LIEBSTER AWARD NO. 2

Hi lovelies, I’m back with another blogger award post! I was nominated for my second Liebster award by the one and only Cassi from Cassixmakeup! This girl is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met and has been so encouraging throughout my blogging journey; If you haven’t checked her out, I would 150% recommend doing so! She talks all things beauty and sprinkles in personal posts here and there! So THANK YOU Cassi for this nomination, your support doesn’t go unnoticed!

Rules:

  1. Acknowledge the blogger that nominated you!
  2. Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you!
  3. Nominate 11 blogs!
  4. Give your nominees 11 questions to answer!

Cassi’s Questions for me?

  1. Hot or cold drinks? I guess it depends on the season, but generally cold!
  2. What is your favorite quote? I have a few. “Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13” “Invest in those that invest in you” “How you make others feel about themselves says a lot about you” “Clothe yourselves with compassion. Colossians 3:12”
  3. If you could be any animal, what would you be? This is a tough one. A Cat because they don’t like to be bothered and are so independent or an Alpaca because they are cooler than anything I’ve ever seen and I want one desperately! <3
  4. Right or left handed? Right
  5. What’s the last thing that made you laugh until you cried? Probably something Jordan or David did/said. Those 2 keep me laughing/crying. <3
  6. If you could have any super power, which would you choose? Invisibility, hands down.
  7. Favorite color? If I had to pick ONE color…I guess I would say Navy Blue.
  8. What is one day you’ll never forget? Goodness, I have some many. The day I graduated college. The day I met David. My 30th birthday party! There are so many!
  9. Who is your best friend? Well I have a few (shocker). David, Jordan, Mary Ann, Brianna, Alex, Ameera…I told you I had a few.
  10. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get some hot sauce!
  11. Favorite song at the moment? Oh gosh. Ummmm. Well. I have no idea. Probably “I’m the One” by DJ Khalid, Bieber, and everyone else. I just really love Bieber’s part if I’m being honest! I’ve been revisiting 90s country as of late so that’s what’s been in my headphones lately!

Questions for my nominees:

  1. Tea or coffee?
  2. Favorite genre of music?
  3. Rom-Coms or Action films?
  4. Cats or dogs?
  5. What is your favorite fruit?
  6. Do you like feminine or masculine scents?
  7. Where is your dream vacation?
  8. Favorite makeup brand?
  9. Cake or pie?
  10. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
  11. What are your 3 favorite songs of all time?

My nominees:

  1. Siena – Life From This Perspective
  2. Natalie – Style In The Afternoon
  3. Victoria – The Real Side of Beauty
  4. Daisy – Style by Daisy
  5. Kat – Pretty & Practical
  6. K.M. Sutton – Ankhor You

________________________________________________________

Thank you again, Cassi for the nomination! I hope you all enjoyed this post and I will see you guys tomorrow for some summertime essentials (I think :))!

-B

 

TABATA TIME THURSDAY

Happy Friday Eve friends! Are you guys ready for the weekend? I know I am! My cousin is coming in town for her birthday so my weekend will be filled with endless sporcling, board games, laughter and more French Onion dip than any one person should ever eat! To make up for all that delicious goodness that I will be consuming in the coming days, I thought I would put up another Tabata Thursday post! If you are new here or new to tabata, 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 regimens!**

______________________________________________________

__________________________________________

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 3 times before moving on to circuit 2. Take a 60 second break between EACH CIRCUIT).

  • High Knees
  • Burpees
  • Squats

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

  • Plank Knee to Elbow
  • Flutter Kicks
  • Push Ups

CIRCUIT THREE:  (Do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second break before moving on to the next exercise. Repeat the circuit 3 times before taking a 60 second break and moving on to your cool down!)

  • Ice Skaters
  • Mountain Climbers
  • Reverse Crunches

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

So that’s it for this edition of Tabata Time Thursday! I hope you liked this quick, no-nonsense workout and I hope all of you have an awesome Thursday!

-B

BEAUTY Q&A

Happy Wednesday y’all! I had planned on doing my Wednesday Spotlight on ‘To The Bone’, the original Netflix film that follows a young woman (Lily Collins) battling anorexia…but If I’m being honest, I just needed something a little lighter in the realm of television last night so I decided to watch The Holiday instead; I mean come on, who can say NO to Jude Law? With that being said, I still wanted to put something up for you guys so I decided to do a Beauty Q&A! I hope you enjoy it and let’s just jump right in!

* 1. Do you remember your first makeup item? Hmmm not really. I mean I was a competitive dancer so I had ALL the makeup in all the land. But if we are talking about the first item I purchased myself, it was probably a lip gloss or a mascara.

