Thursday, July 31, 2014

That's So Pintersting {Style}

I love Pinterst, particularly the style section (by far my largest board). I spend way too much time scouring the site for outfit inspiration and hunting for specific pieces. I pin a lot of styles that I wish I would incorporate into my own, but I have yet to do so. Here is who I want to be (as far as style goes)...
Lots of neutrals, layers, and flats. Which my wardrobe is full of, but never looks this good.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Wish List {ULTA}

I received a 20% off coupon from ULTA in the mail last week. I immediately started filling my online shopping bag with all my wish list items. I'll narrow down my picks this week and then head to the store on Saturday with my sister. I realize I make this a much more intense process than need be, but I actually really enjoy this little ritual.

Here is what's currently in my shopping bag...

1 | Too Faced Natural Eyes Collection | Everyone seems to be raving about this eyeshadow palette this summer. I must admit there doesn't seem to be one bad color.

2 | It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick | I've been looking for an everyday sheer lipstick and I think this may be the one.

3 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar MAT Moisturizer | I'm due to run out of my moisturizer any day now. I have fallen in love with La Roche-Posay and I like that this suits oily skin.

4 | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Caramel) | This little pencil lasts forever, but I think I should have a one on hand so I'm ready when mine runs out.

5 | BECCA Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle (Fig/Opal) | I'm so excited to see ULTA is now carrying BECCA and this little shimmer blush looks so pretty.

6 | Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner (Rockstar) | I only have one 24/7 eyeliner (Zero) and I really like it. I think this plum shade would be a nice addition. 

7 | It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Clinically Proven 5-in-1 Mascara | I love trying new mascaras and I've heard a lot of hype surrounding this one.

8 | It Cosmetics Bye Bye Lid Lines | I'm almost out of my NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and I'm thinking I may give this one a try.

9 | OPI Nail Lacquer (Alpine Snow) | I've been wanting to try the white nail trend all summer. This shade looks opaque and summery (despite the name).

10 | Lorac PRO To Go Eye/Cheek Palette | I want this palette in the worst way, but my ULTA stopped selling Lorac so I doubt it will make the cut this time.

11 | It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream | Another hyped up product. Can you tell that I'm really into It Cosmetics at the moment? 

12 | Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Shampoo | I've been using the Not Your Mother's Way To Grow Shampoo (and conditioner) and the Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray so I think this product is destined to be mine.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Wat Da Book Gon Be

Anyone else still a fan of Murphy Lee? Brady and I like to break out rap songs from our high school days :)

One of my resolutions each year (I'm only on the second year) is to read 12 books. I also resolve to work out three times a week, but I'm less successful with that one. Now, I have really gotten back into reading and this is a resolution that I actually enjoy fulfilling. My mom and I have turned it into a little book club. Nearly every book I read I will pass on to her. A few books go to my sisters, but always my mom first.
All books are Bella-approved :)
My 2013 Favorites
1 | Gone Girl
A thrilling page-turner. Block off a few days to finish this. 
2 | Brain on Fire
I'm intrigued by the human brain and mental illness. The diagnosis was shocking.
3 | Bossy Pants
Made the mistake of reading this on a plane. I'm sure my neighbors were annoyed with the nonstop laughing.
4 | The Paris Wife
Makes we want to read more classics.
My 2014 Favorites (Thus Far)
1 | A Hundred Summers
A quick read that you won't be able to put down.
2 | Beautiful Ruins
A very interesting story, unlike any others I've read.
3 | The Vacationers
Another quick read. Perfect for summer.
On My List for 2014
1 | Rich Kids of Instagram: A Novel
Recommended by E! News
2 | An Abundance of Katherines 
Recommended by my mother-in-law
3 | We Were Liars
Found this on a 2014 reading list.



Monday, July 28, 2014

Weekend Update

We are officially moved out! It's bittersweet... I'm happy to be done packing and cleaning, but I'll miss our little townhouse. We only lived there for two years, but it was our first two years of marriage (we didn't live together before we were married). I feel like we have learned a lot about each other in that time. We've created our own routine and developed fun traditions that I miss already.

Friday and Saturday were 100% cleaning and packing.
This was no fun
A rainbow appeared while moving (actually it was a double rainbow, but the second didn't show up in photos)
Last photo in our house
Goodbye North Liberty
Sunday was spent in Boone with my family.
A morning run with my dad (this was our cool down)
Baby Mira at 14 weeks
I love rocking this little babe
An evening walk with my other baby

Friday, July 25, 2014

Mantras

A few quotes and sayings that offer clarity and perspective in various situations...

My inspiration to indulge in wanderlust.
A friendly little reminder that you're in control.
When I get caught up in my own insecurities.
My answer to everything. Wise word from The 1975.
Often quoted to my husband.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

What's In My Bag {Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB}

This summer I have been carrying my Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB everywhere. This bag is much smaller than my other everyday bags. While I had to switch out my large wallet for a card case and small pouch, everything else fits pretty easily. Plus, it's so much easier to find things with the shallow bottom.

Here are the contents of my bag...
1 | iPhone 5 with Kate Spade case
2 | Tory Burch Card Case (similar)
3 | Comme des Garcon Small Pouch (similar)
10 | Gum
11 | Headphones
12 | iPod Shuffle

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Nordstrom Sale {Top Picks}




Five Product Face

1 | NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is my only base product when I'm in hurry or going for a natural look. This concealer gets everything smooth and even.
2 | NARS Matte Multiple (Vientiane) doubles as my bronzer and eyeshadow on lazy days. This is a new find for me that is perfect for summer!
3 | Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (Pale Pink) also has multiple uses. It's a  pretty lip color, but I love it even more for blush. It blends easily and leaves a natural rosy cheek.
4 | Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Caramel) is my holy grail eyebrow product. Filling in my brows has become crucial since my eyebrows tend to bleach out a bit in the summertime.
5 | Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara is a goodie. I'm a bit of a mascara junkie and this one does not disappoint. This is one of the few mascaras that's good from the beginning until the very end.

What are your go-to products for an effortless look?

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Style Crush: Olivia Palermo

While some people were underwhelmed by Olivia Palermo's wedding look, I absolutely loved it!
I've always been a huge fan of her style (not such a big fan of her during The City). She always seems to get it right whether it's for the red carpet or running errands. She is the pattern mix master (an element that I struggle with) and great at pairing expensive and affordable items together.

Here are some of my favorite looks...
And some of my wish list items inspired by OP...
The ultimate mirrored sunnies come from Westward Leaning. She actually teamed with them for a little collaboration. 

I've been lusting after this Meli Melo Thela Bag for years. She own's it in multiple colors and I'm green with envy.