BRIDESMAIDS: HOW TO PICK YOUR “I DO” CREW

Happy Wednesday, friends and welcome back! Today I’m back with another post in my ‘Wedding Wednesday’ series and were talking all about how to pick your perfect “I Do” crew…that was cheesy, I know! Despite the cheesy nature, picking your bridal party can be both fun and tough. Making sure you have the right girls (or guys) to stand beside you during your big day is critical; after all, they’re the ones that are going to keep you from jumping off the ledge when things get stressful. While there are no “rules” when it comes to picking your squad; I thought I would share some of the tips and tricks that helped me to feel secure in my decision!

Also, this goes without saying, but pick whoever you’re comfortable with. If you think everything I mention below is irrelevant and stupid, by all means, ignore my advice – lol. Just make sure you think long and hard about who you want standing beside you; after all, you deserve the BEST squad! 🙂 <3

1. THINK BEFORE YOU ASK

While asking someone to be a bridesmaid is emotional and super exciting, remember that once you ask, there’s no turning back. I mean, I guess you could turn back, but there is a strong possibility you could ruin/lose that friendship! I would give yourself a month or so to REALLY mull over the options to ensure that you’re asking the right people. Think about the girls (and guys) you can’t live without and ask yourself “will I still be friends with this person in 5 years?” If the answer is YES, then I think they’re a great option.

2. INCLUDE SIBLINGS

Barring any crazy bad blood, I think it’s important to include your siblings as well as your future spouse’s siblings. Typically these are the people that have seen you at your best, your worst and everything in between. They champion you when you don’t deserve it and only want to see you happy. Even if you aren’t super close right now, chances are they’re still gonna be around come your 10 year wedding anniversary. If being a bridesmaid isn’t in an option, consider including them in other ways: i.e., junior bridesmaids, ushers, specific tasks to handle, etc. While it may seem silly or feel like too much to think about in the moment, looking back and wishing you had included them in your special day is something you can’t change and might regret for years to come.

3. SET EXPECTATIONS EARLY…

….for yourself and your bridesmaids. If there are specific things you expect your girls (or guys) to participate in and/or facilitate (showers, bachelor parties, etc.), I think it’s best to let them know up front. I’m not saying you have to have EVERYTHING figured out, but a loose blueprint is always helpful. For instance, if you are requiring your girls to have their hair and makeup professionally done, that’s something that should be established ASAP. Weddings are expensive and sometimes I think brides get so caught up in this picture perfect moment that they forget to consider how their requests will impact everyone else involved. I want my girls to stand beside me, have a good time and enjoy the process; I don’t want to them to be stressed about the possibility of having to attend multiple bridal showers and endless parties on top of the financial burden that weddings can create. There is a way to establish expectations while also considering everyone else’s lives (and feelings) outside of your big day.

4. RESPONSIBLE SQUAD??

I cannot stress this enough; pick bridesmaids that are reliable and responsible. There is nothing worse than asking someone to be a bridesmaid, maid of honor, etc., thinking that they will show up and show out, only to realize that they perpetually drop the ball. When gathering and deciding on your core group of girls, make sure they are trustworthy, loyal and responsible. Weddings are overly stressful (at times), you need people that will lift you up and show up when they say they will; not pitch a fit, drop the ball and leave you with an unfinished mess.

5. DON’T ASK SOMEONE JUST BECAUSE THEY ASKED YOU

Despite what you may think, you don’t have to ask someone to be in your wedding just because they asked you. That college roommate you haven’t spoken to in 10 years outside of the obligatory “happy birthday” Facebook post, doesn’t need to be a bridesmaid. If you were a bridesmaid 5 years ago and have since drifted apart from the bride, it’s okay to leave them out. If they want to talk about why, be honest; there’s nothing wrong with wanting your (current) best girls to stand beside you during this time.

6. YOU DON’T HAVE TO INCLUDE KIDS

Ring bearers and flower girls are super cute, especially in photos; however, if you and your fiancé don’t feel particularly close to any of the kids in (or out) your family, don’t feel obligated to fill that “role.” And if you have 6 kids you want to include, by all means, DO IT! You can fill one role, two roles or create five different roles; whatever feels good to you is what you should do! <3 Personally David and I have the cutest little peanut to be our ring bearer but don’t really have anyone in mind for flower girl responsibilities, and I’m okay with that! As long as you’re doing what you feel is best, everything will be perfect! <3

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I hope you guys enjoyed this post and that some of you found it helpful! I know finding the right bride squad can be stressful, but just remember, these girls are here to lift you up and help you throughout this process! Take advantage of the time you get to spend with them and cherish the memories you make!

