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Smile Darling

Lifestyle and Fashion Blog

Make-up

Let’s Get Nude- My Favorite Lip Colors

December 19, 2018

lip gloss Hey babes! It’s been a hot minute since I last wrote a post! Today, I wanted to share my favorite lip colors! With the holidays approaching, lip color will most likely be a part of your look. If you’re like me, bold colors just don’t look right.

Since I can’t seem to pull off red or other bright colors, I always opt for a good nude tone. Nudes are just comfortable and add the right about of somethin’ somethin’.

My favorite brand for nude colors right now is Kylie Cosmetics. Her lip colors seriously last all day! It’s perfect for sipping on all those drinks at your holiday party too! My favorite colors are Candy K, Charm, Khlo$, and Creme Brûlée.

If I am not wearing Kylie Cosmetics, you can find me in the color “Stripped” by Anastasia Beverly Hills. It is one of my favorite nude looks! The lip color goes on so smooth too!

Shop The Look:

Candy K

Charm

Khlo$

Creme Brulee

Stripped 

Hair

Hair Goals- Merahkee Salon

November 27, 2018

Merahkee SalonToday, I’m talking about my hair. I get a lot of compliments on my hair color, and thank you for that! I love cool blonde tones. A lot of you ask me how I get my hair so icy blonde. I have to be honest, a big part of my bright color is due to my preset. It is a filter I put over all my photos. The other huge part I owe to the work of my fabulous hairdresser, Katrice, at her new salon Merahkee!

Before we dive in, I want to share a fun fact. I am naturally a brunette. Blonde usually comes out more of a honey color on me, which I am not a fan of. My hairdresser has worked hard to help me achieve the color I desire. It is not an overnight process angels!

I’ve been getting highlights from Katrice McPherson for almost 3 years. A few months ago, she took the plunge and opened her own salon with her good friend Jessie Setzer. These two are certainly the dynamic duo! With persistence and a dream, Merahkee Salon was born.

highlights Meraki- A word that modern Greeks use to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love- when you put “something of yourself” into whatever you’re doing.

These two women most definitely embody that. Jessie and Katrice’s love for doing hair and making other people feel beautiful is so apparent. Their main goal is healthy hair that allows you to have any style you desire.

Their services range from hair cuts to highlights, and balayage to keratin treatments. They offer reasonable pricing, that you really can’t beat! (Full list of services on their site)

Shot hair don't care A month ago I took a leap of faith and decided to chop 10 inches off my hair. All I had to do was show Katrice a photo of my girl Ashley Benson (lol), and she created magic!

Katrice is really honest with me. If she didn’t think short hair would look good on me, she would have told me. But we are also friends, and friends don’t let friends make bad hair choices.

I am having so much fun with my spunky hair style.

And guess what? They are accepting new clients! Great news if you live in the CLT area!

Nitty Gritty

Owners: Katrice McPherson & Jessie Setzer

Location: Off of Independence Blvd at Matthews Festival Shopping Center, inside Sola Salon Studios building.

Color: Wella

Products: amika (my favorite! See this post)

 

Let’s Get Social

Instagram: @merahkeesalon

Facebook: Merahkee Salon

 

To book an appointment click here!

 

Y’all comb back now, ya hair!

xx Courtney

 

 

 

All Things Christmas, Home Decor

Christmas Decor Guide

November 26, 2018

christmas decorchristmas bar cartChristmasHappy Cyber Monday babes! Are you regretting all the shopping you did this weekend like me?! Today the sales are continuing, and I thought it would be fun to share some Christmas decor with you all! Getting it on sale is key.

I took a poll on Instagram a few weeks back, and 83% of you voted for glam decor! I trusted you guys on this one, and I do not regret it one bit!

First on the list are holiday decorative pillows. Like, duah! They are a must! I’ve rounded up my favorites for you to shop below.

 

Christmas bar cartMy apartment is small, so I have limited space to decorate. My favorite thing to spice up with holiday cheer is my bar cart. All the items, minus the decanter and glasses, are from Marshalls/Home Goods. Shop the look below!

