DIY Brush Cleaner

Typically, I wash my brushes with the MAC brush cleanser. I found a new easy recipe on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. My brushes came out perfectly clean with no old makeup residue left behind.

Since it was so easy, I gave you guys a play by play below. I hope you like it just as much as I did :)

Here's what you'll need:

1. 1 tbsp of White Vinegar

2. Hot water

3. Dirty Brushes

Here's what you do:

1. Fill a cup with hot water and add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar

2. Add the brushes and set a timer for 20 minutes. 

3. At about 10 minutes, I pushed the brushes down to make sure that all the old makeup was getting out

4. After the 20 minutes is over, rinse them out with hot water and then again with cold water.

When I rinse the, I hold the brush facing down to make sure it keeps the shape.

5. Lay them out to dry overnight. I like to use a t-shirt rather than a towel just because it's recommended for your hair so I figured it would be good for your brushes too :)

Clean brushes :)

***I've gotten a lot of questions about the smell of brushes after they are cleaned with the vinegar. From my experience, there was absolutely no smell after they were rinsed, just brushes that were like new again :)

Coconut Oil Hair Treatment

Growing out my locks has been one of my top priorities over the last year.

Let's just add it as one of New Years Resolutions because I know I can stick to that one ;)

I finally decided to try the Virgin Coconut Oil hair treatment that I've heard about from many people.

I have been searching for it at the local grocery stores over the past few months, but ultimately had to order it on Amazon.

Here's what you'll need:

 1. Virgin Coconut Oil - I used the organic brand, Nutiva.

2. A hair clip

3. Shower cap

Here's what you do:

1. Grab a good amount of coconut oil and rub it through your hair.
I have extremely thick hair so I used two hand grabs of the amount below.

 2. After your hair is saturated with oil, put all your hair up in a clip and then put the shower cap on.

Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be dripping with oil, it just needs to have touched
every part of your hair that you want to feel silky smooth :)

This is my hair after I was done adding the coconut oil.

3. After 30 minutes, wash your hair like you normally would and style it. Personally, I add Morrocan Oil & it's a 10
when I get out of the shower, but opted to only put Morrocan Oil on the ends of my hair to ensure that it wasn't too oily.
It's completely up to you though.

Of course I didn't take an after photo but my hair is definitely silky smooth.
After a few treatments, I can definitely see how this can help my hair grow :)

Christmas Break Update

It's been awhile since I've updated. 

BUT it was Christmas so I have an excuse, right?

True to fashion, there is just way too much to recap so I just selecting a few photos from the last two weeks!

I figured out how to really party again.

I thought I was way too old for that, but Stephanie got her groove back.. for one night, hah.

I ended up with a sweet cake pop maker in my family white elephant game.

I know what I'm making for the next party I have :)

I spent TONS of time with family.

The newest members of the family are an adorable set of twins! :)

 I got Landyn an awesome new car for Christmas, complete with a new car bow!

 He went to Colorado for 5 days, but I still got in lots of quality time with my sweetheart!

I spent a lot of time with my love & it was amazing <3

 We all showered Landyn with gifts :)

Mema was in town for 4 days. What a treat!

Had a lot of date nights with my honey.

 Went to a bridal shower for a friend that will be getting married in a few months!

Justin has two very best friends and these are their girlfriends. 

So blessed that I love these girls so much.

"We're the 6 best friends that anyone could have" ;)

 Justin had to work on New Years so I entered the New Year without a kiss but still had a blast with friends. 

AND witnessed a proposal right at midnight :)

I hope everyone had the most fabulous holidays as possible!!

I'm ready for all that is to come in the New Year. 

Hopefully I'll be back to regular posting starting NOW :)

The Nail Files

Linking up today for The Nail Files.

This will *most likely* be my last Nail Files of 2012. 

Seriously, where did the year go? 

Today, I'm wearing Essie Marshmallow with glittery ring fingers :)

I really wanted to use red but can you believe that all 3 of my red nail polishes were not up to par to take on the job. Looks like I need to go red nail polish shopping. I'm obsessed with the red from the 2010 OPI Christmas Collection. I can't remember the name of it right now, but whatever it was, I need that. I'll check at home and get back to you on that.

Doing anything fun with your nails this holiday season?

Link up with us and share :)

Photo Dump

I've been busy. Really busy. 

So I decided to catch you up with some photos.

I've either been babysitting...

Having fun with friends at the Magic game..

Painting my new office at work, going to dinner for friends birthdays...

FYI: If you let me pick my wall color, I'm obvi going to pick pink ;)

At my office Christmas party, or my boyfriends work Christmas party..

OR 

Saying goodbye to my longtime favorite neighborhood bar that officially closed down last night :(

Here is a few snap shots of our new office. 

I love all the artwork that they did, but I'm still getting used to my individual office.

I'm directly next to a conference room that has had a lot of traffic the past few days. 

Since I have a floor to ceiling glass window directly to my right, I'm basically a window model for the people in the conference room. Trying to get used to that :(

And that's all :)

Hopefully I'll be back to regular posting soon!

Blogger Day of Silence

IPSY: Glam Bag

This is the 3rd month of my IPSY subscriptions and they have yet to fail me.

Check out what they sent me this month:

 Now let's break down all the goodies I got :)

1. Cute understated bag - exactly my style.

2. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($19) - The color is called 'Zero' but it's jet black. My favorite thing about IPSY is that they give me colors that I would actually use. Unlike Birch Box who gave me purple eyeliner. Sure, it would be great if I go to an 80's party but I'm looking for everyday products. 

3. NYX Loose Pearl Shadow ($3) - The color I received was called 'Pearl' which is a pale pearly pink. While I would have preferred the gorgeous gold that some people received, I can always purchase it if I like the application.

4. Mai Couture Highlighter Papier ($28) - This highlighting paper adds a glow to your skin wherever you apply it. I'm really excited to see if these work. What a great alternative to bronzer.

5. Be a Bombshell Lip Gloss ($14) - The color is called 'Hot Mess'. I think it's going to be the perfect color for the holiday season. Can you imagine how adorable red lips and nails will be for a holiday party? 

6. Mirabella Prime for Face and Eyes ($29) - I'm almost out of my Primer so this couldn't have come at a better time. This product contains Vitamin E that works as an antioxidant to smooth our lines as it moisturizes and protects your skin. Plus, it helps keep your makeup in place. Count me in.

This month they sent me all full sized products resulting in a grand total of $93. 

Did I mention I only paid $10 TOTAL?

Seriously, if you haven't signed up for IPSY yet, I don't know what you're waiting for.

This just might be the best decision I've ever made.