Until next time,

XOXO

AMAZON PRIME MUST-HAVES

Happy Saturday, friends and welcome back. IT’S OFFICIALLY COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON…eeeekkkkkkkkkkk I’m so excited, can you tell?! Anyways, I hope you all had a great week and have a fun weekend planned! As you can tell by the title, today we’re talking all about my Amazon Prime must-haves! Today’s post mainly consists of lifestyle and beauty products, but don’t worry, I’m planning a different post dedicated to all of my Amazon fashion favorites as well…so stay tuned for that! As always, I will list and link everything down below; so without further ado, let’s jump right in!

*Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links*

Headband • Travel Jewelry Organizer • Steamer • Purse Organizer • Face Razors

Tend Skin • Tripod • Apple Watch Band • Tanning Mitt • Handheld Vacuum

Auburn Cup • Makeup Eraser (4 pk) • Face Mask Applicator • Felt Hangers

Manicure Boxed Set • Wallet • St. Tropez Self Tanner • iPhone Chargers (3 pk)

Nippies Skin Pasties • Beauty Sponges (5 pk)• Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

1. Cat Headband – $9.99: I picked this up a few months ago after seeing loads of YouTubers wearing something similar. I bought it to use when doing my makeup, because there’s nothing worse than trying to apply foundation and concealer when your hair is flying around in your face…seriously, it’s so annoying. Also, it has cat ears; how could I resist?!

2. Travel Jewelry Organizer – $24.99: Over the past few months I’ve accumulated some new jewelry pieces and wanted to ensure that I had a good and safe way to travel with them. I saw this on Amazon late one night and loved the variety of spaces/compartments it had and really liked that it zipped shut. I’ve used it multiple times and have ZERO complaints! NOTE: There is currently a $5 dollar off coupon making it $19.99 🙂

3. Handheld Steamer – $26.99: This is another product I was “influenced” to buy; and if you follow any fashion bloggers on Instagram, chances are, you’ve seen it. I’m not a huge fan of ironing (is anyone?), so I thought I would pick this up to help me get the wrinkles out of my blouses for work. It’s super lightweight and easy to travel with so if you have any weddings / events in the near future, this is a great thing to add to your suitcase!

4. Purse Organizer – $24.88: If you are someone who carries a large purse / tote everyday, this is 1000% worth grabbing. It helps keep your bag structured, organized and really makes it easier to find things. Before I started using this, my bag just turned into a black hole; I felt like I could never find what I needed – so frustrating. They come in a variety of colors and sizes making them perfect for any bag you carry! NOTE: Amazon is offering a 20% off coupon making it just under $20 bucks!

5. Face Razors – $4.99: These are my favorite face razors; I’ve used them numerous times and haven’t experienced any negative reactions. Yippie!

6. Tend Skin – $21.99: If you have sensitive skin, you NEED this! I’ve started incorporating this every time after I shave and it has made such a difference. My razor-burn is all but gone, and though it stings for 2.5 seconds after application, it’s so helpful I don’t even care. Seriously, if you struggle with razor-burn and/or ingrown hairs, I highly recommend Tend Skin!

7. Tripod – $14.99: I purchased this after getting my Cannon SL2 and have been loving it so far. It’s lightweight and relatively sturdy for what it is. Now I wouldn’t recommend taking it outside during a windstorm; but it would be fine in normal/milder weather conditions. Also, I love that it comes with a carrying case!

8. Apple Watch Band – $9.99: As much as I love my Apple watch, I have trouble with the silicone band that it comes with; it irritates my skin and makes it very uncomfortable for me to wear even when I’m not working out. I decided to pick up a couple of leather bands to see if that made any difference, and so far so good! Of course I will keep you updated as I start to wear them for more workouts and let you know if anything changes! NOTE: I have the Apple Watch 3 series – 42mm 🙂

9. Tanning Mitt – $9.99: I know I’ve mentioned this before, probably more than once, but I love it so much that I had to mention it again! This set comes with a tanning mitt for your body, your face and an exfoliating glove (yaaassss). If you plan on self-tanning, I 1000% recommend getting a mitt; and more than that, a mitt that fits snug around the wrist (it makes for a much easier application IMO). PRO TIP: I use this mitt to blend in my Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs and it works like a charm!

