Where Have I Been?

Hey y'all! Sorry I have been MIA for the past couple of days. You can blame Issac for that one (and many other things). I had family evacuate here from NOLA, so I am busy entertaining and being a hostess. But I do have some greta stuff coming up, so stayed tuned in!!

Please keep the Gulf Coast in your prayers.

xoxo, Carol

Beauty with my Guest

Hey y'all! I have a fabulous guest blogger for you from Beautology (definitely a blog to follow). She is the sweetest and has the best beauty and skin care advice! Hope y'all enjoy!

Pore-fection and Gorgeous Glowing Skin..

I'm so very excited to be a guest writer for my beautiful friend, Carol! My name is Andrea and I have been studying skin care and skin care products for about six years now. In middle school and high school I struggled with unruly, oily skin until I sought the help of a dermatologist. She gave me a crash course in skin care and from then on I've been fascinated with beautifying skin. I have learned so much from testing a multitude of different products and treatments that I decided I'd start blogging about it so that others can benefit as well! I blog about products that I have personally tested so that I can give the best well-rounded description of its potency and effects. So here is my crash course for you to get perfect pores and glowing skin! 

Prep your skin by exfoliating with a fine exfoliating scrub. 

Needless to say, this is going to buff off the dead skin cells that build up on your skin causing pores to be clogged which leads to stubborn acne. Using a scrub that has fine exfoliates ensures a deep cleaning and refining of your skins pores. I love using Giovanni's Purifying Facial Scrub because it contains volcanic ash, purifying charcoal and antioxidants to detoxify your face while boosting your skins health and radiance with antioxidants. This scrub is all natural and organic and 5% of all retail sales goes to The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc,. If you need a quick fix, the best homemade scrub I've ever used is simply 3 parts baking soda and one part water to make a semi-thick paste. Although this homemade scrub does not have the antioxidant benefits that Giovanni has, it does still clean out dirt and oil from the skin.

Apply Dr. Jart's Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner Blackhead Extractor

If the name doesn't say it all, we don't know what will. As intense as it sounds is as intense as it works. I was skeptical about something with a title like that, but I applied it onto my trouble areas and waited the directed 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Upon close inspection of my pores they were definitely blurred and much less defined; any traces of blackheads I had were no longer there! I think this product has been the most shockingly useful product that I've used in the past 5 months!     

Use a Hydrating Cleanser to Replenish Your Skins Natural Moisture Barrier

Yep. This is an important step and often over-looked beauty secret. Those with oily skin wouldn't think twice about adding moisture to their skin because they don't feel they need it. However, not all moisture is created equal, or something to that effect. I highly recommend using CeraVe hydrating cleanser because it contains hyaluroic acid which is a strong moisturizer that penetrates down to the skins natural moisture barrier and replenishes it. Hyaluronic acid has incredible anti-aging properties because as we age our skins barrier looses its ability to hold and store moisture, using this particular acid helps boost and add to moisture depleted barriers. 

Use a Multi-purpose Moisturizer, SPF, and Anti-aging Face Cream

You could use all these things separately of course if you have them but the point here is that your applying a non-oil based moisturizer, sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and an anti-aging serum. They make face creams that have all those things already in them which makes morning routines all the better. I use and recommend Neutrogena Ageless-Intensives Tone Correcting Daily Moisturizer, because not only does it contain moisturizer, SPF and retinol but it boost skins natural radiance with vitamin C which over time corrects and evens skin tone. Definitely one of my favorite, go-to creams.

Apply Makeup to Enhance Your Natural Beauty, NOT to Overpower it. 

I'm a big advocate for natural, bare beauty but I also wildly love to use make-up. It's just fun! There is a time and place for dramatic makeup but other than that keep it simple and use it to highlight and add to your already beautiful face. Since you've exfoliated and cleared your skin, makeup will actually look its best and go on nice and smooth! My current makeup routine consists of Garnier BB Cream (I'm literally obsessed with BB's- as you can easily tell from a previous post- "BB Cream Revolutionizes Your Skin") followed by Maybelline New York's Dream Matte Mousse. I adore how flawless this makes my skin and it's perfect for those with oily skin because the formula keeps shine at bay (even on high-humidity days, I can attest that I don't blot my skin more than once maybe twice in the 12 hours I'm awake, so it does work.) If you have dry skin, Maybelline has a Dream Smooth Mousse that keeps your skin hydrated for up to 14 hours.

