What's in my Advent Calendar? #2 | Blogmas Day 19

Well friends,

It's been about 2 weeks since I last updated you on what bits I've gotten in my advent calendar - so let's change that! I will say that I have NOT been disappointed.

Cucumber Thyme Treatment Oil...Wen*

Ylang-Ylang Body Wash... Molton Brown

Amazing Grace Shower Gel... Philosophy

Moroccan Oil... Josie Maran

*I am currently not using the Wen product due to the recent lawsuit that's surfaced

Face Finishing Moisturizer... Perricone MD

ExfoliKate... Kate Sommerville

Smoothing Marine Cream... Clark's Botanicals

Tightening Neck Cream... StriVectin

Embellish with Attitude... Calista Tools

Beauty Blender (sorry I didn't clean it)

Lash Food Primer... JB Cosmetics

Nail Polish in Monumental... Formula X

Do you have any of the products that I've gotten in my advent calendar? Are you interested in a review?  Let me know in the comments!

Happy blogmas,

Traci J 

What's in my Advent Calendar? #1 | Blogmas Day 4

Hello loves,

Every Friday during Blogmas - I am going to show you what I got that week in my QVC 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar.

Day 1...Lash Domination Mascara by Bare Minerals

Day 2...Black Velvet Eyeliner Pencil by Mally

Day 3...Undereye Concealer by IT Cosmetics

Day 4...Hello Lashes Mascara by IT Cosmetics

Stay tuned tomorrow and I will update this post with links and my thoughts - for now I just needed to make sure it went up!

XOXO,

Traci J

Black Friday Haul 2K15 + Announcement | Blogmas Day 1

Hello loves,

Long time no blog! Goodness. I swore I would never take a break from blogging again after last time - but alas, grad school, a new job, and moving across the country have gotten the best of me.

Ugh. But here I am - back in action - and ready to go through my favorite time of year with you - the holidays!

I went Black Friday shopping with my mom - like I do every year - and figured it would be a great way to kick off the holiday season with a Black Friday Haul!

**Note** my red lipstick smeared half way through the video - I didn't notice. And the camera isn't in focus - can you tell I haven't made a video in a while... Yikes!

Now on to the announcement. To celebrate my return back to the blogging world - I will be participating in Blogmas - blogging everyday in December until Christmas! Woohoo.

Leave comments below with what you'd like to see for the next 25 days.

Glad to be back - thanks for sticking with me.

With love,

Traci J 

Nightly Skincare Routine | Video

Hello loves,

This week's video is a collab with Vicky's.  We put together a day of skincare routines. Vicky will be showing your her daytime routine, and I'm coming in to show you what I do to take care of my skin before bed!

I really hope you enjoy it.

xx,

Traci J

Mini Drugstore Haul

Hello loves,

Today I am bringing you a mini drugstore hall. I've had a little bit of writer's block (bloggers block?) this week - and didn't want to come in with heavy hitting post like last week - so I figured this mini haul would be perfect!

I went to pick up my Simple Make Up Wipes - and they were SOLD OUT. I was so mad. I've gone two cycles without them now - and it's driving me crazy. So I looked around the aisle and picked up these wipes from Garnier. Hoping they do the trick.  I also needed some contact solution - and Bio True is my forever favorite.

I also had a coupon for John Frieda. I decided to pick up more of the Color Correcting Treatment and then a Deep Conditioning treatment. I figured these would keep my ombre looking radiant for the rest of summer. Jergens just came out with a Wet Skin in Shower Moisturizer.  I couldn't resist picking it up to test it out!

My skin has been particularly oily lately - so I wanted to pick up some Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - tried and true by many bloggers - and then I replaced my worn out powder brush with the Real Techniques Powder Brush.

I hope you enjoyed my mini haul - let me know what products you've picked up recently! I'll see you next week with another post!

xx,

Traci J

June Favorites | Video

Hello loves,

Here I am with a Monday video! June Favorites! Omigod. Can you believe that June is over and it is already JULY 96h?! I'm dying. Gah. Let me know what you think in the comments. xx

With love,

Traci J 

The Acne Chronicles | Pt.1

Hello loves,

Welcome to Pt. 1 of my new series - The Acne Chronicles. After being inspired by The Sunday Girl's adult acne series - I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do my own.

