Beautycounter

Recent Favorites

We’ve got makeup, we’ve got jewelry, we’ve got press on nails, we’ve got books, we’ve got art, and we’ve got so much more! Let’s get to it, shall we?

Amazon Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes have been something I have needed for quite some time now. As luck would have it, I was watching Instastories and ran across someone sharing these, a dupe for some really nice and expensive brushes. When I realized they were only $15, I scooped them up and the eye makeup brushes too, which is what I desperately needed. I love them all. They’re a little gaudy, but I guess I can be too. Ha! I think they’re excellent for the price I paid.

Beautycounter Satin Finish Lipstick

If you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen me share about this new product plenty. But if you haven’t, allow me introduce you to Beautycounter’s newest power play, the Statement Maker Satin Finish Lipstick. She’s beautifully pigmented and lasts until I eat. I do need to reapply after eating, but I think that’s fair in a lipstick that doesn’t promise to stay on all day.
Plus, y’all know how much of a stickler I am for clean lip products. I hate that we ingest what’s on our lips, so I like to make mine clean. Grab one here.

Red Aspen Almond Shape Nails

I love a good manicure, but I refuse to pay and sit for an actual one in a salon. I discovered Red Aspen on Instagram and gave them a try. I haven’t looked back, and I am LOVING these almond shaped ones. I am normally a short nail gal, but after giving these a try, I think this extra bit of glam is exactly who I’m supposed to be.

Walmart Triple Link Bracelet

Remember when Hoda Kotbe talked about these fancy and expensive bracelets? Well, Walmart came through with a $6 version!!! It has held up pretty well, and I love the chunky style. Plus, it’s 3-in-1. What’s not to love?

New Balance 237

One of the happiest birthdays was my 37th. My husband spoils me to no end, and I am not ashamed to say how much I love it. I sent him a link to these adorable sneakers after falling in love with the 327s. He surprised me with them, and I have found them extremely comfortable and so pretty.

Not the Norm Boutique

Listen, I am loving all the things from Not the Norm and am so happy to be able to support them. This local boutique hosts pop ups and is always open online. I am still loving my Cinco de Mayo top (wore it today but it’s out of stock) and I got so many compliments when I wore the Harlow Satin Tank. I got the size x-large in beige and find it fits pretty true to size. I could wear the large but liked the extra room in my chest. The quality of these clothes is fantastic, and you must give them a follow on Instagram and shop online right now!!!!

Loopy Case

I love a Loopy Case. I’ve had so many over the years. I just can’t quit the convenience of having the loop to carry on my hand. I thought this butterfly one was perfect for spring and summer. Paul must have listened to me talk about it, because it was a late birthday surprise for me. Highly recommend trying these out if you haven’t yet. Use code THANKYOU10 at checkout for 10% off.

Mallory Mize Art

We gifted our moms a piece of Mallory Mize art this year for Mother’s Day, and Paul got me one too, from the dogs. I don’t know if you’re aware of what paper art is or what it can be, but I’m here to tell you this is such a unique and beautifully crafted piece of art to add to your collection. I already have plans for an Iris Apfel piece because it reminds me of my Aunt Sharon and maybe the oranges in the bowl because those colors are GORGEOUS! If you have children, consider having her custom create a silhouette. They are remarkable!

Books

I read seven books in May, but these two stand out the most. I am all the way ready for summer reads, and Book Lovers by Emily Henry totally fits the bill. I also thought that Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn was way too much fun and the perfect way to kick off your summer reading.

Watermelon Punch

From a recent Instastory. I 100% think adding lime juice makes it even better!

The happiest of summer cocktails is this!

Frozen watermelon cubes (the amount is trial and error until you get the desired consistency)
2 shots of vodka (or less, or more, or none-it’s an excellent mocktail)
A squeeze of fresh lime juice (or the bottle stuff- I use it too)
A spoonful of simple syrup (but only if your watermelon isn’t very sweet-otherwise, it’s not needed)
Blend in the blender

I tried it with tequila, specifically reposado. It’s okay. But watermelon pairs best with vodka or silver tequila in my opinion.

