50 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

Happy hump day friends, I hope your week has gotten off to a great start! Guys, can I be real for a second? Every time I turn on the TV, despite the channel, the conversation is often nasty and political; I can’t even watch ESPN without getting a heavy dose of argumentative nonsense. I mean I get it, the division and hatred in our country spreads far and wide and while I recognize and believe that many of these matters deserve a spotlight and a conversation, I’m sick of constantly reading/hearing bad news. I just want to see cute pictures of puppies and fall décor fill my timeline…am I asking too much?! With that being said, I thought I would change the narrative today and share 50 things that make me happy! In a world where people are losing hope and feeling incredibly helpless, I hope you are able to identify some things (big or small) that make your soul happy by the end of this post!

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  1. My family! My mama is crazy (in the best way), Thelma and Big H are a hoot and Grandpa is a gem.
  2. David (and his family <3).
  3. Backstreet Boys…don’t judge me, they are the best!
  4. Sports. All of them.
  5. New makeup!
  6. My cat, Ginge!
  7. Alpacas…come on, they are ADORABLE!
  8. Mac & Cheese.
  9. Sporcle. If you haven’t played, give it a whirl, you might like it!
  10. Concerts!

  1. Christmas…seriously, I’m obsessed! Come on December.
  2. Fall weather.
  3. Atlanta. #FILA
  4. The Holiday. Jude Law is swoon-worthy…#amirite?!
  5. Ameera. She just gets me.
  6. Fall scented candles.
  7. Bestie. 20+ years and still going strong.
  8. Glowsticks.
  9. Naps…they are simply the best!
  10. Gilmore Girls. #TeamLogan

  1. French Onion Dip. No football season is complete without it.
  2. Bubble Baths.
  3. Dancing.
  4. Stationary…seriously, I’m obsessed!
  5. Shopping…duh!
  6. Skating, specifically roller skating!
  7. Summer nights; there’s nothing quite like them.
  8. The smell of freshly cut grass.
  9. Chicago. If you’ve never been, GO!
  10. Fireworks!

  1. Country Music. It always makes me smile.
  2. “Old school” R&B music. Throw on a little Whitney and dance with somebody!
  3. Seeing my friends happy.
  4. Giving. Seriously, there’s no better feeling.
  5. Blogging!
  6. Ugly (but oh so cute) Christmas sweaters!
  7. Justin Timberlake.
  8. Little Brother. Technically he’s Bestie’s little brother…but it still counts!
  9. Karaoke. It’s my favorite!
  10. Jesus. <3

  1. The day I met Chris Daughtry.
  2. Orangutans. Seriously, look at him, isn’t he cute?!
  3. The Braves…despite the heartbreak they cause.
  4. Pineapple, it’s easily my favorite fruit.
  5. Board games. I know, I’m a nerd.
  6. Homemade hot cocoa. My moms is the best!
  7. Road trips.
  8. Pamper nights. Think mani/pedi, face mask, massage, etc.
  9. Long nights with friends.
  10. A new handbag…guys, I might have a problem!

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I hope you guys enjoyed this fun, light-hearted post and were able to think of some things that fill your soul with happiness! Remember, the world is cruel and life is hard, be kind to everyone you meet, you never know what they may be going through!

-B

SELF-CARE IS THE BEST CARE

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a relaxing weekend and are ready to crush this week! My weekend was….eh. All of my football teams took an L so my mood has been less than stellar since Saturday; the struggle is so real, but I suppose I’ll survive. Anyways, today I wanted to talk to you guys about something that’s incredibly important: Self-Care. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we begin to neglect both our physical and mental health. We put our families, careers, friends, and other people’s feelings above our own and eventually find ourselves dealing with supreme exhaustion and overwhelming negative emotions. I’ll be honest, I never gave ANY thought to self-care when I was growing up, I just kept going and going and going until I eventually hit the wall at what felt like 900 MPH (I don’t recommend that, it wasn’t fun). I didn’t realize how important taking care of myself was until I had a massive panic attack in college (thanks for rescuing me, mom <3). I went to the doctor and was told that I needed to slow down and take better care of myself. Since that day I have tried to incorporate more self-care into my weekly routine, and while I don’t ALWAYS succeed, I sure do try.

