Wow Brows

My eyebrows may be the bane of my beauty existence. If they are groomed, I definitely feel as if they give my overhaul look a cleaner polish. But if they happen to be ungroomed, I feel as if everyone else notices how overgrown they have become & I feel so self conscious! So thanks to my own brow-insecurities, I'll have them waxed whenever I get my mani/pedi done. But why? That doesn't even make sense to me, but it seems to be so common! Get your nails done, get your brows done. But the nail technicians aren't brow technicians, so why do I even allow them to groom my face?!

My friend Samantha is a local makeup artist and generally the one I go to when I have a beauty question. So naturally I asked if she knew anyone who could work wonders on my brows and she referred me to Wow Brows.

Wow Brows is the creation of two sisters, Dari and Gail. They share a unique passion for eyebrows and started their business up north, in New York and Boston. They eventually brought Wow Brows to South Florida. Dari runs their Sunny Isles location while Gail works it out in Cooper City.

I made my appointment with Gail per Samantha's recommendation and was so impressed by how different this experience was compared to my eyebrow appointments with my nail girl. Gail took quite awhile studying my face - checking every angle from my eyes to my brows, seeing where hair needed to be removed and where hair needed to grow back in. This was no quickie session, but she explained how she really takes her time with a client's first visit to really make sure she compliments the individual face. After studying my brows, she applied the organic green wax and stripped away. This wax didn't require strips either. It's miracle wax, I think! ;)

I was truly impressed with how my eyebrows looked. I have always been complimented on the natural arch of my brows in the past, but there were 'sparse' areas that were so irritating to me. Gail 'lifted' my brows in a way that made my eyes appear larger and really enhanced my eyebrows natural shape. My second visit to her (about 3.5 weeks later) was just as good. Did I mention that Wow Brows is the official brow shaper for the Florida Panthers Lady Panthers cheerleaders?!

In addition to the brow shaping, Wow Brows offers their own eyebrow products with everything from brow pens to gels and powders. Gail was sweet enough to gift me with their Brow Definer pen to fill in the areas of my brows that I don't feel are full enough.

If you are in the South Florida area, I suggest you pay a visit to Wow Brows and see just how amazing your eyebrows will look when they are done by someone who specializes in...eyebrows!

Wow Brows

Sunny Isles - Miami Beach

17070 Collins Avenue, Suite 268

305.244.8088

Cooper City

8698 Griffin Road

617.763.7405

wowbrowstudio@yahoo.com

Handy Dandy: DIY Candle Holder

Take one narrow vase + a few rubber bands randomly placed + spray paint =

one super easy, fancy looking candle holder!

I have a couple of these vases stored away in a cabinet somewhere, but now I know exactly what I am going to do with them!

*Via my Pinterest

Memorial Day Weekend 2012

I hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend! Whether or not this weekend gave you a paid day off from work, I hope you spent a moment to reflect on the lives that were sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy every day in this country. That holds more value than other backyard barbecue ever could!

My husband and I spent our weekend in a rather pleasing, lazy way. Most of the days were spent laying by the pool and soaking up the rays before the rain clouds opened up on us. Seriously, the weather in South Florida is so temperamental!

Aside from that, we went to church, spent quality time with our best friends and played catch up with my cousin & his wife on the phone (currently living in California). Oh and we finally watched the season finale of Revenge! (Is anyone else obsessed with that show?!) And the best part...my hubby treated me to dinner! He feels at home on the grill, so he made steaks with asparagus and baked potatoes. Yum!

Another good weekend bites the dust!

What did you do?

Friday's Five

My five favorites this week...

#1 - Have leftover tubes of lipstick about to become trash? Keep them & make your own custom lipstick! Penny Pincher Fashion shows you how. :)

(via)

#2 - It was Employee Appreciation Week at my job & we were pampered one of the days with mini-massages! The best 10 minutes of the work day!

#3 - Loving the newest album from Carrie Underwood. She is pretty amazing!

#4 - I really enjoyed this "Big Sister Advice" post on Because Shanna Said So. It's not just for sisters in the literal term, but for any girly relationship. Wise words, Shanna!

#5 - I have been using this blush for years & I just recently bought the lipgloss. NARS lipgloss in Orgasm is another reason as to why this shade is a cult favorite!

 

Luxe for Less - DV by Dolce Vita "Archer"

Today's Luxe for Less post is dedicated to the DV by Dolce Vita "Archer" sandal.

