my faux lashes + a discount code

The first make up item I ever wore was mascara.  I would be happy to skip everything else for just mascara.  My lashes are long, but blonde- almost white blonde. So you can't see them unless they are heavily coated with mascara.  I have forgotten mascara before and stopped to buy some while out.

On my wedding day I wore TWO sets of fake eyelashes. I loved it! I've tried my best to be good about putting fake lashes on, but it is hard! Last Christmas I treated to myself to semi-permanant lashes. There was a great special going and I thought why not? Well I loved the look, but they were uncomfortable. I ended up taking them off after just 5 days.

I had always thought about trying them again some day.  Well a friend of mine went to La La Lashes this summer and I couldn't get over how awesome her lashes look.  Then my sister decided to go. Again, aaaaamazing lashes. I was so jealous! I had to get myself some. And I am in love. It makes SUCH a difference! I don't wear mascara any more.  My lashes look perfect 24/7.  They are also comfortable- I don't feel them at all.  They use the best lash products in the industry- Xtreme Lashes. And Charryse, who applied them, is amazingly talented. 

I love that they aren't overly "fake" looking. Most people can't tell.  Some people will ask are they real or are you really good with mascara? I've had them for over a month now, getting them touched up every two weeks.

Here is a picture:

So if you are in the Charlotte area, looking for some lashes, go check them out!  Follow them on Facebook for deals and more info!

Do you have any beauty secrets??

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ONE DAY ONLY!

minimum purchase of $15

www.shoppoppystyle.com

looking forward to

As October is nearing an end, it makes me think about everything I am looking forward to over the next two months!

one. November 23!!! Kristina & Tyler tie the knot!

two. Oyster Roast- Dave & I are hosting an oyster roast the day after Thanksgiving and I'm already excited for it.  I loveeee oysters and have been wanting to do an oyster roast at our house for awhile now.

Southern Living: How to Host an Oyster Roast

three. Holiday trunk shows! I'm starting to get a lot of holiday trunk shows booked for November and December and it makes me so excited! I love holiday shopping and can't wait to help some people pick out the perfect gifts for family and friends.

four. Decorating! We haven't even gotten a REAL pumpkin this year! And I don't think we will at this point.  And it makes me so sad because I love decorating for all the different holidays and seasons. So I'm going to be sure to go overboard for Christmas. You can see some of my ideas here on my Pinterest board! 

five. In less than two months I'm going to be 28! So I'm going to enjoy the last bit of 27 and start thinking of goals I have to hit before 30. 

weekend review + biz thoughts

I spent the weekend in Raleigh with my bestie, Kristina and her family. It was wonderful! She had a shower on Saturday and we spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with family and doing wedding crafts. A wonderful weekend!

As my business (Poppy Style) has gotten busier, certain things have popped into my head.  It isn't always easy or wonderful.  I've often read blogs and am amazed when people say rude or thoughtless things- recently I've seen it on Natalie and Caycee's blogs. Previously I remember it from Natasha's blog. I couldn't believe people could say such things! To someone they don't know! I've constantly had that in my head with this blog.  I worry about offending people, but I shouldn't because it is MY blog. MY thoughts.  Luckily, no one has ever said anything negative about it. But I do get amazed by what people will say to me about my jewelry or such.  For example, I can't help it if I ship your order and it takes longer than you expect for it to arrive.  I never make promises, I can only estimate when it will arrive.  Unless you tell me you need it for a certain date, I just ship it like I would any other order.  And if you wait and take your time to pay your PayPal invoice, I can't help that either. You may say you ordered it a certain day, but I am always clear that I will not ship it until it is paid for.  

I get so sensitive about these things because I want people to LOVE working with me and ordering from me.  But I still can't believe the attitude that some people get.  I am a small- one person- business! Sorry for the vent- but it has been on my mind lately! 

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!! 

#tinagetsitwright

Weekend before this past one, I went to Wrightsville, NC with some girls to celebrate my bestie bride-to-be! Let me tell you- that was one of the best weekend EVER! Hands down a perfect bachelorette weekend.

We got a late start Friday due to "needing" to stop and buy shoes.  Kristina, her sister Kae and I made a fun road trip out of the 4 hour drive to Wrightsville. I drove and I HATE to drive but it was an easy and fun drive with them!!

We arrived around 4 and most of the other girls had also just arrived.  We started in on some cocktails! Kristina (sweet bride) surprised us all with a booze cruise! It was awesome- such pretty views.  Following that, we headed back to the house for my idea of the perfect dinner- lots of appetizers! We played some games and ended up staying in.

 

 

Saturday we spent most of the day in lounge clothes, drinking bloody marys and mimosas, relaxing, playing games.  We went and sat on the beach and it was so nice! 

