Monday, January 5, 2015

Birthday Outfit






I think the thumb brace really makes the outfit ;) Over the weekend Tim spoiled me for my birthday with dinner at the Sundial. It's a restaurant on top of the highest hotel in downtown Atlanta and rotates in a circle (1 hour for a full circle) to view all of Atlanta. Sadly, we couldn't see ANYTHING because the fog was so dense.. an excuse to go back ;) We took these photos at the hotel so the lighting is a little harsh. Yesterday I had dinner with family and we had champagne and chocolate chip cookies for dessert #dietstartstoday 

On to the outfit details. Due to the weather I wanted to wear pants instead of a dress or skirt, so I threw on my go to leather leggings from express. My top is old from Francescas but this is an identical top (just more expensive). To spice it up I added these leopard shoes (I also love these on sale). I linked the rest of the outfit and other similar options below!


Happy Happy Monday! It's the last week of Christmas break until I go back to Savannah for school.


Friday, January 2, 2015

Friday Favorites: Best in Beauty from 2014

Happy Friday! It really doesn't feel like a Friday though.. my days are all mixed up between break from school and the holidays. Anyway.. today I'm sharing my beauty favorites from the year of 2014!


Favorite Hair Product: Batiste Dry Shampoo 
I've gone through a couple bottles of this stuff throughout the year. Before discovering this product I didn't like the feeling of dry shampoo in my hair. However this one doesn't leave a weird texture and I love it for volume. I even use it on freshly washed hair! When I'm out of this stuff I just use baby powder (only recommend this for light colored hair) but during this time of year it makes my hair really staticky. I recently picked up twi bottles at ultra for BOGO 50% off and they always have a $3.50 off coupon.

A few years ago I hated curling my hair. Every time I tried to it would turn out horribly then just fall out into an unflattering flip. Now, I'm the exact opposite and rarely ever style my hair straight - it helps me fake volume throughout my hair. That's because I finally found the size barrel and hairspray that works for me. If you have problems keeping curl, I recommend using dry shampoo to give it some grip, curl with a 1inch barrel (the bigger the barrel the looser the curls...therefore the easier they fall out), then hairspray. I wait for my hair to cool down from the heat before I run my fingers through them and style it. Side note: curling your hair without your thumb sucks. 

I rarely leave the house without a little winged liner (except for school or target runs). This is my go-to because it's the perfect shape and size to get the line I want. I've noticed that other brands I've tried are a sticker formulation (I would notice it transferring to my eyelid) but this one stays put.

These are a favorite because they aren't too sticky and they have a cooling tingle once applied to the lips (aka plump action). My favorite colors (including all 3 different formulations) are white russian, katie, and hot mama.

I've heard mixed reviews about this mascara, but I haven't found a better one that makes my eyelashes as dark and full looking. I have noticed some flecks under my eye after touching my eyes a lot, but the benefits outweigh this flaw. This mascara helps keep curl and adds the fluttery fullness I want. To avoid clumping I use this brush or an old mascara brush to comb through my lashes. 

I've heard this concealer was a dupe for this popular one, so I wanted to try it out. I think it provides a great coverage, isn't too thick of a formulation, and brightens my under eye. Not to mention it's under 5$

I use this when damp to apply foundation and concealer. You can get away with a heavier coverage foundation with this applicator because it helps blend into the skin better and makes it more natural looking. I only like this full coverage foundation when used with the BB, it's way too thick if applied with your fingers. Secondly,  I love how one side has a thinner tip for under the eyes and around the nose. 

Hands down this isn't just my favorite moisturizer for my face and body, but I also love to use it as a hair mask and eye makeup remover. Heck, what other product can you also cook with? Actually, here are 101 ways to use coconut oil if you're interested.

Favorite Self Tan: St. Tropez AND Jergens Natural Glow
I couldn't just pick one, because St. Tropez would look horrible on me this time of year. I prefer Jergens during his time of year and I love St. Tropez because it dries quickly and the color is natural!

I absolutely love this scent during spring and summer, especially because I live in Savannah (although living coastal definitely isn't required). It smells like a beach vacation in a bottle.

You can also shop these products in the widget below! I've also updated my sidebar beauty favorites so you can find these products as well as a few others.

Have a great weekend everyone,



Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015: Let's Do This


I hope everyone had a wonderful time ringing in 2015 last night! I spent it with my boyfriend and bestie in a new neighborhood of Atlanta for us. Cheers to 2015 being the best one yet. Also, thank you to each and every one of you for being apart of and supporting me here on SCxo. I wanted to share some of my resolutions with y'all to reflect back on during the year..and also keep me accountable!

1. Stick with a "grown up" skincare routine - I get in phases where I just use a makeup wipe and moisturize, but I need to add my clarisonic back into a regular routine and find a system I can use consistently. If you have any recommendations let me know! Currently I'm using this face wash and this moisturizer. Look for a skin care routine in a few weeks! 

2. Study more than the minimum - I've gotten really lazy with school and only study for upcoming tests. This year I want to be better with my readings and learn as much as I can before clinicals start in the fall.

3. Take a trip(s) somewhere new- I have a major trip itch lately and for 2015 I want to get out of my bubble and explore more. I think this started when I was picking clinical sites for my third year in school. I want to do one in a new city, but I'm super indecisive so it's stressing me out more than it should. Actually, being less indecisive should be a resolution, but I only want to set reachable goals ;)  

4. Eat healthier - duh. Gets me every year. However this year I also want to expand my cooking. While at school I order Papa Johns and eat out way more than I should... This year I want to try new recipes at home (I tend to make the same things and most of those just involve heating in a microwave).

5. Better posture - If you didn't know I'm in Physical Therapy school, this resolution now makes more sense to you.. haha. This is something I really need to work on, especially while in lectures!


I'd love to hear some of your resolutions!