Fashion & Beauty Archives - Page 2 of 3

12 Must Have Airplane Travel Essentials

July 18, 2019 No Comments

Y’all. I have been in and out of airports more often than I would like the last couple weeks, and have at least 3 more trips within the next month!! Check out my Adventures for details. So I wanted to share my top 12 must have airplane travel essentials with you!

1. The Right Bag – I absolutely love this Vera Bradley Weekender bag. Let me give you a little background. I went to Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and packed for an entire 10 day trip in a carry on! (It helped that the clothes were smaller – it’s warm there, you get it.) But this bag was crucial. It has a strap that allows it to slide onto the handle of your roller bag, and it’s amazing – if you’ve never had one like this before. There is a side pocket padded extra for electronics, separate interior pockets for toiletries, etc., and I just can’t get enough. I’m so dependent on the storage that this bag actually has for any of my trips – foreign or domestic!

2. Neck Pillow – I’m tall and awkward. I hate sleeping on planes, but sometimes you just have to – especially for a trans-continental flight; I love this particular neck pillow because you can adjust the positioning & shape of the pillow, and can utilize it in different ways (around your shoulder, sleeping on your tray table) and aren’t limited to sitting upright with it.

3. Eye Shade – A must for overnight flights, or really long flights you plan to sleep on. I got this cute sleep mask (that I also use at home) for a bargain on Prime!… and then I found the cutest one with sequins!

4. Ear Plugs – (a must on an overnight flight) – Need I say anymore? Not that the white noise of airplane engines won’t knock me out, but the ear plugs help with everything else.

5. Chargers / Battery Pack – I absolutely love this guy because it ALSO charges my Apple watch! I don’t have to take apart my charging station on my night stand, and instead just bring this guy along with me. I prefer the white but it’s available in a black too.

6. Book to Read / Things to Do – I don’t sit still & do one thing very well for more than a period of an hour or two. I love to have a few options available for me, so I tend to take my tablet loaded with movies, series, etc. I’m currently reading “Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered: A Definitive How To Guide” written by the hosts of one of my favorite podcasts. And if you’re not much of a reader, Amazon Prime has some of my faves! (If you haven’t watched the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – it’s hysterical!) You can get a 30-day free trial by clicking here.

7. Head phones – My preference is wireless. Simply because they keep all the cords out of the way! I love these earbuds, and if you’re looking for a larger noise cancelling headphone, these are cute and affordable!

8. A Water Bottle – I don’t know about you but I absolutely hate paying $5 for a bottle of water at the airport! I always have an empty re-useable bottle with me and then fill up once I’m through security. I prefer one with a screw on lid vs a spout/straw for drinking, and I’m a little anti-plastic if I can help it. I’ve had issues with those leaking on airplanes, (and unfortunately into my bag!) too many times, so I’ve converted. I linked a couple cute reliable ones.

9. Cleansing Wipes – I don’t know about you, but after several hours of travel and multiple planes/airports, I feel gross. If a shower isn’t an immediate option, a quick wipe down with some great little scented wipes can work wonders.

10. Makeup – I may be just a total weirdo over here, but I always carry on my makeup with me. I would hate to lose it or be without it out of inconvenience. And buying all the pieces again would be a pretty penny! I prefer clear cosmetic bags because I can see what I’m reaching for, and this one’s TSA approved. 😉

11. A Great Travel Wallet – This clutch comes with a removable wrist strap, and is designed to carry tickets, passport, cards, and even your cell phone! Love that it’s so stylish and functional. It’s available in over 15 colors, super affordable, and comes with the RFID protection so your info stays safe while traveling.

12. Electronic Organizer – If you’re anything like me, you have multiple devices (iPad, lap top, apple watch, phone charger) that require multiple cords, which can turn your bag into a tangled mess! I love this electronic organizer because it helps to keep all my techy items organized!

And those are my top 12 must have airplane travel essentials! What items do you always travel with? And what did I forget??!

Fashion & Beauty, Fashion & Style

2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 11, 2019 No Comments

nordstrom anniversary sale, one girl's first time experience shopping the nordstrom anniversary sale

Just a heads up: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thanks for supporting me!

Hello Friends, if you know me at all, you know I love a good sale! So, I’m taking you with me for my first *yes, first* shopping experience for the 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

“Why on earth is it your first?!”, You ask? Well, I never shopped at Nordstrom until we moved to Colorado a few years ago because we didn’t have one locally, and as you already know I’m a tough fit sometimes! Unbeknownst to me, Nordstrom shopping was one of the best things that ever happened to me because they offer both free shipping and returns, and have some of the best customer service I’ve ever experienced! So, keep on reading for my top tips & best advice on shopping the sale. Hopefully it works to my advantage!