Simple Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Heat in a boiler over med to high heat (don’t boil) until sugar dissolves. Stir as needed. Set aside and let cool to room temperature. Add to cocktails/mocktails as needed.

Cheers to summer!

April Favorites

Wow! Where did the month go? I feel like I blinked, looked at the calendar and it was April 15th. And now- Bam! It’s over! Don’t we always feel that way, though? I mean, except for January. I’m always glad to see that one go. But what a quick month it’s been. Maybe because it’s been so full of such wonderful things. We had Easter, I helped throw a baby shower for a friend, I went to the beach, we had state testing, which wasn’t a favorite of the month, but it was totally a huge part of the month and a stress inducer. There were hair appointments (always good days), a book release I was excited about, the premier of the final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and so much more. Let’s dive in to all the good things I’ve deemed my favorites of the month.

Favorite Book of the Month

I can’t remember a time when Beth Moore wasn’t teaching me about Jesus. Her memoir was on my radar, but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to read the physical copy or listen to her read it to me on Audible. I decided to go with the Audible version. And listen, I knew some of her back story. I mean, I’ve listened to countless interviews, done a Bible study of hers, and watched all the Youtube videos. (This one is my favorite.) But, y’all, I was not prepared for some of these stories. I was not prepared for her to share as much as she did. If you’ve been studying under Mrs. Beth and have been blessed by her, please consider getting on the waitlist at the library or using an Audible credit for this one. You’ll love it.

Favorite Purchases of the month

Paul’s counsin’s incredibly stylish wife started a new online boutique called Not the Norm that has the cutest clothes. She had her first pop up at the beginning of the month, and I scooped up two colorful tops, which are way out of my comfort zone, but I love them both! The next pop up is on Saturday, May 6th at the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. You should definitely come, you should definitely start following them on Instagram, and you should definitely go ahead and shop online.

It wouldn’t be a new month if I didn’t buy a book. This one was a highly anticipated release. So highly anticipated that I preordered it. If you’ve been around long enough, you know that I love Laura Tremaine. She wrote a book I loved called Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First. She hosts a weekly podcast called 10 Things to Tell You that is a delight to listen to and learn from. And now she’s written a new book called The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs. It came out early this month, but I haven’t been able to start it yet. I can’t wait!

Favorite Thing I Watched

I am so behind on shows, but I was most excited about the return of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Though it’s the last season, I’m still excited to see how they will wrap it up for us. I sort of appreciate the weekly release of the episodes. It’ll help me savor it. I have been such a huge fan of the show since the beginning and have watched the previous seasons multiple times. It became on of those “comfort shows” for me. If you’ve never watched, you must start at the beginning. Know that seasons 3 and 4 aren’t always top notch, but stick it out anyway. The endings will leave you floored. And just one more reason to watch it- the costumes. Gosh, that fashion is divine!

Paul and I watched Daisy Jones and the Six like the rest of the world. It was just okay for me. No, that’s not true. It was actually very good and well done. But I had just reread the book and had so many ideas fresh in my head, and when the show didn’t match my expectations, I turned my nose up at it. I thought the book was perfectly done and didn’t see any need to change anything, so I had a hard time with the show. However, if you’ve never read the book, I’m guessing you loved/will love the show, and I do recommend it. And while we’re talking TV fashion, Camilla’s outfit at the album cover shoot…that head scarf and oversized sunglasses- PERFECTION!

Favorite Thing I ate

Having lived in Louisiana one can get used to a caliber of food that just isn’t matched anywhere else. And one also cannot replicate that food on her own either. During Lent, Paul and I were thrilled to give the boiled crawfish from Pip’s a try. It was delicious, and we made ourselves incredibly satisfied over who-knows-how-many pounds of crawfish one Friday night. We even called over my parents, who never got crawfish while we lived in Louisiana. While it wasn’t my dad’s idea of a good time, mom liked it pretty good. It was a nice taste of our other home.

