The Fantastic 4

Happy Saturday! I hope y'all had a fabulous week, I know I certainly did. It's officially summer time for me, which means beach trips, pool visits, and backyard BBQ's for two months! The sun, as you know, is harsh in the summer, and your skin needs to be protected. Instead of skipping out on your daily makeup routine, shake it up a bit with my four favorite summer beauty products to keep you looking gorge as well as protecting your skin!

First we have the Korres Lip Butter Stick with SPF15. This lip butter is so smooth and moisturizing that it'll keep your lips hydrated and protected from the sun. Remember to apply every once in a while. Plus, it's got a beautiful pink tint!

Next is the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF30. NARS never seems to fail, and this moisturizer confirms that. I've always had acne and knowing that I can cover it with foundation comforts my insecurity, and now I can continue to cover my skin as well as protect it in the summer time. 

These last two products aren't necessarily used for moisturizer or SPF, but they still allow you to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer without having to worry about raccoon eyes. Maybelline has a wonderful waterproof mascara that's really good at its job. I saw The Fault In Our Stars wearing this and let me tell you, I was the best looking crier in the theater. If you've read my other reviews on Stila, you already know how much I love their products. This Stay All Day waterproof eye liner is perfect for days at the beach, especially this eye popping teal color. 

Tweet me or leave a comment below telling me what your favorite summer beauty product is!

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The Fault In Our Stars Review

Movie adaptations of books are most of the time, if not always, a lesser version of the book. So naturally, as a lover of John Green's novel The Fault in Our Stars I was worried the movie wouldn't turn out as I would've hoped.

But boy was I wrong.

*Spoilers*

I went to see the movie last night at a 9pm premier with a last second arrangement, so I wasn't prepared with anything. Everyone had told me "Don't forget tissues!" and I knew why, I'd read the book, but it totally slipped my mind until the movie started.
The acting was phenomenal and believable which in my opinion is a major factor in any movie, really. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort's onscreen chemistry was spot-on and they embodied Hazel and Gus perfectly. When you read a book, everyone seems to have a different idea of how they pictured a scene or person in their mind, but my friend and I found that we pictured a lot of the characters and scenes the same way. I think that goes to show how incredible the directing and production was on set and from all of the cast and crew involved. Not to mention, a lot of lines were literally taken straight from the book and put into the movie, and I loved that.
Now about how I reacted:
I cried.

No really, I cried for about half of the movie. Every emotion that you can think of was thrown into the film. An "emotional roller coaster" would be an understatement. I'm not talking about a little giggle or a single tear, I'm talking full on laughing and swooning over Gus and wanting to stroll through Amsterdam with him too, and crying as if you knew him personally and his death meant you would never see him again. "It's funny," my friend said to me afterwards, tears still streaming down her face, "I felt like I knew him, and in the brief moment I did, I fell in love". I had to constantly reassure myself that it was just a movie and everyone was still alive and well. Luckily, I wasn't the only person who felt that way, you could hear the sniffles and soft cries from everyone in the theater. It was like a group crying session. So when someone tells you to bring tissues, listen to them.

The only thing I noticed that I was kind of sad about was they skipped out on the scene where Hazel and Gus sell her swing set. Also, when they're in Amsterdam and someone from the canal shouts "The beautiful couple is beautiful." Those are the only two major points I missed, but other than that, it's like the book was the script.

Overall, I gladly give this movie a 9.5/10 and would highly recommend it to everyone, and I'll definitely be going back to see it again soon. Also, If you haven't listened to the soundtrack for the movie, you should, it's amazing.

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Rimmel Show Off Review

I've spent my whole life looking for the perfect red lipstick and I've had nothing but failure. Okay, maybe not my whole life, more like the last few months, but it seemed like a lifetime! Every color was either not pigmented enough, too dry, to pinky, too dark, or too opaque. Maybe I'm too picky, and after I heard great reviews on any red MAC lipstick, I decided to suck it up and make the investment. Well, on the way to Belk to visit the MAC stand, I stopped by Target and decided to have one last look. At the very bottom of the Rimmel section was this beautiful red gloss/stain. "There's no way this actually looks like this." I thought as I picked it up and twisted off the (very stylish) lid. 

