friday favorites

Happy Friday my lovelies! What do you all have planned this weekend? I am so happy the cool fall weather has decided to make an appearance here in Columbus...hopefully it sticks around so I can bust out my new jacket and boots! 

Look // 

 If I could raid any blogger's closet, it would be the gorgeous Andee over at The Honeybee. She has the perfect mix of classic chic - bohemian - rocker girl. You'd think it would be impossible, but just check out her blog and you will see what I mean! LOVE this Free People peasant blouse...and you can never go wrong with flared jeans ;)

Book // 

Well, I haven't exactly read it yet, but I can't WAIT to get my hands on Mindy Kaling's newest book!

Music // 

Have you heard of Elle King? She is amazing. I picked up her cd after hearing her single Ex's & Oh's last weekend and I love it - she is such a badass and has an awesomely raspy and soulful voice. She reminds me of a classic rocker like Stevie Nicks or Janis Joplin! Definitely check her out. Fun fact - her dad is Adam Sandler's bff, Rob Schneider ;)

Purchase //

 I'm so happy with my first beauty box subscription. It's from Petit Vour and is completely cruelty free - and a great bargain! If you missed my post from Wednesday reviewing all the items, be sure to check it out here.  

Join in the link up fun and share your favorites from the past week! xx

petit vour september - cruetly free beauty box

 I've always loved the idea of monthly subscription boxes, and started doing a bit of research into one to sign up for over the summer. I wanted a beauty box, and it needed to be completely cruelty free - which I didn't know if I could find...but much to my {pleasant} surprise, there are quite a few to choose from!

I went with Petit Vour because they talk about their deep love for animals, and how they want to share great luxury beauty products that are available to us without the use of animal products or testing. 

Their value is great and there are many subscription options...

 I went with the flat rated of $90 for 6-months (6 boxes) which works out to $15/box.

And...if you sign up right now, you receive a complimentary perfume with the code "GARDENIA". I received a rose-scented one with my box, which I will discuss later on, and it is full size!! (not a sample) 

My box arrived yesterday and I was SO excited! I took lots of pictures to share with you all and have already tried almost all of the products :)

My first reaction was, I couldn't believe how big some of the products were!

Here is a break down of what came in the box...

Blissoma Herbal Gel Cleanser (2 oz - $16 value)

Elate Lipstick in "Lively" (full size - $17 value)

Mahalo Pele Mask (no size listed - full size is $64)

MSC Skin Care Body Scrub in "Grapefruit & Spearmint" (no size listed - full size is $33)

BONUS: (due to coupon code) 

 Harvey Prince Perfume in "Damask Rose" (8.8 ml - $26 value)

 So even without being able to compute a value for two of the products...I got over $59 of products for $15!! Amazing. 

Now for some first-use reviews:

 I used the cleanser last night in the shower. It is a good consistency, and even though I wasn't a huge fan of the smell, it left my skin feeling extremely clean and soft! This product is large enough to last a good 2 weeks, so I look forward to using it every day and seeing if there is a change in my skin!

 The Grapefruit & Spearmint scrub is one of my 2 favorite products from the box this month!

First of all, the smell is AMAZING. I wanted to lather it all over myself, but held back to save some for more than one use ;) It washed off nicely, didn't leave behind any weird, oily residue, and my skin feels super soft today!

I haven't had a chance to use the Mahalo Mask yet, but it came with an instruction card - which is super helpful because I would be totally lost on what to do without it (since this is clearly a powder and need to obviously be mixed with something before applying). According to the card, this sample contains one full treatment, or two light treatments. I'll let you know how it is once I've tried it!

I was so surprised at the size of this perfume! I was expecting a small roller ball or tiny sample, but this reminded me of the full size purse perfumes you can buy at Sephora! Anyway, I'll be honest, I don't love the smell right when it is sprayed on (which was super disappointing) but I noticed a little later in the day, when it had settled in a bit, that it was actually quite nice. So initially hated it, but once given a chance it was much better :)

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The image I snapped of the Elate Lipstick does not do the color justice, so I found this photo that is definitely a better representation. Initially, I was a little bummed when I saw a lipstick...because I honestly hate lipstick. I'm much more of a statement eye and light lip gloss kind of girl. 

