Hey I Just Met You...

Happy Wednesday! Becky at From Mrs. to Momma had a link-up last week with a series of questions all designed to get to know some bloggers better. While I missed the opportunity to link up, I thought the idea was such a great one I just had to borrow it! I think the last '411' type post I did was when I first started my blog so things certainly have changed! Let me know if you decide to answer the questions as well...I would love to get to know some of my readers better!


1. How long have you been blogging
I started this blog (originally named Carolina Prep) in April of 2007 right before I graduated high school. Posting has been sporadic throughout the years but I am glad I did stop by every now and then to document my college years!


2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. DEFINITELY not the degree I thought I was going to end up with, but I survived and made it out into the "real world" (which is overrated btw)

3. Where have you traveled?
The only place I've traveled internationally has been London (recap posts coming soon!). In the US, I've been to North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, New York (specifically NYC...favorite vacation!), Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada (Las Vegas), and California. 


4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
As much as I love my car and have NO reason to purchase a new one (I haven't even hit 60,000 miles yet), I would love to buy a Land Rover of some sort. 

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?

• Poor customer service
• Bad drivers
• Flakey people

6. What is your favorite movie?
Week 2 of Sunday Social talked all about movies so I'll put a link to that here, so to keep it short and sweet here one of my favorite movies is The Wedding Date. 

7. What is your drink of choice: wine, beer, or liquor? Or water, soda, or tea?
Between the alcoholic beverages, I usually order a beer (Michelob Ultra). Non-alcoholic as of right now is Diet Coke, which I rediscovered while we were in London. I'm trying to get back into drink water (with Crystal Lite added of course).


8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?
SLEEP! When I actually wake up, I've been enjoying going to Target by myself and just wandering around. This usually wastes about 1-2 hours and anywhere from $20-100, but I find it very relaxing! 


9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
Nordstrom. They have both affordable and more high end items as well as workout wear (norts!) and cosmetics! 


10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.
Not going into details, but there were some moments during my friend's bachelorette party last month that I would like to take back. Unlimited drinks are NOT your friends girls!! 


11. What day would you love to relive again?
I haven't had any true 'milestone' days in my life that I would go back and relive, so I'm going to have to say October 9, 2010. It was two days before my 21st birthday. Why that day? 

October 9, 2010 was the day that the Gamecocks beat the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide at Williams Brice. The day started VERY early on the Horseshoe on USC's campus for ESPN's College Gameday, then we were bused over to the stadium where we ran inside to get the best seats possible to see if we could beat the 'unbeatable' team. AND WE DID! I've been to some pretty insane football games over my college career, but I think this one is the top. As a fan you want to win every game, but I think this was one we were all surprised and ecstatic to win! It snapped Alabama's 20+ game winning streak and gave their quarterback his first loss since high school. GREAT early birthday present! 


12. If your life was turned into a movie, what actor would play you?
Hmm...I guess I would say Nina Dobrev. 

I'm going to be honest, I wasn't too familiar with her until people starting talking about her in regards to playing Anastasia in Fifty Shades of Grey (which I support!). We're around the same age and I think she is just a natural beauty. And I would die for her hair! 


13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?
My senior year of high school I got a job with my best friend at Build a Bear. It was a great first job and retail experience, but would I work there now? NO! After that I got a job at CVS as a pharmacy technician since I thought I wanted to go to pharmacy school, but as you read above that obviously didn't work out. I'm still working there but I am trying to switch gears and get a job in the cosmetic industry since I've decided to get my Masters in Cosmetic Science. 

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

This is the group of us that went down to watch the Gamecocks go down to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship for the first time EVER!! While the game didn't have the outcome we had hoped (damn you Auburn!), it was still an electrifying atmosphere and an experience I wont forget. Hopefully we will be making a return trip to Atlanta this season!


15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
Australia! HOWEVER, since this is all expenses paid I will be traveling via a lush private jet. I learned from my flights to and from London that I can NOT sleep on planes! Since the flight to Australia takes a full day, I'm going to need my space and some luxurious sleeping arrangements if I'm going to make it down under in one piece! 


16. Show us the most current picture of you, your family, or anything of meaning to you.

The parentals and I at Wimbledon tennis championships in London.

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
I got asked this question in a job interview recently and had to pause and think! I definitely hope to be either working at my dream job or at least have figured out what it is and going after it. I would like to be in the process of settling down and thinking about having kids, although I have the feeling I'm going to be someone who does her settling down closer to 30 than 25, which I'm ok with! 5 years ago I was getting ready to start college and had my next couple years somewhat mapped out. I honestly have NO CLUE what the next 5 years hold, which is both a thrilling and scary feeling!!


Hope you guys enjoyed this little Q&A session and learned something new whether you're a long-time reader or a new follower! If there's something else you would like to know, feel free to comment or email me. 