Self-Care doesn’t look the same for every person and it doesn’t have to be something grand in nature. It can be as simple as reading a book, or putting on your favorite Christmas movie while you re-organize your living room. Whatever makes your soul happy and fills your cup is what you should be doing! For me, self-care involves a lot of pampering; bubble baths, face masks, mani/pedis, mac & cheese and a good romantic comedy always seem to do the trick. For those days when I feel like I need a little more interpersonal connection, mom and I will take a trip to our nearest ULTA or I will call my cousin and talk about NOTHING for hours…seriously, it helps! Life is hard; the days can be long and incredibly tough, and sometimes we just need to learn how to say NO! For once we need to stop and take care of ourselves before taking care of others. Trust me, your friends and family will understand, after all, don’t they want you to be the healthiest, most complete version of yourself that you can be? I pray that all of you are able to find the time to relax and unwind and always remember to show yourself the grace you deserve! Before I sign off, below I will be sharing some easy ways to practice self-care; pick out something you like and show yourself some love today!

-B

TABATA TIME THURSDAY

Happy Friday Eve, friends! Are you ready for the weekend? I know I am! I plan on binge watching college football (shocker) and decorating for Halloween! I know it’s been a week or so since my last post but I’ve been feeling a little burnt out lately and just needed some time to unwind. I’m sorry I left you guys hanging and I’m sorry I haven’t been as vocal on your posts over the last week or so, but fear not, I plan on binging this weekend so get ready for all the comments and all the love! Anyways, moving on! Today I’m back with another Tabata Time Thursday post! If you are new to my blog or new to tabta, you basically work out really hard for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break, being sure to take a 60 second break between circuits. I know it might sound confusing but I will leave very clear instructions below!! So without further ado, let’s get our sweat on!

**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or personal trainer, so please consult with your doctor before starting any new workout regimen!**

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WARM-UP:

  • 75 Jumping Jacks
  • 10 Supermans
  • Arm Circles (up to 10 in each direction)
  • 10 Squats
  • Alternating Side Lunges (10 on each side)
  • Ankle Rolls (10 each side)

CIRCUIT ONE: (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 4 times before moving on to circuit 2. Take a 60 second break between EACH CIRCUIT).

  • Jumping Jacks
  • Burpees

CIRCUIT TWO: (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 4 times before moving on to circuit 3. Take a 60 second break between EACH CIRCUIT).

  • Mountain Climbers
  • Alternating Lunges

CIRCUIT THREE:  (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 4 times before moving on to circuit 4. Take a 60 second break between EACH CIRCUIT).

  • Flitter Kicks
  • Push-Ups

CIRCUIT FOUR:  (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 4 times before taking a 60 second break and moving on to your cool down!)

  • Sit Ups
  • High Knees

**Make sure you take AT LEAST 5 minutes to cool down/stretch after your workout!**

So that wraps up this edition of Tabata Time Thursday! I hope you enjoyed this quick, no-nonsense workout and I hope you’re having an awesome week! What is your favorite way to work out? Do you like working out alone or with a friend?

-B

WHAT’S IN MY TRAVEL BAG: MAKEUP MUST-HAVES

Happy hump day, friends; welcome back! I know that Wednesdays are typically for my Spotlight series but today I thought I would do something a little different! Last week I published my Travel Skincare Essentials and thought I could spend some time today telling you my makeup must-haves when I travel! I will get back to my regularly scheduled Spotlight posts next week but I hope this will do for now! I know you have seen me talk about most of these products before (I’m sorry) but these really are my holy grail, can’t leave home without it products! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

* 1. Touch in Sol No Poreblem Primer – $15.68: I mentioned this in my September Favorites (here) and for now, this is the only primer I plan on taking with me when I travel! As previously mentioned, the consistency is more like a moisturizer than a silicone primer; so if the traditional pore fillers aren’t your cup o’ tea, try this out and see how you like it!

* 2. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation – $ 28: When I travel I try and take a foundation that can give me a full coverage look for special occasions but can also be thinned out for a more natural approach. This gem from Clinique has turned into my holy grail foundation and I can’t imagine going anywhere without it!

