lifestyle Archives - Page 3 of 14 - Twenty Something Plus

June 21, 2016

My Poolside Essentials

Even though I still have yet to find my way to the beach, I have managed to hangout poolside. And while I’m not all that big on swimming, I could soak up the sun all day long.

With SPF, of course.

Plus a few other things…

I don’t really have a ton of poolside essentials. I am more than content with just a few necessities.

Thanks to this thing called melanin that I was blessed with, the sun doesn’t bother me all that much, but I’ve heard horror stories involving boils and second degree burns on darker women of color. I would much rather be safe than sorry, so sunblock is a MUST.

You know that feeling when you walk inside, after having been in the bright sun, and you can’t see anything because your eyes need to adjust? I hate that. So, I try to minimize it by wearing sunglasses or putting a hat over my face.

Staying hydrated is crucial. I drink more water than I normally would. I also make sure to pack my travel size evian Facial Spray in my beach bag. It’s great for the pool because it also removes harsh chemicals, like chlorine, that can do some serious damage to you face.

And, just in case I end up looking for something to do other than Instagram or listen to music, I will almost always carry a magazine or book to read.

What are your summer must haves?

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June 14, 2016

5 Things You Need to Make a Cozy Kitty Corner

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PawsToSavor #CollectiveBias

We all like to have our own special spot in our house, but what about our pets?

Where do they get to “paws” and savor the moment?

Thinking about these two questions made me realize that my cat didn’t really have his own little space. Sure he can roam around, but the second he got comfortable it seemed like he was always in someone’s spot. That didn’t feel very fair to him. So, I decided to make one for him.

Here are the five things you need to make a kitty corner for you cat:

A designated spot. A corner in pretty much any room is perfect, but it doesn’t have to be an actual corner. Anywhere you can make room.
Something for them to scratch. You’re going to want a sturdy one, unless you’re okay replacing it every couple months. PetSmart has a great selection of really good scratch posts.
Somewhere for them to lay down. I was extremely fortunate to find a scratch post with a bed. But, you don’t need one, even just a soft bed or blanket will do fine.
A flavorful savory something to eat. Making sure that you cat gets the advanced nutrition they need is so important. Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Cat Food helps to keep your cat healthy, while enjoying each and every bite.
You nearby. I know that this might sound silly but your presence is key!

Plus, it’s always nice to make the space personal to them, by including their belongings.

And, if you spend $15 on any Purina® Pro Plan® product, 5/31–7/5. SAVE $15 on your next purchase of 10.5 lbs. or larger Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Cat or Dog Food or Litter by 7/31.

May 10, 2016

Lookout Rooftop & Bar at The Envoy Hotel

In case you missed my announcement on Instagram, Lookout Rooftop and Bar at Lookout Rooftop & Bar at The Envoy Hotel is now officially open for the season!

Myself, and some other local bloggers were invited to check it out a little early. The view is breathtaking and the drinks delicious! If you’re close enough and looking for something to do the weekend, there’s really no better way to kick off the season, than with sips at Boston’s #1 rooftop hotspot.

You don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy the view, South Hollow Spirit’s new gin launch party is happening there tonight! Tickets are available for tonight’s event here.

May 4, 2016

Slate & Willow Showstopper

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Dress: Rent the Runway | Shoes: Charlotte Russe (similar) | Clutch: Old Navy (similar)

On Instagram, I shared a sneak peek of the dress I rented from Rent the Runway for my eighth anniversary with the manfriend. It was not the same dress that I wore to our anniversary dinner at Ballo Italian Restaurant, which may have caused a tiny bit of confusion.

I rented three dresses as a part of my Rent the Runway Unlimited monthly subscription.

The Slate & Willow Carlene Dress was what I wore after dinner. We stayed at Mohegan Sun and gambled the night away.

I say that very loosely.

While we did gamble a little, we mostly walked around, did a some window shopping and grabbed ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s. And we talked.

A lot.

We talked about how far we’ve come in our eight years together. About mistakes we’d made and the future we see for ourselves. It was the perfect way for us to celebrate our anniversary.

As we walked and talked, we also broke a lot of necks! I mean it’s kind of hard not to draw attention in a sequined statement piece like this Slate & Willow one. Especially with the low cut back.

Want to give Rent the Runway a try? Sign up here using my personal invite link!

