Surfs Up VoxBox from Influenster

I received everything in this post for free for testing purposes from Influenster.com.  Are you interested in reviewing products?  Leave your email address in the comments below and I will send you an invitation.

What's in the box?

The box arrived by USPS and I could barely contain my excitement.  I have only been a member of the site for a few months however, the more active you are on Influenster.com, the more likely you are to receive VoxBoxes.  So here is my first one, it contained three full-sized products, one travel-sized items, and two coupons.  The coupons are good for Jamba Juice At Home Smoothes.  

1. Covergirl Bombshell Mascara 

This product works wonders on my eyelashes!  Originally I was scared to apply this because I read so many reviews about girls who said the product was impossible to remove.  When I apply mascara, I lightly brush it on so I found it very easy to remove.  I did find that it was annoying to apply two different types each time and I do not think I will purchase this product.

First of all, I love this After Sun lotion because of the way it makes me smell.  I find myself applying this on days that I am not in the sun!  After hours in the sun, this product is like a huge drink of water for my skin.  I would definitely purchase this and other products from Hawaiian Tropic. 

When I first received this nail polish I hated the color.  After wearing it for a few days, I realized it was a lot prettier than I thought!  However, by the next day it had already began to chip.  I know that this product is normally about $2 so it is not bad for that price.  It is very easy to apply and dries smoothly.  I am not sure if I will purchase nail polish from Sinful Colors for myself however, it would make a great present. 

I prefer to take pills because this is a lot of liquid to drink when you are in pain.  Additionally, I am not a fan of the taste.  I am glad that I was able to try this product and I will not purchase in the future.  If you do not like to take pills, this could be an amazing pain reliever for you! 

Have you tried any of these products?  If so, what do you think of them? 

Favorite Moments in Lilly

I was first introduced to Lilly Pulitzer in college.  Students at southern universities wear their pearls to class and dress-up for every football game.  For most sorority girls, Lilly Pulitzer is the unofficial uniform of college life.  After graduating college and entering the workforce, I was finally able to purchase a few Lilly Pulitzer items for myself.  Here are a few of my favorite moments in Lilly:

1. Attending a Bridal Expo in my Lilly Pulitzer Pink Button-Down

2. Shopping in Winter Park, FL with my Husband in my Pom Poms Alexandra Top

3.  Taking our Save the Date Photos in Pensacola, FL in my Snorkel Blue Greens with Envy Elsa Top

4.  Taking a St. Patrick's Day Selfie in my First Call Chloe Dress

What are your favorite memories in Lilly Pulitzer? 

Share them below!

First Giveaway Appreciation

Thank you, Devon!

I would like to say a special thank you for Devon Alana Designs for helping me with my first giveaway.  Please check out her blog at www.devonalanadesign.com.

Congratulations, Rachel! 

The lucky winner of the monogrammed seersucker hair bow from Devon Alana Designs is Rachel. Here is a photo of her wearing her new accessory: 

Upcoming Giveaway:

I am planning to do my second giveaway on June 1st.  Please let me know what you would like the prize to be in the comments below. 

Summer 2014 Essentials

Summer has arrived for several people and is quickly approaching for the rest of us.  Even if you are working through the sunny months, that does not mean you have to miss out completely.  As a Floridian, I am spoiled by the ability to take day-trips to the beach and Disney World.  For those of you a little further from sand, make your own full on the pool deck with hip music, cool friends, and sweet snacks.  Here are a few essentials you might need (or want) this summer.

TOMS retro glasses / Lilly Pulitzer tote bag / Sunscreen makeup / MAC Cosmetics lipstick / Jack Rogers sandals

Why I picked these items:

Jack Rogers sandals - These sturdy shoes are adorable and can be the perfect accessory to your favorite summer outfit.  Jack Rogers' offers a large collection of colors and styles.  Can't find the color combination to match your new bathing suit?  Jackrogersusa.com lets you order a custom pair, you can even add your monogram.