One of my favorite things in my home is my tree! I love the snowy flocking, and it came pre-lit! The exact tree I ordered is sold out for the second year in a row (because it’s awesome). I linked the exact one, so you can sign up for restock notifications. I also linked similar options. My ornaments are from Home Goods, and so is my tree skirt!

 

Here are other Christmas items I liked! A lot of my decor items I could not find online (blame Marshalls), but I feel like I would have totally purchased these items if I got a chance. I actually did purchase the xmas lights, lol.

 

Happy shopping sweet baby angels!

xx Courtney

All Things Christmas

Black Friday Sale List!

November 23, 2018

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

TULA– 25% OFF SITE WIDE

My favorites that I use are:

Holiday Kit

Purifying Cleanser

Aqua Infusion Gel Cream

Day/Night Hydrating Moisturizer 

 

Nordstrom– Up to 60% off Black Friday Deals

See all my favorites here!

 

American Eagle– 40% off & FREE SHIPPING

ASOS– 20% OFF EVERYTHING! CODE: HELLO20

I got:

Vero Moda Striped Sweater

Only Stripe Sweater

 

Boohoo- 60% EVERYTHING INCLUDING SALE

I got:

White Booties

 

Loft– 50% off you purchase with code: FRIYAY

GAP– 50% off EVERYTHING CODE: BLKFRIDAY ; Extra 10% off everything code:TREAT

Express- 50% OFF & FREE SHIPPING

H&M– 30% off everything & FREE SHIPPING with CODE: 3238

J.Crew Factory- 40-50% off site wide CODE: ADD2CART

Old Navy– 50% off entire purchase

My picks:

Pattern Thermal Sleep Leggings

Pattern Flannel Sleep Pants

Holiday Graphic Thermal top

Knit Pom pom Beanie

 

Macy’s– $10 off $25 or more code: BLKFRI25 ; extra 20% off Code: BLKFRI

Madewell– 25% off your purchase with code: DEALWITHIT

Urban Outfitters– BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF

-My fave black jeans

 

Anthropologie– 30% off EVERYTHING

JCPenny– Various deals!

Kohles– Ever $50 spent get $15 Kohles Cash ; Take an extra 15% off with CODE: JOY

Bloomingdales- $25% off $400 or more, 20% off $250-399, 15% off $100-249

Abercrombie– 50% off and FREE SHIPPING

My picks:

Quilted Sherpa Jacket

Teddy Coat

Snap Fleece

Pom knit beanie

 

Pink Lily– 30% off site wide & FREE SHIPPING code: PLBBLACKOUT

Red Dress Boutique– 30% OFF SITE and Free Shipping $50 and over

Vestique– 20% OFF SPANX LEGGINGS ; 30% OFF

Amazing Lace– 40% off SITE WIDE use code: bf40yay

LuLus– Take 25%-90% off every single thing code: BF25 and FLASH SALE DEALS

Tobi- 60% off NEW ARRIVALS CODE: INTHENEW

Nasty Gal-60% OFF EVERYTHING

 

Kylie Cosmetics– 40% off lips and 30% off all face & palettes

Ulta- Black friday door busters deals

QVC– Free shipping site wide, east payments on beauty, kitchen & electronics

Pottery Barn Outlet– 60% off entire purchase

 

 

Places, Travel & Adventure

P&G at Publix-Deals and Savings!

November 23, 2018

PublixIt’s that time of year for deals and savings! Remember that great Publix and P&G deal from a few months ago?! It was a deal so great, it’s being offered again!

You buy things for your home all the time… but what about FOR YOU?! This week, Publix is offering a great deal where if you purchase $30 worth of qualifying P&G products, you will earn a $10 Publix gift card INSTANTLY.  Need something to help with the clean up after the big Turkey day?  There’s no better time than now to stock up on your favorite brands at Publix.

