I haven't been much in a holiday mood lately and I'm pretty sure it all has to do with the weather. Where's the cold? And the snow?! Please tell me I'm not the only one wishing the temperatures would drop a little bit so that we can have our cold and snowy white Christmas!
I'll have to settle for rain here so I plan on listening to lots and lots of holiday songs to get up my festive spirit. I've put together a list of my current favorites that I've been listening to lately for you to play during the next few days and on Christmas!
You can listen to this list {plus a few!} on Spotify. I'm new to the whole Spotify thing {SO late to the game, I know} and am still trying to figure out how it works, but I thought I would try it out for this playlist post.
Also, how cute is that little reindeer ornament? It's still available at C. Wonder and I'm considering getting it because it's so adorable! Never too late to add new baubles to the tree!
I shared my favorite winter and holiday nail polish favorites earlier this week so I thought I should continue with the beauty posts and mention the lipsticks I love. During this time of the year, I tend to pull three shades - neutrals, red, and deeper shades of reds. I can't help it! When you like something, you stick to it.
I wear neutrals mostly to work and Pink Truffle from Revlon has been a favorite since they release their lip butter line. I purchased Honey from Smashbox over a month ago and have loved wearing it as an every day shade and paired with a smokey eye.
You can definitely wear a neutral lipstick or lip balm to a holiday party, but I like to be festive and wear red. Because if there is ever a good time to wear a red lipstick, the holidays is it! I prefer to wear mattes, like Smashbox's Infrared or Maybelline's Divine Wine, because you don't need to worry about touching it up as often {or ever in some cases.} Icon from Hourglass {either the lipstick or liquid lipstick version} is another great choice, and it makes your teeth look really white, which is perfect for all those pictures! For something more moisturizing that's great to throw on for a quick errand run, Revlon's Red Velvet is for you.
I've recently been painting my nails very often, as in more than once a week. Every winter and holiday season, I tend to reach for the same colors - neutrals, shades of green and blue, and lots of glitter and shimmer. LOTS of glitter... Any nail polish color I wear eventually ends up with a festive and fun glitter top coat. My nail collection consists of a lot of Essie and Deborah Lippmann so I decided to pick my top ten favorites to share with you!
I'm currently wearing Deborah Lippmann's 'Laughin' to the Bank' and it is such a beautiful and perfect emerald shade for the holiday season. One of my all-time favorites for sure! It's pricey but definitely worth it.
I've been on the search for a good holiday red so if you have one that you love, let me know!
Clinique Cheek Pop in Ginger Pop// This is one of my favorite blushes. It's a deeper coral shade with a hint of red, which makes it perfect for this time of year. Ginger Pop is very smooth and not at all powdery, even though it is a powder blush. Depending on how much you put on your brush or how heavy handed you are, this can be a sheer wash of color on the cheeks or more pigmented like the color in the pan. This should work on a lot of skin tones and I highly recommend it!
Serial Podcast // Um, hi. Are you addicted to this? Because I am so addicted to this. If you haven't listened to this weekly podcast, then you need to do so right now. Sarah Koenig is the narrator, and she tells the story of a murder that happened in Maryland in 1999. It's lots of information, from soundbites, interviews, jail phone calls, but it is so interesting and really makes you think. Did they charge the right person? Or didn't they? Gah! I wish I knew. Trust me, you will be hooked on this!
Ebates// Confession: I started Christmas shopping really early. So early that I'm already done. I did a lot of it from the comfort of my little apartment and used Ebates, a cash back program for shopping online, whenever I could. I mentioned this on Monday and had to mention it again because it's too good not to. Any site that participates in their cash back program allows you to get a certain percentage of your purchase back. That's real money back into your bank account. Yup. Sign up because it's great.
Urban Decay Naked Palette// The best Naked palette of all Naked palettes. This is the first and original twelve eyeshadow palette put out by Urban Decay in their Naked line and, in my opinion, it's the best. The shades are so pigmented and come in a variety of finishes - shimmers, glitters, mattes. You can get a really simple every day look or something smokey for a night out. If you have been thinking about getting one of these palettes, I think this one is the best of them all!
