My Birthday Wish List!

Happy birthday to ME! It's also Charlie's Gotcha Day--he was rescued on my birthday 6 years ago! Talk about the best present ever. As you know, I've been in Disneyland celebrating, and thought I'd continue the celebration with my birthday wish list. Since it's my day, allow me to indulge a little:

Flowers--Receiving flowers or getting them for myself is a special treat. I'm fond of The Bouqs, since they have such pretty arrangements.

Pink Lipstick--This is an Allure Magazine winner! I love a pretty pink lipstick, so I was drawn to the Dior Lipstick in Rose Baiser. How pretty is this color?

Sephora Giftcard--I think this one needs no explanation, right?

Blow Out--One of my favorite indulges is to get a blow out. I've enjoyed visiting DryBar but I've heard good things about Breathe Beauty Bar.

Crazy Expensive Candles--What a splurge, but fancy candles smell SO good. I love Diptyque and Jo Malone. Did you know that Princess Diana had Canbelle by Diptyque in her bathroom? And that the Duchess of Cambridge had Jo Malone candles in the Orange Blossom scent on her wedding day? These candles would make me practically a royal, y'all.

Master Palette--Mario D, aka Kim K's makeup artist, created his own eye shadow palette in collab with Anastasia of Beverly Hills. Forget his clientele, the man is very talented. The shades look gorgeous. But are they actually of good quality? If I had this palette, I would be able to tell you. It's strictly for research purposes. ;)

I'll be celebrating my birthday, so I'll be back here on Thursday!

Blogiversary Giveaway! $200 Sephora Gift Card

via

Happy blogiversary to Elle Sees! After reading blogs for a couple of years, I decided to make my own. I wanted a beauty blog that gave fair reviews of thoroughly tested products (whether purchased or pr), lots of fun beauty DIYS, the tricks I had learned over the years from my love of beauty, and tutorials for hair/makeup/nails.

I wanted to find others who shared my love of beauty as well as those who are beginners. I was worried no one would read it, so for the first few years I blogged about everything else, before making Elle Sees almost exclusively beauty. It brings me such joy that I still look forward to creating content. Here's my blog by the numbers:

• Years spent blogging: 6
• Blog views: 8, 018, 815
• Posts: 2027
• Times I've run out of ideas: 0
• Hours it takes to create one post: 4
• Times I've considered quitting: 1
• Fun I've had and friends I've made: countless
• Best part: knowing I've helped someone who maybe didn't love beauty before but now is willing to try it
• Worst part: People who don't read your posts and rude bloggers

And to thank you for spending a bit of your day with me, whether you are a long-time or new reader, I'm giving away $200 Sephora gift card! To enter, please use the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from 4-14-16 to 5-14-16 and is open to all. Gift card can be used in stores or online and will be delivered via email. I will not exchange it for money or other prize. It will be a $200 Sephora gift card. Winner will be chosen randomly on 5-14-16 and entries will be verified first and if the potential winner doesn't follow the rules, the process will continue until one that does. Please use this post to see who won. If you are a sore loser (there's always one!) or are following just to unfollow, then please don't enter this giveaway. I bought this gift card myself so it is sponsored by me! Good luck to all and thank you for reading Elle Sees!

Let the Birthday Weekend Begin!

This sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY will be my birthday! To celebrate, I'm headed to the mountains with my bffs. There will be lots of food and drinks consumed, lots of magazines and books read, lots of movies watched, several karaoke performances (mostly by me), impromptu dance parties, a flag routine with an invisible flag (it's my trademark dance move), some hiking, and pizza at 3 am.

No boys are allowed. Except Charlie. ;)

Speaking of him, I'll also be celebrating the 5th anniversary of Charlie's rescue day (read more on his story here).  I cannot wait to have fun and I'll be back Monday. Follow me on Instagram and/or Snapchat @ellesees (I follow back, always).

And I will have messy hair, no makeup, and probably won't be wearing pants (as pictured below):

But a hat? Definitely.