However, I gave it a chance, and as you can see in the image I snapped of the product applied to skin, it's very sheer and feels much more like a balm than full-blown lipstick - which is perfect for me! This is my other favorite product from this month's box. The shade gives your lips the perfect hint of sheer color on them with a bit of shine.

Overall, I am SO happy with the September Petit Vour box, and I can't wait to see what I get next month!

If you are interested in signing up and getting your own cruelty free beauty box...visit Petit Vour here!! 

 

weekending 9.19

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Well, it's Monday yet again...and I'm over here wishing it was still the weekend so I could be snuggled up with these two bunnies at home.

We had a pretty good weekend...got a lot done in the house and got it totally cleaned from top to bottom - crazy how getting caught up on chores and cleaning takes up an entire day of the two days we get, right?! Sunday was spent running errands, doing a little bit of shopping, and then football! Aaron's been playing Fantasy Football on Draft Kings and it cracks me up how in to it he gets...he's actually done okay and won a little bit of money though, so not too shabby for a beginner! 

One of my errands on Sunday was to Ulta, to pick up some much needed beauty items and replacements...

 

// Nyx Dewy setting spray

// Bare Minerals eyeshadow in Queen Phyllis

// Physician's Formula Youthful Wear powder

// NYX eyebrow pencil in taupe

// Real Techniques stippling brush

New products I am trying out for the first time include the eyebrow pencil and powder - I had to replace the Rimmel pencil and Cover Girl powder I was using (since they aren't cruelty free) - so I'll let you know how I like these once I get a chance to use them for awhile!

The setting spray, stippling brush, and eye shadow are all items I have been purchasing and using for a long time now - and are all highly recommended!

Now, I don't actually watch awards shows...I find them incredible awkward and boring.

But - I love looking at the fashion that everyone shows up in! So the Emmys were last night and so many of the celebrities looked beautiful, but here are my favorite looks...

Kerry Washington in Marc Jacobs and Sarah Hyland in Zac Posen...both killing it.

 

 

And my runner ups...

Giuliana Rancic in  Zuhair Murad and Amy Poehler (LOVE her) in Michael Kors.

Just wish Amy's hair had just a bit more volume at the roots ;)

 Linking up with the lovely Biana over at B Loved Boston - join in the fun and share your weekend happenings! 

 

friday favorites

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Happy Friday! 

Linking up with some great ladies today to share some of my favorite finds from this week!

This job beats all other jobs...hands down.

 I definitely want to try this recipe this weekend - I'm always in the mood for curry.

My favorite show has announced their Season 3 release date.

And some great fall fashion pieces that I found while trolling the internet this week...

Blouse / F21 ... Hat / Old Navy ... Rain coat // Target ... Marble iPhone Case // Society 6

Join the link ups and share you Friday favorites!!

best of beauty - cruelty free bathroom

Happy hump day! 

I wanted to do another cruelty free post to share some of my favorite bath products that we've discovered since making the switch. It was much easier to replace everything than I had imagined and I truly love so many of the brands we have started using!

The only thing I'm having a hard time with is deodorant...if anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears! I've tried so many and nothing seems to get the job done (TMI? lol)

Apart from deodorant and a few lingering makeup items I need to polish off, I'm happy to say our home is now 100% cruelty free :)

** All of the items shared in this post were purchased at Target or Kroger's (grocery store) organic section.

 The Honest Co. Foaming Handsoap

Found at Target

This is a great brand - we have also started buying their paper towels - but I'll share that in another Cruelty Free Kitchen post!
Runner up - Method Foaming Handsoap (they even sell refill bags so you don't have to buy a dispense each time!)

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave

Found at Kroger - Organic Section

In one word - amazing. This is far better than any other shaving product I've used! This is an item I found at the grocery store in the organic section. A little bit goes a long way! 

