Monday, February 27, 2017

O.P.I. Breakfast at Tiffany's Nail Polish (I Believe in Manicures)

I’ve been an Audrey Hepburn fan for as long as I can remember. I remember watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s for the first time and being completely captivated. I was beyond excited when I found out the O.P.I. was releasing a collection inspired by the movie. My sister, knowing my love of all things Hepburn, gave me a duo of polishes from the collection for Christmas.
My favorite shade in the duo is I Believe in Manicures. O.P.I. describes that shade as a creme precious light blue. I honestly wonder what makes a color precious? Anyone? I will say that this blue is pretty and a fun change from the usual pinks I have been wearing recently. This is definitely a color that you will find yourself staring at throughout the day. I have heard some people describe this as Tiffany's blue, but I am not completely sure it really is. On application I did need to apply 2 coats for this to be fully opaque, but I usually do this anyway so it didn't bother me.

I was able to get a good 5 days out of this polish without any major chipping. Just keep in mind that I did use a top coat. Overall, I am really digging this polish and how eye catching it is. This is a great color to reach for when you need a break from dark shades and neutrals. I will definitely be reaching for it a lot in the spring!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Beauty Wishlist

As a young professional I know what it's like to be broke and not be able to splurge whenever I would like. My wishlist of things that I want to try is growing all the time. I'm always reading reviews on products, and subsequently drooling over them. Today's post is a quick roundup of a few items on my current wishlist. Some are products that I have used in the past and want to restock while others are things that I have been dying to try. Let me know in a comment below what items you have your eyes!



Until next time! Xo

Monday, February 20, 2017

Twentysomething That Hates Partying

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I recently was out with some people that were quite a bit older than me, and the subject of how they would party when they were my age came up. Of course, they all looked to me to share some scandalous stories of my own, but I honestly don't have any. I know what you are thinking, how can a woman in her twenties not have any stories about wild nights out? I received quite a few side eyes and plenty of looks of judgement. I left that night feeling like I was a weirdo that had to defend herself.

I've never been the type of girl to go to parties. I've always had some form of social anxiety when it comes to large groups of people, so I would typically avoid them whenever I was invited in high school. Now, I'm not saying that I'm not social or don't like going out. However, the idea of being in a dimly lit room, crammed together with sweaty strangers makes me want to crawl out of my skin. Because of this, I've never been to a night club. I totally get how people can find that a bit strange, but I've never been interested in it. 

I've always surrounded myself with people who aren't really partiers. My friends and I were perfectly happy to order pizza, share a bottle of wine, and binge watch a show. These nights are what made my college experience so amazing. I was able to form strong relationships with each of my friends, and we were all able to do this without wearing ridiculously short dresses and getting intoxicated. Of course, I don't judge people that enjoy crazy nights out. If that is your thing, than you do you girl. That's awesome! However, it just isn't for me. I've always been more of a homebody, and I find myself happiest when I'm just having a chill night with friends, whether that be at a restaurant or on the floor watching a movie.

I don't even know if I am making sense in this post. I just don't like situations where I feel like I have to defend the fact that I'm boring, haha! If you stuck around until the end of this post than you deserve an award, and must love run on sentences and ranting.

Until next time! Xo

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Love With Food: February 2017

Oh yeah, it's time for yet another Love With Food unboxing. My monthly box came days after my Gluten Free Mystery box did, so I figured I would share both of them. My inner foodie looks forward to this box arriving all month, and it's always a great day when it is on my front doorstep. The theme for this month's box is Follow Your Heart. It is a nice change from the usual Valentine's Day theme that most boxes do this time of year. I've never been a huge fan of Valentine's Day, so I appreciate when companies think outside the box.
I received quite a few savory snacks this month. I'm more of a savory snack eater, so I was quite excited. The first item I am PUMPED about is the Bacon Heir Rosemary & Sea Salt Pork Clouds. They are fancy-schmancy pork rinds, and I'm all about them. I tried them months ago, and they are so freaking yummy! The next savory item is the Blue Diamond Cheddar Cheese Nut Thins, crackers made with almonds. I like almonds and crackers, so I'm sold. The next two items are kind of out there. Watusee Foods Tomato Basil Chickpeatos are basically seasoned roasted chickpeas. I've never tried a roasted chickpea before, so fingers crossed that I like them. The last savory product in my box is the Kitchen Crafted Marinara Mia Tomato Mayo Spread. Now, I'm kind curious about this. Is it mayo? Is it marinara sauce? Both?

