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August 4, 2016

May 2016 Loves

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I can’t believe that it’s been over a year since I started sharing my monthly loves! Even more so, I can’t believe I debating not doing them anymore. I really like sharing five of my favorite finds each month, hope you like them too!

As painfully aware as I am that it is now August, like I said I was going to stop doing these monthly loves posts. But, after a lot of thought, I decided to not only continue them, but to go back and start from where I left off. Plus, I’ve given them a new look!

My May 2016 loves are a bunch of little lifesavers. Legitimately. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Local gems are precious to me in a way that I struggle explaining. Supporting my local girl gang is HUGE to me. So when I discovered Rayne Home Decor while I was visiting my family in Connecticut, I stocked up on their candles. My favorite of their scents is Sicilian Gardens. I also really love their Adam & Eve. I’ve shared them on Instagram before, but I’ve been using them like crazy. So much so, that I’m starting to run low and need to restock!

SPF is something that I get is important, but often don’t think too much about. I only got it because I needed it to use with the Clinique Dark Spot Corrector, but then something happened (blog post about it and what was done to fix it is in the works!) and now I make sure to wear it daily. Without fail. I found an enriching facial moisturizer at Trader Joe’s that contains SPF. It’s so great, I keep it in my makeup bag so I don’t ever forget to put it on.

I haven’t actually gotten to the point where I have the energy to apply faux lashes every day. But, I do wear them a lot. My obsession with Ardell’s demi wispies is undeniable. I’ve found dupes that I like, but always end up going back to Ardell. At a random trip to the drugstore, to get who can even remember what, there was a buy one get one sale and I picked up two packs of their cluster wispies. I never imagined I could love any style lash as much as the demi wispies, but I SO do!

A while back, I was gifted some products from A.C. Moore. One of the products was Hollywood Fashion Tape. I’d heard of it, but never used it. Until I really needed it for a dress. Remembering that I had it was such good fortune, I wouldn’t have been able to wear the dress (unless I wanted a majorly inappropriate nip slip) otherwise.

Every so often, there’s a product I sample that I have to get. When I have Birchbox points, even better. Wilma Schumann eye pads surprised me. I didn’t expect to make them a reoccurring part of my self care routine. But stuff happens…

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May 5, 2016

April 2016 Loves

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Trust Fund Beauty is a brand that I follow because they just seem to get me. No, I am not rich. But that rich girl mentality? I’m all about that vibe. And their color names! I recently won one of their Instagram giveaways, and received Hollywood Hipster. I love it for spring and plan to wear in well into summer.

I usually don’t get all that excited about getting fragrance samples. But every once in a while there’ll be one that I want to practically bathe in. Tender Romance is one of those scents. I truly didn’t expect to love it even a tiny bit as much as I do!

It’s not secret that I love dramatic lashes. There are some mascaras that make my lashes feel super heavy and covered in goop to achieve that bold lash look. PÜR’s Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara uses magnetic technology to give you that maximum volume look without weighing them down. It’s been my go to mascara most of the month.

Speaking of PÜR, I love their Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation, but lately have been finding myself using the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup. Yes it’s a mouthful, but it’s nice to have the perfect shade for my complexion without having to mix and match. Plus, it really is super lightweight. It’s going to be great to have when the weather starts to heat up.

Contouring can be difficult. Mostly because it’s really hard to find a contouring kit with a shade that is anything close to two shades darker than my skin tone. While at Ulta Beauty, I came across their kit and it’s the best one I’ve found. Plus, it’s only $18!

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March 25, 2016

March 2016 Loves

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Gum isn’t something I chew very often, because of issues with my TMJ. But, I like to keep some in my bag. There wasn’t really a flavor of gum that made chewing it worth my while. Then, Target did it again. Project 7 gum, specifically the grapefruit melon, is phenomenal!

Attending the Lady Project Summit was not only a great experience, but I got to try a ton of products thanks to their amazing swag bag and gifting suite event. One such product? The Living Proof Flex Styling Spray. It’s doesn’t smell the best, but I love the brand and the spray is seriously the best holding spray I have ever used. Ever. All the hold, zero crunch.

Funny story, I was so excited to find NYX Cosmetics Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Beauty Mark in store, that I didn’t realize the only one left had already been opened. After getting that sorted out, I totally get why it’s so hard to find! If you are a woman of color and you do not have this color in your makeup kit, you have got to change that! Like, now. It is without a doubt the best nude color for dark skinned beauties.