* 3. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer – $27: Holy grail alert (shocker)! It can cover the worst dark circles in the best way! It’s a thicker consistency so a little goes a long way but when using it with a beauty blender it blends out like a dream!

* 4. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder – $30: This is a silky smooth pressed powder that does a great job setting my makeup and combating shine! The packaging is travel friendly and compact and I never leave home without it!

* 5. Ulta Mad for Mauve Blush Palette – $18: This palette is perfect for traveling! It offers 6 shades (4 shimmers and 2 mattes) and gives you the freedom to create a multitude of looks! The colors are pigmented and look beautiful on the skin! If you’re looking for an affordable blush palette, check this out!

* 6. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Contour & Highlight Palette – $30: I know you guys are probably sick of me talking about this duo from Tarte but I just can’t help it! The contour shade is more on the cool side (perfect for fair skin) and the highlighter is simply stunning. If you haven’t picked this up but have always wanted to try it, I 1000% recommend it!

* 7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette – $42: If you’re looking for ONE eyeshadow palette to take with you when you go out of town, this is it! The warm shades are stunning and the matte cream shade is perfect for setting down your primer! I know $42 dollars may seem a bit steep for eyeshadow, but I PROMISE it’s 100% worth it.

* 8. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara – $23: I have tried some different mascaras (drugstore & high end) here and there but always find myself coming back to this one! It provides length and volume and has the perfect consistency (not too wet, not too dry).

* 9. Ulta Gel Eyeliner Pencil – $8: I’ll be honest, I don’t wear eyeliner very often but when I travel I always bring a couple just in case. I typically carry a black and brown pencil with me and these gel liners from Ulta are some of my favorites. They always stay on my waterline and never smudge. They have a variety of colors to choose from and are super affordable! NOTE: The colors shown are ‘Black Out’ & ‘Mink’. BONUS: they are currently 3 for $9!

* 10. Tarte Double Ended Lipstick & Gloss – $24: These beauties from Tarte are perfect for on the go. It includes both a lipstick and a lip gloss and are ultra hydrating and easy to wear. There are 16 shades and I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them. NOTE: The shade shown above is Renegade!

* 11. NYX Butter Gloss – $4.99: You guys already know how much I love these glosses! They offer the perfect amount of pigment and are never sticky! There are 34 shades (there’s something for everyone) in the line and are incredibly affordable! NOTE: The shade pictured above is Angel Food Cake! BONUS: These are currently BOGO 50% off at Ulta!

* 12. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – $15 – $32: I always, always, always bring this with me! It’s perfect for setting my makeup and making sure everything stays in place all day long. I typically carry the travel size with me but if you have a larger bag, you could definitely bring the full size bottle!

**Along with the products listed above, I also always carry makeup remover wipes. Lately I have been using the Night Calming Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes but any kind will do. Also, the makeup bag I use for travel is similar to THIS ONE!**

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So that wraps up my Travel Bag Makeup Must-Haves. I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope you all are having a great week! What makeup items do you always take on vacation? Leave me a comment down below and let me know!

-B

 

SEPTEMBER FAVORITES

Happy fall y’all! Holy cow, where did September run off to? I can’t believe it’s already October but I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t excited about it! You guys know how much I love fall so it comes as no surprise that this is my favorite month of the year! Today I will be sharing with you my September favorites; I have split them into 3 different categories and as always I will have everything listed and linked below! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

BEAUTY/SKINCARE

* 1. Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask – $33-$58: You guys know I love PTR skincare and this mask is no exception. It’s great for troubled and dull skin; if you’re looking to splurge, check this out!

* 2. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara – $23: This is my holy grail mascara. It creates length & volume and is the perfect consistency! If you haven’t tried it, give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

* 3. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – $32: I love this setting spray. It’s the only one I’ve tried that actually works (for me) and I have been using it NON-STOP this month…you know since it’s still 85+ degrees here in Atlanta!

* 4. LA Girl HD Pro Concealer – $4.99: I’ve had the hardest time sleeping this month and this peach corrector has been a LIFE SAVER! It’s cheap and it works, can’t beat that!

* 5. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Contour & Highlight Palette – $30: I’ve talked about this palette numerous times here on my blog and I still love it. The contour shade is cool-toned & perfect, while the highlighter shade is nothing short of amazing!

