Wrapping Paper Hack

Today's project is Easy with a capital E, and we will be using a capital P. Confused yet? While I was thrifting, I found a letter "P" and it seemed fitting that I purchase it since my last name is Peterson. It was black, and although black is streamlined and mature, I wanted it to be more fun and quirky. I put the letter in my endless tote of "I'll get to you later projects". Then one day when I was shopping the Target dollar bins I found the most amazing pattern of wrapping paper. After I came home I had a "light bulb" moment from Despicable Me. I knew the "P" and the paper were a match made in heaven. So without further ado, here is what I did.

 I just cleaned up the P a little bit. Then I traced the paper upside down. I used my handy dandy exacto knife to cut it. Used some modge podge as a glue and a sealant, and viola! Instant face lift.

I love my newest addition to the living room. Now I am thinking about what I can smother with wrapping paper next. I have some exciting news and big projects coming up, so stay tuned!

Coupon Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Beginners

Ok I'm going to lay it all out on the table for you here and now. Here is everything I know about couponing I wish I would have known about long ago. Disclaimer: I am not the crazy couponers you see on TLC getting thousands of products for free that I stock up in my basement that I would never even use before they expire. If you are one of those people, you are talented and way more patient than I am so props to you. I am a quick and dirty couponer (My conversation with myself: "Is that a real thing?" "No, but you can totally make it up." "That could definitely be taken the wrong way." "Who knew you could question that morals of a coupon blog post.")

Now that you have heard the inner musings of my head, let's get to the good stuff. Here are 7 secrets I use to get the most out of coupons:

1. Let other people do the dirty work for you:  Utilize coupon blogs and websites for current deals and offers so you don't spend hours figuring everything out on your own. I know when I first got the itch to coupon, I tried to sit down with a stack of coupon books, store ads, and scissors and before I knew it I was on my way to get a Dr. Pepper and a Reece's to cure my headache. No saving here. Now what I do is head to my personal favorite blog The Krazy Coupon Lady to see what deals are effective with which coupons at which stores. Take a look and you will never coupon the same again, trust me. There are plenty of other sites as well so be on the look out and bookmark your favorites. 

2. Never throw away the "junk" ads in the mail: I know it's tempting to toss a big stack of junk mail, but make sure you look through all the ads to grab out your coupon books. I know here in Vegas I get about 2 coupon books a week and sometimes I dig through the recycling bin at my apartment mail area to pick up a few more (shhhh don't tell anyone). This way you never have to even buy a paper if you don't currently have a subscription. You can just save with what your mailman gave ya. 

3. Cut every day: Every time you get the mail, grab a pair of scissors and start going to town on the coupon books. It only takes me a few minutes to flip through, cut what I know I will actually use at stores I currently shop at. Let me make sure and emphasize, only cut out things you know you currently buy. If you buy shampoo (hopefully you do) then it's safe to say you can cut out a shampoo coupon. It may be a new brand, but that's why it's fun since you get to try new things for a good deal. 

4. Put them in your wallet immediately: The thought of the coupon at the store won't help you out much unless you actually have them with you. No matter what personality is, if you keep them in your wallet at all times, you will have them with you when you shop. I have planned many coupon shopping trips and had my stack of coupons on my desk in a neat array, and then somehow ended up at target without them. This is no bueno. 

5. Make a shopping list: I don't know about you, but sometimes when I have a big stack of coupons and the store is busy I get anxiety and I'm flipping through my coupons and my brain starts to hurt. I now make a shopping list and note what items I have coupons for so I can make sure I get the right product listed on the coupon. It's much easier to make note of everything rather than scramble in the middle of the laundry isle with all the babies and children screaming around you.

6. Double up manufacture and store coupons: I know I know, things are getting crazy. But really this is a simple coupon rule. At most stores, if they offer their own store coupons, they will double up with a manufacture coupon. For example if target had a tide laundry detergent coupon for $2 you could only use at target, you could also use a manufacturers coupon on the same product. Double the savings! If both coupons were worth $2 off, that's $4 in savings!

7. Look for clearance items to pair with coupons: A common misconception is that you can't use coupons with clearance items. Take a look at your store's coupon policy, but I have in most cases been able to use coupons with clearance items. That's a double score!

