Weekend Recap

**This post was meant to go up last week, but between sudden sickness and last minute prep for friend's bachelorette party life just got in the way! Hope you enjoy anyway**

I actually did something this past weekend besides work so I figured I would share! On Saturday my fellow beauty obsessed friend Jordan ventured out to the mall with me so we could experience Columbia's newest store....

**not our actual store. we were too excited to take an actual picture**

Yes. Yes. South Carolina has FINALLY gotten a Sephora!! I have anxiously anticipated this opening ever since I saw the sign go up in the mall. I even applied for a job there (which is still kind of a TBA situation...story possibly at a later date). It's definitely one of the bigger Sephora stores I have ever been too (bigger than the one in Charlotte & Atlanta's Perimeter Mall) so when we first walked in we were a tad overwhelmed. But after 2 hours (yes. 2 hours. Jordan is probably the only one that would spend that much time in ANY store with me), 2 foundation applications (on Jordan), and probably walking 20 times all around the store, here is what I ended up with...

• Sephora 2012 Sun Safety Kit (no longer available online, which is why I was VERY excited to see it in the store!)
• Dior Hydra Life BB Creme
• Sephora Collection Pro Concealer Airbrush #57 

We're already planning a second trip back tomorrow after I get off work because Jordan has to exchange the foundation she bought...plus I want to get a brush to better apply the BB creme and an eyeshadow palette that will be easy to travel with! 

After Sephora and a quick trip to Victoria's Secret to grab a bachelorette gift, I raced back home to get read for a night out with the family. For some reason my mom decided we were going to celebrate Father's Day the night before this year instead of the actual day. Once I got ready I met the family for a quick dinner at blue, which is a tapas bar & cocktail lounge downtown.

blue is somewhere I catch myself frequenting on a Saturday, but it is almost always after 10pm and NEVER for the food if ya know what I mean. I read the few reviews online and heard the food was mediocre, but since mom had bought a groupon we figured we would give it a shot. BIG MISTAKE. We told the waitress we were on a certain time frame & had a play to make later that night, but did that speed up the service?? NO MA'AM! They didn't have the first entree my brother ordered and then we waited 30 MINUTES for my wedge salad...because the lettuce had yet to arrive at the restaurant! Thankfully the groupon took care of our entire tab so we ran across the street to grab our tickets and catch a play.

Trustus Theater is a local theater company in Columbia and for as long as I've lived here (and most recently literally across the street) I've never seen a production. They did their version of the Broadway play Avenue Q and let me tell you it did not disappoint! What makes it unique is that over half of the cast is actually puppets a la Sesame Street. There are definitely some adult themes and politically incorrect humor, but our entire family enjoyed it. I highly recommend it!!

Father's day was pretty low key in our house. I got to sleep in and once all the family was home we cooked a meal on the grill and gave dad a couple gifts. My dad is a very low key no muss no fuss kinda guy so it was the perfect day for him. 

Sorry this post was majorly late. I'm not gonna lie posting may be a tad sporadic for the next 2 weeks or so until I get through my friend's wedding and family vacation. But I will be doing my best to document everything so I can have lots of blog material when I come back!!

xoxo

Natalie

Sunday Social Week 2

Once again linking up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social. Let me know if you guys link up I would love to read your responses!
Favorite movie of all time?

Even though I am not a huge movie person (I would much rather watch an episode of my favorite tv show) there are a couple that I will immediately turn to and watch when I see them on tv. Grease is just a fun movie to watch, even though it is a tad dirty (was anyone else surprised when they watched for the 'first time' with 'older' eyes and ears??) and the message isn't the greatest haha. 
The Little Mermaid will always and forever be my favorite Disney movie. I can't really explain why, but ever since I saw it when I was 3 years old, I was hooked.
The Wedding Date wasn't a favorite from the start. When I first saw it in the theater, I though it was just ok since I had read the book prior and thought it was much better. But this is one of those movies that is on tv all the time, and as I kept watching it, I fell in love. I love Debra Messing and think Dermot Mulroney is pretty swoon-worthy, and I like how their relationship develops and his protective tendencies towards her (I'm a sucker for a alpha-male, protective type). If you're scrolling through the tv and see this movie on, definitely give it a shot if you haven't seen it. 
Favorite movie quote? I pondered this question for a bit and not one quote could come to mind! Don't get me wrong I am a huge quote lover but most of my favorites come from music, tv shows, and books. So I didn't want to simply look up a random quote and stick it on here! 
Best movie to watch for a girl's night in?

