ulta 21 days of beauty: picks and recommendations

I'm torturing myself during this spending freeze by spending my time looking through catalogs. It's a blessing and a curse. This Sunday, September 3rd, is the first day of Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty event. I looked at the offerings earlier this week and, to be completely honest, it's not their best.

But!

That doesn't mean that there aren't some really good products scattered throughout the 21 days. And since you're all probably allowed to shop as you please, I put all of my favorites in this week's new video!

friday cheers {vol. 1}

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Here's to hoping that I actually keep up with this series every week! 

Also, you can't tell me that everything in the above picture doesn't have you suddenly hungry for a good charcuterie board and a refreshing Aperol Spritz. Who's up for a party?! ;]

1. This Sesame Street parody of Despacito is super catchy and puts a smile on my face.

2. Have you heard of The Bucket List Family? They're at Walt Disney World for #30Staysin30Days!

3. I'm single AF but seriously love this autumn-inspired and vintage wedding on Style Me Pretty.

4. This article written by Danielle hits the nail on the head about how life works in the funniest and best ways. 

5. Who else is really excited about the season finale of Game of Thrones on Sunday?!

6. I can't shop, but I really love these bow t-strap heels from Anthro!

7. Taylor Swift's new song is so awful. She's had so much better. #NotSorry

anti-haul // what i won't be buying {vol. 1}

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Since I'm on a spending freeze, I've spent a lot of time doing two things. I've been browsing a ton of new arrivals for the upcoming fall season at J. Crew and Anthropologie. I've also been watching anti-hauls on YouTube.

If you're not familiar with the anti-haul concept, it's exactly what it sounds like. People sit and tell you the things they won't be buying and why. I love it because it's actually a great reminder that we don't need to have everything. Just because it's the hot new item or the pair of shoes every blogger is wearing doesn't mean that it needs to make its way into our closet, too. Besides, who wants to look just like everyone else anyway?

I've been wanting to make this type of video for quite some time now and felt like my current zero shopping budget made it the best time to get my feet wet.

fall ready with j. crew and h&m

I know that I just posted about my spending freeze on Tuesday, and I just purchased a bunch of new things from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul... But like I said, I like to shop.

To be fair, I only picked up a few new things for the upcoming fall season. I'm super excited about all of them so I'm glad I made these purchases at J. Crew and H&M. I did a full try on haul on my YouTube channel and shared everything from the fit and how to style them!

fifty days of no shopping

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It is no secret that I love shopping just as much as the next girl. I have a bunch of different haul videos on my YouTube channel, including two from this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Two! I had originally only planned on making one! Ugh.

So it's safe to say that I've done my fair share of shopping. Ever since my birthday in May, I haven't been as strict with myself on what I can and can't purchase. And I really need to be since I'm currently unemployed. Yup, I'm currently living that #funemployment life... Except it's not really all that fun. Just being honest.

Not receiving a paycheck plus trying to decide what to do with my life has made me realize that I should be saving rather than spending. Plus, I'd also like to build up a wardrobe of clothes that I love and will last me longer than a season. So I'm cutting off shopping for the next fifty days! I've done a bunch of spending freezes in the past and wanted to share my tips on how to get through it with you!

the best sunscreen to wear every day

You might think that I'm a little late in the summer to be sharing this. But honestly, it's never too late to talk about sunscreen and protecting your skin.

I wear sunscreen all year round. That's right. I wear it every single day, which means that I have tried a lot and gone through many, many tubes and bottles and sprays. And even though it's August, it's really never too late to share the best sunscreen you should be using.

nordstrom anniversary sale part 2

I couldn't help myself and made a second order during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The deals are just too good to resist! To be fair, I didn't get that many things and I know that I'll get a lot of use out of everything.

And because my last one was so popular, I have another try on haul video for you! And I even mention something that I ended up returning...

wish list: statement earrings

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As someone who wears a lot of basics, I always use accessories and shoes to up my outfits. I love leopard print, any and all suede shoes, and lots of rings.

But if I really had it my way, I would own lots of statement earrings that I could pair with everything.