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

PS: Super shout out to Kiki for her amazing comment yesterday. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

How To: DIY Birthday Cake Sugar Scrub

Yes, it's my Birthday Week. And yes, I've just decided that's a thing. The real event is Sunday!

This has been a bit of a tough year for me, and a little self-care is definitely in order. To cheer me up, I decided to make my infamous DIY Birthday Cake Sugar Scrub. I got the idea for this back in 2005 (according to my recipe file archives) while whipping up a batch of Funfetti cupcakes. I was staring at the batter and it gave me this idea. 

A few sprinkles (nonpareils if we're being technical) ain't hurt anyone, right?

You'll Need:

• 1 c sugar (I used raw)
• 5 drops vanilla or birthday cake body-safe oil
• 1/2 c melted coconut oil (or oil of choosing)
• optional: nonpareils 
• optional topping: whipped coconut oil

See also:

• DIY Snickerdoodles Sugar Scrub

 To Make:

• Add sugar and coconut oil to bowl.
• Mix well.
• Add sprinkles as desired and mix well.
• Make sure the consistency is what you like. Some like a drier scrub, and some like this a bit more saturated. I like mine this way since it looks a little more like crumbled up cake.

See also:

• DIY Vanilla Sugar Cookie Sugar Scrub

Maybe add another dash of sprinkles.

See also:

• DIY Donut Sprinkle Nails

To make the whipped topping--I do this for presentation, but it's essentially the same recipe as my body butters. Just take a little melted coconut oil, like 1/4c, and whip until it looks like this. Add more sprinkles on top because you can. Store in a sealable container to last 6 months. Stir as it settles. Add more coconut or additional oil like sweet almond if it is too dry for your liking.

FAQ:

• Do I have to use raw (unrefined) sugar?
• No. I used it because it reminds me of the color of cake.
• Can I use sprinkles (jimmies)?
• I don't like the long sprinkles. The color bleeds and you can feel them when scrubbing.
• Why are you using sprinkles (nonpareils)? Isn't the color going to get everywhere and can't you feel them? etc, etc, etc,
• You don't have to. It makes it feel more birthday cake-like. I like these because you cannot feel them when you are using the scrub and the color doesn't bleed (unless you add a lot of oil). They are made from sugar and starch.

Extra Elle:

• Anyone else want cake after seeing this post? I'll get mine on Sunday!
• I hope you join in on my Story About the Pic linkup on Oct 22--see the last one here.

The Blush and The Burgundy

This Sunday is my birthday (a fact I will mention a dozen more times this week), and I spent my weekend having a "round one" celebration. I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

But even though I was having fun, I stepped back for a minute for a few reflections.

And I realized three things:

1- I now require a nap if I am doing something past midnight. #oldlady
2- I treasure having friendships that pick up where they left off.
3- Pizza at 3 am is always a good idea.

Deeeep thoughts, right? ;)
These random thoughts that have nothing to do with each other, but go together somehow, like this outfit. A little summer with fall. Light and dark. The blush and the burgundy.

Shirt: c/o SheIn Jeggings: JcPenney Velvet Loafers: 

C Wonder (no longer available, boo) Earrings: Kendra Scott

Extra Elle:

• Don't forget my Story Behind the Pic linkup Oct 22!
• $100 to JcPenney anyone? Ends 10-16!

5 Year Blogiversary $100 Sephora Giveaway

Hey you! Today is my 5th Blogiversary! I cannot believe "Elle Sees" turns 5 today! I love this little blog of mine and how it has changed over the years. I love being able to share my life-long love affair and expertise of all things beauty with y'all. What started as a hobby has turned into a passion that means so much to me. I put nearly everything into this blog (so much time and effort!) and to have you take a little time out of your day to stop by means the world. I am so thankful for my true readers. I LOVE Y'ALL! And to say thank you, I am giving away a $100 Sephora Giftcard. Please enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway for $100 Sephora e-giftcard is open from 4-15--5-9-2015

It is sponsored by me.

This giveaway is international, but you must have access to a Sephora to use the card. 

No substitutes will be given.

The e-card will be purchased through Cashstar at Sephora.com, 

so if you are the winner, please check your spam email.

