Latest Sephora Haul

Last week I was cleaning up my email inbox and I noticed something that I completely forgot about, a $100 Rouge Reward from Sephora that I hadn’t used yet! The Rouge Reward is a new option on the Rewards Baazar and allows Rouge members to redeem 2,500 points for a $100 coupon. There are some restrictions to using the reward including a 90 day expiration date and having to use the entire $100 at once. The change was made in August so my expiration date was coming up fast, which meant I was “rewarded” with a trip to Sephora this weekend. Can’t complain at that!

I used the coupon for some restocks and a couple of new products. I also went on a little Too Faced spree.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – $31

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I received this in a sample size months ago and it’s quickly become one of my favorite mascaras of all time. I’m obsessed with mascara, it’s the one makeup item that I need every single day and Too Faced does not disappoint. It gives killer volume, lengthens, separates, it’s completely smudge proof, doesn’t flake off, and with all Too Faced products, the packaging and name are to die for! Highly, highly recommend this mascara!

Too Faced Peach Mist Mattifying Setting Spray – Peaches and Cream Collection – $20 (mini version)

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I got this in the mini version since it’s a brand new product to me and I wasn’t sure what to expect, I didn’t want to spend $40 on something if I wasn’t sure if it would work. Well, I kind of wish I went with the full sized version because I’m obsessed with this setting spray! Not only does it leave my skin looking flawless and oil free for hours, it smells like peaches and cream! I will absolutely be purchasing the full size bottle of this.

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer – $21

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This is a restock and I again picked up the mini version of this. It’s been my daily primer for about 2 years now and I wanted a travel sized tube. This primer is infused with coconut oil, which leaves your face looking hydrated and radiant. My makeup always goes on so smooth when I use this primer!

Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick (I got the shade Bamboo)- $31

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This is the last restock for me from this haul. A few months ago I wandered into Sephora looking for a new cover-up and I was recommended to try Fenty. I haven’t looked back! These skinsticks are amazing! Full coverage, super blendable, matte, long-wearing, and available in 20 shades. I didn’t think anything would ever come close to my beloved Boi-ing concealer, but Fenty achieved it.

Sephora Collection Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist – $23

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I’m always on the lookout for new self-tanning products. I love how I look and feel with a little bit of a tan, but want to achieve that look safely. So far I have only used this once and I was super impressed with the application and the slight glow I had the next day from it. Next time I’ll apply a little more, I have naturally olive skin so I can usually handle going a little darker. To apply I exfoliated in the shower, moisturized, let the moisturizer dry and then got back into the shower and sprayed my entire body (including face). The mist comes out slightly tinted so you can see where you are applying it, and the entire process took no longer than 15 minutes. It also dried quickly. I think it’s a great slightly more affordable option to some of the other self-tanners out there if you are looking for a subtle winter glow!

Have any of you tried any of the products above?

-SS

Keeping Lips Soft & Hydrated in Winter

It’s happened. I knew it would eventually, but you always think maybe this will be the year we get skipped, maybe it won’t be so bad. No such luck, winter is here and I think it’s here to stay. So long cute heels, fall jackets and moisturized skin and hello winter boots, parkas and dry chapped lips!

 

My lips get incredibly dry during the cold months and as a result, lots of TLC is needed. We all know that the most important way to stay hydrated is by making sure we’re drinking water, but sometimes a little more help is required! I’ve found that one of the best ways to keep my lips looking and feeling soft and hydrated is to treat them overnight. Below I am sharing my favorite products that I make sure I always use before I go to bed so that I can wake up with beautifully soft and hydrated lips, no matter how low the thermostat dropped overnight!

 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask – $30

 


If you haven’t tried these lip masks yet, you need to! (pro tip: you can ask for a sample at Sephora if you want to test it out first). Handcrafted with agave nectar and jojoba oil, this lip product is actually designed to be used overnight. One swipe of these lip masks before bed guarantee that you will wake up with softer, smoother and healthier lips!

I have a few of these but my favorite is the lavender one, it actually contains lavender, which helps to promote restful sleep.

 

FRESH Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm – $22

 

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I’ve posted about this before and there’s a reason for that because this balm is seriously amazing! The scent is absolutely decadent and the formula actually feels like you are putting caramel on your lips (minus the stickiness!). I usually put this on my lips on days where I need the hydration but I don’t feel like I need anything quite as intense as a lip mask. It never fails that I always wake up with moisturized and soft lips whenever I use it.