 

This pretty turquoise flat sandal features gold hardware on the t-strap. DV by Dolce Vita offers the Archer in a bevy of colors for $69. Sure it's not an atrocious price but for a pair of sandals, I like to spend less if at all possible. Then I can buy more than one pair!

Lo and behold, Target heard my wish!

At just under $15, the Mossimo "Poeske" offers a super similar design for a whole lot less! In addition to this mint color (more turquoise, in my opinion), it also comes in black, hot pink & off white, so you can grab all four colors & still spend less than buying one of the DV by Dolce Vita pairs!

Now that's smart shopping.

Handy Dandy: Sugar + Batter

Adding a little bit of sugar to your batter will help make your waffles (or pancakes!) brown more quickly!

The Webster Miami at Target - Part 2

Remember when I shared the photos from The Webster Miami collection at Target HERE? Well I made note of a few items that I really liked online but when I went to Target on the day the collection arrived, I only walked out with this top.

So this past weekend, I made my regular trip to my local Target store mainly to grab some grocery & household items. But of course, I had to wander into the clothing section & this is where I found this super duper deal!

I loved this maxi dress online but unfortunately, it was not available in stores. I wasn't about to buy it online without seeing it up close, so imagine my shock when I saw only one dress in my store & in my size. I remembered it being a bit pricey but as I flipped the tag over, the second shock wave just about slapped me silly!

Yes, you are seeing it clearly - even through the blurriness of my picture.

$44.99 marked down to $11.26!!!

I didn't understand how this could be as the collection just launched a few weeks ago but the cashier informed me that when online only items are returned, they cannot be sold for the full price. No I didn't need another maxi dress, but seriously at this price, I had to have it! It's missing the belt but again for $11...belt, schmelt.

Lucky me!

*Note - these 'online only' markdowns are not added to the clearance section, but they are hanging with their regular priced counterparts. You just need to find the red sticker!

MAC Haul

I can't get enough of MAC Cosmetics. Aside from the necessary items (foundation, powder, concealer, etc), the not so necessary items always get me - hook, line & sinker! Every single time I visit a MAC counter, I get lost in their endless shades of eyeshadow & lip colors. Before I know it, time has flown by and I leave with no less than a handful of goodies to play with at home. Here are some of my latest purchases...not all from one trip though! ;)

First up, the face products...

L - R: Fix +, Oil Control Lotion

This was a re-purchase of the Fix +. I really like how it sets my makeup & I have noticed an improvement of how long my 'face' will stay put since using this product. The MAC artist suggested the Oil Control Lotion as my face tends to get a tad oily as the day goes on. I have been using it for a week or so & I think it has helped a tad in controlling the oil, but I can't say I have noticed a major difference. It is pretty lightweight & absorbs quickly into my skin. I am just not sure yet if I will buy it again once this one gets used up.

L - R: Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation (in NC25), Select Sheer Pressed Powder (in NC30), Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (in NC30)

Everything here was a re-purchase. I have been using their foundation/powder/concealer combo for several years now & since it's been working well, I really haven't had a need to look elsewhere. The only difference here is that the MAC artist suggested I take the NC25 in the foundation because my skin currently isn't so tan (I usually buy NC30). Well I am finding that it's a bit light on my face but since I keep forgetting to exchange it, I am just adding a little bit of tinted moisturizer & it's working. Next time, I will stick with my NC30.

Next up, the eye products...

L - R: Brule Eyeshadow (Satin), Expensive Pink Eyeshadow (Veluxe Pearl)

Both of these eyeshadow colors are new for me. I have seen Brule featured on beauty blogs & videos as a good highlight color. I'm not sure why I never picked it up before. And Expensive Pink was one of those not so necessary items that sucked me in. It caught my eye & I thought it was too pretty of a pink to pass up!

Lastly, the lip products...

L - R: Girl About Town Lipstick (Amplified; from the Fashion Sets collection), Hibiscus Lipstick (Cremesheen; from the Surf! Baby collection - no longer available)

The colors offered in the Fashion Sets collection come in a lipstick, lipglass & nail polish. Once I read reviews & saw swatches of the colors offered, I made a list in my iPhone of the colors I was interested in seeing up close. Girl About Town is so pretty on & I may go back for the lipglass version. The Surf! Baby collection is one from summer 2011 & this lipstick was actually purchased on eBay! I was on the hunt for a pretty coral lipstick color & after some Googling, I came across a post on Temptalia featuring Hibiscus. I became obsessed & HAD TO HAVE IT. In came eBay & voila! I love love love these two lipsticks!