Lands' End Quilted PrimaLoft Parka // I don't think Lands' End gets enough love. I've been doing quite a bit of my online shopping here lately because of the great quality and classic pieces. I've been wearing this coat since I got it and love it's classic shape, quilting, and faux-leather trim. Even better, it's super warm so it's great for late fall and early winter temperatures.
Old Navy Bucket Bag // I was late to the bucket bag bandwagon, but I am never getting off. This bag can hold so much and is pretty great quality. It's great for toting to work or just a day for running errands.
Sam Edelman Penny Boot in Wide Calf // I have a hard time finding boots that fit because my calves are a bit larger than what most {aka every single pair out there} allow. I did a lot of searching before coming across these and they are my new favorite pair! It's made of a nice quality leather and goes well with so many outfits. I've had to stop myself from wearing them every day! If you're in need of wide calf boots, these are perfect!
What are some of your favorites from the month of November? I'd love to know!
*Note: I know I've mentioned Ebates twice in one week now, but no, they have not contacted me to do this. I just genuinely really love using them when shopping online!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your weekend was filled with lots of fun family time. I tried to stay away from the internet as much as possible while I was home for the holiday, but I managed to squeeze in a few hours of online window shopping. I thought I would share with you my favorite Cyber Monday deals, but first - a few tips!
1. I've read, heard, and been told that the best online deals should be discounts of 30% off or more. This has stuck with me so you'll see that the stores I mention aren't offering anything below that.
2. Check the details! Some brands will have restrictions on what the discount does and doesn't apply to. It can be a real bummer to add things to your cart and then realize that you're not getting that 40% off.
3. Use Ebates! If you haven't heard of this before, let me give you a quick overview. Ebates offers cash back when you do your shopping online so you'll get back a certain percentage from what you spent. How could you not love that? If you add the Ebates button to your toolbar, it will automatically tell you if the site you're visiting has a cash back deal. And because it's Cyber Monday, a lot of stores have doubled their cash back!
4. Do your shopping as early as possible. Some stores may have limited stock on those items you have your eye on so it's best to check back as often as possible if you're holding back on pressing that 'checkout' button.
5. But some of the best deals might happen later on in the day. You'll be getting so many emails and notifications about sales, but don't be surprised if you see one right before you go to bed about brands suddenly offering free shipping when they weren't in the morning. Like I said, it's best to be checking throughout the day.
And onto the sales!
J. Crew is offering 30% off full-price items and 40% off on their sale with the code MONDAY. I recently picked up a few things for an upcoming vacation but have my eye on a few more pieces like this beaded popover and these glitter loafers. Shop my favorites below!...
ASOS is offering 30% off with the code ILOVEMONDAYS. I love shopping here for fun dresses and they have a ton of pretty ones for the holidays! It's a great place to get that cheeky holiday sweater too. More of my favorites are here...
Tory Burch is offering up to 30% off today with the code LUCKY. And if you spend $150, you get a nice little thank you gift too! Tory Burch handbags are a personal favorite of mine and now is a great time to pick one up! These are some of the things I'm loving...
Lands' End has become one of my favorite places to shop, and today they're offering 40% off and free shipping. Use the code CYBER with the PIN 1234 at checkout to grab some really great outerwear {amazing quality and so warm!} and sweaters for the upcoming cold-weather season. Take a look at what else I'm loving here...
Kate Spade has 30% off their entire site with the code CYBER30! I love so much in their line but their handbags and jewelry are probably at the top of my list. It's too hard to single out a few when I love all of their pretty things! Here are more of my favorite things...
I've saved the best for last... Ann Taylor {and Loft!} is offering 50% off your entire purchase today! Use the code CYBER50 to take advantage of one of the best sales today! I popped into an Ann Taylor store a few months and pretty much loved everything they had. It is quickly becoming one of my go-to stores! Shop my picks below...
