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Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #58

Happy Friday friends! We made it through the first full week of September. How was your week? Productive? Relaxing? Getting adjusted into a new routine? No matter how your week went, I hope it is ending on a high note and you have something fun planned for the weekend. If you are a football fan, then I’m sure you are gearing up for a big weekend as the NFL season officially begins! I’m hoping to catch some of the game this weekend.

As we say hello to the weekend, here’s some things that I’ve been loving as I link up with Erika and Andrea for another edition of Friday Favorites!

Cuticle Lotion– I love doing my nails and through the years, I have tried different brands and tools and colors while giving myself my own at-home manicures and pedicures. I have been using this cuticle lotion by Burt’s Bees and have really been loving it. I use a cuticle oil when I don’t have any polish on, and I have been using this lotion on my cuticles as well. Typically, I will change my nail color once a week and on the days when I don’t have any polish on, I will put on the oil in the morning and the lotion at night (or whenever I have time through the day). I like that the lotion isn’t too thick or heavy and I have found that it has strengthened my cuticles. I have used it with polish on but prefer to use it without polish. I only have been using the travel/ sample size and it’s been working well. After I finish the sample size, I will see about investing in the full size, I’ll keep you posted.

Hair Drying Bow– Another beauty product for you this week, I shower at night and try to have my hair fully or mostly dry before bed. I got this hair drying bow and I have been using almost every day. I like how it absorbs the water in my hair after I’m done washing it. There are also essential oils infused in the wrap which leaves my hair smelling good too. Plus, it doubles has a headband which holds my hair back if I’m doing things before bed like reading or watching tv. I think I got this one from Marshall’s or T.J. Maxx, but I have seen ones similar at those stores and Target and Walmart. It’s a fun beauty accessory that has a purpose.

Rice Cakes– I know I am late to the game with this snack item, but I recently discovered Rice Cakes and I have really enjoyed them as a lunch snack. They aren’t super flavorful, so I typically add a spread on top. Since I have been eating them at lunch when I am home, I have been spreading some peanut butter and my homemade strawberry jam on top. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty and low calorie too! I know people eat them for breakfast a lot or even as a snack. Since I am new to the rice cake group, tell me, if you are a fan, what do you eat them with? What’s your go-to spread and flavor? I’m open to trying everything!

An easy go-to lunch or snack!

Ear Bud Cleaning Kit– Whether you have Air Pods, Wireless headphones or even regular ear buds, a cleaning kit is a huge help. I got this ear bud cleaning kit a few months back and it has all the tools to clean out headphones, earpieces, even smart watches. There are so many different brushes, fine toothpicks, and other items to really give your headsets a good cleaning. I wear an earpiece for work every day and use some of these tools to clean them out. I have done a thorough cleaning of my Apple Watch and its band and used some of the tools as well. If you use headphones daily, I highly recommend getting a little tool kit to keep things clean. 

A must need for headphones or earbuds!

Sunday Scroll– I mentioned before how I have really been enjoying following some of my favorite bloggers and writers on Substack. It’s a writing platform that has brought me so much joy to read posts from some of my favorite people! Emily Ley recently launched a Sunday Scroll series where she shares some of her favorite books, links, articles, and favorite things. You can learn more here. It only takes a few minutes to read, but it’s been fun to learn new things and find new items. Definitely a light read/ scroll during the weekend.

This week has been a fun one with lots of fun favorites too! I hope you have a great weekend! See you back here on Wednesday!

Categories
Fabulous living

Three Favorite Things

Hey guys!

Happy Tuesday. I found this fun quiz/ survey from Mix and Match Mama’s Blog. I love learning things about other people, especially fun or unique facts and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do one for myself. I borrowed some from Shay’s blog and made up a few on my own. Let’s get to my three favorite things!

MOVIES (This one is soooo hard-but current favorites)

A Star is Born

Such a good movie

Life Itself

Again, another life changing movie

Love Actually

One of my favorite movies of all time especially around Christmas time.

           BOOKS

                                     Year of Yes 

Another life changing book

                                     Grace not Perfection

Grace Not Perfection- an inspiring book for all

                                     Pride and Prejudice 

A romance that never gets old

                                     TV SHOWS (OF ALL TIME)

                                     Bones

One of my favorite shows of all time

                                      Grey’s Anatomy 

Old photo but I can’t get enough of this show

                                     This is Us

Another fantastic show

                                     RESTAURANTS (FAST FOOD-ISH)

                                     Chipotle

                                     Panera

                                     Chick-Fil -A

                                     PLACES I’VE VISITED

                                     Rome, Italy

                                     Hershey, PA

Getting away for a bit at my favorite place-Hershey, PA

                                     New York City, NY

One of my last visits from NYC, can’t wait to go back soon

                                     PLACES I WANT TO VISIT

                                     Paris, France

                                     London, England

                                     Dublin, Ireland

                                     FAVORITE HOLIDAYS

                                     Christmas

Christmas morning spent well, the tree all lit, a warm cup of hot chocolate and time spent with family

