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April 18, 2016

Beauty in Bloom

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It’s been a very long time since the last time I purchased a Limited Edition Birchbox. But the Beauty in Bloom box has a couple of products I had been dying to try and a really cute tray to put it all in!

Honestly, I wanted the tray for blog photos.

The products that I had to have?

The Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer (in High-Speed Sonnet) and stila HUGE extreme lash mascara. The rest was all a super sweet bonus!

There wasn’t a single thing that didn’t like or won’t use.

There’s always the option to buy the full size of the products individually. But, why? When for $64 you get $188 worth of products! Which is basically buy two get a bunch of other stuff free!

April 7, 2016

How to Look 10 Years Younger (Tips from The Age Fix)

It’s no secret that I like to tweak my skincare a ton, trying new products to find the ones that work best for me and my skin. While I tend to gravitate towards whatever is new or trending, sometimes it’s nice to get advice from a professional.

Dr. Anthony Youn is a top plastic surgeon, but his book The Age Fix is all about how to keep your skin healthy and looking young without surgery.

He shares everything from DIY face mask recipes, to quick makeup fixes. My personal favorite part is the section on what to eat for your best skin. I haven’t been able to fully commit to giving the suggested meal plan a try.

It is on my to do list, though.

For now, I’ve been making a serious effort to drink more water (adding lemon slices has been a huge help, in addition to opting for seltzer water instead of soda every once in a while).

Also, fruit. Apples, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries. I really like fruit, so making sure to start my day with at least one of something was a pretty easy transition.

Since I’m also trying to use healthier beauty products, I figured baby steps are probably in my best interest.

March 31, 2016

How I Keep My Black Clothes Dark

A lot of people say that they only wear black. Or that black is the main color in their wardrobe. I am not one of those people.

Although I love color, I do own a lot of black clothes. Particularly a ton of skinny jeans and leggings. And I very much so prefer it when my black clothes stay dark, bold and vivid. Black is my confidence color.

I would love it if I could pick out all of my outfits in advance. However, life happens and that’s not always possible. Black is the perfect color for that. I feel confidence and look chic, regardless of what else I am wearing. Well, within reason…

Nothing is worse than having a favorite shirt or pair of jeans fade overtime. I know I don’t want that to happen. So, I switched to Woolite Darks.

My darks stay dark.

I stay confident.

I’m going to be sharing some outfits that make me feel like my very best, so be on the lookout for that post!

March 17, 2016

Green Beer for St. Patrick’s Day

Two blog posts in one day? I know, I know…

I just couldn’t not share about what I’ll be drinking tonight! Don’t hate me, but I’m not a big fan of Guinness, or Baileys. So, still wanting to keep it festive for St. Patrick’s Day, I found a green beer DIY on Pinterest.

SUPER easy you guys! The how to can be found here.

Essentially, you just add green food coloring to your favorite light colored beer. But the order is kind of important.

Happy St. Paddy’s Day! If you’re going out tonight, be safe. And also wear green, especially if you want to avoid getting pinched.

March 10, 2016

DIY Polka Dot Clutch

Continuing my National Craft Month challenge, I decided to attempt one of my more recent pins.

After not being able to successfully track down the Who What Wear x Target zip pouch, instead of giving up all hope, I took the DIY approach.

From the second I spotted The Crafted Life’s 10 Minute DIY Polka Dot Purse, I knew I wanted to make my own polka dot clutch. Something I could use to keep my purse a little more organized or quickly grab on my way out the door for a few quick errands.

The hardest part of this craft project? Picking out the colors!

In other words, it’s super easy, really quick and, most importantly, it’s a lot of fun!

For the directions on how to make it yourself, check out Rachel of The Crafted Life’s blog. And if you’re not following her on Pinterest, you need to.

Seriously.

March 7, 2016

Confetti of the Month Club

Chances are you’ve heard of The Confetti Bar, or at least seen their confetti around Instagram. It’s also likely that you got the today is National Cereal Day memo, even if it was a little too late.

I hate scrabbling around at the last possible minute to get everything together. And with so many holidays to keep track of and to prepare for, it can really get to be a bit overwhelming.

Not anymore! The Confetti Bar now has the Confetti of the Month Club and I got to give their first box a go. Included is four different confetti mixes that go with that month’s national holidays and a digital holiday calendar is sent to you via email in advance so you’ll be able to know what holidays are coming up.

This month’s confetti is for National Cereal Day, St. Patrick’s Day, National Awkward Moments Day, and Easter. Which is in March this year.

The Awkward Moments Day mix is scented, I can’t quite figure out what the actual scents are, but sunshine and rainbows smells pretty darn close!