From the few link-ups I've already peeked at this seems to be a very popular answer! But there's a reason 99.9% of girls love this movie. It's the ultimate head-over-heels, all-consuming love story that is guaranteed to make you cry each and every time.
Best break-up movie?

I would consider The Holiday one of my favorite movies in general, but I think it's also a great break up movie. I think it shows what toxic relationships can do in your life, and how life DOES go on and there are better things to come when you least expect it. Also Jude Law isn't hard to look at ;)
Favorite celeb eye candy?

Ladies...I present Mr. Channing Tatum! Although I would also take any of his Magic Mike co-stars (Who else is SOO excited about this movie btw?!?)
Which movie star's closet would you like to raid?

I love Reese Witherspoon. I feel like her style is classic yet still on trend. I also love how you see pictures of her from years ago and they don't look dated or out of style. I hope I can say the same when I look back on pictures of me!
Hope you guys enjoyed this little Q&A! Have a Happy Monday!!
xoxoNatalie

Glossy Box USA

Hello lovies! Today's post is going to be about one of the big trends in the beauty/makeup world today...beauty boxes!! If you haven't heard of these (ex. Birchbox, Sample Society etc), basically you pay a monthly subscription fee and in return you receive a box filled with deluxe size beauty samples. Some boxes even contain a full size product! I am currently subscribed to two beauty boxes, and today I am VERY excited to talk about the first Glossy Box out in the USA!

Glossy Box is unique in the fact that it provides beauty box services to over 19 countries, and the USA is the newest one! I for one was so excited about GB come state-side. I am an avid beauty video watcher on youtube (post coming up on my favorite youtube beauty girls) and have watched "unboxing" videos from girls in the UK and have been in awe of how great these boxes were! At the time I was a subscriber to Birchbox, and having received boxes from both companies, I am much more impressed with Glossy Box. Even though GB is at a higher price point than most boxes at $21/month, I fully believe in the notion that you get what you pay for. The quality of the packaging alone is much higher than what I received from Birchbox.

**sidenote: I also subscribe to BeautyBar.com's Sample Society, which is a $15/month service. I've been a subscriber of theirs since March when the first box was sent out, and have been pleased with them as well. If you would like a review of their services and pictures of the boxes I've been sent, let me know and I can do a separate post! **

So without further adieu, here is what I received in the first USA Glossy Box, which had a "beauty around the world theme". I also included a breakdown of what each sample is worth (I always like to do this with these beauty boxes...gotta make sure my money is being well spent!)

• AMORE PACIFIC Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel (South Korea)

A hydrating gel moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling bright and refreshed. Notice your complexing visibly improve, giving you confidence and a natural glow.

Full size: 1.7 oz for $100

Sample: 0.27 oz = $15.88

• BURBERRY BEAUTY Lip Mist Natural Sheer Lipstick Copper No.202 (UK)

A creamy lipstick that offers a hint of natural, sheer color leaving your lips moist and dewy. The perfect present for for the perfect pout.

Full size: 0.12 oz for $30

Sample: 0.028 oz = 7.00

** you can't really tell in this picture but the top of the packaging has the Burberry check print embossed on it! So does the actual product inside! Little details like these make all the difference**

• MARVIS Marvis Whitening (Italy)

Make the most of your splendid smile with a whitening toothpaste dripping in cool mint freshness, all while protecting against decay, tartar, and plaque.

Full size: 1.23 oz for $7.50

Sample: 1.23 oz = $7.40 *FULL SIZE!*

• PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask for Dry Hair (France)

Indulge in luxury and aroma with a conditioning treatment that moisturizes and detangles strands without weighing hair down. Nourish, revive, and delight.

