Lifestyle Archives - Page 3 of 17 - Twenty Something Plus

July 14, 2017

My Recent Buys | July 2017

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Over the past few months, I’ve been working on my work/life balance. My current commute to work it roughly 2 hours one way. So blogging has taken the back burner to really just about everything else. My shopping on the other hand, hasn’t. So to start easing back into things, as my life takes on even more transitions (more on that later), I figured I’d share about some of my recent buys.

1. I don’t care what anyone says, you can never have too much denim. Be it jeans, overalls, or jackets. I personally know that I have quite a few, but I didn’t have a white one. I love my other Madewell oversized jean jacket, so went for a similar one, but in white.

2. If the little red dress isn’t a thing, it really should be. I found a loose fit midi dress with a very cool button back detail. Planning on reaching for this little number on all of those hot muggy days, when I want to look far more stylish than I feel.

3. Every once in a while I’ll walk by the Free People at the Pru and see a piece that draws me in. This jumpsuit did just that. Now that I have it, I love it and also want it in the mauve color.

4. Another Free People item that was love at first sight, was this sequin dress. I ended up not getting it, but came across it in the sale section recently and couldn’t risk passing on it again.

5. Shoes are my weakness, but lately I’ve been spending more on flat options and believe it or not, sneakers. A lot of this shift had to do with being on my feet for 8 hour shifts. Regardless, these Schutz heels have been haunting me since forever.

6. I think I wandered in to Urban Outfitters to grab deodorant. I ended up leaving with the comfiest jumpsuit that has ever touched my body. This may be gross, but I now change into it pretty much every day after work.

7. Switching to natural makeup has been somewhat of a struggle. Some things don’t work the way I expected them to, while others work great but cost a ton. Even though many argue that Tarte isn’t really a natural cosmetic brand, I’ve stopped caring as much. My goal is to find better for me options, and in my book, Tarte fits that bill. As does this purse sized palette.

Excited to get some content together featuring some of these purchases!

February 7, 2017

My Valentine’s Day Wish List

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

As thoughtful as the manfriend is, he isn’t always the best at picking out gifts for me. He nails it with roses, champagne, and dinner. And you can’t really go wrong with jewelry.

But, this year I’ve come up with a Valentine’s Day wish list of things that I would not hate him one little bit for getting me.

Allbird Women’s Wool Runners | From what I’ve heard they are the softest, most comfortable sneakers ever. I don’t own a ton of sneakers, but these I want.
ILY Couture Jamie Sunglasses | I never did get the Prada sunglasses I’d been pining over. Well these are basically the same thing and don’t cost a ton. So much so, that I may have ordered myself a pair and picked up an extra to giveaway a little later this month!
Sugarfina Sugar Lips | I don’t really like chocolate, but gummy candies are totally my jam.
Michael Kors x Fujifilm Instax Camera | Confession: I have two Instax cameras already. One I got because I couldn’t find the first one. But, this one make my heart sing and I would gladly upgrade.
Gold-Tone Chain-Link Camera Strap | What is a camera without a strap? Even if I didn’t get the Michael Kors x Fujifilm camera, if I could use the strap on one of my other Instax cameras, I’d be one happy girl.
Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol Watch | I already have this watch, but I wear it all the time and wouldn’t object to getting a second or a different color band.
Mark and Graham Daily Leather Tote | A nice everyday tote that zips is something I’ve been wanting. If it comes monogrammed, even better.
ILY Couture Kiss Kiss Embroidered Tee| Festive graphic tees are a thing that get me almost every single time.
Mark and Graham Concourse Checked Spinner | After my recent trip to Palm Springs for Alt Summit, I became painfully aware that I need to invest in new, quality luggage. Did I mention that it’s even better if it comes monogrammed?
Ariel Gordon Love Knot Ring | For those of you that don’t know the manfriend and I have been together for almost 9 years. Of those nine, we’ve been engaged for 8. I don’t wear a ring, and we don’t have any plans to get hitched any time soon. I don’t need or want a new ring, but if he gave me a simple understated one, I’d wear it.
Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Long Wear Matte Lipstick | I don’t blog about makeup as much, but I still wear makeup, give me a lipstick, lipgloss, mascara, a gift card to Ulta or Sephora…
Comme des Garçons® Low-Top Sneakers | Much like a festive t-shirt, fun shoes speak to my heart, and these are a blogger’s dream!
Sugarfina Champagne Bears | If gummy candies are my jam, Sugarfina’s Champagne Bears are my everything. Maybe something to add to that giveaway I mentioned?
Drinique Champagne Flute | Speaking of champagne, it’d be nice to have something nice to drink it out of.

