Update & Clear Skin Routine

Long time, no post. When I started this blog, I greatly underestimated how busy I would be with school. Quick update - I'm a 3L now and I've started a new job, which I LOVE. Hopefully I will be posting more regularly now that I am on winter break from school. I've always taken really good care of my skin. Beginning in high school, I saw my dermatologist every time I had any acne for an "acne shot". I know it sounds extreme, but it helped prevent scarring and my insurance paid for it. Fast forward to law school, and my skin started suffering. I think it was the combination of stress, eating bad, hypothyroidism, and being away from my dermatologist. However, I have a new skin routine and I am loving how clear my skin is looking.

First Aid Beauty Cleanser I've raved about FAB on my blog before and I am still obsessed with their products. Perfect for all skin types, but especially for sensitive skin. I love this cleanser so much, I can't count how many tubes I have used up. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream This moisturizer is a life saver.I had been using a moisturizer from Clinque, and while I still love it, I did notice that it was causing me to have a lot of blackheads after continuous use. I save the Clinque one for nights where my skin needs some extra moisture, but the FAB one is perfect for everyday use. Peter Thomas Roth Peeling Gel I bought this on Black Friday but I decided to give it to my mom. She used it and convinced me to try it. I was nervous about typically products like this are too harsh for my skin. I was so wrong. This peeling gel is so cool, it really does peel away the dry skin and leaves your skin glowing and feeling so soft. I use it twice a week and I really think it has been the main source of my clear skin lately. What products are you using?

Product Review: Bobbi Brown's Beach

To me, the perfect summer fragrance either smells like what I imagine tropical vacations smelling like or it's similar to sunscreen. Bobbi Brown's "Beach" perfume is the perfect summer fragrance. This perfume smells just like sunscreen, which to me is amazing.

I was on the fence about buying this perfume for awhile because it is pretty pricey for a perfume that I will only wear in the summer, but I'm so glad I finally bought it. The scent is the perfect pick me up during the day and it makes me feel like I'm on vacation when I'm actually at work or in school. I can't stop talking to my friends about this fragrance.

I recommend this fragrance to anyone who wants a summery scent or really loves the smell of sunscreen. One tip: buy the rollerball version as well. This scent doesn't have amazing staying power, which is unfortunate since it is pricey so the rollerball will help keep the fragrance alive during the day. 

Product Empties #2

June was a busy month for me, and July has been too so far! Here are the products I've used up recently and if I would repurchase them!

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
I usually use drugstore concealers for my everyday use, but I heard everyone rave about this concealer from Nars so I figured I would give it a try. I love it! I use the color vanilla which is for fair complexions with pink undertones. I would recommend going into Sephora and having them colormatch you.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
I absolutely adore Josie Maran products and this moisturizer is a favorite. Usually SPF moisturizers break me out, but this one doesn't and it leaves my skin feeling soft and not greasy. I recommend this for people with sensitive dry skin, but fair warning it will make your foundation look cakey if you're wearing a lot of make up.

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Bisque
This has been my go to lately for getting ready in the morning. I've gone through several tubes of this trying to find my right shade and I think Bisque is the right  color for me. I love how easy it is to apply in the mornings.

Nest Candle in Moroccan Amber
I love the scent of this candle and the throw is excellent, but I won't be repurchasing it for me because it's too expensive. It does, however, make a great gift.

Clinque Moisture Surge Intense
This has been my favorite nighttime moisturizer. I apply it at night and when I wake up my skin looks refreshed and glowing. Perfect for those with sensitive dry skin.

Bastiste Dry Shampoo in Wild
This is my favorite scent of Batiste, but I love all of the others as well. My favorite dry shampoo because it blends easily into my hair and I'm a brunette.

Covergirl Lashblast Clump Crusher in Black Brown
I typically use blackest black in mascaras, but lately I've been using black brown for work because I feel like it looks more natural. I will repurchase this because I love it on its own and layered with other mascaras.

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil
As I said before, I'm obsessed with Josie Maran (I promise I'm not sponsored!). This cleansing oil takes off all my make up and doesn't break me out. I will be repurchasing this because I love it so much.