May 3, 2016

Anniversary Dinner at Ballo Italian Restaurant

When invited to dine at Ballo Italian Restaurant, the timing couldn’t have been any more perfect. The manfriend and my anniversary was coming up, so we figured why not make it an early dinner and spend the night at Mohegan Sun.

One of our favorite things to do together is to eat. And Ballo saw to it that we did!

I wanted to try a spring dish so I ordered the Scallops and Shrimp, while the manfriend went a little more classic with the Chicken Parmigiana.

Literally everything from the bread to dessert was an exquisitely delicious treat. I won’t pretend to be a food critic, but as far as Italian food goes, I really liked everything. Especially their special Sunday pasta sauce and the hazelnut gelato toped with expresso! The manfriend even said it was one of his best dining out experiences. He’s a pretty picky eater, so that is really saying something! We wouldn’t have spent our eighth anniversary anywhere else.

The atmosphere and ambience is perfect for an intimate date night, although not necessarily the best for showing off one’s amateur photography skills…

If you go, I recommend visiting on a Sunday and asking about their special Sunday pasta sauce!

Thank you so much to Ballo Italian Restaurant for the invitation for us to sample your amazing dishes! All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

April 26, 2016

Running with The Racktrap

Feeling inspired by everyone that ran in the Boston Marathon, I’ve decided to take my own training a little more seriously.

Not for anything specific, I don’t foresee even a 10K in my future. Maybe a 5K, I’ve done a few fun ones before, but even that isn’t really my speed. Although, a friend reminded me that there is an annual 5K that’s coming up pretty soon in my hometown. There’s still plenty of time for me to get into shape before race day, so it is an option worth taking into consideration. I don’t know, though. I really just want to continue my quest to be a little more healthy than I have been lately.

Can’t lie, having cute workout clothes has been helpful for motivating me to get up and run, and having The Racktrap to hold my cash, debit card and license in is also a huge help. You can’t always trust your pockets to hold everything in place, but The Racktrap does. I really like the sweatproof one, because I am usually a sweaty mess after any about of physical exertion.

It’s great for keeping all your small essentials with you, right in your bra. After a run, I can very easily go to Target to pick up a Starbucks smoothie.

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April 25, 2016

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Even Better Clinical

Facial discoloration is something that I’ve gotten really good at hiding. I have tried products that seemed to work, only to still have darks spot after using them.

At a photo shoot, while I was getting my makeup done the makeup artist asked if I had any issues with my face. I shared about my acne scars, which she assured me weren’t nearly as big a concern as I was feeling they were. But she said that if I was looking for a treatment, I should give Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector a try.

You have to apply the serum twice a day to see results. It’s prescription strength and after 12 weeks you should see up to 58% improvement.

This stuff is not cheap. I got the smallest size (4 week supply) and it set me back about $50. I didn’t want to invest in a 12 week supply ($144.50) if I didn’t notice a difference after four weeks, which the product assures you should start to notice improvement around them.

I only just starting using it and will be sharing about my experience over time. So, make sure to check back in for my first update!

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April 22, 2016

New Naturals

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

Birchbox Limited Edition Box New Naturals

I have been saying for a while now, that I want to start using more products that are good for me. Aside from Beautycounter, I didn’t know of a lot of brands or products. After looking into it, I wasn’t sure where to start.

And then, just like in answer to my beauty prayers, Birchbox announced their Limited Edition New Naturals box!

I ordered it along with the Limited Edition Beauty in Bloom box. I honestly couldn’t tell you which one I’m loving more!

After trying most of the products in the box, I’m already planning to get my hands on more products from Au Naturale, rms beauty and W3LL PEOPLE.

Definitely worth the $59 for $215 worth of products!

April 21, 2016

Vodka Drinks

I’m almost always up for a fun time spent with good friends. Especially when there are drinks involved!

We’ve (Jessica of The Confetti Bar, Alonda of @abstyled, and yours truly) partnered with First Avenue Vodka, to make three different vodka drinks, using their debut sugar-free vodka collection. Original flavored vodka for a classic mojito, Elderflower flavored vodka for a spiked lavender lemonade, and Whipped flavored vodka for a fun creamsicle inspired treat!

Thanks to Small Kitchen Big Taste we were able to use fresh fruits and veggies, everything from kumquats (which we had never tried before), to cucumbers.

To see the official Pink Couch Lounge photos that were styled by @abstyled and snapped by The Confetti Bar, along with the drink recipes, head over to The Confetti Bar’s blog.