* 6. TOUCH IN SOL No Poreblem Primer – $15.94: I have been loving this product recently! It feels less like a primer and more like a moisturizer and really holds up throughout the day!

* 7. It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream – $48: This has seriously saved my skin over the last month. I use it primarily at night and when I wake up my skin is much more hydrated and healthy looking! If you have super oily skin you might not like this product (it’s a little thick), but if you have normal to dry skin, you should give it a try!

* 8. Tartelette Tease Eyeshadow Palette – $23: I love this little palette. It’s great for creating a basic eye look without having to dip into anything else. BONUS: It’s PERFECT for traveling!

* 9. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer – $27: I’ll keep it short and sweet. I love this and if you haven’t tried it, you should!

FASHION/LIFESTYLE

* 1. Georgia Tech Collapsible Can Cooler – $4.99: With college football alive and well in my household (we rep Auburn & GA Tech through and through), this gem has been front and center!

* 2. H&M Slub Jersey T-Shirt – $9.99: This is a wardrobe staple for me. I pair this with a cardigan, dress pants and a decorative/feminine flat for easy work attire! I recommend picking up some basic tees, they never leave you stranded and will definitely come in handy!

* 3. Plaid Blanket Scarf – $41.50: I’ve been reaching for this since the calendar said September 1st! Goodness, I’m gonna break out the fall fashion even if Mother Nature doesn’t want me to!

* 4. Auburn Tigers Basic Arch Sweatshirt – $29.99: Like I said, with college football front and center this month, Auburn and Georgia Tech apparel has been heavily worn and very well loved!

* 5. Young Living Essential Oils: Stress Away and Peach & Calming II: As many of you know, I recently started my oily journey and have been LOVING it so far! These were a couple of my holy grail oils over the month of September! If you’re interested in how and why I got started with essential oils, check out THIS post!

* 6. H&M Knit Cardigan – $24.99: As far as work attire is concerned, I wear a cardigan 50% (or more) of the time. They are cozy, appropriate and easy to style! If you’re in the market for some new sweaters/cardigans, H&M has a ton to choose from!

* 7. Kelly & Katie Petrah Flat – $39.99: I am obsessed with these gold/champagne colored flats! I wore them constantly throughout the month of September and would totally recommend them if they’re at all your style!

* 8. Sueded D’Orsay Women’s Flats – $26.99: When I wasn’t wearing my gold flats, I was wearing these! I love the suede look for fall and the Fuchsia color is just divine! BONUS: Old Navy currently has 40% off your ENTIRE order with the code: FAMILY (valid until October 3rd…so hurry)!

TV/MUSIC

* Auburn & Georgia Tech football: Like I mentioned above, college football is alive and well in my household and so far it’s been a fun year! I’m a huge Auburn fan (War Eagle) and David bleeds white and gold (he graduated from Georgia Tech)! Saturdays are full of anxiety, happiness & despair (depending on the outcome), but no matter what, we ALWAYS tune in. I included some pictures above from our time on the Plains & Flats (respectively).

* How I Met Your Mother: I know I just talked about this in my Friday Favorites but I had to mention it again because outside of college football (sports in general), it’s ALL I’ve been watching! David and I are knee deep into season 4 and I’m waiting with bated breath for Barney to tell Robin how he feels. I’m not sure how I feel about that whole thing considering I think Ted & Robin are meant to be, but I do like the human element that storyline gives Barney. I’m sure I’ll check back in and let you know how I feel about everything as I dive further into the series!

* Above is a list of the songs I’ve been loving over the past month. Confession: I JUST heard Chris Young’s “Hangin’ On” this weekend but have listened to it enough times (in a row) for it to count!

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So that wraps up my September Favorites! I hope you had an awesome month and I hope October is even better! Let me know what products, songs, TV shows & fashion pieces you were loving last month!

-B

AFFORDABLE FALL LOOKBOOK: PART 2

Happy Friday, friends and welcome back! Today I’m bringing you part 2 of my affordable fall lookbook! I had planned on including 3 outfits but added a look that I didn’t use from part 1 (I love the shoes) and an athleisure look for guys which brings the total to 5! With that being said, this post will be a TAD bit longer than Part 1 so I hope you’re willing to stick with me and I hope you love all the looks I created! Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

*TOTAL COST – $109.84*

* 1. H&M Long T-Shirt – $9.99: I think basic tees are the perfect compliment to just about any outfit. You can wear them with jeans, slacks and skirts; they are easy, versatile and comfy. You really can’t go wrong!