My birthday falls at the end of April, and my mom offered to make me a cake. She made a delicious chocolate cake with chocolate icing last year, and I told her I’d like that again. She decided to do a different recipe this year from the one and only Ina Garten. It was delicious, and I recommend finding any excuse to make it.

Other Favorites

Red Aspen Press On Nails
in Nina On Cloud Nine

I cannot get over how wonderful these press on nails are! The learning curve is short, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll love the natural look, the longevity, and the price. Nina on Cloud Nine is the perfect white mani. If you’re one who paints her own nails, you know how many coats it takes to get an opaque white mani. This takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and zero dry time! Get yours here.

Naghedi St. Barths Tote

It’s been high time for a new handbag around here, and I was kind of digging the woven tote bags I’d seen some of the influencers carry. Most of the ones I saw were the larger size one from Amazon. I think those are so cute, but I was in the mood for a change- smaller purse, bold color. Enter Naghedi. I first laid eyes on the St. Barths Tote via @nashvilletash in the gorgeous orchid color (no longer available). But I wanted one that I could carry longer than spring and summer. That’s when I perused the website and found it in poppy. She’s a bright orange that I will carry all year round. It’s neoprene, machine washable, and thoughtfully made. There are tons of styles and sizes. It’s a bit of an investment but not a huge one in comparison with more couture bags. It’s a total win in my book!

Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

I’ve droned on and on about my oily skin here, especially when talking about Beautycounter. Honestly, I’ve been dealing with it since I hit puberty. I was using and loving the Countertime Collection at Beautycounter, which is the anti-aging line that has a retinol alternative called Bakuchiol in it. It was super hydrating and I knew it was keeping those deep set wrinkles at bay. (Also, the eye cream is truly incredible and worth every penny!) Anyway, I just kept being EXTREMELY oily throughout the day, so I decided that I was going to experiment and see if a different moisturizing routine would help. I swapped the Supreme Cream (night) for the Soft Cream (day)- I put this on at night before bed. I was foregoing moisturizer in the mornings because the Soft Cream was too much moisture for my skin under my makeup, which happens to be a tinted moisturizer base.
I decided I needed some type of moisturizer in the morning, so I finally gave the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion a try. The beauty of this moisturizer is that it’s sort of like a mood ring for your face. It just knows what you are/need. I have been less oily than every before! It is so light and absorbs quickly into your skin. I cannot get over the sorcery that is in this product. 🙂 If you don’t love your current moisturizer, you must give this stuff a try! It’s pure magic!

I Feel Like I’m Missing Tons

April may have been fast and furious, but it was great! Lots of fun and lots of blessings. I hope April brought joy to your life, and I hope that May brings even more. We have another birthday I the house in May and let’s not forget the end of the school year! Counting down the days. Hope to share more soon.

Must Have Beautycounter Products

Beautycounter is 10 years old! I have had the most fun partnering with this company that is THE leader in clean beauty. They are leading the way in advocacy for safer beauty for everyone. It’s truly incredible to be a part of it. I’d love for you to explore more about joining the mission here.

My skincare journey is ever-evolving as I age, but some things remain the same. I’m sharing those products with you today, and I encourage you to consider making a safer swap like I have with these products. Let’s get started.

Skin Twin Creamy Concealer

I haven’t tried another concealer that hides the imperfections quite like this one does. It is truly a hero product in my book, and I’ll never be without it. I wear shade Light 1.

All Bright Vitamin C Serum

The benefits of Vitamin C as part of your skincare routine are endless. I am so happy to have found one that is gentle enough for me while packing a punch with two forms of vitamin c. My skin is brighter and healthier because of it.

Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask

It’s the first product I ever purchased, and I’ve not been without it. I use it as an all-over mask and as a spot treatment. You will love how this mask makes your skin look and feel. (If you’re a person with acne or have a teen battling acne, this would be an excellent addition to your skincare.)

