My [new] favorite glasses // a Firmoo review!

It's Friday-happy weekend! Finally! Not only is it the weekend, but it is officially the end of final exams for me, which means I only have one semester left until I graduate. Kelsey, RN, BSN. YES! I can not wait. This semester has been absolutely crazy, stressful and demanding. All my time was tied up, at all times! I am so happy to have a little break right now, especially to blog! I finished my last exam this morning and instantly started thinking of things I wanted to write about on this little  bliggity-blawg. One of them is the prescription Firmoo glasses I received. Not too long ago, I was asked by Firmoo if I would like to participate in reviewing a pair of glasses of my choice. I had actually been contemplating buying new glasses anyways, and had heard great things about Firmoo, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity! If you haven't heard of Firmoo before, it is a global optical online store, with a huuuuuuge selection of affordable men's and women's glasses and sunglasses. You can order your glasses with or without prescription, as well as customizing the actual lenses (quality, UV coatings, anti-radiation, etc). All of this is controlled by entering your preferences (and prescription, if needed!) during the ordering process.
I ended up choosing the Unisex Full Frame Acetate #F1006 (in black) after looking through pages and pages of different styles of glasses. It was actually really a fun process because they have a virtual try on tool where you can upload your own picture and "try on" the glasses. Having this tool made it so much easier to pick a pair of glasses because I had a good idea of how they would look on me in person. Since they have you input some detailed measurements during the ordering process, the glasses fit on my face PERFECTLY. Side note-one of my ears is way lower than the other one, and I had been struggling with my old pair of glasses; they sat on my face crookedly, which resulted in me constantly trying to re-adjust them on my face so they wouldn't be lopsided! As for the prescription-I believe it is right on; I see as I normally would when I wear contacts or any other pair of glasses.The actual product came in a nice hard case with a spectacle pouch, tiny screwdriver, and cleaning cloth. I didn't realize how handy a cleaning cloth was until I received this one! Anytime I get a little smudge on these glasses I clean it right off. I want to keep these glasses in perfect condition because I absolutely adore them! I can honestly say that I had nothing but a good experience when it comes to Firmoo; from the ordering process to customer service, and actual product. I would recommend looking into Firmoo if you need a new pair of glasses or sunglasses. Also, they have a promo where you can get your first pair of glasses half off (if you are a new customer) OR, they have a page of glasses that are free, you just pay for lenses and shipping!

If you are interested in learning more about Firmoo.com, click here!

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey


Connect with me:
on twitter here // connect with me on instagram here// pinterest here //

**THESE GLASSES WERE SENT TO ME FOR FREE FOR MY CONSIDERATION AND OPTION TO REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS SHARED WERE MY OWN, UNINFLUENCED BY ANY BRAND OR COMPANY.

Maxi Dress Lovin' [Outfit]


Hey y'all. I managed to spare some time recently for a set of outfit pictures (because I am seriously in love with this dress!) After another busy week, I finally got to posting them! I also have a skincare post coming up [using oil products to combat problematic skin] so keep an eye out if you enjoy posts like that. I don't want to write about how busy I have been and make excuses for not posting, because as you know, I write because I want to write. Hopefully everyone understands and continues to read this little bliggity-blawg when I do get my rare chance to post! Anyways, back to this outfit! I scored this striped maxi dress at Target about a month ago...it was on clearance and stole my fashion heart realllll quick. You can't say no to a good deal. After wearing it a couple times, I decided that summer had started to turn to fall and I should try to transition into fall with the dress-hello, definitely not saying goodbye to this gem just because the seasons were changing!  Long story short, this was my attempt at trying to sort of change gears and incorporate a fall item into the outfit. Enter scarf. It may not be a fall color but oh well. I sort of loved the combo so here we are! I hope everyone had an awesome weekend and a good start to their weeks!
Maxi dress: Target (sold out-VERY similar)//  Sandals: Loft (only color left!) // Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar) // Scarf: Old (not sure where it's from! // Clutch: Francescas //
What item do you want to transition into fall with?

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

Connect with me on twitter here // connect with me on instagram here// pinterest here //

These are a few of my favorite thingssss

 Happy Sunday everyone! Tonight I was thinking about some of the "things" that have been pretty consistent in my life lately. Usually I tend to try different things when it comes to food, makeup, fashion, etc., so I must be loving something if I keep going back to it over and over! I figured it would be a fun little post to share some of my current faves-I would love to hear some of yours as well!

