Twenty Something Plus

February 20, 2015

Ubuntu Oils are the New Moroccan Oil

Moroccan oil is so 2014.

The new generation of oils?

Baobab oil, Mafura oil, Marula oil, and Mongongo oil are the four oils used in the newest product line from Lee Stafford, Ubuntu oils from Africa. These oils are all super hydrating and restore dry, damaged hair. The line is exclusive to Ulta and doesn’t cost much at all!

My personal thoughts?

I could not have gotten the chance to try this at a better time! My hair has been so dry lately. It was shedding pretty badly, to point where I was very seriously debating whether or not I should just shave it all off.

I recommend Ubuntu oils from Africa to anyone who wants to improve the condition of their hair. Or anyone who just wants their hair to smell nice, because this stuff smells unbelievably amazing! (It’s kind of fruity, but not in a citrusy way.)

Since using Ubuntu oils from Africa, my hair hasn’t grown to Rapunzel length proportions or anything like that, but it does feel healthier and that’s all I really cared about. That and the fact that once I run out I don’t have to scrimp and save, I just run to Ulta and by more. Afterall, I am an ULTAmate Rewards member now…

February 17, 2015

Striving for Progress

While I have been trying to progress in many aspects of my life, I can’t shake that feeling that I haven’t really accomplished much.

That is until I creeped on my own Instagram feed…

A few days ago I posted this selfie.

Fresh face and my Layla.

A photo posted by Bethany Everett (@twentysomethingplus) on Feb 15, 2015 at 11:53am PST

Less than a year ago I posted this one.

From no lashes to lashes like whoa! And, yes, #theyrereal! #benefit #realsies A photo posted by Bethany Everett (@twentysomethingplus) on Mar 25, 2014 at 9:12am PDT

Notice a difference?
I sure do!

Over-tweezing was one of my biggest beauty weaknesses. After coming to the realization that if I wanted thicker brows it meant I’d have to put the tweezers down, I stopped plucking. I have since learned restraint and only clean up very obvious stray hairs.

Would you believe me if I told you that in both photos my brows had been groomed? I am wearing eyebrow gel and brushed them to make sure they were their fullest. And get this, they were also both taken with the front camera on my iPhone!

These changes may not have been the most earth shattering, but they are proof that the things we want to achieve often take effort and happen over time.

Keep striving!

February 13, 2015

Twenty Something Plus x Glossy Queen

One of the easiest ways to stand out is to add a bright pop of color to whatever you’re wearing. I cannot tell you how many people have told me they love my coat, even on the subway in the city where you avoid eye contact at all cost!

Obviously, I am no stranger to making a statement and love to wear things that put me in the limelight.

So, when I was connected with Jennifer of Glossy Queen and discovered her handmade minimalist (but very bold) boho jewelry, I swooned in a major way!

Having started out as a fashion designer prior to designing jewelry, Jennifer is now back in fashion, so you can score new, pre-loved and vintage clothing in addition to her jewelry.

This thread wrapped statement bib necklaces in her Etsy shop is currently on sale and when they all go, they’re gone.

You can also find Glossy Queen on eBay and Poshmark.

The statement bibs are so much fun, that any outfit can become party ready just by adding it. Wearing all black, all white, or a combo of the two? Perfect!

“More style, less stuff.” – Jennifer of Glossy Queen

Glossy Queen has so much in the works and is doing things to change the way we shop.

If that alone doesn’t excite you, then maybe an Instagram giveaway will!

Make sure to follow both Twenty Something Plus and Glossy Queen on Instagram for a chance to win your very own Glossy Queen original piece!

AND if you use the code FREESHIP at checkout on Etsy, then guess what you get… Free shipping!

February 11, 2015

Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Manfriend

Valentine’s Day is Saturday.

This Saturday.

I’m not freaking out, because I’ve got my gifts for the manfriend wrapped and ready to go!

What did I get him?

While my boudoir mini sesh was totally for me, I figured why not let the manfriend benefit a little from it as well.

At the suggestion of Victoria Gloria, I used Artifact Uprising to print a custom photo calendar using 12 of my favorite shots from the shoot.

Soy Candle

I had also recently attended a candle making workshop with Northeast Nutmeg, where I got to make three Valentine’s Day-themed scented candles. I gave one candle to my mom and kept one for myself, but set the third aside to gift with the calendar. And since I felt like crafting I made a no-sew heart garland, just because…

No-sew heart garland

I know, he’s spoiled.

Andrew claims that he’s already gotten me something, so naturally, I’m dying to know what my Valentine’s Day gifts from him are…

To be honest, I would be extremely happy just getting to go and see 50 Shades of Gray.

Judge away.

February 9, 2015

My February Birchbox

When I say that I can’t get enough of the Birchbox monthly featured editor curated boxes, I mean that I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH of the Birchbox monthly featured editor curated boxes.

For my February Birchbox I selected the Rent the Runway curated box and I am seriously so freaking glad that I did!

First, the box alone is just GORGEOUS. It really is all in the details.

After getting to try a few derma e products at Simply Stylish in NYC this past year, I discovered that I can’t get enough of the brand and their product was the main reason I decided to go with the Rent the Runway box.derma e Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub | $12.75

I am so in love with the Fekkai Glossing Cream that I am über excited to try their dry shampoo.

Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo | $20

Not Soap, Radio makes amazing smelling body washes and shower gels. Plus, the scent names are super original and too funny!