M.A.C. Lipstick - Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new make-up and fashion choices.  M.A.C. always makes amazing products, and their lipstick is amazing.  Don't believe me?  Read some real and honest reviews about this product on influenster.

TOMS Sunglasses - These sunglasses are functional, classy, and, with each purchase, provide one blessed individual with eye care.  It always feels good to share with people less fortunate than yourself and TOMS makes it even easier!

Lilly Pulitzer Resort Tote - Like everything Lilly Pulitzer creates, I became obsessed with this bag the minute I laid my eyes on it.  It is perfect for road trips, days at the beach, or holding your extra summer reading books at the pool.  This bag fits perfectly on your shoulder and includes a small zip pocket to keep your valuables from getting lost.  

Mary Kay SPF CC Cream Foundation - Everyone needs to protect their skin and Mary Kay includes SPF into their amazing CC Cream Foundation.  This product is easy to apply and lasts all day.  Looking for a Mary Kay consultant?  Let me know, I know a few!

What products are you looking forward to using this summer?

What's in my Bag - Make-Up UPDATED

Like every woman, my tastes in clothing, make-up, music, movies, and everything else tend to change year after year.  One of the largest changes I have experienced came after my Mary-Kay bridal shower.  My maid of honor wanted to do something special and unique for my shower and she picked the perfect thing.  I always thought Mary-Kay was for older women who just wanted to look younger.  Boy was I wrong!  The Mary-Kay make-up I wore on my wedding day was perfect!  Everyone kept complimenting me on my make-up and it lasted through the night. Since my wedding I have been wearing Mary-Kay make-up and using their Botanical Effects Skin Care line.  My skin has never felt better!

Here are a few of my favorite products:

Lumious-Wear Liquid Foundation

Cream Eye Color

Creme Lipstick

Ultimate Mascara 

My review of each product individually will be posted soon!

Please leave a comment letting me know which make-up brands and products you are crazy about.  I would love to give them a try!

Dress Like a Disney Princess

Have you ever wanted to dress up like your favorite Disney princess on a typical day?  Here are some casual outfit inspirations fit for a princess.

Princess Aurora 

Pink skater dress / Tory Burch ballet pumps / 
Golden jewelry / Calypso St Barth wrap shawl / | Becky &...

Princess Ariel 

Guardaroba sleeveless lace top / Green skirt / Jack Rogers sandals / 
Momocreatura shell earrings / Momocreatura pendant

Queen Elsa

Hi low cocktail dress / Jaeger green top / 

Kate spade sandals / Snowflake jewelry 

Who is your favorite Disney princess?

XOXO, 

The Monogrammed Marie

What to Wear to Disney

When deciding what to wear to during your Disney vacation, remember that you will be walking for hours.  Personally, I prefer the comfortable look, especially during the summer.  Each of the following outfit inspirations are designed for warmer weather.  I have never been to Disneyland however, I can warn you about the humidity levels of a Florida summer.

Classic

Mango pastel shirt / Forever New black short shorts / Vans cap toe flat shoes / Victorias Secret rucksack bag

Classy 

Button up shirt / Tory Burch mid rise shorts / Sperry Top-Sider suede shoes / Tory burch bag

Comfortable

Scotch Soda slouchy top / Nike activewear / Puma laced up shoes / Initial cap

Which look do you prefer? 

Packing a Purse for Disney

Disney, the Happiest Place on Earth.  In one day you can expect to see amazing parades, enjoy delicious snacks, and meet your favorite characters.  However, as you are wondering the parks, there are a few items you might want to bring along.

1. The Bag

When choosing a purse to carry around Disney, I suggest either a small backpack or cross-body bag.  That way your hands can be free to eat snacks, shop, or snap pictures next to your favorite princess.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Vera Bradley Backpack                         Coach Crossbody                               Longchamp Backpack

2. Personal Items

During the excitement of planning for a trip to Disney, you may forget a few items that could make a huge difference.  I recommend throwing a small bottle of sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lip balm, extra hair ties, and a pen into your purse for the day.  These items can be hard to find and more expensive in the parks.  Do not forget to pack extra feminine products, sunglasses, your wallet, and a small pill case to hold medicine (if needed). 

