June Favorites 2013

So another month of summer has passed us by and it's time for my monthly favorites! I absolutely love reading favorites posts so I hope some of you enjoy reading them. It's always nice to know about new products out there, or old products that have become new favorites. Without further ado, my June 2013 favorites:

Blue Diamond Almonds - Blueberry (or Cinnamon!) - These are seriously scrumptious. I discovered them on an endcap at Target while roaming the food aisles and don't know why they're not featured in a stand all on their own. They're sweet and crunchy with the best blueberry taste which comes from real blueberry juice, not just some chemical flavoring. The cinnamon flavor is also amazing. I'm sure if you were to toast them in the oven for just a moment your whole house would smell like a summer festival where they sell the cinnamon nuts. YUM.

Essie's Sunday Funday - This nail polish was recently featured in my Cara Box Exchange post because my lovely new blog friend Samantha sent it to me. It's the perfect summer shade and I've already repainted my nails with this color about 8 times.

One Love Organics Morning Glory Serum - Although the scent of this is somewhat herbal and earthy smelling, the results I've experienced are quite impressive. It's a brightening serum/toner and I love how I feel refreshed after applying it. I don't have the full size because I bought a sample pack of the entire skincare regimen and will probably end up buying it once I finish the sample.

Nike SB Stefan Janoski Shoes - I purchased these in June because I work retail and have long hours of standing and walking to put clothes away. So I must say thank you to the kind girl at Zumiez who helped me find the right shoe with her smart suggestions. Retail girls have to stick together. But seriously, these are probably the most comfortable shoes I own aside from my Birkenstocks which I can't wear to work.

L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner - Smoothest, creamiest, longest lasting eyeliner ever. 'Nuff said.

Batiste Cool and Crisp Fresh Dry Shampoo - One question. Why did I not discover dry shampoo years ago? This would have made high school a breeze! Anyway, I've heard YouTube beauty gurus and beauty bloggers all over the world rave about Batiste dry shampoos so I jumped on the band wagon to see what it was all about. I'm in love. A lot of dry shampoos have a weird aerosol can scent that isn't what I want my hair to smell like, but Batiste dry shampoos have fun scents and the product itself does the job well.

What were your June favorites?

4th of July Style Guide

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays! There are fireworks, parades, and it's a giant celebration where we can all come together as a nation (not to mention another excuse to eat!). Fireworks are my favorite part so I'll probably be sticking to an outfit closer to the first look so I can be comfortable sitting outside in the grass with a firework picnic, but if I had a party I'd love to wear a fun dress! Perhaps I'll have a chance to wear both!

Backyard BBQ

Scarf - Target, Bag - Forever 21, Shoes - TOMS, Top - American Eagle, Shorts - Tilly's

Hanging out at an All-American BBQ in this outfit would be a breeze. It's easy and festive without being out of control. You'll be able to watch fireworks, sit outside, and enjoy the company of your friends and family without worrying about what you're wearing.

Fancy on the Fourth

Necklace - Forever 21, Shoes - DSW, Dress - Forever 21, Clutch - Gap, Hair pins - Etsy, Nails - Blog

If you're heading to a classy 4th of July get-together or a fancy date, I suggest something similar to this outfit! It's flirty, fun, and still shows your festive side. The accessories really bring the look together and make it special for the 4th!

What will you be wearing on the 4th this year?

Summer Reading List

I've been super busy lately, but I think things should start becoming more of an easily handled schedule very soon. That's where my reading list comes in! I've been planning on re-reading some of my favorites ever since I picked up the Twilight series again over Christmas break. It makes me happy to know that no matter where I am in my life or in the world, my favorite books will always be there to welcome me home. This mix of summer reads will be some old, some new, and some I probably won't get around to. Without further ado, here is the Summer 2013 Aislinn Reading List (in no particular order):

The Happiness Project

I've started reading this and really enjoy it. Just a book about how to live a happier life!

The Scorpio Races*

I think this is my favorite book of all time. READ IT! You will not regret it.

Return to Paradise

I read the first in the series, Lost in Paradise, about three years ago and never got around to this one. I am looking forward to picking up this series again.

P.S. I Love You*

P.S. I Love You was the first book that ever made me cry. It holds a special place in my heart because it is such a heartbreaking story. I didn't like the movie, so I need to refresh my love for the book by re-reading it.

I Am the Messanger*

I love Markus Zusak and just finished The Book Thief (review up soon). I read this at least three years ago and want to revisit it. Sometimes you just need to go back in time and relive the good old days.

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore

I want to read this so badly. It sounds so interesting and different from anything I've read before. Can't wait to pick this up.

Love, Rosie*

Love, Rosie is a book that some of my friends could not get through because it is very frustrating. But I loved it. It's written in all emails, texts, and snail mail, which I love. A highly recommended book for a beach vacation.

Code Name Verity

I've had this book on my list since Christmas and have not yet had the chance to read it. It sounds like it will be another contender for my favorite book of all time.

The History of Love

Just the title of this one makes me want to read it. I'm all about the love.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

I love interactive books where I might get to look at a magazine ad, read a letter, or pretend I'm living in another era. This book will be perfect for me.

Insurgent

I read Divergent over Christmas break and could not wait to get my hands on Insurgent, the second book of the series. I haven't purchased this one yet, but it will be in my collection very soon!

What is on your reading list this summer?

*Indicates books I've previously read and enjoyed so much I'd like to read them again.

Cara Box Exchange with Samantha from Schottel Story

I'm sure my new friend Samantha could hear my squeal all the way across the country when I received my Cara Box in the mail today!

Included was a very sweet note along with gummy bears, two packs of Starbursts (I already ate one!), Dove dark chocolate, an adorable cardholder, a drink tumbler, two packs of bobby pins (how did she know I always need these!), two makeup brushes, and Essie nail polish in Sunday Funday all packaged in a very cute blue organizer!

I've already painted my nails with the new shade and I'm absolutely thrilled. This is the perfect color for me and has the subtlest hint of shimmer which is gorgeous. It's also a really great formula that is opaque in one coat.

Samantha from Schottel Story

I'm so thankful to have been paired with Samantha! If you haven't already checked out her blog, you can find her here. She posts about her "handsome man, wedding planning, student teaching, college life, being a retired college athlete, and most importantly God. I can't wait for my next Cara Box match, but I'll always remember my first match with Samantha.

Boots Botanics Organic Face Super Balm Review

This little magic pot of face balm has been a dream. After testing out the One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm, and falling in love, I needed to find something similar that would better fit my budget. The Skin Savior is a whopping $68 while the Boots Face Super Balm is only $9. A much better deal for a girl like me.

This little pot is packed full of nutrients to help hydrate your skin. There's also argan oil and shea butter to nourish and condition. It smells quite organic and clean, like plants and trees, but I enjoy it because I know there aren't any harsh ingredients or fragrances that might break me out.

In the summer I always used to think I didn't need to moisturize as much, but now that I've started using this I've seen dramatic improvements in the condition of my skin.

I recommend trying any beauty balms or face balms that you see at the drugstore! Definitely worth a whirl!

Let me know what beauty products you've tried recently!