Simply Summer

Since I could remember, I've always loved books. One of my favorite memorys is sitting on my Grandfather's lap while he read me a bedtime story at night. I've always been an avid reader. I'm the type of person that prefers books to TV/movies. Since my oldest son was born, i've read to him and my youngest son as well, so now they share my love of books. The last few years I've spent a lot of time reading classics and memoirs. But this past year I've seemed to pick up more newly released books. I also became a member of the social media networking site GoodReads so I seen a lot of books my friends were reading and recommended. Every time I read and finished a new book, I logged it into GoodReads to keep track of how much I read this year(39 books!). With so many unforgettable characters and stories, it was hard to chose my favorites of the year. But the way I chose my favorites is by the stories and characters that I'll never forget and by which bo

I am such a Perfume junkie. I change fragrances with clothes, moods, seasons and events. I've always felt like Perfume is a luxury that women should spoil their selves with. I love giving perfumes to my friends, family, co-workers, neighbors(you get the picture). And my favorite gift is always perfume(hint-hint)! Every department store visit, I head to the fragrance counter before I check out anything else to see what's new(Yes fragrance  girl, you can give me a spritz).  Ok, now that  you get the idea of how deep my relationship with perfume is.  2017 has been a great year for the fragrance industry. I thought long and hard and I really can't remember trying a scent that I didn't like. From new releases from beloved favorite brands, Gucci Bloom, Victor & Rolf Magic, Tom Ford Oud Minerale to new fragrences from Diptyque Eau des Sens, Jo Malone London Jade Leaf Tea Cologne, and Atelier Cologne Café Tuberosa.  It was a struggle to find my top 5 favorite scent

2017 has been such an innovative, exciting and enticing year in the beauty market. With many new products from be-loved brands to new brands that have made their way into a new staple. From high luxury brands, high end items, celebrity product lines, and drugstore products, I can honestly say that each month I've been anxiously awaiting the launch of something new(and my bank account can agree).   When I do my yearly beauty favorites post I put the items into 3 categories; makeup, skincare and hair. This year I didn't really try any new hair care products. It seemed like I reached and re-bought the same things that I used last year. So if you have tried a new hair product or tool that you loved or would recommend, please let me know about it! As I looked through my vanity drawers to select my favorites of the year, to be honest it was so much harder than expected, I narrowed it down to the items that I used consistently, would recommend to a friend, and would give them a

I am so devoted to Influenster for so many reasons. Mainly because it's the first company that believed in me. I love reviewing the products they send me every month from L'Oreal Paris. But, I also love surprises and I was so excited to receive this Spring inspired goodie box. I was one of several influensters who received the Charm Vox Box. This box is for mom's only, as it is filled with surprises for my little ones as well. Included in the Charm Vox Box is: Clean it up Shampoo by Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask by Eva NYC Peeps Delights(coconut&dark chocolate) McCormick Organic Taco Seasoning Mott's Applesauce 1 step Wonder Gel nail polish by Wet n Wild in the color Peri-wink-le of an eye 2 samples of Vera Wang Embrace perfumes, Periwinkle & Iris and Green Tea & Pear Blossom I honestly had to giggle upon going through these products because wow, what a random assortment? I had to ask myself, how am I going to review taco Seasoning and

When it comes to beauty, skin care is my number one priority. My philosophy is, instead of covering skin imperfections with makeup, why not treat them? Moisturizers, toners, serums, peels, masks, elixir's, creams, oils and anti-aging everything. Every brand from La Mer, Chanel, Josie Maran, Sunday Riley, Clinique, Lancome, Glam Glow and everything in between. So I was very curious when I received a box from L'Oreal with their new pure clay masks. Meet Our cast of characters At first glance, the packaging is very chic and simple. The directions were on the side of the box so anyone can use them. All three are made for any skin type, from oily, dry, sensitive to combination. Of course you would choose the product meant for your problem areas. Another thing I liked about these masks based upon first reaction is the smell. They smelled like a per-fumy/fragrance instead of earthy like I expected. I was very intrigued by the green mask, the Purify and Mattify. It pr