Archives for September 2017

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

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy Friday, friends! Are you ready for the weekend? I know I am! Today I’m back with another edition of Friday Favorites and I can’t wait to share what all I’ve been loving with you guys! You know the drill, everything shown will be listed and linked below! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

BEAUTY/SKINCARE

 

* 1. Jaclyn Hill Morphe Palette – $38: This is the palette of dreams; if you’re a warm eye shadow lover, this is for you! The colors are incredibly pigmented and very easy to blend out. The only thing I don’t like is that it doesn’t have a matte cream shade; the top 2 colors both have a shimmery finish which doesn’t work for setting an eye shadow primer, but aside from that, this palette is pure gold.

* 2. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder – $30: I’ve talked about this powder before and I still love it. After using the RCMA no color powder off and on for months, I have been reaching for this bad boy again.

* 3. KL Polish: Ocean Drive – $8.50: Guys! Look at this color! This shade gives me serious mermaid vibes. I know KL Polish isn’t available overseas yet, but I JUST saw Kathleen tweet about adding international delivery soon so keep your eyes peeled for that! 🙂

* 4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea – $7 – $12: If you’re looking for a soothing, inexpensive facial spray, check this one out! They also have a rosewater spray if that’s more your speed! 🙂

* 5. Julep It’s Whipped Matte Lip Mousse – $12 – $20: I know you guys are probably sick of me talking about this lippie but I just can’t help it! These are currently on sale for $12 dollars at Ulta and I think they are worth every penny! There are 10 shades in the line and the color shown above is Pillow Talk!

* 6. Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir – $11.99: I have been loving this foundation lately! It gives me a healthy glow without looking or feeling greasy; it’s lightweight, buildable and incredibly comfortable to wear. Unfortunately there are only 10 shades in the line so if you have a deeper skin tone this might not work for you. Come on Covergirl, there are WAAAAYYYYY more than 10 skin tones in the world, please expand the line so everyone can enjoy your product.

* 7. Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – $4.99: No surprise here; ever since I got this highlighter I haven’t worn anything else. If you haven’t tried this, run and get it ASAP!

* 8. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream – $38: Swoon, this stuff is amazing and feels great on the skin. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and makes my skin feel firmer and more much more healthy after just ONE use! FAB for the win!

* 9. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Parfum – $130: This is my holy grail perfume, I love it and can’t get enough. It’s sweet, fresh and a little citrusy. If you’re looking for a feminine scent with a little spice, check this out!

* 10. Tarte Pout Prep Lip Exfoliant – $16: If you are a liquid lipstick lover (or just have dry lips), you need this in your life. It has a minty scent and gently buffs away dead skin cells to create the perfect canvas for lipstick application or your favorite natural look!

FASHION/LIFESTYLE

* 1. VS The Player Sports Bra – $16.50: Full disclosure, I don’t use this for working out so I can’t really speak to its performance in that regard; however I can say that this is great for general lounging and is quite possibly the most comfortable sports bra I own!

* 2. Kate Spade New York Bangle – $22.40: I have a few Kate Spade bangles and love them all. They are simple, easy and can bring any outfit together with minimal effort! NOTE: This is currently 30% off at Nordstrom making it only $22.40…yaassssss!

* 3. Treasure & Bond Knotted Tassel Scarf – $35: I. Love. This. Scarf. The grey color is divine and goes with just abut anything. It’s long, cozy and the tassels add a pop of fun! It comes in 5 shades and all are a dream, you can’t really go wrong!

* 4. Michael Kors Selma Medium Satchel – $223.50 – $298: With the summer months coming to a close it’s time to bring out my fall bags: first on the list, this beauty from MK. The navy shade is divine and the size is perfect; it holds all of my essentials and PLENTY more! It’s currently on sale for $223.50 and is worth much more than that (IMO)!

* 5. Cotton Yoga Legging – $39.95: Guys I know VS leggings may not be the BEST quality but they sure are comfy. Despite being 30 years old, I still love the PINK line and feel no shame in saying that. Some say it’s tacky and too loud but I say it’s cozy and fun. Bring on the PINK sweats, they are some of my favorites!

* 6. Young Living Essential Oils – If you saw my post from yesterday then you know that I recently joined the oily tribe. So far I have really been enjoying the journey and 3 of my heavy hitters are Lavender, Stress Away and Frankincense. If you are at all interested in essential oils you can read my post from yesterday HERE and I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have!