Worth The Hype: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and White

I love drugstore products, but there are some higher end products that I believe are completely worth the hype. I thought it would be fun to start sharing some of these products with you all each Wednesday!

I received the a sample of Nirvana Black and Nirvana White from Sephora as a apart of their perk system. The scents smell amazing on their own, but you can also combine them and OMG it smells divine.

My favorite on it own is Nirvana Black, but Nirvana White is also amazing. I personally like to layer them and every time I've worn this perfume I've gotten a compliment!

Nirvana Black is described as sensual violet, sandalwood, and vanilla. Nirvana White is described as delicate peony, muguet, and musk. 

Since I'm so in love with these fragrances, I thought it would be fun to giveaway a rollerball of the scent. There will be 1 winner and the winner can pick which scent they prefer to receive! This giveaway will end on July 15th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Material Coming Soon

Sorry for my absence! A new post will be up tomorrow and hopefully for the rest of the week :)

In the meantime, here is something that I printed off to put in my carrel to put a smile on my face...

Lilly Loves

I'm going to be honest, I go back and forth on rather or not I enjoy Lilly Pulitzer. I typically love all of her prints on accessories, like bags or cell phone cases, but usually the more cutesy, animals one I don't love as much on clothing. Lately, I've found myself craving her bright prints to liven up my outfits. A bright, bold print is perfect for summer and that is something Lilly does well. Here are some of my favorite pieces as of late.

Lilly Pulitzer Day Dresses · Lilly Pulitzer Dresses · Lilly Pulitzer Duffels & Totes

Delia Mixed Print Cotton Shift Dress

Marlisa Print Cotton Maxi Dress

Iona Silk Shell

Coastal Tote

Product Empties #1

I love watching product empties on YouTube because it's a way to learn about new products and hear from reviews on them, especially considering the dedication it takes to sometimes finish a product. Here are some of the products I've used up lately and if I would repurchase them.

Crest 3D White

I love Crest 3D white because it really whitens my teeth without making them too sensitive. I've already repurchased this.

Herbal Essences Naked Moisturizing Shampoo

Oh.my.God. I loved this shampoo so much. It smells amazing and the smell lasts in your hair, plus it does an amazing job at getting your hair clean. I repurchased this and I can't wait to use it again.

First Aid Beauty 5in1 Eye Cream

I enjoyed using this eye cream because it didn't irritate my eyes. It was definitely moisturizing and a great eye cream but I will probably hold off on repurchasing since I have some other eye creams to try out.

Simple Soothing Facial Toner

I know a lot of people are a huge fan of this toner, but I hated it. I only finished the whole bottle because I didn't want to waste it. I didn't feel like it got my skin clean and I felt like it dried my skin out when it was drying. I'm sticking with me So Totally Clean toner I mentioned here.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

I can't rave enough about this product or any of FAB's products. I love it and I will be repurchasing.

Suave Moroccan Infusion Lotion

I used this lotion in the morning before going to class and I loved it. It smells amazing and its light. I will be repurchasing because it's super cheap and definitely moisturizing. 

Herbal Essences Naked Moisturizing Condition

I loved this conditioner as much as I did the shampoo. Definitely repurchase.

Bliss Soapy Suds

I hated this body wash. I bought two different scents and while I love the scents, I hate the product. I started off loving it but then I switched to a new body wash and realized how drying this body wash was. Won't be repurchasing.

Bliss Clothing · Suave Body Lotions & Creams · Walgreens Face Toners

Warm Weather Essentials: Shoes

Spring is here and summer will be soon enough, which means warm weather and cute sandals! I have a few go to pair of warm weather  shoes that are essentials for me. 

Fun Sandals

I also keep a pair of cute, fun sandals in my car for changing into if I don't want to ruin my nicer sandals. These Kate Spade ones are perfect for throwing on to add a little flair to an outfit.

Jack Rogers

I love Jack Rogers and I have too many pairs to admit to. They dress up any outfit but look super cute with casual outfits as well. My next purchase will be a bone colored pair to go with  everyout fit this summer.