* 2. Describe your perfect mascara, and have you found it? My perfect mascara formula would be something that adds length and volume without being overly wet. I can’t stand wet mascara formulas, mostly because I’m a disaster and end up getting it all over my face. My favorite mascara is Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte!

* 3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation? I mean I guess it depends on what look I’m going for. I typically wear light to medium coverage foundations but like to have a nice full-coverage option in case I’m attending a wedding or a special event!

* 4. Favorite high-end makeup brand? Definitely Tarte! <3 <3

* 5. What brands have you always wanted to try but haven’t? MAC, NARS & Kat Von D.

* 6. Favorite drugstore brand? Maybelline & NYX!

* 7. Do you wear falsies? Girl no. I’m a mess when it comes the falsie game. Thankfully when I wore them for my best friends wedding I had someone else put them on…because if it was left up to me, that lash band would have been in my crease. lol.

* 8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without? No. Unless I’m going to work (or an event) I don’t usually wear anything on my face. If I feel like I NEED a little something, I opt for mascara!

* 9. What is my most cherished beauty product? I guess my Kathleen Lights x Morphe palette or my Tarte Double Duty Beauty Highlight and Contour palette because I use it ALL THE TIME.

* 10. How often do you shop for makeup? Too often.

* 11. Do you have a beauty budget? No, but I try not to go TOO far.

* 12. Do you utilize coupons, rewards cards/points, & sales when you buy makeup? Absolutely. If there is a sale, I am more inclined to do a little extra shopping.

* 13. What product do you buy the most of? Concealer for sure. Mascara & foundation aren’t too far behind! But I always need a couple of Maybelline Fit Me concealers in my drawer!

* 14. Is there a brand you can’t stand? There aren’t any that I can’t stand, but I don’t really use Almay.

* 15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics? I don’t, I probably should though.

* 16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup/skincare? ULTA for sure…I’m sure you’re not surprised!

* 17. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine? I’m a skincare junkie. I like trying new things but I’m not opposed to sticking with certain products if I know they are helping!

* 18. Favorite bath & body brand? Soap & Glory, Bath and Body Works and The Body Shop! I still have yet to try anything from LUSH but it’s definitely on my list!

* 19. If you could only buy from one brand, which would you choose? High-end: Tarte. Drugstore: Maybelline!

* 20. Brand that has the best packaging? Honestly, I love Tarte’s packaging; it’s bright, fun and festive! If we are talking about classic, chic packaging; I would go with NARS.

* 21. The celebrity with the best makeup? Honestly, Adele. Her winged eyeliner is always on point and she always looks amazing without being too much!

* 22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities? I don’t but I feel like I should.

* 23. Name 5 of your favorite beauty gurus? Casey Holmes, Leigh Ann Says, Kathleen Lights, Nicole Guerriero, Ameera Mahdi. I love all of these ladies for different reasons. Casey is Georgia girl who loves Auburn (yaassssss)! Leigh Ann is my spirit animal and always makes me smile! Kathleen Lights is…well, she’s just amazing; her tutorials are easy to follow and her personality is top notch! Nicole Guerriero’s vlogs give me life and her hauls are a thing of beauty! Ameera is one of my best friends and talks all things beauty, hair, life and everything in between. She’s has a sweet spirit and holds it down for the women of color!

* 24. Do you like multifunctioning products like cheek and lip stain? I can’t say that I don’t like them because I have never tried them, but I will say that they don’t intrigue me enough to actually purchase them. Have you used products like this? What do you think about them? Are there any I should try?

* 25. Are you clumsy when putting on your makeup? I would like to think that I’m not…but I dropped my eye cream the other day and ALWAYS get loose powder on the floor, so I’m assuming that would mean I’m relatively clumsy.

* 26. Do you use a primer before going in with your eyeshadow? I usually just use my concealer. My eyelids aren’t THAT oily so I don’t have too much trouble with creasing. However I would like to try the Too Faced Shadow Insurance as I’ve heard great things about that product.

* 27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day? 2. Dry shampoo (surprise, surprise) and hair spray!

* 28. What do you apply first; concealer or foundation? Foundation, and I never bring it up under my eyes because I don’t like that area to feel too heavy and caked up.

* 29. Would you consider taking makeup classes? Probably not. I just do it for fun! I like to play around and create fun looks that I wouldn’t typically wear. If I’m ever trying to do a specific look for an event and need guidance, I just head straight over to YouTube and watch a tutorial!

* 30. What do you love about makeup? I just love how fun and self-expressive it is!