Qualifying products include Gain Laundry Detergent, Tide Pods, Down Fabric Softener, Bounty Paper Towels, Pantene and MUCH, MUCH, MORE (see promotional image for a list of all qualifying products)!  Save on your favorite brands for the whole family or stock up for your single self (aka my life)! Earn a sweet gift just for you when you do!

For more details on this promotion, click here!

All Things Christmas

Amazon Black Friday Deals

November 21, 2018

black friday

Some great deals on higher priced items!

 

All Things Christmas

NORDSTROM BLACK FRIDAY DEALS!

November 21, 2018

black friday

These deals are so good! A lot of price matching! Spanx leggings, Tory Burch, Levi’s, T3 and so much more! Grab your credit card, and happy shopping!

 

All Things Christmas

Stocking Stuffers- His & Her’s

November 19, 2018

All Things Christmas

Men’s Holiday Gift Guide

November 16, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Things Christmas

Women’s Holiday Gift Guide

November 16, 2018

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About Me

HELLO

I'm Courtney! I'm just a girl who loves clothes, skincare and trying new things. With this blog, I hope to share a blend of topics that interest & excite me. Let's get inspired! And remember, Smile Darling!

Recent Posts

  • The Bittersweet Weight of Baby Fever in My Mid-Thirties
  • Luxury Hair- The Beacon Salon
  • Fall Trends: Featuring Revolve
  • Lip Filler: Charleston Laser & Aesthetics
  • Pride Month- My ”Coming Out” Story

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    The Bittersweet Weight of Baby Fever in My Mid-Thirties

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    Charleston, SC 🌴
    Lifestyle creator + local explorer
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    #charlestonsc

    Part 2: Perfect Fall Transition Looks 🤎🍂 Comment Part 2: Perfect Fall Transition Looks 🤎🍂

Comment FALL below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6pOVO

#fallvibes #chsblogger #microinfluencer #falltransitionoutfit #boutiquefashion
    Part 1: Perfect Fall Transition Looks 🍁🤎 Comment Part 1: Perfect Fall Transition Looks 🍁🤎

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6pkmW

#fallfashion #fallfashiontrends #charlestoninfluencer #chsblogger #fallfinds
    The occasion: Girls Night 💄🥂 The @thepeacockchs i The occasion: Girls Night 💄🥂

The @thepeacockchs is your ultimate GNO destination. Upscale, yet casual. Check out their events for October.

#gno #girlsnightout #charlestonsc #charlestonlife #chsblogger
    Charleston girls, this one’s for you 💕✨ If keepin Charleston girls, this one’s for you 💕✨

If keeping up with the dog hair, smells, and everyday mess is starting to feel like a full-time job… @tidyandbrightcleaning has you covered. 🐾🧹🧽

Start a recurring cleaning service and get a FREE Deep Clean Upgrade! 

More clean-home energy, less spending your free time cleaning.

#charlestonlocal #charlestoninfluencer #cleanhomehappyhome #tidyingup #cleaningservice
    When in need of an escape, the rooftop awaits ✨🌴 When in need of an escape, the rooftop awaits ✨🌴

We had a great evening @nube_rooftop when I was visiting Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Highly recommend adding it to your list!

Dress: @farmrio 

#rooftopviews #florida #lifestyleblogger #wlwcouple #microinfluencer
    Beach therapy in session 🌊 Swim: @thehoneyswim Beach therapy in session 🌊

Swim: @thehoneyswim
    POV: You finally stop trying to do it all yourself POV: You finally stop trying to do it all yourself. 🧼✨

Between work, life, and everything in between, keeping up with the house can feel impossible. 😅

@tidyandbrightcleaning Thalia came by today and completely reset my home, and honestly, the feeling of walking into a clean house is unmatched. 🙌

If you’ve been thinking about hiring a cleaner, this is your sign.

✨ Bonus: Tidy + Bright is offering a FREE deep clean upgrade when you start recurring service.