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer

This is my go-to foundation. Yes, it’s just a tinted moisturizer, but it pairs beautifully with the concealer, so my skin can breathe while also getting the coverage it needs. I love how easily it applies with just fingers or even a blender. It has an SPF of 20, and I reach for it over a full coverage option any day. I wear shade No. 3.

Sheer Defense Facial Sunscreen

While the Dew Skin does have an SPF of 20, my dermatologist says that I need at least an SPF of 30 on my skin, so I layer these two. The thing I love about the Sheer Defense Sunscreen is that there is no white cast from the product, and it has an SPF of 25. So often we battle the white cast of sunscreen on a beach day, but on a regular day we do want to have it easier since we’re usually putting on a face of makeup. This is your product, ladies (and gentlemen). It layers beautifully under makeup and on its own. We all need that sun protection, and I have truly loved this sunscreen.

Beyond Gloss

Honestly, I can’t think of a bad Beautycounter lip product, but I do love the lip gloss. It is truly not sticky. I don’t know what kind of clean sorcery they have done to make it so perfect, but they have mastered it. It is made with responsibly sourced organic Madagascar vanilla, which gives it a lovely scent and a hydrating feel. My favorite everyday shade is Clove.

New to Beautycounter?

Newcomers to Beautycounter can use the code CLEANFORALL20 to receive 20% off their first purchase.

Rewards program

If you have a cart of $50 or more, you might want to consider joining our rewards program called the Band of Beauty. You’ll get a free gift just for joining for $10 and spending $50 in product. You’ll also get 10% product credit back to use on a future purchase. And if you’ve got $100+ worth in your cart, you’re getting free shipping! In the future, you’ll get exclusive offers too. I did it when I made my first purchase, and I loved the perks before I became a consultant.

Free Gift(s)

If you shop before March 10th (that’s just 2 more days, y’all) and spend $125, you’ll receive that All Bright C Serum for free!!! And if you spend $250, you’ll receive the All Bright C Serum and the AHA Reflect Effect Exfoliating Mask (both full size products) for free! It’s fun to have a birthday at Beautycounter. So many perks!

I’d love to answer any questions you have or recommend any products. Making a safer switch for yourself is an excellent gift to give yourself! You can make the switch here.

Favorite Things of 2022

Happy New Year! We’re almost two weeks in to 2023, and I hope you’re all doing well. I’m hoping for good things for us all this year!
Today I want to share some of the stand out things of 2022. We’ll span the whole spectrum of categories, so grab a seat and read on.

Life

Target Dress (old,unavailable) | Similar Target Sandals

Paul and I started going back to church in the summer and have really enjoyed it. We haven’t always been able to go to church together. His work schedule never really allowed it while we lived in Louisiana, and when we moved back to Alabama we weren’t really sure where we fit. Anyway, I’m just really happy to be able to attend church together and to grow together in our faith. God opens doors right when we need him to, and I am so grateful that he does.

Safer Beautycounter Sunscreen | Matrix by Lauren Groff | Quay Sunglasses (Ever After)

This summer was the first one that I didn’t have a second job. I fully embraced summer vacation and took time off. It was glorious. I read so many books!

Other highlights of the year were:
Growing tomatoes for the first time and acquiring a second rose bush and a lime tree that is incredibly high maintenance, but the limes are GOOD!
Marrying off my best friend in the sweetest ceremony.
Attending two Auburn football games.

2022 had a few upsets for us too. One being the loss of my Aunt Sharon. We share a birthday and had a very special bond. I miss her terribly, but God continues to show His goodness and faithfulness even in times of loss, grief, hurt, and disappointment. On the morning she died, I was heading out the door to work, and when I opened it there was the biggest cardinal just sitting on a powerline looking at me. I gasped, and it flew away. I hadn’t heard the news yet, but in that moment I knew it was my sign that she had passed. As I was pulling into the school parking lot, my mama called to tell me my aunt had died early that morning. My friend told me the cardinal was a God wink to let me know she was okay. I believe it. God works in mysterious ways and no doubt knows that old saying about cardinals showing up as lost loved ones. His goodness and faithfulness never fails.