__________________________________________________________

So that’s it for this Beauty Q & A! Feel free to answer some of these questions in the comments below, I would love to see everyone’s answers! xoxo

-B

 

COLLECTIVE BEAUTY HAUL

Welcome back, friends! Today I’m coming at you with another beauty haul! I know, I know, I do a lot of these “haul” type posts but I love them and hope that you do to! I did a little shopping over the last few weeks and purchased things from both ULTA and Target and thought now would be a great time to share them with you! Some of the items I’ve had for a few weeks (the ones that made an appearance in my last Friday Favorites post) and some are from my weekend shopping trip with my sweet mama! As always, I will link everything down below! So let’s jump right in!

ULTA

* 1. Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray – $32: Guys! I finally purchased this in the full size! I’ve been going through the travel sized bottles like crazy and decided that since I like it and haven’t found anything better (yet), I might as well go ahead and get the full size! It definitely extends the life of my makeup and doesn’t break me out…so it’s a win-win for me!

* 2. ULTA Blending Sponge Duo Kit – $10: I will be honest, I went in to ULTA looking for the L’Oreal blending sponge (I’m obsessed) but they were sold out. I mentioned a few posts back that I have been disappointed in my RT Blending Sponge and was on the lookout for something else. I remembered seeing the ULTA sponges floating around YouTube and hearing pretty good things about them so I decided to pick this set up! I have only used the sponge twice but so far I love it! If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Beauty Blender, this may be a good product for you!

* 3. Conair Floral Paddle Brush – $6.99: I was in the market for a new brush and immediately fell in love with this pattern! I have EXTREMELY thick, long(ish) hair and need a sturdy brush to help me tame my unruly mane.

* 4. Tarte Tartelette Tease Eyeshadow Palette – $23: This particular product made an appearance in my last Friday Favorites, it’s good y’all! If you’re looking for a simple, travel friendly, neutral palette; you can’t go wrong with this stunner by Tarte!

* 5. OGX Coconut Curls Hair Butter – $7.99: Guys! This stuff is amazing! If I’m looking to wear my hair curly (or wavy) I will run a decent amount of this through my hair (focusing on the middle & the ends) after I get out of the shower and let it work it’s magic! It also works really well after you get out of the pool (or ocean); so if you are meeting someone for lunch/dinner and don’t have time to wash and style your hair, just throw some of this on and be on your way!

* 6. NYX Butter Gloss – $4.99: I love these! I mentioned the shade Angel Food Cake in my Friday Favorites but just recently picked up Devil’s Food Cake. They have a nice medium coverage and aren’t overly sticky! If you’re looking for an inexpensive gloss with a wide shade range, check them out!

* 7. IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream – $38: This is a repeat purchase for me! I love IT Cosmetics and I love their CC+ cream. It has full coverage and SPF 50! It feels lightweight on the skin and I even got my mom hooked on it! If you’ve been thinking of trying this out, be like Nike and Just Do It! (I know, I’m lame!)

* 8. Batiste Dry Shampoo – $7.99: You guys know I live and die by dry shampoo! I noticed that I was running low so I decided to go ahead and pick up another bottle while I was at ULTA over the weekend. I usually get the Refresh or Sweetie scents but decided to go with the Sassy & Daring, Wild scent this time around!

* 9. Maybelline Vivid Hot Lacquer – $7.99: I had been seeing these lip lacquers all over YouTube recently and decided to give them a try! I picked mine up in the shade Charmer and while I like the shade when I swatch it on the back of my hand, on my lips it pulls a little too brown for me! I will probably use this a lipstick topper and see if I like it better that way!

* 10. Urban Decay Shadow Box – $18: My mom actually spotted this palette when were in the checkout line at ULTA and went back in and picked it up for me (she’s such a gem)! The packaging is beautiful and the colors are divine; they are buttery and nicely pigmented! If you would like to see a post where I swatch them (or anything) for you just let me know! Oh! And it’s on sale for $18 dollars (it’s originally $34)! P.S. I may or may not have picked up an extra for a future giveaway! 🙂

* 11. ULTA Gel Eyeliner Pencil – $8: I ran out of my brown eyeliner that I had been using and thought I would give these a try! I picked mine up in the shades Mink (brown) & Peacock (blue-green) and can’t wait to try them out!

* 12. L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer – $4.99: I have been battling some crazy veins under my eyes recently and thought I would try this to see if it would help! I’m not someone who loves to pack concealer on under my eyes, so I was hoping a light layer of this and a light layer of my regular concealer would do the trick! I do have the Tarte Shape Tape concealer and while I love the coverage that it gives (it covers those veins with NO problem), sometimes it’s a little TOO full coverage for what I’m going for. Once I try this method out I will let you know what I think! What are some of your favorite color correctors, any I just HAVE to try?