Renpure Shampoos and Conditioners

Found at Target

Owned by the Redmond family, who has a GREAT philosophy - all products are tested on the Redmonds, not animals. They come in great scents are have an awesome price tag! My only thing is I run out of conditioner way before shampoo, but that happens no matter what brand I'm buying - lol! #thickhairproblems 

Shea Moisture Soap

Found at Target

Some of the best soap I've ever use...honestly. It smells amazing, and leave your skin so soft and refreshed, without and residue left behind. And Aaron's loves their Utility Bar soap for Men! 

Alba Botanica Face Scrubs 

Found at Target

Great face scrubs! I will admit, this is product had the biggest price difference of almost anything I switched.  Less than $4.00 for St. Ives to over $10.00 for a face scrub was hard, but it's worth it! The products are high quality, have been great for my skin, and last much longer. So the higher price tag is totally justified.  

Paul Mitchell Hair Products

Found at Target

Hairspray has been another one where the price tag was a bit scary - but I remind myself why I'm doing it. I'm sure if I went to Ulta, or shopped online, I could find something less expensive, but since I'm always rushing into Target at the last minute, I have to make due with what they have. And the only cruelty-free hairspray I could find is Paul Mitchell.

It's an awesome product - super high quality...but I'll keep you updated on this one because I'd rather not go on paying $20 for a can of hairspray ;)


 

weekending 9.12

Good morning! I hope you all had a great weekend. I was so happy about the cooler temps we got here in Columbus - it really made football Sunday feel like a true fall day! I was even able to bust out my Cleveland Browns sweater :)

We kicked off the weekend on Friday with a high school football game in the pouring rain (Aaron's son plays defensive on the varsity team). They didn't win, but it was a close game and we were able to stay dry under our giant umbrella!

I went to the salon on Saturday morning to get my hair cut - for the first time in like 8 months. It's shameful. I really have to start going more. I honestly just put it off because my hair is so long, and it's up half the time for work anyway. But I found a great new stylist in Columbus - Jeffrey at Cut N Blow Salon...and he gave me exactly what I asked for :)

Cue wanna-be-mermaid locks...

That night we had one of my favorite dinners to make - Shepherd's Pie.
It's a great, easy meal to throw together on a cool night...definitely a hearty "meat-and-potatoes" style dish! I can't remember if I've shared the recipe before, but I can if any of you are interested! Excuse the iPhone-quality pictures - I'm terrible a food photography ;)

Football Sunday! We took the dogs to the park in the morning and I got one attempt at at selfie with Dexter - he's way too hard to take pictures with - too much energy and turns his head away every time the camera/phone comes his way! 

But he sure will pose by himself if he thinks you have a treat ;)
This was a big day because Daddy (Aaron) finally let them play in the backyard. It's been off limits since he laid brand new sod in June! The pups were SOO excited to play, but Aaron nearly had an aneurysm haha! Dexter looks calm here, but this only lasted a good 5 seconds.

We were sad to see the Brownies lose (but who am I kidding - we are used to it at this point haha!) but I was excited to watch a new episode of Fear the Walking Dead last night - do any of you watch this show? It's a new spin off of The Walking Dead and is pretty good so far. I get so annoyed at people in zombie shows though - like, there's a crazy looking man in your house, bent over, eating what looks like an animal...let's NOT walk right up to it!

Anyway...that's it for my weekend recap! Hope your Monday's are off to a good start! 
Linking up with the beautiful Biana over at B Loved Boston! xx 

friday favorites

We made it to the weekend! Sometimes, I swear 4 days weeks almost feel longer than a normal work week! Hope you all have fun plans for the next couple of days, I know I will be watching A LOT of football :) Buckeyes on Saturday and my Brownies on Sunday - my favorite time of the year!

Here are a few of my favorite things that I stumbled upon this week...

// The perfect Nike workout tank as seen on Megan at Holy City Chic

// My newest Cleveland Browns purchase - hope this shows up in time for next weekend's game!

