Friday Five [Beautycounter Edition]

Morning! Bet you didn't expect to see a post from me today, did you? Well, thanks to pregnancy insomnia, here I am writing a post at 3:30am. 

I'm sure you've all heard of Beautycounter by now and you probably know atleast one person who is a consultant of the brand. Earlier in the year when we started our fertility treatments, and after reading about how the majority of my beauty products had hormone disrupting ingredients in them (you can read more about that here), I decided to start switching my products for better ones. Not all at once (because $$$$) and I'm not claiming that 100% of the products I use don't include atleast one of the "bad" ingredients, but I've made the switch to the majority of my products. I can tell a huge difference in my skin!  

One of my oldest friends, Heidi, became a Beautycounter consultant a few months ago and we finally got up with each other so she could drop off a basket of samples for me to try. I'm not going to act like Beautycounter products are inexpensive, because they're not. Not for my budget anyway. BUT the products last a long time, and it makes me feel better that I know I'm not putting harmful ingredients on my skin. Additionally, my face is really sensitive and will turn red if I use a product that it doesn't like. Beautycounter products are gentle enough that I don't have to worry about this problem. So when Heidi offered to let me try her products before purchasing them, I didn't hesitate. There's nothing I dislike more than buying a product, bringing it home to try it, and hating it.   

Prior to Heidi dropping off her beauty bin, I was already a huge fan of the Beautycounter bronzer, hand cream in citrus mimosa, the everyday body wash, the enlightening treatment pads, and the nourishing cream cleanser. 

Following a few days with the basket and sampling the products, these 5 items are now on my wishlist:

[one] Hydrating Face Oil

Having combination skin, more towards the oily side especially in the summer, the last thing that I thought I would like was this hydrating face oil. However, once I applied it and it quickly absorbed into my skin, I was amazed at how soft my face was. I'm sure I would love it even more in the winter!

[two] Purifying Charcoal Mask

I love putting on a mask on a Sunday night while I'm winding down watching tv, and this one did not disappoint. The charcoal mask draws out impurities in your skin and minimizes pores. Not to mention makes your skin super soft, and not dried out! 

[three] Mattify Skin Finishing Powder

Back to the oily skin in the summer, this matte finishing powder would do wonders setting my makeup and keeping it there all day long, as well as absorbing any extra shine and minimizing pores/fine lines. It doesn't leave a white residue or any evidence that you've got it on. 

[four] Lip Sheer in Twig

I'm usually not a fan of lipstick because I feel like they dry out my lips, but these lip sheers are super moisturizing and stayed on my lips for hours! The twig color is the perfect barely there color. 

[five] Retractable Foundation Brush

A good foundation brush can make all of the difference when applying make up. It's one of those things that you think people are crazy for spending a lot of money on, but after you find a really good one, you understand. This brush creates an even, airbrushed look, and the retractable feature makes it easily portable. 

If you'd like to contact Heidi to learn more about Beautycounter, you can visit her Facebook page, or contact her directly from the Beautycounter website. 

PS - She also creates one of a kind art and home decor products! Be sure to check out her design Facebook page, as well! She is one busy, talented mama! 

Friday Five. {Rocksbox, Garden Update, Emily McDowell Studio, and More!}

Happy Friday and happy Memorial Day weekend! Cannot stop looking at the clock, counting down the hours until this extended weekend kicks off for good! 

{one}

I'm on my third Rocksbox now and I am not planning on stopping anytime soon! I'm sure you have seen bloggers all over talk about Rocksbox, but if you haven't, here's the deal: Sign up for website and complete your style profile, pay $19 a month to have 3 pieces of jewelry sent to you to wear for as long as you'd like! Most sets are worth $200 in value, and you can return your boxes for new ones as many times as you'd like in that month! Still not convinced? If you like any of the jewelry so much that you can't live without it, you receive $10 a month to spend on the already discounted (usually 20% off) piece! Want to try your first month for free: use code MEGANBFF551 at checkout! 