Sunday Social Week 7

I've missed the last couple Sunday Social link-ups for various reasons (wedding, vacation, sick etc) but I could NOT let this one pass me by! Especially since it's about one of my favorite new purchases! ;)

 Favorite handbag you've ever owned

My new Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM in Damier Ebene! I bought this my first day in London (almost immediately after we got off the plane!) after saving for what seems like FOREVER and it has been my obsession ever since. I carried it the majority of the trip and it was a saving grace when you have to lug around all your rain-gear and souvenirs. Even my dad who was appalled at me that I was spending this much on a handbag came to at least accept it after I carried his stuff around all week :)
   

Dream handbag you lust over


Since I have acquired the bag I have been lusting over for years, I had to peruse through a couple websites to find another bag that captured my attention. I know I know it was a tough task, but never fear I did prevail...

Valentino Bow-Front Dome Tote

I mean who doesn't love a classic black tote with a huge bow on top?!? Not saying I'll be buying this bag (or any bag for that matter) anytime soon, but if this beauty was to find it's 

way into my closet I wouldn't be upset. 

Of course there is the infamous Hermes Birkin bag that I think all girls lust over. Unless I happen to find myself a man as wealthy as Christian Grey, this will probably be a bag that I will be lusting over for a LONG time! 

Daily essentials in your purse or work bag

Besides the normal basics like wallet, phone etc, there are a couple things that I don't like to leave home without...

• Erin Condren planner (can't wait to order my new one!)
• some sort of lip balm 
• body spray
• sunglasses

What's in your purse(with pictures)

1. Union Jack umbrella  2. Badgley Mischka wallet  3. Michael Kors pouch  4. Erin Condren planner  5. Target wayfarers  6. Target coupon organizer  7. Gucci sunglasses  8. keys  9. Orbit gum  10. B&BW body spray  11. deodorant  12. hand sanitizer  13. hand lotion  14. pedometer  15. hairbrush  

1. Vera Bradley Carry It All Wristlet in Call Me Coral  2. Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer in Winter Candy Apple  3. Wimbledon keychain  4. Apartment keys and fob  5. Car remote and key

1. Gucci sunglasses (discontinued)  2. Target wayfarers (here)  3. Erin Condren planner (here)  4. Foray Porous Point Pen...don't bleed through the pages! (here) and random Fleet Feet pen

1. bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil in Tinted (here) 2. bareMinerals Flawless Face brush (here)  3. Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupte in 6 Rose Cannele (here)  4. Revlon Colorburst lip gloss in 008 Peony (here)  5. Chanel Glossimer in 03 Glaze (here)  6. Revlon Lip Butter in 020 Brown Sugar (here)  7. Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara (here)  8. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser (here)  9. Vaseline...great lip treatment!  10. EOS lip balm in sweet mint (here) 

1. Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mist in Paris Amour (here)  2. Dove deodorant (here)  3. Bath and Body Works lotion in Carried Away (here)  4. Bath and Body Works PocketBac in Twilight Woods  5. Pedometer  6. hairbrush

Hope yall enjoyed this post! I can't wait to read all the other posts that link up!!

London Vacation Haul

Happy Friday everyone!! I was SO thankful to actually have today off from work so I could relax and recover from a pretty busy week. If you haven't been following me on twitter (which you should @swtcarolinagrl5) I've been occupied this week not only with work and getting back into the swing of things but also interviewing for a new job that I'm crossing my fingers for! I should find out sometime early next week if I got the position so hopefully I will be able to share more soon!

 Anywhoo, today I thought I would post a video showing all the fun things I got while on my vacation in London. I'm also hoping to put up a couple posts recapping what all we did while we were over there. But I hope you guys enjoy the video and have a great start to the weekend!!!

Fifty Shades of Grey: My Thoughts

Unless you live under a rock, you have heard of the ever popular Fifty Shades of Grey series. I read all three books in the beginning of April, right as they were getting all the media attention here in the US. And it took me all of 4 days to read them. I've NEVER done that with any kind of book before. I have the books on my iPhone so I was able to read at any free moment...and of course get nothing else done! haha

So my thoughts on the books are this: I will be the first to admit that these are not the greatest pieces of literature ever written. BUT I did enjoy the story and it has ignited my love for reading again. I fell in love with the characters of Christian and Ana and found a lot of similarities between Ana and myself. I have read through the series twice and started the first book for the third time while I was over in London, although it am going through it at a much more leisurely pace lol.

There usually isn't a grey area with this book (clever aren't I?!?) when it comes to people's opinions about them. They either have read them and loved them, read them and hated them, OR haven't read them at all and judge those who have. About half of my friends have read them and half of them haven't and most have no desire to. That's TOTALLY fine! Everyone is entitled to read what they want to read.

I wasn't even going to do a post about the books simply because everyone has done one and I didn't feel like I had anything unique to say. But tonight I was chatting with twitter bff Kristy aka @The_Pink_Owl about a blog post someone had written (which I'm not going to link here. If you're that interested shoot me an email) about the readers of these books. In a nutshell the post is BLATANTLY judging those who have read the books, calling them straight porn, and stating that those who have read them need to seriously examine their hearts and basically calling them un-Christian-like.