 

Has anyone else used the products above? What are some of your favorite winter beauty tips?

-SS

Sephora Rouge Sale Haul Nov 2018

Am I the only one who feels like Sephora has had way more sales than usual this year? I mean, I’m not complaining! Although my bank account I’m sure is not too thrilled. If you haven’t heard, Sephora is currently having their Rouge Holiday Event, which is 20% off everything in store for Rouge members. The sale ran last weekend Oct 26-29 and this weekend Nov 2-5. This is likely their last 20% off event of the year so I made sure I took advantage.

In all honestly there wasn’t a ton of things that I needed to get since I bought so much over the summer, but I can’t resist Sephora so I picked up some restocks and of course a few little treats!

Take a peek at my haul below and look for reviews of all products coming soon!

Makeup:

Skincare:

Hair and Body:

Free samples for Rouge members during the sale:

There’s still 2 days left of the sale (ends at midnight on Nov 5) so make sure you don’t miss out!

-SS

My Favorite Sephora Holiday 2018 Gift Sets

It’s November, and you know what that means?! I can officially start talking about Christmas! I feel as though I have to bite my tongue all October and then the second Halloween is over, it’s my time.

One of the things that I love to do each year is browse the holiday gift sets that stores put out, and which better store than to do this at than Sephora?! I’ve been keeping an eye on the Sephora holiday gift sets since September and I have rounded up my favorites below:

 

Sephora Favorites Best Hair Kit Ever – $32 ($80 value)

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If you haven’t tried a Sephora Favorites kit yet, you have no idea what you’re missing out on. This kit comes with 8 products in a cute rose gold makeup bag. The products are suitable for all hair types and it’s a great way to try out new things.

 

Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Carnaval Magic – $49

 

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There’s a reason why this cream is a cult favorite! This set comes with two tubs of the infamous Bum Bum cream, the body mist and my personal favorite, the lip balm. You do not want to miss out on this!

L’Occitane Holiday Almond Ornament – $14

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I love gifts that can actually be hung on the tree and Sephora never disappoints in bringing out a new one each year. This one contains some of my favorite products from L’Occitane and I can’t wait to put it on my tree! Bonus tip – the almond oil works great for shaving your legs!

 

Too Faced Under The Christmas Tree Breakaway Face & Eye Set – $52 ($250 value)

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Run to Sephora to pick this one up because I guarantee it won’t last! It comes with two eyeshadow palettes (I adore Too Faced eyeshadows!), a face palette with highligher/bronzer/brush, and a Better Than Sex mascara. This is a “one for you, one for me” kind of purchase!

 

Peter Thomas Roth Mask Frenzy – $95

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Peter Thomas Roth masks are amazing, but they can get pricey. This gift set is a great way to try out the brands best selling masks without the cost commitment of purchasing separately. It comes with Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask, Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask, 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask, Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask, Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer, Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-Tox™ Hydrator. I suspect this one won’t last long either!

Do you have any you would like to share?

-SS

FabFitFun Fall 2018

You know that a new season is on the horizon when it’s FabFitFun time again! The Fall box completely took me by surprise this year by arriving about 3 weeks earlier than normal. A great thing to come home to after a somewhat challenging day.

 

As usual, I tore into the box as soon as it arrived leaving me with little opportunity to take some good pictures, but I just couldn’t wait to see what I got and start using everything.

 

All subscribers receive the following:

  • Glam Glow Bubble sheet masks – you actually get 2 of these but I used one right away.download
  • Beautyblender – I was SO excited to see this in my box. I’ve been a big BB fan for a while now and I needed a new one2982458_fpx
  • Simply Whimsical tea towels – they’re grey and white, which is just perfect for my decor!download (1)
  • Skin & Co Roma Blue in Capri shower gel – this smells SO fresh, and I needed a new shower gelskin-and-co-bubble-bath
  • Luna Rica Cashew Butter Fruit & Nut Bar in salted caramel nut – this is a free sponsored item – I haven’t tried this yet but it looks delicious!large_ac45eaee-af33-4f56-8718-42758c294334

The following 3 items are choice items for all members:

  • Choice #1: Vince Camuto tote bag or Crown Pro makeup brush set – Despite being a huge Vince Camuto fan, I went with the makeup brushes. I just didn’t need a tote bag and I always need makeup brushes
  • Choice #2: Alfred French Press or Teapot – I went with the french press because I already have a teapot and I have never used a french press. I haven’t tried it out yet but I’m excited to!
  • Choice #3: Catherine Malandrino umbrella (in white or red), or Cylo Cobra Wireless Earbuds (in white or black) – I desperately needed an umbrella especially with our upcoming trip to England so this was a no brainer for me.

