Dia&Co. Plus Size Clothing

Disclaimer: I was not paid or sent this box by Dia&Co to share a positive review. I purchased this with my own money and am giving my 100% honest opinion on Dia&Co.

I was so excited to find this Styling box by Dia&Co!  This is a $20 styling fee, they send you 4 pieces of clothing (their sizes start at women US size 10) and an accessory (if you chose) based off your style profile. Whatever you don't want send back in the provided pre labeled bag and you can buy what you want and whatever you do decide to keep the $20 styling fee comes off the total! Heck Yeah!! You also get it as often as you like monthly, seasonally, or just when you want it!

HOW IT WORKS:
  First you go to www.dia.co and fill out your online style profile. You tell your personal style, shape and any other wants or restrictions to your wardrobe! You also can set a budget on the clothes you receive.
  Then you talk to your personal stylist. Set up a phone call or not (you don't have too) and tell them things about yourself, for example My stomach is a problem area for me, so I don't like to wear very fitted shirts or low rise jeans.
   Then sit back and wait on your box to come in the mail. When you receive it try it on, send back what you don't want and keep what you love!

Here is my first box:

 I received a Handwritten personal note from my stylist explaining why she picked the clothes in my box for me! I mean come on, that proves to me they are trying to please their customers! I also got a detailed invoice of all the items I received their price and total including a full purchase discount and $20 stylist fee discount.




The First thing in my box I opened was my Accessory!

This is a beautiful great quality statement necklace from Josephina and retails for $32.00. I am in love this necklace! I have decided I am definitely keeping this! I can wear this with almost anything and dress up so many cute outfits with it!

Dia&Co also attach these little cards to all the clothing items to give you ideas on how to wear each article of clothing

Next I received this absolutely adorable Black Maison Jules Sleeveless dress size XXL which retails for $79.50. What I love about this dress is it is flowy in the right places it has an elastic band around the waist to draw the eye there and not to my trouble tummy area. What I did not like about it was it was WAY to short for me. Having 3 kids to run after I can't pull off the mini dresses anymore!

Next I received this super cute tribal Tank from Liz Claiborne I a size 1X that retails for $44.00. This cute tank can be paired with jeans for a casual outfit or black pants and a black blazer to dress it up! Unfortunately I will be returning this because it was too big in my arms and my bust area!


Next thing I saw was this pair of Capri Jeans made by Jessica Simpson in a size 16W they retail for $54.00. I absolutely loved the way these fit me in the waist! I am sending them back because I already have a pair almost identical to these jeans. I wrote a note to my Stylist and told them I wanted to try these jeans again in a different wash!

And lastly, but certainly not least this white denim jean jacket by Stylus in a size XL which retails for $60.00. This is a keeper! What a staple piece that I didn't even realize I was missing! you can pair it with anything a summer dress, jeans, capris anything! I am all about the layering life!

Overall I am very pleased with Dia&Co! I love the personal touch and I love the pieces they sent me, it seems like they really understood my style!
I say a HUGE thumbs up to Dia&Co!
                                                        




KIDS + TARGET TRIP!!

 My 3 little love bugs and myself took a trip to the park! The park we were heading to didn't have a lick of shade, and I knew that they were going to get fried! I had just ran out of spray SunScreen a few days before and the kids HATE putting the lotion on because it takes so long to dry and the sand sticks to them. We ended up making a pit stop at Target and my intentions are always to just to get my one thing but I always end up getting about 20 things!

First stop we made in Target was at the Dollar Section (as usual). I absolutely love this section at Target because things range from $1- $5. There are so many cute and practical things, as well as fun little knick knacks for the Kiddo's!  I picked up this cute little poster for $1 it says;

"You're off to great Places! Today is your day! Your Mountain is waiting So.... get on your WAY!" -DR. SEUSS

 

The next thing I picked up two Junior Classics for Young Readers books $1 each: Treasure Island written by Robert Louis Stevenson and A Little Princess written by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

We started reading Treasure Island together, and the kids LOVE IT! I am thinking of going back and getting 3 more each of these same books (they are only $1) so the kids can read along and we can take turns reading without having to pass the book around! These are great classics that bring me back to my childhood as well!

I also picked up these Jar Lids for mason jars, $1 each as well. We drink out of mason jars all the time! With the cute little lids, I can put a straw in it and take my drink to go!








I ran across this cute Foam Learning Clock for $1. I had to grab it because my 6 year old and I spent 15 minutes trying to make one out of a paper plate and card stock (didn't work so well, when you don't have brads). Now that we have it, while I am folding laundry or doing other house hold chores I will ask him to show me a time and he gets great practice and loves the Challenge!







I love these little Double-Sided Lap Dry erase boards for $1 and I love that this one is lined with the Printing Practice lines! These are great for traveling, waiting for appointments and just for practicing writing!

The last two things in the Dollar Section are these super cute Thank You Cards ($1) and Reward Stickers ($1)! You can never have too many Thank You cards and it is always a kind gesture. 