10. Handheld Vacuum – $45.04: If you have pets, children or just need something to get into small spaces, I highly recommend a little handheld vacuum. I find that this one works better than the Bissell and Black & Decker options.

11. Auburn Tumbler – $29.99: What better way to show your school spirit than a 30oz tumbler you can carry around?! WAR DAMN!

12. Face Eraser (4 pk) – $9.99: If you like the original Makeup Eraser, buy these, you won’t be disappointed. You get 4 for $10 dollars and they work just as well as the “real” thing.

13. Face Mask Applicator – $3.98: Okay, I know this might seem silly, but when you’re working with clay masks it’s much easier to use a silicone “brush” during the application process. Sure, using your hands isn’t the end of the world, but it’s much less messy if you resort to one of these bad boys!

14. Felt Hangers – $21.99: I finally took the plunge and changed out all of my hangers to these grey felt ones from Amazon. They’re sturdy, lightweight and help save space!

15. Manicure Box Set – $7.99: If you’re someone that does your nails consistently, this is a great thing to have on hand! It comes with a variety of emery boards and buffing blocks, and has enough space to hold a pair of clippers and small scissors! I highly recommend.

16. Checkered Wallet – $16.78: I’m sure you’ve seen this particular wallet floating all around the internet; it’s LV inspired and y’all, I love it. There’s a ton of space for cards/cash/coins and zips closed so you never have to worry about anything falling out! If you like the LV look but don’t want to pay $500+ dollars for a wallet, I highly recommend picking this up! NOTE: I also have the makeup and tote bags – I will do a dedicated post to the whole collection so I can share my thoughts! 🙂

17. St. Tropez Self Tanner – $42: This is still my go-to self-tanner. I use both the regular 8-hour formula as well as the express tanning mousse and love them both! I use it with the mitt shown above and never turn out orange, streaky or patchy! I know self-tanner is all about personal preference, but if you haven’t given this one a try, I think it’s worth picking up! NOTE: It comes in a smaller size if you want to try it out before REALLY committing.

18. iPhone Chargers (3pk) – $9.99: I don’t know about you guys, but I try and keep an iPhone charger in just about every room in my house. I also like to keep extras on hand for when I travel and I love that these are 6ft (they can reach sooooo far); I mean honestly, how annoying are those short charging cords?

19. Nippies Skin Pasties – $25: YOU GUYS…RUN DON’T WALK – These are AMAZING! If you’re one of the gals, then you know that there are some tops and dresses you can’t wear a normal bra with, and while I support the girls that just go free, I can’t do it. I’ve tried to find the best sticky boobs for what feels like a decade and y’all, I finally found them. They come in 2 different sizes and are thin enough to be undetectable under tighter shirts, dresses and bodysuits! They come in a carrying case so they won’t get messed up when you travel and for $25 dollars, I think they are 1000% worth picking up! NOTE: They come in 3 different color options: light. medium and deep – (I can use both light and medium) & 2 size options (I use the L).

20. Beauty Sponges (5pk) – $8.99: If you’re a makeup lover, you NEED these! I’ve tried a slew of different sponges over the years and these are by far my favorite! They are the closest thing to a Beauty Blender I’ve found and if i’m being honest, these are better. They expand nicely when wet and do a great job blending out foundations and concealers. If you’re in the market for a new sponge and are tired of spending $20+ dollars, get these! Like…you get FIVE sponges for under TEN dollars…is that even legal?!

21. Hanging Toiletry Bag – $11.99: I bought this a few months ago to use during my Memphis trip this past May, and I absolutely love it. It fits a ton of products, zips closed and is super easy to clean. I also think this would good for people who live incredibly small spaces (little to no counter space); you could just hang it on the back of the door and take out what you need as you go. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns and I highly recommend!