Tap the link in my bio for details! 🏡✨

#charlestonsc #charlestonliving #cleaningservice #homereset #tidyandbright
    Let’s get loud! Let’s get proud! 🌈✨ A whole lot o Let’s get loud! Let’s get proud! 🌈✨

A whole lot of fun was had at @parkcirclepride last week! From amazing vendors and local businesses to incredible community members showing up and showing out, the energy was unmatched!

Unfortunately, my puppy Coast got spayed last week, so I wasn’t able to attend as many events as I wanted to while helping her recover. 🐾❤️

A huge shoutout to all of the companies, organizations, performers, and vendors who participated and helped make Park Circle Pride such a special celebration. Thank you for creating a space filled with love, visibility, community, and joy.

Already looking forward to next year! 🏳️‍🌈

#parkcirclepride #charlestonpride #charlestonevents #loveislove #wlw @affa.sc @wearefamilycharleston
    ⚽️ Quick Charleston Battery recap! The energy was ⚽️ Quick Charleston Battery recap!

The energy was incredible, the fans were all in, and it was such a fun night for the whole family. Plus, there were so many great food trucks to choose from. 🌮🍔🍻

I also got to attend a creator event and meet some awesome people along the way. Definitely an experience I’d recommend if you’re looking for a fun night out in Charleston! 🙌💛🖤

#charlestonbattery #charlestonsc #familyfun #charlestonevents @charlestonbattery #charlestonlocal
    The best skin consultation I’ve ever had ✨ I had The best skin consultation I’ve ever had ✨

I had laser microneedling with Dr. Laura Glaser at @auraemedspa and loved how personalized and educational the entire experience was. We talked through my skin goals, healing process, long-term results, and created a treatment plan that actually made sense for me.

Bonus: their rewards program is AMAZING. 🙌

Excited to keep documenting my results! If you’re ready to really learn about your skin, go see Dr. Glaser and tell them I sent you. 🤍

#LaserMicroneedling #charlestonmedspa #skincarejourney #medicalaesthetic #charlestonlocal
    Lately life has felt nonstop! Cleaning, working, Lately life has felt nonstop!

Cleaning, working, walking the dogs, squeezing in workouts, running around all day… and somehow still trying to have energy through it all.

I’ve been loving these @cbdforlife Energy Gummies because they give me a steady boost without making me feel jittery or crashing later 🍉⚡️

They’ve honestly become part of my busy day routine when I need a little extra energy and mental clarity to keep up with everything.

Bonus points for no artificial ingredients and no THC 🙌

#BusyLife #selfcareroutine #WellnessRoutine #DogMomLife #stressmanagement
    Beach days deserve statement pieces 🐚🌊 @littlebir Beach days deserve statement pieces 🐚🌊

@littlebirdchs #coastaljewelry #charlestonsc #chslocal #charlestonblogger #shoplocalcharleston
    Hot dogs, home runs, and a Charleston kind of nigh Hot dogs, home runs, and a Charleston kind of night ⚾️🌭🐶

Can’t wait to bring the pups to @chasriverdogs in a few weeks! Coast will get to experience her first game! 

Every Tuesday they have a “breed of the night”. It’s so much fun! Get your tickets for this season!

#charlestonriverdogs #charlestonlocal #charlestonevents #charlestonsc #thingstodoincharleston
    Soft coastal hues, meaningful details, and pieces Soft coastal hues, meaningful details, and pieces made to last ✨🩵

Loving the Spring Collection from @littlebirdchs featuring pieces like Aquamarine and Coastal Locket necklaces. Handcrafted in 14k gold fill or sterling silver and set with genuine stones chosen for their beauty and energy.

Aquamarine is known for its calming, soothing energy and symbolizes courage and clarity — the perfect piece to make a subtle yet bold statement this season.

I especially love supporting Little Bird because it’s a woman owned business that gives back to a local Charleston charity.

#LittleBirdCHS #WomenOwnedBusiness  #CoastalStyle #HandcraftedJewelry #charlestonlocal chsblogger charlestonsc
    Charleston friends, this is your sign to skip the Charleston friends, this is your sign to skip the car wash line! 🚗🫧🧽

@danielislandmobilecarwash comes straight to YOU! Whether you’re at home, work, or anywhere in Charleston County. Talk about convenience 🙌

Professional, reliable, and they’ll have your car looking brand new without you lifting a finger.