Finally, the following are choice items for Annual subscribers. Seasonal subscribers will be surprised:

  • Choice #4: Farmacy Dew It All Total eye cream, Touch in Sol Metallist Liquid Foil Lipstick Duo in “Penny”, or Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh! Bath Detox. I received the lipstick
  • Choice #5: Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant, Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream, or Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser. I received the exfoliant.

If you are having a hard time deciding on which choice you would like, all members have the option of having FabFitFun pick for them.

 

The Fall box is not quite sold out yet so to grab one for yourself (or for a gift) head to FabFitFun to sign up!  They also offer special edition Editor’s Boxes once the seasonal ones are sold out. If you sign up through my link you receive $10 off your first box 🙂

-SS

My June 2018 Favorites

Happy July 4th to all of my American readers! I’m a little sad, for the past three years Mr SS and I have been in Las Vegas for July 4th but we couldn’t go this year due to my work commitments (bring on the desert heat in August though!). It’s not about me though so I hope everyone is having a great holiday!

I was planning on writing this post on June 30th, but didn’t get around to it, however I’m kind of proud of myself that I’m only 4 days late. That’s not too bad, right?!

Here are some of the things that I couldn’t stop obsessing about last month:

Louis Vuitton Neverfull in Damier Azur w/Rose Ballerine lining

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I mentioned this bag in my Summer 2018 Wish List post and I’m so happy to say that I bit the bullet and bought it, and I LOVE it! One thing that I’m really loving is the pouch that comes with it, it carries so much more than I thought it would and it’s the perfect size to use as a wristlet. It was like two bags for the price of one and really, at this price who doesn’t want that?!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

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I won’t lie, I want lash extensions, but I have crazy bad seasonal allergies and I know that plus fake lashes would just be a disaster for me. So I had to find the next best thing, and I did with this mascara! I get a lash lift every 3 months so my lashes are always curled, but I’m still always missing volume and that “are they real” kind of look. Well, Marc Jacobs totally hit the target with this mascara, it is perfection! My lashes look longer, thicker and more “feathery”. This is my first time trying it but I can already tell that it will be a staple for me.

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume 
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This is another one that I talked about in my Summer 2018 Wish List post (I got everything on that list!) and I’m so completely obsessed with this perfume. It smells amazing, it’s the perfect scent for summer and lasts all day. I love it so much that I picked up the travel sized version to carry in my purse.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizing Lip Gloss41B7CSMj8DL._SY355_

I posted about this in my Summer Makeup post for a reason. It gives a small hint of shimmer, a tiny bit of color and it smooths and plumps like no other. I ended up buying it in two shades (Apricot and Beige Sunrise) and not a day went by in June where I didn’t use it.

Wilfred Buffon Pants 

Omg I am in love with these pants! I know that they are not very “summery” but we didn’t have the best weather in June, it was super rainy so cute skirts and shorts were out. I bought them in two colors (black and olive green) because they are that amazing. They are stylish but also super comfy, and they go with everything. My favorite way to wear them has been with pumps, a cami and a jean jacket. They’re joggers in every sense of the word but since they are made of a fine Japanese crepe, they are way dressier than your typical joggers and can be paired with just about everything, and just about every season. I also love wearing them with a logo tee and sneakers.

What do you think will be some must haves now that July is here?? What can’t you live without in the summer months?

-SS

My Top 5 Drugstore Beauty Buys

If you have been following my blog at all, you will already know that I’m a huge fan of Sephora and I post a lot about higher end beauty brands. However, I don’t exclusively use only expensive products, so I wanted to share my top 5 drugstore beauty products that I can’t live without. I love shopping online so all of the products in this post are available at well.ca, but you can also find them in your local drugstore.

I use more than just 5 on a daily basis, but these are my absolute favorites that I’m constantly replenishing!

