the haven

in a quaint little town, ten minutes away, there's a sweet little shop filled with pretty lovelies. this little town has always been my favorite. one that friends and family are familiar with. although it's not too far away, i don't go as often as i'd like. there are always new things to take in and enjoy.

Ipsy

Months ago I started watching beauty videos on youtube in my spare time. I kept hearing about a company called Ipsy but didn't know much about it until I talked to a friend. Many beauty "youtubers" are subscribed to Ipsy, and I watched their videos but still had questions. For those of you who don't know what Ipsy is, it's a monthly makeup subscription website . Every month they'll send you 4 to 5 beauty products along with a makeup bag. Some products will be trial size and others will be the full product. When I first heard this, I wasn't too sure if it would be worth it, but I decided to give it a go, and am so happy I did.

Each month you pay $10 and it arrives in a pink padded envelope..totally me. ;) My first bag arrived in April and I was so excited to find it waiting in the mailbox. I wasn't too impressed with the products inside but had heard Ipsy will have a few really good months and then one month the products will be okay. Some people will like the products one month because it's more "them" and other people will like products the next month that maybe the others won't like. But for $10 you get to try products you might not be familiar with.

July's Bag came on Monday and I was super excited. Summer themed! Though I would say I'm about ready for summer to be over (this 93 degree weather really makes it hard to not miss winter). Anyways, every month I see sneak previews of pictures and I could tell this month was going to be good. :)

     

                                                      Let's take a little look closer :)

Healthy Sexy Hair beach spray, Face Coola mineral sunscreen, California collection Bh Cosmetics

summery postcard, all the goodies inside the cute makeup bag, pop beauty crayon, nailtini mai tai nail polish

I read that this months value is $41.57 and I only had to pay $10 for it! If you'd like to learn more about Ipsy or subscribe you can click here :) 

A Dream Come True

                                                            Written June 4th
I don't even know where to begin. Last Sunday will be remembered as one of my favorite days, a dream come true. I finally met  blogger friends who I've known for 4 and a half years. When I was younger I always wanted to find a blog written by someone my age.  My mom read a few blogs and came across a girls blog who had a link for a website called American Girl Fan. Little did I know this blog could open up so many doors to wonderful friendships.

 In January, 2009 I started to leave comments on Liz's blog and we then became pen pals. I later started writing her sister Hope. We have written letters back and forth and exchanged gifts at birthdays and Christmas so I feel I really know them. I was so nervous not knowing if it would be the same in person. From the minute they walked through the door, Liz and Hope felt like dear friends I'd known all my life. True kindred spirits.

My family had a great day with their family. They came over for lunch and spent the afternoon with us talking, playing volleyball and bean bag toss, and enjoying the beautiful day God provided. After a great day at home, they joined me at Vera Bradley for my birthday celebration.

Last summer when my Vera Bradley Store was having an event I put my name in a drawing and won the grand prize of the night. I couldn't believe it! I won a party for 10 which came with $100 gift card for me, and $20 gift card for each guest as well as awesome gift bags for everyone and wonderful food provided. The night was wonderful and I'm so thankful to have spent it with such dear people.