Tory Burch "Miller"

My Millers are my second favorite sandal. I have them in a variety of color, but I find myself reaching for the brown or silver ones the most. Super comfortable, especially compared to Jack Rogers. They are expensive, but worth the price.

Wedges

I was never a wedge fan in undergraduate, but now that I'm a little bit older I really love wearing them with dresses for a little dressier feel. These Steve Madden ones would look great with maxi dresses.

Tory Burch Sandals · Jack Rogers Sandals · Steve Madden Sandals

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is in less than a month, which means its time to start shopping for gifts! Here are some ideas I'm thinking about for my mom (aka my best friend :) ) 

 Jo Malone Perfume 

Jo Malone makes amazing perfumes with beautiful scents that are mature enough for you to enjoy and your mom. I'm loving the Orange Blossom scent for spring.

 Coffee Table Book 

My mom is constantly updating our living room and guest room with fun details. This Kate Spade book would be a great addition to her guest room, plus I could read it next time I'm home. Bedroom Slippers & Robe 

Put together a basket full of spa essentials and include these bedroom slippers and robe to make your mom feel like the queen she is. 

 Earrings 

These Kate Spade studs are simple and sweet and a perfect price point for keeping on budget. Nest Candle 

I love Nest Candles because they smell amazing and the throw is amazing. This one is on sale and the design is super cute.

Nest Candles · Kate Spade Earrings · Kate Spade Desktop Books

Sephora VIB Sale Haul

Recently, Sephora had their VIB sale, and I just couldn't resist picking up a few items. The first two things I put into my bag were the Josie Maran argan oil cleansing oil and the body butter. I love Josie Maran products because they're made with great ingredients, they smell great, and the company gives to charity. I also bought the Tarte Amazonian pressed powder because I'm currently loving the foundation. The last thing I purchased was the Bobbi Brown blush in Apricot because I've heard so many gurus obsess over it, I had to try it out too.

Josie Face Care · Josie Body Oils · Tarte Pressed Powder

Did you pick anything up from the sale?

Stylish Scallops

I love scalloped clothing, there is no other way for me to put it. When I see a piece of clothing that has a scalloped edge or detail, I feel the immediate need to purchase it and then wear it way too often. Last week, four of the five outfits I wore to school featured a scallop detail, which I don't know if that is sad or impressive. There is something so pretty and feminine, yet bold and interesting, about a scalloped edge or detail that just adds that extra element to a piece. I think that no matter what you're style is, a scalloped item should be apart of your wardobe. Here are some of my current favorite scalloped items.

Free People Shorts · Asos Cocktail Dresses · shopbop.com Two-Piece Swimwear

Do you love scalloped detailing? Have any items I should check out? Let me know!

What's Inside my Uni VoxBox!

This month, I was lucky enough to receive a  Uni VoxBox from Influenster. Here is what was inside my box and what I think of them so far!

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lipstick

I'm a fan of most NYC products, because they are inexpensive, yet good quality. This lipstick is a beautiful spring color and did not dry my lips out. I highly recommend running out to Target and purchasing this lipstick.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

I was nervous about trying this foundation because I have dry skin, and I usually try to stay away from matte products, unless they are lip products. This foundation gives very good coverage, and a little bit goes a long way. I wasn't a huge fan of the effect on me, but I could definitely see this being a lovely product for girls with oilier skin.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Manicures

This was my second time receiving imPRESS nails, and I'm never impressed. The design on these nails are not appropriate for my everyday life, and they never stick well. I would not recommend these.

Pilot Acroball Pure White

This was the product I was the most excited about (how sad is that!) This pen works wonderfully and the fine point is perfect for writing notes in my planner. I definitely went out and bought a set of these pens.

Red Rose Tea Premium Water Enhancers

I can't use water enhancers, so I let T  test this one out. He was not fan, but he also isn't a huge "tea" person. It smelled great though! 

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance

I am a Playtex fan, but these were scented which is a no-no becuase no one likes a UTI (you know it's true). I'm sure there are great, but I couldn't risk it to try them.

