Removing Coffee Stains - At-Home Teeth Whitening Reviews

This post was sponsored by Smile Brilliant. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Being a multi-cups a day coffee drinker, I've known my teeth could use a little help on the

whitening side. The only whitening experience I have had in the past was using drugstore

whitening strips (which I don't recall noticing a huge difference) and then I brush with the Crest

3D White toothpaste daily. When I was approached by Smile Brilliant for a collaboration, I was

very intrigued and excited to learn more about the company. After looking at some before-afters

and reading about Smile Brilliant, I was ready to give it a try.

Shortly after filling out a quick questionnaire, a box arrived in the mail with a kit including molds

to make my own impressions of my teeth. Detailed instructions and whitening syringes are also

included in that box. This kit has a top and bottom mold, three containers of catalyst, and three

of the base. Three are included in case you happen to mess up one (which I did), so the extra

makes the process much less intimidating since there's a backup. After mixing the catalyst and

base together (sort of like playing with a putty), it gets placed in the mold then put in your mouth

until it hardens around your teeth. Once the impressions are set, you'll simply package them in

the pre-paid shipping envelope that arrived with the kit and drop in the mail.

Within a few weeks, your custom fitted trays will arrive and then it's time to start the whitening

process. Because the whole process can be a bit time consuming, the instructions read that it's

best to whiten before bed. A few times I whitened at night, a few I did in the morning if it was

more convenient. The whitening and desensitizing gels are applied to the trays in a thin line

using the syringe. Recommended time for whitening starts at 45 minutes with the option to

wear for up to 3 hours. Due to teeth sensitivity, I started with the 45 minutes then worked up to

an hour. After whitening, you remove the trays, rinse and dry, brush your teeth then apply the

desensitizing gel, which you wear for 15 minutes. The desensitizing gel definitely helped with

any sensitivity I was feeling. After all of that is done, there's no eating or drinking for 30 minutes to

achieve the best results.

Since the trays are custom fitted, they fit comfortably, allowing you to be able to talk relatively

normally and go about things like you would at home. During my whitening sessions, I've done

yoga, cleaned the house, and just relaxed while getting a brighter, whiter smile without the

hassle of dentist visits for a professional session.

Did Smile Brilliant work? YES! I've noticed my teeth are whiter than before and have actually

had people tell me that my teeth look great, making me more confident with my smile. Honestly,

I hadn't noticed how coffee stained they were until approached by Smile Brilliant and taking my

"before" photos.

Had I been able to give up coffee during the whitening process, I'm sure the

results would have been better, but overall I'm happy with the results I achieved. Would I

recommend Smile Brilliant and use it again? Yes! Due to the convenience, custom fitting,

professionalism of the product, and positive results, I would 10/10 recommend.

Want to achieve a whiter and brighter smile as well? Of course you do! I've teamed with Smile Brilliant for an exclusive discount and giveaway. Shop with Smile Brilliant and receive 15% OFF your purchase with the code always-allison15. Additionally, one lucky winner will win a $149 credit to Smile Brilliant! Simply follow the link to enter:

Smile Brilliant Giveaway

Giveaway will close on Tuesday, June 19th and open to USA, UK, Australia, and Canadian residents

♥ always
Allison

Tooth Whitening Gel

Summer Outfit Ideas: What to shop now

Summer is almost here which means festivals, concerts, carnivals, and other outdoorsy things like drinking rosé on a patio.  In this post, you'll find some must-haves to look cool and stay cool all summer long.

1.  Free People Torn Up Jumper - An overall dress is basically the new romper.  Throw a tank, crop top, or tee underneath and you have a go-to simple outfit that looks effortlessly cool.

2.  Lulus Boho To Dy For Blue and White Two-Piece Maxi Dress - Easy-breezy boho style perfect for a festival.  The even better part of this matching set is that you can mix and match with a different top or bottom!

3.  Lulus Baez Blue Chambray Maxi Skirt - I'm a sucker for a maxi skirt and this is flawless for trips to the farmers market or that rosé on the patio.

1.  Lulus Lost in Paradise Maxi Dress - This dress is ready for an adventure.  A deep-v neckline and sexy open-back style will surely heat things up this summer.  Bonus:  This dress is available in 6 other colors!