📍 Mobile detailing made easy
📲 Book, relax, and let them handle the rest

#CharlestonSC #MobileCarWash #CarDetailing #CharlestonLife #supportlocal
    Spring Starts With a Spark ✨ Bringing in bright, Spring Starts With a Spark ✨

Bringing in bright, airy moments with @lajoliemuse candles that style beautifully and elevate every space.

Featuring:
🍋‍🟩Citrus Mint 
🌸 Citrine & Pink Peony (NEW Release)
🌊Santal Himalayen
🪷Jasmine Blossom 

Fresh season, fresh energy. #lajoliemuse

#springready #homedecorideas #candlesofinstagram #homedecor
    Feeling so grateful to have attended the 2026 AFFA Feeling so grateful to have attended the 2026 AFFA Gala last night ✨ The event was beautifully done and truly a celebration of progress, resilience, and community.

@affa.sc has been advocating for LGBTQ+ South Carolinians since 1998, working across the state to provide education, advocacy, and opportunities for connection so that all LGBTQ+ people can feel respected, safe, and free to thrive.

The Gala not only celebrates the amazing work being done, but also raises essential funds to support advocacy, education, and community initiatives that continue moving South Carolina forward.

I had such a wonderful time being part of this meaningful night and celebrating alongside so many passionate people committed to equality and inclusion. 🌈🩵🏳️‍🌈

#loveislove  #charlestonevents #charlestonpride #wlwpride #wlwcouple
    Normalize real life plans! Not everything has to Normalize real life plans!

Not everything has to be a whole production. Sometimes it’s dinner, then “we’re not ready to go home yet” energy.

Bearded, A Social Tavern just reopened in Park Circle (1077 E. Montague) - formerly The Bearded Ax (yes, that’s a rebrand 👀 first time they’re sharing it) @beardedchs 👈🏼

It’s actually such a good post-dinner move. Unlimited hourly play so you can go from skeeball to Mario Kart to air hockey to Big Buck Hunter like you’re 12 again…but with drinks. 

It’s grunge, moody, high energy in the best way.

10/10 rainy day idea.
Low pressure date night.
Group hang that’s not just standing around.

And the little Pride flags on the bar? We love to see it. 🌈

#parkcirclesc #charlestonevents #datenightideas #thingstodoincharleston #charlestonlife
    Firmer-looking skin + body contouring? Yes please. Firmer-looking skin + body contouring? Yes please.

Tried out @ultrasculpt.leadermed on my stomach ✨ It uses advanced ultrasonic waves to help target fat cells so your body can naturally eliminate them through the lymphatic system—non-invasive, safe, and no downtime 🙌

We also paired it with their collagen-enhancing miRNA cream + serum to support firmer-looking skin, and the ultrasonic waves help with deeper absorption for longer-lasting tightening.

DM me if you want the details! If you are in Charleston you can find UltraSculpt at @thespaofcharleston 🤍

#UltraSculpt #BodyContouring #SkinTightening #charlestoninfluencer
    Swipe for the before ➡️ after 😳✨ Okay but besties Swipe for the before ➡️ after 😳✨

Okay but besties… I tried @ultrasculpt.leadermed and after ONE 25-minute session, I lost almost a full inch from my mid-stomach!

No pain. No needles. No downtime. Just a little snatch, smooth, and lift moment.

My abs look more contoured, tighter, and defined! It was truly mind blowing 🤯 

It’s completely non-invasive and perfect if you’re on a wellness journey, dealing with stubborn areas (hi midsection), post-GLP-1 changes, or just want to feel more confident in your body.

Zero recovery.
Totally personalized.
Real results.

If you’re in the Charleston area, @thespaofcharleston at @francismarionhotel offers UltraSculpt! 

#UltraSculpt #BeforeAndAfter #skintightening #BodyConfidence #noninvasive
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