Did you receive a Uni box? Did you like it? Let me know!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes  

J. Crew Sale

J.Crew is having a sale right now with 30% off their sale items, and some final sale items being an extra 50% off! J. Crew has to be one of my favorite retailers because the clothing is quality and perfect for work and school. Here are some of my favorite pieces currently on sale:

J.Crew Day Dresses · J.Crew Shorts · J.Crew Pajamas

Be Happy

Lately, I've been missing in action, and not just from this blog, but also from everyday life. I was struggling with some personal issues, and then T lost a close friend and it just sort of sent my life into a whirlwind. Even though none of it was fun, and for the most part it made me pretty sad, I still learned a lot about myself and others. Here are some of my suggestions on how to be happy and get out of a bad place.

Go for a run

I've always been a big believer that nothing helps relieve stress more than getting exercise. Recently, I've been putting on my running shoes and yoga pants and going for a quick jog around our neighborhood after school.

Ask for help

A lot of the stress in my life I decreased once I just asked others for help. I've always had a problem asking for help, but some situations you just have to put your pride aside and ask for a helping hand.

Count your blessings

No one has a perfect life, perfect friends, or the perfect boyfriend. Everyone's life has its flaws, but those flaws are what make your life yours and no one else's. This week really taught me to cherish the people in my life and not take anything for granted.

What do you do to get out of a funk?

What's in My March Ipsy Bag?

I used to subscribe to Birchbox when I first started law school, but I quickly discontinued my membership when I felt that the samples I received every month were not worth the $10/month price. I was on the waitlist for Ipsy for a while, but I recently became a subscriber! Here is what is in my March Ipsy Bag.

The Bag

The bag is a really cute make up bag, in a fun print. It would be perfect for throwing in a beach bag!

Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick in Get Ready bybareMinerals

I love the Moxie lipsticks, and this shade is beautiful. The color on me looked very natural, but still very pretty. I can definitely see this being my go to lip color for school, work, and the weekend.

Love in Rio Eye Shadow  in Moonlit Skinny Dip by NYX

I love NYX products and before my cruise I went and picked up the trio "Bikini Bottoms" from the Love in Rio line, not knowing I would receive this trio in my March bag. The colors are very pigmented and blend very easily, with little to no fallout. I prefer "Bikini Bottoms" over this trio, but I still enjoyed this one as well.

Flawless Beauty Primer by Pixi Beauty 

I'm not huge on primers, but I recently purchased the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation and the lady at Ulta recommended I use a primer with it, so this came at a perfect time!

Indigo Blue Eyeliner by Chella

I probably won't use this eyeliner because it's blue, but the color is pretty and the felt tip seemed easy enough to use.

If you're interested in subscribing to Ipsy and getting your own Glam Bag every month, I highly recommend it!

Where Have I Been?

I am so, so, so sorry I haven't posted in a while. Last week I was on a cruise without any internet, and then the week before I was working on school assignments and work related assignments nonstop. Hopefully those two weeks are the last two weeks I go without blogging.

As I mentioned, I just got back from going on a cruise to the Bahamas. Two of my girl friends from school and I went, and we had a blast! This was my first cruise, so I was pretty excited.

Everything in Nassau was so beautiful and colorful, and the people there were so nice. One of my friends and I went on a tour of the island, and we got to see Atlantis Hotel, which of course is just amazingly beautiful.

Expect a new post from me everyday this week and I apologize for my absence! 

Let's Get Personal : Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease has been in the news a lot recently, partly due to Seth Rogen's speech to the U.S. Senate this week and because a lot of states are passing new bills aimed towards Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's hits close to home for me because my grandfather has been struggling with Alzheimer's since I was around 10 (I'm now 23). Alzheimer's is a terrifying disease for many reasons; it's the most costly disease in the United States, deaths from Alzheimer's has increased almost 70%, and by 2050 it is estimated that more than 16 million people will be affected by the disease. Alzheimer's isn't talked about because, as Seth Rogen recently pointed out, our government isn't talking about it. But they should because an American develops Alzheimer's disease every 68 seconds. That means that every minute I spend writing this post, another family is having to deal with the heart wrenching reality that their loved one has a disease that will not only overcome them physically, but also destroy them mentally.