 I always add Dream Bouncy blush and Revlon's Photoready Mascara too get a good "awake" look (especially helpful for those very early mornings) but if I happen to have more time I layer a bit of bronzer, blush and highlighter to give myself a fresh-from vacation glow (I wrote a post you can view under July detailing how to achieve this look, named "Sun-Kiss Me"). Add your favorite lip balm, gloss or stick to finish your look! 

Try this out and let me know how it worked for you! I often help people tailor skin care routines based on their specific skin type and goals and what that they want to achieve, so feel free to contact me at my blog www.annmariebeautology.com, via email at AnnMarie.Beautology@gmail.com or by liking my Facebook page and or following me on Twitter, @Beautologyblog. The bonus of doing any one or all of those things is you can get easy, free updates on new posts that get published. Don't worry, I don't spam- it's annoying, I know. 

Of course feel free to sub in your favorite makeup products, I totally understand how wonderful it is to find the right "fit" in cosmetics. Thanks for reading and remember that pretty is what you are, beauty is what you do with it! 

xoxo

Ann

Put Your Face On!

So I decided to to treat myself to a little Ulta shopping today! This is definitely a dangerous thing for my credit card, but it was needed. Boy was I on a pink rush today. Everything I touched was pink and I had to have it! I've been stuck in a rut with my make up routine.. the same boring process everyday. So, I decided to mix it up and add some more spice and fun. 

Here are the winners!

1. Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner- jet black. I am already obsessed with this one. I am used to just using the regular pencil eye liner, but this is so much better! The liquid liner goes on so much smoother with zero smudging. It definitely gives your eyes a bolder look that I love.

2. Smashbox Gloss- Pout-I saw this on another blog, and I HAD to have this gloss. It is the most perfect Barbie pink I have ever seen without looking crazy. It is perfect for that extra splash of fun I want in my make up routine!

3. O.P.I. Japanese Rose Garden- Now, I usually pick my OPI polish based in its witty name. This time I actually picked based on color (because this name is oh so boring). Since I was on my pink kick today this one just spoke to me!

Does anyone else's hand look like this when they leave the make up store? Seriously, every time. It never fails. I always forget and finish my errands looking like a fool :)

To finish my day of errands off I had to stop by Starbucks for my Passion Tea Lemonade. It is becoming a serious habit of mine. And of course, I am wearing my black and gold bracelets for my Saints. You know it's game day when these come out baby!

Now off to play with my pressies!

xoxo, Carol

Feeling the Friday Favorites!

I'm linking up with The Bargain Blonde for the first time today for Friday Favorites! Here are my favorites for the week and what I am really excited about!

1. My favorite beach of all times is Gulf Shores, Alabama. One more week til I am there for Labor Day!! Hurry up!!

It's not the most tropical place I have ever been, but it is more like a second home. We are there as often as possible and spend every Thanksgiving there as a whole big, crazy family. I mean you can't beat laying out with a Corona in hand.. can you?

2. It is finally here!! FOOTBALL season! Time to break out all of my Saints' gear! 

3 These two recent purchases stole my heart this week! 

Necklace: Chloe & Isabel, Wallet: Aldo

4. TLC's Four Weddings has me hooked. Not like I am any where near getting married. But it is still fun watch watch and see the disasters and uber gorgeous weddings!!

5. I really needed this quote this week. I have been applying to jobs for the past few months and still nothing. It's super frustrating, but I know something perfect will come soon. Just have to stick with it :)

Hope y'all have a great weekend! Stop by my Chloe and Isabel online boutique to do a little shopping for charity (details below) :)

Hey, Sunshine!

Today I just really want to be outside laying in the sun. But no, I am stuck applying to jobs all day. It seems like a never ending process. So instead I am just jamming out to every song I can think of about sunshine :)

These top two will be on repeat all day as motivation!

This song always gets in a better mood!

Back to work! Have a great day!

xoxo, carol

Where You'll Find Me Today

Hey y'all! 

You won't find me here today. I am doing a guest post for the awesome Alyssa over at Ten Feet Off Beale!! 

You should really go check out her blog. It is amazing and lots of fun! 

I Need It ALL for FALL!

I am so excited to share with y'all the newest pieces and collections of Chloe and Isabel. The fall pieces JUST come out this morning! And trust me, they are to die for!

Hot off the press from www.caroldebrock.chloeandisabel.com

Whether you want a vintage feel, bold statements in modern metals, or a simple addition to a day out on the town outfit.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Estate Vintage.

