TheLookBag Review + New Do + Giveaway Winner!

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening, 

whenever this may meet you hope it's great! :)

I'm quickly typing as I still need to get ready for work this A.M. and I must get this post out today.

My past week in photos:

Right. Went to scour the racks at Marshall's to find a dress and ran into Michael Kors.

Middle. Yummy Margherita Pizza from the Caf at work

Left. My 2nd Month getting a package from TheLookBag

Speaking of TheLookBag, 

I figured I'd show you just what came inside this month. For those of you who aren't familiar with the program. It's similar to Birchbox and lot of the other beauty samples programs. You pay a monthly fee of $10, and each month you receive about 5 "luxury" beauty samples.
The Look Store is a new celebrity and beauty e-commerce site founded by Alan Mruvka, who started the E! Entertainment channel.
What drew me into this, however, was Damone Roberts, the celebrity eyebrow guru who picks out what goes into the bags each month. 

This month included:

(From Top Left Clockwise) 

1. Kelly Teergarden Organics Vitality Eye Cream

2. The New Black Nail Polish in 2 Summer Shades

3. Loreal Eye Shadow 

4. Naked Princess Lip Gloss in four shades

5. Erno Laszlo skincare regimen

My Fave had to be the polish. I immediately painted my puppies with the coral shade. 

Love.

BTW.

If you follow me on Instagram (lovelyladyjb1) you would have noticed I dyed my hair!! 

I officially love it. I took the plunge, it was scary. I've never colored my hair before. My sister told me once you color you'll never go back. I believe it. I'm already thinking about my next move. Ha! 

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And last but certainly not least, the winner of my giveaway last week is...

 MissRockwell @ Thrifty and Shameless! 

MissRockwell, please contact me with your information so that I can get the giftcard to you!

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That's all for now.. Happy Tuesday Loves.

OOTD : Nordstrom Striped Blazer, F21 Distressed Denim

Ok. So, I totally didn't make it to the fashion show I was raving about the other day. Long story short, I had nothing to wear. I told you guys about my frequent annoyances of going into my closet and coming out with ZILCH.

Well that was kinda the case... I skidaddled Marshall's to see what I could find. Got half way through the store and couldn't hold my arms up anymore, because they had SO MANY great summer finds!

 When I finally got to the fitting room, I tried everything on.. Only to not find anything to wear. 

Back to Square One, and at this point it was 6:30pm. (It started at 6)

So, that's my excuse story.

Blue + White Striped Blazer - Nordstrom's Rack

White Burnout Tee - The Buckle

Light Denim Distressed Jeans - Forever 21

Blue Sandal Wedges - DSW

Gold Chain Necklace - Heartbreaker

Bangles - H&M, Len Druskin 

(in case you don't know I am obsessed with these..)

I'm really trying to get a hold of my blog again, as well as juggling work, and personal life. It's hard! For all of you bloggers out there juggling more than I do - KUDOS!
What are your tips and tricks? Do Tell.

P.S. Two More Days to Enter My Giveaway (Click to Enter)!!

Sunny Saturday - Thrive Fashion House Event!

Hello Weekend. :)

I've been longing to see your pretty face...

I've got a few things planned for the next couple of days, and I'm thrilled to do them. This excitement stems for the decent weather we have been having lately. What's really funny is (not really that funny) the last few weeks the weather has been gorgeous Monday - Thursday. 

Come Friday - Sunday we see rain. 

So when the sun is out and shining this weekend, I'm going to enjoy it!!

On top of that tomorrow is Mother's Day, and I will be doing a special post for my mom tomorrow along with other festivities :) Can't wait! 

 Tan Jacket - Nordstrom's Rack

Pink Tank - Heartbreaker (?)

Blue Denim Jeans - Forever 21

Coral Wedges - Heartbreaker

Aztec Print Tote - Aerie

As for tonight, on behalf of my blog, I was invited to Thrive Fashion House's Fashion Show

Thrive Fashion House is a brand new up and coming Minneapolis based fashion company.  Their Team is comprised of fashion experts who are passionate about the vast world of styling, design, and wearable aesthetics.  They are fashion forward, meticulous about the details, and experienced.  

 Please feel free to visit http://thrivefashionhouse.com/ 

I'll be giving you all the dish on the event and my review on things after the show! As for now, I have to find something to wear to this -__- . 


Adrian tells me I have something to wear in that closet of mine, but I beg to differ! 


Have you ever went to your closet saw so many items, but had absolutely nothing to wear? 
I'm sure you all have that problem, right?

Story of my life. 

