My Dove Daily Beauty Routine

Hey guys! Today I have partnered with Dove to tell you all about their New Dove Dry Oil Collection featuring their Dove Dry Oil Beauty Bar and Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash. I have been so excited for the final install of our collaboration because these two products have quickly made it to my favorites.

With the Summer and my nuptials fast approaching, I have been in desperate need of making sure my skin is absolutely flawless. I am on a mission to get the world's softest skin, all while planning the wedding of my dreams, and not missing beat in between. Is it possible? I think so. That's where Dove Dry Oil Beauty Bar and Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash come in.

I have always been a huge supporter of Dove products, and when I heard of their new product release I was over the moon to try it. The new Dove Dry Oil collection helps nourish and protect skin from dryness in the shower by effectively cleansing without leaving skin feeling dry and features a nourishing formula infused with Moroccan Argan oil beads to gently cleanse while helping to replenish nutrients to the skin. So what does this mean for us ladies? It means that the beauty bar and body wash do all the work for you. You don't have to do all the extra "after steps", they're pretty much already taken care of in one shower session. 

I have been working out more than usual, so my routine has definitely changed. I have to make sure that I am cleaning my skin in the best way possible. The new Dove Dry Oil Collection has helped me keep my skin soft, smooth and radiant. My favorite part of the product is definitely the scent. I am a woman who loves things that smell amazing, and the beauty bar and moisture body wash do just that. They both leave a lasting aroma that stays with you pretty much all day. Softer, smoother skin is something every woman desires, however 1 in 3 women suffer from dry skin and 98% of women feel more confident when their skin is moisturized vs. dry. 

My secret for maintaining healthy and soft skin, is to make sure that the Dove Dry Oil Collection is in my everyday routine, and also make sure to use the best products that work for YOUR skin. I also try to exfoliate regularly, and I also use a high quality razor to ensure that I keep my skin in its greatest condition! Since I shower in the morning usually, Dove has helped me accomplish my skin goals for the Summer, and we haven't even gotten through Spring yet! I am hoping that if I continue to take care of my skin, everything will fall into place for the big day, and I will feel more confident than ever!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove, but all my opinions are my own. #DoveDifference #ShowerAwayDrySkin #DovePartner http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Dove Hair : My Hair Story

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyHairStory #DovePartner  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I think most people who have known me for a long time, would say that I have some pretty fun hair. Although I don't really experiment with anything crazy anymore, I did at one point take a few more chances when it came to hair color, length, and style. From a short blonde inverted bob, to a shade of purple-ish black in college, I am sure I will look back one day and ask myself what I was doing. Actually, I am already wondering that.

Although I may not be in the same frame of mind I was 10 or 8 years ago, I always remember making choices that made me feel good. I always wanted my hair to be a reflection of me, and I never really care what anyone else thought, and I still don't. Even now, at 29, I make choices for my hair based on what makes me feel beautiful and confident. 

It's now 2016, and my hair is a huge part of who I am. I love the confidence it brings me, and how great I feel when I am taking care of myself and my beautiful long locks. Using the right products has always been extremely important to me- not matter what color or style my hair may be. When it comes to picking my products, I always rely on a brand that I know won't let me down. Dove hair has been around for a long time, and the name is trusted and used by women all over the world. When I heard that NEW Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Collection was hitting stores, I knew I had to try it. I am in love with the softness and vibrant look my hair has right now. I owe it all to Dove Hair. 

As a woman who has been dying her hair for over 10+ years, keeping my hair healthy is extremely important to me. This line from Dove Hair helps eliminate signs of damage, helps your hair feel healthier over all, but is also infused with Red Algae + Keratin NutriComplex. The formula repairs the internal structure of damaged hair, reconstructing and strengthening it. The serum in oil helps repair split ends and instantly provides shine and softness to your hair. 

Next time you are at Target, grab the new Dove Hair Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum in Oil.  Your hair will thank you!

 

Bride To Be Beauty Routine

Hey everyone! Happy Friday! As you all know, my wedding is in less than six months, so the official countdown is on! Since I want to look and feel my best on this special day, I have a full on beauty/health routine in the works that will help me feel more confident once the day approaches. Since there are so many photos being taken that day I am very conscious of what I am putting into my body, and how that affects my skin. Here are some things I am doing to prep for my big day. 