Gorgeous metals.

Sparkle with these pave pieces.

Autumn inspiration.

Check out the new LOOKBOOK!

Stop by my online boutique and tell me what your favorites are?! And remember 15% of every purchase will be donated to Veritas College Prep Charter School in Memphis, TN. So you are shopping for a great cause!

xoxo, Carol

Let's Try Some Cooking

Mexican food has a special place in my heart. Love it. I especially love Chuy's fried shrimp tacos. I mean you can't go wrong combining these two- seafood and Mexican food. So I decided to be adventurous and try making my own shrimp tacos, a somewhat healthier version. I was pleasantly surprised with myself!

First I made some fresh corn salsa to add some extra zing to the taco! Super easy and delicious. 

Ingredients:

A few ears of fresh corn

red onion

jalapenos 

lime

* Boil the corn for about 10 minutes. Then place the corn in a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Dice half of the red onion, grad a handful of jalapenos and chop them into small pieces. Mix together the corn, jalapenos, and red onion into a bowl. Finally, squeeze half of the lime to add the extra zing that will pull the salsa together. Put the mixture into the fridge to get cool! 

* Quick tip: When you are cutting the kernel off the ear of ear put a smaller bowl upside down inside another bowl. Place the corn on top of the smaller bowl and when you are cutting down all the corn will fall into the big bowl and not spill all over the place. This makes it so much easier to transport your corn and not make a mess.

Now onto the tacos:

*Marinate the shrimp in whatever seasonings you like. I picked a southern seafood blend (Paul Prudommes).

*Use a hot skillet with a little bit of oil to cook the shrimp. They do not take very long to cook. Just make sure they are all pink and no grey coloring left.

Time to make your own taco!

*I like the heat up my tortilla. Add a little refried beans, place the hot shrimp, add a touch of cheese. Finally I top it with the cold corn salsa. The salsa adds a great contrast in texture and temperature. 

*You can always add anything else you like- maybe some lettuce, tomatoes, more jalapenos for the spice lovers.. whatever makes your mouth water.

* Don't forget to pair with a margarita for all your hard work :)

xoxo, Carol!

Also, I would love for you to stop by my Chloe and Isabel boutique and participate in the Fundraiser for the Veritas College Prep Charter School in Memphis.

Lots of exciting things happening this week. Stayed tuned!

Shopping Saturday!

I'm doing something special with my Chloe and Isabel online boutique for the next month! Since everyone is heading back to school I thought it was fitting to create a fundraiser for a special school in need. 

For the next month a portion of every sale from my online boutique to be donated to the Veritas College Preparatory Charter School in Memphis, TN. My best friend just started teaching there and they are doing amazing things with the students. However, the school is a non profit and in need of even the basic school supplies for their children. I would love to help!!

Stop by my boutique to see if anything strikes your fancy. There are styles for everyone and every occasion. Who doesn't love shopping, especially for a great cause??

Please contact me if you have any questions!

xoxo, Carol

Happy Hour.. New Link Up

Yay! 1st Happy Hour link up!!

**Here is how it works**

- Find your drink (alcoholic or non) recipe (your own, Pinterest find, guilty pleasure), bar/restaurant, party idea you want to share. Blog about it.

- Grab the "Happy Hour" button to share on your post

- Come and add your blog post link to the list 

- Visit some other bloggers and have a great Happy Hour! You can find your next party idea or a new favorite drink.

<center> <a href="http://southernbelleway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Southern Belle Way" src="http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u421/SouthernBelleWay/happyhourlogo.jpg"/></a></center>

Introducing the "Hot Carl"

For my first Happy Hour I wanted to share with you a little concoction I created. Don't ask where the name came from, I have no idea. But for some reason it works. I made this at a party with my friends and it was a HIT!!

You need:

Sprite

Orange juice (no pulp)

Butterscotch Schnapps

Vanilla Vodka (just a baby bit)

I don't use measurements. I just go by taste so make it as strong as you like! 

It may sound like a weird combination, but trust me it is delicious!! The butterscotch and vanilla are like the best friends of yummy tastes. So many good memories of drinking this out of a red solo cup.

Speaking of...

Sorry i had to. 

Can't wait to see what you have for Happy Hour! Link up Here!!

TV, Come Back to ME!