Not Soap, Radio Body Wash in The stuff that Cupid dips his arrows in | $16

And I can never have too much makeup…

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner in Raina | $11
theBalm cosmetics Read My Lips Lip Gloss in BAM! | $15

This month’s box is definitely one of my top favorites!

Excited to see what they’ve got in store for next month!

Want in? Sign up here.

February 6, 2015

My Last Julep Maven Box…

Yes, this is my last Julep Maven Box.

But not for the reason you might think.

Because of my current situation, I’ve had to make some big girl decisions and won’t be getting any boxes for a while… With the exception of Birchbox, because I have a year subscription, THANK THE LORD!

The plan was to skip the January Julep Maven box, but I was so intrigued by the Luxe Lip Conditioning Treatment, that I just couldn’t. I also really wanted the February Julep Maven box, but you have to draw the line somewhere…

Trust me, if I had it my way, I wouldn’t ever skip a month! Then again, I’m glad to have the option to when I need.

I got the January Bombshell box and it included:

And because Julep is just the sweetest ever, they added on a special little gift. (I thought I’d gone temporarily insane and spent even more money, but nope!)

And, as always, the sweet treat!

I haven’t gotten around to testing these all out just yet, but when I do, you will know!

Except for the Junior Mints. I don’t like them, so I gave them to my mom. She was happy.

Still not a Julep Maven?

Use the code BEMINE to get the Valentine Welcome Box for FREE!

You get discounts…

February 2, 2015

Birchbox Plus Because Sometimes More is More

I don’t consider myself to be greedy.

However, sometimes a girl just wants more.

Birchbox gets that. In addition to your monthly subscription box, you can now add-on items!

When I saw the January Birchbox Plus selection, I wanted them all. I had a little extra cash at the time, so I splurged. Hey, treat yo’self, right?

This is not a luxury I will be able to indulge in often but it was SO worth it! Had it not been for this option, and reduced pricing, there is probably next to no way that I’d have been lucky enough to get my hands on some of these coveted blogger favorites.

The Everygirl Travel Mug | $18

Pointe Studio Grip Sock Set | $10-12/pair

Bow & Drape Sweatshirt | $48

And as an extra little added bonus they threw in a Tosi Almond Super Bites Mini and some Kusmi BB Detox Tea. I got all of this for under $60. Pretty sweet deal, if you ask me, and well worth the wait!

If you don’t have Birchbox and want it, sign up here.
Not convinced?
Check out some of my other Birchbox posts.

Also, make sure to stay tuned for my February Birchbox unboxing. I’m thinking about giving video another go…
Thoughts?

January 26, 2015

Bisou Bisou Themed Boudior

One of my goals for this year was to do something, ANYTHING, with Victoria Gloria Photography.

Boudoir is not what I had in mind.
But when the stars align…

You say yes.

And take off your clothes.

I don’t want to pretend that I am the most body confident person, but I’ve learned to fake it.

It helps when the theme is very Bisou Bisou.

Think all things, French, boho, and romance.

Thank you SO much Victoria, Allie, Madeline, Laura, and Elizabeth! You all helped to make me feel drop dead sexy.

And of course no boudoir session would be complete without a little confetti!

Fun fact: I am almost always cold, in case you didn’t notice the ever so slight goosebumps or the not so stealthy covering of the nips…

Photos by Victoria Gloria | Set by Oh My Gemini | Style by Little Red’s Well | Makeup by Laura from Larissa Lake Makeup Artist | Hair by Elizabeth Allen

For a little BTS action, follow the hashtag #vgpboudoir on Instagram!

Loving the Bisou Bisou banner? The Bannerie.

January 19, 2015

Hartford Has It + So Do I

Being back in Connecticut, although not my ultimate goal, has presented some pretty great opportunities for me. And not just getting to go to ULTA!

For starters, having grown up, and attended college here, I get to see family and friends from school more often.

After going away and exploring Vermont, I now have a whole new appreciation for the cities in CT.

Yes, even in the freezing rain.

And in heels.

I guess the Vermonter in me is now used to it…

Growning up, Hartford was always just kind of there…
But walking around downtown, I got see what it has to offer. Hartford has it!

Certainly worth checking out.

Seriously.

And as for my outfit, yeah, it’s pretty casual…I’m all about jeans and a t-shirt.

You will probably be seeing this coat A LOT. I love everything about it. It’s warm and cozy, really bright so it stands out, and is just beyond chic!

My clutch was a find on Poshmark, and one side says ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.

Yes.

Yes, Hartford is.

Photos by TWJemison | Go follow him on Instagram!

January 16, 2015

My January Birchbox

I was not the least bit surprised by the contents of my Birchbox this month.

Why not?
Because I selected the Relax & Recharge box.

Tea, a deep conditioning mask, eye cream? This was truly the perfect box to start off the year.

This weekend I’m planning a little at home spa session, and the samples I got are perfect for just that!

When Travelmate Sheet Mask | $28

Teapigs Tea Temples | $10

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask | $26

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream | $38

Perlier Intensive Nurturing Body Balm | $28.45*

Manna Kadar Lip Locked in All of Me**| $24

I’m still waiting on my Birchbox Plus add-ons, so stay tuned!

*When I saw the price my first thought was, um random much? But, hey at least it’s under $30!
**Not in love with the color, but intrigued enough to want to try the same product in a different shade. Perhaps Siren or maybe Pino Noir?