I'm writing this post today to ask for your help. I'm not asking for you to feel sorry for me because my grandfather was my best friend and now I've essentially lost  him. I'm asking you to raise awareness and get involved. Alzheimer's is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent, cure, or even slow its progression. If that doesn't terrify you and make you ache for change and research of this disease, then I don't know what will. This isn't a rare disease that no one is affected by - in fact, it's the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

There are a couple of ways you can help. I'm walking to end Alzheimer's in Columbia, SC on October 25th, and I'm raising money for the effort. You can donate to my Walk to End Alzheimer's, or any Walk to End Alzheimer's. You can also sign up to walk yourself, or get more information. Seth Rogen has founded a truly amazing charity called Hilarity for Charity. You can write your senators and representatives,  both on the state and national level and demand that they take action on funding research for the prevention and cure of Alzheimer's. You should also check into your state's laws on providing adequate care for Alzheimer's patients, because Alzheimer's patients face a lot of medical bills.

A small effort of doing research and reaching out could change millions of lives. We just have to start trying.

How I Did It: Long Distance Relationships

I apologize for there being no post yesterday, school snuck up on me and I lost track of time. Today's post is about how I survived a long distance relationship. Tucker and I haven't always lived together. In fact, until last year we were long distance and it was horrible. Here are my tips for maintaining a successful relationship while being long distance.

Skype

Tucker and I spent many nights Skyping one another. After a long day, or an exciting and happy day, it would always be nice to not only talk to Tucker, but also see his face. It makes you value talking to one another more because you can see the other, and it also avoids a lot of fights because facial expressions aren't lost over the phone.

Surprise Packages

My favorite thing that Tucker and I did for each other while we were long distance were sending each other surprises in the mail. Even if it was just a card, it was still nice to know that each other went through the effort of putting something together and putting it in the mail.

Weekend Visits

Every weekend we had free, we spent together. It's important to alternate weekends so that one of you doesn't feel like they're always traveling. Plus, getting to visit them is like mini-vacation from the city you're living in! 

Compromise

Compromise was key in our relationship surviving long distance. You have to be understanding one of you can't call or text or visit. Agree to meet half way or maybe instead of a 2 hour phone call try for an hour. 

Trust

If you don't trust each other, it isn't going to work. I struggled with this, but eventually I realized that whatever was going to happen was going to happen so I might as well not stress about it or not trust Tucker until I had a legitimate reason not to. 

Have you been in a long distance relationship? I'd love to hear your story!

Review: True Blue Spa Cracked Heel Treatment

I have dry skin year round, but in the winter it gets a lot worse. My feet have always been a huge problem, and my heels definitely get dry and cracked. In the past, I've used everything from lotion to neosporin to try and heal them but nothing really did an outstanding job. Finally, I found a product that helped heal and protect my heels.

True Blue Spa Cracked Heel Treatment from Bath and Body Works has been a life saver for my feet. After one use, I could tell a difference in the condition of my feet. My heels and feet are smooth and the cracks in my heel are completely gone. This stuff is a bit pricey, but it is definitely worth it. The glycolic acid gets rid of the dry, dead skin and leaves your feet feeling smooth and new. I seriously don't think I could survive the rest of the winter without this stuff. There isn't much of a smell to the product either, which is  huge plus. I'm curious to try out the rest of the Tru Blue Spa line, and I think my next purchase may be one of their body scrubs. I highly recommend this product if your feet suffer from dry skin.

How I Spend My Down Time

Being a law school student, down time is something I rarely have. When I do have some time to spare, I like to spend it with friends, T and our pets, and blogging. However, there are times when I like to spend my down time alone. Here is what I enjoy doing when I have some free moments:

Read a book

I love to read, and as I have mentioned before, if I'm not reading a casebook then I'm probably reading something that is light or entertaining. One of my guilty literature pleasures are the Pretty Little Liars series. I've read all of them and the newest one, Toxic, is set to come out on June 3rd. I've already ordered my copy!

