beauty, home and lifestyle blog
Heyyyyyy-o!
I’m back with some more goodies from South Moon Under! Let me tell ya— if you need a comfy, casual LBD, this is THE dress for you. Keep scrolling to see more pics and to shop this look!
Shop this look below:
Before we begin, I must state that I received these palettes courtesy of Pixi Beauty. That being said, as always, the below opinions are entirely unbiased and my own!
I’m pretty stoked to write this review because I have truly fallen in love with the Pixi brand in the past couple of years. I swear by their Glow Tonic and the highlights they released with Aspyn Ovard were UNREAL. Soooo smooth! I knew I was in for a treat when I got these palettes in the mail.
They sent me their two newest Eye Reflections eyeshadow palettes in ‘Reflex Light’ and ‘Natural Beauty’. ‘Reflex Light’ is made up entirely of shimmers while ‘Natural Beauty’ has five shimmers and seven mattes. Pixi really knows how to do shimmer powder products and the formula of every shimmer shade here is on point. They blend beautifully, apply well wet and most importantly don’t blend or fall away throughout wear. The matte powders were a new experience for me, though. They are just as good. They blend well and hold pigment through blending and don’t apply patchily. Even the darker shades!
There is one other Eye Reflections palette called ‘Mixed Metals’ that I have yet to try but it leans berry and is mostly shimmers with two or three matte shades. After loving these two palettes, I’m certain I’d like that one as well.
Each Eye Reflections eyeshadow palette is $24 and you can buy Pixi products on their website, www.pixibeauty.com or at Target.
To shop these palette, click through on the widget below:
Happy Tuesday guys!
Today I’m sharing another outfit from South Moon Under featuring this sick belt bag by Jules Kae. With the bag, I paired one of the best lippies on the market, Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche lipstick in ‘Kale’.
I’ve also got some pretty shadow on my lids that I will be sharing with you all tomorrow!
This look was so comfy, while also maintaining its edge. I can totally see myself wearing it a lot as it gets warmer here in Raleigh!
Hey there! Hope all is well.
Over the past month, I have been trying out a new shampoo/conditioning combination. My hair seemed to be begging for a change-up after using my fave combo for over three years.
When I walked through the hair care aisle at Target, my millennial instinct kicked in– I saw these perfectly blush-toned, squeezy tube products featuring a name I’ve been familiar with for a long time: Kristin Ess!
Yes, that’s right. Lauren Conrad’s longtime hairstylist has released a hair care and style line at Target. The packaging is minimal and the hype is REAL.
At $10 a pop, they are not the cheapest option out there but if you prioritize your hair care like me, they’re not too bad a deal. I want to be sure that the money I’m spending on my hair color isn’t wasted with cheap products that I apply 2-3 times a week.
Initially, I was turned off by the strong floral scent that was more apparent with the conditioner. I’m sensitive to scents and don’t use anything with a heavy scent and this was indeed heavy. By the second wash, though, I was over it. I don’t even smell these on my head anymore!
There are a couple of options of washing products in this line but I went for the Signature line because it’s slightly clarifying and I wanted assistance clearing away any gunk in my hair. My hair feels bouncy and lifted whenever I use this stuff.
If you want to try it out before taking the plunge on the full sizes, there are travel-sized bottles you can pick up for a couple of bucks.
Next on my list is a styling product from Kristin’s line. Guys. There are SO MANY products in this line. From purple and dry shampoos to pomades, salt sprays, scalp products, leave-in conditioners, serums, mousses and glosses. There are also combs, blow dryers and other heat styling tools. Seriously. SO MANY products. I started off well with this shampoo and conditioner and I’m excited to try things out from all stretches of the line.
Click below to shop this post:
Hey guys!
Today I wanted to share some shots of an outfit I put together mostly from my OG fave, South Moon Under. My necklace, bralette
If you’re interested, scroll down to see some more shots and to see more fashion shots, check out my fashion tag!
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week!
Feel free to shop this post below:
Okay honestly, I’m sure there are a few of you who wonder how I can afford to buy furniture and decor for my home(s) at my current age– and current unemployment status (help). The truth is, my investments in my home have taken place over time. Since college, I have spent the majority of my disposable income on my apartment(s) because it’s what truly brings me joy (*ahem* Marie Kondo) and is what I’m passionate about. I’m not a huge drinker, I rarely eat out and really don’t buy clothes all that often. Once you accumulate some pieces it becomes easier to slowly grow your belongings because you now have capital to work with.
I have developed a bit of a strategy over the years on how to hustle my way to a styled home. I wanted to share some of my top tricks with you all today. To start…
1. Never buy full-priced
My reasoning for this is that if you always wait for a markdown on an item, you can sell back when you redecorate down the road for the same price you purchased it. This will appear like you are offering a deal to buyers when in reality you are simply recouping your funds. If you ever need to lower the price of an item if it isn’t selling quickly, this strategy helps cut your losses as well.
