Mother's Day 2015 Gift Guide | Let's Show Our Mom's We Care

Hello!

Lovelies

Mother's Day is just around the corner. It's time to start thinking about how you plan on showing your Mom love on her special day of the year. Whether you plan on buying something for your Mom this Mother's Day or plan on doing a DIY or maybe a trip. Here are some ideas that I am sure most any Mom's would love.


 

 

 



 

1.KitchenAid  Artisan 5 Qt. Stand Mixer, Watermelon, 2.Jo Malone "Blackberry & Bay, 3. Coach Zip Wristlet, 4. Kikki Planner "Dark Mint", 5. Gold Monogrammed Bangle Bracelet 6. Caudalie Prep for Radiance Set 7. Stila Eyes Are The Window Palette

  

Always remember that you don't have to spend a fortune to show your Mom how much you care. Yes a fancy gift is always nice to receive but something thoughtful is just as nice. Think back to when you were a child and you'd give your Mom something you'd made for her in school, remember how much she loved those things?! It was the thought and effort that counted.

 

Things you could do for Mom or together:

 

• Bake: Baking has always been something my Mother and I have always done either with each other or for one another. Nothing says love like a freshly baked cake or tray of cookies!

•  Glam Day: Set up a mini spa day at home. Do a nail station. Maybe make some nice homemade face masks or pop into Sephora for some fancy ones. And make Mom relax and enjoy her day.

 

• Lunch or Brunch: People seam to always like taking Mom out for a nice meal. Why not make the nice meal for her?! Maybe if the weather is nice go somewhere pretty and have a picnic. Share time together eating yummy food and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Springtime.

•  Garden: Where I live it's just about time to start planting your Summer Veggies and Flower garden. Why not take a little trip to the local green house and pick out some flowers and veggies to plant. Maybe just let Mom sit back and watch you plant, Cause' remember it is her day after all.

Those are just a few ideas that I think would make a wonderful day for our lovely Mothers. I think this Mother's Day we are going to have a BBQ at our house with all our family. Moms, Grandmas and a mother-to-be. Hopefully the weather will be nice and it won't rain.

 

 

What are your plans for this Mothers Day, Do you have anything fun planned?

~Love

Emily

Disclaimer:This post was 100% created by me. I was not asked to post about any of the products in the gift guide. All photos that don't have a link were taken off Pinterest,com, if for any reason due to copyright please let me know via email and I can take them down or give credit.

Thrifting For Fashion | How To Become A Thrift Store Fashionista

Hello! Lovelies

 

 

Since today is Earth Day I thought I'd share some ways you can be Eco Friendly and look fabulous while doing so. Thrifting! Thrift shops have been around forever, since our Grandmothers time and before. But not until recently has it been the "Cool" thing to do. I've worn Thrift shop & consignment items since I was a child. But needless to say I wasn't much of a fan back then. I was embressed at the thought of someone finding out I was wearing used clothes. But fast forward to now, I am in my early 20's and I'm addicted to thrifting. It's become my hobby and my job.

 

 

 

I will look for almost anything at a thrift store. For years I thrifted but never in the clothing section until real recent. I still had the voice in my had like when I was a little girl saying "What if someone finds out this outfit was from the thrift store?!?" and what if they do, Who cares?!? If they think less of me because I bought from a second hand shop then they aren't worth being around. The thing I like most about Thrifting is the thrill of the hunt. You just never know what you're going to find. Some trips you might not find nothing at all and then others you might walk away with a Vintage Leather Jacket for $10 or less. Maybe even something designer. You just can never predict what you will find. All you need is a little time to look and patience.

 

What to look for:

• Items that you know you'll wear. No point in buying everything you see that is a good deal. Otherwise it will sit in your closet taking up space and you'll have wasted your money.

• Jackets & Coats: I find the nicest blazers, leather jackets , & wool winter coats. Why spend $100.00-$500.00 dollars on a jacket when you can find nice quality and even designer brands for $30 and under. Last winter I bought 10+ jackets and coats in different styles and colors. Some for as little as $5 and the most being around $15 all from my favorite local thrift shop.