I believe in fair giveaways, with the winner being chosen by random.org.

The winner, after being verified, will be announced 5-10-2015.

If you are a sore loser, please don't enter. 

I want this to be an easy and fun giveaway 

to thank my readers and to celebrate 5 amazing years blogging.

Thank you and GOOD LUCK!

PS: MORE Giveaways for you:

• GOLD Macbook Giveaway
• $100 Visa Giftcard from Zing
• $100 Visa Giftcard from Garnier

Happy 4th Blogiversary, ELLESEES ($75 Sephora Giveaway)

Hey you! Happy 4th Blogiversary to the blog!! I can't believe it--times has surely flown by. I am so blessed to have readers like YOU. And to thank you for reading my blog, it's time for my annual Sephora giveaway! And no, this isn't a giveaway where you have to follow hundreds of blogs...just follow mine if you'd like. There will be 3 winners--each a different prize. Check out the prizes below:


PRIZES:

Grand Prize: $75 Sephora E-Card to one winner

2nd place: Lacquer Cabinet Nailtini Polishes (6 Polishes, 4 empty mixing bottles $88 Value) to one winner. Originally reviewed here.

3rd Place: From the Lab Skincare Box to one winner ($165 value). Originally reviewed here.

The not-so-fine print:

• There will be 3 winners. One wins Sephora, a different winner for the polishes, and a different winner for the skincare. 
• The Sephora prize is international (an e-gift card via Cashstar, so be sure to check your email spam if you're the winner), but the 2nd and 3rd place prizes are US only, due to shipping restrictions.
• ElleSees is not responsible for the condition of prizes when received. I will make every way possible to ensure they are in perfect condition.
• I believe in as fair of a giveaway as possible--these are real prizes given to valid entrants. Once the giveaway is over, Punchtab randomly chooses the winner. I will check to make sure the entry is a valid winning entry, then contact the winner via email. Once I have the information needed from that winner, then the name will be posted on this post only. That means the winners won't be announced here UNTIL all of the above steps have been completed. Please do not contact me asking for the winners. Keep checking the post until they are posted. Thank you.
• Please do not contact me asking how to follow or unfollow my blog--I can't do that for you.
• If you are a sore loser, please don't enter this giveaway. I do this annually as a FUN way to thank my readers and followers. Thank you and GOOD LUCK!
• The giveaway runs from April 14, 2014 to May 14, 2014 EST.

THE WINNER IS HAZEL V. Thank you.

Rants+ Raves

Rants:

• I didn't pay my car tag on time. I thought I had the whole month, so late fees it is. Lesson permanently learned.
• I apparently had a virus on my blog for a few weeks. Thanks to everyone who emailed and contacted me to let me know! So frustrating, but completely remedied.

Raves:

• IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY FRIDAY!! Usually everyone forgets my birthday, but luckily I have Instagram to remind everyone! Haha. I am still feeling all the love from everyone. Thank you so much! You know how to make an old girl feel special.
• It was Charlie's 3rd anniversary of being rescued! I'll be sharing the full story later this week. Love that little guy.
• I have lived in Atlanta for a few years, but there are so many tourist places I've never visited. I decided I would do that for my birthday weekend. Did you see my Instagram pics of Atlanta?
• A few times a year, I have this blogging crisis, where I think everyone hates the blog and that I should just throw in the towel. Am I really helping anyone? How do I prove that I'm truly knowledgeable about all things beauty and that can help if just given the chance? But the next morning, I had random emails from strangers saying this or that post helped them and that my blog is helpful. It was serendipitous. And all the confirmation I needed.

How was your weekend?? 

Share you rants and raves in the comments, if you'd like!

PS: Two awesome giveaways I'm hosting:

• 16 gb Mini Tablet, from Citi Simplicty
• Monster headphones (valued $150)

DIY Candy Corn Ombre Nails (Plus Halloween Nails Roundup)

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY! It's also the three year anniversary of the day Charlie was rescued and brought into my life. The story on that is here, if you'd like to read.