A few other sales I'm loving: BaubleBar and their Cyber Monday Insta-Steal {love these little games!}, Old Navy is 40% off with the code CYBER, and Ulta is having a ton of sales on some great makeup products!
And don't forget to take a look at this year's holiday gift guides! There are some great things to pick up for your loved ones and some to gift to yourself!
One of my favorite and earliest memories of the holiday season is counting down the days til Christmas with an Advent calendar. When I was younger, it seemed that the only ones you could find {aka the most popular ones} were filled with milk chocolate pieces behind those cardboard windows. I still make sure to buy one every year, but they are much more extravagant than I remember.
While you can still find some great chocolate ones, including this one at Dean & DeLuca and this one from Lindt {currently 25% off!}, there are so many fun options available. It's hard to choose favorites out of this bunch, but I really love the Benefit calendar and The Body Shop calendar. Both are full of their best-selling products in mini sizes, which are perfect for traveling and that makes it even better for the holidays!
Are you a fan of Advent calendars? I've got mine ready for December 1st! And let me know if there are other fun and unique ones out there!
{I think some people just consider these Christmas countdowns but I've always referred to them as Advent calendars.}
Stockings are always so much fun. They're smaller unwrapped gifts that range from sentimental and sweet to just down right funny. No matter what's in your stocking, I think it's usually one of the most fun things to do on Christmas morning. My family and I actually haven't filled our stockings in the past few years, but we're bringing the tradition back this year and I'm really excited!
These are just a few suggestions I have for stocking stuffers, but there's really a ton that you could put in there. Candy and chocolate is always a good option if you're in a pinch!
This is the last gift guide that I have planned before Black Friday and Cyber Monday but definitely not the end of holiday posts! You can find the others here and more gift ideas on my Pinterest board!
My family and I do a lot of traveling. Whether it's an international flight for a vacation, a business trip, or a drive to a golf tournament, someone is always on the go. Because of our constant travel, I knew I wanted to do a whole gift guide centered around items perfect for the jet setter.
This is the last gift guide for the week, but I do have one more coming up on Monday. Make sure to come back then for ideas to fill those stockings! In the mean time, I'll be sharing more gifts on my Pinterest board.
I think it's a general consensus that shopping for the men in your life can be very difficult.Every Christmas seems to be a struggle when it comes time to buy presents for them. I created this guide with things that I would love to give and things that I think they would want.
Whether you're buying for your mom, friend, sister, girlfriend, or daughter, this guide is for you! From super comfy and soft pajamas to smart office accessories, there is something here that is sure to fit their wishlist.
The LORAC Pro palette is a must have for everyone in my book so I couldn't go without mentioning it in a gift guide. Most people wouldn't consider going to Victoria's Secret, but they make some of the best pajamas. Pajamas are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive, and some of them come with an eye mask and a free pair of cozy slippers so make sure to grab one - for you and your loved one! Sugar Paper LA is my go-to for office stationery and other paper goods. And how cute is this travel set from C. Wonder? I've been obsessed with it ever since I stumbled upon it online!
Today's gift guide gets in touch with our girly side - all things beauty, jewelry, and spa. Who doesn't appreciate a few pretty things in their life? I especially love the Burberry perfume, LeSportsac cosmetic case, and the Henri Bendel ring. In fact, I love the ring so much that I'm considering making that my Christmas gift to myself!
The Charlotte Tilbury set has all the makeup you need for a full pretty face and even comes in the cutest makeup bag. This argan oil selection is one of many great sets The Body Shop has for a night of pampering.
Friends, I'm so excited to share with you this year's holiday gift guides! We're starting this series {and a month of holiday themed posts} with the one I think I might just love the most. In high school, I used to throw themed parties for friends and cook dinner for my family every Sunday. Now that I live in a tiny studio apartment, I've been limited to just baking {which I LOVE} but miss those days of creating tablescapes and fun dishes. Any of the following gifts would be perfect to give to your favorite holiday hosts.
