Drugstore Summer Glow

One little known fact about me is that I am a redhead who can actually get and keep a decent tan. I have darker auburn hair and in the summertime I am able to tan quite frequently without getting burnt. It’s a blessing and a curse. Once or twice a week, I use a tanning bed. Before you scold me about skin cancer and wrinkles, I understand all of these risks. I have tried a lot of self-tanners and they all make me look orange. Especially around the creases in my knees and elbows. Yuck! Besides they smell disgusting and you have to walk around your house naked for 30 minutes to allow it to completely dry.

Understanding that I am in the “fair skin” category and all the bad stuff involved with tanning beds, I wanted to find something that would work and better yet look natural. When I was chosen by Influenster to try out Sally Hanson’s airbrush legs, I was skeptical. I thought just another self-tanner that’s going to make me look gross. They gave me this handy dandy $2 coupon, so I couldn’t help but give it shot.

I was amazed how quick I saw results. I sprayed it on and BAM, gorgeous summer glow. It was that quick! I used the medium shade, frankly because they didn’t have the lighter but it was perfect. After I sprayed it on, I used a creamy body lotion right on top. This evened it out and warmed up my skin.

Overall opinion: This product had no sketchy smell, often found in similar products and more importantly stayed on my silky smooth skin, not my wardrobe. The best part is it’s water resistant so there’s no fear in it rubbing off at the pool. I give this product a thumbs up, and the fact that I can get it at my drugstore without breaking the bank, that’s another thumbs up!

If you wish to try out Sally Hansen’s airbrush legs, use this $2 coupon and share your results with me.

Special thanks to my sponsors:

*I received free promotional products for this post; however, they are products I asked for and would purchase myself. All opinions and photographs are my own.

Weekend Warrior: A Checklist for Summer

If you live in the Birmingham area you’ll know that the last few days have felt like Sum-mer with a capital S. It’s reaching well into the 90s some days. I’m talking the take your breath away when you get in a hot car heat. You know, the sticky, sweaty heat that makes you want to just go naked. It’s just hot. And where is the wind? If anyone finds it let me know.

I’m stuck in a cubicle counting down the days until my next mini-vacation. I just got back from Charleston and there are so many things I wish I would have taken with us. There’s nothing cute about having a tomato-red sunburn because you forgot to pack sunscreen. Trust me, I’m a redhead. So, this weekend head to Target and get these items so you can enjoy your vacation when it finally gets here.

1. Double check your cabinets for sunscreen. Did you know that SPF can expire? Check the expiration dates, and if you can’t locate, toss it and start over.
2. Ditto aloe vera.
3. Make sure you have a bathing suit that fits. You might have grown/shrunk since last year and it’s good to be on the safe side. Besides, sometimes you can get those little bumps all on the bum of your suit bottom. That’s not cute either.
4. Check your closets for the beach essentials: a good sunhat, light cover up, shorts, tanks and flip flops. If you’re lacking any, add them to the list.
5. Check the condition of your beach towels. If they are hanging on by a thread, literally, grab some more.
6. If you have a beach trip in mind, it’s always good to have chairs. I like the kind that sit low to the ground. Optional: umbrellas are great to have for those with sensitive skin.
7. Find a good tote. Whether you’re going to the pool, beach, etc. a good tote with many pockets comes in handy.
8. Pick up a good summer book. Check out my list here. Summer days can be long and you never know when you can catch up on a good book.
9. Create a travel emergency kit. Include band aids, Neosporin, unscented wipes, Advil, tampon/panty liner, mini deodorant, Kleenex, chap stick, fingernail clippers, mini sewing kit, pony tail holder, bobby pins, safety pins, or anything else you think you might need.
10. Invest in a cute clutch. Sometimes all you need is your phone, keys, and a little cash. With all the events in the summer, it’s good to have a small clutch instead of a huge bag.

Am I missing anything?

 

How Smart Is This?

When I saw these adorable berry baskets, I knew I had to try it. This is such a smart idea for not only summer berries, but other sweets as well. I got the whole tutorial here, but it’s pretty self-explanatory. Image how cute these could get with colored paper plates and washi tape?

Here’s my go!

I think you definitely need those flimsy plates, and not the thicker upgrade kind! Dollar store plates would work just fine!

I’ll have to keep this in mind for Christmas goodies! ;)

 

Tips for an Outdoor Movie

Tuesdays are tips days. Todays’ tips are for planning the perfect outdoor movie party!

For my Sweet 16, my fabulous parents created the ultimate outdoor movie party for me. I had about 20 friends over including my new boyfriend (which was Jimmy) and I wanted it to be super special. It was pink and zebra themed and we watched Racing Stripes. Lame. At the time it was an awesome birthday party. One I would never forget.

Summer is almost over and what a perfect way to end it then with an outdoor movie party. I can’t wait to throw one at my house… except we might have to improvise because I live in a townhouse community. We might party outside, but keep the electronics inside! A couple of the things you’ll need are rentable and the rest are either super cheap or can be brought from your friends’ homes.

1) Hang mini lanterns throughout your yard and in the trees. You can pick up some at World Market for $17.

2) Show a classic like Dirty Dancing or if you’re entertaining kids show something fun like Over the Hedge!

3) If you have a flat area, tell your friends to bring a lawn chair to sit in. If not, see number 5.

4) Buy a set of these adorable mini milk glasses from Antherpologie and fill them with your movie favorite candies.

5) Grab all your extra blankets and pillows and tell your friends to do the same. I’m sure you both are hoarding at least ten each.

6) Rent a projector or ask around. Somebody’s got to have one. You might get lucky asking your church if you can borrow one.

7) Rent a vintage popcorn machine from your local party supply store for under $50 for the day. This will be the highlight of the party!

8) Get to poppin! Buy a pack of old fashioned popcorn paper bags. Etsy has hundreds for under $5.

9) Pick some good ‘ole Coca-Cola or Jones soda in glass bottles. Your guests will feel extremely fancy!

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With these simple tips, you’re on your way to a summer night of fun. All you need now are the people! Start a Facebook group or send out cute invitations by mail to get your friends in the movie spirit. End summer the right way!

Happy partying!