Test Drive Tuesday: GlamGlow

Happy "Test Drive Tuesday," my friends! I'm super excited to share today's product with you - I've been wanting to try it for ages. It's called GlamGlow Youth Mud (fancy schmancy, no?)... and I've been reading about it here. And here. And here. And basically in every beauty magazine on the planet - so, I obviously had to try it. When I spotted a sample size jar in Sephora last weekend ($20 for a tiny jar - it ain't cheap!), I knew it was time to take the plunge. It's been touted as a "facial in a jar" and claims to do everything from minimize pores to reduce blackheads and redness - while simultaneously giving you radiant skin. That's a tall order! So... how did it go?

A full size jar will run you about $69 (available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Sephora), but I went for the trial size since I'm a first timer. The jar is about the size of a lemon - you can get 3-4 uses out of the one jar (depending on how much you use.) And since it calls itself the 10 minute facial, that means you're getting four facials for $5 each. Sounds good to me!

The consistency is a little runny and lumpy - it has tea leaves and volcanic rock in it, you guys! But it smells absolutely divine - no worries about using it right before a big event. In fact, the youth mud is said to be used before photoshoots to get the model's skin glowing and radiant. Again, yes please!

Now, because we're friends (and I don't mind embarrassing myself in the name of good journalism), I have made the following gif depicting the application of the mask and what it looks like as it dries. View with caution (and don't be too hard on me - it was very tight as it dried and I couldn't smile!):

The image quality isn't perfect (iPhone was what I had handy!), but you get the picture. It looks like camo, doesn't it? I'll admit - it was very tingly as it dried, very tightening, and I was almost worried it might be tingling too much (i.e. burning). But it never was quite that bad, and it wasn't worrisome - just a new sensation. You apply the mask to a clean face, let it dry 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

And the results? Oh my god, you guys. It's worth every. single. penny. Drew, who is naturally skeptical about these things, even complimented me on how radiant my skin looked. And holy smokes, was it smooth! It reduced black heads, made my skin baby soft, and wasn't drying at all. I am a true convert - and it would be perfect for a big event (wedding, prom, graduation) to make you extra radiant for all the photos. I love it!

But what do you guys think? Would you try it? Do you think I look like a crazy person in my gif? Do you have a mud mask you swear by? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time, my darlings!

xoxo,

Trend Alert: Beauty Subscriptions

Ipsy "Glam Bags"

Oh, my darlings - I've missed you so! What a whirlwind week it's been since we last spoke... I worked 75 hours in 7 days, ran countless commencement events and awards ceremonies, and wore high heels the whole time! You guys would have been proud of me.

But now I'm back! So, let's jump right into the first topic of the week (and a trend I've been wanting to share with you for ages) - beauty subscription bags!

A coworker turned me onto the concept back in December - you pay a monthly fee and you receive a bag (or box) with full or sample size luxury cosmetics in the mail each month. Um, yes, sign me up! And that's exactly what I did - five months later (and several makeup deliveries in) I am hooked! But which service did I pick - and which one is right for you? Details below:

Birchbox (birchbox.com)

What's the Deal?: If you've heard about this concept before, this is probably the brand name you're familiar with - most recently known for a partnership with Madewell, Birchbox offers subscribers four or five deluxe samples from an eclectic mix of luxury and niche brands, like Nars, Stila, and Weleda, plus one nonbeauty product, (like stationary) all delivered monthly in a recyclable brown box.
Cost: $10 per month or $110 per year.
The Right Fit?: This is a great "starter" subscription service - especially if you don't wear a ton of makeup. They mix in skin and haircare products and the service is easy to cancel. Plus, they customize to your taste - so no worries about getting a box full of glittery products when you are so not a glitter girl. Plus, if they're cool enough to work with Madewell, they must have great taste!