* 13. Essence Pure Nude Highlighter – $4.49: This highlighter is so beautiful! It’s glowy while still being natural. If you’re someone who likes something a little more wearable, I think this would be a GREAT option for you!

* 14. Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 – $3.99: I mentioned wanting to try this in my Ultimate ULTA Wishlist Post and after looking through all of the Sun Bum products at my ULTA, I finally found the display at the checkout counter! I picked mine up in the coconut flavor and I LOVE it! It’s so smooth and creamy and it tastes like suntan lotion…is it bad that I like that?!?! If you’re looking for a lip balm with SPF, please try this out!

* 15. IT Cosmetics No. 50 Serum – $48: This was a repurchase for my mama! She has been using this since Christmas and she really loves it! She goes in with this product before her makeup and has noticed a difference in her skin’s appearance as well as her makeup longevity! IT Cosmetics just came out with a new serum that specifically targets lines and wrinkles and I think she might try that one out next (I’ll keep you posted)!

TARGET

* 1. Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer – $8.69: Unfortunately I work in an office all day long and rarely see the outside world. Okay, that’s dramatic, but I don’t get out in the sun as much as I would like so to keep me from being scary pasty, I have been trying the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer and have really been loving it. It doesn’t really smell like self-tanner (unless you start sweating) and it does a nice job of gradually giving you some color! If you’re looking for something a little less scary than your typical self-tanning products, this might be a nice option for you!

* 2. Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color – $9.99: I love everything that I have tried from Sonia Kashuk; I have her foundation (which I love), her brushes, a couple of blushes and now a lippie! I picked my Luxe Lip Color up in the shade Currant and think it’s going to be my all-time favorite lip color! It swatches beautifully and I can’t wait to try it out!

* 3. Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes – $5.99: I just ran out of my Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes and decided to try these instead! Have you tried these? Do you like them?

* 4. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – $5.29: This is a holy grail concealer for me. I just really love the consistency and think it does a fine job concealing (and highlighting) my face! I still use my Shape Tape, but some days I want something a little lighter and less heavy! I will always continue to repurchase this; I feel like it has to be in my drawer at all times…it’s like my concealer safety blanket!

__________________________________________________________

So those were all of the goodies that I’ve picked up over the last few weeks! Have you guys tried anything that I mentioned above? What beauty products have you picked up lately?! I hope you enjoyed this post and if you want to see something specific in the future, let me know below!

-B

SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD NO. 2

Happy Monday, guys! I have been nominated for my second Sunshine Blogger Award by the lovely Cassi from Cassixmakeup! She loves all things beauty and lifestyle and has an awesome series on her blog called ‘Surrogacy Saturday’. She is sweet, funny and a true winged eyeliner goddess. If you haven’t already, check out her blog, you won’t regret it! Now let’s get onto the award!

RULES:

  1. Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog!
  2. Answer 11 Questions sent by the person that nominated you!
  3. Nominate 11 bloggers and ask them 11 questions.
  4. List the rules and display the award logo on your blog post!

Cassi Asked:

  1. What is your favorite flower? To be honest, I don’t have a favorite flower. I just like bright, colorful arrangements.
  2. Flip flops or sneakers? I wear more T-Strap Sandals than anything. If I had to choose between regular flips flops or sneakers, I would go with sneakers for sure.
  3. What is one of the most awkward things that has ever happened to you? I’m equating awkward to embarrassing for this one. I’m sure I have plenty of moments I could choose from, but the one time when I fell off the stage at a bar because I thought there were stairs on the side probably takes the cake. And no, I wasn’t drunk.
  4. What is your favorite movie? Oh dear, I’m not much of a movie person. But I like typical rom-coms (The Holiday, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) and some dramas (Closer, Silver Linings Playbook). Animated movies are also a delight (Trolls, UP!, Zootopia)!
  5. Coke or Pepsi? Coke for sure!
  6. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, hands down!
  7. What is my favorite candy? Probably just a plain milk-chocolate Hershey’s bar, but I also really like sour candy!
  8. Do I have any tattoos? Nope!
  9. What is my favorite candle scent? Oh goodness, how can I choose?! Mahogany Teakwood, Flannel, and anything Pumpkin Spice. You guys know I love a good fall candle. <3 <3
  10. Blow dry or air dry? I usually air dry my hair unless I’m going to straighten it; in that case I will blow it out!
  11. What do you like to do in your free time? I like to shop (mom and I hit ULTA yesterday…oops), hang out with David, play games (board games, uno, catch phrase, etc.), and go to concerts!