// Hair-O-Scope from Madison Reed - such a cute idea! They definitely have me pegged right as a Capricorn...perfectionist all the way. Since I'm headed to the salon tomorrow, I think I'll take their advice and stick with long locks! Even though I've never colored my hair before, when I discovered Madison Reed, I noticed their color-advisor quiz and after completing it, I was so excited to see they have a great range of natural-looking red dye options...for when the day eventually comes and I need some gray hair touch ups! ;)

// Ladies of London Season 2 - the premiere is sitting on my DVR, anxiously waiting to be watched next week when Aaron heads out of town for work ;) Have you ladies started watching it this season? I loved it last year - Marissa is my fave and Caroline is hilarious.  

 

bride to be

Hope you are all having a good week! The weekend is nearly here...thank goodness for 4-day weeks!

I wanted to start sharing some wedding-related posts since I'm starting to ease my way into planning our big day! One thing that became instantly apparent...there are so many cute items out there for a newly engaged lady!

Here are some of my favorites that I've come across the past couple weeks...

The Wifey Tee - Illy Couture

Custom Wedding Ring Dishes - By Palomas Nest on Etsy

Mrs Necklace - Kate Spade

labor day weekend

Yay for a 4-day work week! I hope you all had a great long weekend with your family and friends, celebrating the end of summer...even though it's still a million degrees here :-/ Fall weather cannot come soon enough ladies! I'm so sick of the hot weather.

We had a great weekend here in Columbus, mainly because it was this goofy guy's 1st birthday! :)

My "little" Dexter (aka Bubby)...born Sept 7, 2014 and rescued November 8, 2014.

He is now almost 80 lbs and is the biggest baby ever!

Loves to snuggle, cries and whines when you aren't petting him, and is occasionally naughty (i.e. chews up the arm of the sofa when you are at work)!!

He had a GREAT birthday - we started off with a trip to the dog park to run and play (Deedee included in all of this btw ;) ...then we went to the pet store to get some treats and new tags for their collars. Finally, we went to Graeter's (a local ice cream spot) and they got Doggie Ice Cream treats! Deeds wasn't interested, so Dexter ate both of them...haha! Needless to say, they were both passed out on the couch for the rest of the day, exhausted from all the fun!

On another note, I'm getting my hair done this weekend - for the first time in 8 months! Yikes. I really need to make time to get to the hairdresser more often lol

Anyway - here are the inspo looks I am thinking of taking with - what do you think??

I definitely want to keep it long, and won't be coloring it, but I really like these two styles. Center parted, long layers, and able to curl or wear straight. 

I'll post pictures once it's done on Saturday!!

summer's end & friday faves

It's been way too long ladies, I'm sorry - life got the best of me and I literally haven't posted almost all summer. The good news? I'm back and there is officially less than an year left of grad school so the crazy is quickly coming to an end :)

Thought I would share some of my favorite snaps from the summer and do a little catch up on what we've been up to the past few weeks...if you follow me on Instagram (@emiliestorey) I'm sorry for the repeats!

Our mini-vacation this year was up to Marblehead on Lake Erie. We spent a day/night camping with friends at an annual get-together called Lovethang. It was so much fun and I loved spending the day hanging with our best friends and then dancing the night away to some awesome house music <3

The next two days we went up to the Lake with our friends Andrea and Mike. They have an adorable summer property right on the water - the first picture was taken standing right outside the house. We spent two wonderful days on their boat and at the pool relaxing. I just loved it and didn't want to come back to reality! Definitely needs more than 3 days next time ;)

The rest of my summer has pretty much been work and school - Fall semester began last week so back at it for another couple months until our winter break in December. I CAN'T WAIT TO BE DONE. My friend and I were talking about it the other day...we are really starting to burn out.

Now onto more recent things...

Love the looks that Andee (The Honeybee) has been sharing as we transition into fall. 

I've been having a hard time keeping my indoor succulents alive this year, any tips??

This healthy pizza recipe by Marianna looks delicious.

Been easing my way into wedding planning and Pinterest has been helpful to organzing all my inspiration images! I'll be doing some wedding planning posts here shortly...