Listening

Nicolle Galyon released her debut album called Firstborn. Nicolle is a songwriter of many songs that you know and love in the country music genre, but she finally put out her own album, and It. Is. Incredible. She is one of the most gifted songwriters of her generation, and I could listen to her album over and over again and never tire of it. Oh wait, I did that.

Towards the end of the year and still now (let’s blame it on Yellowstone coming back in November) I started listening to Lainey Wilson (specifically Bell Bottom Country), and I think I really like her. If you’re following me on Instagram, you’ve likely heard her songs popping up in stories. I wake up singing one almost every morning.

Watching

The White Lotus on HBO Max was a show Paul and I tried in season one and couldn’t really get into it. Well, a podcast I listen to started devoting their episodes to season two of The White Lotus and that made me very curious. I wasn’t sure if I needed to finish season one to fully get season two (you don’t) but I powered through it and ended up really liking it.
But season two!!!
That was the better one for me. It’s set in Italy so it’s breathtaking scenery, and I liked the characters better. Highly recommend.

House of the Dragon was the other show I was very excited about watching this year. It came out in August on HBO Max and is a prequel to Game of Thrones focused on the ancestors of Daenerys Targaryen. I thought it was incredible and can’t wait for more. I think if you’re a GOT fan then you’ll like this one.

Reading

Hands down my favorite book of the year was Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. It is nearly 900 pages, but it is the most beautiful and complex storytelling you’ll read. I laughed and cried and cringed my way through. There were things I could never imagine living through, and then the next page would have me wishing I was right there with the Hat Creek Outfit. After reading it I started watching the mini series, but I couldn’t bring myself to watch the last part of it because I had the notion in my head of what the ending of the book was supposed to be like. And even though Robert Duvall could not have been a better Gus, I could not let the show influence my vision of how the ending of the book went. If you read one western in your life, please make it Lonesome Dove.

A very close second and a complete shift in content is another book I have to share with you, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. This book follows Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the 1960s, who hosts a cooking show that teaches women far more than cooking. It’s about her life and the struggles of being a woman in the world of science in a time when women “belonged in the home”. There’s also a dog in the book named Six-Thirty, and I’ve never loved a fictional animal more. What a delight of a book. Add it to your TBR list.

Wearing

This Goodwill blazer is one of my favorite wardrobe additions.
Boyfriend button down (Size Large) | High wasted jeans (could have sized down one) | Similar Sneakers | Similar Earrings (mine are black) | Loopy Phone Case (Plaid)

Blazers have taken over my wardrobe. I bought one several years ago and have worn it now and again, but as I started seeing them pop up in the fall fashion trends, I decided to jump on the bandwagon. I’ve gotten one locally, one from Amazon, and one from a thrift store. I think blazers are an easy way to elevate a basic look, add a sophisticated layer, and provide warmth without the bulk. I’m not sure I’ll be quitting these anytime soon.

Current favorite pumps in nude.
Jeans | Pumps (Color: Chestnut)

I was in desperate need of a pair of black pumps when I found a pair in Target and bought them on a whim. I fell in love. So in love that I bought them in a nude color, too. Are they the most well made pump you could own? Nope. But are they comfortable, the perfect, comfortable heel height, and affordable? Yep. I wear them all the time and with everything. I’ll report back if I get the courage to wear them all day teaching.

Another Target shoe I bought in black and then again in nude is this two-strap sandal. I also wear these with everything and do wear these all day at school. Those block heels can take you the distance! They are comfortable and have a cushiony foot bed. Love ’em.

I’ve reached borderline obsession status with my next favorite: Vivian Drew Earrings. I have slowly been collecting pieces from this brand for several years, but it turns out that when I send her Instagram posts over to Paul’s DMs, he buys them and gives them to me for birthdays and anniversaries and Christmases. Take that tip to the bank, girls! Works every time. 😉 The quality is excellent. The very first pair that I bought still looks brand new. Check out her site here and give her a follow on Instagram.

