Lauren's Thoughts

And the Winner Is...

2012-05-31T09:52:00.002-04:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Callie! I've sent a note along to SkinCareRX so you should get your $20 gift card soon! I'll keep you posted. Thank you everyone for entering and I am happy to announce I have ANOTHER giveaway in the works for next week.

What do you think it will be for?

Life

2012-05-30T09:30:00.000-04:00

all from and its love

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

2012-05-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

Don't forget the giveaway ends tomorrow!

This song is just adorable! I saw this band on Conan and fell in love with this song. What do you think of them?

"Ho Hey" - The Lumineers

Giveaway from SkinCareRX: $20 Gift Card!

2012-05-24T12:50:00.000-04:00

I am really happy to announce a new giveaway!

I’m hosting a giveaway from my new sponsor, SkinCareRx, for a chance to win a $20 gift card (redeemable at SkinCareRx, Apothica, or SkinBotanica). SkinCareRx carries some of the best pore minimizing products. What products of theirs do you like? Post your favorite product links in the comments and I’ll choose one to win the $20 gift card! You can also have more entries in the Rafflecopter box below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

2012-05-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Today's tune is pretty mellow and relaxing. I love this song and usually put it on repeat and get it stuck in my head. Do you love it?

"Skinny Love" - Bon Iver

Giveaway Winner!

2012-05-21T12:43:00.002-04:00

Congrats Shikole! I let PrintRunner know that you've won so someone will be contacting you about your prize!

Thanks everyone for entering! I hope to have another giveaway very soon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Nail Obsession: Hologram Effect Nail Polish

2012-05-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

I found a new nail polish in the latest Ulta catalog! It is called Hologram Effect by LAYLA and runs about $15.50 (Luckily, using my Ulta rewards points I got $12 off!). I also bought the nail buffer that you are supposed to use before you paint your nails for around $3.

The pictures are kind of hard to see the effect but it is very pretty! I ended up getting the Pink Retro color. It is a light pink that does have the rainbow hologram effect, especially in the light. Unfortunately it does get a little splotchy at times when you're painting it but perhaps I didn't buff my nails enough first.

All in all, I think it is a cool idea and looks pretty but probably not worth the cost. If you can get it for cheap, check it out! What do you think? Will you try or have you already?

Influenster Beauty VoxBox Reviews!

2012-05-15T10:47:00.000-04:00

I got my first Influenster VoxBox! I was able to test a beauty box first. I was shocked at all the amazing and full size things in there! Let me go through them and what I thought...

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot cushions. I love Dr. Scholl's foot cushions because they are so squishy and feel wonderful on your feet. I don't normally wear heels, but I may have to bust some out so I can use this next time I go out!

SOYJOY Bar in Strawberry. I've always wanted to try these but unfortunately I don't really like strawberry flavor so I think my mom will be getting this one! I might try a bite to see how the texture is, but chances are I will go out and buy a flavor I would really enjoy.

I couldn't believe they gave a full size Bath and Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist (in Twilight Woods) because I know these cost at least $12 in the store! It smells so good and I will definitely be using this on a daily basis. I love using body sprays to freshen up.

First off, I pretty much don't go a day without using my ChapStick medicated lip balm because my lips get so chapped and dry. I was pleasantly surprised with their Lip Shield 365. It smell great and goes on smoothly and stays on for quite a while. Hopefully it will help my lips not get burnt this summer!

I love using Sally Hansen Salon Effects so I was also pleasantly surprised to find these in my box! I've always wanted to buy the pink zebra pattern, but again these run at around $10 so I don't buy them a lot. Can't wait to use them!

This is Sheer Cover Duo Concealer. I like that it comes in a light and medium shade for different skin tones or for me, if I get tanner in the summer months. It is very light and easy to use and has an airbrush feel when you put it on. It covered up some dark spots I had pretty well.

Last but not least, AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Body Wash. This one is just a sample size, but I think it will last a while. I can't wait to try it because I like using body wash that moisturizes and doesn't have a lot of chemicals in it that can harm your skin. This one would probably be best for winter skin though, so I am kind of bummed I got it for summer.

Disclaimer: I received each product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

2012-05-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! It ends in a week!

I love this new Maroon 5 song! It is so catchy and upbeat that you just want to sing it! I am hoping it won't get overplayed on the radio.

"Payphone" - Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa

Movie Review of "The Five Year Engagement"

2012-05-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! It ends in a week!

Last week, my boy and I saw "Five Year Engagement". I had high hopes for this movie because I am a big Jason Segel fan and it looked really cute and funny. Overall, I thought it was pretty good and I loved the ending.

Liked:

It was really cute, especially the end!
There were many funny parts. Not so much "crack up" funny, but I giggled a lot. It was interesting... I think the movie crowd was asleep because I felt like Kevin and I were the only ones laughing at most of the parts!
I still love seeing Chris Pratt in movies because he reminds me of "Everwood", a show I used to be obsessed with!
It was pretty realistic and went through problems that most couples may encounter. It reminds you that no one is 100% perfect for each other and that you have to work through your problems.

