Category: Lifestyle

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

If ever there was a year that we could all use a little more cheer, this is that year. I typically am not one to jump into the holiday season the day after Halloween, but decided to make an exception. My holiday candles are out and lit. I even swamped out my usual throw blanket, for a more festive one. And if you think I’m not playing Christmas music, then well, I just don’t know what to tell you.

Thankfully, Nordstrom has everything you need to get into the holiday spirit! 

Hot cocoa (or in my case, hot strawberry milk) and marshmallows are always better in a holiday themed mug. I’m not sure why, they just are.

Cozy throws in shades of reds, greens, and creams, scream Christmas, and as the snow falls, there’s no place I’d rather be than snuggled under one on my couch, while wearing my favorite sweater and coziest slippers.

Listening to my favorite holiday tunes feels far more nostalgic when coming from a record player. So set the needle and let it spin, while you let it take you to the North Pole.

And I know you know that Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. And with The Nordy Club, you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands. But did you also know that Nordstrom has pretty much everything you need to deck out your halls and help you get into the holiday spirit?

Are you team make your spirits bright or team not until after the turkey?

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Buy Black Owned

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Last month I shared a blog post listing well over 100 Black creators to follow on Instagram. I acknowledge that there is much more work that needs to be done for the BLM movement, this is still one step that you can take.

Another step?

Buy from Black owned businesses.

And by this I mean, do your research. Looking for sunscreen? Google Black owned sunscreen. Need shampoo? Google Black owned hair care products. Love to shop local? Google Boston based Black owned businesses.

Here are five Black owned brands that I personally have been loving lately:

The Honey Pot Company – Available at Target (and can even be found on Amazon). Feminine products that are plant-based? Sign me up.

Black Girl Sunscreen – I admit that it took me longer than it should have to try this brand, but it did not disappoint. This sunscreen leaves no white residue and can also be found at Target.

Organic Bath Co. – This is a local (Boston based) brand that I discovered back in maybe like 2016 at a Madewell shopping event. I tried the body butter and feel in love! I have a jar of it on my nightstand right at this very moment and slather myself in it day and night. I like the Peacefull scent because it makes getting ready (be it for the day or for bed) a self care ritual, rather than a chore.

Rosen Skincare – They actually reached out to me to partner a little while back and I am so glad that they did! Their masks have really helped me keep my breakouts in check. You can find some of their products at Urban Outfitters.

Briogeo – All I’m going to say is that if you have never tried their Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask, that’s on you. I keep a 32oz sized vat of it in my shower at all times. It’s $115, but absolutely worth it!

This is only five brands…I could go on.

DO. YOUR. RESEARCH.

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7 Places to Find Band Tees

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I got really excited about the Shopbop sale, and absolutely had to share my picks with you all. The one thing I had to have (even though I got a few things…) was the Madeworn Kiss tee. It was a bit on the pricier side, so I wanted to share a few options of places you can find band tees that won’t break the bank. Everything linked here is under $200, but I made sure to try and keep most of them under $50.

  1. Forever 21 – I try to avoid fast fashion when I can. However, I also recognize that most people don’t want to spend more than $50 on a t-shirt. Forever 21 has a pretty vast selection. For a slightly more ethical option, check out Primark, if there’s one near you.
  2. Target – You’re there anyways, and $15-$20 on a band tee isn’t as bad as what you know you’re going to spend on the other stuff in your cart.
  3. Wal-Mart – People sleep on Wal-Mart, but I kid you not it has everything. Including affordable band t-shirts.
  4. H&M – Another under $20 source. Make sure to check the men’s section, though! I’ve found some great tees on sale here, for as little as $7 online!
  5. Revolve – Even though the brand has left a funny taste in my mouth, they are known to be where most bloggers get their band tees. But don’t expect to find much under $50.
  6. Free People – Aside from J.Crew and Madewell, Free People is where I spend most of my money. Again, you’ll spend a little bit more here.
  7. Shopbop – Much like Revolve and Free People  their options are up there, but they have a pretty good range price-wise. If you, like me, find a more expensive one that you like, do yourself a favor and old out for a sale!

In addition to the seven, and my little Primark shoutout, you can also check out thrift store and flea markets. Both of which I highly recommend.

My Shopbop Sale Picks | Under $200

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I was going to try really really hard not to shop this month, but then the Shopbop sale happened.

There is just so much that I want, you guys!

Since majority of you voted on my Instagram Stories poll that you wanted me to share my Shopbop picks, I wanted to share a few of the things I currently have my eye on. Most of which, are under $100, but everything is under $200!

 

  1. There’s not really all that much rhyme or reason behind the things I want. For the most part, I like them, so I want them. I will say that the striped top is by Anine Bing, who spoke at Create & Cultivate, but I recently had to part ways with my well worn, black and white striped shirt and this one is the best potential replacement I’ve found by far!
  2. In the summer I typically alternate between Soludos and sneakers. The fact the there are Soludos sneakers is kind of a no brainer.
  3. I may be a little late with the whole ruffle sweater trend, but this one is cute and not too over the top. And it’s under $50.
  4.  Skirts aren’t something I wear very often, but this one is fashionable and fun. I dig it.
  5. The LAST thing I need is another pair of jeans. And yet, here we are…
  6. I have a few pairs of red heels, but none like this. Coming in at just slightly over $100, these are H-O-T. I WANT!
  7.  So, $150 is a bit much for a band tee, but this one speaks to me. Plus, it’s not your standard black or white (or dark gray, or off-white) band t-shirt, so there’s also that.
  8. Sundry is a new to me brand, that I discovered at a boutique in LA. I love the hoodie I picked up and the fact that Shopbop carries the matching leggings means that they just might have to happen.

Let me know if you’re interested in finding out what I end up getting from the sale!