L - R: Sheen Supreme Lipsticks in Fashion City & Ultra Darling

Another first time purchase, but I am in love! The smoothness of these lipsticks is ridiculous. They go on super smooth & they feel so creamy! Fashion City is a soft coral-y color & Ultra Darling is a pretty rosy pink. Love them. I will probably check out what other colors they have because this formula is pretty amazing!

So that is all! Whew! It's pretty crazy how much I love MAC Cosmetics. I had my makeup done there for my own wedding day & for other weddings that I was in. There may be other brands that are better or whatnot, but I figure if it ain't broke, then why fix it??

And holy moley, have you seen their newest collection Hey ,Sailor! Oh you know, I already have my iPhone list started! ;)

Friday's Five

I had a week of exhaustion, so unfortunately I didn't find time to put together my normal post for Friday's Five, but I think these five little puppy faces fill in quite nicely.

Aren't they so stinkin' adorable?!

Have a fabulous Friday!

Style Crush: Lauren Conrad

From the first episode of "Laguna Beach" till the last episode of "The Hills", I was a loyal member of Team Lauren. Not only was I a major fan of her good-girl image and wholesome personality (I think good girls finish first!), but I was majorly envious of her wardrobe and how effortless she made it all look.

Naturally, that makes Lauren Conrad my Style Crush!

Ah, I would love to rifle through her closet! Since that will probably never happen, I will have to make it work at Kohl's. ;)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Handy Dandy: Make a 'Grippy' Hanger

Tired of your blouses sliding off your hangers? Use a hot glue gun to create a 'grippy' hanger! Just apply glue in a zig-zag pattern and your tops will stay put!

The Webster Miami at Target

Remember when I told you about "The Shops at Target" coming on May 6th?

Five shops. One massive retailer.

Did any of you check it out? I did!

Once I had the sneak peeks of all the shops, I made my focus on The Webster Miami. Their clothing and accessories seemed just right for my South Florida environment. Duh, right? Well it makes sense. I wouldn't be inclined to dress like like a cowgirl in Texas over the sunshine & brights that Florida brings, so The Webster Miami was the perfect shop to...well, shop!

I immediately gravitated to this navy tank with the colorful leaf pattern. I really loved the loose look it had and the satin band across the hem.

*Note - this tank runs a size large.

I wore my newest top to work the next day with Gap's 1969 curvy bootcut jeans and paired it with this coral (not orange, as it looks here!) Mossimo cardigan, also from Target.

To keep it a bit more dressed up for work, I wore my Steven by Steve Madden lace up ivory heels which matched my ivory leaf-patterned earrings.

What do you think of my purchase from "The Shops at Target"?

Is The Webster Miami line your style?

Florals for Lunch

No I didn't eat florals for lunch....I wore florals for lunch!

Yesterday we had lunch with my Mom (& Dad too) at PF Chang's for Mother's Day. The Hubs and I looooove PF Chang's. Seriously, we would have no problem eating there everyday if we could. We don't even open up the menu because we have the same order every single time. Occasionally, we try something new but that's rare. One of my favorite treats: this mini red velvet cake dessert...yum!!!

Anyways back to my outfit!

(without iPhone flash)

(with iPhone flash - the colors look brighter here!)

Dress: Old Navy

Cami: New York & Company

Cardigan: Target

Gladiator Sandals: Qupid

Gold Watch: Guess (as seen here)

White/Gold Bracelet: BaubleBar

Neon Leaf Earrings: BaubleBar

Love Necklace: (I can't remember!)

Gold Links Bracelet: Spike the Punch

Unfortunately I didn't get any shots with my Mom or Dad. I thought I took a picture of them but it's not on my phone and the one group shot the waiter took was all blurry. But I did snap this one pic of my husband & I....isn't he so cute? :)

Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day!

 

Thank you Mom

Happy Mother's Day to my sweet Mom. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader. Thank you for always rooting for me. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Thank you for wiping up my tears, making yummy meals and loving me so much.

 I hope you feel appreciated today!

I love you much!



*Photo via Instagram - follow @ThePrettyFactor

Friday's Five

My five favorites this week...

#1 - My new J. Crew bubble necklace (purchased on eBay)

#2 - Maybelline's Baby Lips lip balm in Soothing Cherry (with SPF 20!)

#3 - This cute little diva that I pinned :)

#4 - Candle scent of the week

#5 - Me too buddy, me too!