Beauty Army (beautyarmy.com)

What's the Deal?: Every month, you choose six samples from a menu of nine hard-to-find brands, like Skyn Iceland, Lucy B. organic makeup, and Lipsi cosmetics. Skin tone and type, makeup style (natural, dramatic), manicure preference (natural, French, brights), and fragrance preference are all taken into consideration by the site curators.
Cost: $12 per month or $132 per year. You can cancel or skip a month at any time.
The Right Fit?: The key word here is choose. This is the only service I've found that lets you make the selections - so if you're wary of surprises, this might be the box for you! It's a little pricier at $12 a month, but what's two dollars when you get to make the choices?

Ipsy (ipsy.com)

What's the Deal?: A reusable (adorable) makeup bag with four or five deluxe samples and full-size products from companies like Urban Decay, Tarte, and Philosophy every month. Each kit has a theme—pretty in pink, holiday, springtime —and the products are chosen so they go together. Then, you can peruse the site for video tutorials on how to use all of the products!
Cost: $10 per month or $110 per year. You can cancel at any time.
The Right Fit?: I am in love with Ipsy. It's the service I use and I get so crazy/excited when my Glam Bag comes (in a shiny pink package) every month. The makeup pouches feature cool patterns (see the top graphic of this post) and often, the products are full-size. I've gotten countless nail polishes, eye liners, and shadows that I've been using for months. Plus, Ipsy introduced me to the best blush I have ever used - Be A Bombshell in Sweet Cheeks. The perfect amount of glow and the perfect shade of pink. I plan on stocking up on a lifetime supply! Plus, it's a fun way to mix up your beauty routine without breaking the bank.

If none of these services appeal to you, there are countless others! Check out Sample Society, Glossy Box, and Beauty Fix for more!

What do you guys think? Would you try it? Do you already use a service and love it? I'd love to hear your experiences. And if you sign up for Ipsy, let me know so we can compare notes... and share new ways to use the products!

Until next time, my darlings!

xoxo,

Radio Silence (And What's New)...

Running the sound board at a recent campus event

Hello there, friends! Long time, no talk! My most sincere apologies for the radio silence here this week... allow me to explain myself (and my very brief absence).

I work in event management at a small, private university - and this week just so happens to be Commencement/Senior/Summer Training Week. What does that entail? A lot of events, a lot of work, a lot of fun, and a lot of goodbyes. I had all the best intentions of writing my posts in advance - but I pride myself on creating well-thought out and carefully written content. I didn't want to rush through it at the expense of some of the great topics we have upcoming. So - I have decided to take the shortest of breaks from Katie, Darling! and return this Monday, May 20th with more fashion and food and recaps and fun. I hope you'll bear with me until then!

And on a more personal note, I just have to say that it's weeks like this that remind me why I love my job. It's the people! I love working with the event organizers who are so excited to see their event finally come to fruition. I love seeing the attendees' smiles when they're enjoying a great event. And most of all, I love the people I work with - the professional staff that comes early and stays late and gives it their all... and the student staff that sticks it out with me until the bitter end (even when everything is going wrong and we don't know what to do). They are absolutely amazing people and I consider myself very lucky to work them. And for my seniors and graduates, well - I'm going to miss them with my whole heart.

So, that's my story this week, my darlings! I hope you enjoy the May sunshine and I'll see you back here on Monday for more adventures!

xoxo,

It's the Freakin' Weekend, Baby!

Greeting Card via Madison Park

Happy (sunny) Friday, my friends! Only one post today - there are a lot of fun things in the works for Katie, Darling! next week and I don't want to spoil the surprise... I'll just tease you with three things: cocktails, crepe paper, and redesign. Oh man - I can't wait!

What do you have planned for this weekend? I hope it's something that involves showering your Mom with gifts, love, and attention! She definitely deserves it. Drew and I will be spring cleaning, double dating, and dining out - with a little work thrown in the mix. I hope you have fun!

Before you head out the door, here are a few fun links to get you through the weekend:

A friend posted the latest Ryan Gosling meme on Facebook this morning - best use of Vine I've ever seen!

How cute are these Parisian inspired iPhone cases from Anthropologie? The perfect compliment to any chic outfit... now I just have to convince myself to upgrade to the iPhone 5!

Two great leaders I know posted this inspiring look at the working styles of some of history's greatest minds - my take away? Get up early and work steadily! 