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I hope you guys enjoyed this post; there’s nothing quite like a good Amazon favorites haul. Like I mentioned above, I will do a dedicated Amazon fashion post next week, so stay tuned for that – I have some cute pieces! Do you have any must-have Amazon products that I should try?! Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

Also, Wedding Wednesday’s will be back next week! See you then!

XOXO,

MY WEDDING PLANNER // ETSY FIND

Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m back with another installment in my wedding series, and today we’re talking all about what I’m using to plan my big day! If you read my last post (I’m Engaged, Now What?!), you would know that getting a wedding planner was a non-negotiable step for me post engagement; honestly, I would be lost without it.

If you are engaged or think you will be soon, I HIGHLY recommend some sort of wedding planner. Now if you’re the type of girl that has ZERO desire in planning anything yourself, I totally get it and recommend paying someone to do it for you (it will end up being worth the money). However, if you are like me and want to have your hands in every bit of the planning process, I would recommend getting some sort of paper (or digital) planner. Originally I was thinking of purchasing something that was already binded and put together, but my Maid of Honor, Jordan, told me that a printable option might be better….she was right.

After perusing multiple options on the Etsy website, I landed on THIS bad boy from Best Celebrations. It’s simple without leaving things out and includes things I never thought I would need. I love that you can print out as many copies as you need and the pages feature a ton of space for writing and extra notes. In order to get the look I have below, all you’ll need is a 3-hole punch, a 3-ring binder and a pack of dividers (optional).

One thing I really like about this planner is that the ‘cover’ page is fully customizable and comes with two different options! I love all of the rosy/blush tones as they are some of my favorite colors and I think they fit my personality and wedding theme really well. <3 This planner comes with a ‘table of contents’ which makes it easy to break things up into different categories and keep them separated to ensure a seamless planning process. If you’re looking for some inspiration, I will include all of my categories down below! 🙂

1. Contract(s) / Budget (IMPORTANT)

2. Wedding Party Attire

3. Bridal Party / Vendor Contacts (IMPORTANT)

4. Guest List (IMPORTANT)

5. Gift Registry

6. Venue Information (IMPORTANT)

7. Rehearsal Dinner Information

8. Hotel / Travel Accomodations

While I think all of the categories above hold a lot of importance, some are more critical than others. Having a dedicated space for contracts and budget information is incredibly important; this ensures that you are working within the parameters you’ve set for yourself and not stepping too far out of your (budget) comfort zone (trust me, this is TOO easy to do – lol). I also think having a specific space for bridal party and vendor contacts as well as guest list and venue information (address, phone #, capacity, etc.) is imperative. When someone asks you a question regarding your venue accommodations or needs to get in touch with someone from the wedding party, you’ll know EXACTLY where to look! 🙂

If you’re someone who likes to take a lot of notes, this planner provides plenty of space and makes it easy to create a running ‘to-do’ list. If you’re planning a wedding / planned one in the past, you know how critical this is! I made sure to print multiple copies of this particular page so I could start new lists that pertain to specific areas within the planning process (i.e., general to-do list, wedding attire, vendor related stuff…etc.) and have found that to be incredibly helpful!

As you can tell from the pictures above (and below), this planner also includes a variety of charts which not only help to keep things organized, but also gives you an idea of the things you should be doing/planning for. I don’t now about you, but I’ve never planned a wedding so the idea of just knowing what all needs to be done is not only terrifying but unrealistic. One of my favorite sections is the ‘Venue Comparison Chart,’ it includes a number of sections (price, capacity, cancellation policy, rentals included, etc.,) that make it easy to compare and contrast the various venues you are interested in! Whenever I went on a tour, I gathered as much information as I could (yes, I brought a notebook) so that when I came home and logged everything into my planner, I would have a well-rounded picture of everything the venue did and did not offer! Trust me, if you’re looking at more than 2 places, this page will be your best friend. They’re not kidding when they say venues really do start running together and looking alike. Le Sigh.

Finally, the Gift Registry Checklist; ya’ll, this is a dream. I haven’t fully immersed myself in this part of the process (it feels a wee bit early for that); however, I know when the time comes, this is going to be an excellent resource. I’ll be honest, this is one of the things I’m MOST excited for! Kitchen Aid Stand Mixers, nice sheets and china galore! Bring on the fun stuff!