Disliked:

At parts, it just seemed to move a little slow and I didn't really know where the plot was going. I think a few scenes could have been cut out.
The portrayal of Michigan. They move to Michigan because she gets a job at U of M and Jason Segel's character hates it there. Totally understandable for the plot, but I kind of wish Michigan was portrayed a little better in the movie.
Speaking of being in Michigan, I wish I knew they were filming there because I would have tried to be an extra! :)
Jason Segel looked really creepy at some parts.

Have you seen the movie? What did you think of it?

Giveaway: Fun Stickers! Enter Today!

2012-05-10T10:35:00.002-04:00

I am excited to share a giveaway with you guys today! This prize is for 250 stickers - you can upload any photo and turn it into stickers to put wherever you'd like. It comes from PrintRunner and you can visit their website to check out sticker printing through their online printing services.

Thank you to PrintRunner for providing us this giveaway, I will receive a set of stickers for hosting this as well.

Here are the details of the giveaway prize!

Sticker Shape: Standard Stickers

Flat Width: 2"
Flat Height: 3.5"
Quantity: 250
Paper: Premium Sticker Stock
Colors: Full Color (4 Color Process), Black and White
Proof: NONE
Ready to Ship in: 3 Business Days
*Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and up.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How Do You Know?

2012-05-10T09:30:00.000-04:00

from and its love

How do you know you really love someone? For everyone, that feeling can be different.

Here's one of the reasons I know I love my boy...

I'll admit, sometimes I don't have a lot of patience for others and I can be a bit of a loner. What can I say? I enjoy silence at times. So one thing that lets me know how much I love my boy is that I never get tired of listening to him talk.

What about you? How do you know when you love someone?

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

2012-05-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday! Today's tune comes from an artist that one of my friends told me about. It is very chill and relaxing music. Apologies there is some swearing in it, so if you don't like that, please don't listen.

"Wicked Games" - The Weeknd

On Eating...

2012-05-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

"life happens. some days stress gets the best of us. and some days it doesn't. some days you're hungry for everything in sight. and some days you're not. most diets i know don't allow for this variation of life. you eat the same amount each day. and that's just false. that sets you up with this false notion. it's okay to eat more some days and less others. life has a way of balancing out--and we gotta trust that--as opposed to putting some false construct on top of that and trying to fit everything into a box." - from the wild and wily ways of a brunette bombshell

I found this and it really resonated with me. Most people don't talk about food this way. I find myself feeling this way though. Some days I am starving all day and just am really in the mood to eat. Other days I just don't really feel like eating much. It could be because of stress, being busy or even "that time of the month".

I think that is okay as long as you don't let it get out of control either way. Those days when you want to eat everything in sight - make sure you are eating healthy foods and not eating so much that you feel sick. Then those days when you don't want to eat at all - make sure you eat something! Eating little meals throughout the day is healthy for you.

Life is all about balance and eating well is part of that balance. Listen to your body and take care of it!

What do you think? Do you usually eat the same amount every day or not?

My Favorite Hairstyle & Makeup Trends for Spring 2012

2012-05-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

1. 60's Inspired Eyes – I love the look of long, lush lashes so the gorgeous cat eye look is amazing! Think lots of black eyeliner and mascara to make your peepers pop.

2. Blunt Bangs – I’m always jealous of the women that can pull off bangs like these. It just looks so chic on some people!

3. Retro Hairdos – Think 40's and 50's for inspiration. Loose waves and curls never go out of style.

4. Sun-Kissed Skin – Use bronzer to illuminate your wonderful features and give a glow this spring.

What are your favorite spring trends for 2012?

See the original post on ASKinyourface.com!

Recent Purchase from American Eagle!

2012-05-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

I recently got a coupon for 20% off for one of my favorite stores, American Eagle! Along with some of their great clearance sales and free shipping, I did some online shopping. Here's what I got! Love all of it :)

What do you think?

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday and Important Announcement!

2012-05-01T17:13:00.001-04:00

A little late on the music post today, but I wanted to post regardless! This song is pretty popular on the radio right now and I love it, especially the chorus.

Also - I changed my Facebook page to make it more appropriate for my blog and will continue to update it. PLEASE "like" it as I will be deleting my old Facebook page. Please share it with your friends too! :)

Lauren's Thoughts on Facebook - Please "Like" and Share!

Wild One - Flo Rida Ft. Sia

I'm Home from Chicago!

2012-04-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

I'm back from Chicago and using most of today to recover from all that traveling! It was awesome to see my friend Kathryn for her birthday and get to see some things I've never seen before. The worst part was the seven hour train ride both ways by myself. Luckily, on the way there half of the trip I got to sit alone and the other half I was next to the sweetest lady who even helped me find my friend when we got off in Chicago because I didn't know where to go!