And today I'm rounding up my Video Week with a nail tutorial. Ombre nails are the most-searched for nail tutorial I get on the blog (I've done LOTS of them), and I thought I'd make a video showing you how I do it. I'm making it seasonal with candy corn, something I've shared a couple of years ago on here, but this isn't a Halloween-specific nail tutorial. The basic techniques shared in the video below can be applied to any regular ombre nails. Just switch out the polishes to any (at least) three colors you like. Enjoy.

If you can't view the video, click here or here:

http://youtu.be/0q0H0BZBuoU

• 3 polishes
• 1 makeup sponge
• base, top coats
• polish remover and q-tips for clean up

Want more autumn or Halloween nails? Check out these past tutorials:

Autumn Glitter Ombre Nails

Evil Eye Nails

Snakeskin Nails

5 Spooktacular Nails

8 Halloween Nails

Sparkly Jelly Pumpkin Nails

Monster Mani Nails

Have a great weekend! 

Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

Please support my giveaways below:

• 16 gb Mini Tablet, from Citi Simplicty
• Monster headphones (valued $150)

Charlie Brown, the Great Pumpkin

Happy 3rd Blogiversary ElleSees!

Three years ago today I started this blog! As a token of thanks, I'm giving $75 to Sephora to one lucky reader. I'm also dedicating next week to YOU with my annual Reader Request Week. And finally, I did the scariest thing possible: a video to share with you! I've never made a video before, as you will definitely see, and I'm so shy! This video was this week's The 52 Project goal, and it was a huge step for me. I'm taking you behind the scenes on a mini-tour of my apartment to show secrets from the "glamorous" world of blogging! Spoiler alert: it's not glamorous. Enjoy getting to know me better AND the most embarrassing 2 minutes and 40 seconds of my life! No, seriously, watch! :)

In case the video doesn't load, try this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRTnG3bhF3w

Highlights:

• my embarrassing southern accent
• my camera awkwardness
• my attempt at trying to be funny
• my satin pillow--I told y'all I was serious about my hair!
• that I puked twice out of nerves, sorry, tmi
• that I wish I was that relaxed, blogging on the bed in real life
• that I had to bribe a certain someone to be in the video
• watch past the credits!
• A SURPRISE SPECIAL GUEST (skip to the 2 min mark to see!)

Thank you so much for reading, commenting, and following my blog/social media. I know I take this silly blog way too seriously, but it means the world to me! So thank you, thank you, thank you! Here's to many more years to come! THANK YOU! xo, Elle

December & 2012: A Review

Charlie and Santa--I never tire of posting this photo;

Me, in glasses, last minute Christmas shopping;

The annual tree pic;

Christmas nails--glitter forever;

My Sister's wedding & me looking awkward;

 Charlie's tongue hanging out because he hates having his pic taken like me!

How was your December? In my promise to share more personal stuff on here, since there is actually a girl behind all the polishes and curling irons, I'm doing another month in review. I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Instagram pics of the month. Go follow me on Instagram for more candid shots of me and way too many of Charlie. December seemed to fly by for me! Obviously the holidays and family would be the best parts, but blog-wise, I had my biggest daily views ever! Over 18,000!  Last December I posted every day (seriously) and had my lowest views, which I attributed to the holidays, so it was a nice surprise this year. And now for my year in review!

published in a magazine, too many selfies, lots of Charlie, beach, hair, Sugar 

And how was your 2012? I always had this theory that even-numbered years ended up being the best, but I think 2012 was split right down the middle. Here's a "quick" review of 2012:

• It started off pretty rough, with the death of my Granny Sugar, and some really difficult family stuff, but I had so many of you pitch in and write guest posts. I am so thankful for a wonderful blogging community/friends. Thank you.
• In February I went to WDW and WWOHP. I hadn't been to the Magic Kingdom since I was a kid, so it was a blast being a kid again. And Harry Potter was just as magical as I'd hoped.
• In March, I got published in Bust Magazine! 
• April and May featured beach trips, and my sister's and brother's birthdays. 
• When June rolled around, it was all about the beach, with my annual trip with my friends, and lots of trips to the pool. 