Whitening my pearly whites: Having a sparkling smile is something that has always been very important to me. Growing up I had a lot of problems with my teeth, from braces to retainers, and everything in between, I have seen it all! So many things affect the brightness of our teeth, and one of those things is the food and drinks we consume. Even though I love coffee, I know it sometimes has a tendency of darkening teeth.   Having a bright, shining smile is probably the most important thing on my wedding beauty routine list. That's where Crest 3D Flexfit Whitestrips come in. In only 2 weeks, Crest 3D White Supreme Flexfit Whitestrips can whiten teeth as well as a $500 laser treatment. As you can see in the photo below, it gave my teeth that extra brightness that they needed. I use my strips at home while I am relaxing, or doing laundry, and it takes no time at all. I love that I can be in the comfort of my own home while using these strips. (Fyi: I used mine for two weeks, for approximately an hour each time)

Below you can see a before photo (on the bottom) and the top is the after. My teeth are always white, but I really wanted that extra push, and as you can see below, it gave me that shine that I needed! 

Healthy Diet / Workout Routine : This is very important to me because not only am I health conscious regularly, but I also want my skin to look bright and clear. I am staying away from anything processed, high in sodium, and anything with a lot of sugar. My focus is on green vegetables, fruits, and a whole lot of water! This also goes hand in hand with working out regularly. Since the holidays were insane, I am back to a normal schedule at the gym, and I could not be happier. My goal isn't to lose tons of weight or become a twig; I just want to be healthy, and in shape. 

Makeup & Hair Trials: Anyone who knows me personally, knows that my makeup is pretty standard day-to-day. I hardly ever step out of my comfort zone, I rarely wear lipstick, and I keep it all pretty minimal besides my signature cat eye. I already got a makeup and hair trial at Depasquale The Spa, and I loved it, but I still want to continue to test out some looks and see what I want to do. I am very indecisive when it comes to makeup, and really I just want to look like a better version of myself-nothing crazy, nothing caked on, just me, with a little glam. As far as hair goes, I also have no idea what to do with my hair. I've started a secret pinterest board that has some ideas in it, but strangely enough, I have no idea what to do! I'm hoping that the trials will help me figure out what I want when the day comes, but until then I am just testing different things out and seeing what I like! 

 Hope you guys have a great weekend, and if you're a bride to be, I would love to hear your routine!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Dove Hair : #LoveYourCurls

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #LoveYourCurls #pmgdove http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

When was the last time you looked at your hair and said "hey hair, thanks for being you!" Not often I'm sure.  It took me years to truly understand and appreciate my hair for all that it is. I always had wavy/messy curls that never looked right, and for years it frustrated me. I have never been the girl who can get out of the shower- and air dry with no issues. It's always been a work in progress for me. I would constantly wear my hair up because I couldn't deal with how my hair handled humidity or any kind of rain situation.

I finally decided to start loving my hair and realizing that there are so many great things about it. I love how thick and wavy it is, and I also love the wavy curly ringlets that come along with it. Even though they aren't tame like I want them to be- I wouldn't have it any other way. I know most women want what they can't have, but it's time we all start embracing what we were born with. Loving something about yourself can seem difficult, especially when you don't feel like it's what you want. My best advice? Learn to roll with it. If your hair is wavy in the wrong ways- start using products that help keep it looking shiny and great. 

In the last few years I have learned how to tame my waves, and it's made so much of a difference for me. Although my hair may not be perfect- I think it's pretty perfect for me, and that's all that matters.

I am so excited to be teaming up with Dove Hair today, and to be able to share that they have an awesome Dove Love Your Curls Emoji keyboard! It's so awesome to be able to customize what your hair looks like in emoji form! Curly hair for the win!

Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis in the App Store and Google Play Store to show you #LoveYourCurls!

To follow along and keep up with Dove, make sure you follow them on all their social channels! 

Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest

A Very Special Valentine's Day & Giveaway With Marshalls

I have decided that this week is going to be a big week for celebrating love and Valentine's Day on the blog. I have recipes lined up, and some fun outfit posts that I can't wait to share. To kick off this week of love I have an awesome giveaway for a $25 gift card from Marshalls!Because who doesn't love shopping, and who doesn't love Marshalls? Am I right?

I also wanted to share a little Valentine's Day gift I got for my Mom. Her birthday falls right before Valentine's Day so I love to use this week to shower her with her favorite things. She loves Marshalls as much as I do, so it's always a win-win when I shop there for her. I picked out some things that remind me of her style, but also some things she uses daily. I put together this basket full of some of her favorite things.

This includes her favorite chocolate, a pair of Italian leather booties, soap, cozy socks, note cards, a beautiful scarf, and an equestrian vest (Isn't it adorable?)  Included in here are some other snapshots of her birthday presents, that are also from Marshalls. I found this gorgeous wallet, and knew she'd love it. I also got a big photo album to fill with photos from our summer vacation.

I think Valentine's Day can be about anyone in your life. A lot of my single girlfriends dread at the thought of the day being a lonely-singles-awareness day. I think of it as a chance to love those that mean the most to you. That can be a friend, a pet, a family member, etc. The great thing about a place like Marshalls is you can get anything for anyone in your life. There's no limits to the gift giving. I can shop for anyone at the same time-while getting the best prices possible.

Shop similar wallets below: 

Now, onto the giveaway, which I know you guys are all anticipating! Enter below, and good luck! Follow me more on instagram to see my daily picks and fab finds!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Work It Out

If any of you follow me on instagram, you know that I am taking part in a workout challenge for the next two months. I worked really hard on building a healthy lifestyle, and at this point, I don't think it would ever change. This challenge is a two month workout routine that changes weekly and utilizes different exercises daily. 

So far I have seen a significant difference in my waistline, as well as my energy levels and overall mood. I have been waking up with a different attitude, and my healthy eating has been on point. What motivates me daily is the changes I am seeing, as well as the strength I am gaining. 

Nothing is better than feeling good in your own skin, and every person (male or female) deserves to feel good about themselves. The first few weeks were tough, and now as I near week 3 it's becoming more of a daily routine. I feel healthier than I have in over a year, and I am starting to see changes in my body.

I love to spice up my workout outfits, and again if you follow me on instagram, you'll see a glimpse of that here and there. My pants are usually all kinds of crazy patterns, paired with my Nike Air Max 90's (working on getting my third pair!). I have built my collection of workout clothes because I spend almost every day at the gym, so my attire is important. I want to feel motivated & confident in what I wear, and gym wear is no different.

People usually ask me where I get most of my gym clothes from, so I decided to pick some of my favorite items at the moment. My go-to brands are Lululemon & Nike, but sometimes I will find a random shirt that is low cut on the sides to fit comfortably with a sports bra. This shirt is from Buy Me Brunch, and it is one of my favorites. I love the material, and it's perfect for leg day! :)

Here are some of my favorite picks from Nike & Lululemon below!

What are your favorite brands?

Valentine's Day Gift Guide For Your Sweetheart

I know most people think that Valentine's Day is a tacky-hallmark holiday (and maybe it is) but there's always a reason to make the ones in our lives feel special, and any day that stands for LOVE is good in my book. I put together a cute little red & pink gift guide for those hunting for their loved ones. I'll be making a gift guide for the fellas as well (so no one feels left out!) Just hover, and click on the little squares for direct links to these products!

I am excited to celebrate my first Valentine's Day with my man this year and I think what is most important about this day is that it serves as a reminder to tell people in our lives how much we love them. To buy a special card and write a little something for them. It may after all be a hallmark holiday, but it can still be great for those who aren't in a relationship. Think of it as a time to go out with your favorite girlfriends, or to send a family member a little bit of happiness and love. Who are you going to be celebrating with this year?

