maid of honor |

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Hello beauts! So I know we can all spend our paychecks in Ricky’s or Sephora or Ulta, or anywhere that sells makeup. There always seems to be a new product to try or a new beauty trend. I also feel like there a ton of beauty boxes out there that offer monthly subscriptions. I have tried Birchbox before since it was a gift from my sister, but I just felt like the samples were so tiny. What caught my eye about Ricky’s version of the monthly subscription beauty box is that it typically comes with one full size product. I also love that you get 25% off of all online purchases and free shipping on purchases of $50 or more. YASSSS. For only $11 getting ALL of that (retail value up to $50) seems like a steal in my eyes! For that price, it doesn’t even matter what is in the box, but it seems to always be something awesome 🙂 Check it more here.

This is the review September – I plan on updating this post each month with what I receive!

Opened it up to a little motivation! #CameToCrush everyday!

HSI Mini Straightener

Umm ok a mini straightener?! This is actually perfection. Tiny yet so powerful! I can throw this right in my purse for days I am running late and can just plug it in at work, and viola my hair is set! The plates are ceramic which helps leave your hair shiny, annnnd even more importantly, they heat up in seconds! Love love love!

HSI Argan Oil Shampoo, Conditioner + Leave In Treatment

Alright so after summer sun and salty hair, this came in at the perfect time. I felt like my hair was looking so dull and dry and brittle. Not after using these bad boys. I seriously am going to have to get the full size versions. I also love that they are sulfate free and full of vitamins.

Z-Palette Large

Say what?! This is so unbelievably convenient – I remember my old company did some work with Z Palette and I kept saying I wish they would send us some so we can try, and now my dreams came true lol! This seemed to be a custom one for Ricky’s and I love it. It is so urban and hip. I love that I can customize my own palette with everything that I use – it is so helpful if I am doing my makeup on the go. Instead of lugging around my makeup bag, I can just throw it on my palette and shove it in my purse. Total win with this.

Wella Root Shoot Mousse

I am a big advocate of Wella products – I used to work in a salon and everyone swore by it and since I got to test out the products first hand, I came to swear by them too! Sometimes my hair can get sooo flat, and since I typically straighten it, it doesn’t make for the best mix. I can’t seem to nail down that middle part with my hair pasted down like the Kardashian’s can haha. Sometimes I throw in a little volumizing powder but it makes my hair feel stiff and weird and doesn’t seem to work. I tried this once and my Jersey girl came out. Total life saver.

Masque Bar Luminizing Charcoal Mask

I cannot seem to escape masks lol I recently just got a facial so I am trying to leave my skin alone for a bit so I have not yet tried this. But when I do, I will update 🙂

After just one box, my final verdict is YES – totally worth it! For $11 the value is unbeatable.

Alright so remember a few posts back I wrote about my sister’s fabulous Nashville bachelorette? Well the wedding just passed and since I was the MOH, I had to do a speech. Writing a speech can be pretty tough, but standing in front of hundreds of people can be a bit more daunting. I thought I was going to pass out walking down the aisle let alone speak in front of hundreds of people – talk about pressure! The thing about speeches is you have to include both the bride and groom and you have to make it so everyone in the room can understand the jokes, who the couple is, etc. Most importantly, you want to make it sweet, sentimental, and light-hearted. Seems tough I know, but it really could be a lot of fun! It really just comes from the heart!

I’ve heard speeches that were pages long and just seemed to jump around so the greatest two tips I can give you is to write beforehand (LONNNNNG beforehand) and keep it to 2:00 minutes or less 🙂

Check out below for some more helpful hints and examples!

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Well first things first, you should introduce yourself and thank the guests for partaking in the couple’s lovely day. You should also start with a compliment to the couple and make note on how fabulous they look. Since my (now) brother-in-law would much rather be in a t-shirt and sweats, I also through in a little joke about that.

Hello everyone and welcome to bride’s name and groom’s name special day. You both look absolutely breathtaking – especially you groom’s name – I know how much you love wearing a nice tux. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is your name and I am relation to bride.

Now you should tell a little bit about the relationship between you and the bride. Share some of her characteristics and memories you’ve had with her and what she means to you, what impact she has had on your life, etc. You can make this super emotional yet still make it funny. Maybe she was your personal stylist from years of you borrowing her clothes and she just never knew it ;).

Although we are quite the opposite of each other, bride’s name has been my best friend and my other half since moment or story of how you met. Bride’s name is characteristic, characteristic, etc. Perhaps tell a favorite memory you two have. The greatest gift I’ve received is her as my sister/best friend/ cousin/etc. And now groom’s name, the greatest gift I can give you, is my best friend.

Next, talk about how they met or how long they have been together and compliment them on their unique love. Also this is where you will tell a story – either in relation to you, your favorite memory of them, etc. Be sure to ask the bride if any stories are off limits beforehand! This is also where I put in a little joke on the groom, see below!

It has been nothing short of beautiful and inspiring to watch your love grow and blossom into what it is now, and I cannot wait to see what it will be. # of years years together already is a long time, but the way you two act, it’s like you fall in love all over again with each look. Speaking of # of years years ago, I remember when all three of us story time. You guys could not get rid of me if you tried! Groom’s name, I am blessed to finally have a brother like you – now I no longer have to the “son my dad never had” – even though I could probably beat you at any sport.

Tie it all together now! Write about how alike they are how their love will flourish, and how they can overcome anything that life throws their way. My sister hates going into the basement alone so of course I had to throw that in there.

You both are alike in so many ways, and so different in others, but together I know you two can overcome any obstacle with the support, patience, and love you provide each other with always. I know you will continue to make my bride’s name happier than she ever thought possible and I am so glad you came into all of our lives. I know my best friend will ALWAYS be safe (especially when she has to go to the basement by herself), but most importantly, happy, loved and cherished.

Cheers time! Raise those glasses!

So please join me in a toast to the lovely couple…Bride and groom’s name, I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and health. I love you both!!

If you need help writing or want to know more tips or see my full speech, comment below or feel free to email me in the Contact tab!

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