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I hope you guys enjoyed this in-depth look into my wedding planner! If you’re in the market, I love mine and HIGHLY recommend! Are any of you engaged and planning a wedding? Are you already married?! What worked for you?! Did you use a paper planner or did you hire someone to help you plan your big day?! Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat! <3

XOXO,

FATHER’S DAY GIFT-GUIDE

Happy Monday, friends and welcome back! I hope you all had a lovely weekend and are ready to crush the week ahead! Today is my birthday (the big 3-2) so my mom took me out and spoiled me rotten over the weekend! Lots of ULTA and Old Navy goodies, plus a couple of special jewelry pieces; basically what I’m saying is, my weekend was solid…I can’t complain! As you can tell by the title, today we’re talking all things Father’s Day! In preparation for this post, I ran a little poll over on my Instagram this past weekend asking what price point people like to stay in & around when shopping for gifts; and while the overwhelming majority said they like to stay under $50, I had quite a few people DM me and tell me that they would like to see options within both price points, so that’s what I did! As always, I will list and link everything down below; so without further ado, let’s jump right in!

**Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links**

Personalized Toiletry Bag • Personalized Constellation Print • Crosley Turntable • Google Home Mini

You Are The Father Card • Bearpaw Slippers • Champion Rain Jacket • D&B ‘The One’ Cologne

Wahl Beard Trimmer • Ray Ban ‘Boyfriend’ Sunnies • Calvin Klein Oxfords • Personalized Coasters

Nixon Watch • Oniva X-Grill • Personalized BBQ Set • Herschel Duffle Bag • Bean Bag Toss

1. Personalized Toiletry Bag – $43.40+: I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a nice toiletry bag; it’s something I think every man needs but most never think to buy for themselves! This one comes in multiple colors and sizes and has the option to be personalized!

2. Personalized Constellation Print – $29.71: I love these prints; I made one for my mom around Christmas time and she loved it! I love that it’s printed on wood and is an exact view of the night sky on his day of birth.

3. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Turntable – $69.95: If your dad/grandpa/man of honor is a music guy, I think a record player is a great gift idea! I got one for David a couple of years ago for Christmas and he loves it! It’s proven to be great quality and is well worth the $70 dollar price tag!

4. Google Home Mini – $29: The Google Home (Mini) helps make life so much more convenient and is a must-have for all the techies in your life! It listens and answers questions, plays music and can even sets timers for cooking (among other things). For just under $30 bucks, I think this is a steal!

5. Maury ‘You Are The Father’ Card – $4.50: Y’all, how funny is this card!?! If you’re looking for something hilarious for Father’s Day, look no further, this is it!

6. Bearpaw Slippers – $62: I know we’re in the dead of summer, but I’m a slippers all year round kinda gal and would imagine there are some men out there that feel the same! These are super comfy, feature a hard-sole bottom and are about 1/2 the price of UGGs…aka…they’re good, y’all!

7. Champion Half-Zip Packable Rain Jacket – $40: You never know when you’re gonna need a rain jacket, and as much as I love most things North Face; I don’t think think it’s necessary to spend North Face $$ on something that’s just gonna get wet…you know what I mean?!

8. Dolce & Gabbana ‘The One’ – $90: Cologne, a classic option; you can never go wrong.

9. Wahl Beard Trimmer – $59.99: If your dad’s a beard man, a good, high-quality trimmer might be the way to go! I know it’s a little pricier than some, but it holds up well and is 100% worth the $60 dollar price tag!

10. Ray Ban ‘Boyfriend’ Sunnies – $193: Okay, I know these are well over $100 dollars, but if you’re looking for a big ticket item this year, a nice pair of shades could be perfect!

11. Calvin Klein Oxfords – $45.50: Ugh, I’m obsessed with these oxfords from Calvin Klein. They’re a perfect casual/dressy shoe and would look great paired with pants and slacks alike! Also, these bad boys are originally $130 dollars but are currently on sale for $45.50 when you use code: FLASH. Offer ends at 11:59pm tonight (June 3rd)!

12. Personalized Bottle-Opener Coasters – $35.99: Simple and easy. I love the modern vibe of the stainless steel and think the bottle-opener feature is a neat touch! Would these not be the perfect addition to a “man cave?”