1. MAC Turquatic // True Religion Perfume
 Ermagersh these two smell amazing. Well not together, I've never mixed them, but I adore these scents! I stumbled upon the True Religion perfume by chance because my sister didn't like it and instead gave it to me (wait what? score). The MAC one is just da bomb and I just so happened to smell it one day when I was wasting my life away in the MAC store. Go figure.

2. Jewelry
So once upon a time I was a girl that didn't own any purses or jewelry...I was girly in every way but lacking in the accessories department. Fast forward about 8 years and now I am obsessed.  Statement necklaces, bracelets, bags...it goes on and on. Honestly, I should be finding a good way to store all my accessories because my set up is a hot mess. Anyways, I can't get stop myself from looking at jewelry on H&M, Freshtrends, Forever 21, and The Loft's websites. Someone stop me pleeeease!

3. THIS concealer combo
There isn't much to say except I adore it still and am so glad I tried these two products together!

4. Laura Geller Baked 101 Kit
I've wanted to try her Baked Foundation forever so I decided to branch out and get a few more items to try-that's why I love kits/value sets. You can get smaller amounts of multiple products! I'm really happy with the kit so far but the blush, foundation, and bronzer are what stand out to me. I won't lie and say I've used the eyeshadow much...I really only tried it once, but then again, I don't wear eyeshadow too often. Totally worth the purchase!

5. FOOD-Frozen grapes // Spaghetti squash
If you've never frozen your grapes, whew you are missing out! They taste like such a treat! Especially in the summer, they are a yummy healthy snack. I've also enjoyed freezing cherries..mmm! Also a favorite lately is spaghetti squash. I love preparing it with feta, tomatoes, some garlic, and the teeniest amount of olive oil. So addicting and delicious!

I could go on but instead I need to try to sleep...my 5:30 a.m alarm is going to come way too soon! I hope everyone had a great weekend- If you are loving anything as of lately, I would love to hear about it!

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

Life Lessons/What I've Learned

Well hello! I hope everyone has had a good start to their weekend! I was off work today so I got a little break between my 12.5 hour shifts-but I work tomorrow and Sunday! I really can't decide if I like working three straight 12.5 hour shifts and then having the rest of the week off or working a day here and there throughout the week...I might have to side more with getting it all out of the way and then being off for four days in a row :) I mean come on! It's a mini vacay, right? Today I was thinking of a random list of things I've learned in the past few weeks and months, and in general, the past year! It's not a really serious list of things buuuuuuut a girl wants to right about it so I'm going to!

(In no particular order)
1. Packing and cleaning should be started at least a week or two before you have to be out of your apartment. Not two days before.
2. Frozen yogurt is always a good idea. ALWAYS.
3. Cases are a must for your phone. You know, unless you like the look of a completely shattered screen that you have to deal with for a month until your update.
4. Said updates are the BEST. Glory hallelujah!
5. Find a group of people you can trust and be yourself around. Fun will follow.
6. Going to the doctor all the time is not enjoyable. It actually kind of ruins your day.
7. A certain someone could brighten your nearly ruined day.
8. Having a blog is HARD work. Unless you're being paid and for some reason have to blog regularly, don't push yourself to blog about stuff just because you feel you have to...generic or forced posts aren't fun!
9. Blogging because you want to is exciting and you get to make pointless lists (that people may or may not care to read).
10. Holding on to clothes from years ago because you think you may need them "one day" is not a smart move...especially when you're trying to move out of your apartment.

Now that I got all those important lessons off my chest, I leave you with a picture of my beloved Fro-Yo. Be still my heart.
 Taken from my instagram (@kelseylenayy). Follow here!

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey 

Well, This is Awkward.

Oh hello there. Somehow in the past month and a half (nearly) I managed to completely neglect this little space of mine on the interwebz. It was unintentional, but life happened...so what can you do! It's been some good, some bad, and some great things distracting me, but tonight I finally found some time and energy for putting together a blog post. A little update-my hospital job is going great; it totally drains me some days and a 12.5 hour shift sometimes feel like 24 hours, but most days I adore it and the day goes by pretty fast. I've had some heart issues (mainly my whole life) but new issues were recently discovered so I have been dealing with that-kind of scary and lots of stress but luckily in my spare time I have been distracted pretty well! :) As for today's post, I decided to keep it on the shorter side(pun intended haha) and share an outfit that I think is great for summer days that are a bit breezy or even for chilly summer nights. This sweater is very lightweight so it is pretty versatile! Also, I discovered how much I love Loft in the past few months. Almost anything I have bought this summer has came from there!

Outfit details: Sweater: Loft // Shorts: Kohls (Wallflower-last summer) // Bracelets: Express (Wishbone here, can't find the other one!) // Sandals: Loft // Necklace: Forever 21 (very, very old!) //

Have you discovered any new favorite stores this summer? 