• Denim: Jeans can be so pricy these days and for the most part they are not a thing you will have for years and years. They tend to get holes or stained maybe stretched out or faded. Why not buy them pre-loved?! Sometimes you can even find them with their original tags. Just make sure they are in good condition and fit your shape.

• Sizes: Look for your normal size. But also look in the smaller and bigger sections too. Sometimes things will get stuck in the wrong section or a different brand might run big or small. I've bought sizes I would never have looked at while shopping at a "normal" department store.

• Try before you buy: Try things on if you can. It's better than spending money and it doesn't fit or looks funny on. Remember most true thrift stores won't take returns. If I'm at my favorite local shop which all the clothes are washed before they are hung on the racks I will try it on first. But if I'm at a bigger store like Good Will I usually don't try things, other than maybe trying them over a tank top I'm already wearing.

• What to wear while shopping: Wear something that is easy to get in and out of if you plan on trying on clothes. Maybe a simple tank that way you can try sweaters, tops and jackets without trying to put it on over something bulky.

• Discount Days: Find out if your local shops offer discounts on different days of the month or special colored tags.

 

What to avoid:

 

• Items with holes or stains. For the most part you probably won't be able to fix them.

 

• Items that don't fit. No point in spending money on something you can't wear. I've only ever bought one item that I knew was to small. It was a Donna Karan Black Label blazer from the 90s. Which is beautiful! And I only paid $5 so I am okay that it doesn't fit. Maybe one day.

 

• Dry cleaning: If your not a fan of dry cleaning due to that fact it's not good for the enviorment or your wallet try avoiding those pieces of clothing. I have bought a few blazers & coats that said Dry Clean only and have washed them on the hand wash cycle and they've came out beautiful and most importantly clean. You just have to take the risk.  Or you can try Woolite at Home Dry Cleaner they help to clean & freshen up your Dry clean only items. They are cheap and eco friendly. 

 

• Weekend shopping & Sales: Either try to avoid them or show up early otherwise everything is picked over. In my experience Monday Morning/Mid afternoons are the best. People tend to donate on weekends.

 

• What to avoid: Make sure any zippers aren't broken or hard to open & close. Make sure all buttons and beads are there.

 

 

 These are just a few of the tips I've picked up over the years by trial and error thrift shopping. Don't get frustrated and give up if you don't find something on your first trip out or if you buy something with a hole. Heck I bought a beautiful silky velvet top on Monday and after I came home washed it and planned on wearing it the next day I discovered that low and behold it had a rather large hole in the arm that I had missed. Luckily I was kind of able to salvage it enough to wear a few times at least. Mistakes happen don't beat yourself up over them. Just keep searching and have fun, while saving the planet & your wallet!

 

 

 

 

Some of the treasures I've found over the years have included, higher end mall denim new with tags $4, Free People top new with tags $5, Authentic Fendi Handbag in great condition $3. Vintage Jackets $15 & Under. Vintage handbags dating as old as 1920s for a few dollars or less.  I always look for Vintage, It's one of my favorite things to shop for. If it's lasted that long than I should be able to get a few more wears out of it. I bought a beautiful nautical inspired navy blue sweater that was handmade in the 1950's in Naples, Italy for a few bucks. You can find so many amazing and interesting things at a thrift shop, the saying is true

 "One man's trash another man's treasure."

 

 

What's the best treasure or deal you've found?

 

 

Happy Earth Day....Happy Thrifting!

 

 

 

 

Love

Emily

  

Disclaimer: Any photos used are mine unless otherwise posted with a * . This post was 100% created by me. The opinions are 100% my own. If any of this is re-posted in any way give credit to TheChicCountryGirl. All images are copyrighted to this site.