Full size: 6.7 oz for $38

Sample: 1.7 oz = $9.64

• ZOYA Summer 2012 - Beach and Surf Collection (USA)

Dive into the creamy shades and shimmering sea foils of the Zoya Beach & Surf Collection. Allow your nails to go on vacation every day.

Full size: 0.5 oz for $8

Sample: 0.5 oz = $8 *FULL SIZE!*

• BONUS: Glossy Box brush made with goat hair

It's not the best quality brush I've ever felt, but it's definitely a nice addition to my relatively small collection and one I will definitely use. 

Total value of box = $48.02

Overall I am impressed with the first Glossy Box. I have heard of or am at least familiar with all the brands except for one, and that alone makes me more prone to immediately add these products to my routine and test them out. I'm most excited to try out the Burberry lipstick and Phyto hair mask. While I normally wouldn't be too pleased with receiving an overpriced toothpaste (I mean seriously who's gonna pay $7.50 for that small little tube?), it's the perfect size for my vacation at the end of the month. 

Are you planning to or already subscribed to Glossy Box? Any other beauty boxes catching your eye? Let me know what you think and if you like these types of posts! Hope yall are doing fabulous!!

xoxo

Natalie

DISCLAIMER: I was not paid or compensated at all for this review. I paid (and will continue to pay) for my subscription to Glossy Box. They have no idea I am doing this review and all opinions are my own! 

Sunday Social Link-Up!

I know I know...where the h*** have I been?!?! I have no excuses, only that I have missed this little blog and am hoping to get back into a writing routine. Especially since I have a couple of big events coming up in the next couple weeks, from my college roommate getting married to family vacation in London! So to kick things off....

I saw this link-up mentioned by one of my new favorite bloggers Meghan @ Shine On...tales of a twenty-something and thought it would be a great way to dive back into things (even though I am a day late!)



The Sunday Social linkup is hosted by Ashley and Neely, and each Sunday they are going to post a set of questions with a central theme with the main goal being so that you can link up on their blogs and get to know some new bloggers! I wasn't a reader of either blog before tonight, but I am definitely a follower now! With this being the first week of the link-up, the questions had a "get to know you theme"
How did you come up with your blog name? Originally, I named my blog carolina prep (see URL since I've never changed it), but about 2 years ago I realized I wasn't so much a fan of that name and decided to switch over the Sweet Carolina Girl. I think it's much more a representation of what my blog is about, as well as matches my twitter name (@swtcarolinagrl5) and other social media sites. If anyone has an idea how to switch over my URL lemme know! 
What is your favorite thing about blogging? Hands down all the friends and people I have met. This is also largely in part to Twitter, but I would have never met any of the fabulous people I now talk to on a daily basis if it wasn't for the blogging world. I also love that even though we all live our crazy hectic lives, most of the time you're able to find someone who is going through similar situations you are and you know you aren't alone. I've said it multiple times but I so wish I lived closer to some of these wonderful ladies!
What is the one thing you have discovered because of blogging and now can't live without? O my goodness, there are so many things. Erin Condren life planners (SOO excited about the new planners coming out!), Etsy, flash sale websites, new makeup products, the list goes on and on and on!! 

Facebook or Twitter? and why? TWITTER!! Even though I haven't written on this blog in almost 4 months, I am on twitter constantly. The obsession only grew when I got my iPhone and literally had it all day everyday with me in the palm of my hand. I think twitter is a great way to develop the relationships you have made with the people you met while blogging. It also often acts as a source of news (it's where I first heard about Osama Bin Laden's death) and always keeps my updated on my SVU scoop! 
If one celeb read your blog who would you want it to be? The woman is way too busy, but my fave Mariska Hargitay. The woman can do no wrong! 
What is something you want people to know about your blog? I may not post all that frequently, but what I post is 100% me. I am a twenty-something recent college grad trying to find my dream job in this crazy place they call the "real world." I'm obsessed with all things beauty-related, will watch Law and Order:SVU all day everyday, and will be a Carolina Gamecock fan until the day I die!!

Hope everyone has a great start to their week. If you have any kind of blog post you would like to see, please let me know! I'm hoping to put up a couple mail-order beauty box reviews and some favorite products soon! Love yall!!
xoxoNatalie