Vendor Spotlight: Make Me Pretty

On your wedding day, you'll have more photos taken than ever before. Your normal makeup routine just won't cut it- not to mention being capable of standing up to high 80's in my case. It's time to call in the professionals! I'm super excited to announce that my makeup and hair will be left in the hands of Sherita Leslie. I knew about her before I even moved to Nashville! Her portfolio is impressive and she knows how to make a bride look great. I told Sherita that I wanted to look like myself, but better. No super bright lipstick or eyeliner, a natural but more glammed up look. She told me no problem- that we could make my vision come to life. Just what a bride wants to hear! Want proof of her skills? Check out my amazingly gorgeous wedding planner, Kristin.

{picture by McLellan Style}
{picture from Sherita's site}

{picture by Gray Photography}

Are you/did you hire a professional to do your hair and makeup? What made you decide?

My Favorite Things

Taking a cue from my girl Oprah, I've decided to showcase a couple of my favorite things right now. I'm in love with this Clean Start kit from Dermaloigca. I was on two pills and two prescription face creams for the past six months. Before graduation I was so stressed (read: breakouts) and needed to try something else. I picked this up with my Zeno (post) and this kit has seriously changed my skin. The wash and spray are amazing! The lotion keeps my skin nourished but not greasy, and the mask is a great way to do a weekly freshen-up!This couples' logo from Betsy White is so simple and whimsical. I would plaster this little beauty on napkins, invites, STDs, favors, ice sculpture? Okay, maybe ice sculpture was over the top. But seriously, I love this logo. Lastly, I'm obsessed with bridesmaids' dresses reflecting their own style. It's great how each of these girls (style me pretty) has their hair and dress different than each other, while staying with the brides' color palette. Also- if the maids pick their dresses they're more likely to wear them again. What's your opinion on bridesmaids wearing different styles?

Pizza Face

I've struggled with acne since 6th grade; I've even done two courses of Accutane. Thankfully, I'm good with makeup so it's not hard for me to disguise these pesky little visitors. But the truth is, I hate wearing makeup and I'd rather leave the house without it.

My dermatologist office has a MedSpa and I can get facials monthly for only my copay ($15)! My Dr. informed me that my skin isn't great at cycling itself, and doesn't naturally shed dead skin; thus, the breakouts occur. Before college I always broke out on my forehead, but since college started I've been breaking out on both cheeks.

Here's what I'm doing now:
A. 2 antibiotics
B. Yaz
C. Prescription face wash
D. Differin at night & Duac in the morning
E. Changing pillowcase nightly

Honestly, I've reached my wit's end! I'm 22 years old and this shouldn't be a problem any more. I've made an appointment with Ellen Jacobson (SkinMD) in Nashville, and I'm excited to have a new Dr's opinion. Recently I've bought a couple new products to try and fight this battle: Dermalogica CLEAN START (starter program) and a Zeno Pro. The Zeno was a little pricey $130, but there's a 30-day money back guarantee. The problem is that you can only use it on deep breakouts- which aren't really my main problem. I will definitely let you know how the new products work.

Do you all have any great derm recommendations in Nashville? Also, I'm nervous about the hard water. My skin always seems to break out worse when I'm in TN. I didn't grow up with hard water, and I don't have it here- so my face isn't used to it. Did any of you have a hard time adjusting? Don't worry, Mr. SE already got me a super nice filtering shower head, but I can still tell a little. Any advice would be great! Sorry for the long post- love you all.

Getting Threaded

After 4 years I finally found a place to have my eyebrows threaded in NC! There's a great place in VA/DC that I've been going to for a couple years (Pink Karma), but I hadn't found anywhere in the Carolinas. A couple days ago I realized that I needed to get this done REALLY bad (hello caterpillar!) and set forth on a very serious Google search. Enter Mehak Universe Beauty- they're 30 minutes away, but next to the mall with the Forever 21. I was planning on going to F21 anyways, so what a perfect treat! For those of you who don't know what threading is, read about it here. It's a) so much gentler than waxing, b) more precise, c) really freaking cool to watch.

Do you get threaded, wax, or tweeze?

Perky Purple

This is my new obsession: Essie Perky Purple. I painted a little bit of my nail at Ulta yesterday and I LOVE IT! It's such a fun shade for summer. Most likely not for fingernails, but toenails definitely. Although, Ginnifer Goodwin looked super cute in "He's Not That Into You" with her purple nails.

On another note, I've started thinking about how to get "involved" in Nashville. I have a couple girlfriends through Mr. SE's friends, but I'd really like to start making friends of my own. I know, it sounds like I'm 10 years old. But I think having female relationships are crucial to finding balance, especially if you're married or living with your significant other. How did you get "involved" and meet people?

Bath & Body Works Sale

This just in! All Wallflower sets and refills for $6 each online and in stores. This is a great time to stock up on your spring/summer/fall scents. You know I love the antibacterial collection, and now I'm professing my love for Wallflowers. As usual, I only buy them when they're on sale. This deal is calling my name and I might head over this afternoon! See their website for more goodies!

Scrub a Dub

Okay- I'm really bad at naming posts. Sorry about that. This morning I logged onto Bath and Body Works to share my favorite everyday indulgence with you. First, my everyday indulgence...I'm a bargain hunter in every definition of the phrase. However, there's one thing that I love spending a little extra $$ on: Bath and Body Works Antibacterial Collection.We've been using Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin since fall, and I'm happy to report that we just ran out. What does this mean? New fragrance of course! It's Dancing Waters in the bathroom and Kitchen Lemon in the kitchen.

Honestly, I only bought dancing waters because it's blue and matches my bathroom- but I LOVE this scent! It's so clean and fresh, perhaps my new favorite! The silky texture of the moisturizing soap leaves my hands silky and my face smiling.
Mr. SE is here visiting for the weekend. He witnessed the transition of my soaps and said he can't wait to get married if I'm able to get this excited over soaps!

***********Don't Forget****************
Mr. SE and I are in the finals for a free couples shoot from Photographix. We need your votes to win. Please take a couple seconds and vote for us!!! Voting ends April 10th.
Tell your friends and have them vote for us too!
http://photographix.bigfolioblog.com/