Gift Guide #1: Stocking Stuffers

With my exams almost finished, I'm finally starting to get into the holiday spirit. This post marks the first in a series of gift guides I'll be writing to help last minute shoppers find the perfect presents for their loved ones. I figured I'd start small, so today's guide is all about stocking stuffers!

Row 1 (L to R):
Taylor Swift's Speak Now (Amazon, $8.99)

Bliss Grape Seed Hand Cream (Sephora, $8)  
Behind the Hedge Cuff (Lilly Pulitzer, $68)

Row 2 (L to R):
Jeweled Headband (J. Crew, $26.50)
Tory Burch Leather Wristlet (Nordstrom, $125)
Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Man (Godiva, $6)

Row 3 (L to R):
Minnie Muse Notepad (Forever 21, $4.80)
Set of 6 Polka-Dot Coasters (Kate Spade, $20)
Set of 5 Fifi Lapin Notecards (Fifi Lapin, $15)

Bliss Offers Discount for Stressed Out College Students!

As my first exams of the semester quickly approach, all talk of a "senior slide" has gone out the window. Fortunately, beauty retailer Bliss (home of my favorite Body Butter) is offering stressed-out co-eds the opportunity to relax on a budget. Just bring your student ID into any Bliss Spa for 20% off a service.

If you're like me and don't live near a Bliss Spa, try not to feel too left out. There's a current promotion on the website for 15% off any Bliss, Laboratoire Remède or Elemis products with the code OCT10. Be sure to shop quickly-the online promotion only runs through September 23rd.

Back to School Beauty

After eight hours in the car and one whole day of unpacking, I'm finally back at school. My room is still somewhat of a disaster area, but I'm just happy to finally be here.Once the room gets a little more organized and my newly-ordered vanity comes in the mail (and I manage to assemble it), I'll post some pics.

One thing I made sure to do before I left Nashville was stock up on beauty essentials. My mom and sister both recently started working in the Therapy Systems corporate office so I got a discount on products from their store The Cosmetic Market! Naturally, I took advantage and picked up everything I needed for back to school. Check out my reviews of the products below:

Bliss Vanilla and Bergamot Body Butter: I kid you not when I say this is the best lotion in the entire world. Thick and creamy with a light sweet scent it makes your skin oh so soft. It's a must-have in my beauty routine.

Tweezerman Tweezers: Whether you're plucking your eyebrows or trying to take out a splinter, Tweezermans are way to go. They even offer free sharpening on all their products!


Moroccan Oil: My sister swears this stuff changed her life. While my day-to-day hasn't altered drastically since I started using the hair product, it has made my hair noticeably more smooth, even in the summertime humidity.

Bare Minerals: I don't know how this one snuck out of the picture! I love Bare Minerals products because they're easy on my sensitive skin, and they include sunscreen in the foundation.

Lancome Mascara and Free Gift: Lancome has been my go-to for mascara for some time. They just came out with a new version of my old stand-by "definicils", so naturally, I had to pick some up at the mall before I left for college. Fortunately, I shopped at Macy's when they were having a free gift promotion, so now I have all sorts of new freebies to play with--I'm already obsessed with my deep red Juicy Tube, and I'm so excited to try everything else!

Readers, what are your favorite products for back-to-school beauty?