Make your Mom a special breakfast this Sunday - why not try these white chocolate and raspberry flapjacks from the Nordstrom blog? Two of my favorite flavors!

The Office series finale is this Thursday (sob!) - so what's next for our favorite Scranton crew? Vulture has the scoop...

And finally - Aerie (the intimate wear spinoff from American Eagle) is having a 40% off sale this weekend. Stock up on summer apparel and cute swimsuits! This one is my favorite...

That's all for now, friends - until next time!

xoxo,

Shopaholic: Target

Hello again, my loves! It was such a gorgeous day in the District today - just in time for my monthly (...more like daily) expedition to Target for some seasonal clothes. I'll say it once and I'll say it again - Target is my mecca for on trend (affordable) clothing. And since it was high time for another installment of Shopaholic - what better store to visit? Let's go shopping together, friends!

Dress / Jacket

The look above was my absolute favorite... this sundress came in coral and white, and the feminine eyelet detail and scalloped edge gave it just the right amount of sweetness. If a strapless is too much skin for you, this adorable shrunken blazer was on clearance for only $20! The subtle pinstripes and casual cut make it the perfect pairing for any sundress.

Blouse / Skirt

If you'll believe it, the skirt was the only item I actually let myself buy... even though I wanted everything! I've been seeing mixed patterns and textures all over the place lately - and this polka dot and lace pairing felt just right. The skirt was on sale in store (yay!) and the peter pan collar on this blouse made it hard not to take it home with me, too.

Dress / Jacket

More dresses and jackets! And polka dots, of course. This dress was incredibly comfy and had a fun button detail down the front. Paired with boat shoes or ballet flats, it could be worn pretty much anywhere in the summer sunshine. But for those rare occasions you need to be a little more covered (country club, maybe?) this fun coral jacket can get you there.

Top / Pants

This look is way out of my comfort zone, especially because this pattern is so not forgiving. And yet... I kind of love it. More lovely lace detail for the blouse, but let's not kid ourselves - the pants are the star of this look. Would you be confident enough to rock this?

Blouse / Shorts

I loved this look because it's unassuming... just a top and shorts. But when you get a little closer, you can see the cute details! The pocket zipper on the blouse and the nautical buttons on these well-cut shorts made me want to snatch them both up. Maybe next time...

Jacket / Button Down / Shorts / Maxi Dress

 Yes, it's true... I found a lot of stuff to try on this go around. The fitting room attendant thought I was nuts (I swear, I put back everything myself!). I thought this jacket would be cute over a silk tank with skinny jeans for a night out. And how summery do these coral shorts look paired with a pinstripe button down? And I finally gave a maxi dress a shot - not loving it on me, but I can see the appeal. Majorly comfy!

But what do you guys think? Love them? Hate them? Didn't know Target had such cute stuff? I'd love to hear what you've purchased lately!

And if you want more Target Style... follow them on Instagram or check out the amazing blog, "Target Does It Again!"

Until next time, my darlings!

xoxo,

My Favorite... Web Series

Image via Flickr

Let me begin with an apology to all of my lovely readers who are in the midst of finals week - I know the last thing you need is another distraction! So, my recommendation would be to stop reading now... because today I'm sharing my favorite five favorite web series! I guarantee you won't be able to stop until you've viewed every video in each series - completely addicting (and let's not forget, completely free!) I found many of these when I was in college and desperately looking for anything to do but study... and just like me, you'll make it through! I promise!

Ok, enough preamble - let's get to the fun!

1) Cracked - After Hours

Four friends sit around a diner debating pop culture nuances? Sounds like dinner time at the Klenkel house! (*high fives husband*) But seriously - the writers of Cracked tackle a new pop culture phenomenon every month (Disney, James Bond, Breakfast Cereal Mascots) and give you a new (and hilarious) perspective on your favorite shows, movies, and characters. The video above made me rethink every sitcom I've ever seen - especially Saved by the Bell! (Disclaimer - language and themes are a bit adult!)