Hot chocolate is one of my go-to gifts, and I love that this set comes with a cute plaid thermos, marshmallows, and a striped towel. Candles are my second favorite gift to give, and how beautiful is this box set of festive candles from Nest? I love having coasters and this set is one of the prettiest I've ever seen! If you want a really interesting present, the Foodie Dice Tumbler Set is just that. It turns meal planning into a fun game with just one roll of the dice and is paleo and gluten-free friendly. Sounds like a cool concept to me!
It's that time of year again friends! Thanksgiving is just two weeks away so the holiday season is quickly approaching. Time to start making those gift lists! I actually start thinking about what to give and what to put on my own wish list in October {so early I know} because I don't like feeling rushed or stressed in December.
This time of year is my all-time favorite so my excitement is just through the roof! I wanted to share my Christmas wish list for this year to kick off an
upcoming week {plus a few extra days} of holiday gift guides and other
holiday posts in the coming month.
With a family vacation coming up in January, I thought a new travel backpack should make the list and love the vintage floral pattern of this one. I've been intrigued by Beats by Dr. Dre heaphones, Tieks ballet flats, and these Converse sneakers for months now. Does anyone have any input on any of these three? I'd love to know your thoughts! Inslee's 2014 calendar is so pretty so I knew I'd want the 2015 version. I'm planning on making 2015 my best year yet in terms of just overall well-being and both books seem like they would be the perfect aid.
This may or may not be my shortest wish list ever! I'm really impressed with myself.
What's on your Christmas wish list? Don't forget to come back on Monday for more holiday gift guides and cheer!
Last week, I mentioned the great 20% off discount Sephora had for their VIB/VIB Rouge sale. I, of course, took advantage of that and picked up a few things. If you want a list of things I purchased in store and online, then head over to my YouTube channel for the full list and links!
P.S. Get ready for lots of holiday cheer coming up on the blog starting on Friday!
Is it too soon to be talking about winter scents? Well, Bath & Body Works was having a 2 for $22 sale on their large candles and I just couldn't help but purchase some new scents for the holiday season. They currently have this same sale going on right now {and will probably have it again after Thanksgiving} so now would be a great time to stock up on some cozy winter scents for you or for gifts!
Want to know which of my favorites winter scents I picked up? Well, watch my latest haul video and then let me know if you plan on picking up some new festive candles!
One of the things I look forward to in November is Sephora's VIB & VIB Rouge Sale. It always happens at the beginning of November and offers 20% off your entire purchase. Being as makeup rarely {aka never} goes on sale, it's the best time to buy those things you've been thinking about. Fragrances, makeup brushes, lipsticks, eye shadows, Christmas presents - you only have until the 10th so take advantage of that discount and treat yourself!
Check back tomorrow for a new video on what I bought during the sale!
Here are some of my recommendations and things on my wish list -
Can you believe it's November?! The holiday season is almost here, which is crazy, I know, but also exciting! But before we get too ahead of ourselves, I thought I would share some of my favorites from last month.
Smashbox Full Exposure Travel Palette// I originally purchased the full-size version of this palette last November before returning it. I took a chance and purchase this mini palette, hoping I would love it more. All of the shadows are creamy and easily blendable, but the top row of shimmers don't apply well dry with a brush. Instead, they're pigmentation and color come off best when applied with your fingers or a wet eyeshadow brush.
Maybelline Matte Color Sensational Matte Lipstick in Divine Wine// I've posted about this lipstick on Instagram and have worn it so often that I'm afraid I might use it up in the next few months. It's the perfect fall lip color! It's a rich, deep red that applies so smoothly to the lips. Since it is a matte, this is long-lasting and does transfer a bit but not enough to reapply after every drink or meal.