Eos lip treatment / Sun care / Bath body product /

Twistband elastic hair tie / Jonathan Adler Pen Set (Set Of Four)

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors black bag / Plastic sunglasses / Macaron box /

Tampon and Pad Holder in Purple and White Geometric Handmade Privacy...

What is in your purse during a Disney vacation?

Bridal Fun

Your wedding day is special and unique.  It is the one time that you are allowed to buy specialty items and accessories for one day use.  Here are a few of my favorite bridal goodies.

Philosophy Skin Care Set

 

Purchase Here

 

 

Kate Spade "I Do" Necklace 

 

Purchase Here

 

 

Dress for Getting Ready

 

Purchase Here

 

 

 

What are the items you are looking forward to purchasing for your special day?

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses



 Not every bride dreams of wearing a large white ball gown on her wedding day.  But that does not mean she should have to sacrifice her bridal experience.  Here are a few options for a non-traditional bride who is interested in buying a simple dress right off the rack.

 

1. Detailed Sundress

 

This option is great for women who are looking for a cheap and re-wearable option!  Designers including Lilly Pulitzer and Lauren Conrad for Kohls have gorgeous pieces this time of year.  Complete your look with a white headband and colorful pumps. 

Purchase Here

 

2. Sophisticated Maxi

 

This dress is similar to the traditional bridal gown with a smaller price tag.  Add your touch of personality by choosing a dress in your favorite color or pairing it with a large statement necklace.  The trend of colored bridal gowns is on the rise, so why not take full advantage of that?  

 

Purchase Here

 

3. Practically Bridal

 

For brides who desire the full bridal look and are short on time, an option such as this dress from Kate Spade's Madison Ave. Collection might be a perfect fit.  Look for dresses made from satin or organza for a formal feel.  Don't forget to add a birdcage veil and a colorful boutique to finish your wedding day look.

 

Purchase Here

 

 

The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is to be yourself.  It doesn't matter what you wear, where it is, or if the details are just perfect.  What really matters is that you are true to yourself and you are marrying the love of your life.  If you follow those two simple rules, your wedding day will be a smashing hit!

 

 

 

 

 

Newlywed Gift Basket

Picture Credit and Post Inspiration

Is your best friend getting married soon?  You probably have already given her planning materials and wedding magazines and the wedding day is quickly approaching!  What do you put in a gift basket for a newly married woman?  Here are few ideas:

1. Home and Life Magazines

Now that the wedding planning has finished, give her the inspiration for planning her new life.  Magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens and Real Simple are full of decorating ideas, recipes, and organization tips.

Official Website

2. Her New Monogram

If you cannot tell by the name of this blog, I love monograms!  To symbolize your friend's new name and life, include a monogrammed item that she can use everyday.  A few examples include a canvas tote bag from LL Bean or monogram necklace from Etsy.com.

Picture Credit

3. Classy Pajamas

Now that the new Mrs. will be sharing a bed with her husband every night, tuck her in with stylish pajamas.  This classic striped set from Victoria Secret is perfect for lazy movie nights or winter snuggles.  Customize the set by adding her new monogram.

Purchase Here

4. Home Spa Products

Post-wedding stress might hit your friend like a ton of bricks!  Prepare her with products for the perfect at-home spa.  Nail polish, candles, and face masks can help the new Mrs. relax and save money.

Purchase Here

5. Personal Journal

Help the new Mrs. remember the first months of her marriage in a customized journal, like this one from May Books Design.  Don't forget to add some colorful pens or crazy pencils for her to use.  This could become her treasured item in the future.

Picture Credit

6. Honeymoon Picture Frame

Once the newlyweds return from their honeymoon, they will be looking for a unique way to display their pictures.  Make or buy a fun frame to match their honeymoon destination.  For example, if they relaxed at the beach, chose a frame made out of seashells.

Purchase Here

What gifts would you want to receive after your wedding day?