My Questions:

  1. Bun or ponytail?
  2. Do you prefer a big bag (tote, satchel, etc.) or a smaller bag (crossbody or a small tote)?
  3. What was/is your favorite subject in school?
  4. What is your favorite beauty brand (makeup, skincare, etc.)?
  5. If you could see ANY artist in concert, who would you see?
  6. If you couldn’t live in your current location (state), where would you choose to live?
  7. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate?
  8. What is your favorite cuisine?
  9. What is your favorite clothing store?
  10. Nike or Adidas?
  11. If you had to pick ONE genre of music to listen to for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

My Nominees:

  1. Daniela Soriano
  2. In a Messy World
  3. Maria – Twenty Something Tenacity
  4. Abigail – Freckled Fashionista
  5. GingerSnapps
  6. Cory – Rarely Routine
  7. Mrs. S. LDN

_________________________________________________________

Thank you Cassi for nominating and supporting me on this blogging journey, I really appreciate it! And to any of you that weren’t tagged above, please feel free to answer the questions anyway! See you guys tomorrow for another ULTA haul! <3

 

FRIDAY FAVORITES: EP. 5

Happy Friday friends, we made it!!!!! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m SOOOO ready for the weekend. Today’s post is another edition of Friday Favorites. I know I do a lot of Favorites posts (be it Friday or monthly), but I tried to include some different things this time around! I hope you like it, and as always, I will link everything that I can below!

SKINCARE

* 1. Tarte Maracuja Oil – $16 – $48: You guys know that I LOVE my Josie Maran Argan Oil (holy grail alert) but over the last couple of weeks I have been reaching for the Tarte Maracuja Oil. It’s gentle on the skin, hasn’t broken me out and is perfect for those times when I need a little extra hydration after going in with some of my Anti-Acne products! I picked this up in the travel size and I’m so glad that I did!

* 2. Origins GinZing Eye Cream – $31: I know, I know…this is a repeat product but I can’t help it. It’s the only eye cream I have been reaching for and I just love it. I mentioned before that I don’t deal with a ton of puffiness, but the other day I had a crazy reaction to something that caused my eyes to swell and this did a GREAT job of helping calm the puffiness down so that I could walk into work looking semi-normal!

* 3. Neutrogena Makeup Cleansing Towelettes (Night Calming) – $5.99: An oldie but a goodie! For a while I had stopped buying makeup remover wipes because I was using (and loving) the Josie Maran Cleansing Oil. Unfortunately after a few weeks it started to break me out (nooooooo). Since I’m not a huge fan of removing my makeup with coconut oil, I decided to pick these bad boys up and I’m happy to report that I still love them!

* Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner – $6.99: I will be honest, I’m not a HUGE fan of toners. Many of the ones I’ve tried are way too harsh for my skin and end up doing more harm than good. However I picked this up on a whim last year when my skin was going nuts and I really liked it. I use the tiniest amount and ALWAYS go in with my skincare a few minutes after which really helps to combat any irritation or drying that this product could cause! I will say the scent is strong; I don’t mind it, but if you are sensitive to smells you may not like this at all.

* 5. Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Thermal Anit-Fatigue Sleeping Mask – $28: GUYS! This stuff is amazing! I had never tried a “sleeping mask” before, but I love it. You guys know I struggle with drier skin and sometimes at night it can feel really tight and uncomfortable, especially if I’ve been using certain products on my blemishes. I had been looking for something to combat those issues and saw a difference almost immediately after using this product. This mask leaves my skin soothed, soft and supple and well…I can’t argue with those results!

* 6. Ulta After Sun Aloe Gel – $6.99: WHOA. So I may or may not have gotten burnt on my shoulders and back two weekends in a row…Oops! I put on sunscreen but clearly I didn’t reapply as often as I should have. Of course that made for a really uncomfortable sunburn and the need for some Aloe Vera gel. I have used a variety of brands and like them all. If you get burnt, run and get some Aloe STAT. This has definitely saved me from being a peely, gross mess.

* 7. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 – $7.80: While my shoulders and back may have gotten burnt, my lips were safe and sound thanks to this product. I’m a firm believer in lip balms that contain SPF, especially in this wretched Georgia heat. If you’ve ever had sunburned lips you know how awful they can be. I would highly recommend this product (or anything with an SPF) if you are going to be out and about!

MAKEUP

* 1. ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter in Flexitarian – $8: This highlighter is for real. The first time I swatched this I thought there was no way I could get away with wearing this thing in the real world…it was intense, y’all. But once I learned how to apply it, I fell in love. I typically apply this (with a LIGHT hand) using a flat synthetic brush (Morphe E61). The synthetic brush will give you more color payoff, while a duo fiber brush will give you a more sheer/natural look. After applying any of my highlights, regardless of the brand, I typically go over it with a damp beauty sponge to make it look a LITTLE more natural! And bonus: this makes a BEAUTIFUL inner corner highlight!

