My Girly Weekend

This past weekend was one of the girliest weekends I have had in awhile. Granted, I am usually found doing something girly, but this weekend was non-stop girl stuff.

And I enjoyed it thoroughly!

Most Friday nights for me are nights in. I don't usually make plans for Friday nights because at the end of the work week, all I want to do is veg out at home and RELAX. So I swung by Target to grab some things & picked up Essie's "Ole Caliente" for my at-home mani/pedi.

Saturday morning/afternoon brought about laundry & other house stuff before GIRLS NIGHT OUT! A few of my girlfriends & I were just meeting up for dinner & dessert but I swear I was putting more energy into getting ready for it than I do for a night out with my hubby! ;) Just kidding....I put in effort for him too! But I think it's because when you are married (& all of your friends are married), your schedules aren't as free...so it takes quite the effort to plan a GNO. In any case, I was really excited for it.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you caught a sneak peek of this outfit...

Dress: Forever 21

Leopard Belt: Target

Rhinestone Bracelet: J. Crew

Cuff: Jewelmint "Gehry"

Watch: Guess (first seen here)

 Earrings: (I don't remember!)

Ring: Gift from Husband

Wedges: Steve Madden "Riddgge"

Dinner at Bonefish Grill with Raisa & Cheryl

Sunday didn't start out so hot - I woke up with a killer headache so I stayed in bed for awhile until I felt better. I had breakfast & relaxed because it was storming outside. The other day I shared a picture on Instagram that was so quintessential South Florida - it was sunny as all heck but it was raining at the same time. Typical. Anyways, I had a baby shower for a friend later on in the afternoon so while I was feeling the urge to stay in my pj's, I got it together.

Dress: J. Crew 'Maritime Anchor' (now on sale!)

Sandals: Sam Edelman

Watch: Guess

Necklace: J. Crew via eBay

Cuff: Jewelmint "Gehry"

Chain Bracelet: Spike the Punch

Rings: Jewelmint "Forget Me Not" Trio

Book: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (first seen here)

My weekend ended with Sarah Jessica Parker...in the form of watching her movie, "I Don't Know How She Does It"...finally! This movie has been out forever!

It was cute. Then again, my opinion may be biased because I just love me some SJP!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

What did you do?

Friday's Five

My five favorites this week...

#1 - MAC's "Expensive Pink" eyeshadow - it kinda looks like a dupe for NARS "Orgasm" blush...but for your eyes!

#2 - How cute are these Watermelon Pops?!

#3 - Burberry Brit Sheer - scent of the week

#4 - The son of a fellow coworker is undergoing a critical surgery on Monday, so the company was involved in a big blood drive yesterday.

I hate needles but I hate kids being sick even more.

#5 - Diet Sparkling Green Tea with Strawberry Kiwi by Lipton. Addicted.

Handy Dandy: How to Keep Cottage Cheese Fresh

Here's a tip to keep your cottage cheese last even longer - store the container upside down in your refrigerator. This helps in slowing down the effects of the oxidation process!

Luxe for Less - Miu Miu Flared Heel Pump

Today's "Luxe for Less" feature is dedicated to Miu Miu's Flared Heel Pump.

I'm sure you have seen this pump before. it's probably one of the better known shoes by Miu Miu. It's famous for it's 'flared' heel. This patent leather pump features a 5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform and retails at just under $600. It's pretty gorgeous.

But not gorgeous enough to blow $600 on!

Aldo's "Worstell" pump instantly reminded me of the Miu Miu pump. While this is comes in rich suede upper, it has a similar flared heel. The "Worstell" features a 4.5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform. Oh and it costs significantly less - just under $60!!!

Hmmm....$60 or $600...what's your pick?

Glossybox

After hearing (and seeing!) of Glossybox from Pretty Shiny Sparkly back in May, I have finally received my very first Glossybox!

Glossybox is a monthly subscription service that provides top of the line beauty products in a sample size for just $21 a month. The concept of Glossybox is similar to that of Birchbox, but right off the bat, I have to say that it is much better! (*While Birchbox is only $10 a month, the samples were nothing to write home about. I cancelled my Birchbox membership after a few months because I didn't feel it was worth my $10.*) With Glossybox, each sample size is larger than your typical sample size - I would say they are more similar to travel sizes. And they aren't your run-of-the-mill samples of brands that you can find at a drugstore - these are higher end brands found at pricier retailers.

Glossybox personalizes the items they send you based on your beauty profile - so you aren't receiving items that are sent to everyone. These are tailored just for you!

The interior of the Glossybox looks like this - everything is wrapped in their signature black and pink packaging. Aside from just the pretty packaging, your Glossybox comes to you in a sturdy, well constructed pale pink box. This is definitely a box you can reuse to store pictures, jewelry or other items!

My box included this 'Glossy Mag' which featured summer beauty trends and tips!

The information card features the theme of the box (this month's theme is 'Summer Simplicity') and the back of the card gives you a listing of the items you received, complete with item descriptions and the full sized retail prices. My items retailed from $12 - $150! I love how you get to sample higher end beauty products with Glossybox!

Top Row, L-R: First Aid Beauty Smooth Shave Cream / Ahava Mineral Botanic Hibiscus & Fig Velvet Cream Wash / A Perfume Organic in Urban Organic

Bottom Row, L-R: Ofra Cosmetics Eye Shadow ICE / vBEAUTE Lite Up, Buying Time & Eye Never / Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Treatment

I am super excited to try these luxe beauty products out. I may not be able to buy them again at their  full retail price but the good thing is that I can have a good handle at what may be worth the repurchase vs not. It's a really great way to try out products that you might not have given a second look just based on their price along!

Glossybox does have a referral program but right now, it's by email invitation only. So if you are interested in trying out Glossybox, please send me an email - theprettyfactorblog@gmail.com - and I will send you the invitation link. Once you register your account, you will take their beauty profile survey - this will help in customizing the box of products that Glossybox will send you each month!

I highly recommend giving Glossybox a try - so send me an email today (theprettyfactorblog@gmail.com) and you can get yourself started!

*This is not a sponsored post. I paid for my Glossybox and now I'm talking about it! :)