13. Nixon ‘Time Teller’ Watch – $100: This is another one of those big ticket items. If you guys have been around the blog for any length of time, then you know how much I STAN watches. Honestly, I think they just help pull any and all outfits together! As for this Nixon watch, I love the look of the all black; it’s sleek, timeless and goes with everything! At right at $100 dollars, I think it’s a steal!

14. Oniva X-Grill – $61.95: How fun is this?! I think this would be great for the guy that loves tailgatin’ and grilling! At just over $60 bucks, I think this is my favorite thing on the list!

15. Personalized BBQ Set – $31.99: Along with the grill shown above, this is another great option for the grill master in your life! If you have siblings, maybe you guys could split the cost of the grill and a grill set; I’m sure it would get a lot of use this summer!

16. Herschel Supply Co. Duffel Bag – $85: I’ve talked about duffel bags from Herschel Supply Co before, and I still stand by them. They’re great quality and hold a ton! If you’re dad is more of a leather guy, I’m loving THIS ONE!

17. Bean Bag Toss – $35.99: How cute is this?! Another awesome idea for the guys who love spending time outside. This reminds me of skiball…except with bean bags and teams – lol! I love the American Flag print and think this would be great for BBQ’s or vacations on the beach!

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So that wraps up my Father’s Day gift-guide; I hope you enjoyed this post and found some gift inspiration! I tried to incorporate different styles of gifts at various price points to accommodate everyone as best I could! What are you planning for Father’s Day!? Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

XOXO,

MAY FAVORITES

Happy Thursday, friends and welcome back! As you can tell by the title, today we’re gonna be chatting all about my May favorites! I can’t believe we’re already 6 months into the year…where has the time gone?! I have quite a few beauty/fashion favorites; some you’ve seen, others you haven’t. I will list and link everything like always, so without further ado, grab a snack (it’s a long one) and let’s jump right in!

**Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links**

Becca Primer • Jaclyn Hill Palette • IGK Dry Hair & Body Oil • IGK First Class Dry Shampoo

Bare Minerals barePRO Powder • PF Butter Bronzer • OPI Nail Lacquer • Benefit Roller Lash

Laneige Lip Balm • Smashbox Liquid Lipstick • Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick

Fenty Gloss Bomb • ABH Brow Wiz • Tarte Chrome Paint • Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

Tend Skin • St. Tropez Tanner • Coola Tanning Face Serum • Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer

1. Becca First Light Priming Filter – $39: If you struggle with dry, dull skin, this is the best primer around (IMO).

2. Jaclyn Hill Palette – $38: If I had to pick ONE palette to use for the remainder of my days, this would be it. The color story is incredible. The quality and blendability is amazing. The value is unmatched…and honestly, if you’re looking for a palette that can help you create a plethora of looks, this is the one!

3. IGK Dry Hair & Body Oil – $27: I bought this off of a blogger recommendation and have been loving it ever since! If you’re someone who goes a week or so between (hair) washes, this would be a great product to add to your routine. It smells amazing and gives the ends of your hair a much needed refresh!

4. IGK First Class Dry Shampoo – $27: I’ve talked about this dry shampoo before and I’m still loving it. It smells good (not overpowering), adds a little bit of grit and doesn’t leave behind a crazy white cast (though that’s not a deal breaker for me). If you’re in the market for something new, maybe pick up the travel size and give it a go!

5. Bare Minerals barePRO Powder (Sateen) – $31: Despite having dry skin, sometimes I don’t feel like dealing with a liquid foundation, especially when I’m running late (oops). I started using the Bare Minerals pressed powder foundation and have been loving it! It doesn’t accentuate my dry patches, holds up really well during the day and gives a beautiful finish to the skin!

6. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – $15.99: The holy grail of bronzers! It has the perfect undertone and wears beautifully throughout the day; if you haven’t tried this yet, I 1000% recommend it.

7. OPI Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer (Big Red Apple) – $13: You guys know that I typically use KL Polish; however, that brand is no longer a thing/associated with Kathleen (though she’s coming out with something new so hold tight) so instead of using/showing polishes that you can’t get your hands on, I’ve been trying to use some different products. Phew, now that that’s out of the way…over the holiday, I decided to throw on a fun OPI red shade and I have to say, it stayed on my nails for over a week and was super easy to work with! If you’re looking for something a little different, you can find my other OPI favorites HERE, HERE & HERE!