                                     Thanksgiving

Forever thankful for family on Thanksgiving

                                     Fourth of July

Rocking my Red, White, and Blue for the 4th

                                     THREE THINGS I ALWAYS HAVE IN MY PURSE

A closer look at what’s in my purse

                                     Earbuds

                                     Phone Charger

                                     Wallet

                                     FAVORITE DESSERTS

My favorite fall dessert made by my mom

                                     Warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies

                                     Chocolate cake

                                     Apple Crisp

                                     FAVORITE WAYS TO MAKE TIME FOR MYSELF

                                     Read

I always like to read after a long day

                                     Do my Nails

Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh coat of polish

                                     Watch a movie/latest tv show I’m binge watching

Such a good mini series that I just finished watching

Well there you have it, some of my three favorite things. If you guys liked it, let me know and I will do it again, this was so much fun and it really made me think about my favorite things. Pick a few things and add your responses to the comments below! Have a great start to your week!

Categories
Fabulous living

Things To Do on a Quiet Weekend

Hey Everyone!

Happy Tuesday!

I hope your week is off to a great start. I just got back from a very restful and much needed break at home. It was so good to get home for a while and rejuvenate for a bit. This is a big week, not only is it the last week before midterms but I am also leaving on Friday to head off to Rome, Italy for Spring Break!!!

So, why am I going to Rome?! I have been a part of a leadership program since I’ve been in college and one of the last components of the program is to learn and apply everything we have learned these past three years for a week in Rome. I travelled to Italy when I was in high school and I can’t wait to go back and get a new experience for this second time. I’ll be sure to post updates of my time abroad as well as several blog posts in the upcoming future. 

Now, moving on to today’s topic: we are talking all about things to do during a quiet weekend. Whether you are a college student like myself, a young working professional, or a parent with free little time to yourself, I hope this post gives you ideas on ways to relax or activities to do when you don’t have a lot to do on the weekends.  

As a college student, I often find myself busy through the week with classes, meetings, and commitments. However, during the weekends, everything tends to slow down, people head home for the weekend, there is not as many things going on, and the weekends are generally quiet. During my time in college, I’ve found many ways to occupy myself when things are quiet, there is only so much homework you can do and you can only get so far ahead in classes. Here are my favorite things to do on the weekend.

  • Binge watch the latest show on Netflix– I’m currently watching American Crime Story “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”, I’m obsessed with it. I loved watching “The People vs. OJ Simpson” a few years ago and was so excited when they came out with a second season. 
Such a good mini series
  • Pick up a book and escape to a new world for a few hours– Although it is hard to come across time to read in college, free time on the weekend gives me time to get ahead on reading and relaxing. I just finished Jessie James Decker’s book, “Just Jessie” and I loved it. It was so easy to read and a good escape from my college books. I’ll be posting my review of her book in the next few weeks. 
Such a fun book
  • Call up that friend you haven’t talked to in forever and catch up.-This is something I have been trying to do more this semester, I have been doing my best to reconnect with old friends, whether they are high school friends or childhood friends. There is nothing better than facetiming with a friend, swapping stories and sharing memories.
  • Self Care Night– After a busy week, take some time for yourself, whether it’s running a bubble bath and reading, doing a facemask, or painting your nails, pamper yourself with something special and make sure you are putting your best self forward for a new week ahead. 
Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh coat of polish. I wore this color for Valentine’s Day!
  • Take a walk or work out.-Not as relaxing but you will feel better after. Sometimes a walk outside is all we need to clear our heads and recharge our batteries. If a walk is not your thing then hit the gym and sweat the stress away. Get your blood pumping and heart racing and you will feel great after!
  • Do something productive– If you have checked all these things off your list of things to do, then tackle a project that has been needing your attention for a while, whether it is a junk drawer that needs cleaned out, a binder that needs organized, clothes than need laid out, or meal prepping for the week ahead, set time aside to get ahead for the week so you aren’t scrambling on Monday morning. 

I hope this list gives you some examples of things to do on a quiet weekend, although sometimes we crave the quiet and just need silence, it can also get boring and mundane. What activities to do you like to do on those few quiet weekends?

See you on Thursday for a new look of the day!

Categories
Fashion

Favorite Beauty Products

Hi friends! Happy Tuesday!

Today, I’m sharing something every girl loves and uses; beauty products!! Whether we are loyal to one brand or we use a bunch of assorted brands. We all have our favorites! Some beauty products, I stick to one brand and only use their products, other times, I use a variety of brands. Today, I’m sharing my top beauty products, what I use them for and where you can get them.

