1.|| In 10 words or less, describe yourself.

Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Christian, Compassionate, Goofy, Sensitive, Beauty & Fashion Lover. Here’s more random facts about me: http://notesbycheeia.blogspot.com/2013/10/20-random-facts-about-me.html

2.|| In my dreams, I live in…

Colorado. As you get older you realize that it’s really not about the place that brings you joy, but the value of people. I’ve travelled all over the world and moved twice (Minnesota and currently residing in California) however, my heart lies in Colorado where I can enjoy my mom’s home cooked meals, gossip with my crazy sister, and a place filled with childhood memories. It’s authentic you can’t find it anywhere else!

3.||If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be…

Saint Laurent Classic Jane Ankle Strap – They say, you can tell alot about person from their shoes – Let me start off and say 90% of my wardrobe are solid colors – I’m plain Jane, however, I believe it’s simplicity that makes great statement pieces. Additionally, they’re versatile and you can mix-match these babies with any seasons/occasions! I don’t think they will never go out of style.

4.|| What beauty product can’t I live without?

Clinique Moisturizing Lotion – Sadly, I have very dry skin and I cannot go a day without it.

5.|| Why did I start blogging?

I was dating this guy for almost a year. I know that doesn’t sound long, but we moved in together right after we met and things got complicated. I was heartbroken when we split; however, I was able to move forward by reading and expressing myself through blogs. Strange how things work out sometimes right? I have a passion to serve women so the ultimate goal I have for my blog is to create my own space/community and build positive relationships! On another note, I have a big heart for fashion so it’s a cherry on top that I’m able to share that with my readers as well.

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Today I am guest posting over at Notes By Cheeia, and talking all about my marriage, so come and say hi!

XO – Samantha

I mentioned yesterday that I needed some extra rest and TLC after a late night on the town with my husband and sister, so I thought I’d kick off this weeks list with where I was…

1.|| Vox Table’s {first} Pop-Up dinner on the 55th floor of the Austonian. Delicious food, a beautiful view, and a fun night with friends and family. For more information, and for updates on opening dates, you can check them out on their facebook page here.

2.|| I discovered Revelry House this week, and absolutely love their Christmas & New Years Boxes. What a quick and easy way to host a fabulous party. I need to get my hands on these, because I LOVE any reason to throw a party!!

3.|| I love this art framed in Taylors beautiful Nursery/Office, and pretty much everything else in there.

4.|| If I ever move again, I’m making these.

5.|| Kids holiday P.J.’s that are oh-so-cute! Girl: One, Two, Three & Boys: One, Two

6.|| Camryn hasn’t seen Monsters University yet, so I will definitely be making some monster munch when we do.

7.|| I am officially obsessed with Zara Kids clothing, shoes…everything.

8.|| ALL {ok, I’m being dramatic}…Most of my friends are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or already have kids, so these darling little VONBON gift sets are going to put me in the poor house. Camryn owns a few pieces, so reviews coming soon.

9.|| Thanksgiving is all about family, good food, and reflection. These DIY placemats are such a fun way for everyone to share what they’re thankful for.

10.|| This is going to be my next trash read.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

XO – Samantha

It’s that day…Sephora’s VIB Sale, November 7-11th. If you didn’t recieve your coupons via mail, or e-mail, then use code VIBTOPIA for 20% off your order.

If you missed my post about what I’ll be purchasing, you can find it here.

My husband, sister, and I went out last night to a pop-up dinner for a VOX Table, benefiting NO KID HUNGRY. So fun, but we didn’t get home until after 11pm. This Mama is taking the rest of today to rest, and I’ll be back tomorrow for my Friday Lust List!

I wanna know what y’all get from the Sephora sale – leave me comments! Is there any product I need to try?

XO – Samantha

Happy Hump Day everyone! For all of you shoe lovers, I have a special guest that you are sure to enjoy, Rebecca of CanYaHeelMe.com. I am taking over her blog today, so go check me out!

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1. In 10 words or less, describe yourself.

I am decoding Pantone Spring 2014 colors, and sharing a few of my favorite items that will take you through fall and straight into spring. Come say hi to me, and drool over all the beautiful, and colorful shoes.

I have been testing out a few face masks, and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.

#1|| Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask : Retails for $55

This mask contains 4 acids – lactic, glycolic, tartaric, and citric – to gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a healthier, glowing complexion. It is suitable for most skin types (those with very sensitive skin should avoid) , but those with mature skin, or who suffer from acne-scarring, sun damage, and blemishes will receive the best results. Ren’s products come in very clean, no-fuss packaging, and I quite like that this mask has a pump. When applying the mask, you’ll notice the thick honey-like consistency, and the slightly warm sensation. It contains citrus fruits, as well as grapes, and papaya which make this mask smell INCREDIBLE!

The directions say to apply to clean, dry skin, and wait 10 minutes before removing with the provided muslin cloth.

Unlike most masks, results are typically noticeable immediately. I’ve used this product for nearly 2 years, and every time I remove the mask my skin is significantly more radiant, and feels so soft. I notice that my foundation applies more evenly, and doesn’t have any dry patches after I’ve used this mask. This is definitely my holy grail mask as of now.

#2|| Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial: Retailes for $45

This mask is like your favorite moisturizer on steroids! Sephora describes it as “A weightless soufflé powered by super-charged proteins that melts into skin and works overnight for intense, immediate moisturization.” It has a lotion texture, but feels slightly like a gel when you apply it. It soaks into the skin quickly, but leaves behind a silky, slightly wet residue. I enjoy the smell of this mask, it reminds me of the Olay lotions.