Pretty Little Liars #15: Toxic

Write in my journal

As much as I love blogging, I still enjoy putting pen to paper and writing in a journal. It's relaxing and it allows me to keep track of my memories. I've always imagined growing old and my grandchildren reading my diaries and learning about my life through the words I wrote when I was younger. I love the Moleskine notebooks because they're durable.

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled, Black, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25) (Classic Notebooks)

Play a video game

Yeah, this is kind of an unexpected fact about me but I enjoy playing video games. It all started when T left me alone one day and I started playing Fallout 3. While Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas remain some of my favorites, right now I'm enjoying Skyrim. There is something relaxing about just losing yourself in a fantasy world for a little bit. Plus, I've noticed my creativity increases, as well as my hand coordination, after playing. Bethesda, hurry up and release Fallout 4 already!

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

What do you like to do when you have some free time? 

Snow Day Essentials

When T and I moved to South Carolina, people told us it never snowed here. I was pretty bummed because it snows pretty often in North Carolina and I loved it. T has been away for work, etc for a couple of weeks and since he's been gone we have had 2 snow/ice storms! Here are my essentials for an amazing snow day.

Land Lakes Warm Oatmeal Cookie Hot Cocoa Mix

O.M.G. I love this hot cocoa so much. When I was at home during Christmas with my family, my mom and I picked up a huge box of assorted hot cocoa mixes from Costco, and this flavor and S'mores were my favorites! 

 J.Crew Signature Leggings

These are my favorite leggings because they're opaque, comfortable, and they last. 

Movies & TV

Hopefully you won't be snowed in, but if you are, I recommend Netflix for not going stir crazy. There are a lot of great movies and TV shows on Netflix! I recommend House of Cards and Greys Anatomy. 

Hunter Rain Boots

I have a pair in green and black, and I'm hoping to add red to my collection soon! These rain boots are amazing and they truly are worth the price. 

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

This jacket is super warm and super comfortable. Everything you need for a snow day! I love to wear mine with leggings and my Hunters when I'm outside playing with our dogs.

What are your snow day essentials?

Valentine Day's Outfits

Happy Valentines Day! I've always loved Valentines Day, and this year is no exception. Even though T is out of town, I still plan on celebrating with some great friends of mine. Here are some cute outfits for Valentines Day or Galentines Day ;)

Throw a blazer over this dress for dinner and drinks with the girls and you have a great Valentines Day outfit.

Going somewhere nice? This dress would be perfect and it doesn't break the bank.

Sweet and simple, this would be perfect for a fun date.

Love, love, love the heart cut out on this dress.

These flats would be cute any day of the year, but especially with a pink or red dress.

Nighttime Routine

My nighttime routine is pretty simple in the winter, but I've found some amazing products that keep dry skin and break outs at bay during the winter!

Crest 3D White Luxe
I have super sensitive teeth and usually whitening tooth pastes make them hurt, but this Crest 3D White Luxe doesn't irritate my teeth and it makes them super white and removes the Diet Coke stains.
Sensodyne Pronamel Fluoride Rinse
Since I do have sensitive teeth, I rinse every night with this fluoride rinse to help prevent cavities and to help restore my teeth.
Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Oil Free Eye Make Up Remover
This eye make up remover is a bit pricy, but it's the only eye make up remover I have found that doesn't make my eyes feel oily and doesn't sting them. Plus, it doesn't require water to wash it off after using, which is a huge plus!
Formula 10.0.6. So Totally Clean Sensitive Formula
Like my teeth, my skin is extremely sensitive, so I have to be careful with what I use or else I'll end up breaking out and red. This toner from Formula 10.0.6 is my absolute favorite because it doesn't dry my skin out and it's calming. Plus it gets all of my make up off with one swipe!
Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm
If my skin has been feeling particularly dry, I will use this cleansing balm instead of my toner. The balm leaves my skin not only clean, but also moisturized and soft. The formula is also gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Simple Replenishing Moisturizer
Simple makes amazing products for sensitive skin, and this product does not disappoint. I like using this at night time if I want a light moisturizer.
Jergens Shea Butter Lotion
This lotion smells amazing and feels amazing. I hate lotions that leave you feeling sticky and that feel  heavy on your skin, and this lotion does neither. It is perfect for night or day use.