Wish me luck, 

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win a $50 GiftCard from CampusBookRentals.com :) 

Got My Blue Shoes On + Giveaway!

Hey, Hey, Hey! 

We are more than halfway done with the week! Pat yourself on the back, for a job well done. We made it!
Also, thanks to all who participated in Monday's First You Choose!
It seems like you guys liked all of the looks but #2 & #3 with the black tights got the most votes! 

 I've finally got a treat for you!

Remember back at the beginning of the semester, 

where I was complaining about 

paying for textbooks?! ($$$$$)

(click here to refresh your memory)

 They are horribly expensive each semester. 

I don't understand  how they can charge an arm and a leg for textbooks and then update the textbook version each year! It's a stupid system, and I know all of you students out there can relate!

Thank goodness for textbook rentals! 

When I started searching the web for these, I ran into a number of sites, 

one of which was - www.CampusBookRentals.com ;
(I found books like this the same version that was offered at my school, but much more affordable!)

 Immediately, I returned $600 worth of books back to my schools bookstore, 

and ordered rentals online for under $200 for the semester! 

I saved SO much money, I went out and bought myself these pretty little blue shoes below...

Blue Scarf - Heartbreaker

Gold Necklace - Heartbreaker 

Tan T-shirt - Macy's

Distressed Light Denim Jeans - Love Culture

Blue Sandals - DSW

Handbag - My Mom :)

So, Guess What?...

I'm teaming up with CampusBookRentals.com to give
one lucky reader a $50 gift card to use on their site! 
You can use this for next semester's textbooks! :)


Here's why you should be renting textbooks from www.CampusBookRentals.com:

-#1 SAVE MONEY! You can save 40-90% off of bookstore prices!
-They offer free shipping both ways
-Treat the book like its yours during the semester, you can highlight in the textbooks
-They'll work with you by offering flexible renting periods
-Your money goes towards a great cause, they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented!

Here's How you Enter:
1) Be a Follower of My Blog on GFC or Facebook!
2) Leave me a comment
That's All!! Good Luck! 

Giveaway will end 5/17/2012 at 12:00 AM. This giveaway is sponsored by CampusBookRentals.com. All opinions are my own.  Winner will be chosen using random.org

I'm linking up here

Monday Blues... You Choose #1

Happy Monday! :) 

(Yippee ... Shoot out the streamers, sound the horns..)

Do you ever buy a super cute top or dress, and struggle with what you should wear it with? We all do. I know I have things in my closet that still have the tags on them because every time I go to try it on, I can't figure out the right combo or I can't decide on how I want to wear it. 

I had this struggle with a cute new blue top/dress I found at Heartbreaker in my town. 

I LOVE it. 

But, I like to switch it up from time to time, and sometimes I need the help of others to inspire me. I want to get feedback from you guys and what you think, as well as how you would rock it.

Which brings me to a new feature on the blog:

You Choose Your Fave Look.

#1: Sweet and Sexy. 

Showing a bit of leg, with minimal accessories.

#2: Dazzling Diva

Armed with neck bling, I would rock this to work, or out for drinks...

#3 Sultry

Dolled up, but reserved. This braided belt adds a fun touch. This look could be rocked in all social situations. 

Sheer Blue Blouse/Dress - Heartbreaker

Black Jeggings - Heartbreaker

Accessories - Forever 21, Heartbreaker

Black Platform Sandals - Shopreflection.com

Vote and Choose your fave!

My Personal Favorite has to be Look #2. 

What's yours?

I hope this post reaches you in good spirits today. I am officially back to the blog business and must I say its quite refreshing! I adore all of your comments, welcoming me back and the patience you guys have had in my absence.

Enjoy your day! 

-Jena

Long Time Coming.

OMG.

It has been forever since I have written to you all. Forever since I've sincerely had a heart to heart with you, or shared my most recent journeys. I've celebrated my 25th birthday, now a quarter of a century old and a bit wiser, so I think. 

However, the Hiatus Is over. 

At least for the next 3 months, I will be kicking back my feet after work.

Goodbye 30 page papers, all-nighters, and Finance exams. Hello blue skies, bikinis, and Mango Mojitos. 

It's officially May, which means flowers are blooming, and summer is near. I can smell the roses, behind all of the rain Minnesota has been given. 

And in case you forgot what I look like.. 

As it has been years since I've posted regularly, 

T h e r e    s h e     i s !

 Sheer Black Top - Len Druskin

I have some cool things in store for you this month:

-A giveaway for all of you students out there! 

So stay tuned for that this week.