NARS Blush in Sin // I am a huge fan of NARS products, especially their blushes. They're all so pigmented and this one is no exception. It's a pretty berry blush with just a hint of gold shimmer. It's another beautiful shade for the fall season.
Bath & Body Works Sweater Weather Candle // I discovered this candle last fall and couldn't wait for Bath & Body Works to start selling it again this year. It doesn't say there are any apple notes but that's what this reminds me off. It smells really fresh and like a crisp fall day. A definite must have in my opinion!
CLIF Bar in Pecan Pie // If you like pecan pie, then you need to try this! I was a little hesitant at first, but it tastes so similar. I'll typically eat half before a workout and the rest after. This is a limited holiday edition so if you want to try it, you need to get them soon!
How To Get Away With Murder // Oh my gosh, I am obsessed with this show! It's another one of Shonda Rhimes' Thursday dramas {I've fallen off the Grey's bandwagon and am not a fan of Scandal} and it's a really good one. I will say that I was originally intrigued because Dean Thomas from Harry Potter is one of the main characters {his name is Alfred Enoch in real life and he is a cutie}, but I became hooked after just five minutes. It's like Legally Blonde, but much, much, MUCH more serious. And while the students are helping their professor with cases, there's one that happens during the semester and somehow involves them all. It's so good, and you need to watch!
Those are my favorites from October. What have you been loving lately?
If you watched my Favorite Fall Things tag video, then you know that I'm not a pumpkin person {AT ALL} and that apples are my favorite festive fall food. I keep apples {Granny Smith specifically} in my fridge at all times and have been drinking spiced apple cider when out with friends. I'm addicted. And the next logical thing to do with this obsession is to make more apple donuts. I made apple cider donuts last month but decided to just throw some chopped apples into these. Topped with a sweet glaze and caramel apple Oreos {you heard that right} and these are a great fall dessert or breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup diced apple
Glaze:
3/4 cup confectioners sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
Caramel Apple Oreos, chopped {optional}
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and spray the donut pan with non-stick spray.
2. Melt the butter, either in the microwave or on the stove. Let this cool.
3. While the butter is cooling, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Set this aside.
4. Whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Then, add the cooled melted butter. {If it's not cooled enough, the eggs will scramble.}
5. Dice half of an apple into small pieces.
6. Add the wet ingredients and the diced apple to the dry ingredients. Mix together until well combined. Do not overmix! This will result in rubbery donuts {ew.}
7. Fill a pastry bag {or Ziploc bag} with the batter and cut a hole in one corner to fill the pan OR spoon the batter into the pan. Fill each well until about 2/3 full.
8. Bake the donuts for 9-11 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for five minutes. Then, remove and let these cool completely on a wire rack.
Glaze:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the confectioners sugar and milk.
2. Chop the caramel apple Oreos. No need to be perfect here. This is optional, but I highly recommend because they're so tasty!
3. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and then top with the Oreos.
I've been meaning to post this video for a while now but just kept putting it off. In my mind though, it's never too late some favorite fall beauty products, especially when it's lipstick. I started wearing lipstick last year and now I'm addicted. I usually go for nudes and neutrals but love the dark vampy and wine colors for the fall season.
For a full list of the lipsticks mentioned in the video, visit this page and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
I saw this tag video going around on YouTube, and I just had to join in on the fun. It's all about favorite fall things from beauty and fashion to food and drink. So if you want to see me looking not so glamorous {I'm in workout clothes, glasses, and forgot to put on mascara} and talking about whether I prefer Halloween or Thanksgiving, give this video a watch!
It's the season of sales, and trust me, I'm not complaining one bit. One sale that I always look forward to is the Kate Spade Friends and Family sale. They have beautiful jewlery and quality handbags {not to mention the pretty dresses and shoes!}, so this is the perfect time to take advantage of the discount and scoop up a few things.
Leather Bow Gloves // Great for when the temperatures start to really cool down
Slater Sneakers // The prettiest glitter and jeweled sneaker! Holiday season, anyone?