-Face

I have very sensitive skin and I use a lot of various products to wash, moisturize and keep my skin clear. However, whenever I am in the mood to pamper myself, this is my go-to face mask. I have tried a few different brands, but this one works best with my skin. This is the Miss Spa: Charcoal clarifying mask. There is one sheet mask per package, you put it on for 15-20 minutes and then remove it. Your face will feel refreshed, smoother, and most definitely clearer. I got this from Target and they carry other masks as well, but the charcoal is my favorite. All masks are between $5.00-$10.00. This is a great pick me up for your face.

My favorite mask to unwind after a long day

-Lips

I won this lip scrub and balm as a giveaway from The Chic Mamas. Go check out her blog for all things fashion to mommy and me! I was looking for something that both exfoliated my lips and made them smoother and this answered my prayers. This is the Sara Happ Exfoliate Scrub and One Luxe Balm. I put on the lip scrub after I get out of the shower and once it is moisturized in, I put on the one luxe balm. They both come in different scents, I have the Sparkling Peach lip scrub and Lip Slip Balm. Now they are a bit more expensive, but they last a long time. I use them every day and have had them since Christmas and you can’t even tell I’ve used it. I highly recommend the pair set.

The Best Lip Scrub and Balm. I use it daily!

-Nails

I love taking care of my nails. My favorite brand is Chrome Girl Nails, I have talked about why I love the brand before, you can find it here! They are 8 Free which means there are no harsh chemicals. They carry nail strengthen products like the base and top coat, the nail lacquers themselves, and nail polish removers in delicious scents. Although, Valentine’s Day may be over, you can still wear red, pink, and white for the rest of the month. This trio is perfect for a date night or a day at the office and it’s on sale! The nail polish is a bit expensive but it’s long lasting and there are always sales. Once you wear Chrome Girl, people will be turning heads at your nails.

Wearing a bright green to jump start to spring mode.

-Eyes

We have all heard that eyes are the opening to the soul, but what about eye makeup? I always try to accent my eyes especially since I wear glasses. I recently purchased Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics, Kyshadow,  Burgundy Pallet and fell in love with it. The colors are neutral, so you can wear it out for a night or just running errands. The colors are highly pigmented, so what you see is what you are gonna get. The price wasn’t too crazy and a lot of the time, Kylie Cosmetics offers free shipping which makes it even easier to purchase things online. Now, I get a majority of my makeup from Target or Ulta Beauty, but every once in a while, I like to treat myself and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I use the Kyshadow Pallet. It was definitely a good purchase.

LOVE the packaging

The Burgundy Pallet

  • Skin (Concealer)

I don’t know about you, but concealer is my best friend, 99% of the time. It took me a while to find the right concealer that worked for my skin, but I found my match with Neutrogena’s Concealer stick.  I have it in Fair due to my light skin type. I put it on and then smooth it out with a makeup sponge. It goes on smooth and stays on the whole day, I rarely have to reapply. I get mine from Target but they also sell them at Ulta Beauty and Giant Eagle. It runs pretty low on price so I’m not breaking the bank to buy it.

The best concealer!!!

There you have it. My favorite beauty products. Now, those are just my favorite and I use a variety of products.*** This post was not sponsored by any of the brands I shared, I am just sharing my true feelings about these products. What are some products you can’t live without?!

Categories
Fashion

A Few of My Favorite Things: Nail Polish

Happy (belated) Memorial Day! I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing weekend! I know, I did! It’s always fun to start summer off with family, friends, and good food!

Summer is upon us and that means it’s time for flip flops, sandals, and toes out! I love having my nails done for the summer especially when I spend so much time outside.

My favorite brand of nail polish is Chrome Girl! I have been ordering through them for a few years and I have never been disappointed. They are made in the USA, and are 8 free meaning they have no harsh chemicals! Both were huge things for me when it comes to beauty products! They have many nail colors as well as nail care products such as a base coats, top coats,  a matte finish, and gel finish! They also have nail polish remover which comes in unscented, piña colada, and green tea and jasmine among other scents. This is the only brand I wear. 
 
 
A few highlights of the brand include:
1) It is long lasting and durable. I can wear the same polish for over a week with no chips!! Crazy, right?!
2) There are so many colors to choose from, it’s hard to choose what to get. Plus the names are so creative and cute.
3) They always are having great deals and sales. For example, until tomorrow 5/31, EVERYTHING IS 50% off!! Crazy?! The code to use at checkout is Memorialday50. You can find them on Instagram and twitter as well as their website!

Right now I’m wearing pinky promises which is a bubble gum pink.
Now, this is not an advertisement or anything like that. I’m just sharing one of my FAVORITE beauty products. Go ahead and check them out, I know I’m going to go and order new polish for 50% off!!
Instagram: chromegirlbeauty
Twitter: chromegirlnails