Saturday was the big day of visiting the city - I got to see The Bean and try Jamba Juice for the first time! Yum! We walked around a lot but it was freeeezing. I got a new shirt from the three story (!) Forever 21. Later, we picked up our friend Juli from the train and headed out that night to a few bars near where Kathryn is living.

The night included: a family band, a bar full of scary looking bikers, a bouncer who could make his pecs dance, chatting with 50-year-old men and goth looking guys, dancing to Lady Gaga and getting lost trying to get home... to name a few things that happened.

All in all, definitely an experience and really glad I got to see my friends and visit the city! Never taking that stupid train again though, haha!

Long Weekend: Heading to Chicago

2012-04-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Cue the radio silence: I am heading to Chicago to visit one of my best friends who recently moved there this weekend. I'll be gone for a long weekend so there will be some silence on the blog.

I'm nervous because I've never headed out on a trip solo but I am so excited to see my friend!

Please help us out: What should we do? Places we should check out? Let us know! :) Also, how should I deal with the train ride by myself? I'm definitely bringing some music and a book!

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

2012-04-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Last week, I got invited to a birthday party at a bar where this band was playing. I had never heard of them before, but they ended up being amazing! Tell me what you think! I haven't found a song of theirs I don't like yet and this one is especially catchy.

"On Top of the World" - Imagine Dragons

Cooking with the Boss!

2012-04-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, my mom and I headed to the Palace of Auburn Hills for the first annual "What's Cooking Detroit Food & Cooking Expo". Okay, okay, I admit that I'm not much of an adventurous eater or cook. But the star of one of my favorite shows was going to be there! As luck would have it, I got an email about a Living Social deal to see Buddy Valastro the day after my mom mentioned the expo.

As far as the expo goes, I thought it was a flop, but Buddy was amazing! Here are highs and lows of my day there:

High: Our Living Social deal got my mom and I tickets in a decent section. As we were waiting for the show to start, a group of women came up to us and offered us tickets for seats that were much closer. We were so grateful and excited because the new seats were pretty awesome!

Low: As I was pumped about the new seats, I took out my camera that I had remembered to bring last minute. Upon turning it on, it promptly died. Wah wah.

High: Buddy was great! He was so nice and joked around just like he does on his shows. He showed us how to make a veal dish and then how to decorate cupcakes. I was definitely more interested in the cupcake decorating of course, but it was just really nice to see him live in action.

Low: The expo was not what I expected. While we were there mainly to see Buddy we walked around for a while before and after. All of the booths were jammed in the area where you walk around to buy food or find your seat before a concert or game at the Palace. There just wasn't enough room for all of the people and let me tell you... I hate crowds! There weren't as many samples as I imagined and even if you wanted one, you had to wait in huge lines that blocked other booths!

All in all, it was worth going just to see Buddy! I love "Cake Boss", "Kitchen Boss" and "The Next Great Baker"! Here are some photos I took with my phone. Not the best quality but I had to document the experience somehow:

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

2012-04-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

I've been playing this song nonstop lately. It is just so catchy and easy to sing along to. It also really reminds me of a past relationship and definitely would have been a past breakup anthem.

The video is rather strange though. Also, Glee did a really good version of it with Blaine and his brother, Cooper (guest Matt Bomer). I'll leave you with both versions to rock out to!

"Somebody That I Used To Know" - Gotye ft. Kimbra

Having a Rough Day?

2012-04-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

You may have already seen this post buzzing around the Web, but if you haven't or need a happiness reminder on a Monday: check this out!

13 Simple Steps To Get You Through A Rough Day!

Don't let Monday get you down...

Tunes I'm Lovin' Tuesday!

2012-04-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter or Passover! Today's tune is a song I love to listen when I am running! I know rap isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I do like to listen to it when I exercise because it pumps me up and gets me to run faster.

What type of music do you like to listen to when you exercise?

"Roman Reloaded" (Clean Version) - Nicki Minaj ft. Lil' Wayne

Why So Much Hype?

2012-04-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

Last week, I saw "The Hunger Games" and recently started reading the book. It is great, however, it got me thinking...

Sometimes I find it strange the movies and things that get so much hype.

Personally, my favorite type of movies are comedies and light-hearted movies. Of course, I do have some favorite drama, action, etc. types of movies. But really, I just tend to get so anxious and sad on my own, so why do I want to watch movies that will make me feel depressed or scared?

I suppose part of me understands why movies like "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games" gain such a following and almost an obsession. They have action, romance, comedy and basically everything you could want in a movie. Once someone starts becoming obsessed with it in the media, it spirals out of control.

What do you think? Do you think the hype of certain movies is overrated? Do you wish other movies had more hype? Tell me your thoughts!