 

Jergens Natural Glow (3 days to glow is my current favorite)

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I posted about this last year as a Friday Favorites and nothing has changed. I have tried so many different self tanning products, and Jergens Natural Glow continues to be one of my absolute favorites. I need it! The color I get is always natural looking, never orange and never streaky. I love that I don’t have to be too careful when applying it (although don’t forget to wash your hands after!). I go through bottle after bottle of this.

 

Neutrogena All-In-One Makeup Remover Wipes

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These are a must have for me and I use them every night before washing my face to remove my makeup. They’re inexpensive, easy for travelling, and they remove every trace of makeup, including eye makeup. Best part is that they are formulated to work on all skin types, including sensitive skin. There’s a reason why they are so popular!

 

 

Garnier Miceller Water

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This is another daily must have. It doesn’t matter how well I remove my makeup at night, there is always traces of it left around my eyes in the morning. Nothing that some miceller water and a cotton pad can’t fix! Not only does it remove every single little trace of waterproof eye makeup, but I have bad seasonal allergies and my eyes often pay the price, so I love that miceller water is gentle and doesn’t irritate my eyes.

 

 

 

Essie Nail Polishes

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I have tried SO many different nail polishes at all different price points, and I always end up going back to Essie. Their colors are gorgeous, their formula is thick and long lasting, and their names are super cute! They always have a limited edition collection and it’s so difficult not to buy all of them!

 

eos Lip Balms

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This is another product that I have posted about before, but there’s a good reason for that. eos lip balms are the bomb! They are moisturizing, smell good, taste good (it matters!), 100% natural and the packing is cute AF. I always have at least one in my purse, and my office, the car, the living room, the kitchen… you get the idea!

 

Do you guys have any favorite drugstore beauty or makeup products that you can’t live without?

-SS

 

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Sephora Summer Essentials 2018

I had to come on here and share this buy with you guys! I went into Sephora today to get mascara and as usual, I found something else that I just had to have.

If you know anything about me you will know that I am a sucker for cute packaging and marketing gimmicks, and I love trying new products. This essentials kit ticks all three of those boxes and at only $42, it’s pretty much risk free! Plus, how cute is the bag it all comes in?! I’m already making a list of ways I want to use it.

sephora cosmetics bag

For $42 (Canadian), you receive the following must have summer essentials in a very cute and usable straw cosmetics bag:

 

sephora summer essentials products

 

I haven’t had a chance to use anything yet since I only picked it up today, but I’m so excited to start playing with it all!

I can’t find this on the Sephora website so it might be an in store exclusive, but who doesn’t need an excuse to visit Sephora?! Has anyone tried any of the products above? If so, what did you think? Are they really Summer Essentials?

-SS

Friday Favorites – June 29th

Not only is today Friday, but it’s the best kind of Friday – it’s a long weekend Friday! I hope everyone has some fun plans for the long weekend. As for me, I have almost no plans. Zero. Zilch. And I couldn’t be happier! And, also, how is June almost over?! I swear it’s been, like, a week long.

It’s also time for a new Friday Favorites post!

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I know I featured a lip product (and a tinted lip balm at that!) in my last Friday Favorites post, but this one is also so good that I couldn’t not include this week. I was at Shoppers Drug Mart just browsing, and I came across Benefit Cosmetics Hydrating Tinted Cha Cha Balm and I had to have it! Infused with mango balm and a super pretty subtle coral color, it is the perfect shade for summer. The color is build-able depending on the look you want, and the formula is incredibly moisturizing. I have worn this non-stop since I bought it and I think it’s going to be a summer staple for me!

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The second product on my Friday Favorites list this week is another one that I randomly discovered during the same Shoppers Drug Mart trip as before. Admittedly, the St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist is a little weird at first glance. It’s a clear scented spray that you apply on clean skin as a self-tanner. I was skeptical, but I love trying new products so I thought it was worth a shot, and I was not disappointed! The color it gives you is very, very subtle so if you are looking for that “I just got back from a week at the beach” look, this is not for you. But, it does give you a slight tan. Most importantly, the color is even, not orange, and does not leave streaks. What’s not to love?!
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And last, but certainty not least, is something that I feel will be a Friday Favorite for a long, long time because I am absolutely, utterly obsessed with the Starbucks Pink Drink. I know that I’m way late to this party, but I live in Canada and sometimes it takes a while for us to catch up. If you haven’t tried this yet, you need to go to Starbucks right now and get one. It’s their strawberry acai refresher with coconut milk. It’s dairy free, only 140 calories in the grande size, and tastes like strawberry Starbursts! What’s not to love?!
What is everyone else loving this week?
-SS

FabFitFun Summer 2018

Sooo, I really wanted to do a cute unboxing post of my Summer 2018 FabFitFun box, but I was so excited to receive it that I just dove right in. Then last night my dog decided that he is also a FabFitFun fan and chewed some of the packing. Needless to say, the pics below are the best I could do! As always, my FabFitFun box did not disappoint, and was filled to the brim with summer goodies.