 

 

And I have to share the easy and cute banners that I made: 

And these cute party favors from the MOH:

That night we got all dressed up for a fancy dinner at Boca Bay.  Her amazing groom surprised us with bottles of wine at the table- it was so thoughtful! We had the best time at dinner.  After, we hit up some bars for lots of dancing and drinks.

The drive home was a little rough on Sunday, but so worth it! I can't believe the wedding is just a month away!

a week off

I can't believe I took a whole week off from blogging last week! It was not intentional- just what happened. Work is so busy right now, which I am so thankful for. But I'm struggling to get organized and get everything done! I have even been ordering my groceries online and then just going through the drive through for pick- thank goodness for Harris Teeter! 

I have so much to share-- the bachelorette party, new jewels, a mountain weekend, etc! I promise to be better this week! Hope y'all had a great weekend!

friday five: october 11

Whoop whoop! As many of y'all read this I am on my to Wrightsville for my bestie's bach party! Wrightsville, get ready for us!

one.
I am SUPER thankful for all of the jewelry and bangle orders I have gotten in. It makes me so happy! In saying that, I really need to updated the Poppy Style website with my bangles to make ordering easier. So that is a huge priority to me right now! Also, if you are in Charlotte you'll soon be seeing them in a new boutique! Will share details soon!

two.
It finally feels like fall. I love this weather! La Senorita Jolie has some awesome fall items out! I am so excited about the leggings and this top is my new staple for fall. Let me know if you want to host a trunk show and earn FREE clothes! You don't have to be in Charlotte- you can be anywhere! We are also looking for new stylists- it is super fun and easy, so email me if you want to chat more.

three.
As mentioned above-- I am heading to Wrightsville for the weekend to celebrate my best friend and former roommate's bachelorette!!! It is going to be so.much.fun. I can't stand it! 

four.
My cowboy boots that I mentioned yesterday came in and I love them! I can't believe I haven't owned them before. I'll be wearing them just about daily now. 

five.
Next week is my sister's birthday so I am scouting some good gift ideas. She is going to be 35- doesn't look it though! So let me know if you have any ideas.  

Hope y'all have a great weekend!!

currently loving

Cowboy boots have been on my wish list for years now.  I just haven't found the right pair for the right price. And now I have. Well I hope I have! I ordered them online (love Amazon Prime) and they should arrive Thursday! They are Justin boots and I have heard great reviews about them.

I went by the Chanel counter (I go to the one at Belk South Park- I like it much better than other Chanel counters) last Friday and saw my favorite girl Wanda. She gave me a great sample pack of new lip colors. This is the best color ever! It isn't too nude/light, not too pink, not too red, etc.

I also picked up a new gloss because I can't resist... it is a TERRIBLE habit. I need lipstick/lipgloss anonymous.

I found a hidden Lilly Pulitzer gift card- I had been saving for a special day. I snatched up these pants and know that I will wear them all fall and winter long.

I also got the Elsa top in gray- it is a gorgeous color!

And of course... I am loving my new Rodan + Fields products! Thank you all for the support! Please email me if you have any questions. I plan to share about my experience here, but promise to not overwhelm y'all with skincare nonsense! I will say this- my hubby wasn't sold on me doing this. But he felt my skin after one day of product and one Macro E treatment and couldn't get over how soft it was.

my mom

It is hard to believe that 5 years ago today my mom lost her battle with lung cancer.  I hadn't planned to share this, but it just felt like I should.  I lost my mom way too young. I know too many people who lost parents even younger than I was. I hope some day there is a cure for all of the awful cancers (and other diseases) in the world. 

She was awesome and I miss her every day. She is still the coolest person I've ever met.

My mom hated having her picture taken! She loved taking them and being behind the camera. But this is one I got at my nephew's first birthday party. 

my two aunts and mom (on the far right)

rodan + fields

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was debating being a consultant for Rodan + Fields....well I decided to do it! Why not?!  

Like I had mentioned- I love skin care. I know about it, I see how it works, and it does WORK.  Drs. Rodan and Fields are the creators of Proactive (remember Jessica Simpson infomercials!?).  Their skincare line Rodan + Fields used to be sold in department stores, like Nordstrom, until they decided they would reach more people a different way.  

As many of you know, I used to work in a dermatology office.  I saw HUNDREDS of different products. I saw patients get confused over which line to use, what to use when, etc.  One thing I love about Rodan + Fields is how easy they make it.  They have a great tool to help you determine which line you need AND if you need to mix & match skin care lines.  The physician I worked with wasn't the best at telling patients how to use the products or answer questions about the products.  I love that this line does all of that.  

I'm happy to share with any of you what products I used before (it is a long list!) and let you know what I thought of each one.  I am currently using the REDEFINE system and also using the AMP MD Roller (not available to customers until end of October) and Macro E. I used to get facials/peels weekly (when working at the derm office) and these two tools make it so I don't have to miss that anymore!