My Skin Then
I've always struggled with acne. But I never thought much of it.  In high school I had what I thought was a "normal" amount of acne - and played it off as something that happens during your teen years. My most problematic areas were my chin and my forehead. I would get angry read blemishes on my chin - and tons of little bumps on my forehead (and the occasional blemish under my very cool 2000's side bangs).  For a brief period of time I fell for the Proactiv commercials - but it never worked for me.  I'm not entirely sure if this is because my skin just didn't respond well - or I wasn't consistent enough. Either way - there was no improvement.

When I reached my sophomore year of college - I had finally had enough.  I realized that at 19 I felt like my skin should be clearing up - and it just wasn't.  I sought out a dermatologist and was put on some antibiotics and the topical - Epiduo. It kind of worked. But again, I didn't follow through - and eventually couldn't even be bothered to make appointments with my dermatologist... I thought once again - that since I was getting older - it would take care of itself.


My Skin Now
Here we are - 2015 and I'm 24 years old - and I thought my skin was improving - I still had the occasional blemish - and the bumps on my forehead (not to mention spots on my back and around my collar bone) but it just seemed better.  I learned in March that my skin was not better, it was just different.  I started noticing spots of stubbron cystic acne around my jawline (accompanied by the blemishes on my chin and bumps on my forehead) that would just not go away.  My skin wouldn't respond to salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, cleansers, masks, spot treatments - nothing truly cleared up my skin.

Then - one day - I found a lump in the front of my neck under the skin. I was on the road for work - and totally freaked out.  When you find a lump somewhere on your body that isn't supposed to be there - your mind automatically goes to the worst.  I immediately assumed something was life threatening.  So I went to the urgent care in Indiana and the doctor said he thought it was just a sebaceous cyst - that may need to be surgically removed when I returned home. Great. Surgery on my neck - that sounds pleasant.  So I made an appointment for June with a new dermatologist near my home.

By the time I visited with the dermatologist - the cyst had dissipated - and several other popped up. She told me that I have moderate to severe acne that can be cleared up with medication - it is just a matter of what kind and how much. Oh - and no surgery necessary.



My Plan 
My dermatologist put me on antibiotics (doxycycline hyclate) for a month to jumpstart the process and fight off bacteria.  After the month is up - I won't be going back on the antibiotics to combat resilience. After I cleanse in the morning, I use clindamycin lotion to target inflamed pores, and at night (after cleansing) I alternate between using a tretinoin cream - to target plugged pores - and the clindamycin lotion.  Once the first month is up - at night I'll be using the tretinoin cream followed immediately by the clindamycin.

To fight the acne on my body, I am cleaning 2-3 times a week with benzoyl peroxide, and then also with a sulfur soap (which I have yet to order).

If she does not see the progress that she thinks I should make when I come back from grad school in November, we may look into a possible hormone imbalance - and combating the acne with an oral contraceptive as well - but we'll save that for pt.2 or pt.3.

Have any of you struggled with acne as an adult? What worked and didn't work for you? I would really love to know!

With love,

Traci J

Selena Gomez "Good For You" | Makeup Tutorial

Hello loves,

Today I'm bringing you makeup, hair, and an outfit all inspired by Selena Gomez's new song (and pictures from the music video) "Good For You." I am OBSESSED with this song. SLAY, Selena, SLAY.

I hope you enjoy.

xx,
Traci J

Keep It Weird...Keep It Caffeinated

Hello loves,

My mom and I discovered this little coffee house near our town a while ago, and decided to stop there for coffee and breakfast. Oh my goodness - it is phenomenal! They have amazing coffee and a super good black bean breakfast burrito.

While we were there I decided to snap some photos of my outfit.  I'm obsessed with this "Keep it Weird" shirt from the Bethany Mota collection at Aeropostale. I paired it with my black vans, a bright lip, and this awesome bright green nail polish from Essie.

Outfit/Make Up Details

Bethany Mota Graphic Tee (Similar)

American Eagle Dark Wash Skinny Jeans

Perforated Leather Slip On Vans

Essie Nail Polish in Vibrant Vibes

NYX Lip Creme in XOXO

Covergirl Lipgloss in Fruitylicious

Do you have a favorite coffee shop in your hometown? Let me know in the comments below.

xx,

Traci J 

Summer Clothing and Mini Beauty Haul | Video

Hello loves,

Here with another Monday video!  This week I'm bringing you a summertime clothing haul (with a few beauty products).  I hope you enjoy! :D

Don't forget to head over to my YouTube Channel to like and subscribe XD

With love,

Traci J 

3 Quick and Easy Summer Hairstyles | Video

Hello loves,

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  I'm back with another Monday video. That's 3 in a row - can you believe it? I'm actually sticking to a schedule!!! PRAISE!

