Adding the rug pad immediately made my regular rug feel like it was super expensive and I sort of wonder how I ever went without.  The nice thing about the composition of the rug is that it actually has a natural rubber backing that will hold-up longer than a synthetic latex backing would… which is great because I will definitely use this pad for a long time!  However, if there are any problems with the rug, you can’t beat the 20 year warranty it comes with!

The pad shipped quickly, came wrapped compactly, and was trimm-able even with the significant thickness.  There was a slight odor when I first received the rug pad but it wasn’t anything that didn’t dissipate within a few hours.

Do YOU have rug pads under your rugs?  If not, check out Rug Pad USA–they have a variety of options and thicknesses for all floor types and rug types so I’m sure you’ll find something you can use!

In-home parties used to be really popular; everyone was doing them.  I remember basically getting burnt out on them because I had so many and finally just had to stop.  While this makeup is sold through a distributor and not a store, you don’t have to go through the hassle of hosting or attending an in-home party.  You can just order online from a rep and your makeup is delivered straight to your door.

The brand is called Younique makeup.  I admit, the name is a little cheesy, but the products are totally legit.  When the before and after pictures started popping up in my Facebook feed, I was immediately sold (which doesn’t happen often).  They have the most amazing mascara–it seriously makes your eyes look like you have fake lashes.  I’ve spent a lot of money on mascara–tried all the drug store brands and then went through a few of the more expensive brands like Benefit and Tarte.  They would work pretty well for about a month, but always required a lot of coats, so I went through them quickly.  My first tube of Younique’s Moodstruck mascara lasted for close to 3 months with full applications pretty much every day and the results were much better!

Here’s a picture of me with my regular mascara (Rimmel Scandal Eyes) and then the Younique mascara.

Pretty noticeable difference, right?!

Top (L to R): No mascara, Regular Mascara.  Bottom (L to R): Younique old formula, Younique new formula

The application is a two-step process: there’s a collagen gel that is applied first (which is basically like your regular mascara) and then tiny fibers that you brush on second.  The fibers stick to the gel and thicken and lengthen your lashes.  You can re-apply as much as you want, depending on how big you want to go.  Younique just released a new formula for the mascara that seems to make the lashes curl more too. (I didn’t use an eyelash curler in this picture).

They also carry other makeup products including a BB cream that’s really popular…and they’re just starting in on the skincare.  They currently offer a cleanser and moisturizer that people seem to love (Awake & Brilliant).  The moisturizer helps with stretch marks, dark circles, scars and blemishes, and has even helped with eczema.

One more thing that a lot of people appreciate is the fact that all of their makeup is naturally based.  The fibers in their mascara are made of green tea leaves!

Even if you have a current make-up and/or skin care line that you like, it might be worth trying some of the Younique products.  I’m pretty picky and so far, I love them!

Ok.  Shameless plug over.

Happy Wednesday!

Jenna

The relationship between a mother and daughter can be rocky during those teenage, puberty, hormone years, but when you finally grow up and realize how much your mother loves you and are able to just enjoy your relationship with her as a friend, it’s the best kind of friendship.

So, since Mother’s Day is just over a week away, I thought I’d help you out a little with some fun gift ideas for mom.

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I’m not even kidding about how much I love that floral hat from Anthropologie!  Isn’t that so cute for mom?!

Not too shabby.

All of my picks are under $300 and are ALL 8×10!  That’s a great deal.  Seriously.

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Happy shopping, and Happy Easter!  May you all have a sharply-dressed, well-fed weekend celebrating that Jesus is risen!

Jenna

Anyway, it’s great.  And if you haven’t checked it out, you should!

In my Houzz perusing, I stumbled upon an article that featured some design work from Laura Umansky.  I had never heard of Umansky let alone seen pictures of any of her work…but as soon as I saw the pictures in this article, it was like love at first sight.  Her work is phenomenal!  She’s mastered the art of eclectic and knows exactly how to make a room feel finished without it being over-done or fussy.

Nothing feels too heavy, even when she incorporates bold patterns and vivid colors…the spaces are always cheerful.  And I love the use of large geometric shapes in furniture and art.

It’s clearly interesting and inspired.  She knows exactly how much neutral to mix with bold pops of color and even though almost all of the pieces in her spaces are unique, there’s no competition–everything just works.

I guess you could call Umansky my #wcw!  If you’re interested in seeing her full portfolio, check out her website here.  Too bad she’s in Texas….

Happy Wednesday!

Jenna

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None of these rugs is more than $300 and they range in size from 5×8 up to 8×10! Seriously.  Go check it out!

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

Jenna

We’re not complaining because we do enjoy shopping, but we’re not kidding when we tell you that the level we take it to could really qualify it as a sport.  The hauling, lifting, packing, unpacking, searching, and WALKING that shopping requires is absolutely a physical workout.

…Which is why we like online shopping.  Online shopping isn’t as tasking as shopping in a physical store(s) but there’s still a bit of challenge involved in that it’s important to know where to look.  We all have our go-to websites, so we thought you might like to see some of ours.  You can add them to your online shopping lists for future reference!

Joss and Main

One Kings Lane

Hayneedle (formerly The Foundry)

Overstock

World Market

Pottery Barn

Wayfair

Home Decorators Collection

Joy & Revelry

You may notice that there are a few “one time deal” sites listed.  There’s something to be said for the product finds and prices available on these types of websites so don’t discredit it just because they require you to register.

We hope this is useful!  We’d love to hear about some of the places you frequent too!

Jen & Jenna

There’s no place like home.

Since I’m sure many of your are trying to fluff your house for Spring ( I mean, Easter is only  a few short weeks away.  No, seriously.  It is.), I thought it was appropriate to share a tip and a deal with you today to help you get your spring cleaning moving right along.

The deal.

The Bluebird Shop is having a 15% off Sale on all of it’s pillow covers!  They’ve got some fantastic and fun fabrics AND the price is right.  Check out a few of my top picks for under $20.

keep in mind that these are only the covers so you’ll have to purchase the pillow forms separately. Which leads me right into The Tip.

Well, actually a few tips…

#1 When purchasing pillow forms (or pillows in general, for that matter), always go with the down-filled pillows.  They are a little more expensive, typically, but they can be fluffed-up so that they look super-full which is totally worth a couple of extra bucks.  My little trick is to buy pillows from the clearance section (you know, the ones in that very last aisle at HomeGoods), keep the form and throw the cover away.  Then, as long as the size is right, it doesn’t matter if the cover is ugly because you won’t be using it!

#2 If your cover is made for a 20 x 20 pillow, buy the pillow form that’s one size larger.  Again, it makes for super fluffy, full pillows which are the best!

#3 I wouldn’t recommend buying pillows that are any smaller than 18×18 (filled with a 20″ form, of course), especially if it’s for a sofa.  Smaller pillows can be ok for an accent here and there or maybe for a dining chair, but not for some place where they’re really going to get used.

Hope this was helpful!  See you next week!

Regardless, I’m looking forward to fun spring colors and one of my favorites is mint!  Mint was popular last season, but I think it’s still going to be big this year.  So this week, I’m featuring it as my color crush and I’ve put together a little board with some great mint accessories.  Maybe it’ll help us all get a head start on Spring decorating!

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What’s your Spring color crush?

My sweet niece was born a few months ago and my sister-in-law wanted some updated family photos–here are a few shots from their session.

If you’re interested in seeing more of my photography ramblings, I’ve added a Photography tab to the blog with full sessions.  I’d love for you to check it out!  This full session is here.