I’m a big fan of shopping online because I don’t have to go sifting through racks at the store, when they will inevitably be out of my sizes. Instead I sort by my sizes, and colors, etc, and shop by what’s available in my fit- makes sense, right? At times the in store shopping can feel like a wild goose chase! And with Nordy’s free shipping & returns, there’s really nothing to lose!

2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Early Access starts July 12!

More perks: Nordstrom cardholders get to shop 1 week earlier than the general public!, So, this year I went ahead and applied for a store card – strictly for the early access! (Snag yours here & get $60 in store credit if you shop the same day you’re approved!) Early access will open up on Friday, July 12 at 12:30pm EST, and the sale opens up to the public on July 19. The Anniversary sale ends on Aug 4, and prices will go back up! So if you’ve got your eye on something… grab it before it’s gone because it could sell out!

I’m planning on snagging a few on trend pieces for the fall, that I wouldn’t normally buy at retail — and definitely not this far ahead of the cold-weather game! (We just hit summer temperatures like a week ago! – ha!) Be sure to check out the catalog for a Sneak Peak at the 2019 Sale items! Here are a few items from the catalog that I have my eye on:

Be sure to follow me on the Like to know.it app and add your favorite items to your wishlist so that you can grab them as soon as they go on sale! That way you won’t miss out. 😉 I’ll be posting finds throughout the week on my profile.

And because I’m an equal opportunity shopper, I’m linking a few other items I’ve got my eye on that will be included in the sale! What are some of your favorite pieces to shop for?? Or what did I miss??! Stay tuned for more updates to my LTK profile and both the blog for more 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds!

Fashion & Beauty, Hair & Beauty

Dry Shampoo Review

July 7, 2019 No Comments

Just a heads up: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thanks for supporting me!

First of all, have you discovered dry shampoo yet?? It was a total game changer for me! Coming from a girl who has super thick, but fine hair, dry shampoo reduced my morning routine (hair washing and all) by 30 minutes! I’ve been using it for nearly 10 years, and don’t know that I could ever go back to the days of every-other-day hair washing. (It seems like such a chore now!) So, here’s my story and my dry shampoo review for you!

As a girl who started with baby powder in college, (just to cover up the greasy roots! on days I didn’t want to wash THE FRONT of my hair…) I quickly graduated to commercially available aerosolized products.

These have exploded on the market over the last few years, so how would a girl know which one to choose?!? And trust me, more expensive does not always equate to better quality.

I scoped out a few budget friendly brands at a few easily accessible stores (Target, Walmart, Amazon Prime — that’s available everywhere right?) But seriously, if you haven’t tried Prime yet, you should invest – it’s totally worth it. Get a 30 day free trial by clicking here. All these brands are available for less than $5!

Full Disclosure:

[As a bit of a disclaimer, I have fine, dry hair, but I have a LOT of it. It’s thick. And luckily for me, I live in a very arid environment, so the lack of humidity allows me to go a long time without a hair wash. I also did not change any of my other hair washing/styling products during this trial except the brand of dry shampoo. A serious experiment y’all!]

And because I’m a great big nerd, these products are scored on my own personally invented star system:

1 Star – Price Point <$5
2 Stars – Availability – Product is readily available (supermarkets, beauty stores vs online order or difficult to find)
3 Stars – Product Leaves hair dry in look & feel & adds volume
4 Stars – Product lasts > 4 days between washes
5 Stars – I would 100% endorse the product and plan to continue purchasing for myself!

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo, Dry Shampoo Review

Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo – Unscented — ($2.99-$4.50, Amazon (2-pack), Target, 5 stars)

I’ve been using this product for years. I generally buy the unscented style because I don’t want to be too odorus. I’d vote this is a steady go to product for dry shampoo. It’s exactly what you’d expect. Takes the grease away almost immediately, and feels texturizing at the same time. During this trial it lasted me until day 6!! (I know)… and I was still getting compliments on my hair!

Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Dry Shampoo, Dry Shampoo Review

Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Dry Shampoo ($4.99, Target, 2 stars)
This one was immediately strange to me. It’s an aerosol, and goes on damp. It dries quickly like hairspray, but I’m not sold on the product – very mild scent that was not overwhelming. By day 4, the product was no longer leaving my hair with any volume… it looked clean-ish but was very flat. Time for a wash and on to the next!

