Spring around the corner.

This past week was nothing but an everlasting search of all things spring related.  Despite all the snowy mush we have been treading in all weekend, I decided to look for things that screamed sunshine and flowers just to keep me in hopeful spirits.

I decided this week to check out the local Marshall's for some deals.  For those who are not aware, Marshall's is a department store that carries name brand products for cheap prices.  If you are looking for new shoes, spring gear, or even a new fragrance I strongly suggest to check Marshall's (or T.J Maxx; similar dept. store) for steals first before going to a name brand store.

This brings me to my awesome find for this week. In honor of spring I decided to look for a new, fresh, floral fragrance (say that 10 times fast!) to start off the new season.  I was browsing around when I came across a Lola by Marc Jacobs gift set, which was marked down to $30! Whenever I went to pay the sticker marked was incorrect.  I thought at that time it might be too good to be true but then she said it was ringing up to be $10!  I got an originally $90 gift set for $10; the ultimate steal!


So for the guys I have been looking for some good deals for you. I found some great slim fit- dark wash jeans for only $17.99. For more deals check out forever21.com.  I also found at Forever 21 some great tanks for the spring for $5.00! Don't worry, if you don't like tanks there are great deals on the website on basic tees too.

So now for Beauty Tip of the week: Shortcuts to glowing skin without all the harmful rays.

1. Products.  Now a days, there are many products you can use to enhance your bronze without ever stepping foot inside a tanning bed.  One of my favorites is Lorac's TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer.  It's more for an extra boost for a special event, because it is daily use.  Another good product to add a bit of glow is Jergens' Natural Glow Moisturizers. There are a series of moisturizers from mousse based, to lotions and for all different actions such as skin firming.


2. Spray tanning.  Although spray tans have previously got a bad rep for coming out uneven and orange, professionals have kept close eye in correcting and perfecting their sunless formulas to make the tan look as realistic as possible.  My favorite place for spray tans in Sundown Tan, which is located in Huber Heights and also one in Troy.  Sundown uses the Mystic HD sunless tan booth which sprays evenly and dries you before you come out.

It takes 24 hours to completely set, so make sure to shower right before and not shower again for the first 24 hours.  For more information go to sundowntanohio.com/sunless-tanning.  Sunless tans lasts about 7-12 days.  L.A Tan also offers spray tans; on Mondays they're offered for $10! For more information about spray tans at L.A Tan, visit latan.com/spray-tanning/

Important Tip: For best results for spray tans, make sure to exfoliate and shave prior to your visit.  To enhance the tan for optimal results, add a water based lotion.  Also after, do not swim or shower for at least 4-8 hours; although 24 is ideal.

Daily dose of deals keeps the doctor away.

So, first off I want to apologize for abandoning you all for the past two weeks.  But, you must understand I was basically on my death bed because of the stomach flu strand that is going around.  It is lasting seven to 10 days and is absolutely horrible. (Don't forget to wash your hands often!) Trust me, you do NOT want to catch that.

Anyways, so back to business. I know you are all wondering what great deals I have found in the time I've been gone, right? (Too many to count).  This week I have a few things for you, and also another beauty tip!

Did I ever mention to you all that this blog will be the demise of my bank account? Well, I have this problem...I'm a spend-a-holic. There I said it! I can't go out looking for deals for my fellow blog readers with snagging a deal or two for myself, but hey, it's all for a good closet! Er, I mean cause.

My first find for you guys is a few items I picked up while browsing around Forever 21.  For anyone who doesn't know this store, its my personal retail paradise.  The Greene Mall in Dayton has a two-story Forever 21. Needless to say I could spend hours in there. I found an awesome pair of high-waist tweed shorts, a mid-length lace top, two rings and a long sleeve thermal top all for $25!  I know, how do I do it? And yes, you can borrow me this weekend to find you a new wardrobe, I'd be glad to help.

Lace top (far right) Thermal top (far left)
Rings (center) Tweed high-waist shorts (bottom center)

This week for the guys I found a good deal on some sneakers.  They may not be your average choice of go-to Nikes, but for the price it's a hard one to turn down. I found the sneakers at H&M for $17.95.  The picture below is the shoes in navy blue, but they also offer them in beige, gray and patterned.  These shoes would be great paired with some color-blocked shorts or a pair of chinos. (The pants I mentioned in a previous post).

And the moment you've all been waiting for, the beauty steal of the week!  This week I decided to take a simple household item: a toothbrush.  I'm going to give you five different ways you can use this as a beauty essential besides taking care of your pearly whites.

1. Use to tame crazy eyebrows (or facial hair!).  The bristles act as a smoother for wild hairs. (and the nylon they are made out of even adds a little shine: score!)

2. Exfoliate lips.  Now I know half of you are probably thinking exfoliating isn't important but think again.  Exfoliation rids buildup of dead skin cells and helps promote healthier feeling and looking skin. Grab a clean brush and swirl around lips to smooth. Best results with an exfoliating cream.  (You can make your own with an oil of your choice and brown sugar or sea salt.)

3. Add some volume to limp locks.  Feeling flat and need a boost? Take the toothbrush and backcomb at the root in sections for a volume pick-me-up.


4. Cuticle Buffer.  Take an oil and your toothbrush and scrub in circular motions around cuticles to rid your hands from dried out skin and nasty hangnails.

5. Banish fly-away's.  For those who don't know, fly-away's are those annoying random strands of hair that like to stick straight up and won't lie down.  To rid your mane of fly-away's,  apply a small amount of hair spray or gel to the toothbrush and simply brush down desired areas.


Next post I will add some things Spring related, as well as some tips about sunless tanning.  Let me know if you have any (other) suggestions.