* 2. H&M Skinny Regular Jeans – $29.99: I love a good pair of (lightly) distressed denim jeans; they look great with tees and cardigans as well as oversized sweaters and blouses! At just under $30 dollars I think these are worth a look!

* 3. H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan – $34.99: A basic beige cardigan is an absolute must for me this time of year! This is great because it’s oversized (hello comfort) and a little thicker making it perfect for those cooler fall nights. If you’re a cardigan person like me, H&M has a TON to choose from!

* 4. NYX Slip Tease Lip Oil – $4.89: The Slip Tease Lip Oil line from NYX offers a lightweight formula, rich pigment and a beautiful satin-matte finish. There are 12 shades to choose from and the color shown above is Fire Dancer.

* 5. Sueded Classic Ballet Flat – $19.99: Is there anything better than a basic leopard flat?! I love adding this pattern in whenever I can; it can bring dimension and add an effortless pop of color to any outfit! At only $20 bucks, these are worth picking up!

* 6. Textured Hoop Earrings – $9.99: I love the way a small gold hoop looks with big bouncy curls! These are SUPER affordable and basic enough to be worn with a variety of looks!

*TOTAL COST – $115.41*

* 1. Knox Rose Women’s Metallic Embroidered Bell Sleeve Dress – $29.99: How cute and feminine is this dress?! The shape is amazing and bell sleeves are divine! The dusty blue color is perfect for fall and at just under $30 dollars, this beauty can’t be beat!

* 2. Urban Expressions Brooklyn Clutch – $29.95: I. LOVE. THIS. CLUTCH! It’s the perfect size, the shade is stunning and it pairs so nicely with the dress and the booties shown above!

* 3. SUGARFIX by Bauble Bar Mixed Media Drop Earrings – $12.99: I spoke about these earrings in Part 1 of this series and thought they were too perfect not to include with this outfit! I mean come on, look at them! If you’re looking for a pair of affordable, statement earrings, look no further.

* 4. Qupid Nero Bootie – $34.99: I am obsessed with these booties; they are the perfect shade of taupe and are incredibly affordable. They come in 3 shades and I love them all!

* 5. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color – $7.49: I love the Maybelline Color Sensational line; they are comfortable, easy to wear and last a good while on my lips! There are 17 shades and the color shown above is Pink Wink!

*TOTAL COST – $109.95*

* 1. H&M Long Sweatshirt – $24.99: A basic sweatshirt is the perfect compliment to a pair of black leggings. You can dress it up with a scarf and some statement studs and look completely pulled together for a day out on the town!

* 2. H&M Sports Tights – $29.99: Basic black tights are a necessity in every girls wardrobe…#amirite? Find you a pair you like and buy multiples, you won’t regret it!

* 3. H&M Large Scarf – $17.99: A scarf is the perfect accessory for a casual outfit like this. It adds a small pop of color and is uber cozy!

* 4. Stud Earring with Pave Flower – $7.99: I think decorative stud earrings are perfect for outfits like these. They are simple, feminine and make you look more put together than you probably are!

* 5. BP. 55mm Colored Round Sunglasses – $12: And the $12 dollar sunglasses make ANOTHER appearance! Sorry guys, but I just can’t get enough! BP. has a slew of styles to choose from so if you’re in the market for some affordable sunnies, check them out.

* 6. Women’s Lunea Canvas Sneakers – $16.99: I love sneakers like these; I have them in a variety of colors and wear them all the time!

*TOTAL COST – $107.84*

* 1. Slub Jersey T-Shirt – $9.99: Another basic tee that is perfect for fall; the burgundy shade and slouchy fit just can’t be beat! At $10 dollars a piece, I would recommend picking up a few of these as they are easy to throw on and incredibly versatile when it comes to styling!

* 2. H&M Super Skinny High Jeans – $19.99: These are your standard skinnies in a light/medium wash. They come in 8 different colors/washes and are perfect for smoothing you out and sucking you in! NOTE: IMO H&M runs small, so I would suggest ordered one size up.