Beauty

I have been with Beautycounter for several years now, but I have never tried the Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick until October and wow, wow, wow! I decided to get the At the Red-y Lip Duo holiday set, and I’m just wondering why I never got this lipstick before. It really is conditioning and the color payoff is surprising for a sheer lipstick.

The other thing I’m still loving is the Countertime Line from Beautycounter. It’s the anti-aging line that uses Bakuchiol in place of Retinol. This makes it less harsh and safe for those who are pregnant and nursing. I truly love it.

Shop my faves

Here’s your one-stop-shop for all of my 2022 favorites.

Lonesome Dove Book
At the Red-y Lip Duo
Amazon The Drop White Blazer (fits TTS)
Vivian Drew Earrings (this style currently on sale)
Countertime Skincare Regimen
Target Nude Two-Strap Sandal (fits TTS/wearing color Chestnut)
Target Black Two-Strap Sandal (fits TTS)
Target Black Pump (fits TTS)
Target Nude Pump (fits TTS/wearing color Chestnut)
Lessons in Chemistry Book

Here’s to 2023!

More good music. More interesting books. More entertaining television. More affordable fashion. More safer beauty. More church. More Auburn football. More relaxing. More time with friends and loved ones. More God winks. More blessings.

Until next time.

So Long, Summer

What a great run I’ve had with Summer 2022! I took it upon myself to make things as simple as possible for the two months I get for summer break. My sole purpose was to relax and read. Last school year was particularly taxing, and I craved some adventure but mostly just being able to be home and do a whole lot of nothing. I feel confident I met that goal and realize the privilege that comes with being able to do that. Don’t believe a teacher that tells you she’s not in it for the summers off…deep down part of her is. 🙂

5 Minute On-the-Go Makeup Routine

Hello! As we enter another work week, my first full work week of 2022, I thought I’d share a quick makeup routine with you to help get us back in the swing of things. Most of the products I use come from Beautycounter. I love knowing that I’m making a better choice by choosing clean beauty. Making small changes, like adding one of these items to your routine, will significantly impact your health in the long run. Here’s what I do.

Daily Beautycounter Skincare

Since making the switch to safer skincare, I can really tell a difference in my skin. I went all in with the Countercontrol Collection, and it changed my skin completely when it comes to acne. Then I started using the Countertime Collection, which is the anti-aging line, and I am completely shocked at how great my skin feels and seems to be improving. While I’m still working my way through some of my Countercontrol and Countertime products, there are three hero products that won’t ever be leaving my bathroom counter. That’s what we’re here to talk about today.

Daily Beautycounter Makeup

While I like to mix things up a bit with my makeup look, I’m usually reaching for the same tried and true clean beauty products by way of none other than Beautycounter. As most of you know, I’m a consultant with the leading brand of clean beauty, and I couldn’t be more proud to be. The products are not only safe to use, but they are actually great, high-performing products. Today I’m sharing all the things I reach for day after day.

So Long, Summer

Hello! I have one more week of summer left. But since I started the last blog post with laments about school starting, I’ll leave that topic alone. I did just get back from a quick lake trip with some of my work friends, and we could not have ended the summer in a better way. We know the looming school year is coming with change and challenge, but I am so grateful to have such good friends that I can see on a daily basis.

I have a few more things to share with you before we wrap up summer break. Today I’ll share some things I’m using, reading, watching, eating, drinking, etc. Read on for the rest of my summer favorites.

5 Good Things | No. 21

“The time is always right to do what is right.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy MLK Day! How’s everyone doing? I’ve had a great week and have been getting ready to go back to school tomorrow with my students. We have been doing virtual school these first two weeks of the new year, and they come back tomorrow. If you’re a teacher who has been through this, it is kind of nice not worrying about the morning school traffic and getting to go to the bathroom whenever you need to, but virtual learning is not proving to be an area in which we excel. Students are learning best in the classroom, and we’re teaching best when they’re in those desks. I’m looking forward to seeing their faces in the flesh tomorrow.