Most of us are looking forward to fall. Football, fashion, and cooler weather (finally)!! But another thing that always makes fall more exciting is the return of my favorite TV shows! A girl can only watch reruns on Hulu for so long. 

*New Girl- August 23.

Living in that apartment would be so crazy, yet I think I would love it! I cannot get enough of Schmidt. I also am a full supporter that Nick and Jess should get together.. it is meant to be! I have literally cried while watching this show because I was laughing SO hard!

*How I Met Your Mother- September 24

I just want to know who the mother is!!! I also wish my friends and I could always be together and basically live in a bar like this gang. Every word that comes out of Barney's mouth cracks me up! You can get so many good one liners from watching HIMYM.

*The Big Bang Theory- September 27

When I first started watching the show I wasn't truly convinced. BUT oh how things have changed. A few episodes in I was hooked. I am in love with these nerds and hey, I learn big science words. It's funny how someone (ahem Sheldon) can be so annoying, yet so down right hysterical and lovable!

*Modern Family- September 26

Now this family is a hoot! There is not one character who is not funny,  but Phil takes the cake! Having a shoe collection like Gloria is one of my many wishes. Every episode has me wanting to go on vacation with this family.. You know there would never be a dull moment.

If you can't tell I really like comedies. You best believe all of these dates are starred in my calendar! Ladies and Gentlemen start those TiVos...What shows are you excited to be reunited with?

Don't leave me yetttt!

Don't forget that tomorrow is the first edition of my new link up- "Happy Hour"!!! I would love for as many people to participate :) It is going to be so much FUN!

<center> <a href="http://southernbelleway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Southern Belle Way" src="http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u421/SouthernBelleWay/happyhourlogo.jpg"/></a></center>

Oh How Pinteresting. Jewelry Fever

I have a slight addiction to jewelry. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, oh my! Here are some of my favorites I found on Pinterest that are on my wish list!

How cute is this DIY jewelry organizer?

Source: diydesignfanatic.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

They look so fancy but are so affordable.

Source: caroldebrock.chloeandisabel.com via Carol on Pinterest

Love anything related to Johnny Cash.

Source: bourbonandboots.com via Carol on Pinterest

Cannot wait for the new fall collection. www.caroldebrock.chloeandisabel.com

Source: caroldebrock.chloeandisabel.com via Carol on Pinterest

Gorgeous.. I would never take this ring off.

Source: etsy.com via Carol on Pinterest

Stack everything!

Source: hayky.tumblr.com via Carol on Pinterest

Cuffs galore.

Source: web.stagram.com via Carol on Pinterest

Such a great idea for a vintage feel.

Source: dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com via Carol on Pinterest

Hope you have a fabulous Wednesday! Don't forget to read about the new Happy Hour link up below :)

Happy Hour Anyone? New Link Up!

I have been wanting to start a link up and last night I thought of the perfect one for me to start. It definitely speaks to my personality and interests! I love yummy drinks (strong yummy drinks), party planning, and just having a good time. So why not have a little virtual Happy Hour? It's a great way to relax with your friends, meet new friends, and find some great new drinks. SO every Friday come link up with me for HAPPY HOUR with Southern Belle Way!

<center> <a href="http://southernbelleway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Southern Belle Way" src="http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u421/SouthernBelleWay/happyhourlogo.jpg"/></a></center>

**What do you want to share? The possibilities are wide open. Have some fun with it! That's what Happy Hours are for anyways :)

- Share your favorite drink recipes (alcoholic or non). Maybe you found it on Pinterest, it's something you have always wanted to try, your own special recipe, or one of your guilty pleasures.

- Share local finds with bars or restaurants with great drinks/happy hours

- Share Party ideas-- anything that involves getting a group of friends together and have a drink or two three

-I want this to be a fun way to share your favorite drinks and party ideas with other bloggers and get to know them a little better along the way!

**Here is how it will work:

- Find your drink, recipe, bar/restaurant, party idea you want to share. Blog about it.

- Grab the "Happy Hour" button to share on your post

- Come and add your blog post link to the list (I'll have a Simply Linked link)

- Visit some other bloggers and have a great Happy Hour! You can find your next party idea or a new favorite drink.

- The first 3 fabulous bloggers to link up each Friday will be featured on my blog that day.

  I am really excited to get this started...Let me know what you think!! I would love to hear your opinions :)

xoxo,

Carol

Life According to Country Music Ep. 3

Let's let country music speak for us again this week.

*When you need to be reminded of home.