I use this mask when my skin is feeling dehydrated, or needs that extra TLC. Because this mask is clear when applied, and simply looks like a moisturizer, I like to take this with me on flights. Planes are so harsh on your skin, and always leave my skin looking dull, dry, and just plain sad. I like to apply this mask as soon as I get on the plane, then I cleanse my face after I land and reapply this mask before bed. My skin feels plumped, hydrated, and radiant the next morning.

#3|| Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores: Retails for $16-$24

This is the mask I grab when I have a breakout, or notice blackheads popping up. The active charcoal “acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers”, and the white china clay helps to absorb environmental toxins. There are a million products on the market that advertise to “reduce pore size”, but your pores don’t just open and close. If your pores look large, they are probably clogged with dirt and oils that need to be extracted. Skip the gimmicky products and just start exfoliating regularly, and grab yourself a bottle of this. Bonus: Since it’s gray, you can convince your boyfriend/husband that this is a “manly face mask”, and help his skin out too!

The mask is creamy, and dries like all other clay masks. Apply, let sit until it hardens, and then remove with warm water and a washcloth. Easy!

Here are a few masks that I want to get my hands on ASAP:

Dr. Jart+ Water-Full Hydrogel Mask: Retails for $9/per mask, or $45/5 masks

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment: Retails for $69

Those will definitely be in my shopping cart as soon as Sephora starts their Beauty Insider Sale!! Do you guys have any other face mask recommendations for me, or masks that you’d like to have me review for you? Leave me a comment below.

I’ll also be posting about the masks I’ve tried and liked the LEAST for you soon.

A review post on face masks just wouldn’t be complete without a creepy selfie of me getting my “mask on”, now would it?!

XO – Samantha

1.|| This beautiful blue & gold kitchen – I could really have fun cooking dinner in here! You think they knew Pantone would pick “Dazzling Blue” as the 2014 color of the year?

2.|| I have been using the Cambell’s Slow Cooker sauces the last few weeks, and YUM!! My favorite so far is the Moroccan Spiced chicken. I love pulling out my slow cooker in the fall and winter and having warm, comforting meals, that take very little effort.

3.|| After reading this article over on Kristin’s blog, I was so inspired to start taking classes with shootFLYshoot. I’ve had a Nikon DSLR for over a year, and it’s been on my to-do list to finally learn how to really use it. I love that their classes are done through videos, because I’m a very visual learner. Who wants to take a class with me? Let’s do this!!

Makeup Debate

4.|| Is wearing makeup a betrayal? This girl was given quite the transformation, and has a lot of people saying it’s deceiving. Leave me a comment below telling me if you think she’s “tricking” guys.

5.|| This print is so sweet, and would look great in a girls bedroom, or nursery. The words really resonate with me.

6.|| I bought these jeans last weekend at H&M for only $19.95 and I’m in love. They do not feel like $20 jeans. I am definitely buying a few more pairs!

7.|| This hilarious article about kids that were raised right. #22 is so stinkin adorable.

8.|| Saks is having their Friends & Family sale – 25% off with code FRNFAM. I want these, these, (in my dreams) this.

9.|| These gorgeous BipAndBop tassel bracelets. If you missed yesterdays post, BipAndBop has generously given all of my readers a 15% discount. Use code “SAMANTHA” at checkout. (Valid until 10/31)

10.|| The Kate Spade collection for Swoozies is out, and in typical Kate fashion, everything is adorable. These will be my holiday cards.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Don’t forget to enter the POPSUGAR must have giveaway if you haven’t already.

XO – Samantha

Let’s talk jewelry, because I know y’all are as jewelry crazed as I am. Nothing changes an outfit, or creates a more fun, trendy, polished, romantic, playful, colorful, or edgy look as easily as jewelry does. It’s the finishing touch; the icing on the cake.

Here are some pictures of my recent “arm parties”:

As you can clearly see, I believe in the saying “More, is more, is more!”

I have been posting my tassel bracelet all over Instagram and tons of you have asked me where I purchased it, and how you can get your hands on one, and the answer is BipAndBop. Lucky you, BipAndBop is offering all of you a discount for the next 2 weeks! Head over to their shop and use code “SAMANTHA” for 15% off YOUR TOTAL ORDER. My beloved tassel bracelet comes in a variety of colors, and is so affordable. BipAndBop has so many other pieces that I am lusting over! Mom…Husband… I hope you’re taking notes. Christmas and my Birthday are right around the corner

With so many beautiful choices, how’s a girl to choose? These would make great Christmas gifts too, so be sure to grab something for your Mom, Sister, Daughter, or Friend!

Don’t forget to enter into the POPSUGAR must have giveaway if you haven’t already, and share on Facebook for 5 extra entries.

XO – Samantha

I found a new mirror last week, and decided to give my mantle a new look using it. I painted the mirror gold (it was an awful crackling silver color before) and added some of my favorite art from MadeByGirl.com and Leigh Viner’s shop on Etsy. I wanted to stick to black & gold and add in a few pops of color with coffee table books, flowers from my garden, and art. Here’s what I came up with:

What do you think? I have a few other pieces from both artists that I’ll feature in my Home Tour soon. Check out their shops if you’re interested, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Here are some other inspiring mantles:

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What do you think of the wood stacked in the fireplace?

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Oh, and while I have you here, HAPPY HUMP DAY!