Make sure to shop the Kate Spade {and Kate Spade Saturday} Friends and Family sale {use the code F14FFUS} before Sunday night. You don't want to miss out!
"When Blogging Becomes a Slog" // Did you see this article in The New York Times? It's a great read about blogging, the blogging community, and what happens when it becomes more of a chore than work or a hobby you love. I think a lot of people view blogging as an easy task, the content taking just minutes to create. It can take hours to put a post together, never mind taking photos, recording videos, and the editing. I've started and ended multiple blogs before this one so I know that the burn out is real.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls // I stumbled upon these apple cinnamon rolls on Pinterest and immediately went to the original site to get the recipe. Cinnamon rolls are already tasty, but add in some apples and it only gets better. This would be the perfect fall brunch dish!
I'm Not The Only One // I love Sam Smith's voice, and I've been listening to this song nonstop lately. It's my go-to jam while commuting to work in the morning. I also really love the video, partially because of Dianna Agron. Give it a listen and be prepared to love it too.
Last week, I shared my shower and hair care favorites in the first video of this two-part series. I posted this video of my skincare favorites and must-haves for anyone who has eczema and dry/sensitive skin. I even included my one skincare secret that will probably surprise you. I've never shared with anyone until now! It's an old trick that I learned from my mom who used to do it when she was a teenager and used it on me when I was a baby. I'm pretty sure my grandma did it when she was younger, too. A skincare secret that spans generations... one that you definitely will want to try!
For a full list of products, make sure to visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Skincare videos and posts seem to be quite popular lately. Maybe it's the change in weather, but they just seem to be popping up everywhere. I don't often run into people with my skin type {eczema + super dry/sensitive skin} so I thought I would share my current favorites in a little two part series. The first video are all the things I currently have in my shower and a few hair care favorites.
For a full list of products mentioned in the video, make sure to visit my YouTube channel!
Though the autumn season started a few weeks ago, the weather has been a bit up and down here in the city. But yesterday it finally felt like fall! The temperatures were in the 50s and everyone was walking around in their coats, quilted vests, scarves, and boots. I loved it! Hopefully the weather stays like this, and we can all enjoy the wonderful cool and crisp fall temperatures!
One of my many favorite things in life is Essie nail polish {seriously, I pretty much only own Essie}. Oh, nail polish... I know it's not good for my nails, but I like to change the color every few days or at least every week. When the fall season comes, I put away the bright corals and oranges that I stick to in the summer and break out more neutrals and deeper shades for my fingers and toes.
1. and 2. Mink Muffs and Chinchilly are two of my top three of Essie polishes that I think everyone must own. They're two of my go-to neutral nail colors, especially during autumn.
3.Cashmere Bathrobe is another great neutral, a soft shade of gray with a hint of shimmer.
4. Shearling Darling is a richer and deeper shade of red that I love, especially during the latter half of the season. I don't normally choose red polish, but this is one I can get down with.
5. Carry On is a pretty burgundy and is the only color that will be on my toes during this time of the year.
6. Damsel in a Dress, an iridescent dark purple, is the color I currently have on my nails.
7. Armed & Ready is a lustrous army green that goes with the camo trend that's been so popular.
8. Stylenomics, a rich forest green, and it's one of my favorite polishes that I own. In my opinion, it's one of the most perfect shades for autumn.
9. After School Boy Blazer is a recent purchase for me, but I love that it's such a dark blue that it nearly looks black.
What are your favorite nail polish colors to wear during the season? I'd love to know!
Yes, you read the title right. This past summer, from June 1st to Labor Day, I decided to not spend a single cent on clothes, jewelry, shoes, makeup, handbags... You name it and I probably didn't buy it. I allowed myself to get the obvious things, groceries and other necessities {shampoo, lotion, etc.}, but otherwise, I couldn't get anything new.
I had one, very simple goal in mind: to save money. Sounds easy right? Well, let me tell you...
IT. WAS. HARD.