2.  Hanes x Karla The Crop Tee - Face it, there's no such thing as owning too many white tees and this cropped one pairs perfectly with high-waisted shorts, or wear it under the jumper and with the maxi skirt from above!

3.  PrettyLittleThing Printed Maxi Kimono - After soaking up the sunrays during the day, the air can feel a bit chillier at night.  Throw on this fun, bold maxi kimono and continue the summer fun!

Backpacks are amazing for if you're going to be on-the-go all day.  Unlike a cross-body that can start to get heavy on one shoulder, backpacks distribute the weight evenly so if you're at a festival running around from one artist to the next, you'll have all the necessities (and extras) with you at all times, nix the pain.  These three are neutral enough to pair with any outfit!

1.  Urban Originals Hide & Seek Vegan Leather Backpack

2.  Madewell Lorimer Leather Backpack

3.  Jules Kae Greta Backpack

When it comes to shoes, I love something that's unique yet neutral.  All 4 of these would mix and match with so many different options.

1.  Lulus Koren Leopard Espadrille Slide Sandals
2.  Steve Madden Gills Camouflage Flatform Sneakers
3.  AEO Wide Band Gladiator Sandals
4.  Free People Royale Flat

Which items from above are you lusting over for summer!?

♥ always
Allison

Product Review: New Beauty at Target

March's VoxBox from Influenster was a lot of fun because it contained FOUR items to test out, all new beauty products at Target.  This VoxBox arrival felt like Christmas...but an adultier-Christmas because it contained those items we have to buy but really hate to buy.  Items included were the Gillette Venus Platinum Razor and trial sizes of Olay Regenerist Whip Moisturizer, Pantene Sheer Volume Foam Conditioner, and Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste.  Read on to find out what I loved and hated!

I received all 4 items for free for testing from Influenster and Target.  All thoughts are my own.

1.  The Gillette Venus Platinum Razor

I absolutely LOVE the Venus Platinum Razor, probably my favorite out of the 4 items.  The weight, sleekness, and look of the metal handle give the razor a luxurious feel.  It glides over your skin leaving an incredibly close shave that lasts longer than other razors.  I would definitely recommend this item.

Buy it at Target:  Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Metal Handle Women's Razor

2.  Olay Regenerist Whip Moisturizer

The Olay Regenerist Whip face moisturizer is ah-mazing, my 2nd favorite if not tied with the razor.  The texture is like a lightweight gel that absorbs quickly leaving the skin smooth with a matte finish.  It's definitely great for warmer weather since it's so lightweight yet moisturizing.  Another few perks: the scent is amazing and it's also available with SPF 25.  After trying this product, I would purchase without question.

Buy it at Target:  Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer

3. Pantene Sheer Volume Foam Conditioner

The Pantene Sheer Volume Foam Conditioner definitely peaked my interest simply by the fact that it's a foam conditioner.  The application was a little strange since it felt like I was applying shaving cream to my hair.  It smells great, is lightweight, did give good volume but did not give my hair nearly as much moisture as it requires.  I have very thick, somewhat coarse/dry hair so could see this product being great for someone with fine, thin hair.  It just didn't work for me.

Buy it at Target:  Pantene Sheer Volume Foam Conditioner

4.  Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean

The Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean toothpaste turns into a foam while brushing, which made it feel like it got my gums extra clean.  I did like the texture but probably wouldn't use it every brushing, alternating with my Crest 3D White gel-based toothpaste.  The Gum Detoxify did leave a very fresh, clean feeling so I probably would purchase it at some point.

Buy it at Target:  Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste

What are some of your favorite Target beauty finds!?

♥ always
Allison

Five Things Friday

With Easter being this Sunday (already!?...I know, right?), this hoppin' Five Things Friday roundup is based on all things Easter.

Talk about an Easter brunch tablescape!  All the heart eyes over this natural rustic look from Bless'er House.  See the full post here:  Bless'er House / Easter Brunch Tablescape

How adorable are these DIY Peek-A-Boo Clothespin Eggs!?  I can't even handle it.

Get the DIY tutorial here:  One Little Project / Peek-a-boo Clothespin Eggs

I love the idea of having alternative Easter basket stuffers aside from candy.  This list of 75 Egg-cellent Non-Candy Easter Egg Fillers from Mommy Evolution has some great ideas and inspiration for more!

