Lifestyle Archives - Page 3 of 17 - Twenty Something Plus

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?

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.