I've done spending freezes before but never one of this length. And as someone who reads a ton of blogs and subscribes to many YouTube channels, the temptation to buy new things was always there. I made it though! So I thought I would share a few things I learned and some tips I picked up to help you get through your next spending freeze.
1. Write down your goal and put it somewhere visible.
For me, I wrote down "Three months = $$" in my planner at the beginning of every week. It was an easy reminder that I had a goal in mind that I really wanted to reach. I didn't have any set amount in mind, just that I wanted to save more money to put into my savings account.
2. Specify exactly what you plan on NOT purchasing for x amount of days/months.
I've found that whenever I've said "I'm just not going to spend money for this many days" doesn't really work. By knowing exactly what I couldn't buy, I was less likely to actually buy those things instead of making a purchase and then having an excuse for it.
3. Tell people you're on a spending freeze.
Don't keep this to yourself! It helps to have friends and family know so that they're not tempting you with hours and hours at the mall or eating out every weekend. And once you reach your goal end date, they'll be really proud and impressed!
4. You'll find out what you love and what you never really wear in your closet.
This was a big one for me. I live in a studio apartment without much closet space so everything is just crammed in there. Since I couldn't buy any new clothes when I thought I didn't have anything to wear, I ended up remixing a lot of what I already had. It showed me what pieces and color palette I stick to the most and helped me pare down my wardrobe. I ended up donating a bunch of things, selling some on Poshmark, and sending it off to ThredUp. Who doesn't love more closet space?
5. Window shopping will be your enemy... and then your best friend!
Any amount of time you try to abstain from something is tough. When it comes to shopping though, you can still window shop. In the beginning, you'll hate this. So much so that you'll probably avoid store, malls, and your favorite online sites for awhile. And that's OK! You're still learning how to resist the temptation of buying that new blouse or that new lipstick. Eventually you'll get over that hump and realize that window shopping is the best way to put things on your wish list. Which leads me to my next point...
6. You will learn the difference between want vs. need.
By July, I felt I had a pretty good grasp on this challenge. So whenever I visited a site to do some online window shopping, I'd put things in my cart... and then they'd stay there. Sometimes things would go out of stock, sometimes I would just remove them altogether, but by leaving them there, I was able to weigh whether or not the purchase was something I just wanted or something that I needed to fill a void in my closet.
7. You will feel rewarded in the end.
When your spending freeze is over, there will be a sense of relief and a great sense of joy. You did it! Congratulations! It's quite the accomplishment, and it gets even better when you see how much money you saved up. Reward yourself with something nice, but don't go overboard! A new lipstick or one pair of new shoes that you've have your eyes on for months is a nice little gift, just don't spend it all at once! You saved up some money and, trust me, it's nice to hang on to that.
So have you ever embarked on a long spending freeze? I'm starting a new one today! I plan on holding out from the usual {clothes, makeup, shoes} until Thanksgiving to save up some money before the holidays. Let me know if you plan on doing one too!
If you don't follow golf, then you might not be aware of a pretty big event happening this weekend. The Ryder Cup, taking place at Gleneagles in Scotland, will have the twelve man team for the USA teeing it up against the twelve man team for Europe. Though I wish I could be there {currently living vicariously through my parents who left for the tournament yesterday!}, I'll be watching and cheering on Team USA from my comfy little couch.
Team USA will be looking pretty sharp this weekend, as they were outfitted by Ralph Lauren. I went for a more subdued look with little bits of our flag here and there - a flag scarf, stars and stripes sneakers, tie-dye nails, star stud earrings, a red lip. And we can't forget the gold bag to give good vibes for a USA victory on Sunday!
The autumn season officially starts tomorrow, and as if I haven't mentioned it enough already, I am so excited! These apple cider donuts are the perfect thing to start off the season tomorrow morning. Honestly, they're like fall in a donut. Enjoy it with either your daily cup of coffee or dunk it in a mug of apple cider. Either way, you will love each sugared and spiced bite!