Here are some examples of pieces I've received so far:

Whitney Necklace by Perry Street

Retail Price: $75, Rocksbox Price: $60

Kendra Scott Tessa Stud Earrings in Iridescent Drusy

Retail Price: $65, Rocksbox Price: $52

 Sierra necklace in Crystal by Urban Gem

Retail Price: $90, Rocksbox Price: $72

{two}

Our garden is growing like crazy and I am so excited that I will soon be able to walk outside, pick veggies off the vine, and plan a dinner or a snack around what's ripe! I've already been using romaine and herbs, and am deciding on what to do with the two jalapenos that I picked on Wednesday. Now that I think of it, I have two tomatoes that are about to go bad, so I'm thinking homemade salsa is in our future! 

{three}

A sorority sister of mine posted on Facebook earlier this week about a friend of her's who designs cards. Not those typical mushy cards, but cards that say exactly what's on your mind, as well as cards that say the perfect thing when you're put in a situation where you don't have a clue what to say. Then, I saw her on Good Morning, America yesterday! I really wish I would have known about these when my bud, Tim, was sick so that I could have sent him some to make him laugh. And when he passed away from that nasty disease cancer, I wish I would have know about these cards to send his wife and my friend, Jenny. She hated when people told her those cliche phrases like "he's finally healed" (pretty sure I told her that), "everything happens for a reason," and "he is an angel with God now." 

Here are some favorites from Emily McDowell Studio:

{four}

At the gym a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a watch that Megan was wearing. I overheard her telling Ryan that it tracked steps, number of calories burned, and monitors your sleep. What I was most surprised about though, was how stylish it was! See ya, unattractive Fitbit!

Anne Klein Fashion Fit Multifunction Smart Watch

{five}

That's all I've got for today. Have a great weekend!

Friday Five {What I've Been Up To}.

{one}

Two weekends ago my Grandma Anna turned the ripe young age of 80! Not trying to brag, but I seriously have some good genes on both sides of my family. We celebrated at my Aunt & Uncle's house in Summerville. We had an awesome dinner prepared a little bit by everyone and afterwards, we sat around the table while Grandma Anna opened up her gifts and cards.  The best gift was from my mom, uncle, and aunt. They snuck into my grandma's old photos without her knowing and put together a photo book of memories. It was so neat to listen to a story about each picture.

Grandma with her granddaughters

Picture from the photo book - Grandma Anna was and still is a looker

Uncle Jerry & Aunt Debbie who drove from Iowa!

{two}

I posted a few weeks ago my weekly meal plan based around Skinnytaste cookbook recipes. I'm happy to say that none of the recipes disappointed and I would definitely make them all again!

Here are a few photos that I took, which look nothing like the cookbook's. ;)

Skillet Lemon Sole with Tomatoes and Capers
(I made with tilapia because that's what I had)

Chicken Pasta Caprese

{three}

Last weekend we celebrated our 2 year anniversary with dinner at Cypress, followed by coffee with Bailey's at a local coffee/dessert shop in Avondale, and ended with some nightcaps at The Roost with friends. 

I hadn't been to Cypress since prom my senior year of high school. It was amazing then and now, including the service! They started us off with two glasses of champagne and we ordered the cucumber tuna rolls to go along with it. I ordered the butter lettuce salad and Cameron ordered the Ceasar salad. He definitely had food envy after having a bite of my salad! For our entrees I ordered the filet topped with Boursin cheese and Cameron ordered one of their specials - veal with a soft shelled crab. We decided to forego dessert because they did not have bread pudding and well, we were stuffed! If you ever go to Cypress, even for their bar upstairs, you must order the lavender martini! So refreshing and delicious. Even Cameron liked it! 

I'm hoping my hair doesn't look this red in person. Someone please tell me if it does!

My yummy butter lettuce salad with bacon jam, buttermilk blue cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, and chives. SO GOOD.

Filet topped with Boursin cheese accompanied by asparagus, leeks, roasted garlic, crispy potatoes, and Madeira sauce.

{four}

Last weekend we also spent a lot of time in the yard getting it ready for Spring. I focused on my garden area, but did not plant anything due to the cold snap we had. Maybe I can plant my herbs and veggies today since I have the day off! I also picked up some peony bulbs at Costco last weekend. Who know's if they'll grow here in the scorching hot summer. Here's a good old fashioned before and after photo. Don't mind the pink ribbon - we're getting quotes to take down a few trees in the yard. 