* 2. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder – $26: Okay, so I’m a little bit on the fence with this product but decided to include it because it’s all I’ve been using to set my under eye concealer. On one hand, I think the powder feels really nice on the skin and it sets my concealer down nicely; my under eyes never get dry and I never notice any creasing…so that’s nice. However, I’m not sure I’m seeing the “brightening” effect. Like am I missing something? Am I applying it wrong? How bright is it supposed to be? I think it’s a nice powder, but I feel like my RCMA No Color Powder looks very similar. Have you guys tried this? What are your thoughts?!

 * 3. NYX Ombre Blush in Mauve Me (pictured) & Soft Flush – $9.99: Now that we are officially in dead of summer, I have been experimenting with more blushes…and I love them! If I’m not reaching for Luminoso, I am reaching for the NYX Ombre Blushes. If you haven’t tried them, I would definitely recommend checking them out! Do you have a favorite blush? I’d love to know!

* 4. Physicians Formula Bronze Booster in Medium to Dark – $14.99: No surprise here. I, like the rest of the world love the PF Bronze Booster. It’s the perfect shade; not too warm and not too cool. It does a great job of warming up my face and looks beautiful on the skin!

* 5. Tarte Tartelette Tease Eyeshadow Palette – $23: This is the second eyeshadow palette I have purchased from Tarte and I absolutely love it. It’s pigmented, travel friendly and the perfect palette for a neutral girl like me!

* 6. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder – $30: I still love my RCMA No Color Powder, but lately I have been reaching for my Primed & Poreless pressed powder to set my foundation. It silky texture feels great on the skin and it does a good job of blurring the look of fine lines and pores. It’s definitely a winner in my book.

* 7. NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake – $4.99: I have really been enjoying the NYX Butter Glosses lately! They are comfortable on the lips, their color selection is unreal and I absolutely love their creamy finish. Angel Food Cake and Praline are a couple of my favorites! <3

* 8. L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara – $9.99: I don’t know how or when I first heard about this mascara but I love it. I usually only use it for my bottom lashes but it does a fine job on the top as well! I love the skinny, no-clump wand and I love how black it looks on my lashes! If you’re looking for a bottom lash mascara, check this one out!

MISCELLANEOUS

* 1. 90 Degree by Reflex 22″ Yoga Capris – $19.99: I have talked about these leggings before, but I just had to mention them one more time. I have them in a variety of styles and love them all. They are comfortable, thick (but not too thick), breathable, and just down right comfy! I plan on wearing a new pair to the Braves game tonight. 🙂

* 2. Morning Star Farms Spicy Black Bean Burgers – ~5 (ish): I have been eating these like crazy over the last couple of weeks. I’m trying to eat less meat throughout the week and these have been a good alternative when I’m craving a burger or something a little more filling. I typically make them on the grill or in the oven and then top them off with a slice of Swiss cheese…yummy!!

* Pop Chips Potato Crazy Hot – ~3(ish): I. Am. Obsessed. These chips are so great! I was looking for something a little healthier than your traditional potato chip and came across these. They have them in a variety of flavors, but since I’m a sucker for anything hot, I went with these! If you look hot chips,  you NEED try these out!

* 4. Bath & Body Works Mahogany Coconut Candle – $12.50 – $24.50: You guys know I have a serious love affair with Bath & Body Works candles and this bad boy is no exception. It is the perfect summer scent. It smells sweet, but not too sweet, and makes me think of the beach! If you’re looking for a coconut-y scented candle, check this one out! Bonus: It’s currently on sale for $12.50!!

So that’s it for this edition of Friday Favorites! What have you been loving this week/month? Have you tried any of the products listed above? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

-B

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE – FAVORITE FINDS

Happy Friday Eve, friends! Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Now I’m sure you’ve seen this advertised and reviewed everywhere, and if you’re tired of seeing it, I’m sorry. I just really enjoy putting these kinds of posts together and I hope you enjoy reading them! The Anniversary sale runs until August 6th. Nordstrom card holders are able to shop the sale from July 13th – July 20th! For non-cardholders, the sale is available from July 21st – August 6th! So without further ado, let’s talk about some of the items I absolutely adore from the sale!

* 1. Madewell Ryder Cardigan – $64.90: Fun fact about me…I love cardigans. This looks like it will be the perfect compliment to any outfit when the weather turns from hot to cold. It comes in three colors: Burgundy, Navy & Root (taupe); and I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them!