8. Benefit Roller Lash – $25: My favorite mascara hands down. I’ve tried using different brands and formulas but always come back to this.

9. Laneige Lip Balm (Berry) – $15: I picked this up during the Sephora VIB sale and haven’t put it down since. It’s the perfect balm to throw in your purse and go! It’s hydrating, glossy (without being sticky) and has a nice scent/tint to it! If you’ve been on the fence, I literally would recommend anything from Laneige!

10. Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick (Bawse) – $24: In addition to the red nail polish I threw on for the holiday, I decided to be fancy and wear a red lip! I personally used the Julep It’s Whipped lippie in ‘Smooches;’ however, since that brand is no longer being sold at ULTA, I scoured my collection for my second favorite red lipstick so that I could link it here! Smashbox has a great formula; it’s long-wearing, comfortable on the lips and comes in a plethora of colors!

11. Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick (Nude Nuance) – $7.49: Sometimes I just want a standard, bullet-style lipstick and y’all, Maybelline never disappoints. I have a few colors in this line and love them all. They’re super opaque, easy to wear (and reapply) and comfy on the lips!

12. Fenty Gloss Bomb (FU$$Y) – $18: The BEST gloss! Seriously, I have 2 of the 3 shades in the line and can’t wait to snag the last one!

13. ABH Brow Wiz (Medium Brown) – $21: I used to use the Benefit Goof Proof Pencil, and though I still love that one, the ABH Brow Wiz is a better fit for me shade wise! I now understand why everyone stans ABH and their brow products; they’re worth the hype!

14. Tarte Chrome Paint (Frosé) – $22: I’ve talked about these before, but if you’re looking for a super sparkly shade to throw on the lid, THESE. ARE. IT. I have 3 shades and think they are 1000% worth the $$.

15. Tree Hut Sugar Scrub (Sunkissed Sands) – $7.99: If you’ve never tried this brand before, I highly recommend them. Their sugar scrubs are exfoliating without being too rough and smell like a dream; I especially love this one for the summer time!

16. Tend Skin Solution – $21: If you have sensitive skin and struggle with razor burn/ingrown hairs, try this! I started noticing that whenever I shaved, I ALWAYS got unsightly razor burn. Couple becoming increasingly desperate with a late night Amazon browsing session, and this is what arrived at my doorstep. I gotta say, it’s a game changer. This legitimately may be the best $21 dollars I have ever spent. I used this the last 2 times I shaved and am happy to report, NO RAZOR BURN (hallelujah). Basically to make a long-story long, if you struggle with razor burn, give this stuff a try!

17. St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse – $44: This is my favorite self-tanner hands down! I leave it on between 3-4 hours, rinse it off and let it continue developing over the next 12 hours! It’s a dream! Pro Tip: IMO, you are the darkest you’re going to be on day 2; so if you have a special event on a Saturday night, I would tan no later than Friday morning!

18. Coola Sunless Tanning Face Serum – $54: Another holy grail product of mine! I use this to bridge the gap between my body and face when I self tan and find that it gives me just enough color without going overboard. While you can apply it straight to the face (daily), I choose to mix a couple of drops in with my moisturizer every 2-3 days for a more subtle glow!

19. Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer Luminous Cream (Medium) – $32.95: After trying (and hating) the Vita Liberata Body Blur, I decided to give this bad boy a go. This is definitely more of a luminous topper rather than a body “makeup;” however, when applied over the top of a self-tan, it’s absolutely stunning. I allow 5-6 minutes for it to completely dry before dressing and haven’t had any issues with it transferring onto my clothes! I think this would be great for vacation, date night or even a fun girls trip!

Straight Leg Distressed Jeans • Drapey V-Neck Tee • Adrielle Layered Necklace • Lace Trim Cami

Cross Band Slippers • Graphic Tee • Fitted Tank • Brown Sandals • Nippies Skin Covers

High-Waist Bandeau Bikini • Reversible Belt • USA Sweatshirt • 50-inch Tripod

1. Straight Leg Distressed Jeans – $49.99: I don’t know if I’ve mentioned these on the blog before, but if I haven’t, I love them! I picked up 2 pairs of straight leg denim from Old Navy a couple of months ago and they are my favorite jeans at the moment! They’re comfy, high-waisted and hit me right at the ankle. If you’re looking for a straight leg jean that isn’t too wide throughout the leg, give these a try! NOTE: They come in reg, tall and petite and run TTS (8).