Today is the last chance to sign up for the April box, if you’re already signed up for the ultra-exclusive email list. Find out how to get the party started here!

March 4, 2016

A Simple Eucalyptus DIY (That’s Easier Than a Wreath)

Did you know that March is National Craft Month? I plan on taking full advantage of this and using it as an excuse to do at least one of the thousands of Pinterest projects I’ve long since sworn that I was going to do, each week this month.

One easy craft project each week for a month?

That’s totally doable!

I wanted to start with something pretty, and while at Trader Joe’s picking up flowers, I spotted a bouquet of eucalyptus branches for only $2.99. After having just bought a rug at IKEA and keeping the string that it came wrapped in, I knew I had my first simple project. A minimalist eucalyptus DIY arrangement that is WAY easier than making a wreath or even a garland.

STEP 1: Open the bouquet and cut the branches (on an angle) to desired length.

STEP 2: Gather a few branches and wrap your string around them. Finish by knotting the string.

That’s it!

Simple, right?

What you decide to do with your arrangement next, is completely and totally up to you. I currently have a bundle I made displayed on a tray with faux steer skull and a candle, but I have given some thought to hanging one up in the shower or on the wall over my bed.

If this is a craft you’d consider doing, how would you show it off? Tell me in the comments!

January 19, 2016

Good Clean Saving

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

One of the gifts I wanted for Christmas was Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat. I was beyond ecstatic to get the Brush Cleaning Glove instead. Cleaning my makeup brushes is no longer something that I dread.

But while it makes cleaning my makeup brushes only about 1000 times easier, it doesn’t mean that I want to clean my makeup brushes every other day. Or even on a weekly basis.

So, in between washes, I use paper towels to help manage my mess.

To make sure that I’m saving and getting the most for my money, I get the SCOTT, Choose-a-Sheet Mega Roll 6 Pack at Dollar General.

They also carry SCOTT 1000 Bath Tissue, 16 pack and Extra Soft Bath Tissue, Double Roll 16 pack. All three special Bonus Packs are in-store through the end of February. Find the closest Dollar General to you, here.

Plus, you can use their new Digital Coupons to save even more. You just sign up, create an account and load the coupons you want to use. Then go to your local Dollar General to redeem your coupons at checkout. SO much saving!

Which, of course, for me, means that I have more money to spend on makeup…

January 15, 2016

What’s in My Bag: Road Trip

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When I lived in Vermont, a trip to the grocery store was a 20-30 minute drive.

Much of my shopping was done while hungry and resulted in a lot of snack foods. So to avoid this and getting hangry at the manfriend, I’ve learned to keep snacks in my bag. This especially comes in handy when we go on a road trip. Otherwise, we will inevitably end of in line at the nearest drive-thru.

It’s not that snacks are always that much better than fast food, but the cost adds up. We’ve been guilty of buying Taco Bell right before dinner.

The Vermont part of me, which cringes when there isn’t recycling options everywhere, was very happy to hear about Chomps Snack Sticks. They are made with grass-fed beef, so they taste phenomenal! The manfriend even said he wishes that they were in the checkout lines instead of Slim Jim’s. And they’re healthier.

I always like to have a magazine and a notebook on hand.

Reading in the car makes me motion sick, but this way, I can have something to read if I have to wait some where.

Or if I think of an idea, I can jot it down.

Then there’s the everyday things I keep in any bag.

At least one Lola tampon, because they’re 100% cotton and I don’t have to send the manfriend to the store for them. They’re delivered right to my door!

And a pair of Cheeki underwear, just in case…

What do you bring with you when you’re on the road?

January 7, 2016

3 Investment Pieces You Need for the New Year

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links.

I am far from rich, but having a few quality investment pieces is something I kind of pride myself on. Treat yourself, right?

Instead of new year, new me, why not same me, better stuff?

You’re probably getting sick of my obsession with totes, but a big sturdy one is a must-have. I cannot tell you how nice it is to travel and have your mind at ease knowing that everything you need is right there with you. Or even to go to work or an event with your laptop, planner, notebook, etc. all in one bag. I’ve also has a cheaper bag break under pressure. Not exactly my idea of fun.

At least in New England, the temperatures have dropped. If you live (or even plan on visiting) somewhere cold, you should have a warm coat. One with a hood is also probably a good idea, unless you have a winter hat. I like wool. I also prefer one that is just a little bit big, so I can wear a few layers underneath.

As someone obsessed with heels, I have tons of different pairs. But all you really need is at least one good black pump. I don’t care what brand they are as long as they make you feel good. Just make sure you can walk in them.

Now, I am not saying that you should go out and blow your whole paycheck on the most expensive things you can find.

What I mean is, if you want something nice, you don’t always have to settle. Save!

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