 2) College Humor - Bleep Bloop

 This series has been ongoing for years (with a simple formula) - some of the funny guys in the College Humor offices review video games and provide commentary. Sounds like Saturday night at the Klenkel house! (*high fives husband again*) This web series taught me that there is a Coldstone Creamery video game, a DJ'ing video game (complete with turntables!), and, as the video linked above teaches us, no good games for girls. Watch and learn, friends!

3) Funny or Die - Between Two Ferns 



Zack Galifianakis is not for everyone. This video is definitely not for everyone (kind of salty), but damn - these videos kill me. A new one just came out today on Funny or Die featuring James Franco, but this brief Natalie Portman interview is definitely my favorite. "I've got to get something off my chest..."

 4) Funny or Die - Billy on the Street

 Billy Eichner - so funny that his web series became a TV show! If you know me, you know I absolutely love this man. Check out his game show on Fuse and his frequent guest spots on Conan for more madness! The clip linked above is pure Billy magic...   

 5) Dorm Life



Classic web series - students meet in their Freshmen dorm and experience their first year of college together. Hilarity ensues. I found this when I was a junior in college and I devoured the whole series - Shane is definitely my favorite! I've never seen any of these guys in anything else - except the perky girl RA who has appeared in a bunch of clips on "The Soup" on E! The pilot of Dorm Life is linked above... try not to get sucked in!

What do you guys think? Did you get hooked on any of them? What are your favorite web series? I'd love to discover something new - sound off in the comments!

Until next time, my darlings!

xoxo,

Test Drive Tuesday: Meditation

Image via 500px

No, seriously - today's "Test Drive Tuesday" really is about meditation! A little backstory: I was brainstorming ideas over the weekend for new beauty products or styles I could try today... and I was getting stressed. Stressed about beauty products! Take a chill pill, Katie. I started this blog as a creative outlet and I made two promises to myself: Be truthful and do it for fun! I don't ever want to dread making a blog post (it's not fair to you guys and it's not fair to me), so if I stick to my rules - I can't go wrong!

Hence, today's post topic - because I was so not feeling adventurous today with my look. In fact, I went with my go-to power ensemble: black suit, white button down, red lips. In the pouring rain on a random Tuesday, it's hard to pick anything other than your "security blanket" of outfits. But what I did try today (for the first time ever) was meditation! And I got strangely pumped after the experience - so I thought, why not share?

I've been reading up on meditation lately, ever since I read The Happiness Project in March. Gretchen Rubin highly recommended it for anyone's happiness journey - but I was skeptical. It seems so hokey - the whole mantra thing and the breathing and the gongs (yes, I was wildly judgemental!). But lately I've felt my stress level steadily increasing... and as my stress rises, my optimism and motivation decrease. Not a good path to be on! So after reading this Mayo Clinic article a few weeks ago, I finally found the perfect opportunity to try it out.

The scene? My morning commute. Pouring rain. Traffic as far as the eye can see. My stress level? Through the roof. I could literally feel my blood pressure rising as I tried to will the traffic away. As more and more emergency vehicles whizzed past me and traffic inched forward, my optimism for the day began to drain. But then - I remembered the article. And the advice to breathe deeply and "have an increased awareness and acceptance of living in the present moment." Easier said than done!

But why not give it a shot? So, I turned off Taylor Swift... and I started to slow my breathing. I tried to "get out of my head" - I focused on the grass, on the trees, on the lights in the distance. I focused on my fingers and my toes and my heartbeat. I listened to the windshield wipers and the pounding rain. I didn't think about where I was going for ten minutes - I thought about where I was.

It totally worked, you guys!

I had no control over the fact that it took me two hours to get to work (count 'em, TWO!), but I did have control over how I reacted to the situation. And I reacted by appreciating that I was not involved in the accident that caused the hold up. And by appreciating the beauty of the rain and the fact that I'm blessed with a car to drive and a job to go to - it's amazing what a little perspective can do!

Verdict for me - I can't say it will be a daily thing, but it's definitely helpful when I recognize moments of stress about to happen! I want to be in control of what I can and less stressed about what I can't.

But what do you guys think? Do you meditate regularly? Have you ever tried it? I'd love to hear your experiences!

Until next time, my darlings!

xoxo,