November

November 

Well it is already halfway through November and it definitely has been a better month than October was! November so far has been filled with some really good days. (& now as it goes towards the end, I am preparing for writing papers, a speech, and then finals. Let's hope it goes by fast!) 

Here are some highlights from November thus far: 

Last year I was gifted the Lauren Conrad "Style" book by a sweet girl who got my name in the #instasecretsanta gift exchange over on instagram and this year I finally spotted the "Beauty" book over at my local Half Price Books. I couldn't be more happy that my collection is now complete. These books are perfect for weekend reading and are definitely great gifts for your girlfriends and sisters! 

My Anthropology initial mug is by far the best mug that I own! I bought my sister and me one last year during the holidays, and I haven't regretted it one teeny tiny bit. I'm eyeing the gold and white seasonal one, so maybe for Christmas this year?? ;) 

My sister came home from college over the weekend and of course we had to take a trip to Target (since there is not a Target anywhere close to her college town). Target, Starbucks, and donuts are our thing, so we make sure one of those gets put on our list of to-do's when she comes home. 

Look at all of the gift wrapping! It is a difficult process to wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. 

Cookies were also on our list of to-do's for the weekend. We wanted to try a new tradition of baking sugar cookies for the holidays, so we got our cousin's recipe, made a big (BIG) mess in our kitchen, and completely butchered the decorating part of the process! But we are determined to keep this new tradition up and work on our frosting skills. (Where's the fist pump emoji when you need it?) 

I have been wanting the Naked 2 palette for several months now since I gave mine to my sister to take with her to college, but I have convinced myself plenty of times that I can live without it. 

Clearly, I couldn't. ;)

My last favorites to brag about are the Sophie Harper earrings that I received in my latest Rocksbox set. These gold studs are the perfect go-to accessories for any outfit. Rocksbox can help you up your style with the help of personal stylists who choose three pieces of jewelry a month. It is a very simple process. Sign up for Rocksbox, pay $19 a month, and receive a box full of jewels at your doorstep! Pieces can be Kendra Scott, Sophie Harper, Loren Hope, Gorjana, and more! 

*Use the code simplymissmarissxoxo for a FREE month of Rocksbox*

I hope that this November is bringing you all lots of blessings! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and there are so many reasons to be thankful! I am so thankful for all of you! Happy (early) Thanksgiving & Happy Fall, sweet friends! 

October

I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

-Anne of Green Gables

Wow, have I slacked in the whole blogging department this past month.. and I am so sad that I did not document October! I have always loved October, being that it is the month of fall. If you haven't figured it out by now, I am a lover of fall and anything associated with it. I anticipate fall from the first day of winter all the way into the last day of summer. 

October wasn't as I hoped it would be this year. The first couple of weeks were great, but the last two dragged on and on and I am so thankful that they are over. There were tests and papers back to back for two weeks straight which kept me running low on sleep. I got into my very first car accident (very minor which means that I was very blessed!) and I have had a cold that has lasted almost two weeks. To say I'm ready for this new month is an understatement and boy am I ever ready for November! It is day three into the month and so far I have had little to complain about. (Let's keep it that way please!) While some people are already pulling out the Christmas decor and wrapping presents, I am enjoying this last month of autumn with all the love I have in me. I may listen to some Christmas music here and there and begin watching the hallmark Christmas movies (is there even a limit to how long we are allowed to watch those? I'd watch them all year long if I could!), but give me all the fall things for as long as I can still sociably embrace them. ;) 

I'm already missing the fall cups at Starbucks. Do I really have to wait another year to see these cute cups again? 

I do have a few favorite things from October that have made the month more beautiful and enjoyable. Last fall, I chose not to buy the plaid blanket scarf that has taken over Instagram and Pinterest, but this year, it was on sale over at Brina Box, so I gave in. And let me tell you all. It is just as wonderful as everyone made it out to be. I highly recommend adding it to your wardrobe! One of my items on my list to buy for the season was a floppy hat. I know that not everyone can pull off a hat, and for the longest time, I was one of those girls. Then, all of a sudden, poof! hats actually looked decent on me. (Mostly because I figured a way to adjust my makeup to advance the look, but hey, if I can wear a hat, I'll do what it takes!) ;) I was sold on this hat as soon as I put it on inside of Francesca's. Bonus: My mom loved it just as much as I did, so I couldn't say no to it. 