{five}

I paid my car off this week!!  

Friday Five.

Happy Friday, everyone! A little late with my post today, but nonetheless, here it is! 

{one}

Last Sunday we had our monthly supper club at Sally & Taylor's new house! Instead of doing a dinner, we decided to switch it up and do a brunch theme. It was a nice change and we could not have picked a more perfect day for it. Upper 70's and not a cloud in the sky. All of the food was SO good. Bacon, sausage, homemade biscuits, eggs, pimento cheese grits, hash brown casserole, fresh fruit, and salad. 

The awesome cake Lauren made for Kathryn's birthday

After stuffing our faces and taking a tour of Sally & Taylor's gorgeous new home, we all went outside to enjoy the weather for a couple of hours. 

{two}

After searching high and low for the perfect taupe booties, I found them. Introducing Plover by Steve Madden. My only wish is that I would have purchased them months ago!

{three}

A sweet reader named Mary Beth contacted me to see if I could help spread the word about her art. Of course, I said! Her paintings currently include palmetto trees and pineapples, perfect for a nursery, children's room, or beach house! She was also kind enough to donate one of her pineapple paintings to the silent auction that is taking place after the final Brightlife Golf Tournament on April 20th! 

To purchase a piece of Mary Beth's art, you can visit her Etsy store here.

{four}

The kind people at Chewy.com contacted me to see if Brady wanted to sign up for their monthly blogger program. After taking a look around their website to find out what they were all about, I emailed back saying, "yes please!"  Brady is a notorious snack snob, usually turning his nose up at the standard milk bone, so I figured this would be a great way to try out new treats. March's selections consisted of freeze dried treats from the company Orijen. 

• Orijen kitchens feature advanced steam-cooking technologies to allow for higher fresh ingredient inclusions. 
• Over half of the meat arriving to Orijen kitchens are authentically fresh, never frozen. 
• All of their treats are 100% pure meat, no fillers. 

After consulting with Brady, he chose the black angus beef treats.  

Once he sniffed his new treat, he decided he liked it enough and wanted to show y'all his newest trick so I would let him taste it. Now he gets so excited when he hears me open up the bag!

{five}

My first dress from Sheinside arrived last week and I was very happy with what I found in the box! The material does not feel cheap, it arrived to my house a lot faster than I expected, and the dress fits perfectly!

When I ordered the purple floral dress, it was still during the pre-order period, so I'm still waiting on that to arrive. Can't wait!!

We've got another jam-packed weekend coming up, including a couples shower for our friends Justin and Jenny, and celebrating my grandmother's 80th birthday! My aunt and uncle, who we only get to see once a year, will be in town visiting from Iowa! So excited to see them!!

Friday Five.

Happy Friday! 

Actually happy to be back in the office today (I'm usually on Kiawah Wednesday and Thursday). On my way out to Kiawah yesterday I got a flat tire. Kind of scary when you're on a narrow, two lane highway where there is hardly any shoulder. Thankfully I pulled over safely and Cameron drove all the way from Daniel Island to come rescue me. After he put my spare tire on we were able to enjoy a nice lunch at Freshfields and walk around some of the shops. Silver lining! 

Other things making me happy this week...

{one}

Splurge vs. Save

Would you believe me if I told you that I found this same dress listed for $105 on one website, and only $17.99 on another? I wouldn't believe it either. I came across the cheaper version on the website Sheinside. Has anyone ever ordered from them before? I'm kind of skeptical, but it's almost too good of a deal not to try it out. 

{two}

Thanks to Ashley's post about her favorite Iphone apps, she reminded me that I had a Poshmark account. I did a quick closet clean out over the weekend and listed a few new items. You can find me at @meganlsmith.

{three}

Just because he is a handsome boy...

{four}

A couple recent food pics...

A simple, yummy breakfast. 

Delicious crockpot minestrone soup

{five}

Off to the mountains this weekend with some of my favorite girls! Other than the 4.5 hour drive, I am really looking forward to it! Lots of girl talk, hot tub, roaring fire, hot (and cold) beverages, and laughter.