And lastly I picked up what I went to Target for in the first place. I got a 10 oz bottle of Up&Up 50 SPF Kids Spray sunscreen for $7.99. I also got two pack of the Up&UP 55 SPF sunscreen sticks for $6.99. Both of these are comparable to Copperstone Kids sunscreen.



 

MATURE SKIN- FOUNDATION ROUTINE

"I'm pretty sure that eating chocolate keeps wrinkles away because I have never seen a 10 year old with a Hershey Bar and crows feet."
 -AMY NEFTZGER
 

  Unfortunately even with eating chocolate, with age our skin gets thinner and thinner, we start losing elasticity because we don't produce as much collagen and along with the assistance of that wonderful thing called gravity that has been pulling at us since the age of 25 inevitably forms those "WISE WRINKLES". As unavoidable as it is, there are some contributing factors that can speed up the process of wrinkles like sun exposure and smoking. That is why it is VERY important that we start taking care of our skin/bodies at a young age, not only for wrinkles but other health issues; such as Cancer.



BEFORE

 For those of you who are already into their wiser years or just wanting to prepare for that time this is post is just for you!

 Invest in a good face wash and Anti-Aging moisturizer. My Mom and Beautiful Model (Thanks MOM) told me about the product she has been using, and has really seen a lot of improvement with, called CREPE ERASE. With CREPE ERASE you can actually put it on all your problem areas, not only on your face (neck, hands, etc.)





Here are a few products I used for this Make Over that contribute to obtaining a youthful glow:



MAYBELLINE: Instant Age Rewind Face- Primer $6.99
 A good primer will help fill fine lines, wrinkles and pores and assist with a smooth application of your foundation. Primer before your foundation will also help with the lasting power of your foundation!

URBAN DECAY- EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION $12-$20

An eye shadow primer will help prevent your eye shadow from creasing. I would highly recommend the URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION, however concealer can substitute as a primer as well!

REVLON- AGE DEFYING with DNA advantage $12.88
 An age defying foundation will also assist with filling wrinkles and evening out your skin. And of course even out your skin tone. There are so many great age defying foundations out there, but the REVLON AGE DEFYING Foundation blends so easily and evenly!


 MAYBELLINE- INSTANT AGE REWIND DARK CIRCLE ERASER $6.99

Under eye concealer will help cover those dark circles and make eyes appear more open and awake. However if you don't set your under eyes with a good setting powder it will crease where those wrinkles are! You can also use this as a highlighter for the bridge of your nose, center of your for head, along you cupids bow (center above your top lip) and the center

of your chin.

ALWAYS REMEMBER:





                    


 SOURCES:
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/87/82/99/878299a2c9553a26c8f5f6bc6379b7f3.jpg



                                   

Every DAY neutral eye!

    Don't get me wrong I like the glitz and glamour on those special occasions. Okay Lets get real here, as a mom of 4, this is about as Glitzy and Glamorous that it gets!  Depending on where I am going I can just change it up by adding a thicker wing, or put a pop of color to the center of my lid, or do a dark cut crease, maybe even throw on some Falsie Lashes (YEEK)! 

Here are a few tips that have really helped me with being more confident in applying my eye make-up:

TIP #1 DONT FORGET TO PRIME YOUR LIDS, WITH A PRIMER OR SOME CONCEALER. THIS WILL HELP KEEP YOUR SHADOW FROM CREASING
                                                   
TIP #2  TRY TO KEEP MATTE COLORS ABOVE YOUR CREASE AND UP TO YOUR BROW BONE, SHIMMER REFLECTS LIGHT AND CAN MAKE YOUR BROW LOOK WAY BIGGER THAN IT IS!!!!
                
TIP #3 USE THOSE SHIMMER COLORS ON YOUR EYELIDS TO MAKE YOUR EYES POP!!

TIP #4 START WITH THE DARKER COLORS IN THE OUTSIDE "V" OF YOUR EYES AND WORK YOUR WAY TO THE INNER CORNER WITH LIGHTER COLORS TO OPEN UP YOUR EYES!

TIP #5  INVEST IN A GOOD BLENDING BRUSH AND BLEND, BLEND, BLEND BETWEEN EVERY COLOR. UNLESS THAT IS THE LOOK YOUR GOING FOR. AND TO THAT I SAY "ROCK IT GIRL!"

TIP #6 AND THE MOST IMPORTANT: BE CREATIVE AND JUST HAVE FUN! IT'S JUST MAKE-UP YOU CAN WIPE IT OFF!

MY GO TO NAIL COLOR'S

   I absolutely detest painting my nails, and I hate spending the money to get them done! However, I love seeing those bright fun colors over the summer on other people, like the yellows and hot pinks. Being a redhead I like to keep my colors neutral, plus I have massive man hands I don't want attention drawn too.
   The Lord knew what he was doing when he gave me two daughters! They are my little hand models in these pictures of my colors. DISCLAIMER - I am not a professional nail technician, so if you look close enough you will see some imperfections.
 