* 7. Sueded D’Orsay Flats – $26: I have these in 2 colors: Fuchsia & Lavender (currently unavailable) and I love them both! I’ll be honest, it took a solid 2 weeks to get over the “break-in” stage, but once I got through that, they were amazing! There are 6 shades to choose from and I think I might go back and get another pair…the ‘Terra Cotta’ ones are calling my name!

TV/MOVIES

* 1. New Girl: It’s no surprise that New Girl made ANOTHER appearance in my Friday Favorites. Nick and Jess make my heart skip a beat and Winston’s terrible prank ideas make me howl with laughter. If you’re looking for a funny sitcom with the right amount of sweetness, give this one a try! And since most of you already know how I feel about the show, I’ll save the long-winded review for later and just highlight some of my favorite episodes below!

* “Wedding” – Season 1: Episode 3

* Injured” – Season 1: Episode 15

* Basically all of season 2 {especially, Fluffer (3), Santa (10), Cooler (15), Parking Spot (17) & Virgins (23)}

* “Birthday” – Season 3: Episode 13

* * There are so many that I love but I’ll stop here for now **

* 2. How I Met Your Mother: I know, I’m incredibly late to the party…shocker! David and I decided to take a beak from Parenthood (it just wasn’t grabbing me anymore) and he suggested this little gem to me! We are currently in season 2 and so far I love it. I know that Robin and Ted don’t end up together but David has assured me that it won’t ruin the show. And since he knows me so well, I’ll take his word for it (he’s been right with everything else so far) and keep watching with an open mind!

* 3. The Holiday: Eeeekkkkkkkkk, look at that face; Jude Law is such a stunner. For those of you who don’t know, The Holiday is one of my favorite movies of all time. Call me cheesy (I don’t care) but I just can’t get enough. Jude Law is swoon-worthy and Jack Black is incredibly charming. If you’ve never seen this movie and like a good Rom Com, watch it, you won’t regret it!

MUSIC

** I apologize for the ridiculous amount of country on this list but it’s been that kind of week/month. Thomas Rhett nailed it with “Leave Right Now” and Brett Young is so swoon-worthy I could die! **

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So that wraps up this edition of Friday Favorites! I hope you guys had a wonderful week and I hope you have an even better weekend! Let me know what products/songs/shows you’ve been loving lately and what you have planned for the weekend down below, I’d love to hear from you!

-B

WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT: MY OILY JOURNEY

Happy hump day, friends! I know I typically talk about beauty and fashion here on my blog but today I thought I would share something a little different with you all! I recently took the plunge and joined the oily girls tribe and thought that I would share with you how I’ve been using my oils and what I think about the transition so far. For those of you that don’t know, essential oils are all the rage right now, they are said to help with physical and emotional health as well as purifying your home & revamping your beauty routine. Before jumping into the oily scene I had always heard about Young Living and doTERRA and after doing some research of my own, they definitely seem like the two most reputable and trustworthy companies out there. I chose to take the Essential Oils leap with Young Living thanks to a friend of mine, Haley! She has been using and posting about Young Living for quite some time and after giving it a lot of thought, I decided to just go for it. I reached out to her with some general questions and she was more than willing to help me navigate these oily waters. She was never pushy in any way and I could tell that she was genuinely interested in my reasons for seeking out essential oils. She was truly an invaluable piece to my oily journey and I can’t thank her enough! After researching different oils and the ways they could help support both my mental and physical health, I purchased the Premium Starter Kit and haven’t looked back since. While I am still new (and learning all the ins and outs) to the oily community, I have thoroughly enjoyed my results so far.

The Premium Starter Kit comes with a diffuser, 11 Essential Oils (I added an extra when I placed my order), 2 NingXia Red® samples, a product guide & price list and some other fun goodies! My main concerns when starting this journey were migraine & anxiety support, lethargy and general wellness and I can tell you that the oils in this starter kit have helped me tremendously. No, my anxiety and migraines aren’t completely gone, but I have definitely experienced relief since incorporating these into my life. I thought I could take this time to go over each oil that comes in the kit and tell you some basic information about each one and what I have been using them for! I should start by saying that I am in no way an oily expert and am still figuring things out as I go. Also, you will notice that some oils have a white wrapping and say “vitality” on them, this just means that they are safe for consumption (think tea and delicious recipes), so without further ado, let’s jump into these oils!