pumpkins, Falcons, Wild Adventures, too many selfies, mountains, shelly beach, WDW, tan

• July was great because my Lil Sis and I went to Wild Adventures Theme park and then she visited me in Atlanta.
• In August, I attended an Atlanta Falcons game and my nephew's birthday. 
• September, I made my Bucket List goal of getting into the Guinness Book of World Records!
• October, I was asked to be a part of a reality show (no worries, I'm too shy), and I went back to Walt Disney World for my birthday. It was my best birthday ever!
• November, I had my first taste of nasty comments, got over it, posted my 30 Days of Thankful on Instagram, and celebrated Thanksgiving & nephew's birthday with my family.
• December, as mentioned earlier, was fast and fun.

Charlie, Christmas, lake, nails, autumn

Have a safe and happy New Years Eve! 

For hair, makeup, and nail ideas for NYE, click here and here.

How was your 2012?

May 2013 be the most amazing year ever!

Keep up with Elle Sees on Twitter and Instagram.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Today's my birthday! My birthday is even more special because two years ago today, I became the mama to my pup, Charlie Brown.

The first pic I saw of Charlie.

Two years ago today I got a text from my friend--I figured it was a text wishing me happy birthday, but inside was a picture of this six month old (vet's guess) 4-pound puppy with long, matted hair. She said he was thrown out of a car and was so scared. Luckily, my friend saw this and scooped him up before anything worse could happen. I was the only friend of hers who didn't have pets, and she wanted to know if I wanted him. I was definitely not an animal person, but my heart said otherwise. Usually, my Libra-self has a hard time making decisions, and I will debate the pros and cons for as long as possible. But this time I had no hesitation, just a "yes."
It was the best decision I've ever made. And the best birthday present ever.

After his first bath. His fur had never been cut and was severely matted.

After his first vet visit. Despite being malnourished, having stomach parasites 

and getting his shots, he was all smiles.

Two years later and he weighs 8.5 pounds. This Morkie has stolen my heart. 

Three days after I got him, I was talking to a friend about Charlie Brown. 

He looked up at me and that was it--he's a Charlie. Here he is with his Great Pumpkin.

After one year. He's half Maltese, half Yorkie, and all love.

The closest we'll get to a family photo--he looks aggravated because I'm always taking his pic.

Need proof? Check out my 29490 pics of him on my Instagram (ElleSees).

The sweetest, cutest pup ever.

I'm off celebrating my birthday at Disney World, but will resume posting on Monday. To keep up with my adventures (or just to see more pics of Charlie Brown) add me on Instagram (ElleSees).

Have a great weekend!

HAPPY 2nd BLOGIVERSARY TO ELLE SEES!

Two years ago I was unemployed, in a new city, and my computer decided to kick the bucket. I would spend all day on my teeny phone applying to jobs. As a reward, I would check out beauty/fashion/gossip blogs, and occasionally respond. One day I was glancing over a Spring Beauty post. I immediately sat up and started talking to the screen.

The products listed were outrageously priced. I knew one product didn't work, that there was a drugstore dupe for this other product, and that I already made my own version of another. I decided right then and there that I needed to start a blog to share what I knew.

And I've been smitten with blogging ever since.

This post is the beginning of a celebratory week wherein I thank YOU. Thank you for taking the 10 seconds of your day to read my blog. Thank you for leaving a comment, good or bad. Thank you for following me on this blog (and various forms of social media). Thank you for repinning, retweeting, and reposting. Thank you for all the emails, cards, notes, and presents.Thank you for the incredible support and friendship you've given me over the past two years. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything.

To celebrate, next week is Reader Request Week--a week dedicated to YOUR requests. Have a request you'd like to see? Leave a comment or email me.

Coming next week:

--Hair Style requests

--Q&A About Elle Sees

--Ask Elle: Your Beauty Questions Answered

--Elle's Hair Care Routine

--A Super Amazing Giveaway

--and more surprises

Have something you'd like to see  next week? Let me know below!!

Enter my Fashion to Figure Giveaway!