There were quite a few sweet snacks this month as well. The first is the  Belgian Boys Mini Cookie Stashes. You heard that right, these are cookies that are shaped like mustaches. I am dying over how fun these are. I'm not going to pretend like I didn't rip these open immediately and pretend I had a mustache. I know, I'm real mature. Oh yeah, and the cookie was yummy too. My box also included a bag of Sheila G's Salted Caramel Brownie Brittle. I've already purchased this a couple of months ago, and it is seriously addictive. I am obsessed with the name of the Laughing Giraffe Lemon Snakroons. How fun is that name?! I love anything lemon, so I'm sold on this already. My box also included an assortment of YumEarth lollipops. I like how these are organic, and allow me to pretend that a lollipop is healthy.

There is one item in my box this month that is completely new to me, and to be honest kind of confuses me. It's the Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts, and I had no freaking clue what they were when I saw them. I did a quick google search, and apparently they are shelled hemp seeds that add protein to salads, cereal, and yogurt. I guess they are kind of like chia seeds... I might have to pass these along to someone else.


Click here to subscribe and get your own Love With Food box!

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Love With Food: Gluten Free Mystery Box

I'm back today with a really quick post about the Love With Food Gluten Free Mystery Box. Love With Food allows you to review products in exchange for points that can go toward purchases in their snack shop later on. I was able to cash in my points recently, and I decided to buy one of their mystery boxes. I like a good surprise every now and then. All of the items in the box are completely gluten free and would be perfect for anyone with a gluten allergy.


-Beanitos White Bean Chips in Garden Fresh Salsa and Sweet Chili & Sour Cream
-Salmas Oven Baked Corn Crackers
-Lundberg Red Rice and Quinoa Thin Stackers
-Field Day Organic Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bar
-Luna Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bar
-Nib Mor Daily Dose of Dark
-Brown & Haley Almond Roca
-Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Beans


Click here to subscribe and get your own Love With Food box! Xo

Monday, February 13, 2017

Happy Galentine's Day!

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Galentine's Day is the most magical day of the year in my opinion.  My terminally single ass would rather spread love to my friends instead of focusing on the fact that no one will be giving me cheap flowers from the super market tomorrow. Valentine's Day has always been my least favorite holiday since I was little. I hated having to pass out valentines to my classmates, and usually ended up throwing away any valentines I received...I was strictly in it for the candy. As I got older I continued my hatred of the holiday after suffering through years of being asked why I'm single on Valentine's Day, and having 'well meaning' people in my life try to set me up with their cousin's aunt's nephew's barber who has a humpback and is just out of prison. Sorry, but I'm going to have to pass.  Now, I'm not just a bitter single girl. I love watching couples in love. I just don't see the point of putting a ton of pressure to showcase your love on one day of the year. Shouldn't that be an every day thing?

I love the idea of celebrating the fierce and beautiful friends that I have in my life. Those girls have been through quite a bit with me, and I like being able to take a day out of the year to acknowledge their awesomeness. Friend love is more valuable than anything in my life right now. We need to spend more time fostering female relationships and empowering each other. I am not able to spend Galentine's Day with my friends this year, but those ladies have quite a few inappropriate Galentine's Day texts to look forward to today!

Happy Galentine's Day!


Birchbox: February 2017

I caved in and resubscribed to Birchbox. I haven't received a box since September, and I started to miss getting that bright pink box in the mail. I've been a subscriber to Birchbox since I was a senior in high school (2011), and it was my first experience with beauty subscription boxes. They got my butt hooked! Of course, I'm still a commitment-phobe when it comes to boxes, so I gifted myself a subscription.

I received the welcome box last month and I really liked all of the items I got, but I was ready to start getting the actual boxes like other subscribers. I knew that the February theme would HAVE to have something to do with Valentine's Day or date night. Well folks, I was right. The theme this month is Lip Love.
I was beyond excited to see that the Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm was one of the items that were included for Sample Choice. It's fun to be able to choose one of the items in the box, and to have a bit of a sneak peek into what I will be receiving. I've used this lip balm in the past, and I can easily say it's one of the best I have ever used. I like to apply it while I am doing my makeup in the morning before work so that my lips receive some intense hydration (which they need since they have been flaky and chapped within an inch of their life recently).