**Disclaimer: This post is not intended to diagnose or make medical recommendations. If you are pregnant or nursing, please refer to your PCP for guidance on what oils are safe to use and consume at the present time! Everyone’s body is different, I’m simply sharing what works for me!**

* 1. Lemon Vitality – I use this both aromatically and for consumption. It carries gentle detox properties while promoting a healthy pH balance! Bonus: It’s great in water & tea and smells like a citrus dream!

* 2. Copaiba Vitality – I will be honest, I’ve only used this aromatically (for now) but I’ve really enjoyed the result. I use this in my relaxation blends and have really noticed a difference in my bodies response to irritation and stress!

* 3. Thieves Vitality – If there was ONE oil that I heard about constantly before making this leap, it was Thieves. I use this both aromatically and for consumption and I can tell you that it provides amazing immune support! I struggle with allergies all year round and this season has been no different; before thieves I would be a walking wreck (I don’t handle sore throats and general ickiness well), but now I just whip this bad boy out and I’m much less miserable! A couple of drops in some hot water & honey create a wonderful wellness tea!

* 4. Digize Vitality – I will be honest, my relationship with this oil is still a work in progress! I tend to use this topically to help support healthier digestion but have also tried diffusing it as well. Unfortunately I ended up tossing the blend because it was a WEE bit strong for me! Again, I’m still learning. If you have any recommendations on the best ways to use this oil, let a girl know!

* 5. Peppermint Vitality – I’m pretty sure this was the oil I was most excited to try! As soon as my kit arrived I made a roller ball headache blend and keep with me at all times! It’s certainly not a cure all, but it provides incredible support when I’m struggling with tension headaches and migraines. Bonus: It smells amazing and tastes great when added to water and tea!

* 6. Panaway – I use this topically to help support achy muscles and even rub it on the back of my neck when I start feeling the least bit tense. I have also heard that it can provide support to women during that dreaded monthly Mother Nature visit (I will test this theory and let you know)!

* 7. R.C. – I have been diffusing this like a mad woman; it offers incredible respiratory support (among other things) and has been a wonderful addition to my wellness blends.

* 8. Purification – This is another gem that has made a healthy number of appearances in my wellness blends. It can help support healthy breathing and air purification and is even great for deodorization. Bonus: I hear this can help support those with acne prone skin (don’t worry, I’ll be testing this theory further)!

* 9. Frankincense – I have been using this primarily in my anxiety blends and I LOVE IT! It helps me maintain my focus and supports a more positive mindset. I have also added this to the back of my neck for headache support.

* 10. Lavender – The holy grail of all oils! Guys, I use this ALL. THE. TIME. So much so that I am getting another bottle in my October ER order. There are so many uses for this oil there is no way I could possibly list them all. I have been using this in my relaxation blends to help me unwind and promote healthier sleep and I love it; the scent took some getting used to (at least for me) but I’ve definitely come around!

* 11. Stress Away – I mean come on, who doesn’t want an oil titled “stress away,” I know I do. This is perfect for those days when you’re feeling mentally off and just generally overwhelmed. You can add a couple drops to your diffuser, mix in a little Lavender (or Frankincense) and sit back and relax. I have also taken this with me when traveling (near or far) and rubbed a little on the insides of my wrists to promote feelings of peace when things around me get crazy. I really can’t say enough about this oil, it’s amazing!

* * 12. Peace & Calming II – This didn’t come with my starter kit but I really wanted to add another oil to support stress and feelings of anxiety. After perusing Young Living’s MANY options, I settled on this one! I can honestly say that this has been VERY well loved since the day I opened it! I use it to help promote restful sleep and relaxation and have recently turned it into a rollerball! Nothing like a little peace & calming on the go!

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I know essential oils aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay! I just wanted to take a moment and share my journey with you guys so that if you had questions about the oily life, how I use my oils and my favorite blends, you would know where to find me! I’m so happy that I took the plunge and ordered my starter kit from Young Living (thanks again, Haley); the company is a step above the rest and their seed to seal promise ensures that I’m putting only the best in my body and in my home! If you have any questions at all or would like to share your favorite blends and ways to use your oils, please reach out down below, I’d love to hear from you!