My mom used to buy the energy aromatherapy products from Bath and Body Works and I have always loved the smell. I watched a YouTube haul video where a girl showed her favorites and the body wash was featured which brought back my memories of the products, so when I went into Bath and Body Works, I fell in love all over again and purchased the body lotion. Totally worth it. I also purchased two candles (naturally because of their wonderful 2 for $24 deal): Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Pecan Waffles. 

Y-U-M. 

I'm loving the idea of smelling pumpkin pie all throughout November. 

The last item I have to share with you is the ultimate fall lipstick - MAC's Rebel. It is the perfect shade of purple that amazingly looks great on everyone. (I may even own two!) 

Although October is said and done, we still have November. Autumn is still here and I am going to embrace this perfect season even if the days get hard. I thank God for the beauty of fall. There is so much to be grateful for this season. I hope that you all enjoy this month as well! 

Mini Fall Wishlist

My Mini Fall Wishlist 

With today being the first day of fall, I decided to put together a mini post for a few items I have my eyes on for this season. 

There are many beautiful items that I am hoping to buy this fall, but some are a bit pricey for this college girl, so I am posting some less expensive items that you may love as well! (All of these items are even less than $50!) 

 

           

 


Earrings: Nickel & Suede 
Leopard Flats: Target 
Paisley Leggings: White Plum
Grey High-Low Tank: Old Navy 
White Long sleeve: Old Navy 
Red and Black Button Down: Gap 
Boyfriend Jeans: Nordstrom 
Green and Grey Jacket: Target 
Blush: Cargo in Los Cabos 

Tarte Cosmetics Limited Edition Energy Noir Clay Palette Review

Hint: I love it. 

When I first saw this makeup palette by Tarte Cosmetics, I thought, "oh, that's pretty," but I didn't just reach for it on the shelves inside of Ulta like I did with their Showstopper palette. But when I started "researching" which eyeshadow palette I would want to buy next, I came across this palette along with Tarte's Rainforest After Dark palette. I went into Ulta the day before my birthday determined to buy the Rainforest After Dark palette, but I was stumped when I looked at the two. Stumped. I stood there at the Tarte counter and just looked back and forth between the two, thinking "oh my goodness. What do I choose?!" Needless to say, I walked out of Ulta empty handed. Well, not literally empty handed.. I believe I purchased some shampoo and conditioner. I don't think I've ever left that store empty handed. 

I went home and began to re watch YouTube videos on the Energy Noir palette and knew I needed it. Needed it, y'all. I hinted about my admiration for this palette all night to my mom and sister, for them to get it for me for my birthday. (Please tell me that we all do that, right??) 

On my birthday, my mom and sister surprised me with a few things (see post here) and the Energy Noir Clay Palette was definitely a surprise by the way they acted. I have the best mother and sister! I am so happy that I own this palette. It is stunning. The colors deserve two thumbs up. All the heart eyes. A standing ovation. They are BEAUTIFUL.

Let me start by mentioning that there are six eyeshadows, two eyeliners (can be shadows as well), a blush, and a highlighter. Here are the names:

 Top eyeshadows are Full Moon, Charged Up, & Dark Drive

Bottom eyeshadows are: Stone Unturned, Up Too Slate, & Misty Mauve

The two eyeliners are: Power Plum & Lunar Eclipse 

Blush is Unleashed

Highlighter is Crystal Spark

I tested these out on my arm to help you see the colors on skin rather just in the palette. They are just as stunning on, though they may not seem so from the pictures. 

The eyeshadow colors are not in order on my arm. I tried to get Full Moon to show up, but it is barely noticeable on my pale skin. Full Moon is on the far left on my arm. Stone Unturned is next, then Up Too Slate, Misty Mauve, Charged Up, and last is Dark Drive. 

On my right arm are the two eyeliners, the blush, and the highlighter (though, again, the highlighter is hardly noticeable. I did put it on twice in hopes for it to show up in the light, but the shimmer is still barely noticed..). 

Though the colors are browns and purples, they work together in a beautiful way for a neutral and fall -like look. These colors are perfect for a date night or girls night out. You can wear them easily in the day, but once you dress the colors up, you will be sure to wow everyone with your glamorous face!

Once again, Tarte has blown me away. I am a huge fan of pinks and corals, but oh my. Purples are the perfect touch for a dramatic look. I am in love with Tarte and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon. I hope you ladies fall in love with Tarte and the Energy Noir Clay Palette. You won't be disappointed with these colors and the amazing pigmentation that Tarte brings in their products. 

Visit Tarte's website for more information and reviews on the Limited Edition Energy Noir Clay Palette.