I was surprised to see that my box included another lip product this month, The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in the shade Saucy Marsala, a deep brownish-red wine. I absolutely love lip crayons and how easy they are to apply. I've never heard of this brand before, and I have to say that I love the fun packaging. Teenage Meaghan would have LOVED this. I'm not sure how much I like the color or if it's for me, but it is pretty.

It has been years since I tried a product from Balance Me. I was so excited to see the Balance Me Congested Skin Serum. I struggle with acne from time to time, and I'm always on the lookout for products that can make them go away. This daily serum can also be used as a spot treatment which I like since I'm always game for a multi-use product. Balance Me also claims that this will refine pores. Me and my large pores will be the judge of that...

My box included quite a ton of Living Proof products this month. I typically would be annoyed to receive so many products from one brand, but I happen to like Living Proof so I'm okay with it. I've tried the Restore Shampoo and Conditioner before, but I haven't tried the Restore Perfecting Spray. It's a lightweight detangler that is meant to add moisture and protect hair against heat. I'm sold! I'll have to use this once I finish up my bottle of No4 detangler. The shampoo and conditioner foil packets I received were a bonus, so I'm not mad at that. Typically, I would lose my mind over a foil packet, but I don't mind them as a bonus item.

I know that some people hate getting perfume samples in their boxes, but I love it. I'm always on the hunt for a new perfume, so being able to test new ones is these boxes appeals to me. I've used Clean perfumes before, and I love how natural and light they smell. I have never heard of the Reserve Amber Saffron. I don't normally say things like this, but this scent is so damn sexy! It has floral notes, musk, and a bit of raspberry that somehow come together to make a fragrance that is perfect for day time. It's the perfect effortlessly chic perfume. It won't be for everyone, but I definitely like it.

This was a pretty good box this month. There was a nice variety of skincare, beauty, hair, and fragrance. I haven't tried most of the products in my box, so Birchbox definitely came through. I find that when I initially receive product from Birchbox I'm unsure of whether or not I actually like them, but over time I usually come to find that I use all of it and love it. Click here to subscribe! Until next time! Xo

Friday, February 10, 2017

My Etsy Obsession

I've been spending an unhealthy amount of time on Etsy recently. I just can't get enough of the personalized stamps, Harry Potter sweatshirts, and quirky cat pillows. I don't technically need any of it, but that hasn't stopped me from whipping out my wallet every 20 minutes (I'm exaggerating...kind of) to make another purchase. I made a couple of purchases recently that I have been obsessed with and I thought some of you might like a little look.

My first purchase was a simple sterling silver ring from the shop Blue Ridge Notions. I absolutely love simple and minimalist piece of jewelry, and this hammered ring is so gorgeous. It was a steal at only $9, and I already have an eye on a few more pieces from this shop to add to my collection.

Okay, prepare yourselves for my next purchases. I make it no secret that I am a feminist. I've become more comfortable talking about it and making my opinions known over the past year. I mean, look at the state of the US right now. We all need to speak up. I'm a huge fan of Feminist Apparel, and I couldn't NOT buy their Empowered Women Empower Women t-shirt when I saw it. I adore the simple design and the woman power message.
I also couldn't stop myself from purchasing a Future is Female vinyl sticker from the Little Woman Goods shop. I put my sticker on my laptop the second I got it. The floral design is wicked cute, and the sticker is very high quality. This shop has a lot of cool pieces, and I'll definitely be buying more.











Until next time! Xo

Thursday, February 9, 2017

What I'm Listening To #1

I always joke with my friends that I would give anything to have a soundtrack play in the background of my life. Wouldn't that be amazing?! Imagine having a song that played every time you entered a room. I have way too many songs that come to mind for myself. 

I've been listening to a lot of pop music recently, and I have been loving it. Pop music always makes me feel happy and upbeat, plus it's fun to dance around to. I have a playlist that I listen to in the morning when I'm getting ready for work that never fails to wake me up and put me in a good mood. I have been in a foul mood recently, and this playlist seriously gets me pumped and ready to take on the day. Leave me some recommendations in the comments below. I'm always looking for new music to listen to!