-I'm on Instagram now, (follow me lovelyladyjb1) 

 - I'll also be posting a few times a week, like old times. ;*) I'm so happy to be back! 

- I'm planning on doing a vlog or two this month, so you can get to know me better! 

-Some fundraising for charity will be in the works and you will hear about that!

So, stay tuned for what May is offering here on my blog. I promise to keep you entertained through it all! 

Have a great day! :)

P.S. I'm linking up here and here today!

Nautical Notes

Happy Monday!

I hope you are all doing well, I have taken a short hiatus over the past few weeks, as I am sure you were all aware of. It doesn't look like it will get any easier to write within the next two weeks. I have a couple of things coming up!! 

First, It's my grandma's birthday today! Happy Birthday Grandma! So many years, so much wisdom!

Second, I have FINALS... my second to last set of these, finally. I will have one semester after this and super excited to be done with school... 

Third, It's my birthday next Monday! AND in perfect birthday girl fashion, I will be enjoying turning a quarter of a century! OMG, I am getting old guys!!

On to other things...

Black Blazer - H&M

Striped top - H&M

Denim jeans - Gap

Black Boots - Heartbreakers

Necklace - H&M

I know you haven't seen an outfit post in forever... Two weeks is a long time!! 

And I absolutely love this striped shirt I got from H&M, it was like $10! Which is definitely a steal! I have been on the search for very transformable items, that can double in the workplace, and are still appropriate. That's my challenge. The weather hasn't been working with us here, we have definitely been getting all of the showers April has to offer us. Which is good for our environment, so that's okay. 

I can't wait til my outfit posts can be summery again, with spring dresses, florals and bright prints... 

Until then, I will continue to keep dry the best way I know how...  wearing my rain-boots and jacket. :(

Enjoy your Monday!

The Lack Thereof...

Happy MONDAY! 

Thanks for all your lovely posts last week.. Although, I didn't get too many responses to ideas for cooking (I'm assuming most of you find yourself in my shoes from time to time), 

I did get a couple of tricks that I will be taking into consideration. I finally cooked dinner this weekend, and tonight as well. 

We've got to stop eating out!

Anywho.. the title of this post relates to the fact that I have been trying to find a decent new pair of sandals for spring and I seriously have had no luck finding something I like!

 WHAT IS UP WITH THE SANDAL MARKET!!??

Please explain. 

Am I supposed to wear boots in the spring/summer time or what? A lot of the styles just look old to me... nothing new.. OR is it just me?? Please share sites/brands with me, I am serious!

Below is what I have been running into:

I'm just not sure about most of these styles... I guess the sandal market this season is all about the wedges!! 

.......I have been finding very fashionable wedges that I love.. :)

I'll just prepare myself to be ready to work the heels/wedges!!

What do you think?? 

Have you been having the same troubles as me?

Weekend Fun...

Happy Monday!

white no sleeve button up - nordstrom's rack

burnt orange skinny's - heartbreaker

black peep toe sandals - shopreflection.com

bracelets and necklace - len druskin

I had an interesting weekend! It was filled with family and friends, so that's always great! My family all met up on Friday night for bowling to celebrate the March birthdays! It was fun hanging out with everyone and singing all the old songs that came on while we were there! :) 

Saturday, I woke up bright and early to take our car in to get fixed, and found out there was much more that needed to be fixed than expected! DON'T YOU HATE THAT? Ughh, $600 later.... I'll just leave it at that..

Me and Adrian went out for date night in Uptown at Chino Latino. 

Above is my Crack-Ho Mojito.

 It was pretty delish.

Sunday was filled with friends and laughs as we ventured out for Pho and Sunday funday in Uptown. We headed to a few stores and ended at Happy Hour. 

Overall, It was a pretty successful weekend. 

How was yours?

. . H a p p y   M o n d a y . .

- j.

Shoe Fetish..

Don't Judge...

But lately, I've been on a major spring shoe kick. 

In love with all the spring colors...

I can't seem to get enough... 

But, get this. I have yet to wear any of these shoes! Isn't that horrible? I always see super cute shoes online or on sale, etc.. And I buy.. Not wondering where or what will I wear them with.. 

I am pretty hopeful for this spring...

AND my new shoes! 

BTW, sorry for the short hiatus.. I have been so busy!

Hoping that you all have a great week!

Muah, 

Having Faith: I am Real, I am Human.

Most days I feel like I am a very strong person. I can do anything and my head is held high,

with all doubts and fears beneath me. 

Other days I feel overwhelmed and like I am unable to continue to be strong. 