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

*Linking up with: On the Daily Express //  Style Elixir // What I Wore Wednesday // Fashion Friday // More Pieces of Me // Transatlantic Blonde // Stylish Tuesday // Vodka Infused Lemonade //

A Modern Twist // Outfit Post

Hey loves! Today I am posting one of my favorite "ootd" posts yet! This outfit was just so fun to wear, as well as goof-off and twirl around in! Not too long ago I was contacted by eShakti to do a possible review of one of their items...seeing that many bloggers before me had worked with the online woman's clothing company, I kind of couldn't say no, and I am so glad I didn't! I am taking it upon myself to let you all know a little bit about eShakti, because I am honestly very happy not only with the product itself, but the company as a whole. On their website, you can see that they will customize items according to your height, size and style, which is awesome for those of us that are picky with things like that, or just have a hard time finding clothing to fit perfectly. Their motto is, "eShakti believes that all women have the right to wear affordable fashion that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best". So true! I don't think customization and good style should be unaffordable or out of someones price range, which is why I am so happy to write a review post. I chose a midi skirt from a link of many options that they gave me to choose from...I couldn't resist this skirt because I knew I could take a modern approach to styling the 50's inspired skirt!

The fit of the skirt really is great. I was kind of worried that it would be too big around my waist, because of often have issues with skirts that lay higher on the hip or waist fitting me correctly. The actual quality of the skirt seems to be VERY nice, and I mean that. I am glad I picked this style of skirt because I think it is a very classic style that I will be able to wear for years, and with the quality of the material, I don't think I will have to worry about it being worn out too soon!

I received the skirt not too long after I ordered it, so I would say I am pretty happy about how fast they are at shipping out products. It's worth taking a look at the many different styles of clothing eShakti has on their website; I was torn between this skirt and a gorgeous blue dress, but ultimately, I couldn't give up the idea of a modern twist on a 50's look!

Details: Skirt: c/o eShakti // Top: Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Forever 21 // Bracelets: pearl (old); arrow--> Altered State //

Connect with eShakti on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter!

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

*Linking up with: Rachel the Hat // Two Thirty-Five Designs // Style Elixir // Life's A Party Dress Like It! // Transatlantic Blonde // Living in Color // Musings of a Housewife //

** I received an item of clothing from eShakti for consideration of review. However, my opinions are not influenced by anyone else other than myself. I formed these honest opinions on my own after receiving the product. 

Call Me "Squints"...Oh, and an Outfit Post.

Hey lurveliesss. I hope your weekend is going amazing right now! I am currently home for a few days, to work as a waitress at my hometown job (and to see family of course!) while I have a few days off work from the hospital. It never ends-always on the go! The weather right now is literally perfect and I wish I could just soak it all up today, but I work tonight at the restaurant sooo...it's you, me, and this blog post right now! Something I have been loving lately is maxi skirts. I mean, they are so easy to wear... and hello! So comfortable. I am all about comfort if you can't tell! I recently put together an outfit that made me pretty happy inside. It wasn't over the top, it was still casual, and most importantly, it allowed me to wear this embellished crop tank that I have! I wasn't really sure what to wear the crop top with, so I just said, "oh hey maxi skirt, I'm putting you to work". So here we are. New blawgy post! P.S: I'm pretty sure my eyes are just squinted little slits in two of these pictures...thanks sun. #iforgotmysunglasses


Outfit Details //  Top: Express // Skirt: Last Season, Charlotte Russe // Sandals: Old, Walmart // Bracelets: Forever 21 and The Loft (similar) // Earrings: Charming Charlies, Old //

What are your plans for the weekend?  
 I hope it's a good one!

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

Linking up with: Lena B, Actually // Maybe I Will // Style Elixir // Her & Nicole // Lipgloss and Crayons // The Pleated Poppy // Stylin' in St. Louis //

Bright Eyes // Three Favorites For Waking Up Tired Eyes

Hey lovelies! Today I wanted to let you in on a few of my current favorites for not only my everyday makeup routine, but for waking up dark, tired eyes in general. Dark under-eye circles tend to run in my family, so I am constantly trying to come up with ways to brighten the area. Pair that with some seasonal allergies causing redness in my waterline and we are just a hot mess in the morning! This post will feature the Rimmel Volume Accelerator Mascara, the Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude Eyeliner, and the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye  Under Eye Brightening Concealer. A few posts ago I wrote about my favorite combination for concealing my under-eyes, and I still LOVE that combo; I will never take it out of my beauty routine probably! However, this concealer I would like to review packs in the same brightening and long-wearing properties without having to mix two different concealers!