  1. Ed Sheeran Shape of You
  2. Ed Sheeran Castle on the Hill
  3. Sia The Greatest
  4. Pentatonix ft. Dolly Parton Jolene
  5. Lady Gaga Perfect Illusion
  6. Little Big Town Better Man
  7. Twenty One Pilots Heathens
  8. Hailee Steinfeld Starving
  9. Alessia Cara Scars to Your Beautiful
  10. Niall Horan This Town

Until next time. Xo

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Target Dollar Spot Haul

Target’s Dollar Spot is probably one of my favorite places to shop for little gifts and decorations. I can tell you first-hand how amazing this section is for teachers. I buy so many things for my classroom and students here. I live and die by their holiday themed pencils and erasers. It is also an absolute dream around the holidays when you are looking for themed gifts for coworkers or stocking stuffers for family. I also swear by this section of the store for stationary and cheap themed socks. God, I love the Dollar Spot!

I visited Target’s Dollar Spot this past weekend, and wanted to share some of the things I found. I’ll be doing quite a few posts like this in the future since I pretty much live at Target.

The Dollar Spot has been taken over by hearts and cactus themed items, and I had to stop myself from buying it all. I have a soft spot for both hearts and cactuses (cacti?), so I think it is safe to say that I was in heaven when I saw all of the new additions to this part of the store. My body and soul were ready for a much needed splurge.
Class bed photo background...
I picked up quite a few items for my classroom and students this visit. I found these cute Valentine's Day themed pencils that will be great to give my students with their Valentines. I also picked up another pack of note cards. Target's cards are always wicked cute, and it's always nice to have some on hand.

My favorite things that I purchased were these adorable stamps and magenta ink pad. The one stamp has multiple sayings that would be perfect for a planner, and the cactus themed stamps are just plain cute. I can't wait to use them!

There were quite a few home items that I think I might pick up the next time I stop by Target. They had some nice dishes and glasses that I wish that I had picked up. Also, if you are a frequently flyer at Target like I am, you should get the Cartwheel app. It allows you to search for coupons on items in the store, and ultimately ends up saving you some money on things that you normally would buy. I'm all about a good bargain!

Until next time! Xo

Saturday, February 4, 2017

What's In My Trash #1

Oh yeah, you read that title correctly. We are going to do a bit of dumpster diving today. I've been saving some products that I have used up over the past month so that I could share them with all of you. Since I've used up the entire product I will be able to tell you what I loved and what I completely regret purchasing. I'm such a nosy person, and I love reading posts like this. I always find it interesting to see what products people actually use. Alright, let's jump right in!
I tend to go through exfoliators pretty quickly. The one I finished up recently was a sample of the PoreDermabrasion from Dr. Brandt that I received in a Birchbox a few months back. I've used a ton of products from this brand in the past, and I loved all of them. PoreDermabrasion is a physical and chemical exfoliator that is meant to shrink and unclog pores. It did everything it claimed to do, and it didn't bother my sensitive skin. I would totally buy the full size of this in the future.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O has become a holy grail product for me. I use it every single day after using a makeup remover wipe to clean off any remainders of makeup and gunk that might be left on my skin before I cleanse. Let me tell you, this stuff removes all of my leftover waterproof mascara and heavy duty foundation. I am constantly impressed. I have noticed that I don't breakout as often since I have started using this, and that makes this little beauty a product sent from heaven in my book.

I've been embracing my hair's natural waves this month, and I've LOVED using Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray. It helped me to build tons of volume at the root, and a nice amount of texture that made my hair easier to work with when it was clean. Basically, it makes clean hair feel dirty. I am honestly so in love with this spray. I would marry it if I could...

On days when I wanted my curls to be more defined I would quickly wrap sections of hair around a curling iron. Of course, my hair holds a curl for all of 2 seconds on its own, so a good hairspray is a must. I finished up my travel sized can of the Sebastian Stylbrid 9 Hairspray. I would definitely say that this has a medium hold, but I'll give it credit for holding a curl for most of my workday. I did like how fine the mist was, and how my curls weren't crunchy once I applied it. I mean, who wants crunchy hair? I would purchase this again in the future.

Until next time...Xo