Influenster: Vow Vox Box Style

Alright ya'll. The time has come again for a little Influenster review action. I'm gonna give you the hard truth on all of the products I received so prepare yourself. This box was called the #VowVoxBox. It was just in time for wedding season to get ready for a wedding as a guest, or even as a bride. 

Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream: Long name for moisturizer, but it is a pretty great product. This product claims to fade the look of dark spots and brighten complexion. I used this product for one month every morning. Although I loved the consistency of the product, I didn't necessarily notice any change in spots on my face. This moisturizer definitely left my face feeling smooth and look very glowy and bright. I overall would give this product a thumbs up for a moisturizer.  For a hefty retail price of $30.99, I will most likely not be purchasing this product on my own since I have used plenty of cheaper alternatives with the same results. 

EcoTools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge: When I first opened my package I thought, "What is it??" I was intrigued and the description is a "Konjac vegetable fiber". Sounds weird right? I have never used any type of vegetable to scrub my face but there is a first time for everything. This basically looks like a typical facial scrub, but it's 100% natural. I hadn't used a scrub before other than a clairsonic type tool. This being my first go at it, I would definitely say I am a fan. What I like to do is get it wet, put some face wash on it, and gently exfoliate my face. I was worried this type of product would be to abrasive on my face, but it was rough enough it helped my complexion, but gentle enough it didn't leave any redness on my face or hurt at all. I have noticed other types of facial scrubs at target and drug stores, but this one has my heart. Even my husband was jealous when I got this, and he said he needed one. Thumbs up for Eco Tools. Retail Price: $5.99

 Pure Silk Shave Cream: Alright confession time, I usually use a cheap bottle of conditioner to shave my legs. It moisturizes, leaves less cuts, and I feel lasts longer than shaving cream or gel. But for the sake of reviewing, I feel like this is just a typical shaving cream. I loved the raspberry mist scent, and I didn't seem to get too many cuts. Overall, It was good, but I am still in love with my conditioner leg shaving trick. Good, but not mind blowing. (Can a shave cream be mind blowing? I am not sure. If I find one I will make sure to let you know). Retail Price: $2.19

Tide to Go: If you do not have one of these, drop what you are doing and go buy one. You can thank me later. If you are like me or my husband, you have a line that could be your new slogan. "It's not a meal without a spill". Especially on date night, one of us tends to spill on our nice clothes we wear when we go out. I always keep one of these bad boys in my purse to save the day. On my wedding day, over a year ago, I used one on my wedding dress. My wedding dress people! It changed my life. *Drops mic and walks off stage. (Retail price: $7.99 for 3)

Riley & Grey: I wish I would have known about this when I was getting married. Riley and Grey is a wedding website that helps you create your own website for your wedding. (Say that ten times fast). I didn't use it for obvs reasons, but if you are getting married, make sure to check them out! www.rileygrey.com

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure: Yay for the best color of the summer. I fell in love with this polish as soon as I saw it in the bottle. I fell deeper in love when it stayed on my nails without chipping for 5 days. 5 whole days people. That is saying something for me. Don't worry, I have already bought two more in other colors and I'm impressed. (Retail: $7.99)

If you would like to receive free products like these, leave a comment below and I will make it happen!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Ta Ta for now. 

10 Ways to Beat that Summa Heat!

It's only getting hotter in my neck of the woods. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas (and gets sunburned). Since I survived last year, I thought I would talk about my fav ways to beat the heat along with a collection of some random pictures from my life to go along with it. Just go with it.

10. Snow Cones- Surprisingly, snow cone shacks are few and far between here in the land of Las Vegas, but let me tell you they are worth the drive. Tigers blood with sweeten condensed milk or sour pink lemonade are my poisons of choice. The deeelicious taste and cooling sensation definitely earns it's spot on my list.

9. Swim- So you might not have a beach that looks like that, but swimming is a no brainer in the summer and especially if you live in Vegas, there are free pools everywhere! (This was from my honeymoon to the Dominican Republic... I want to go back!)

8. Movies- Cliff and I love a good movie and love the buttery popcorn even more. Movie theatres keep it extra cool in the summer months so if you need a break from running your AC unit on low all day, hit up a movie. If you live in Vegas, The Palms has $5 movie Mondays and South Point has $5 movie Tuesdays. I swear the movies are better when they don't cost as much. Speaking of movies, my eyes are still trying to recoup from watching The Fault in Our Stars. (The book was amazing too!). Here's the trailer if you haven't seen it yet. 