Making "Me" Time With My Favorite Magazines

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and PEOPLE®, PEOPLE StyleWatch® but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NewYearMeTime  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I think the most important thing that happens after the holidays for most of us is figuring out our goals, and redirecting our bad habits. For me, the new year provides a chance for a new set of inspiration and rebalancing my life. I find that a great deal of my inspiration comes right after the holidays and into the new year. I find my inspiration through the things around me, and this includes magazines, books, and of course pop culture. 

For as long as I can remember, I have turned to magazines for instant inspiration and motivation. Don't know what outfit to wear? gotta check my favorite magazines. Lost on what to make for dinner tonight? Quick and easy recipes, are in my favorite magazines. Who's wearing what, and who lost all that weight with a new fitness program...gotta check my magazines! I am pretty old school when it comes to the internet, as funny as that sounds. I would much rather read something and hold it in my hands, rather than browse through my phone or computer.

It's safe to say that this has been something I have done for years. It changed slightly when I started blogging, but overall I still have the same quirks. Two of my favorite magazines are PEOPLE® and PEOPLE StyleWatch®.  In January's edition of PEOPLE® I really loved their recipe section. Not only do they have recipes, they also have a section dedicated to throwing get togethers, and picking out the best decor for your home. These are all things I am always wanting to try, so I love their "Great Ideas" section. 

PEOPLE StyleWatch® is for the blogger in me. Sometimes the internet becomes too overwhelming for me, and I need separate time to devote to staying inspired. I like thinking outside the box and sometimes that includes gaining inspiration through celebrities, and of course seeing what's in right now as far as trends and style setters. This magazine is perfect for me when it comes to style inspiration. They really focus on trends while making sure the prices are perfect for any budget. Their sections help you make the perfect choice, and they collage everything so beautifully. They also spotlight celebrity style (this month is Taylor Swift) and show you how you can mimic specific outfits or trends the celebrity is wearing during certain times. 

For my two magazines I shopped at Walmart, and right now you can save $1 with this digital coupon available 1/14/15-2/16/15 (while supplies last). This coupon includes PEOPLE®, InStyle®, PEOPLE StyleWatch®, All You®, or Real Simple® magazine. 

What do you guys do to stay inspired, or gain any kind of inspiration in your own life? This year is focused around my goals and finding inspiration to make this happen. Making sure I have time to myself is become a number one priority nowadays. This includes making time for fitness, but also taking the time to prioritize my daily to-do's. We all need time to do the things we love, so it's important to make time!

A Letter To My Beautiful Head Of Hair

We all have a love/hate relationship with our hair, here's my story..

Dear Hair,

It's been a long road, with you and I. We've had some great times, and some awful times. Most of the times I would like to remember, but there are some I don't mind forgetting. As I sit here and reminisce about our relationship, I want to remind you that I will never go back to 16-year old Maria ever again. I'll never bleach you, or get highlights that are orange-red. I will never dye you a black-maroon color ever again because my punk rock emo days are over. I also will never be cutting straight across bangs again, because we both know it just didn't work for either of us.

I know you've been feeling quite flat lately and I have the perfect solution for us! L'Oreal Advanced Haircare is going to be a huge life changer for both of us.  I know we normally don't like trying new things, but this is different! Their volume filler line makes hair feel fuller instantly. We always wanted something this great to come into our lives, and it's finally here. Their thickening shampoo & conditioner have become my new favorites, and I know you feel the difference too. You feel voluminous and beautiful, and better than ever. I also love their filler fiber amplifying concentrate.  This way, the volume will never leave, and we can feel glamorous together, forever!

I've cut you short, and I have kept you long. The great thing is, the good days are finally here to stay. We've been better then we've ever been before, and I know it's only going to get better between us. 

Love,

Maria

"We ladies know that not all locks are created equal, and so does L’Oréal Paris. With the Advanced Haircare line, Glam girls have the power to pick their shampoo, conditioner and treatment based on their specific strand needs, taking their tresses to luxurious levels. Beautiful hair has never been more personal.”

Compensation was provided by L’Oreal’s Advanced Hair Care via Mode Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of L’Oreal.

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon Giveaway -CLOSED

Hey guys! I am so excited to team up with Burt's Bees today and give you guys a chance to win three of your own lip crayons to try out! I recently started using these crayons myself, and I fell in love with them. They are so easy to use, keep your lips moisturized, and more importantly, they are made of all natural ingredients.