* 3. H&M Tube Scarf – $12.99: Shocker, another scarf!! Friends, I love blanket scarves as much as the next gal, but sometimes an infinity scarf really does the trick! It’s cheaper than a statement necklace and just as cute! You can’t go wrong!

* 4. SUGARFIX by Bauble Bar Mixed Media Drop Earrings – $12.99: These are making another appearance…can you really blame me? They’re super cute and crazy affordable. If you’re a statement earring kind of gal, you NEED these!

* 5. BP. 55mm Mirrored Sunglasses – $12: It’s almost laughable how many times I’ve talked about these sunnies but I can’t help it! I love them and think you should totally check them out!

* 6. Qupid Nero Bootie – $34.99: These looked so cute with the dress that I just HAD to pair them with some jeans! Ankle booties and denim skinnies are a match made in fall heaven! These are pretty affordable (as far as booties go) and 100% worth every penny!

* 7. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick – $4.89: A vampy lip would be perfect for this outfit! The Liquid Suede line from NYX offers incredible pigment and a velvety smooth finish!

*TOTAL COST – $96.44*

* 1. H&M Rib-Knit Sweater – $12.99: I know a powder blue color might not scream fall but trust me, this sweater is perfect for those cool October days. It comes in 4 different colors and all of them are a dream! NOTE: If you want a super slouchy fit I would size up!

* 2. H&M Skinny Regular Ankle Jeans – $9.99: I’ve talked about these before and I’m including them again because they are basic, incredibly affordable and SUPER soft!

* 3. Women’s Mini Crossbody Bag – $19.99: How cute is this mini crossbody bag?! It’s big enough to hold all of your essentials (and maybe a little more) and the metallic finish is stunning! If you’re in the market for a smaller handbag, check your local Target, you might find something you like!

* 4. NYX Butter Gloss (Devils Food Cake) – $3.49: I’ve talked about these glosses 53,657,354 times before; they aren’t sticky, they’re super pigmented and they are crazy affordable!

 * 5. BP. 55mm Colored Sunglasses – $12: See description and link in the outfit above!

* 6. H&M  Pointed Toe Bow Flats – $24.99: I. LOVE. THESE. SHOES! They come in black and plum (shown above) and are so cute I can’t stand it! Unfortunately they are running low on sizes, so if you’re interested, check them out ASAP! I’m sure there are other brands that have a similar style so if you love them and they don’t have your size, don’t fret; we’ll find them from somewhere!

* 7. SUGARFIX by Bauble Bar Druzy Drop Earrings – $12.99: Yaaasssssss! These are the cutest drop earrings I’ve seen in a while. They are simple but oh so fun! I found them at Target, so if you’re on the hunt, you know where to go!

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So that wraps up the second part of my Affordable Fall Lookbook! I’m sorry this post was a little longer than the last one but I hope you stuck around and enjoyed the looks I put together for you guys! I hope you’re having an awesome Friday and I hope you have an even better weekend! See you next week!

-B

AFFORDABLE FALL LOOKBOOK: PART 1

Happy hump day, friends! I hope your week is going well and that your Wednesday is off to a great start! After receiving such positive feedback on my previous lookbooks, I’m back with another, more affordable fall themed fashion post for you guys! With cooler temperatures right around the corner (at least I hope) and every blogger showing their favorite fall-fashion finds, I know it can be a little discouraging/annoying when you click the link and find those awesome booties you have been eyeing are $100+ dollars. My goal for this particular lookbook was to stay within the $100-$110 dollar range for the total cost of the outfit (shoes & accessories included). Of course I went a TAD over the budget on one of the outfits but the other 2 are right within the desired range! As always everything will be listed and linked below! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

*LOOK 1 = 131.46*

* 1. H&M Knit Sweater – $12.99: Olive is the perfect shade for fall, #amirite?! This sweater has a soft, knit feel and a slightly wider neckline and would be perfect with jeans, pants and skirts alike. It comes in 6 colors and at $12.99 a piece, I don’t think you can go wrong! Note: If you desire a more slouchy fit, size up!