Let me tell you, the color on the tube is very true to its actual color on the lips. I saw a few reviews saying it didn't smell good, and unfortunately I was sick at the time and couldn't smell it, but today when I put it on I didn't think it smelt bad enough to complain about it. The stain is very pigmented and bright, and boy does it last a long time. I put it on, ate dinner, showered and even woke up and my lips were still red. It would not come off. But hey, it's better than the alternative. 

The color I have on here is 400-Big Bang. 

Not only was I super happy with this product, it's only $4.79, and if you go to Walgreens soon, they're having a sale 2/$9. I give this product a 10/10 and I'm definitely going back to get more colors very soon.

Today's the last day to win tickets to a Blogging Concentrated event! Don't miss out, and enter here today!

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#YesAllWomen

I had different ideas for today's post, but this is a topic that I feel really can't be overlooked, especially when current events are coinciding. Feminism is the one thing this world needs more than anything else, it's 2014 and I still have to worry about my safety when walking to my car, even during the day time! I'm sick and tired of men feeling that women are on this earth for their own personal pleasure. Men, er, should I call them boys, have some weird mindset that women are objects for them to play with, with no emotions, opinions, or life for that matter.

We're not objects, we're not toys, we're not here for you.

The amount of women that I've heard stories from of them being harassed or abused by a boy who they may or may not have known is absolutely outrageous. Personally, I've never been targeted, and hopefully never will be, I'm hoping it's my "I could kick your ass if you breathed on me" look. Unfortunately though, my sister, who I shall remind you is only 15 years old, was downtown for a summer festival taking place, and on my way to pick her up, all of her friends had left and she was alone in the park. There were many people around, so she wasn't completely alone. I had only just left the house when she called me, saying that she was scared and wanted me to stay on the phone with her until I arrived. Halfway there and she started panicking, "Oh my gosh, Ashley there are these three guys staring at me." I assured her that I was almost there and to not make eye contact. She went quiet for a moment, "They're whistling at me, what do I do." By this time, I was there. She got in the car and away from the creeps. The fact that 3 grown men were hitting on a 15 year old girl is disgusting and immoral. To make matters even worse, she saw one of our male neighbors there, who witnessed the men calling for her, and shook his head and laughed. He laughed. 

A recent event where a girl was stabbed for rejecting a guys offer to take her to prom. This girl had a boyfriend at the time, and in no way turned him down in a violent or rude manner. We live in a world where girls who don't want to go to a dance with someone, are killed. Also, a case where six girls were brutally killed by a guy because they refused to have sex with him. We're killed for respecting ourselves. Lastly, the most recent tragedy, the shooting in California where a killed randomly shot 6 innocent students, his 3 roommates, and then himself. His anger spawned from women and why they didn't like him.

I could go on for hours as to why we need feminism, but there shouldn't even be a reason why we do. Why can't we treat each other equally? Is it so hard to respect each other? Can we please start by at least not killing or beating someone when they reject you?

Before I wrap things up, I recommend that all of my female readers take a self defense class. As unfortunate as that sounds, it could possibly save your life. Also, buy pepper spray or a stun gun to keep with you at all times, and a whistle could be helpful too. Check out this link on how to break out of a zip-tie.
Stay safe my friends, and remember, you're no ones object, you never will be. You're your own, independent, strong woman, and kick anyone's ass who tries to tell you otherwise.

PS- NO MEANS NO

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Style Pick

I don't know about you, but finding a great pair of sunglasses is a daunting task, and I can never be happy with just one color or style. That is, until I found one pair that stole my heart. This month's style pick is dedicated to mirrored sunglasses.

I recently found three pairs of mirrored sunglasses at Urban Outfitters on sale, and bought all three of them (oops?) I love aviators in general, but the flamboyant blue/green lens' can easily give a simple outfit the pop that it needs.  If you're not big on standing out or too much color, there are many non-colored mirror lens' that you can buy. Check out UO, F21, and Ray-Ban for some of my top picks.

PS- the mirrors hide your eyes, so people watching is easier ;)

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Blogger Giveaway!