No makeup...scary!
In those photos, I am makeup free and bearing my dark circles in all their glory, as well as my reddish/pink waterline. In the next picture below, I have applied the Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude Eyeliner

Taking this one step already makes such a difference! The lighting is a bit off throughout these photos, but hopefully you get an idea of how just a few steps can wake up your look!

Mini Review: This nude liner is the perfect shade for brightening your waterline, without looking like you tried really hard. It has the best creamy consistency and glides on with no problems, sort of setting itself in less than a minute so it doesn't come off. I would say it lasts 6 hours or so before needing to be touched up, although most of the time I don't worry about that! Price: Less than $5 at most drugstores.

The next product I use is the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Brightening Concealer. This stuff will pretty much wow you if you ever decide to try it!

Review: The color I use is "Neutral Medium". This product has a pretty thick consistency; when I say that, I don't mean it feels cakey on your skin (although if you use too much, that very well could happen) but it almost has a thick whipped texture to it. When applied, it is noticeable how pigmented it is, which is why you need to use so little. It is long wearing, which will be awesome when I have to work 12 hour shifts at the hospital (I start today!) I don't have a dry undereye area, but I do find this concealer to feel a bit moisturizing, so I am sure those who look for that in a concealer would appreciate that characteristic of this product! I haven't had any issues with it irritating my skin or causing breakouts, which is always a plus. Speaking of breakouts, sometimes I use this for just that; I think it does a really nice job of getting rid of the redness and concealing the pimple or redness. I always set my under eye area (or any are on my face for that matter) with a setting powder. I think that this is a foolproof way to add extra wear time to almost any makeup. Price: $24.

My application technique.
So much brighter! Concealer will always be one of my favorite beauty products-ever!

Review: The last product that really opens and brightens the eyes in the morning is mascara. Trust me, you can see a huge difference just by swiping on one coat of your favorite mascara. My current (and maybe all-time?) favorite mascara is the Rimmel Volume Accelerator Mascara. I'm not going to lie-I didn't love it at first. It was quite "wet" in consistency, which made me think it wouldn't do anything for my lashes. Because of this, I left the cap partially unscrewed one day during classes, which made it dry out a bit, thickening up. Now I am 150% in love with it! It doesn't clump up or  flake, but it does add length and volume. Trust me when I say I used to be the girl with 6+ mascaras on rotation, using a different one each day. I only reach for this one now. Price: One of the best parts about this is that I believe it performs like a high-end product, yet it is less than $10 at most drugstores.
One coat...I don't like to layer on mascara!
Awesome length from the mascara! :)
I hope this post is helpful in some way to someone out there! It is amazing how certain products can awaken your whole face! 

Since this post just needed a few more photos...haha.

What are your tips for brightening up your eyes in the morning?
Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey


**The IT cosmetics concealer was sent to me for free for consideration of review. I am in no way influenced by a company when I am sent a product; all opinions are my own and formed after using a product for longer than a few weeks!

Born to be Plaid [Transitioning to Summer Outfit]

Hello lovelies! This week has been so busy! I am in between my co-op job orientations, so for the past few days I have been in my hometown, working at my old job. Today is my last day there for now, and I will be heading back to Cincinnati tonight or early tomorrow...SO much driving! The free time I have had has been dedicated to hanging out with the fam and preparing blog stuff. That means I am kind of proud of myself, haha. I told ya'll I would try to be a better blogger once classes were over with! For now, I wanted to share a very casual but fun outfit for transitioning from Spring to Summer. We all know how crazy the weather has been, but it seems to be staying pretty warm now....but windy. Holy crap. I would be just fine without the plaid shirt in this post if it weren't for the wind! (See what I mean in the picture below-wahhh!)


Outfit Details: Plaid shirt: c/o Haute Juncture // Love Potion Tank: Charlotte Russe (old) // Shorts: American Eagle // Shoes: Keds // Chain Bracelet: Forever 21  (old) // Pink Bracelet: Loft (very similar) // Necklace: So old, I can't remember! // Purse: Possibly older than the necklace...no idea where it came from!

How will you transition from Spring to Summer fashion?

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

Vapour Organic Beauty Review

Hey gorgeous! Today I am going to take some time to review a brand that I came across about two months ago-if you are interested in more organic beauty products, this might be right up your alley! According to the Vapour Beauty website, their products are described as being:
"100% natural with 70% certified organic ingredients and 30% minerals and vitamins. There are no toxic chemicals, no parabens, no phalates, no gluten, no animal testing, no nano particles, and no irradiation".