Dove Beauty Refresh + Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo, Dry Shampoo Review

Dove Beauty Refresh +Care Volume & Fullness (~$4.89, Target / 3-pack on Amazon, 3 stars)

Truth be told, this one surprised me at first. It had a super interesting odor, which you want to be sure to like because you don’t want to be smelling your hair all day if you don’t like the scent! And I realized I had ordered coconut scented! This one was fair. On use 1 it was excellent, but by use 3 I felt that there was some build up in my hair and I was ready to give it a good wash.

TRESemme Fresh + Clean Dry Shampoo, Dry Shampoo Review

TRESemme Fresh + Clean Dry Shampoo ($4.99, Target)

I haven’t used many TreSemme products, but this one was a winner. I give it 4 stars. This product lasted 4 days between washings and smelled great, compared to some products that can smell a little like chemicals. Overall I was pretty pleased with this guy and it initially felt dry and texturizing when I sprayed it on. A winner in my book!

Hask Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo, Dry Shampoo Review

Hask Charcoal Purifying Dry Shampoo ($4.79, Target, 5 stars!)

Lasted 6 days! I was really impressed by this product! That’s 6 days including about 4 days resulting in sweaty hair workouts. I’ll add that this product actually made the hair look dry, and not dull/gray like some products can do. I will definitely purchase this product again, and would highly recommend it! This product is not only perhaps the winner of my dry shampoo review, but was also a beauty winner per Allure magazine.

Garnier Pure Clean Dry Shampoo, Dry Shampoo Review

Garnier Pure Clean Dry Shampoo ($4.99, Amazon, 3 stars)

I would call this guy adequate for about 3 days. The smell was great, but I didn’t feel like it added much texture or kept the oil out very long. I used it twice in one day most days I used it; applied in the morning and then again in the afternoon, so I imagine the full container would go quickly if it’s needed twice per day. I’d give it only 3 stars.

Got2b Fresh It Up Dry Shampoo, Floral Touch, Dry Shampoo Review

Got2b Fresh It Up Dry Shampoo, Floral Touch – ($3.74, Amazon, 5 stars!)

Surprisingly, this bargain buy has worked wonders! I’m always skeptical regarding the cheapest buy, and I was not a huge fan of the scent initially, but this product has been incredible! Guys – don’t be grossed out but this brand made it a full week! OMG! By day 7 I was definitely ready for a wash, but my hair still looked decent! – in a top knot anyway. I find that topknots have way more volume with dirty hair & dry shampoo!

Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay dry Shampoo, dry shampoo review

L’oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo – ($4.22, Amazon, 3 stars)

This buy was also a fair purchase, and I felt I could only push it about 3 days until I needed to wash it again. Smelled great! Didn’t leave a white residue and is definitely at a good price point. By this point in my dry shampoo review, it was easy to say it was just mediocre and not terribly impressive for my need.

Suave Professionals Natural Refresh Dry Shampoo ($3.99, Target, 2 stars)

This product did not hold a candle to a few of the others. This dry shampoo was great on first use, but by the second use, my hair was already feeling flat and seemed to be lacking volume, whereas some of the other products ADD volume. I pushed this product to 4 days of use, but probably should have stopped at 3. On the bright side, it does smell nice!

And my 5 Star Winners are :: [drumroll please] :

I’d love to hear what your favorite dry shampoos are! Have you tried any of these? Would you have included any others in a dry shampoo review? Any feedback with different hair types? **Wishing less hair-washing for all!

Fashion & Beauty, Fashion & Style

Being an “Inbetweenie”

June 25, 2019 No Comments

inbetween size, body positivity body confidence self love

During my daily podcast listen, I heard a term that was new to me from the LIKEtoKNOW.it influencer radio. “Inbetweenie”. Sarah Tripp, of the blog Sassy Red Lipstick, who tags her niche as a body positive fashion blog, referred to an inbetweenie as a fashion blogger who is an in-between size – greater than a size 4 up to a size 12 — not teeny, not full-figured. And I loved the term so much I’ve officially adopted it. (Thanks, Sarah 😉 )

There was a day that I realized that I wasn’t like my teeny tiny size 2 and 4 girlfriends in high school, and I had the insight at a young age that I needed to learn to be proud of the body that I was given (and learn how to dress it well ;). I go into way more detail on this in my previous post about being referred to as an Amazon woman.

I am 100% an inbetweenie. I’m just a hair shy of 5’10”. My weight generally fluctuates within a 15 pound range, and it’s ok. I’m V-shaped, with narrow hips & broad shoulders. I like to say i’m mismatched – in that I typically wear a size 6-8 on the bottom and nothing smaller than a 12 on top! (So frustrating when trying to buy bathing suits – And so, separates it is!) And yes, I am sometimes frustrated when some brands only go up to a size Large – that won’t even fit my body! – but that’s what this growing fashion community is about.