For your viewing pleasure, here are 3 quick and easy hairstyles for summer. :D

See you on Thursday with another REGULARLY SCHEDULED (it feels so good to say that) blog post!

xx,

Traci J 

Georgia Peach & Sweet Tea | My New Summer Scent

Hello loves,

Today I wanted to share with you my new favorite scent for summer!  When I went to visit my friend Melissa for her bridal shower, she gave me lotion and body spray from BBW for being her Maid of Honor.  She certainly didn't have to get me anything (the weekend was supposed to be all about her) - but I am absolutely in LOVE with the scent she picked out.  

Photo courtesy: Death to the Stock Photo

Georgia Peach and Sweet Tea is the scent of both the lotion and the body spray that Melissa gave me. Does anyone know if this a new scent for Bath and Body Works? I wasn't sure - but it's new to me - and I've been wearing it every day since she gave it to me.

Seriously - these smell so good.  They have a mix of bright peach and sweet smelling tea - along with a little bit of musk and floral.  You need to go out to Bath and Body Works today and just smell it - I guarantee it will be your signature scent for summer too.

With love,

Traci J

*Post uses affiliate links

Products I've Used Up | Video

Hello loves,

Today I'm back with another Youtube video.  This week I'm bringing you all of the products I've used up over the last couple of months. I'll be sharing with you which products I'll be repurchasing and which ones I can do without.

I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know in the comments if you'd like to see more videos on the Bows for Justine channel!

With love,

Traci J

What's in my Bag? | Video

Hello loves,

It's the return of the Youtube Channel!  I haven''t uploaded anything since my Christmas Tag video - and finally got a chance to film with a proper camera.

Here is my long anticipated "What's in my Bag" video!

Be sure to head over - like and subscribe.

xoxo,

Traci J

Summer Hair Refresh | Balayage

Hello loves! Since I've been home - I have been DYING to get into the salon. I really need to touch up and refresh my color and cut for summer. I stopped into my favorite salon, Raw Salon and Spa in Burlington, WI - to get more blonde put in at the ends of my hair and brought up more around my face. The result - AMAZING.

Check out the before and after shot!

I am so happy with the way it turned out! Are you updating your hair for summer? Let me know in the comments! If you are in the SE Wisconsin area - you have to check out Raw Salon and Spa - they are doing amazing things!


xx,
Traci J

Summer Essentials Haul with Shopathome.com

Hello loves,

I've recently returned home to Wisconsin after a year of traveling - and let me tell you - I am so excited to kick off summer.  With spring starting to heat up, I've started getting my makeup and wardrobe summer ready! 

So this week I'm bringing you a summer themed haul with help from my friends over at shopathome.com! Shopathome.com is a website that gives you cash back at TONS of your favorite retailers just for shopping. Two of my favorite places to shop are Ulta,and Target (no surprise there) and both of them are featured on shopathome! In this haul I'm getting myself summer ready top to bottom - meaning face makeup and footwear ;) 

Let's get into the haul!

My Summer Face Basics

Benefit The Porefessional primer

Stila Tinted Moisturizer

Age Rewind Concealer
Tarte Smooth Operator Finishing Powder

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Benefit Watts Up Highlighter

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Captivating

My Summer Footwear Must Haves
Vogue Etzel Fisherman Sandals
Lilly Pulitzer Pineapple Flip Flops
Layla Sneakers
Sam and Libby Toni Sandals
Kendra Rhinestone Sandals

What are you stocking up for this summer? Will you be getting cash back just for shopping with ShopAtHome? Let me know in the comments!

With love,

Traci J

This post contains affiliate links.

My Hair was Saved by Lady Godiva

Hello loves,

I have to share with you the greatest, most hydrating shampoo I have ever used in my life.  Seriously - this stuff is so moisturizing it's not even funny. It has CHANGED. MY. LIFE.

For the past few weeks I've been working in Philly, and when I had the day off last week - I decided to venture downtown.  Guess what I found? A LUSH Spa! Naturally, I had to go inside.  After a few minutes of oogling all of the Valentine's products, I worked my way over to the solid shampoo section.