Review: The Body Shop Shea Body Mist

Confession: I am a perfumaholic/body mistaholic. I love a good fragrance and I love discovering new ones, from high end perfumes to low end body mists, if it smells good then I'm buying it. When a friend recommended I check out The Body Shop for a new body mist, I was hesitant. The Body Shop was where my friends and I would buy lip glosses and body butters that were far too fruity and sweet smelling in middle school. However, after hearing Youtubers and bloggers rave about Satsuma, I decided to give The Body Shop a try and I'm glad I did.

This is the Shea Body Mist and I am absolutely obsessed. I tried Satsuma, and while it is a nice scent, it is too citrusy for my taste. Shea, however, is right up my alley. Don't let the description fool you, Shea is not just a "nutty scent", but instead it's clean and fresh, yet still cozy somehow. This scent has been my go to fragrance as of late, and I've gotten a lot of compliments wearing it. I'm definitely going to pick up so more Body Shop products, to see if I find anymore new obsessions. 

What are your favorite fragrances?

Five on Friday

1. Katrina

When I first moved to Columbia, I only had one pet and it was Katrina. She isn't the most cuddly cat because she hates being held, but she's always been there when I've had a bad day or when I need a good laugh. I've been especially thankful for her lately since she's been so calm and Reggie has been so crazy!

2. Reggie

We rescued Reggie around Thanksgiving. When I found him, he was starving and probably only weighed around 10 pounds, but now he is healthy and happy. He loves attention and to just lay on the couch and keep you company. He is the sweetest dog ever, and when I had a rough start to the week he provided lots of puppy hugs.

3. Cali

Our original rescue dog. Cali is so full and energy and life, and while she may drive me crazy sometimes, she has been such a great companion lately.

4. My parents

This week was rough and my mom and dad were there sending me sweet text messages and e-mails telling me how proud they were of me despite my bad grade and feeling down.

5. Friends

Nothing is better than spending an afternoon with good friends just hanging out and doing nothing. I am so thankful for the people in my life.

New Home = New Decor

Tucker and I just recently bought our first home together. The process has been both stressful and exciting and one of the most exciting parts (for me, at least!) is getting to decorate. Here are a few items I am loving and adding to our home decorating wish list.

Manhattan Ladder Bookcase

There is a corner of our living room that looks so bare and empty now that the Christmas tree is gone and packed away. This bookcase would be perfect for the spot because it could angle out away from our coat closet door and the color matches our entertainment stand perfectly.

Geometric Area Rug

We have hardwood floors in our house, and as much as I love them, sometimes some of the rooms in our house can echo a bit. This rug would be perfect in our dining room/dog room because the dogs couldn't drag it outside since it's large and it matches our dining room furniture. Rugs are a great way to add color or design to a room without breaking the bank.

Colorful Curtains

I'm a curtain person. I blame my mom because she was constantly changing our curtains when she was bored with the way a room looked. I'm loving colorful curtains to brighten up a room with lots of neutrals (aka our house). 

Carved Floral Mirror

This mirror is gorgeous.  I love mirrors, I think they can really make a room look larger and pull everything together. 

What are some home decor lines/products you're loving?

New Year, New Resolutions

Every new year brings new resolutions for my life. Here are a few of the things I want to be better about in the new year!

Work Out More and Eat Healthier

Last year I fell into the bad habit of making excuses for why I couldn't work out or eat better. While I am busy with school and work, I am going to make more of an effort to work out more and eat healthier because I want to live forever. No, really, I want to live forever.

Go Outside of My Comfort Zone

I am a creature of habit, which means I typically play it safe and stick with what I'm comfortable with or used to doing. This year, I want to change that. Tucker and I live so close to the beach and Charleston, yet we never go. This year, I want to take more road trips and see new places and things.

Learn How to Ask For Help

I have a really hard time asking people for help. I want to learn how to delegate tasks and asking people for help when I need it.

What are your New Year resolutions?