When your friends do awesome things, you want to shout about it from the rooftops! BBA bracelets has branched out and is now also making BBA leather bracelets. Her stacks are always on point, and leather matches everything. So while I may coordinate the beaded bracelets to my outfit, the leather cuff is one that goes with really anything. The “liveANDlove” bracelet is the first one in the collection and is available for preorder here!

I hate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. HATE. To the point where when I was younger I’d get fluff sandwiches. However, Too Faced has persuaded me to be a bit more open-minded, with their Peanut Butter and Jelly Eye Shadow palette. I am seriously loving the different looks I can create with it!

March 24, 2016

Steve Madden Shoe Looks for Less

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Majority of my shoe collection consists of Zara and Steve Madden. I’ve had my eye on a few pairs of new shoes, but I’ve been trying to save and didn’t really want to spend anything over $100 on just one pair.

They were still in my shopping cart, that is until a recent trip to the mall.

Charlotte Russe was one of the stores that I went to most often in college. Now, I kind of walk by it and look in but keep it moving. It’s more of my younger sister’s taste than of my own. She’s more Wet Seal, I’m more H&M.

Almost serendipitously, I went in and saw a few very familiar shoe looks. Styles similar to Steve Madden’s Slithur, Carrson and Sassey for a whole lot less!

If you don’t know, Charlotte Russe almost always has some huge sale going on. This time? Buy one pair of shoes, get one for $10. So, obviously, I got four pairs. All for less than one of the pairs of Steven Madden shoes I’d been wanting.

The only drawback is that Charlotte Russe doesn’t carry half sizes. As someone who wears a 7.5 size shoe, this can be huge. Luckily, the size 8 shoes (except for the tan chunky heeled ones) fit pretty much perfectly.

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March 3, 2016

February 2016 Loves

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To be completely honest, I almost didn’t do this post.

I mean, it’s March now…

But, I very recently got one of my two packages from Target and couldn’t not at the very least share about the two things inside!

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Facebook deals are something I found a tad sketchy. But when I saw the four for $15 deal from Zoya, I don’t know, I felt like I couldn’t pass on it. I was originally considering buying Julep polish in Alaina, because I read that it was the color Amy Schumer wore in Trainwreck and I’m weird like that. But this deal came along and I got Jana, Megan, Desiree and Scarlet. Jana was the color I was most looking forward too, because it was the closest to Alaina I could find, but Megan ended up being my favorite of the four. I’m even wearing it as I type this.

Every single item Ban.do comes out with, I want. The Barnes and Noble by me finally got some of their stuff in and I made sure to snatch up the Love Potion tumbler SO quick!

The first of the two things from Target is this serving tray. I got it because it’s the perfect prop for Instagram. I get the marble background AND a cute decorative tray to display things.

I also got a faux steer skull. I’d picked it up several times in the store and kept putting it back. I wanted it, but I didn’t really need it. I don’t know why, but I like it a lot. It can be used as another Instagram prop, a table top decoration or a wall art. Multipurpose things are the best kind of things.

Lavender is one of my favorite scents of all time! I get lavender vanilla air freshener, lavender dryer sheets and keep dried lavender in a pouch under my pillow. Lately, I’ve been lighting my DW Home candle in lavender chamomile a lot and the smell is soothingly divine. I found mine at a T.J.Maxx, I haven’t seen the same one since.

Thank goodness for the internet!

March 2, 2016

Barreless Barre at Crane & Lion

Joining the Boston Bloggers Facebook group has led to some pretty great opportunities for me. One such opportunity was getting to attend a Barreless Barre class at Crane & Lion.

Hosted by Jenna of Boston Chic Party and Jessica Diaz, the class itself really worked your core. I didn’t realize just how much until the next day. My abs were sore, but in a good way.

I’ve taken a Barre class before, but didn’t think you could get such a great workout without even using a barre!

After class there was wine, noms and a Crane & Lion sample sale. Everything was up to 60% off!

I spotted the cutest ever jacket, and I just may have to go back for it. Sale or no sale.

I ended up not actually buying anything, which was sad because their clothes are athleisure, but casual in a way that I could see myself wearing them even on days where the gym is the furthest thing from my mind.

Thankfully, Crane & Lion sent us home with one of their tanks. I’ve already worn mine once, and it was to workout in! Can you believe it?

February 22, 2016

NEW Bioré Baking Soda Cleanser and Pore Scrub

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

Bioré introduces a new product and just like that spring cleaning takes on an entirely different meaning for me!

In the winter my skin can be very very dry.

But as the snow starts to melt, that changes. And so does my skincare. The new Bioré Baking Soda Cleanser and Cleansing Pore Scrub are exactly what my combination skin has been needing.