This morning was a test of my strength. 

Not the first, and certainly not the last. 

Ever since my struggle began with Lupus, six years back, each day has been a testimony in every way shape and form. 

I woke up with this morning, exhausted, 

like I had run a 15 mile marathon a few hours before. 

Unable to pick up my cellphone and turn off the alarm, due to the pains of arthritis in my hands, the fears and doubts flooded me. This is a familiar morning to me, as most of my days begin like this. 

But, today was different.

 As I rose to my feet I noticed pain and inflammation in my right knee and ankle. 

Oh, Great. 

This week was already going to be trying, as spring break is over, and any of you that work full time and go to school full time know the stress of balancing school, work, and life. 

Now unable to walk myself to the bathroom to take on the day, 

I felt defeated. 

As Adrian lifted me off the bed, and helped me dress myself, 

I let out a tear and told him,

"I am feeling discouraged." 

He looked into my eyes, and said,

 "Don't feel discouraged baby, you're body just needs to warm up. Everything will be fine." 

Unable to get into my doc, I know Adrian is right. 

I prayed to God. 

Sometimes, I needed to find the faith in me to take on the day. There were so many things that I needed to do, but my body was just not cooperating with me. 

click image for source

Faith can move mountains.

 I've seen people in my life believe in God, when there was nothing left for them. 

Believe that things would get better, that they would find the strength to carry on. 

I know I can do it. 

I am a strong, independent woman. I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

I am grateful for the amazing people God has placed in my life, Adrian has seen me at my lowest of lows, he has stood by my side through it all. 

I know God has placed him in my life.

My parents and my siblings are always there whenever I need anything. 

They try to understand what is going on with me, even when I don't. They have been there to lift me up when things aren't going as planned.

I have good friends that are able to offer support. 

I try not to ever ask anyone for anything. I think I get that from my mom. She has always been strong, and figured things out for herself. I have found out that although I never want to depend on them or anyone for that matter, all of these people will let me depend on them. They will help me when I don't ask for it.

click image for source

I am thankful for another day, I am thankful through it all. I know that my hard work and dedication in my life is not in vain. 

I will make it! 

Happy Monday! 

Don't Speak...

This morning while driving back home from taking the BF to work, 

I found myself jamming out to a 90's hour on the radio.

It brought me back...

It started with No Doubt's Don't Speak..

N*Sync's 'I Want You Back' came on 

and that's all it took. 

I turned it up full blast, eyes still low from waking up so early.

 One hand on the wheel tapping to the beat, I started reminiscing over my teenie bopper days. 

Normally, I'd be embarrassed to sing along, 

but it was just 6:45 in the AM, on a Saturday morning. 

Roads clear, no one to stare at me and point.

I was safe.

I was so obsessed with boy bands. Ha! I had a thing for Justin Timberlake and his curls, and I loved every bit of the shy, sweet and sexy deep voice of Kevin Richardson in the Backstreet Boys. 

I swooned over Nick Lachey in 98 degrees. 

Red cardigan - H&M

Patterned top - Nordstrom's Rack or TJ Maxx (?)

Distressed Jeans - Levi's

Dark Brown Boots - Can't remember if a gift or Heartbreakers

Blue and gold detailed handbag - Gift from my Momma :)

And, although I am regretting this as I type,

I was a closet Spice Girls fan. I mean, I had their movie... (who did that?)

 I loved (cough) Ginger Spice (cough). 

Posters of Britney Spears, Usher, and Boy Bands covered my walls. 

I used a tape player to tape the songs off the radio,

so that I could listen to them as I pleased.

Trying my best as a 14 year old, 

to dissect what they were talking about, love and relationships, and all the in between.

Applying their songs to my trivial 'hardships' at middle school,

 like what brands to wear, who was 'going out' with who, and what I was going to buy at the snack cart at lunch...

Oh, to be a kid again!

Here's hoping this post came to you at a good time.

 When worries were little, and the most important thing was who you called your Best Friend. 

H a p p y    S a t u r d a y !  :)

Muah, 

Monday's Aztec Inspiration

Instead of taking the hippie route...

I decided to have some fun and dress it up, for something that could transform to the workplace. 

If your job lets you wear jeans (everyday) like mine...

 Then, you can easily take this Aztec trend and strut your stuff on the runway job!

Aztec print blouse - Heartbreakers

Black Blazer - TJ Maxx

Distressed denim skinny jeans - Levi's

Pale Bow flats - H&M

More 'PIN'spiration:

(images via pinterest, click for source)

H a p p y    M o n d a y.