The dessert will be the talk of the town with these Lemon-White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes.  Get the recipe here:  Kraft-Philadelphia / Lemon-White Chocolate Mini Cheesecakes

Easter dress?  Check.  This dress from asos is beautiful for an Easter brunch or luncheon.  Shop the dress here:  asos / New Look Summer Floral Midi Dress

♥ always
Allison

314 Day

March 14th.  To many, it means Pi Day (3.14 if you didn't catch on), but to St. Louisians, 3-14 holds a different meaning.  314 is the area code of St. Louis and let me tell you, people from St. Louis represent the Lou and they're proud (a little ode to Nelly right there). 

While many may view STL as a flyover city, there's really so much to do, see, celebrate in St. Louis.  With new areas constantly being reinvented, it seems there's a new hot spot popping up by the day.  Here are reasons I love St. Louis.  If you're not from here, maybe it'll convince you to visit, and if you are from here, hopefully, you'll agree with why I love our city.

1.  The Arch.  The Gateway to the West, the monumental landmark of St. Louis nestled along the riverfront.  Who wouldn't be impressed to see a 630-foot arch of stainless steel that started being built in 1963?  Want to view the city from the top?  Well, you can by taking a tram the 630-feet up for the best view of St. Louis.

Fun fact bragging rights:  The Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the United States!

2.  Cardinals baseball.  One thing you must know about St. Louis is we LOVE baseball season.  Opening day is basically a city-wide holiday.

3.  Beer.  As much as we love baseball, we may love beer more.  From Anheuser-Busch to microbreweries spread all across the city, there are endless amounts of beer for anyone to enjoy.  AB offers free brewery tours where you can see the world-famous Clydesdales!  A few of my favorite breweries to visit are 4 Hands, Square One, Earthbound, Civil Life, and Urban Chestnut.

4.  The diversity.  There's plenty of "pockets" throughout St. Louis.  There's The Hill (amazing Italian), Cherokee Street (Hispanic with great authentic Mexican), The Grove (LGBTQ friendly, hot restaurants, nightlife), Dogtown (the Irish town), Delmar (where you can find food from around the world, nightlife, music scene), South Grand (another area for worldwide cuisine), Soulard (great patios, bars, nightlife), Maplewood (rated one of the most "hippest" areas in the country).  Whatever you're looking for, St. Louis definitelyyy has something to offer.  (Pictured above is me goofing off in The Grove).

5.  Museums and Parks.  The City Museum is an eclectic mix of children's playground, funhouse, and architectural amazement created out of unique, found objects built in a 600,000 square-foot former Shoe Company.  Forest Park has something special to offer to everyone:  The History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, The Zoo, The Muny, World's Fair Pavilion, Art Hill, The Jewel Box.  Honestly, there could be an entire day devoted to Forest Park.  A few more of my favorites are Laumeier Sculpture Park, Tower Grove Park, and The Missouri Botanical Garden.

6.  The seasons and weather.  What's nice about St. Louis is that you can experience spring, summer, winter, and fall.  What's not so nice about St. Louis is that you can experience all 4 seasons in a matter of days.  Seriously.  It could be 55 degrees and sunny, dramatically drop and be snowing a day or two later.

7.  Festivals and events.  Loufest is the big music festival around here.  One of my favorite festivals is the Whitaker Music Festival that takes place at the Botanical Gardens through summer.  You might not believe it, but Mardi Gras in St. Louis (Soulard) is the second biggest in the country.  We also take celebrating St. Patrick's Day very seriously with events in both Dogtown and Downtown.  We have plenty of beer festivals throughout the year.  If there is a holiday, celebration, something, St. Louis will probably have an event for it.

8.  THE FOOD.  Can't forget about the food.  St. Louis-Style Pizza.  Toasted Ravioli.  Gooey Butter Cake.  Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.  The ultimate St. Louis food bucket list.
St. Louis-Style Pizza is square cut, thin crust, and topped with Provel Cheese (which is essentially a blend of Cheddar, Swiss, and Provolone).  For the authentic St. Louis square beyond compare, I'd suggest going with Imo's Pizza.  At Imo's, also order the Toasted Ravioli (or any restaurant that you visit with it on the menu...and trust me, it'll probably be on the menu of 85% of the restaurants you visit...100% if you're on The Hill).  Gooey Butter Cake - check out Gooey Louie or my out-of-town family is OBSESSED with the Gooey Butter Cookies available at Schnucks Grocery Store.  Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is situated on Historic Route 66 and a landmark that has been selling frozen custard for over 80 years.

