Ashley, Author at Embracing Beauty

Fall Nail Art

October 7, 2013 by Ashley 17 Comments

These nail designs are perfect to welcome in fall. A pretty pumpkin, a warm cup of joe (or apple cider!), and a sweet candy corn. Choosing what colors I was going to use took me longer than the actual nail designs did. I’m pretty sure that anyone with basic nail painting abilities and a tooth pick can pull this off.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since I posted my first nail art design. First, there was the Halloween Nail Fail post and the next week I posted even more Halloween Nail Art.

What are your favorite fall hues?

Filed Under: Nails

Breast Cancer Awareness Nails

October 4, 2013 by Ashley 10 Comments

It’s that time of year again…time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual campaign not only helps to increase awareness of the disease (because most people are aware anyway) but it’s a time to encourage everyone to take steps to detect the disease in its early stages.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month I wanted to do a little nail art. I picked up the ribbon stickers at a discount party store this summer when they were on clearance but I’m sure a quick Google search will tell you where else you could purchase them from. The white nail polish featured is the color Kate from the Julep line and the pink is the color Strawberry Macaron from the Dazzle Dry line. I use Kate in just about every nail art project I attempt and you can see Strawberry Macaron featured in my Easter egg nail art.

(Also see: Restoring Your Skin, Hair, & Nails After Chemotherapy)

In what ways are you promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Filed Under: Nails, Tips

Tarte Beauty & The Box Eyeshadow Quad & Eyeliner Review

October 1, 2013 by Ashley 16 Comments

I’m a big fan of this Tarte Beauty & The Box Eyeshadow Quad that I received to review and I can’t wait to show it to you!

This cute little travel compact is only available for limited time and includes four eyeshadow and a mini Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes Mascara (that’s not pictured here).

The Eye Colors Included Are:

-Porcelain
-Silk Sheets
-Sunkissed
-Tanline

It’s a mere $22 and available exclusively at Ulta and www.ulta.com.

Here is the Tarte smolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Onyx. Isn’t it gorgeous? It’s only $19, goes on so smooth, and it really is waterproof! I don’t know what it is about that Amazonian clay that makes it so wonderful but I absolutely love it! While I’ll switch between Tarte eyeliners but I’ll never stray from Tarte again when it comes to eyeliners. They. are. the. best!

The other end of the pencil comes with a convenient smudging tool for those who enjoy smoldering smokey eyes.

This is just a quick demonstration of how that thick looking pencil can make a very thick line and a very thin line without sharpening it once. I also smudged the lines together so you could get a look at just how easily and smoothly it blends.

Tarte always amazes me with their cute packaging. Their design team’s efforts aren’t lost on me.

Gorgeous, shimmery colors that could make quite a few lovely combinations just by themselves.

Here’s one look that’s great for everyday.

All in all I think this is a beautiful palette that would look great on anyone. It’s convenient for traveling and throwing in your purse for touch ups through the day. Plus, I absolutely adore this eyeliner. If you haven’t found an eyeliner that you’re absolutely crazy over you should give Tarte smolderEYES a try!

Filed Under: Makeup

Online Games & a Secret Tip!

October 1, 2013 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Let’s see a raise of hands, how many of you play online games? If you’re anything like me you at least play 2 or 3 games casually, right? Maybe you play Farmville, online poker, Words with Friends, Running with Friends, Gala Bingo Online, or one of the gazillion zombie games. I can’t help you break those addictions, actually I can’t help you break any gaming addictions at all, but I’m here to share with you a secret way to gain lives in an online game. Can any of you guess which game it is that I’m currently addicted to? If you guessed Candy Crush you would be right!

My brother-in-law shared this little Candy Crush tip with me and I wanted to let you all in on the secret. I’ve been telling everyone I know because so many of my friends and family play and this little tip can keep us all from bugging each other for extra lives. To find the Candy Crush tip go to one of my other blogs, Embracing Homemaking to find out. Enjoy!!

Do you have an online game of choice or do you prefer to play/collect physical games. Personally, I have a lot of games and DVDs to sell so I’m more of a fan of online games.

Filed Under: Giveaways

Fellowes Infographic: How To Pick the Perfect Shredder For Your Home

October 1, 2013 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: Fellowes, Mom Central

Isabella Grace: Jewelry from the Heart

September 23, 2013 by Ashley 17 Comments

If you have been a long time reader of mine then you may remember how I love jewelry. I enjoy some fine jewelry, some costume jewelry, some gold, and some silver. When a representative from Isabella Grace contacted me to review a piece of jewelry the only decision I had to make was which piece I wanted. I was thrilled to promote a smaller company who has a love for sentimental jewelry.

Isabella Grace’s founder was inspired to start her jewelry line from a locket that her grandmother wore that had a picture of her grandfather in it. Isn’t that sweet? Each piece Isabella Grace creates is designed to be a keepsake. Whether you’re looking for a piece of jewelry to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or a just because occasion, you’re sure to find the perfect look for your special someone (or even yourself!).

I have put together a collage above with a few of my favorite pieces from Isabella Grace for you all to see and I’ll give you a closer look at one of the pieces.