7. Wait to Go Out After the Sun is Down- It is easy enough to find plenty of things to do around here after the sun goes down. If you live in a smaller town, have a fire up the mountains and roast some mallows rather than go out all day. Last year, Cliff and I hit up First Friday all the time. If you live in Vegas you need to go. There is local art, live music, and food trucks!

6. Go Camping- Heading up the mountains is a sure way to stay cool. We went with family to Flaming Gorge a month or two ago. (I wouldn't recommend here in the summer because it's pretty hot). There are tons of places to go camping and even rent camping gear if you don't own any. 

5. Use your slow cooker- I can't emphasize how much I mean this. Our house stays so much cooler when I'm not turning on the oven to make dinner every night. There are so many delicious recipes to make in a slow cooker too! One of our fav's is french dip sandwiches from Pretty Providence.  Less than 6 ingredients and you're good to go. 

4. Go on Vacation- Cliff and I just got back from a cruise to Mexico for our one year anniversary. It was definitely a great way to escape the hot dry air of Las Vegas. 

3. Make Don't Bake- Make some of those delicious treats you've been eyeballing on pinterest that don't require an oven. My fav is no bake cheesecake found here.  I've been eyeballing lots of yumminess on my page as well you can look at here. 

2. Rock the Dresses- My favorite outfit in the summer, a dress. Nothing better than a flowy skirt or dress to keep you cool. Even lightweight maxi skirts can be tied in a knot at the knee for a cute and cool outfit. 

1. Invest in a Fan- Kinda self-explanatory. 

How do you keep cool? 

Influenster Freebie Time

Hey guys! Today it's time to share some super fun products with you. I am part of the Influenster world and get to try out some fun products and let you know what I think. I recently received the UniVoxBox since I am a college student.

So here goes nothing. :)

Can I just say receiving a VoxBox is pretty much like Christmas morning. I don't do surprises. Like ask my husband, he knows I just can't handle it. Can NOT. But getting this box seemed to take forever. I forgot about it for a while, and then when it came I was dashing back to my house to rip open the box. I tried to do it all daintily so I could take some nice pictures for you guys, but really it took everything out of me not to just rip the package open.

First think I noticed when I opened my VoxBox was the Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fushia- retail value is $1.99

If you have been reading my blog lately, you know I have become makeup crazed lately, so it's only destiny that I received this awesome new lip color to try out. It is the perfect for spring and summer. I have been trying out some drug store lipsticks lately, and this one is definitely at the top of my list. It is creamy, buttery, and practically impossible to wipe off if you try. And I have the dryest lips, so finding a lipstick that works with my cracky and flakiness is next to impossible. I was really impressed with this lipstick and plan on getting a few more colors. For $2 they can't be beat! If you follow me on instagram you have already seen my selfie time, but here I am rockin the Forever Fushia!

Next product in the lineup was the Pilot Acroball PureWhite- retail value $4.59 for a 3 pack.

Now this little puppy is smooth. I like a nice gliding pen, especially when doing school work. Oh and makings lists. I am definilty a list person. I have an ipad and an iphone so I thought this could replace my pen and paper lists, but sure enough I love making a list and crossing off something when it's done. Ahhhh. Such a happy feeling. Little tangent there. But really a nice pen can't be beat. I always tend to reach for my favorite smooth gliding pens so I am sure this will fit in nicely with my favs.

Next product in the box was Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enhancer- retail value $4.49

This product is just a small bottle you squeeze into your water to make it into tea. Unfortunately I wasn't able to test out this product because for religious reasons I don't drink black tea. You can learn about my faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints here. Send me some herbal tea and I will review it all day long!

Another makeup product in the box was the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation- retail $5.49.

Now crazy thing is, I already own this exact foundation but in a darker shade. This shade is a little to fair for me, especially after going on a family camping trip this weekend. But, I am a big fan of this product. I tend to be an oily combination skin girl. I have the stay matte primer, foundation, and power, and I can honestly say they are some of my holy grail products. I am a fan. Big thumbs up to this product. I'm sorry for all the selfies, but here is me actually wearing the product on my face. 

The next product was Broadway Nails ImPRESS Press-On Manicure-retail value $5.99.