To be honest, I don't know a ton about every single thing these products are made without; however, I know enough that I don't want those things in my products! This has led me to branch out and want to try to use better products in my everyday life. If you have been around this blog for awhile, you know I tried a bunch of mineral makeup products over the past year, nearly all of them being pretty pure in formulation, without any extra fillers or chemicals. I continue to use these products as I move forward in my quest for what I think is best for my skin!

The products I received for consideration of review are the Elixir Plumping Lipgloss, Aura Multi-Use Blush, and the Elixir Lipgloss. I can't seem to find the link for the plain old Elixir Lipgloss, which is why I didn't provide a link! Just as a general piece of info, I have had these products and have been using them for over a month! Now that all that is out of the way, let's get to the individual reviews!

 From top to bottom: Multi-Use Blush, Elixir Plumping Gloss, and Elixir Gloss. Swatches below.

        
Elixir Plumping Gloss:
In the shade "Coax", this product is described as offering "versatile color, dimension, and shine. Hydrating botanicals and organic plumping liposomes lock in maximum moisture for ultra-hydrated voluptuous lips. Never sticky or tacky, Elixir delivers superior body and shine". 

Personally, I love the formulation of this product. It is one of the most moisturizing glosses I have ever used, which might be surprising as it promises to plump! Many name brand plumping glosses I have used actually dry out my lips, which probably is due to the ingredients in them. Compared to plumpers like Too Faced Lip Injection Color Bomb, the Vapour lipgloss doesn't cause a burning or tingly feeling as it plumps. I don't mind the tingly effect...in fact, I kind of like it (does that make me weird?!) Either way, I think the plumping actually comes from all the moisture this gloss packs...I could be totally wrong, but it's almost like it makes the most of what your own lips can achieve from being moisturized! I don't find this to be sticky or tacky, which could be  a downside to some as this usually makes a product last longer. I would say it wears for a good hour before you start seeing the product fade; this includes drinking and eating! I would say the pigmentation is very sheer, at least in the shade I was sent.The taste isn't the best (not like the typical mint or fruit flavor many glosses offer), but for what the gloss does, I don't mind how it tastes.

Elixir Gloss:
In the shade "Sultry", this gloss is very similar to the plumping gloss, although you may not see the same plumping effects with this of course! Unfortunately, I can't find a description of this on the website, and I don't have the original box with me. Taste wise, I find this to have more of a flavor; one I can't exactly describe but it is better than the plumping gloss flavor! This gloss has a bit more of a tacky texture to it, but it isn't sticky...does that make sense? I want to say that maybe it's better explained as just adhering to the lips more effectively! This gloss wears about 2 hours before I really want to touch up. I adore the shade I was sent; it's more pigmented than the plumping gloss and I found it to pair well with many pink-toned lipsticks. I am actually wearing this gloss with a small amount of the plumping gloss in the picture below.

Aura Multi-Use Blush:
In the shade "Spark", this product is described as giving "a natural flush of color. These universally-flattering core colors work on all skin tones and all ages. Give the Vapour glow to cheeks, lips and eyes with one convenient stick. Aura blends like a dream for a polished look in seconds".

I think this is my favorite out of the three items I was sent. It really is very versatile! I have used it on my cheeks and my lips, but I am excited to see how it would work as a cream eyeshadow. I have pretty oily eyelids, so it would be interesting to see the lasting ability. The way I apply this is directly to my cheeks in an upward slanting motion. After this, I buff it out using a stipple brush. I find that doing this makes me look like I have a natural glow, and really makes it foolproof to apply! For lasting power, I would say that this lasts all day on me. I have pretty oily skin, but mostly in my t-zone, so I am not sure how this would work on someone with extremely oily skin everywhere. I do set it with a translucent powder, as I set all of my makeup, so I think with powder the lasting power should be no issue! I haven't had any problems with breakouts from this product. On my lips, it seems to be pretty moisturizing, although lasting only as long as a chapstick probably would.
Application technique! You can also see the shade on my lips in this photo.
Buffed out.
Voila! End result!

You can find more Vapour Organic Beauty products HERE.

Hopefully you find this review helpful! If you currently use natural, organic, or vegan products, I would love to hear about them! Leave me a comment below or email me at kelseylenay@hotmail; you can find me on twitter @kelseylenayyy or instagram @kelseylenayy

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey

**As started before, I did receive these products free, for consideration of review. Vapour Organic Beauty has no influence on my opinion of these products, as no brand or company ever will! I genuinely enjoy these products and am offering my honest opinion of how they performed on me personally!