 



Makeup Monday: Current Drugstore Favorites | Products I Use Daily

Hello! Lovelies

Ugh! Monday again the day everyone around the world comes to fear on a Sunday evening. But for me that means I get to share Makeup with you on "Makeup Monday". Today instead of reviewing a "cult" or "hyped" about new product I thought I'd share my current favorite drugstore/Walmart & Target, Products. I personally enjoy reading these kinds of post because I feel like their is a better chance I can go out and buy these products afterwards, unlike when I see blog posts on such brands like Chanel or Tom Ford which are just a little pricey! But amazing and beautiful none the less.

Some of these products have been favorites of mine for years and some are recent finds. A few I've loved for years but just recently started using them again on a daily basis.

 



 

 

 

Concealer:

 

Maybelline - Master Conceal by FaceStudio 30 light/medium

 

This concealer I use to cover blemishes and dark marks left from acne scaring. It's thick and creamy and blends very nice.

 

Cover Girl - Ready Set Gorgeous Medium

 

I use this concealer to brighten up my under eye area and to cover some of the purple veins and red tones on my eye lids.

 

Foundation:

 

Revlon - Colorstay Normal/Dry Skin 220 Natural Beige

 

I've used this foundation on and off for 4 years or so. I had been loving a foundation by Flower Cosmetics but every time I go to buy it they don't have my shade. So about 3 weeks or so ago I switched back to my old favorite. This is a medium to full coverage foundation. It doesn't feel greasy or oily on the skin. Its long lasting. You can use a little product or build up the coverage. Depends on what you need and what kind of look you are going for. This comes in a Normal/Dry formula and Oily. My skin is on the dry side so I always get the normal / dry. Also it comes in a wide range of shades which is always nice. Great for mixing if you can't find your perfect color.

 

Powder:

 

Cover Girl - Clean Normal Skin Pressed Powder 130 Classic Beige

  

I've been using Cover Girl since I was a little Girl. My mom would always give me her Cover Girl compact when it was running low. I always thought it was the most wonderful thing. And the smell OMG how I do love the smell of Cover Girl powder. Sometimes I try new ones and I usually end up going back to Cover Girl. I will use this product until I die.

 

Blush:

 

ELF - Blush Palette Light

 

ELF in my opinion makes some of the best affordable blushes out there. This palette is perfect for Spring & Summer. I've used it everyday since I bought it. I did a whole review on it here.

 

Brows:

 

Milani - Easybrow Automatic Pencil Dark Brown

 

I have rather thick brows and always have. But I like to define my arch a bit so for awhile now I've been using brow pencils. I recently discovered this Milani one. I love that is has a spoolie on the end.

 

Lips:

 

EOS - Sweet Mint Lip Balm

 

My all time FAVORITE drugstore lip balm. You must try it if you haven't already. If you like mint you'll love this.

 

 

If you would like to give any of the products I mentioned a try click on which you are interested in and it will take you to where you can purchase it online. You should be able to find most of these at your local, Walmart, Target , Ulta or Walgreens.

 

 

 I hope you enjoyed this post. I'd love to hear what your currently loving in a comment. I always love trying new drugstore Makeup & Beauty products.

 

Have a wonderful week! :)

 

Love

Emily

  

Disclaimer: Any photos used are mine unless otherwise posted with a * . I was not sent this item to review. I purchased this item with my own money. The opinions are 100% my own.

Foodie Friday: Pistachio Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

Hello!
Lovelies

 

 

 

Ever since I ordered Pistachio flavoring I've been loving making different kinds of pistachio flavored sweet treats. Also recently I've been loving a good cupcake. So I thought "Why not mix the too".  So if you love a good cupcake and are a fan of Pistachio than this is a recipe for you.

Next I think I want to try and make some kind of Pistachio cookie, maybe a short bread. Something like that sounds really good. This week I thought i'd make some cupcakes and in my personal opinion they turned out AMAZING!