I'd love to know, have you visited St. Louis?  Or does this make you want to take a trip here?  If you have been, what were/are your favorite things about St. Louis?

♥ always
Allison

Albert Einstein Pi Photo:  Slate/Pi Day 2015

Spring Wardrobe Wishlist

Spring is almost here, it's literally so close you can almost smell it.  While powering through the last few weeks of official winter (the end is in sight...March 20th to be exact), it's impossible to not browse the internet and shop for those need-it now springtime wardrobe updates.

A small crossbody is a must-have item for when you're on the go.  This pale pink with gunmetal hardware is the bag to throw across your body while running errands or to hold your cash, lipstick, and the essentials for a night out.

Marc Jacobs | Small Leather Crossbody Bag, Pale Pink

The warmer weather means your hair will be up more.  These vibrant color tiered tassel statement earrings define your face and will have heads turning!

Nordstrom | Baublebar Gabriela Tassel Fringe Earrings

I've totally been crushing on blush for a while now and am obsessing over this feminine spin on the classic, casual denim jacket.

asos | Only COLORED Denim Jacket with Ruffle Sleeve

Meeting the girls for brunch?  Outfit planning just got a whole lot easier with an easy-breezy striped jumpsuit.
Mango | Striped Jumpsuit

A retro-inspired tee paired with high-waist denim for the ultimate LA lady look.

Topshop | 'LA' Rainbow T-Shirt

Cropped frayed denim draw attention to and show off the cute shoes you'll be wearing!

Mango | Frayed edges jeans

How fun is this raffia straw, pom trim hat!?  Must-have for spring break!

Revolve |  Michael Stars Pom Pompeii Wide Brim Hat

These metallic slingback shoes will look oh-so-cute with those cropped denim jeans!

Topshop | Oracle Slingback Shoes

A woven straw basket bag is a casual-cool spring-summer staple from picnics at the park to lunch with the ladies.

Revolve | JADEtribe Pom Pom Basket

Warmer days can require daintier jewelry.  Bohemian-inspired crescent earrings will sparkle during the day and shine at night.
Revolve | SHASHI Crescent Drop Earrings

Brighter days call for some new shades.  These retro-inspired, sleek sunnies feature a new spin on a classic piece.
Nordstrom | DIFF Bella 52mm Polarized Sunglasses

Which items are your favorite!?

Happy almost springgg!

♥ always
Allison

Five Things Friday

In the Midwest, we get crazy irregular temperatures and weather.  Yesterday it was about 80 degrees and today it won't even hit half of that...but luckily, it's FRI-DAYYY!  Here are the Five Things that I've really loved this week.

This modern chic geometric succulent planter from Target will effortlessly and instantly update your decor for spring.  Totally obsessing over this...definitely need one.

Target:  Succulent Wall Geometric Handing White/Gold 

With blush hues having a major moment right now, this mirrored jewelry box with agate stone will provide an elegant touch displayed on your dresser.

Nordstrom:  American Atelier Agate Mirror Box

Bar carts were all the rage in the past but for smaller spaces, it can be tricky to figure out ways to store your booze.  These innovative Liquor shelves are a fun update to the bar cart.  This Fold-Down Bar Shelf can be found at Anthropologie.

For other Liquor shelf ideas, check out this article from Domino:  Liquor Shelves are the New Bar Carts

Over the past year+, I've really been into this band called Bahamas who happened to be playing a show on Valentine's Day at a newish venue in St. Louis, Delmar Hall...obviously the perfect love day date night.  It was our first time to Delmar Hall and the venue was intimate and there couldn't have been a better space for this group to play at.  This is the song that really got me hooked, I hope you like it as much as I (and everyone else at the concert) do and definitely check out more of their music!

Pretty Blooms

I always tell my boyfriend not to get me flowers.  They die, get thrown out, and that makes me sad.  This year for Valentine's Day, he didn't listen and surprised me with the most beautiful colored bouquet I've ever set my eyes on.  Needless to say, I wasn't angry with him for not listening to me ;)

Have a Happy Weekend!

♥ always
Allison