I own the Posh Coin Bracelet:

You’ll have to trust me when I say that this bracelet is ten times more lovely in person!

The stones are somewhat reflective and seem to change color depending on what they’re next to.

I absolutely love this bracelet and have worn it when dressing up and when dressing more casual.

Here’s my little girl inspecting it and trying it on for herself.

She liked it a lot and was sad when we had to put away the “pretty bracelet.”

If you’re looking for a little something special for yourself or someone you love check out Isabella Grace has to offer.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Jewelry

$3 Coupon for ANY Nexxus Hair Product!

September 19, 2013 by Ashley 1 Comment

Right now, when you visit this link, you can print a $3 coupon for any Nexxus hair product! These coupons are pretty rare so print this now if you think you’ll be buying new hair products soon. Don’t forget to hit the back button to print it twice.

Filed Under: Hair

Happiness is…

September 17, 2013 by Ashley 16 Comments

Happiness is a sunny day.

Happiness is wearing a long sleeve t-shirt.

Happiness is a warm cup of coffee on a cool morning.

Happiness is your favorite song playing on the radio.

Happiness is a hug from a friend.

Happiness is a new coat of nail polish.

Happiness is the laughter of a child.

Happiness is an encouraging text message in the middle of the day.

Happiness is snail mail.

Happiness is blueberry muffins.

Happiness is watching a movie with a warm puppy on your lap.

Happiness is laughing so hard you can’t breathe.

Happiness is the blank pages of a new journal.

Happiness is an unlikely friendship.

Happiness is an empty laundry basket.

Happiness is hearing your name from someone you didn’t think knew your name.

Happiness is the straight lines on the carpet after vacuuming.

Happiness is a newly ironed shirt.

It’s the little things in life.

Now that I’m finished, it’s your turn.

Happiness is…

Filed Under: True Beauty

New Vogue Sunglasses from Sunglasses Shop

September 11, 2013 by Ashley 21 Comments

This post is brought to you by Sunglasses Shop. All opinions are 100% my own.

My husband loves wearing sunglasses. He has beautiful sensitive blue eyes that need protection from the sun. He wears them constantly when outdoors…even when I don’t think you would need glasses. I on the other hand only own one pair of glasses that are used mainly as an accessory to decorate the interior of my car. I think a good pair of sunglasses can really pull off a look but I just don’t usually think about them.

When Sunglasses Shop offered to allow me to review a pair of glasses I was hesitant but after browsing their site for a while I agreed to give it a try. Ordering designer glasses without trying them on seemed kind of risky, even if they were the ones paying for it, but after looking at the sunglasses guide on their website I felt comfortable choosing a pair that would fit my face shape.

I was nervous again when they arrived in the mail but it only took a few seconds before my mind was put to rest. These glasses are gorgeous! You’ll notice the picture above isn’t a picture of me but it’s one of my friend’s daughters. Her and her mom both wear sun glasses regularly and loved the glasses so I gave the pair to them to share. Trust me, she’s much cuter than me anyway!

If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses check out the Sunglasses Shop they have Vogue Sunglasses like the ones I received plus a dozen or so other designer sunglasses brands in every shape and color imaginable. I’ll probably be buying another pair for myself soon and hopefully I’ll remember to wear them.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Sunglasses, Sunglasses Shop

Keurig Sampling, Brewer Exchange, and Giveaway (Ends 9/14)!

August 26, 2013 by Ashley 162 Comments

Ready or not, here comes Fall…

It’s that time of year again – time for sweaters and boots (depending on where you live of course!), kiddos are heading back to school, and Pinterest is full of every dish imaginable made with pumpkin. As another Fall season begins to creep in, I’m ready to celebrate with a warm cup of coffee…and it just may be pumpkin flavored.

Coffee and Fall go together like Summer and swimming. They fit like a glove in Winter.

Oh, how I love coffee and how I miss drinking it regularly while I’m pregnant! If you love coffee, convenience, and you happen to live near me in the Piedmont Triad (of NC) then I have some incredible news for you. Because I don’t want to leave anyone out, everyone who lives near or far can check out the Keurig deals to be had right now on Amazon.com…and scroll down for a giveaway below.

For those who live near the Piedmont Triad you can take part in sampling one of the 75,000 free cups of premium coffee that Keurig is handing out or exchange your old drip coffee maker for a brand new Keurig free of charge (while supplies last!). To participate in the brewer exchange you must be 18 years or older and have valid proof you’re a NC resident. Keurig will host a series of sampling and brewer exchange events from August 22 – September 27. For full details and dates go to Keurig.com/Triad.

Why choose a Keurig? Here a few reasons why I love mine:

– Less Mess Only one tiny cup to pop in and throw out. There are no messy filters or coffee grounds to worry about.

– More Sleep I can hit the snooze button because my coffee will be ready in under a minute from the time I hit the start button.

– More Variety Keurig K-cups have over 250 gourmet varieties of coffee (including pumpkin spice), tea, apple cider, and hot cocoa.

– Less Noise I dislike noisy appliances and with the whisper quiet Keurig I have no complaints.

Would you like to own a Keurig of your own? I’m glad you would because I have a Keurig giveaway just for you!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Giveaways, Keurig, NC