This INFURIATES me. I 100% understand if you don't like the books or don't read them because the subject matter doesn't appeal to you or the writing isn't the best. But to judge someone on their morals and where their heart is based on a book they have read?!? This is uncalled for. Yes everyone is entitled to their own opinion (after all that's what this whole post is...my opinion), but I think the judging is unnecessary. I know a lot of women who have read this series who I admire and who are Godly women. To tell me that these books are going to lead me to being addicted to porn and that I need to "watch myself"!?!? GIVE ME A BREAK! No one has the right to judge me and what's in my heart based on what I read for leisure.

Bottom line: I enjoyed this series. It has re-invigorated my love for reading I hadn't had since before I started college (seriously. I probably read 1 book my 5 years in college). I'm not sorry that I read these books and I'm not ashamed of them. I don't think they are sending me down a tawdry road of pornographic hell, but simply an entertaining read that show insight into a world that is rarely talked about.

Have you read the books and if so what are your thoughts on them? Are you just as obsessed with them as I am or were they just ok? Have you had someone judge you for your reading material? PLEASE tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way!!

xoxo

Natalie

Current Faves June 2012

Since I obviously can't keep up with a monthly favorites, I thought that whenever I have a small group of products that I love that I would share them. Some of these are newly discovered while others I have loved for a while. Let me know if you've used any of these before and your thoughts on them!

1. Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub: I picked this up on an whim at Target towards the beginning of the year and have LOVED it ever since! If you are looking for a gentle exfoliator that you can use daily, look no further. Every night I apply a prescription gel to my face for rosacea, so when I wake up in the morning I have a dried "film" left over. This scrub is awesome at giving my face a deep clean, yet isn't too harsh that it irritates my skin. I keep a tube both by my sink and in the shower. Next time you're in Target definitely give this a try.

2. Benefit Erase Paste in Medium: For as long as I've used concealer (it was the first makeup product my mom took me to buy at 13. Plagued by dark circles at an early age!), I have yet to find one that I absolutely LOVE. I've always heard great things about Erase Paste, but for some reason it takes a lot for me to pay 20+ dollars on a concealer. I recently got this in a kit with a Benefit primer and so far have really enjoyed it! I've always been partial to more liquid-y concealers in tubes, but this is a heavier formula, yet it doesn't settle into my lines and crease.

3. CoverGirl Cheekers blush in Iced Cappuccino : I never would have bought this blush except for the fact that it was said to have been used in a look for one of Mariska Hargitay's magazine covers (does this surprise you at all?). This costs all of $3 and some change at the drug store. When I first bought it and swatched it with my finger it didn't seem to have much pigmentation, but once I put it on my cheeks I fell in love. It has very little pink in it, which I like since I don't want to accentuate my rosacea, but more of a golden tone so it gives a nice warmth to the cheeks. The only thing I initially had an issue with was the smell. It has the typical "old lady cosmetics" smell, but after the first time I used it I didn't notice it anymore.

4. Dior Hydra Life BB Creme: Presenting the most expensive beauty product I've ever bought! BB cremes have become all the rage in the US over the past couple months even though they've been around in Asian countries for years. I had tried the Garnier BB cremes, and while it was an ok product it left a very oily finish on my face that I had to set with a powder. I wanted a quick product that I could slap on and run out the door. And this is it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. Ever since I bought it, I haven't used foundation. It's the only thing I'm bringing on my trip to London. From the first day I wore it, my mom and others have complimented me on how great my skin looks. While most BB cremes have a grey-ish tint to them, this one does have a warmer color, so warm in fact that if I had tried this in the dead of winter it would have been too orange for me. But if you're looking to try out a BB creme, I highly recommend going into Sephora and trying this out and getting a sample.

5. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm: I bought this lip balm for the first time over a year ago when I made a Sephora order. I instantly loved it, but when my last tube ran out I wondered if it was really worth the $7.50, so I started used some of the random lip balms I had sitting around. I thought they were doing the same until I discovered a half empty Jack Black balm in my drawer. Holy cow I did not realize how great this stuff was until I went back to it! I only use it at night because it is a pretty heavy balm, but when I wake up in the morning my lips feel so silky and smooth. When I went to the beach last weekend I used another balm and my lips were noticeably dry by the time I got back.

6. L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Brown: I bought this eyeliner when I watched a YouTube video a couple months ago and someone was using it to line their top inner rim of their eyelid. I always try to line my inner rim and water line, and if you've ever tried to line either one you know it can be difficult! I first line my upper lid to warm the product up, then since the pencil tip of this liner is so long, I simply run it along my inner rim (instead of using the point) and the color applies beautifully. It's not waterproof so I do have to set it when applying it to my lower waterline, but so far I haven't had any complaints about this product.

 Hope you guys enjoyed this post. If you haven't already figured it out I am a self-professed product junkie, so let me know about some of your favorite products and anything else I should try! I'm currently posting this from the airport waiting on our delayed flight, so I will probably be MIA for the next 10 days, but I will try to update twitter and instagram as often as I can find wi-fi in merry old London!!

xoxo

Natalie

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

[Day late] Monday Q&A 4

Sorry this is late but I didn't get to film it until after work and I spent the rest of last night watching Smash and reading the Hunger Games (two of my new favorites...SOO good!)

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo

Natalie