 

I think another thing that I love about this company is the empty bottle guarantee.  I can't tell you how many patients would come back to the office with a half used product and want to return it because it didn't work, they didn't like it, etc. And so many times we had to say no.  With Rodan + Fields you have a 60 day money-back guarantee. 

Click here to use the Solutions Tool

My other favorite products are the microderm paste and the lip renewing serum. 

Have you used Rodan + Fields before? Any favorite products?

Founded by world-renowned dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, the creators of Proactiv® Solution, Rodan + Fields’ patent-pending MACRO Exfoliator™ and AMP MD™ System* make real results possible at home without injections or other invasive procedures. - See more at: http://redefine.rodanandfields.com/about/#sthash.xnXg2kJ5.dpuf

Founded by world-renowned dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, the creators of Proactiv® Solution, Rodan + Fields’ patent-pending MACRO Exfoliator™ and AMP MD™ System* make real results possible at home without injections or other invasive procedures. - See more at: http://redefine.rodanandfields.com/about/#sthash.xnXg2kJ5.dpuf

Founded by world-renowned dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, the creators of Proactiv® Solution, Rodan + Fields’ patent-pending MACRO Exfoliator™ and AMP MD™ System* make real results possible at home without injections or other invasive procedures. - See more at: http://redefine.rodanandfields.com/about/#sthash.xnXg2kJ5.dpuf

friday five: october 4

Happy Friday y'all!

This weekend kicks off my crazy October schedule and I am so excited for it! 

one.
I need help! Which dress should I wear to a BBQ wedding shower/party tomorrow night?

Sibylline Mesh Dress

Taryn Crepe Shift

I would wear boots of some sort with either of them.  I just can't decide!

two.

I went to my first barre class this week and I think I love it! I'm crazy sore though. There are parts of my body that hurt that I didn't know could hurt. But it is a good hurt- I hope it works.  I'm going to my second class this morning! For those of you in Charlotte, I'm trying Carolina Barre & Core. It is new on Selwyn & Colony. I highly recommend it! They're so nice and were so helpful to me. 

three.

My favorite dress finally came in another color!! I wore this dress so much this summer. Now it is in black and I can keep wearing it! And you can't beat the price- just $48. I plan to dress it up for the Saturday night out of my bestie's bach party. 

Leith Crepe Tank Dress- Nordstrom $48

four.

I've been having fun decorating for fall!  I had to buy these wine glasses! They are perfect, the gold makes it. 

I bought this last year and was so excited to put it out again. This girl does some great door pieces. 

five.This top is back in stock! I have shared on Facebook & Instagram but have still gotten questions. YES it is in stock! Go and get it! I am obsessed with it.  Use LSJ-MWH at checkout! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Would LOVE to have y'all follow me on Facebook & Instagram!

currently loving

In the past week or two I've gotten some great new shipments of jewelry in! Of course I LOVE making pieces and many times those are my favorite, but to keep the store full I do buy things "already made."

Here are a few favs:

Amazing tassel earrings! $30

 

Statement necklaces! $36 each

Fall colors! $28

Large gold cuff just $24

You can see more favs here! And on Instagram!

my kind of pasta

I love love mac'n'cheese! It is by far my favorite food.  I really like most any creamy, cheesy pasta. I don't mind a red sauce, but prefer a creamy sauce.

This weekend I made one of my favorites- pasta carbonara. I loosely followed the recipe from The Pioneer Woman, but really all recipes are the same/similar enough.  I love how she has pictures with every step!

Here is her recipe with my changes: 

Ingredients

• 12 ounces, weight Pasta, Any Variety (I used a whole box of angel hair) 
• 8 pieces Thick Cut Bacon (diced Small) (I used pancetta)
• 1/2 whole Medium Onion, Diced Small
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 3 whole Eggs
• 3/4 cups Finely Grated Parmesan (I probably used a bit more...)
• 3/4 cups Heavy Cream (I also probably used a bit more ....whoops!)
• Salt & Plenty Of Black Pepper
• 1/2 cup Peas

Preparation Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon until just barely crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Pour off all of the bacon grease, but don't clean the pan. Return the pan to the stove over medium-low heat and throw in the onions and garlic. Cook until golden brown. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix together eggs, Parmesan, cream, and salt and pepper until smooth.

When the pasta is done, reserve a cup or two of the pasta water. (I forgot to do this and it was fine!) Drain the pasta and place it in a bowl. While the pasta is still really hot, slowly drizzle in the egg mixture, stirring the pasta the whole time. The sauce will become thick and should coat the pasta. Splash in a little hot pasta water if needed for consistency.

Halfway through, add the peas, bacon, and sauteed onion/garlic. Finish adding the sauce, stirring until it's all combined.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan. Delish!

My picture isn't as pretty as her's....but it was yummy!