2. Drapey V-Neck Tee – $15: I love basic tees like this. You can dress them up for the office by adding a blazer or a cardigan, or keep things casual by pairing them with denim cutoffs and a cute pair of sandals! NOTE: Come in multiple colors and fits TTS.

3. Adrielle Layered Necklace – $42: I’ve definitely been more into jewelry recently (thanks to my Rocksbox subscription) and these layered necklaces from Baublebar never disappoint. They go with a variety of outfits and always help add a little extra oomph to my looks!

4. Lace Trim Cami – $39.90: I love these Downtown cami’s from Express. They’re great for the office or even a nice date night out! They come in loads of colors and fit TTS!

5. Cross Band Slippers – $23.99: I bought these off a blogger recommendation (Laura Beverlin) and have been wearing them non-stop (I’m even wearing them now)! I’m a slipper all year long kind of gal, and I think these are the perfect pair for the summer! I love that you can see your pedicure peeking out, and even more than that, I love that they have a hard sole and can be worn outside! They come in 5 colors and fit TTS (I wear a 7.5 and got the 7-8).

6. BlackMyth Graphic Tee – $10.99: I had seen this floating around Amazon (and Instagram) and thought it was super cute, so I decided since it was only $11 bucks, why not pick it up!? It’s definitely higher quality than I was expecting and looks great paired with my straight leg jeans. However, I will say, if you’re wanting it to have a drapey fit, definitely size up!

7. First Layer Fitted Tank – $5: Now I know a lot of brands have these basic first-layer style tanks, but these bad boys from Old Navy are my absolute favorite! They have great length, wash up nicely and never lose their shape! I also love the fact that they’re able to be dressed up or down and are perfect for layering as we transition into the cooler months later in the year! They come in a variety of colors and fit TTS!

8. Make Things Easy Sandals – $24: You guys…how cute are these sandals?! They’re a total Steve Madden dupe and are worth every bit of $24 dollars. I took these on my recent trip to Memphis and wore them every day! They’re comfy, come in a variety of colors and fit TTS! Sidenote: I REALLY wanna snag those leopard ones for my birthday (It’s Monday, June 3rd FYI)!

9. Nippies Skin Covers – $25: Okay ladies, if you’ve been on the hunt for stickies to wear under backless dresses, shirts and tanks, these are the best I’ve found. They come in 3 different shades and 2 different sizes, are seamless and undetectable (in my experience). Honestly, I can’t live without them. NOTE: I’m in the caramel shade.

10. High-Waisted Bandeau Bikini – $24.99: This is one of the best Amazon swimsuits I have found. It’s comfortable and incredibly flattering, has removable (& adjustable) straps & padding and fits TTS.

11. Leopard Reversible Belt – $29.90: I picked this belt up during one of Express’s 50% sales and have gotten a ton of use out of it. I know $30 bucks might seem a bit steep for a basic skinny leopard belt; however, since it’s reversible, I feel like you’re only paying $15 per belt, so it makes it worth it!

12. USA Sweatshirt – $32: I picked this up from the Pink Lily Boutique website and have been wearing it NON-STOP! If you’ve been around a while, then you know I live for a good red, white and blue moment and this sweatshirt was just the thing I needed! I linked the PLB website above, but since the sweatshirt is sold out, I thought I’d link the one from their Etsy page as well! NOTE: It’s pretty oversized so you could size down.

13. 50-Inch Tripod – $14.99: A few months back I invested in my first ever big girl Cannon camera, and decided it was time to get a tripod to help me take photos for the blog & Instagram when no one is around to help me! This lightweight tripod is under $15 dollars, comes with a bag and is pretty good quality for the price. I wouldn’t recommend taking it out and about when there are 30+ mile per hour winds; but for indoor & around the house kind of shooting, I think it’s perfect!

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So that wraps up everything in my May Favorites! If you made it this far (I know it was a long one), you are my people! I hope you enjoyed this post and had a wonderful month! What were you loving in May?! Anything I just HAVE to try?! Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

XOXO,