Blogging Concentrated, founded by Dan R Morris, is a worldwide company dedicated to providing information, motivation, tools, tips, and networking for the professional blogger. In 2013 - 2014 Blogging Concentrated focused on bringing educational workshops to cities across the United States.

The mission of Blogging Concentrated is to equip bloggers and business owners with the necessary tools to be relevant and successful in a saturated digital market. Through the use of practical, hands-on examples, strategic marketing plans and in-depth discussions, these workshops are intense days that challenge attendees to create a solid action plan with concrete strategies designed to equip website owners with the tools and knowledge needed to increase income, create new opportunities and expand audience reach.

The Blogging Concentrated team has developed a three event strategy (BC Sequoia, BC Circles and BC Leverage) to meet the needs of bloggers and online marketers. While bloggers who attend one or two Blogging Concentrated workshops will be provided with extensive information, tools and ideas to grow their business, the comprehensive goal of the events is to provide a full marketing strategy and business plan framework for the blogger who attends all three events.

1. Blogging Concentrated Sequoia embraces the concept of pushing one’s self and website beyond perceived roadblocks to growth and success. Attendees leave the event understanding which areas of their own business that require growth and change. The topics of analytics, YouTube strategy, monetization, ebook creation, outsourcing responsibilities and audience needs.
   
2. Blogging Concentrated Circles: Six months after Blogging Concentrated Sequoia takes place, the team returns to the same area to present BC Circles. This day focuses on the idea of the Venn Diagram effect, identifying the overlapping needs and desires of a blogger’s audience and digging into that information to develop a products to meet those needs and serve the audience.
   
3. Blogging Concentrated Leverage is an exclusive 3-day retreat for 12 dedicated and driven bloggers with a real desire to succeed. Blogging Concentrated Leverage is entirely focused on search engine optimization and integrating that knowledge into all aspects of every participant’s business.

With the help of @FemaleBloggerRT we're giving away 5 tickets to one of our Circles or Sequoia events nationwide. That means 5 winners!!

Click here to see the list of cities we're currently in. But we're adding cities all the time! Not listed but in the works are Houston, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Charleston, Indianapolis and Toronto. . . The winners will be able to use their ticket now or wait for an upcoming event. The giveaway will close June 3, winners announced June 4!

So, use the widget below to enter! And make sure to check out the great bloggers helping to spread the word! 

Morgan // Ashley // Veronica // Angelica // Kym // Kali

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Beach Essentials

Some of my favorite memories have been from trips to the beach, and I'm more than excited for summer to get here so I can finally hit the road with my friends again and make new memories. Packing for the beach, on the other hand, seems to be a daunting task. I always feel like there's something I'm missing and end up having to buy when I get there. So today, I've come up with a list of essential items to bring with you to the beach so that you can relax and have a good time, and also save you from having to buy those ugly beach shop flip flops. 

1. Swimsuit- This one should be pretty obvious. You'll need a bathing suit if you're going to be hanging out on the beach or by the pool this summer. Check out H&M, Forever 21, Target, and Old Navy for cute and cheap suits.

2. Sunglasses- Take a pair of cute sunnies with you everywhere you go if it's sunny out. Protect those eyes in style. 

3. Towel- A printed towel or beach mat will keep you from laying on those hot lounge chairs or sand. You'll also need something to dry off with after a dip in the pool!

4. Cover up- Invest in a chic cover-up this summer, and that possibly could be worn for many more years. How could you possibly feel self-conscious in a cute cover-up?

5. Beach bag- Get a large tote to help carry all of your essentials in! Straw bags don't get as dirty as easily as a cloth bag, plus they're cuter in my opinion ;)

6. Sandals- I know, You're probably thinking "Birkenstocks. Really?" Yes, really. After they died for a few years, they have risen again. Plus they make cute beach to shops shoes.

7. Sunscreen- If you're going to take anything at all anywhere this summer, it should be sunscreen. No questions asked. 

8. A Book- Even when you're with your girls or family, there's going to be a period of silence where everyone's soaking up the sun (or possibly asleep). Take a book to keep you occupied. 

9. Over sized hat- A large hat will protect your face from harsh UV rays. Don't forget- You're face won't be the same color as your body if you tan while wearing it. Just Saying.

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