Since the people at LUSH are always so helpful, I asked the woman what shampoo was the most moisturizing.  When I travel, I'm dealing with so many different water conditions - most of which are not friendly to my bleached tresses - so I need to put a lot of moisture back into my hair.

She recommended the Godiva Solid Shampoo.

LUSH says, "Our vegan, 2-in-1 shampoo bar cleans and conditions your hair with moisturizing nut oils and shea butter. These butters and oils care for dry, processed locks and leave you with glossy, shiny, and softened tresses. Long used as a tonic for the hair and scalp, jasmine also perfumes your locks with an ultra-sexy fragrance with serious staying power. Named after a certain naked protestor, Godiva gets to work sending a message to your hair."

Now - I am not using this as a shampoo and conditioner - I use it to cleanse, and then proceed with my hair care routine as normal (condition, deep condition - every so often). I alternate this shampoo with Seanik - which is a lot more clarifying - and gets rid of any buildup. 

I have seen a CRAZY noticeable difference in the quality of my hair.

It is silky, no visible split ends, and it's super easy to comb through post shower. All things that I was struggling with before. I'm not kidding, Godiva by LUSH is a revolutionary product - especially for bleached or damaged hair.  

What are your holy grail haircare products? Let me know in the comments!

With love,

Traci J 

2014 Favorites

Hello loves,

Can you believe that another year has come and gone?! It's about to be 2015 - and I just can't wrap my mind around it. While I sit here attempting to mentally adjust to the new year - I have compiled a list of my 2014 favorites!  Here you will find the beast beauty products, favorite fashion items, and other random 2014 favorites of mine.

Enjoy :)

Beauty

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

This is a product that I could not have survived 2014 without!  Covergirl 2 in 1 Foundation, you were my go to base. My sunshine on a rainy day, if you will.  When my skin was dehydrated and cranky from too many hours in the airport - you helped me put on a happy face.  When I had only slept for 3 hours - you rejuvenated me.  And God forbid, if I had a blemish (or 12) you were there to hide the redness.  Thanks, Outlast. Thanks.

Dove Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

New to me in November of 2014, this shampoo and conditioner duo helped bring life to my ombre without weighing it down.  My hair is longer than ever - and also more dry - finding a treatment that adds enough moisture without weighing it down - is downright impossible... That is until I saw Ingrid Nilsen recommend Dove Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner in this video.  As soon as I purchased them, I was hooked!

Angled Brush from ELF

My beautiful little angled brush.  How I adore you.  I've had this guy for a couple years now, but only recently realized how much he means to me.  Each and every morning he helps me fill in my brows - which is no easy task.  Sometimes, they are beautifully groomed - recently waxed, plucked, and all together maintained - but more often than not they are two fuzzy caterpillars atop my brow bone.  This CRAZY affordable brush allows me to precisely and naturally fill in those bad boys. Stay classy, angle brush. 

Fashion

T Shirt Dress
(Similar)

I bought this dress from Target in July, and first featured it in this post. It is so comfy - and versatile.  You can dress it up with heals and a blazer - or down with sandals and a ponytail. This grey t shirt dress has taken me through many long flights - and never once wrinkled. I was even wearing it when I met Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco, at LAX. For that alone - I thank you, t shirt dress. 

Black Faux Leather Jacket
(Similar)

Coincidentally, this faux leather jacket goes great with the dress I just mentioned.  I swear, I have the hardest time finding jackets that fit my petite frame.  So, when I found this one at Marshall's early in 2014 - I snatched it up.  The cute floral panels give a hint of femininity to this sassy jacket. Every girl needs a good leather (or pleather) jacket to bring out their sass.

Francesca's Necklace

I have received SO many compliments on this necklace.  I picked it up on Black Friday - and it is truly the best necklace ever.  It goes with everything.  The whit acrylic jewels and rhinestone accents add a hint of glamour to any outfit.  I like to layer it with cozy, oversized sweaters. 

Noms

Sea Salted Dried Okra

Now I know that this does not sound all that appealing. But I'm telling you - this is the snack that got me through 2014.  It's crunchy, salty, and good for you!  Instead of reaching for potato chips or some other unhealthy snack after student teaching - I grabbed a handful of these instead. Try it. I promise it's delicious. 