* 2. BLANK NYC Life Changer Moto Jacket – $64.90: A good moto jacket can take any outfit from drab to fab. I love how versatile they are and think they are perfect with anything from a dress to a skinny jean! At just under $65 dollars, I think this is a steal!

* 3. Zella Live-In High Waist Leggings – $35.90: Guys! I have been eyeing these for MONTHS now! You know my love for leggings is stronger than just about anything; I just can never have enough! I have seen so many people rave about this brand and at $35.90, I just don’t think I can pass them up!

* 4. FRYE Melissa Seam Boot – $246.90: Okay! I know these are a little bit pricey, but just look at them! A good pair of boots is like a good handbag; sometimes you just have to spend a little more to get a good, quality pair. After August 6th they will go up to nearly $400 dollars, so if you like them, now’s the time to get them!

* 5. Kensie Notch Lapel Peplum Coat – $139.90: This coat is absolutely beautiful. I love the subtle peplum style on the bottom and the shade Winter White is to die for. It comes in 3 different colors: Winter White, Camel & Black and honestly they are all stunning!

* 6. Vince Camuto Jumpsuit – $98.90: I know a lot of girls are out there living their best jumpsuit life and I thought this was perfect for all of you! It comes in 2 colors: Poppy & Black and features an ultra flattering fit! If I was a WEE bit taller I would snatch this up in a second, but since I’m not, I will live vicariously through all of you that are rocking jumpsuits on the daily!

* 7. ASTR The Label Openlines V-Neck Sweater – $49.90: I am a sucker for a nice V-neck sweater, especially in the fall and winter. They look effortless and chic when paired with a nice skinny pant and are flattering on just about everyone. Bonus: Its lightweight material makes it the perfect piece for year-round wear!

* 8. Hinge Tie Sleeve Top – $49.90: This lightweight blouse if perfect for a casual dinner with friends or for a big meeting at the office. The tie sleeves and flirty floral detail make this a dainty piece that you just can’t pass up!

* 9. Adidas Trefoil Logo Relaxed Fit Tank – $21.90: I’m sure you’ve seen these everywhere! As much as I love a legging, I love a relaxed boyfriend fit tank! I probably wouldn’t pay $30 dollars for this, but at just under $22, I could justify getting one…or two!

* 10. Free People Electric City Pullover – $64.90: Admittedly I’ve never purchased anything from Free People because the price tag is always so high. But with the anniversary sale, things become a little more reasonable. This sweater comes in 4 shades: Blue, Gold, Red & Rose and has the perfect slouchy fit!

* 11. Soprano Lace Dress – $38.90: This plum-colored lace dress is perfect for date night! It features a strappy back and also comes in black! Get a nice pair of strappy heels and hit the town, you’re sure to turn heads in this little number.

* 12. Nike ‘Windrunner’ Hooded Windbreaker – $67.90: I’ve never purchased a Nike jacket because they are a little more pricey than what I would typically spend on a windbreaker but I really love the colors and it’s on sale…so that makes it okay, right?! And if the red/white combo isn’t for you, they have 2 other color combinations to choose from!

* 13. Nike No-Show Socks – $9.90: I don’t know about you guys but I am CONSTANTLY losing socks. I swear they are in pairs when I put them in the washing machine yet they miraculously disappear by the time I take them out of the dryer. So basically I always need socks. I only wear no-show socks (unless I’m wearing boots) so at just under $10 dollars, picking up a couple of packs might not be a bad idea!

* 14. Zella ‘Hatha’ High Waist Crops – $33.90-36.90: As I mentioned before, I’ve heard great things about Zella leggings and thought these crops were too cute! I’m usually not a fan of crops, but because I’m so short they fit me more like a 7/8 pant and I really like that look, especially for summer! If you’re not into the grey, they have them in pink and black as well!

* 15. Clarisonic Mia 2 Cleansing System – $113: I have this system and I absolutely love it! I got it 2 Christmas’ ago and my skin has been thanking me ever since! I know $100+ dollars might seem a bit steep for a brush that cleans your face, but I promise it’s worth it. It has done a great job of keeping my blemishes to a minimum and my skin is much more radiant than it was before! If $113 is too much for a cleansing brush (I totally get it), they also have the original Clarisonic Mia on sale for $86 dollars!

* 16. Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick Set – $60: I have always wanted to try a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick, they are so beautiful and their packaging is stunning. There are two versions of this set: Hot Lips Nude & Perfect Pink (pictured above). Each set includes 2 lipsticks and a lip liner; for $60 dollars, I feel like that’s a steal.