* 2. H&M Skinny Regular Ankle Jeans – $9.99: A solid pair of black skinnies are a must for this time of year! They are perfect for a casual brunch with your girls or business casual Fridays at the office! These jeans come in 4 colors and at just under $10 dollars I would recommend picking up a couple pairs!

* 3. BP. Check Square Scarf – $22: You guys know how I feel about scarves, they can take any outfit from “eh” to “Ooooo.” They pair perfectly with sweaters and jeans and can help create a cozy, fall look that would make anyone swoon.

* 4. Crystal Buds Ear Jackets – $15.50: I know I’ve talked about these before but I think they are perfect for this ensemble! They are delicate but fun and can be worn with a variety of outfits!

* 5. H&M 4-Pack Bracelets – $9.99: When trying to create budget looks without sacrificing style, pieces like this are invaluable. You get 4 bracelets for $10 dollars which allows you the freedom to mix & match across different outfits! Wear them all together or split them up for a more simplistic look!

* 6. Journee Collection Keiko Flat – $34.99: This outfit would look cute with flats, pumps or a nice pair of ankle booties! Since the weather is still warm here in Atlanta, I chose to stick with a basic pair of black flats to finish off this look! They’re easy, trendy and able to be paired with just about anything!

* 7. Grammercy Lock Satchel – $26: I know this piece puts the outfit a little over the desired budget but at only $26 dollars I thought this was a great addition and a true steal! It’s basic, trendy and easily paired with anything!

*LOOK 2 = $110.45*

* 1. H&M Fine-Knit Sweater – $19.99: I have been seeing this sweater all over my social media! It’s lightweight, slouchy and the epitome of cozy! It comes in multiple colors and I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them!

* 2. NYX Butter Gloss (Devils Food Cake) – $3.49: I’ve raved about these NYX glosses before and I will continue to rave about them. They have medium coverage, are incredibly opaque and are never sticky. There are tons of shades to choose from and are currently on sale for under $4 dollars at Ulta. If you’ve never tried them, run out and pick up a couple ASAP!

* 3. H&M Black Sandals – $29.99: This is the perfect strappy sandal for a fall date-night look! They are classy and chic and will be sure to put your outfit over the top!

* 4. SUGARFIX by Bauble Bar Mixed Media Drop Earrings – $12.99: How cute are these earrings?! Bauble Bar and Target have teamed up to bring us a trendy and affordable jewelry line and I must say, I’m loving it! These are dainty but fun and add a little bit of flare to this fall, date night look!

* 5. H&M Short Black Skirt – $19.99: What’s better than (faux) leather in the fall? Nothing! This black mini skirt is perfect for date night and is sure to be a show stopper. For a cozy look, pair it with a slouchy sweater like the one shown above and not only will you be chic and trendy, you will be comfortable too!

* 6. Accessory Collective Stripe Scarf – $24: I think the burgundy shades in this piece add the perfect amount of color to the outfit shown above! In my opinion this is a statement piece that you will wear again and again and I definitely think it’s worth the $24 dollar price tag!

*LOOK 3 = $83.82*

* 1. H&M Flannel Shirt – $24.99: Nothing screams fall quite like a flannel shirt (IMO), and H&M has a ton to choose from! This showcases a relaxed fit with slits on each side for maximum comfort. This looks great when paired with jeans (or a skirt if that’s more your speed) and creates a nice, casual daytime look that is perfect for brunch, shopping or just general lounging! If you’re a fan of the flannel, there are 4 colors (in this style) to choose from and I would recommend picking up a couple if you have the chance!

* 2. H&M Skinny Regular Ankle Jeans – $9.99: These jeans are making another appearance because they are so stinkin’ affordable! They are a classic medium wash and pair beautifully with the flannel shown above!

* 3. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick – $4.89: Is it really fall if you don’t rock a vampy lip?! The NYX Liquid Suede lippies are soft, long-lasting and incredibly opaque! The color shown above is ‘Vintage’ and is currently on sale at Ulta for just under $5 dollars!

* 4. H&M Black Loafers – $17.99: Loafers and slides are all the rage right now and I totally understand why! They are a little different than your traditional flats and can add a certain sophistication to any outfit! These classic black loafers from H&M are perfect if you’re looking for something simple yet stylish and at $17.99, the price is just right!

