and heels, to a striped shirt underneath it! I'll be posting a picture as soon as I get mine on and styled too!

This dress (and accessories) are available now. Shop the dress HERE and make sure you use the code WELCOME for FREE SHIPPING on your first order.

Email me with any questions or to be alerted when an item becomes available, at LMH.Mark@gmail.com.

drugstore beauty battles no. 2

Hey Lovelies! If you missed the first ever Drugstore Beauty Battle, check it out HERE. Basically every month, my fellow beauty blogger friend Charlotte and I will pick 1-3 drugstore beauty products and review them. 

I thought it would be fun to see different beauty enthusiasts opinions on the same products and the same time. We will eventually incorporate other beauty bloggers, have our own blog for the battles, and make profiles on our skin and hair types, but for now we just started simple!

Last month I had time to film and edit a vlog for the series, which I prefer but I didn't have time for this review so hopefully you don't mine reading for now. 

The Products

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush

Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On

Charlotte picked out the Revlon cream blush and I was super excited to try it out for two reasons; one, I really love Revlon products and two, I really really love cream blush. I was slightly underwhelmed by the price at $12, but after seeing how much I got and the pigment of it I felt much better about it (it will definitely last you a long time).

I picked out Pinched, which is the more nude/ peachy color of the three options. My first reaction when I swatched the blush was that it had shimmer in it (and you know how I feel about shimmer) so I was pretty hesitant. However once I got the blush actually on my face I was really surprised to see the shimmer was hardly even existent (aka I didn't look like a disco ball). It really blended in well with my foundation, was lightweight, and passed my ultimate cream blush test of looking completely natural. 

blush in natural light

blush in indoor light

close up

Side Notes: 

I noticed when applying it (which I did with my fingers) it didn't blend too well right away and you could see where and how I applied it. I just took my trusty ELF flat top powder brush and did very gentle buffing strokes and it blended perfectly!

I also found this statement on Revlon.com about the shimmer aspect, and I feel as though this is why I didn't feel like a disco ball. This is how shimmer should be done. 

"Photochromatic pigments bend and reflect light to provide cheeks with a beautiful glow."

I would definitely repurchase and recommend to a friend. I would however also love a matte option.

Rating - ♥♥♥♥/5

I picked the Simple Eye Roll-On this month because although I don't have huge eye issues or under eye circles I do occasionally feel like my eye's need a little wake-up and get slightly puffy when I haven't had adequate beauty rest. I also have been really loving any and all Simple products so figured why not give this a try. 

Right off the bat I loved the way the little metal roller felt on my skin. It was cool but not cold, and distributed a perfect amount of the solution (which is lightweight + clear). I started using it every morning regardless of if I thought my eyes needed it or not and I was so pleasantly surprised to see some of the redness around my eyes go away. I hadn't even expected it to alter that issue but it did. I also got a lot of "you look so pretty"'s and "you're makeup looks great today"'s at work this month and the only thing I really changed was the roller... so you decide on that.

I would definitely repurchase this product and recommend it to a friend (I already have to the later). 

This product retails for about $10, but you can almost always find a deal at Walgreens, Rite-Aid, or CVS. I believe I stopped at Rite-Aid and got a BOGO 1/2 off on Simple products.

 Rating - ♥♥♥♥♥/5