Today we are doing a little celebrating here at Belle Belle. That’s because this little corner of the web begun exactly five years ago. That’s right – Belle Belle is turning five! While much has changed around here, I still find sitting down in front of my computer in the evenings to be a little creative a true highlight of life. Looking forward to many more years with you guys.
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Wow, talk about a blog break. I don’t think in the four years of Belle Belle Beauty I have taken almost a full week off. Apologies for the absence. I wish I could point to one reason. I think a lot of it stemmed from a need to step away and reevaluate the direction of the blog (don’t worry – I basically decided I am going to continue on the same track). A lot of the break was forced by a nasty case of strep throat. It is amazing how an infection like that can really knock me out now that I am only weeks away from my 35th birthday. Lastly, I have had some developments on a personal front. While I won’t go into any details, I can say: “why is dating so darn hard!?”. That being said, I am truly happy and it is nice, no matter the outcome, to find yourself caring so unconditionally for someone.
So, meanwhile, my beauty routine has been pretty simple. I have thrown my hair in plenty of dirty and messy topknots. Skipping eye makeup all together just seemed easier with the sore throat. But when I needed to add a little perky spice to my look (on my handful of trips to CVS), I reached for my Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne.
This classic, slightly cool red brightens my complexion and comes housed in a unique case designed by Lorenz Baumer, a Parsian jeweler working from the Place Vendome. With one click, the tube exits a silver bullet and enclosed mirror pops open – très chic! The matte finish is thanks to a ruby-powder formula that leaves a hydrating glaze.
And yes, that is my name engraved on the side of my very own personal Guerlain Le Rouge G Lipstick in No 25 Garconne. And let me tell you…. these beauty blogging perks sure to cheer you up when you are in a funk.
Don’t fret – I’ll be back. Probably later today and all this week. And look forward to a TV segment on Friday featuring my favorite makeup to “Summer-ize” your look.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.
I had these grand plans to do a fabulous 1000th post. I had it written in my calendar and a note on my desk. Then… you know what happened? I blew right past it. Story of my week. So, with this post, I’d like to celebrate my 1001st post! Can you believe it? That’s a lot of blogging. To celebrate, I’d like to share this stunning pic of Felicity Jones – I can’t seem to get over those bangs. I am seriously itching for a hair change – I might have almost run out for an at-home ombre hair color kit today. But I resisted. I might just make it happen tomorrow.
On a personal note, I am glad to hit this milestone this week. And TGTF – Thank God Tomorrow is Friday. Let’s turn the corner. I am sick of hearing about how my beloved Broncos blew it on Sunday. So what do you say? Let’s have an early “cheers to the weekend!” Here are some finds from around the internet I found while trolling this week:
A poignant post and must read that reminded me of the important things and provided a perspective on death.
This has me striving to make lemon and water a part of my daily routine.
Baffled about yoga types like me? Check this out.
Tomorrow, I’ll have a Valentine’s Day gift guide TV segment and blog post. I am all about the “to me, from me” gifts this year. I think I might splurge on this gem from Bauble Bar. They are offering 15% off with code SELFLOVE15.
Through today, THEOUTNET.COM is offering free shipping when you spend $250 or more with code FEBFREESHIP and through the weekend they are offering an addition 40% off! These pumps have me quite tempted – love the shade.
70% off site wide at Saks Off 5th (no code needed) through 2/11.
Receive 20% off at Stila Cosmetics with code 20OFF through 2/28.
40% off contemporary at Neiman Marcus. Loving these army green jeans.
And don’t forget about the additional markdowns at Shopbop! Loving this strapless dress for spring.
And a little quote that I can’t seem to find the origin of that I am keeping in mind this week:
A wise person once said …There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.
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A couple reasons to celebrate today. First, this week, I lost 1.4 pounds for a total weight loss of 23.0 pounds. With a little extra effort on drinking water, I was able to break through after a bit of a slower week. While I never hated drinking water, I never fully embraced how important it was. I think my skin has improved. Workouts seem easier. And my metabolism clearly moves faster. A popular trick that I had never tried is adding a little lemon in the morning to my water. It changes things up a bit and can clear skin, boost your imune system and aid digestion.
Secondly, you might have noticed there wasn’t a post yesterday on the blog. That was because Belle Belle moved to a new hosting company. My old hosting provider just couldn’t handle the traffic. Now, that’s a problem I’ll take any day! Thanks, dear readers, for helping me take Belle Belle to the next level.
Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.
Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.
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Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.