 
  #1 SINFUL COLORS Professionals - Hazard

 
This is a beautiful opaque Coral color that is beautiful for the summer months! It looks beautiful on the hands as well as the toes!














#2 e.l.f. Nail Polish- Mint Cream

  

Another beautiful Summer Opaque color! This is a beautiful mint color from e.l.f.'s New Improved Formula. I must say I am impressed!










These colors are my "go to colors" because I can pair them together, they are affordable, and good quality nail polishes.  I have yet to find a nail polish that hasn't chipped on my nails, seeing how I work at a hospital so I am constantly washing my hands and using hand sanitizer. That being said these seem to last slightly longer than other polishes I have used.

LET ME KNOW YOUR "GO TO COLORS" FOR SUMMER?!?!

BEST SKIN CARE (MY FAV'S)

    I have decided I am kicking off my blog with a few of my "Luxurious" skin care products! About two months ago I had an issue with my skin. I received a sample of a face wash, that I was pretty excited to try. Well the first time I used it, it was wonderful, my skin felt so soft. The second time I used it, my skin was soft, however it was very tender. The third time I used it I woke up the next morning not even able to touch my face it had dried and irritated my face to the point that I had welts and HURT like the DICKENS!!! I just think their was an ingredient that my sensitive skin didn't agree with.

 I didn't know what to do with my skin in this shape, my current moisturizer was burning the snot out of my face, I couldn't exfoliate without irritating my skin anymore than it already was. I told my husband "I had no other choice but to drive out of my way to SEPHORA and see what they had for my skin" (wink, wink). When I walked into Sephora I was approached by an Angel, ok not a literal Angel but she fixed my problem. She introduced #1 and #2  of my favorite skin care products that I will forever be in her debt for, she knew exactly what was going to work for me!!!

   This is based solely off my own opinion and what has worked for me! I have extremely dry sensitive skin. That being said a lot of my skin care routine has been a trial and error process! However the three products I am going to share can be used for ALL skin types (oily, dry and combo).
   About 90% of my beauty products that I own are Drug store, however these products are considered high-end, in other words "Pricey". I do splurge on my skin care products because you only get on chance to take care of your skin. I am not saying that drug stores don't have some great products as well, and I would love to know if ya'll have any I could try out as well! So HERE WE GO...

#1 ORIGINS Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
This face wash is wonderful, it is gentle and removes make-up like a champ. This truly for all skin types, This never leaves my skin feeling tight and dried out.
 What it is formulated WITHOUT:
    - Parabens
    - Sulfates
    - Phthalates
The size I have here is 1.7oz I bought off Amazon for $14.99 and There is also a 5oz for $27.99.
                          http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KBI4H6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004KBI4H6&linkCode=as2&tag=lifsluxlems-20&linkId=R23XBUWD3WQTEDR7
                              

*TIP* IF A SAMPLE OF A PRODUCT IS AVAILABLE BUY THAT FIRST. THESE THINGS CAN GET PRICEY AND BETTER TO KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO WORK FOR YOU BEFORE DISHING OUT THE $$$ ON THINGS THAT DON'T

 

 

#2 FIRST AID BEAUTY  Ultra Repair Cream
  This cream is amazing! It can be used any where on the body, HOWEVER if you have oily skin I would recommend using a small amount to lightly coat your face. Because I have SUPER dry skin, I lather it on my face every night and it moisturizes my skin so much! It is used to: hydrate dry, parched skin, relieve minor irritation due to eczema, rashes, poison ivy and oak, and insect bites. I mean come on what gets better than this! It is a multi purpose cream that is Safe for Sensitive Cream!
This cream maybe considered on the pricey side but in my opinion worth every penny! It comes in different sizes; the 1oz foil packet sampler is $6.50, then the 2oz (which I have shown) for $12.00 and the last size is the 6oz for $30.00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065I0UMO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0065I0UMO&linkCode=as2&tag=lifsluxlems-20&linkId=7BQD3WI5QSB63SCV

#3 ONE LOVE ORGANICS Gardenia+Tea Antioxidant Body Serum
   So this wonderful creation of a body serum has to be my ALL TIME FAVORITE Skin Care Luxury. I received this in my PopSugar Must Have box (don't know about PopSugar Must Have's?? STAY TUNED!) 3 months ago and I have already re-purchased it! One Love Organic's products are all 100% organic which is another thing I LOVE ABOUT IT!!!
   SO what you do is apply it to damp skin when you get out the shower, similar to a shower oil/serum. Well here is the KICKER it doesn't leave you feeling greasy and oily, you don't have to run and wash it off your hands because the feeling drives you crazy! It is light and hydrating yet still leaving that beautiful shine on your body. Not to mention the smell is amazing, however it doesn't last very long. Which I don't mind because maybe I can layer my favorite lotion over it!
  This comes in one size it is a 4oz bottle for $39.00 and worth every PENNY!! http://shop.oneloveorganics.com/products/gardenia-tea