Valentine’s Day Wish List Under $50

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I’m not going to lie to you. Valentine’s Day isn’t exactly my favorite holiday. And since I’m being honest, I mostly do Valentine’s Day wish list posts to hint to the manfriend what to get me.

This year I’m trying to be good. So my wish list is all under $50. And it only includes a few items, so he really can’t mess this up…

  1. If you don’t know by now that I have a strange affection for graphic tees, then you really don’t know me. I have a few brands that I love over others and J.Crew is one of them. This one is V-Day themed but also meaningful enough to wear beyond February 14th.
  2. Last year I included a ring I’d really been wanting on my Valentine’s Day wish list. And I got it! So really, I am trying to go two for two here. This Sweet Nothing one is just as dainty as the Threadbare ones I wear every day currently.
  3. In addition to graphic tees, I have this thing for socks. I own way too many printed ones. What’s one more pair? These are a little more chic and sophisticated and who couldn’t use that in their life?
  4. Of the things I’ve shared this one is the one I want most. I’m horrible at journaling, but I want to be better. Would love to give this five minute one a try!

Do you have anything special planned for Valentine’s Day this year?

January 2018 Loves

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Clearly I wasn’t into the whole holiday wish list thing.

My bad.

To make up for it, I’m bringing back my monthly product loves. Where I share my five favorite purchases from the month. Since it’s still pretty early to be sharing my product loves for January, so this month will include a couple of things that I technically purchased (or in the case of the rosé, received at a wine tasting) in December.

  1. While window shopping on Newbury Street, I discover Aēsop and wanted to buy this hand cream. It’s a bit pricey, but thanks to birthday and Christmas gift cards I found it on Amazon. The citrusy smell alone is enough to make it well worth every penny!
  2. Speaking of smell, if you are a fan of Diptyque’s Baies (berries) candle, but are looking for a more subtle scent, I highly recommend Figuier (fig). I personally, like to burn they together. Even the manfriend enjoys them.
  3. You guys, I splurged. I got myself a Gucci bag for myself for my birthday. I got the Dionysus Super Mini bag which is technically considered a wallet. But either way, I love it! After posting a couple of photos of if on Instagram, I’ve been asked if it fits the iPhone 7 Plus. It doesn’t. Believe me I tried. The dimensions of the bag make it seem like it might. But trust me, it doesn’t.
  4. If you think rosé is something that was going to stay in 2017. You, my friend, are mistaken. I’m not even that much of a rosé drinker, aside from when I can’t decided what drink to get. This is the first rosé that I can honestly say I love! Unfortunately it’s sold out online, but I’m hoping for a restock…
  5. I may have mentioned this before, but I hate bras with underwires. They are uncomfortable and make me feel like I can’t breathe. Another bra struggle is finding a brown one. GapBody happens to have a brown wireless bra. Praise hands emoji times two!

What do you think of my January product loves?

The Absolut Best Gift Ever

As much as I love shopping, sometimes finding a good gift for someone can be somewhat of a struggle. Especially when it’s for the office Secret Santa or Yankee Swap with friends. You want to get something that almost anyone would love to get. Something so unique that it’ll be talked about for years to come. 

This holiday season, I’m gifting Absolut Elyx. The best gift ever! And, even better, it comes in a musical tin that when opened plays “La Vie en Rose”.  A song that is so magical, it reminds you of the holidays but can be played throughout the year. It has been a favorite of mine ever since the final season of How I Met Your Mother. I am so excited it’s the song I can share, along with my favorite vodka!

If you’re thinking of gifting it someone special, and want to give a little something more, pair it with the copper mule mugs, a personal favorite of mine. I use them to drink my favorite vodka drink! 

Vodka Cranberry

1 2/3 Parts Absolut Elyx

5 Parts Cranberry Juice

1 Lime Wheel

Pour over ice.

Vodka Cranberry isn’t exactly the most seasonally appropriate drink, but I make it work by swapping out the traditional lime garnish for cinnamon sticks.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Elyx Copper Collection, available for purchase in the Elyx Boutique! I know I’ve been eyeing things for friends, as well as a few for myself. 

Make it Better

The Elyx Boutique

Luxury Vodka

Moscow Mule

I’m going to be totally honest, my life isn’t exactly the most glamourous. But, when the opportunity presents itself for me to add little luxuries here or there, I make sure to take advantage.

Manicures, fancy throw pillows, a new pair of shoes…

My most recent little life upgrade has been my cocktails. Absolut Elyx is vodka, but better. Distilled with copper in a unique way, Absolut Elyx tastes unlike any other vodka I’ve ever tasted. Smoother. Better.

Elyx is a single estate, copper crafted vodka that is the luxury expression of Absolut. Copper plays the lead role in the production of Absolut Elyx, it is the unique way that they use copper in the distillation process that gives Elyx its celebrated exceptionally smooth finish.

Until very recently, I had never had a Moscow Mule, and I didn’t care for it all that much. But, with Absolut Elyx, there’s just something about it that’s won me over. And then there’s the Elyx Boutique! While sipping, the copper mule mugs, make me feel super fancy. And you get them, or a pineapple, here.

What’s your favorite vodka drink? I am willing to bet that mixing it with Absolut Elyx will make you love it even more, because copper makes it better!

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!

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. Sugarfina Sugar Lips | I don’t really like chocolate, but gummy candies are totally my jam.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Mark and Graham Daily Leather Tote | A nice everyday tote that zips is something I’ve been wanting. If it comes monogrammed, even better.
  8. ILY Couture Kiss Kiss Embroidered Tee| Festive graphic tees are a thing that get me almost every single time.
  9. 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?
  10. 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.
  11. 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…
  12. 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!
  13. 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?
  14. 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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