Both products exfoliate my dry flaky skin, without irritating it. The Cleansing Pore Scrub is unlike any product I’ve ever used, here’s how you use it:

Start by pouring some of the scrub (about the size of a quarter) into your hand, after wetting your face.

Then add water and watch as it really start to fizz!

Apply the “fizz” to your face and then gently massage it and feel it as penetrates your pores. What I really like about this product is that you have complete and total control over the level of exfoliation.

Too coarse?

Add more water.

Want to dial it up a bit?

Add more powder.

Rinse.

And then just pat dry with a face towel.

Now you’re all spring clean!

While the scrub is super fun to use, for daily use, I recommend using the Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser.

If you have oily skin, as I tend to in the summer, you should try Bioré Charcoal products instead.

All of which is available to pick up on your next trip to Walmart!

How much do you want to try out the new Bioré Baking Soda Pore Scrub?

February 12, 2016

14 His and Hers Valentines Day Gift Ideas

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Valentine’s Day is this weekend and the manfriend and I made plans in Boston. Gift exchange isn’t really a big deal to us, but I think that’s mostly because we both always forget until the last minute to come up with Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

I’m sure we aren’t the only ones, so here is my Valentine’s Day gift to you!

A bouquet of fresh flowers and jewelry are pretty standard, making them practical makes them amazing. Flowers in a mug? It can be used in the office for coffee. Dainty jewelry? A simple necklace or bracelet will go with more outfits and can be worn pretty much everyday.

Seven LUSH goodies in one set? I may end up getting this for myself. Gift the ultimate at home spa experience. Or if you’ve booked a hotel room, bring this along and make it even more luxurious!

And to pack? A heart duffel bag. Because, who doesn’t love to travel?

These Steve Madden shoes are on my personal wish list, so I couldn’t not add them to a V-Day themed gift guide.

Chocolate isn’t the way to my heart, but Melted Chocolate? A totally different story.

Shopping for guys is something a lot of people find hard, but it really just comes down to knowing what your guy’s interests are.

For instance, the manfriend is a gamer. He also needs a new headset. See what I did there?

We are both a little nerdy, so seeing Deadpool (which happens to come out in theaters just before Valentine’s Day) is a must! And so is buying his favorite candy.

Does he have a favorite sport? A cologne he always wears?

Then, there’s the stuff that everyone wants. Apple watches are pretty nifty and if you can afford to invest, then why not for the one you love? If not, I’m sure he could alway use a new pair of boxers.

February 10, 2016

Target Wish List

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Walking into Target lately has been bad news for my bank account. So, I’m trying to steer clear. In hopes of holding me over for a bit, I’ve made a Target wish list…

While I am extremely grateful for my Who What Wear x Target buys, there is still a few more things that I want. In particular, the zip pouch and the knotted belt. I mean, not only do they match but they could literally go with just about anything! If I had to choose between the two, I would have to go with the belt. That being said, I really want them both.

Also, in other unrelated, but totally still kind of related news, the Oh Joy for Target home decor collection launched and is now both in stores and online and I already have my eye on a few items for the home office space that I don’t yet have…

The dotty acrylic table would make the perfect fun side table! It doesn’t take up a lot of space and would go great with the rug I have in mind.

Wall art is something I appreciate but have never invested in. Sure I could DIY it, but the You’re OK and Hey Hey Hey framed wall art prints are exactly what I didn’t know I’d been looking for!

What’s on your Target wish list?

February 5, 2016

Splurge or Save: Straightening Hair Brush

During my 12 Days of Christmas Wish Lists the hair wish list included a $300 straightening brush by Dafni. While a lot of hair tools aren’t cheap, I just couldn’t justify spending that much on something I wasn’t even sure would work that well on my hair type.

But, thanks to a boutique deals website called Jane, I was able to get my hands on a much more affordable one.

It has rubber ball tips to help prevent burning your scalp. I broke one of the rubber tips off the first time I used it, to me it wasn’t a huge deal, but it is something worth mentioning.

Also worth mentioning, the temperature is in Celcius, not Fahrenheit, so you do have to keep that in mind when setting it. I’m not great with number and really not good with converting degrees, so I’ve been setting it to the highest temperature and then turning it down a few from that. It gets pretty hot, but definitely takes more that a few seconds to heat up.

More to keep in mind is that I have course chemically relaxed hair. It works well with my hair, but if my hair were natural, I don’t know that it’d be all that much better than just combing and using a flat iron.

I still haven’t tried the $300 version, because, well, it’s $300. But I can say that a straightening brush for around $20 is very much so worth it!

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