During that time that I was so ashamed that I was bigger than all my teeny friends (at a ripe old 14), I was horrified to even discuss my weigh or my size. This was a growing pain for me to realize that it didn’t matter what the number on the tag said – it matters how it fits and how you feel in it. I have some size 6 bottoms and some size 14 dresses – ultimately it’s of no importance so long as you feel good in it.

Sure, there are things every person dislikes about their body, but my philosophy is that you should try and change it if you can, or learn to work with what you’re given. Some days that feeling comes easier than others, but the unfair pressure of trying like you need to fit into a mold that you weren’t made to fit into is ridiculous.

I have to say, I truly admire Sarah’s ability to be incredibly body positive and hope to emanate that same level of appreciation and understanding that beautiful is applicable at every size.

Fashion & Beauty, Hair & Beauty

Girls Night In

June 24, 2019 No Comments

Happy Sunday! I’m 100% refreshed after a little at home pampering session from last night. Do you ever have those weekend days you just need to hibernate at home? Sharing the best routine to relax and rejuvenate for a girls night in (or girl, as it were) pampering products with you below!

Relax, Rejuvenate, Girls night in, Baking Soda, Bath Bombs, Aromatherapy, Mud Mask, Nail Polish, Face Cream, Eye Cream, Rose, Wine, Sleep Mask, Girly Girl

First & foremost – get comfy! It’s tough to pamper yourself if you feel restricted. I love a good PJ set! Mine is sold out, but I linked a few cuties below. Make sure to get some that are also super soft and with a little stretch!

Disclaimer – the Rosé is not linked 😉 but choose your favorite.

I like to start with a quick polish change and am loving this Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. It claims to be dry in 60 seconds, which I Can neither confirm or deny, but I can say that mine was 100% dry within 6-10 minutes. Still a huge accomplishment from regular nail polish! (Be sure to grab the top coat – this will extend the polish for another 3-4 days.)

Post dry polish, I like to have a good relaxing soak in the tub. I was recently gifted this set of aromatherapy bath bombs and let me tell you – they smell amazing! Would be great for gifting…. even to yourself! My favorite is the lavender because that scent is so calming.

Let’s talk face-specific skin care – Post relaxing bath, I exfoliated. Exfoliating helps to slough off the top most layer of dead skin and leaves you with a shiny new layer when you’re done. Honestly, I’ve been through product after product, and one of my favorites is still regular old Baking Soda – that’s right! The stuff from your kitchen! It’s very mild and won’t scratch your skin if you have any sensitivity or acne happening, vs some other kinds that are more like grains of sand and tend to be more rough.

I chose this mud mask after exfoliating called “purifying” to help me proverbially slough off some of my previous week’s stress! The option pictured contains tea tree oil which is also known to have a natural anti-bacterial, which is great if you have any blemishes happening.

Always follow your face washing routine with moisturizer! Why? Because you remove natural oils from your skin when you wash with soap and water. If that moisture is not replaced, your skin will produce more oil, trying to remoisturize — so just cut it off at the pass. You’ll feel better about it and be less prone to break outs. I linked my favorite affordable eye & skin moisturizer for very dry skin (like mine) below.

And lastly, my very favorite part of my girls night in weekend routine involves sleeping in – I don’t know about you but that 5:30 alarm on the weekdays is just a little too early bird for me. Have you ever tried using a sleep mask before? I originally purchased this for a VERY long overseas flight, but it works wonders to help keep that light out when you want to sleep in! I love this sleep mask because of the cute details.

This was my “feel better because you’re staying in on a Saturday night alone” plan – what did I miss?? What would you have included that is important to your self-care routine?

Fashion & Beauty, Fashion & Style

July 4th Fashion Finds

June 22, 2019 No Comments

Can you all believe it’s practically July?! Where this year has gone, I’m not sure, but doesn’t it always feel this way? I wanted to share a few July 4th Fashion Finds with you, and if you’re any bit of a procrastinator like me, the best part is all these are available on Amazon Prime! Hooray for 2-day shipping! (Shameless plug – seriously, one of the best decisions we ever made, and if you don’t have it you can get it here, and trial it free for 30 days 😉 )

So one thing I haven’t been terribly public about is that my husband is actually a Team USA athlete, so I’m looking for these patriotic July 4th Fashion Finds year round!! If you’re wondering if I look like a total fan girl at his competitions, the answer is yes 🙂

What is your favorite July 4 Fashion Find? Or even accessory?? I often find awesome patriotic extras in the dollar bin at Target… Score! Which I utilize year-round.