Friday Favorites

Favorite Spring Pattern Stripes

I am all about stripes for spring - striped shirts, striped dresses, striped skirts, I love them all!  Stripes are such a classic pattern and look great paired with so many different pieces.  I also love seeing how everyone styles stripes their own way (like in this post from Bows and Sequins).  I am definitely thinking about picking up a striped dress for spring and summer.

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Favorite Hair Styling Product Redken Fashion Waves 07

If you had told me a year ago I would be letting my hair air dry more than I would be blow drying and heat styling it I would've thought you were crazy; however, it's true now and with a big thanks to this.  This spray from Redken coaxes my somewhat wavy hair into beautiful beachy waves and smells incredible.  This is a holy grail product in my opinion!

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Favorite Event Sephora Spring Sale

Sephora is having their biannual sale right now and you can get 15% off on your order (which is a pretty big deal since Sephora only offers discounts with these sales twice a year).  I wrote all about what I'm buying and why I'm buying it in this post.  Now is the perfect time to stock up on favorites and also try something new!

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Favorite Sheet Mask Tony Moly I'm Real Red Wine Sheet Mask

I picked this up at Ulta last weekend on a whim and I am so glad I did!  This mask uses red wine extract to reduce the size of and tighten pores and also purifies the skin.  I used this on Tuesday night and could not believe how amazing my skin looked after - my pores had practically disappeared and all of my blackheads were completely gone.  I would honestly say that the results I got from this are comparable to the results I get from using GLAMGLOW SuperMud Clearing Mask, which really says a lot.

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Favorite Sunnies DIFF Rose Sunglasses in Black/White Pink Mirror Lens

Cute sunnies are an everyday essential for me, especially in the spring and summer.  This pair from DIFF definitely gives me all the heart eyes and I have not stopped wearing them since I got them! I think the best part about DIFF though (aside from their stylish sunnies) is that for every pair of sunglasses sold, they donate a pair of reading glasses to someone in need, which is a major win-win in my book! If you want to snag any pair of DIFF sunnies for yourself just use my code BLUSHBLONDE for 25% off a pair!

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What are your favorites this week?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Friday Favorites, Friday Favorites, Fab Favorites, Oh Hey Friday!, Five on Friday, and Friday Favorites.

Champagne Is My Spirit Animal

Shirt: c/o Jill of All Trades  |  Jacket: Gap  |  Jeans: PAIGE  |  Shoes: Old Navy (similar here)  |  Black Sunglasses: Fendi (similar here)  |  Pink Sunglasses: c/o DIFF (use code BLUSHBLONDE for 25% off any pair)  |  Earrings: J.Crew Factory (similar here)

We seriously lucked out the day we went to take these shots, the weather was absolutely gorgeous!  Also how perfect are those pretty pink trees?!  These were shot at Franklin Court in Philadelphia on the grounds where Benjamin Franklin's house once stood.  This look is perfect for spring and this transitional weather we're experiencing.  It was a little chilly so I was glad that I had chosen to pair this look with a jacket!  Speaking of the jacket I scored a major (and super unexpected) deal on it and am kind of obsessed with it.

I am also so in love with the shirt I am rocking.  I am not a big drinker, but when I do have a drink I love a good glass of champagne so this is perfect for me!  Champagne is kind of my drink with my sister (we've been known to split a bottle of it here and there) so I might just have to get one for her too.  The sweet Jill of Jill of All Trades actually sent this to me and her shop includes this and so many other fun shirts like it!  There's at least ten more that I want (like this and this) and I was super excited when I got my package from her.  She was also kind enough to give me a discount code to share with all of you so you can score one of her too cute shirts for yourself!  Head to her Etsy shop and enter the code BLUSHBLONDE at checkout to get 10% off your order.

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Thursday Fashion Files and Spotlight.

Spring Sephora Sale

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Sephora's Spring Beauty Event kicked off yesterday and like any good Sephora addict I've been waiting (not so) patiently for this for a while now!  I like to use Sephora's biyearly beauty events (where you get 15%-20% off your entire purchase if you're a Beauty Insider) to stock up on things I use throughout the year and to try some new products.  Since I've been waiting on this you can bet that I've had a list ready for some time now (#TypeA) and have everything together to make my purchase.  Here I have for you everything I'll be purchasing at the sale - both the new and the old standbys, and I'm breaking it down below.  (By the way if you're planning on shopping the sale yourself make sure to read this post which tells you how to get the most out of your Sephora shopping trips.)

1. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Intensive Peel

I am really big on exfoliation and think that it's one of the most important things you can do for your skin.  I like to have both chemical and physical exfoliators (learn about the difference here) on hand and I tried this chemical one a few months ago when I got a deluxe size sample from Sephora.  It made my skin so soft and glowy that I knew I needed to get it when this sale came around.

2. Farmacy Honey Potion Mask

I tried this when I got a deluxe size sample of it from Sephora (man, I'm really a sucker for those) and I talked about it in this post.  This mask uses honey, royal jelly, propolis, and Farmacy's Echinacea GreenEnvy to hydrate, gently cleanse, and provide antioxidants to your skin.  I've also found that it has even helped to clear up my skin when I'm having a breakout and it just makes my skin look great.

3. Sunday Riley C.E.O.

I love Sunday Riley's products and was so excited when they released their newest moisturizer.  It hydrates the skin and provides it with a dose of high-potency, advanced vitamin C.  The vitamin C works to "visibly repair the effects of aging, environmental stress, and pollution-induced damage."  This moisturizer is high in antioxidants and will also help to brighten skin.  I was able to get a small sample of this to try before I buy and I loved it just as much as I thought I would.

4. Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay Mini

Sephora carries these little mask minis from Origins that are perfect little two or three use packets.  I haven't tried this one before, but love this one and also have a few others in my arsenal right now.  With the warmer months coming up I like to have a purifying mask and this one gently, but deeply cleans, and refines texture and pores so I'm going to pick it up.

5. Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara

I am super picky about mascara, but am always a fan of the ones from Dior.  I started using this a few months ago and switched to something different for a little bit, but I missed this so much that I'm going back to using it!  The formula of this combined with the wand make it the perfect mascara for me.  This volumizes my lashes, stays put, and never gets clumpy.

6. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This mascara is made for your bottom lashes and is the only mascara that actually stays on my bottom lashes and doesn't wipe off underneath my eyes.  I started using this a year ago and I don't think I can ever not use it again, it's that good.  If you have trouble with mascara and your bottom lashes this is a must have.

7. Marc Jacobs Beauty Brow Tamer Grooming Gel

I have been using this brow gel for a while, but I don't like how it makes my brows feel and look a little crunchy.  I did a ton of research on brow gels because I want one that leaves my brows soft and think that this one will give me the results I want.  I will definitely report back on how I like this once I get it.

8. Clarisonic Replacement Radiance Brush Head Twin Pack

I've used the Clarisonic Deep Pore Brush Heads for as long as I've had my Clarisonic and recently switched to the Radiance Brush Head.  While I liked the Deep Pore brush I'm liking the results from the Radiance one even more.  It really does make your skin radiate and I feel like it gives me that "glow" I'm always after.

9. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I've talked about this countless times on here and the bottom line is in my opinion I think these are the best.  They use lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate, and lemon peel and licorice root to brighten skin.  I use them morning and night and notice a big difference in my skin if I forget to use them.

10. Urban Decay Chill Cooling and Hydrating Makeup Setting Spray

I never realized how important a setting spray is until I tried Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray.  I recieved a deluxe sample of it in my December PLAY! by Sephora box and now I feel like my makeup isn't complete without it.  My only complaint about it was that it left my skin a little too matte and feeling dry, but Chill is a hydrating version of it, which I think will be better for my skin type.

11. Sunday Riley Power Couple Duo

This set contains Sunday Riley Good Genes and Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil.  These are two holy grail products for me and I love that I can buy them in a set and save money.  Luna is a retinoid oil that moisturizes, shrinks pores, reduces wrinkles, calms redness, and improves skin smoothness.  Good Genes is a pharmaceutical-grade, lactic-acid-based treatment that works to exfoliate, plump fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation, increase circulation, and firm skin for instant radiance.  I layer Good Genes on top of the Luna Sleeping Oil for seriously amazing skin.

12. Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Face Exfoliant

I'm also in need of a new physical exfoliant because my favorite one has (sadly) been discontinued.  Again I did some research (because I'm a beauty nerd) and decided to try this.  It works to gently exfoliate and dissolve dead skin cells, refine pores, and more.  It also got amazing reviews on Sephora's website which really sold me on it.

13. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

I'm a skincare fanatic (which I'm sure you can tell from this post) and do not like to wear a ton of makeup, which makes BB and CC creams perfect for me.  I decided to try the It Cosmetics CC Cream a few months back after hearing so many wonderful reviews.  I am so glad I gave this a try because I love how it works and this will be my second bottle of it.  I'm such a big fan that I got my Mom and sister hooked on it too.

14. Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water

My skin is really dry so I love to use gentle (and non drying) micellar water in the morning to cleanse my skin.  I was using a drugstore brand when I got this as a deluxe size sample from a Sephora Beauty Rewards kit and had great results from it.  It feels super luxe and it does a great job of cleaning my skin and helping to prep it for moisturizer and makeup.

In addition to these I will also be grabbing some sheet masks.  My favorite sheet masks include this, this, this, and this.  While some of the new ones I want to try are this, this, this, and this.  Last but not least I need a gift for Mother's Day and have a few ideas that I could grab from Sephora, but I can't share them on here since my Mom reads along (hi Mom!). 

Will you be shopping the Sephora Spring Beauty Event?  If you are what will you be getting?

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Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Midweek Inspo, Oh Hey Girl!, I Feel Pretty, and Trendy Wednesday.

What to Wear: Early Spring

Jacket  |  Earrings  |  Top

Joggers  |  Sunnies  |  Top  |  Pants

Heels  |  Mules  |  Bag

Spring has finally sprung and with a new season comes new clothes!  I'm sure you've already figured out from my collage that I'm a big fan of neutrals for spring.  Over the last few years I have grown to really love a neutral palette and there are so many great neutral pieces out there for this spring.  Since spring can be kind of tricky I like to wear things that can easily adapt to the weather.  In the Northeast longer pants are still a necessity, but I love wearing them in a fun color like this pale pink pair to make them feel more seasonal.  Right now I am also really loving joggers because they're so on trend and I am dying to pick up this pair (which also come in black and a bright blue!).  Pretty tops that can be worn alone or with a jacket or sweater are a must for this time of year.  This top is simple, but has a touch of elegance with the lace, and both ruffles and stripes are very big right now which makes this top a great choice.  We are also seeing a huge rise in the bomber jacket trend recently and I am obsessed with this one I recently picked up that is just perfect for the weather we get right now.  Thankfully it's finally time to switch out boots for flats and sandals and if you're in the market for either of those both this pair and this pair are very in and perfect for spring.  Lastly it's important to have spring-y accessories like colorful sunnies, tassel earrings, and a sweet scalloped bag.  The great thing about the pieces pictured here is that most of them can be worn through the whole season and even into the summer!

Adding any of these pieces to your wardrobe is sure to freshen up your look for spring!  What pieces are you loving for this time of year?

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Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Hello Monday, #HowISpring, Weekending, and MIMM.

D.I.Y. Unicorn Easter Wreath

I've been dying to make a tulle wreath for sometime now and I figured Easter was the perfect time to actually go for it.  When I went into this project I had a completely different method/design in mind to create this wreath, however I love what I landed up doing even more then what I originally wanted.  This wreath was a tad bit time consuming, but super easy to make (seriously anyone can do it!).  The great thing about this is that you can use any color tulle you want, which means it can be made for a variety of different holidays and events (I want to make a patriotic one for the summer!).  I chose to do this wreath in Easter Egg colors, but it also looks very "unicorn" to me too!  In my opinion you can leave this up all through spring, not just Easter, especially if you are making it as a unicorn wreath.  Scroll down to to learn and see how you can make an Unicorn Easter Wreath for yourself.

Disclaimer: My one big piece of advice when creating this is to not use glittery tulle to make this.  In my wreath the pink and blue tulles were both glittery and they created the biggest glitter mess I have ever seen.  When I was done making this wreath I was so covered in glitter that I had to take off my clothes and shower immediately because I was so itchy.  Needless to say I will never be using glitter tulle again!

Supplies:

-12 inch wire wreath frame

-5 different colored rolls of 6 inch by 25 yard tulle 

(I used five different colors of tulle and you can always do less colors, but still make sure to get 5 rolls)

-Scissors

Instructions:

-Cut out 7 inch long pieces of tulle in each color (you will need 72 pieces of each color, if using five colors, and 360 pieces of tulle total).

-Tie tulle onto the wire frame in a knot, face the knot one way and the "fluffy" tulle the other way.  Pull apart the each piece of the "fluffy" side of the tulle so that it becomes larger.

-Alternate tulle colors on the wire, it helps to create a pattern for yourself to follow.  The wreath frame I used had 9 sections in total with 4 wires in each section, I created a pattern (seen in the images below) in which I used 2 pieces of each color tulle on each piece of wire and 40 pieces of tulle total for each section.

-Tie the different color tulle onto until the wire wreath frame following your pattern until the frame is completely full with it.

-Fluff together the "fluffy" side of the tulle so that it looks thick and full.

-Hang the wreath with the fluffy side facing out and the side with the knots toward the door.

-Enjoy!

~Use pictures for reference.

If you have any questions at all please feel free to leave them below or to email me!

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!