  • Foreo Fofo Luna: this is the device that you had no idea that you need… until you have it! I have been using it now for 4 days and my skin already feels smoother, cleaner, looks brighter, and my makeup goes on better. It connects to an app that does a personalized skin analysis using two sensors, and tells you the best way to wash your face.
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  • Summer & Rose Beach Towel  (pineapple): This was a Choice Item (for all members), you could either pick a Yumi Train Case *which I have in the mail on its way to me* or a towel. With the towel you had a choice of pineapples or a tropical design. I picked pineapples because ever since my first trip to Hawaii 6 years ago, I’ve been everything pineapple obsessed. These beach towels are oversized and made from microfibre, which means that sand won’t stick! All I need now is a beach to test it out on..
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  • Tarte Tarteist PRO glow highlight & contour palette: If you are a Select member you will be able to choose which Tarte item you would like, if you are not Select, you, you would either receive the contour kit or an eyeshadow kit with an eyeliner. This kit is actually so cute! It comes with 6 highly pigmented shades and a mirror on either side. Major bonus is that it kind of smells like chocolate!

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  • Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle gel: This was another Choice Item, giving members a option of the muscle gel, a body scrub, or a ring. This gel is AMAZING! The main scents are lavender and rosemary and the smell is incredibly relaxing and cooling! I had sore legs a couple of days ago and it worked wonders for it. I even slept through the night that night so I’m considering this gel to be double duty!
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  • Vasanti Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: The second Select Item was a choice of either a resistance band, a wallet, or the face rejuvenator. This is an exfoliating cleanser, which I haven’t used yet but I can’t wait to give myself an at home facial with this!
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  • Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel: this is the third Select Item, giving you a choice of the peel or a heat protectant spray for your hair. First up, this smells divine! I have only used it once so far but already I can notice a difference in my skin. It’s made from exfoliating papaya, nourishing milk protein, and moisturizing vitamin E. Um, yes please!
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  • Pier 1 Imports Marble Ring Dish: before I received my box I wasn’t sure what I would do with this dish, but now that I have seen it in person I’m loving it. It’s beautiful! Right now I’m using it as a “catch all” on my bathroom counter.
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  • COOLA Classic Face SPF 50: this sunscreen is made from organic ingredients and it doubles up as a moisturizer! There is nothing you can put on your skin that is more important than sunscreen so this item is priceless! It’s also amazing, I’ve tried it already while sitting out on a patio 🙂
  • coola-spf
  • Wildlife Conservation Society paper straw: every box always has an a sponsored freebie item, and this season was a paper straw. SO fitting with everything we have been hearing about the environment lately. I’m always up for anything that will help. Click here for some info on how plastic straws affect wildlife.

In addition to the items listed above, I purchased three of the “add-ons”, which are all the alternative selections to what I received above:

  • Orlando Pita Play Atmos Heat Protectant Spray – I paid $10 USD, but the retail price is $34 USD
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  • Jaboneria Marianella Hawaiian Black Lava Body Cavier – again, I paid $10 USD, but the retail price is $48 USD
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  •  Maji Sports Loop Resistance Band – $10 USD for me, $15 USD retail
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See why I am so addicted to this subscription box?! FabFitFun boxes arrive seasonally (March, June, September, & December) and cost only $49.99 USD. Shipping in the USA is free, and shipping to Canada is $8 USD.

The Summer 2018 box is now sold out, but you can still purchase the Editor’s Box, which includes some of the items above, plus some additional products! There is also a brand new Pinterest Box curated especially with FabFitFun and Pinterest! Click here to purchase either the Editor’s Box, Pinterest Box, or the upcoming Fall 2018 box. This link will also give you a discount $10 off your first box 🙂

-SS