I haven't tried these out just yet. I haven't been a big DIY stick on nail girl, but I will definitely let you know what I think after I try them out. The purple color I got is very fun and bright. The packaging is also clever since it looks like a nail polish bottle.

Last but not least I received Playtex Sport Fresh Balance-retail $4.99.

Ok ladies, things are about to get real up in here. Never did I think I would be reviewing tampons on my blog, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. I did have the opportunity (?) to use these. I have to say I was less than impressed. I am a Tampax Pearl Girl. I have strayed a few times, but I always go back. These were no different. Let's just say these have some issues. Serious issues. Giant thumbs down for me. I will never purchase these.

Overall, it was really fun getting some new products to try out. If you want to join Influenster just leave me a comment and I will send you an invite!

*I did receive all the products I am mentioning today complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Gold Dipped Planter

I recently have been bombarding our apartment with greenery. I'm not sure if it's the spring season that just hit me with the desire for more plants, but I love them! I had this pot above in plain black, but I am loving all things white and gold. It was easy to spruce up this pot and give it new life. I'm sure you have something around the house you can put a few new coats of paint on and adore the finished result. 

I used some left over white and gold paint and some foam brushes I already had laying around the house. I didn't tape off the edge because I liked the messy "dipped" in gold look. Being perfect is overrated in decor (and in life sometimes). The pot had a cool design that still shows that I am in love with. I am ready to gold up everything now! 

I just bought two new succulent plants I'm going to pot soon so stay tuned for what I do with these two cuties.

Easy as Cheesecake

We had a dinner date with some friends in our neighborhood and we said we would bring dessert and a side. I thought I would make one of Cliff's family favorite recipes. I swear every time we go to his parents house all the kids are begging for Momma Bev (Cliff's Mom) to make cheesecake. I'm sure this is just a simple recipe you can find on the inside of a cream cheese box, but none the less it is divine. We usually have cherry toppings, but I thought it would be even better with fresh strawberries. They did not disappoint. And I attempted to be a food artist. It was fun, but it didn't stay pretty for long. We devoured it. I thought I would share this simple recipe. It's perfect for spring and summer since no oven is required!

Cheesecake

Crust:
1 Tbls. sugar
1 Pkg. graham crackers
1/2 cube butter
 Crush the crackers and sugar. (I just put them in a large plastic baggy and roll over it with a rolling pin). Melt butter and mix together. Press into an 8x8 pan. Place in freezer to harden up quickly.

Cake:
1 8 oz. cream cheese package
1 8 oz. pkg. Cool Whip
11/4 Cup powdered sugar
Mix and cream these together. Pour on top of the crackers. Put your choice of topping and eat up!

It's delicious with blueberries, strawberries, cherries, and I'm sure a ton of other fruit. Be creative. Let me know what you like on your cheesecake!

Deals for Days

You guys! Today I am going to share one of my secrets. I love a good deal. Ok maybe that's not the secret. But I do want to share one of my favorite ways to get a good deal on name brand home goods, clothes and my latest obsession, MAKEUP.

If you saw my last post Confession of a Makeup Addict, you will understand my need for all things beauty. But if you are like me, you maybe have a "wish list" that would most likely break the bank! The husband and I are saving for a house right now (exciting right?) so our budget it preeety tight right now.

But there is a solution. And an awesome one at that. It's called Hautelook. (You can sign up here). Nobody knows how to pronounce the word "haute" but just go with it. It's pretty great. So in a nutshell, this Nordstrom Rack ran company will have steals of deals up on their website for a limited time. I had been swooning over the Balm's products for a while just waiting for a sale to snag up some eyeshadows, bronzer and their ever famous illuminator. Then it happened. So I did what all obsessed makeup geeks would do and made the quickest online purchase my little fingers would allow. I mean I didn't even have time to turn on my laptop, so my iphone had to do. No regrets either because I got my products for more than 50% off.

Here is what I bought:

I can't wait to try them out! Now the deal is over for the Balm cosmetics on Hautelook, but right now they have some steals on Lorac and Tarte cosmetics as well as tons of clothes, shoes, and home goods. All you have to do is sign up. Oh and did I mention if you get some of your friends to sign up you get an extra $10 in your account to spend. So hurry and sign up here and make sure and tell your friends. Believe me, you will love it. It's pretty much a no brainer!