Panera Bread

Mmmm. Panera.  Living on the road has me going out to  eat A LOT.  Whenever someone wants to have a meeting over a meal - I always suggest Panera.  They have so many choices that I never have to have the same thing twice.  My favorites have been the Autumn Squash Soup and the Roasted Turkey and Avocado Panini.  Plus, I'm  absolutely obsessed with Panera's green tea. 

Neuro Water

One of my coworkers introduced Neuro Water to me this July. Neuro water is a line of enhanced flavored waters.  They have water to help you sleep, give you energy, and even reduce stress.  I love the Tangerine Dreams for sleep (it has melatonin) and puts me to sleep with only half a bottle.  I really like the Bliss one as well - it is said to reduce stress. 

Music
Don't forget to follow me on Spotify!

Panic! At The Disco

This past summer - Miss Jackson - was my JAM, and I have a history of indulging in Panic!  However, until I randomly ran into Brendon (the lead singer of Panic! at the Disco) at LAX - I hadn't listened to the rest of Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die yet - and OMG!  This album (and really all of their music) is amazing!!!  My top 3 off of their latest album are:

1. Colar Full

2. This is Gospel

3. The End of All Things

Ed Sheeran

Oh, Ed. You're just darling.  He took the world by storm during 2014 - and was the soundtrack to most of my wait time in airports throughout the year (and my before bed playlist).  X was phenomenal.  My top 3 are:

1. Nina

2. I See Fire

3. Photograph

The 1975

Do I even need to talk about my love affair with The 1975?  I first heard about them from Ingrid Nilsen - over a year and a half ago - and I'm still infatuated/obsessed/CRAZY about them. I have no more words, so let's just jump into my top 3 picks.

1. Medicine

2. Sex

3. The City

Whew! I'm tired just listing out everything from 2014. What a year!  I'm interested in knowing what your favorite things from 2014 are!  Let me know in the comments below.  Did we share any favorites?

Happy New Year everyone!

XOXO,

Traci J

The Little Things

Hello loves,

Lately I've been in love with all things little.  December was the season of stocking stuffers - advent calendars - and all around cute sized everything.  I love delicate jewelry and makeup.  Not only is it cute to wear, but it is also cute to display.

Marc Jacobs - Daisy Perfume

Tarte - Thrilled Blush

Francesca's - White Violet Earrings

Lorac - Royals Palette

Francesca's - Midi Rings

What are your favorite little things currently?  Share with me in the comments below!

With love,

Traci J

I Love Weddings! Drinks All Around | October Style Challenge

Hello loves,

First things first. I - LOVE - WEDDINGS.

I admit it. I am a hopeless romantic. I get caught up in the flowers, the vows, the venue... Shoot, I even get caught up in the color scheme. Weddings. They're down right magical.  

And... I'm in luck.  My beautiful best friend, Melissa, is getting married next summer - and asked me to be her Maid of Honor.  Not only to I get to attend the wedding of two of my most favorite people on the planet - but I get to help her plan her big day.  Since the boyfriend no longer exists - this may be the closest I get to planning a wedding in quite some time. #foreveralone

Snap out of it, Traci. Let's get to the point.

Yes. So, the people at Weddington Way approached me with a challenge to style a bridesmaid look centering around one of their dresses. My reply was "HECK YES I WILL." Okay, that wasn't really what the email said - but you get the gist.

The challenge was as follows: If you were the Maid of Honor and the bride asked you to help her style the look for her big day, what would you suggest?  -Side note how convenient that I AM the Maid of Honor?!

Dress...Weddington Way

Shoes...Asos

Necklace...Baublebar

Lipstick...Nars

Tank...Etsy (Giddy Bride)

I took one look at this dress and my mind immediately went to Breakfast at Tiffany's - and then to Blair Waldorf (this is the way my brain works).  The style of the dress is super classic. I paired it with the black pumps - pearl collar - and trendy coral lipstick.  Mint and coral will forever be my favorite color combination. I cannot get enough. 

I threw in the cute tank just for grins...hoping my bride will let me wear this while we are getting ready ;) 

Take a few moments to peruse their site and gawk at all the BEAUTIFUL dresses.  How would you help style your friends' wedding? 

I challenge you to create your own style board and link to your post below!

Don't forget to check out all of their bridesmaid dresses here!

With love,

Traci J