Speaking of reselling–
2. Utilize Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other reselling avenues
Every time I want to replace something in my home, I make myself sell the item before purchasing the replacement and I use the money from that sale to purchase the said replacement. Something that has helped me with resale is the fact that I don’t mind putting furniture together. To many, it is a plus that they are able to buy something pre-assembled. Another thing that has helped with resale? The fact that I don’t purchase anything full-priced so I’m always naturally providing a deal as already explained.
To date, I’ve sold about 50-60 things between Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. It’s almost entirely how I fund my redesigns. Make sure to keep the money from your sales separate from your “normal” money so you can keep track of how much you have to buy new things with so you never spend any extra or unexpected money out of pocket.
I do feel obligated to remind you all to always be safe when selling. I used to give buyers the address of a condo building a couple down from mine near the road so nobody knew my exact address. People always appreciated this because they didn’t have to expose themselves to a stranger’s home and it made it easier for them to load things into their cars. Be wary of selling after dark and make sure someone is aware that you’re meeting up so they can expect you back within a certain timeframe to ensure your safety.
3. Be resourceful
I currently have a scheme going on eBay that involves me selling a “coupon” to a well-known retailer that does not typically deliver coupons or discounts to their store other than through their referral program. People are just buying my referral, which gives them a certain percentage off of their first order at this retailer. I don’t pretend to be anything I’m not and I think people are simply unaware of the referral program and are looking to get whatever deal they can find. My “coupon” is listed for $0.99 on eBay (the lowest you can list an item) but I’d give them away for free if I could! Each time someone buys something with my referral, I get $20 to the retailer. I’ve made $350 since September doing this and it’s allowed me to buy small knick knacks and decor pieces that I wouldn’t have otherwise spent my money on.
4. Plan ahead (or expect to be patient)
You have two options when it comes to redecorating an entire space on a limited budget. You can either plan ahead, prepare your purchases and accumulate slowly or wait until it is time to redecorate and have to purchase everything all at once while still being held down with the old items you aren’t into anymore. Additionally, sometimes good deals take time. For example, Wayfair’s pricing always fluctuates so when I find a piece that I want to buy, I bookmark it and watch it for a few weeks.
A great example of this strat is my media console in my living room— I originally bookmarked it at one price and a few weeks later it dropped significantly, then rose again to the original price and then rose to an even higher price. I freaked out a bit and found that on AllModern (another Wayfair company), the console was selling for the original price so I took the plunge. I was okay with this decision because I felt like I had educated myself on the selling value of the piece.
After purchasing, don’t forget to follow up because companies like Wayfair have adjustment periods where they will honor any price drops within a certain timeframe of delivery. The price of my console dipped again within a week of me receiving it and I was able to get a price adjustment after I had already purchased and assembled it.
Another example of planning ahead paying off was my other media console that I have in our bedroom. I wanted the IKEA Stockholm buffet for our new place and after weeks of thinking about it, I ALMOST went to go buy it full-priced at IKEA against all of my better judgment. Not sure why I didn’t go when I had planned to but I’m so glad I didn’t because the following day I got a Craigslist alert in my email that someone IN MY TOWN was selling the exact piece. Me and Charlie rounded up and we rolled out the next day to go get it. We nabbed it for almost half off AND didn’t even have to assemble it. Patience is valuable!
5. Always try to upgrade (never downgrade)
If your goal is to work your way up to pieces in your home that you plan to keep around for awhile, then you should always keep in mind: upgrade always, downgrade never. I implement this by buying pieces that I know are of better quality than the item I sold them for and if I have to, putting a tiny bit of money into the piece out of pocket so the investment slowly grows over time.
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My hope down the road is to start a successful design business and I know a few of you have reached out asking for assistance designing and decorating your spaces. I would LOVE to help you determine your style and hand pick pieces for your home. Please email me at hello@baileybeeblog.com if you’re interested.
Happy Friday AND February everybody!
I finally feel like I have gotten myself settled in and am feeling more and more productive by the day down here in Raleigh. I recently tested out a couple of recipes in an attempt to recreate my FAVORITE black bean soup from Panera. I typically don’t eat at Panera except during the time of year when they sell this soup. Sometimes I’ll get it 2-3 times a week. It’s an addiction!
This is not a perfect match for the soup but I do very much enjoy it as it’s a bit of a cross between said soup and hearty chili. It’s no coincidence that I’m posting this the Friday before Superbowl Sunday! It’ll be a crowd favorite during this Polar Vortex-y weekend.
Ingredients
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| Can I complain? Why does cilantro come in such giant bunches? Nobody ever needs that much. |
Instructions
Hey guys!
In case you were TOTALLY counting…….. (not)….. we are *only* 627 days until our wedding!!!!!
Hahahahahaha yes, really.
I am so grateful for our long engagement because it has allowed us to take our time choosing vendors for the big day and not rush any major purchases and/or decisions. Another main perk? Pretty much every vendor is still available! We get freeeeee ranged pick of the lot.