What are you hoping to get for Valentine’s Day? Keep in mind there is nothing wrong with showing yourself a little love!

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September 29, 2016

September 2016 Must Have Box

You know that feeling when you’re expecting a package and it finally comes? Well surprise packages are like a thousand times better! POPSUGAR sent me the September 2016 Must Have Box to try and while I probably should have been expecting it’s arrival, I totally wasn’t and an otherwise pointless walk to the mailbox was made worthwhile.

I don’t know why I didn’t already have a POPSUGAR Must Have Box subscription, but I’m very seriously considering it now! The contents include something I had just said I needed and a few products I already love.

A lot of times my clothes get cover in all kinds of lint. But I hate how lint removers don’t have some sort of cover. The Flint Retractable Lint Roller makes that a non-issue. It’s exactly what I needed!

While I didn’t need a manicure set, I like that this NCLA one comes in a cute small case and has everything I need to keep my nails properly trimmed on the go. I can now stop wasting my business cards (which I’m starting to run a low on…) to clean my nails.

I also didn’t need another black hat. This Jack + Lucy one reminds me of a rose though, so I love it!

Snacks are always good to have on deck. Especially good tasting, gluten-free ones. I don’t like dark chocolate, but I’m sure I know someone who will devour these delicacies.

Briogeo and Smith & Cult are two brands that I’ve tried and loved before. I’ve already almost gone through the Briogeo deep conditioning mask! And have found myself wear the Smith & Cult gloss in The Warning over matte reds to really make my lips pop.

Overall, the September 2016 Must Have Box is amazing and definitely worth at least trying. And I’m super excited to share a special coupon code with you so that you can. Use SHOP5 and get $5 off your first Must Have Box!

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August 30, 2016

August 2016 Loves

When I was sent Momoup products to review, I thought yay for more Korean beauty products to try! Then, after opening on of the makeup removing wipes and discovering that even packet was a two pack, I thought how wasteful. But when I used them, I realized two things. One, that the amount of material is actually less than that of wipe and two I love them! I could not stop talking about them (or telling my friends).

During my trip to Nantucket to visit Gabby, I told myself I wasn’t going to go shopping. But I couldn’t resist stopping in some of my favorite shops. Like Crane & Lion, where I picked up this Maria Shireen Bittersweet hair tie bracelet (hair tie included). This purchase was justified because I needed a souvenir, and had been wanting a hair tie bracelet.

I’ve partnered with Happy Socks to put a little pep in my step (and color on my Instagram). No show socks don’t have to be boring and these have a serious shoe saver!

As a self-proclaimed crazy plant lady, my indoor garden is growing. I’ve been doing some research (a la Pinterest) on succulent care and propagation. Hopefully my green thumb is successful…

Anything with miracle in the name is setting the stakes pretty high. OGX is one of my most used hair brands and their Miracle In-Shower Oil is, well, miraculous. It provides extra moisture for my hair AND my body! This two-in-one product is my current absolute favorite.

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August 29, 2016

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Started from the Bottom

Building a capsule wardrobe is an idea the I’ve toyed with for a while now. Pinterest (and lack of closet space) makes the minimalist approach to style seem very appealing.

The concept of a capsule wardrobe is that you limit your wardrobe to a few key pieces. Mixing and matching what you have to maximize outfit potential without the stress or overwhelm that comes from having too many options. Most capsule wardrobes I’ve come across have consisted of 30 items. I opted for 38 pieces, because I felt too restricted with anything less than that. You, however, can select whatever number of pieces you feel comfortable with. Keep in mind that less is more.

For the month of September, I decided (with a little inspiration) to simplify my closet and give a capsule wardrobe challenge a try. Each week I’ll share some of my favorite looks on Instagram using the hashtag #tspcapsule. But, make sure to check back here to see them all!

To start building my capsule wardrobe, I started from the bottom. Literally. I’m a jeans girl and don’t really wear a ton of other bottoms, so I selected four pairs of jeans and a simple black pencil skirt.

My favorite template can be found on the blog Selective Potential. I definitely gave it a Twenty Something Plus twist, but have something to use as a guideline was very helpful!

There are tons of good examples on Pinterest and if you need a little (or a lot) of outfit inspiration, check out Un-Fancy, a minimalist fashion blog.

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August 12, 2016

Bellbrook Backpack

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Beacon Hill is my favorite area to hang out in Boston.

On Charles Street alone there’s Follain, Tatte, Crane & Lion, The UPS Store (which I frequent for Rent the Runway purposes)…

Plus, it’s just a short walk away from Boston Public Garden. Which is the perfect place to brush up on my photography skills.