• Creamy matte color and moisture-rich wear
• For everyday wear either alone or layered under a Lip Gloss or Lip Shine
• Precise application in a playful form without the hassle and mess of sharpening
• No added flavor or fragrance
• Hydrates and moisturizes lips, leaving them feeling soft and smooth

To enter please leave a comment below saying which colors you would pick if you won, and how you would style it up. Don't forget to leave your email so I can contact you if you do win! You can check out your color options, here.

WINNER IS NIKKI WILLIAMS! EMAIL FOR DETAILS!

The Perfect Top Knot

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Goody, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GoodyGorgeous http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Hey guys! I am so excited to team up with Goody and to share this easy top knot tutorial with you today! For a lady always on the go this look is perfect! I always find myself running out the door with no time to tame this crazy mane. A top knot is a fashionable and classy way to dress up a simple outfit. I love this look, especially when I am going shopping or heading to work. 

First, tie your hair up in a high ponytail using an elastic band. The Quikstyle Paddle brush is perfect for this look because it is great at removing the water out of wet hair fast. If you have a lot of hair (like me) you'll know how frustrating it is to wait for your hair to dry. It takes me a really long time to dry my hair and even blow-drying can be exhausting. The microfiber bristles keep the brush fresh, and the brush itself is lightweight which helps while styling.

Next start twisting your pony tail and wrap it around where you hair is tied. Once you've gone all the way around, start using your bobby pins to keep everything in place. Easy peasy right?

I also want to talk about the BOGO offer going on right now at Walgreens. Right now if you purchase the Goody Tanglefix you can get the Quikstyle hairbrush for free! The offer is going on until 11/01/2014 (while supplies last) and all you need to do is make sure that you have a Walgreens Balance Reward Card. All you have to do is sign up in store if you aren't a member already!

The TangleFix brush is perfect for tangles in your hair, and will help get all of them out! It helps eliminate knots and is 70% more gentle. This brush is perfect for kids and adults alike. Between the two of these brushes you can tackle all of the tangles your hair throws at you.

If you want to see some hair tutorials or to keep up with Goody, check out their tumblr.

Also be sure to follow Goody on Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest . 

Textured Curls with Garnier Fructis

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I am super excited to share a hairstyle with you today using Texture Tease by Garnier Fructis! Since I usually get asked about my curls, I want to share with you guys one of my favorite ways to wear them. The great thing about loose, wavy curls is that you can dress them up, or down depending on where you're going. It's not overly dressy, but it's also not extremely casual so it leaves you right in between.

What I do first is make sure my hair is nice and clean. I usually wash my hair the night before and then sleep on it. Once I wake up in the morning it's usually crazy and wild(lots of volume) which is what I love! If your hair is harder to manage this way, then just wash it and blow dry it as you normally would. You want to start with your natural hair, a little bit of wave is fine too! You should work with your hair, and no one knows it better than you!

Next, section off the hair into half up, half down. This helps maintain each curl separately and you can drop section by section as you curl. I wrap my hair around this 1 inch curling iron, and that works best for me. Regular curls don't hold in my hair, so I love that I get this wavy, all natural look with wrapping.

As soon as you curl a section, spray the bottom with the texture tease, and scrunch your hair with your fingers to give it that extra texture in between curls. 

Once you get to the top section of hair, take the texture tease and spray it into your roots. (This will be in between your top and bottom section. Since texture tease is backcomb in a bottle you can use your fingers to tease the product into your hair.

Once the product has successfully has been teased into your hair, you can continue curling the remaining hair from the top section.

Finish it off with a little Sleek & Shine Anti Humidity Hairspray and some texture tease underneath the hair for that perfect look! To add that extra touch, I added a flower crown to go with my textured waves!

Also, don't forget to enter the Garnier Sweepstakes! Pin your favorite hairstyle for a chance to win a $500 visa giftcard! Read more info below.

 Learn it, Do it, Rock it with Garnier Fructis Style.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Garnier Fructis via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Garnier Fructis.