I made these cupcakes at the start of the week and they are long gone by now, PS I didn't eat them all myself.
As I am writing this blog post it is pouring rain which it has been for the past 14+ hours or so. And with it being a Friday and I might be having game night, I may just have to whip up another batch of these wonderful cupcakes.

 

If you'd like to give them a go keep reading the recipe will be below the photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Heat Oven 350F  Bake 20-25 Mintues  Makes 2 dozen

 

Cupcakes:

 

 

4 Eggs

1 Cup Milk

2 Sticks Unsalted Butter (Room temp)

2 Cups Organic Cane Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Self Rising Flour

1 1/4 Cups All purpose Flour

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

2 Tablespoons Pistachio Flavoring

4-5 drops Green Gel Food Coloring

 

In a stand mixer or bowl cream sugar and butter. Once creamed add in milk, vanilla and pistachio flavoring. Slowly add in your flour. Keep mixing until all the ingredents are combined.

 

Line muffin tins with Cupcake cases. Scoop batter into cases, fill just under full.

 

Frosting:

 

Your Favorite jar of premade Frosting

1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

 

Optional:

 

Crushed Un-salted Pistachios

 

In a bowl scoop out your pre-made Vanilla or Buttercream frosting. Beat on high with mixer. Then turn down and slowly add in your powdered sugar. Once you've added in all your sugar turn mixer back up. And add in Vanilla. Once you've beat the frosting 4-5 minutes it should become light and fluffy.

 

Add into pastry bag a pipe onto Cupcakes once they've cooled. Sprinkle crushed Pistachios on top.

 

 

 

This recipe is easy to make and very tasty. You can always make a homemade frosting this way it just skips a step. Also you can just use the premade frosting as is. Whatever floats your boat! There are no rules when it comes to frosting cupcakes. Just eat & enjoy!

 



 

Tag me on Twitter or Instagram @ ChicCountryGirl if you make your own Pistachio Cupcakes.

Hope you have a lovely day wherever you are and an even better weekend :)

Love,

Emily

 

 Disclaimer: Any photos used are mine unless otherwise posted with a * . This post was 100% created by me and photos are copyrighted to TheChicCountryGirl, If your sharing any of them please give credit to this site.

 

 



Makeup Monday: Glossybox Un-boxing | April Box

Hello!

Lovelies


My April GlossyBox has arrived. This months box is very fun, I love the Pop art/Comic look. I thinks it's one of the best designs they've done yet. It includes 5 products and a makeup pouch. I was looking a bit more forward to the pouch. I feel like the iron on transfer isn't very nice and mine is messed up on the back a little. Still nice touch though.

Sadly this will be the last for awhile, I just can't justify the money right now. But hopefully they will be back again soon in my mail box.

 

 

 

 

Marrakesh | Endz: Split End Mender & Preventer Full size $5.99

 

Aerin | Waterlilly Sun Eau De Parfum Deluxe Sample (Full size $110.00)

 

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics | Stained Lip Gloss "Meta" Full Size $18.00

 

Estee Lauder | Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum Deluxe Sample (Full size $62.00)

 

Julep | Gel Eye Glider "Smokey Taupe Shimmer" Full size  $16.00

 

 

&

Makeup Pouch

 

 

Pros:

3 Full Size Products

 

Cons:

My OCC lip stain didn't come with a brush

 

5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆

 

This is a nice box. Really nothing bad to say about it. I even like the cute little perfume. I normally don't like getting perfume but don't mind if they come in cute little bottles, I hate getting the little perfume tubes. If the Marrakesh Endz: Split End Mender & Preventer is any good I might give it a review. It looks like it might be a very nice product if it works. Also the gel liner looks very pretty. I'm a big eye liner junkie so I can't wait to try it.

 

 

 

Are you a Glossy Box subscriber? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this months box, What was your favorite?

 

If you'd like to try any of the products just click on the name and it will take you to where you can buy it online.

 

 

Love

 EMILY

 

Disclaimer: Any photos used are mine unless otherwise posted with a * . I was not sent this item to review. The opinions are 100% my own.