* 17. Ted Baker London Kate Leather Strap Watch – $104.90: Eeekkkkkkk. Look at this watch!! I love the gray strap and the mother of pearl face, it’s simple yet chic. I have a rose gold watch that I wear all the time (thanks mom) but thought this would be a nice addition if I ever wanted to switch things up! If you aren’t a fan of the color/pattern, they do have a variety to choose from ranging from $99.90-$110!

* 18. Kate Spade In A Flash Bangle Set – $49.90: I love Kate Spade. I love her clothes, bags, jewelry, and accessories; basically she can do NO wrong! They have this bangle set in 3 different colors: Berry, Navy & Black! They are simple, chic and perfect for every occasion!

* 19. Adidas Tubular Viral 2 Sneakers – $74.90: I have been on the hunt for a solid pair of white sneakers and it looks like I finally found them. I have one pair of Adidas shoes that I workout in and I love them. I find them much more comfortable than my Nikes, and at just under $75 dollars I’m not sure I can pass them up! Oh, and if solid white sneakers aren’t your thing, they come in a nice pink color too!

—————————————————————————————————

So those are a few of my favorite finds from the highly anticipated Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I hope you guys enjoyed this post and I apologize for its lengthiness. Are you guys planning to shop the sale? What are some of the items you’re hoping to see? Let me know below!

-B

 

WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT: MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Happy hump day friends! For this edition of Wednesday Spotlight I chose to talk about something near and dear to my heart: Mental Health. I have seen so many people (myself included) struggle with the state of their mental health recently and thought now would be a good time to open up a healthy discussion here on my blog! As many of you know, I have had my own issues when it comes to mental health, particularly when it comes to food and weight; I hate it, but it’s something that will always be a part of me. I also deal with my fair share of anxiety (like most people) but do my best to remain present and work through it as best I can; it’s not easy, but I manage.

I have noticed, especially this time of year, that people contend with more anxiety surrounding their body image than any other time. My awareness is always heightened due to my history, but in the summer it can be a real mess inside my brain. For the most part I can manage, but my thoughts certainly make it hard. I have also heard from friends of mine that have never struggled with body image that this is a sensitive time for them as well. They describe feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable when they know they will be surrounded by people with cameras while in their swimsuit…if I’m being honest, that’s my worst nightmare. As humans we can’t help but look at other people and compare our bodies to the things we see; even if we are able to move past our feelings in that moment, I find that those thoughts tend to stick around and resurface days, weeks, or maybe even months later. While it might not be a constant struggle for you (and I hope it’s not), it seems to be a common feeling that we as women (and men) have during the dreaded swimsuit season. I have learned over the years that comparison is the thief of joy but it certainly doesn’t stop us from falling into the habit. I would be lying if I said that I was the poster child for body positivity…because I’m not (just keeping it real). I try to be supportive of others as they embark on their journey of loving themselves and their body just as it is, but please don’t mistake that for me having it all together, because I do not. As much progress as I have made, I still fall short…a lot. If you’re on a fitness journey because you are unhappy with your weight or the way that you look, please make sure you are addressing the root of the issue because I can assure you that losing weight DOES NOT cure negative body image. I’ve seen people lose a miraculous amount of weight and still feel empty inside. If you need help, please reach out to someone who can offer you the assistance you need and deserve.

Unfortunately many people view our mental health as less important than our physical health. This is an ugly truth that makes me sad beyond words. I recently read an article about an employee that sent an email to her team at work stating that she was taking a couple of days off to focus on her mental health and that she hoped to be back the following week ready to hit the ground running. How amazing is that?! I applaud her for her honesty and willingness to accept that things didn’t feel quite right. What made my heart smile even more was the response of her CEO; he was more than understanding and took a moment to respond with a short but genuine email. He reminds us all that we should be taking the time to keep our minds as healthy as our heart so that we can bring our whole selves to work. This is how mental health should be treated in the workplace, sadly this is not always the case. I hope we can continue to make strides with how we view and treat mental illness in this country (and abroad) so that people feel comfortable reaching out for guidance when they need it. There is no shame in saying “I need help.” Life is messy, very rarely do things go EXACTLY the way we plan them to, and there is nothing worse than being unable to navigate the uncertainties that living your everyday life brings. For those of you struggling, whether it be a little or a lot, please know that you are not alone. There are so many of us fighting the good fight and we are here for you whenever you need! I urge you to seek help if things feel off, while it might be dreadful at first, it is certainly worth it in the long run! And if you find yourself in an environment that feels less than supportive, try to remain present and remind yourself that you are not doing this for anyone other than yourself. The reality is that not everyone will understand and support your desire to change, and that’s okay, just keep going. No matter how many times your thoughts knock you down, please get back up and try again. I promise, the best version of you is ALWAYS worth fighting for.

-B