So far in the wedding planning process we have chosen our date (October 11th, 2020) and our venue. I’d like to keep the venue a secret for a while but I’ll let you know that it IS in Raleigh. We’re embracing our new home and see ourselves here for years to come so it only seems natural to share this new place with all of our friends and family. It’s a destination wedding for… pretty much everybody other than us. Oops.
In addition to the date and venue, we also just signed our contract on our photographer. I have been thinking about the photographer for my wedding longer than I have thought about any other major details like the cake or even my dress! I am a photographer at heart and I follow quite a few professionals that I’ve loved since I first picked up a camera. I wanted to bring you all through my inspiration of styles for photographers that I love.
Firstly, I had to start off with Jordan Voth. He’s located in the Pacific Northwest but in 2011 he did a road trip around the country and I was going to have him do my senior portraits for high school. Unfortunately, I was on a family vacation when he came through my area but I always told myself I’d think of him first when I got engaged. I did not end up booking him for the wedding but not for any reason other than distance. All of the photographers I am showcasing here today are ones I’ve followed for years but are not local to Raleigh. The photographer we did end up booking is INCREDIBLE and is also a local! A total win-win.
Here is some of Jordan’s work:
Hi there!
I’m here to write a post that I wish had been on the Internet this time, last year. 2018 was surely the year of the houseplant and I fell deeply victim to the trend. The one thing I kept having trouble with? Finding cute pots WITH drainage holes. Don’t let anybody fool you– no amount of rocks on the bottom of a pot will create as good of drainage as an actual drainage hole. If you’re serious about your plants, you won’t mess around with rocks. What you will do is..
buy a diamond drill bit.
Yep. You’re gonna need a drill if you want to have botanical fun this year! This revelation pushed me to buy a drill that I already was in dire need for because of the amount of furniture I assemble and DIY projects I take on. If you don’t have a drill, you’ll eventually need one as time goes on so just consider this an investment into adulthood.
As I was trying to navigate the world of drainage, I kept seeing blips of advice from random plant websites and blogs talking about the need for a masonry drill bit. These bits are blunt and dull and truly take AGES to get through well-constructed pots, if ever. There is a much higher risk of cracking your planter using one of these as well given the amount of pressure necessary to get a hole going.
Diamond bits are like slicing cheese with a razor compared to masonry bits.
Let’s go step-by-step…
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| Screenshots are from a previous Instagram story so don’t mind my green, semi-unappealing text |
1. Attach the bit to your drill.
You can get a variety of different sized bits but I went with a smaller one (1/4″) because of cost. It would be better for you to buy a bigger one for this purpose because what I usually ended having to do was drill multiple holes in pots to ensure proper drainage– you’ll see below. If you were curious, this is the drill that I own. This is the drill bit.
2. Prepare your pot
I usually drilled my holes within my kitchen sink so I could continually have cool water running on my workspace. Just like cutting tile, you need to keep the area you are drilling into constantly cool to protect your pot from cracking. The friction of this drill bit on the pottery makes the spot very, very, VERY hot without running water atop it.
This planter I was working on is the Wood Base Planter from West Elm. West Elm looooOoves to put drainage “wells” in the bottom of their pots in lieu of drainage holes but again, don’t fall for it. That is not going to work. In 2019 I’ve already seen stores such as Target really embracing the plant pot as a trend and the majority of theirs are cheaper than the stores/outlets that used to sell pots before they were trendy AND typically have drainage holes already. Thank goodness.
3. Begin drilling
You must begin drilling at a 90° angle which, given the nature of this project, is sometimes difficult. Try your best. What you’re needing to do is get the rough side of the drill bit to get past a glazed exterior and begin to actually work itself into the pot. Once you have a decent enough depth in, you can turn the drill upwards and begin drilling normally. You are creating a ring shape that will eventually make its way through the pot and out the bottom, creating a perfect hole.
You can only drill normally as deep as your initial 90° angle depth. Once you’ve hit your max, angle the drill again and keep digging down. Some pots/planters are super thick and will take some time to get through. Some are thinner or softer (like terracotta) and won’t take much time at all. PLEASE be gentle! Thinner or softer materials can crack if you apply too much pressure. Just keep at it and take your time while letting the drill do the hard work for you.
4. All done!
You may want to add a few more if you’re working on a larger pot like I was. You do this the same way you did the initial hole– just be aware that the base is slightly compromised with a hole in it now and could become more fragile during subsequent hole drills.
Like I mentioned previously, I sometimes add extra holes to assist in drainage so there isn’t a ton of water sitting in the bottom of my pot waiting in queue to drain. I only want my plant getting the absolute exact amount of water that it needs.
That is pretty much it! I hope this helps some people because I know for sure it would have helped me. Just remember– diamond bit > masonry bit. No matter what people say!
If you have any questions at all, leave me a comment below. Or if you just want to share your plant parent success stories I am ALL ears! I love seeing people’s indoor (or outdoor, really) jungles.
If you want to shop this post, I’ve listed any items I mentioned today below (for pot and ones similar to it) or within this post as links (for drill, drill bit):