* I don't know about you, but this is how I would love people to describe me... best of both worlds"
"She's a little bit of heaven with a wild side."- Love and Theft

* Finally, the shooting yesterday in College Station (home of my alma mater) reminded me that we can't take life for granted. Please keep the families of those killed in your prayers. But if there is one thing Aggies are amazing at it is coming together in a time of need and supporting each other. Prayers to Aggieland.

xoxo, 

Carol

And the Winner is....

Congrats to Meghan over at The Perfect Compilation Tape for winning the Chloe and Isabel giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Didn't win? But still obsessed over a Chloe and Isabel piece? Check out my past blog posts for some great style ideas or stop by my online boutique and check out my facebook page for updates. Please share with your friends... I am trying to move up in the company so any word of mouth with your jewelry loving friends would be amazing :) Y'all are the best!

Anywho, now that I have done my shameless plug. Hope you have a great Monday. I have some shark week to watch!! 

Insert Jaws Theme Song Here

It's almost SHARK WEEK!

The 25th year of Shark Week starts tomorrow! I don't know about you, but I always look forward to this week of summer. Who doesn't love Australian accents 24/7, over the top dramatic reenactments, and the constant reference to Jaws? And it actually is really interesting to learn all about sharks.

PLUS Shark Week is a great drinking game. I guess anything can be turned into a drinking game now. But, I am not complaining :)

You know this is happening at my house.

Shark Week got me thinking what else deserves a whole week's dedication? Hmmm.. my top vote would be chocolate :) What do you think deserves its own week?

Time to Accessorize with C+I: Statement Necklaces

Accessorizing is my favorite part of putting together an outfit. Now, since I work at Chloe & Isabel it has become even more fun- so many more choices. Statement necklaces are huge right now, but they can also be scary to add to an outfit because they are so bold. So I decided to put together a few ideas of how to make wearing statement necklaces easy and fun! From sparkly bibs to art deco collars.. the possibilities are endless.

Here are some tips:
* Pick the necklace out first
* Keep the rest of your outfit and accessories simple (you don't want to over do it)
* Have FUN! Be BOLD.
* Pick a high neckline to let your necklace do the talking and stand out

Now to the exciting part! Here are 4 easy looks with statement necklaces highlighting some great Chloe & Isabel statements necklaces.

*Collar It Up: This is a great way to do a statement necklace during the day. Take a simple button up oxford, pair it with a cute pair of shorts and simple sandals. Add your colorful Beaded and Braided necklace. And viola you are ready for a day running errands or shopping in style.

Necklace: Chloe & Isabel. Shorts: Old Navy Shirt: Ralph Lauren Sandals: Payless

*Rock It In a Blazer:  Want to go for more of a rocker look? Easy! Pick out a fabulous Chain Fringe Necklace. Then grab a pair of boyfriend style jeans, colorful blazer, and simple tank and you are ready!

Necklace: Chloe & Isabel Jeans, Blazer, Tank: H&M

*Girly Glam: Being girly and flirty is always fun, especially with your style. This Garden Party necklace is one of my personal favorites. The best choice of a girly glam necklace is something vintage looking, it adds the perfect classic chic look. Pick a solid color to let the necklace shine. This coral dress is perfect for summer.

Necklace: Chloe & Isabel Dress:H&M Shoes: Forever 21 Purse: Tory Burch

*Your LBD: Everyone has use for a little black dress. Jazz your outfit up with a Deco Crystal Necklace. Pick a LBD with a high neckline to showcase the detail and beauty of the necklace. Add a sassy pair of colorful pumps and you are ready for a special night out!

Necklace: Chloe & Isabel Dress: H&M Shoes: Louboutin (a girl can dream)

Want to find some more great statement pieces? Shop at my Chloe & Isabel online boutique HERE.

On Polyvore? Follow me at aggielove for even more outfit ideas.

xoxo, Carol

Getting Back Into It.

Visiting New Orleans got me inspired to pick up art and painting again. Walking through the French Quarter and looking at all of the local artists' work got the creative juices flowing in me again.

Ever since I was little I loved art and enjoyed painting and being creative. I was always in art classes and painting in my spare time. It has always been a great stress reliever for me. But with my busy college life and job search painting took a seat on the sideline. However, now I am ready and excited to get back into it and paint my little heart out!

So we will see how this goes and how the first painting turns out! Stay turned to see what I come up with!

What are some things that you have been wanting to pick up again?

xoxo, Carol