My obsession with Jo Totes basically started the second I learned to shoot in manual. I mean, a purse that doubles as a camera bag? Genius.

But since I already had a camera bag. And more than my fair share of purses, I showed restraint. Then I found out about the Bellbrook Backpack and lost it!

I’ve never really been a back pack person. But, after one too many times of bringing my rather bulky messenger style camera bag on the Red Line, I knew something had to be done.

What I love about this backpack is that it’s big enough to carry what I need for a day shooting photos around Boston. There are compartments for everything. It holds what I need, without the unnecessary bulk. And it has easy access side pockets. If you’re looking for a multi-purposeful camera bag, then you seriously need this!

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Photos by Miranda Mu.

July 29, 2016

DIY Clip-In Extensions

When it comes to hair, I can do a ponytail and that’s pretty much it.

That being said, my hair isn’t long enough for me to really do anything with, so I wear clip-in extensions 99.9% of the time.

It’s not that I have any problem with short hair. After all, I loved how I looked when I shaved all my hair off. And, when it grew back a little, I sported a super cute pixie. Right now though, my it’s just at this kind of awkward length, that I don’t know how to deal with.

This is my ponytail before:

This is my ponytail after:

On the other hand, clip-ins can be expensive, so after my sister (who can actually do hair) gave me a set of clip-ins that she’d made (yes, made!), believe me, I was PUMPED.

Then summer came.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the summer.

But, the sun changes my hair color and the extensions no longer matched. I needed a slightly lighter color and figured I could try my hand at making them myself.

I was able to grab all the supplies I needed (and then some) from Sally Beauty Supply for under $75!

Making clip-ins requires basic sewing skills. Other than that the steps are pretty simple.

Measure.
Cut.
Attach clips. (This is where the sewing comes in.)

If you are using any type of hair other than 100% virgin, you can NOT bleach it. I found this out the hard way. No mermaid ombre hair for me…

For more beauty secrets, make sure to follow Sally Beauty on Instagram!

July 26, 2016

Namaste

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Sports Bra: Intouch Clothing | Leggings: Intouch Clothing | Yoga Mat: Gaiam (similar)

Whenever I talk about fitness, I pretty much blab on about running and my on-again, off-again relationship with it. I typically run when I’m stressed. To avoid stress, I turn to yoga.

Even though yoga is a constant in my life, I don’t share about yoga as much because I don’t think I’m very good at it. And I’m probably not. But I enjoy practicing and find it comforting.

Hopefully, my very basic yoga skills are enough to encourage others (maybe even you?) to give yoga a try.

Since I learned that Boston offers a decent number of free yoga classes and I plan to go to as many as I possibly can.

Namaste, y’all!

All photos in this post are by Miranda Mu.

July 7, 2016

Hot Iron Holster

I have a question for you.

Where do you put your hair straightener or curling iron, while you’re doing your hair?

Embarrassingly enough, in the past I’ve used everything from a towel to a plate. Yes, the kind you eat off of…

I have to admit that for the longest time, I’d wished for something that I could use that was not only heat resistant, but wasn’t intended for something else.

When I learned about the Hot Iron Holster, to say I wanted to test it out would be a major understatement. It is exactly what I’d been wishing for, and then some!

My vanity feels a little more complete. I can fit my Hot Iron Holster right over the edge. And I’ve been storing my straightener inside the holster when it’s not in use. What I really like about it is that it’s safe to use even with a hot flat iron.

Since my vanity is really just a table, I don’t have drawers. So, the Hot Iron Holster has really been a big help storage wise as well. I’ve been needing a new hair dryer, and when I finally get one, I’m thinking I may need to get another holster…

July 5, 2016

My Camping Essentials

Camping probably isn’t the first (or even last) activity you picture, when you think of me.

That’s totally fair.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I actually do enjoy the great outdoors. But, I haven’t found the idea of sleeping outside, even in a tent, appealing since college. So, when I say camping, picture a super cute cabin in the woods.

You may have noticed, if you follow me on Instagram, that I disconnect and go completely off the grid for about a week every summer. It’s to go to said cabin.

My week away consists of sleeping in (or at least trying to), playing boards, and a lot of reading. Since I’m supposed to be relaxing and resting, I didn’t bring any makeup.

I did, however, pack some major camping essentials:

Products that are multipurpose, like a body wash that is also a facial cleanser and a face lotion that contains SPF.
My two current favorite hair products, plus sample sized shampoo and conditioner.
There’s also the products I’ve been using to combat the heat and dry air. Lip balm, body serum, Clear Eyes Pure Relief eye drops, and deodorant.

Nothing all that much or too fancy, but just enough to have the (skincare) comforts of home! What are the things you need to pack when you go camping?