* 5. Women’s Reversible Faux Leather Tote Handbag – $18.48: Target for the win! I love bags like this; you get 2 looks for the price of 1! I love this color and the way it compliments all of the pieces shown above! Bonus: It comes with a removable pouch, perfect for all of your essentials!

* 6. Women’s Tassle Layered Necklace – $7.48: What can I say? Target comes through again! This piece is simple, fun and UBER affordable! If you’re looking for some affordable jewelry pieces, take a trip to Target, you might find something you like!

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So that wraps up the first part of this affordable fall lookbook! I hope you guys enjoyed all of the looks I created for you and I hope you come back for Part 2 on Friday! Let me know what fall fashion staples you’re excited to bust out down below!

-B

WHAT’S IN MY TRAVEL BAG: SKINCARE EDITION

Welcome back friends and happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and I hope your week has gotten off to an amazing start. Lately I’ve been I’ve getting a lot of questions about what skincare essentials I take with me when I travel and thought I would take this time to share my must-haves with you all! While forgetting something isn’t the end of the world, some things are harder and pricier to replace so I always make sure I pack these 11 skincare essentials.

* 1. Tartan + Twine Etherial Springs Double Zip Train Case – $30: I picked up this travel bag up from Ulta and I love it. I needed something new to fit all of my essentials and this one does the trick!

* 2. It Cosmetics Confidence in A Cream – $48: My mom and I both LOVE this moisturizer. I use this mostly at night and absolutely love the way it makes my skin feel!

* 3. Dove Beauty Finish Dry Spray – $4.99: I am obsessed with this deodorant. I know I should probably be using something better for my skin (and my body) but all of the natural deodorants I’ve tried have been TERRIBLE; they never work and they always leave feeling gross. However a friend of mine just told me about Native so I plan on giving that brand a try! Fingers crossed!

* 4. Skinfood Marine Food Gel Mask (Seaweed & Pearl) – $5/each: If I’m going to be traveling for any length of time (more than 2 days) I always bring a sheet mask (or 2). Traveling can wreak havoc on your skin and I need all the help I can get! I love these sheet masks from Skinfood and always have the Seaweed and Pearl varieties on hand. The Seaweed mask can help relieve stress and soothe irritation while the Pearl mask helps with dull, dry and dehydrated skin. At only $5 dollars a piece, these are a MUST when I travel.

* 5. EVA NYC Get Glossed! Hair Serum – $14.99: I always bring a hair gloss with me when I travel. 99% of the time I’m working with 2-3 day old hair and need something to help tame my frizzy ends. For the price, you can’t beat it; it helps protect your hair from heat styling, adds shine and lays down the frizz! Bonus: it smells great!

* 6. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream – $31: This is another ‘can’t leave home without it’ product. I have talked about this eye cream before and I still love it. It’s incredibly soothing and does a nice job brightening and de-puffing the under eye area.

* 7. Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Rollerball – $29: Guys! If you haven’t smelled this perfume run to your nearest Ulta/Sephora/department store and take a whiff! I bought this for my mom last year for Christmas and immediately fell in love. It’s feminine without being too sweet and it’s perfect for any time of year.

* 8. Clinique Happy – $69: This is one of my go-to perfumes when I travel. It has a light, citrus scent and is the perfect size to throw in your bag when you’re on the go!

* 9. Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser – $8: This is one of my favorite facial cleansers for sensitive skin and the one I travel with the most often. It’s gentle and gives just the right amount of hydration. If you’re looking for a new facial cleanser, I would 100% recommend trying this one out!

* 10. Mario Badescu Anti Acne Serum – $20: Spot treatments are a must when traveling, especially if you have acne-prone skin. This serum from Mario Badescu is amazing; it’s gentle, non-drying and perfect for all skin types!

* 11. Batiste Dry Shampoo – $7.99: No surprise here; anytime I travel, I bring a can of this with me. I only wash my hair 1-2 times a week so this is a must-have to survive those in-between days.

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So that’s it for my Skincare Travel Essentials! I hope you guys enjoyed this post and I hope you all are having an awesome Monday! What are some of the skincare essentials you never leave home without? Leave some love down below and let me know!

-B