Wednesday, March 30, 2016

March Favorites

Beauty
1 | Cover Fx Mattifying BB Gel is my go-to when I wear foundation. It's a rare occurrence because I don't like the feeling of make-up sitting on my skin, but this is definitely the most comfortable base I've found. Feels like nothing. 

2 | Beauty Blender is always a favorite, but constantly overlooked. I forget about it since I use it so frequently. No better way to blend foundation/concealer. I've had mine over a year- it still works well and cleans up nicely. 

3 | Too Faced Natural Eye Palette is a classic. Shimmer and matte shades with great pigmentation. I don't wear eyeshadow often, but when I do it's always neutral tones. This is really the only palette I need. 

4 | Simple Cleansing Micellar Water is my new favorite way to cleanse in the morning. It leaves your face clean and hydrated. I don't think it works well to remove makeup so I'm still using a traditional cleanser at night. 

5 | Purple Nail Polish (OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender & Revlon Hold Em) has been the only thing on my nails this past month (and Essie Sugar Daddy, which is my default). I like to alternate between light and dark nails. 


Fashion
1 | Paige Denim 'Transcend Skyline' (Black Shadow) are the most comfortable pants ever. No surprise here. I rave about this brand every month. I love this style (and color) so much I had to purchase a third pair. 

2 | The White Company Cardigan (sold out, similar) is a versatile piece in my wardrobe. I've worn it to work and with Lululemon yoga pants... can't say that about many other tops. Plus, it washes up really well. A quick iron and it looks like new. 

3 | 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Mini Pashli' Satchel (Lapis) was great investment. I got this bag in 2014. It has held up so well and is still one of my favorite bags. The size is perfect for anytime you want to be hands-free. 

4 | Bernie Mev 'Verona' Slip-Ons have been essential since returning to work. I wasn't able to wear my usual flats so these were  a life-saver. They're a subtle sneaker (not too unprofessional) and very comfortable. 

5 | ASOS Mirrored Sunglasses (similar) are the best affordable sunglasses. I got them last year and still love them. They don't feel cheap and the style is so cute. I get loads of compliments from girls... guys think they're ugly. 


Miscellaneous 
1 | Bachelorette is hilarious! Molly let me borrow her DVD a couple weeks ago and I've already watched it three times. It's like Bridesmaids, but much better (in my opinion). So many one-liners, so little time.

2 | Bath & Body Works 'Endless Weekend' Candle is a must-have this Spring. I'm currently burning my third one. It smells very similar to 'Apple Flower', which I was obsessed with last S/S. I think they may have just renamed it. 

3 | Bath & Body Works Lavender Chamomile Pillow Mist was a last-ditch effort to help with my insomnia since the accident. I think time has helped the most, but I do love this scent. I spray my pillow, the duvet, and my rocking chair... pretty much any fabric it will stick to. 

4 | Tazo Peppermint Tea has also become apart of my nighttime routine. I end each evening with a cup of tea and a book (while sitting in my rocking chair). It's very relaxing. I actually look forward to it now. 

5 | www.unroll.me has saved my inbox. It's definitely the quickest way the unsubscribe to mass e-mails. I unsubscribed to 94! It also offers e-mail "roll-up" which sends you one e-mail with links to subscriptions you want to continue receiving.  


The faves of the faves

Monday, March 28, 2016

Weekend Update

It was a quiet weekend at home. Brady has been out of town so I've been flying solo. 

I went for a walk on Friday afternoon. The weather was perfect and everything is in bloom. This is my favorite time of year in the PNW.
"My neighborhood"
Hogwarts
Molly came over Friday night. We watched Bachelorette- a Molly recommendation that has become one of my favorites. It's hilarious and I love Kirsten Dunst more each time I watch it. 
Saturday and Sunday looked pretty similar. I ran errands, went for another walk, and even worked out (using this term very loosely these days).
Breakfast and coloring time 
Our grocery store is the cutest
Evening in the gym
Pumping the 10's
Blue skies, blue water

Friday, March 25, 2016

All-Time Favorite Books

A few years ago I made a New Year's resolution to read one book each month. The first year I had to put forth (a major) effort to make sure I hit 12 books by the end of December. Now, reading has become apart of my routine and the moment I finish one book I'm on to the next. 

I think this will be a record-breaking year (one benefit of limited mobility the past 6 weeks). Recently I realized, with all this reading, there are a few books which have set the bar and made it very difficult to add anything new to the 'Top Reads' section of this blog.

You may notice a theme with these books... a personal storyline set in historic times. FYI I'm slightly obsessed with WWII.
1 | Euphoria is set in the 1930's and is loosely based on the life of Margaret Mead. It tells the story of travel, love, and tragedy in a page-turning storyline. It takes about 30 pages to really get into it and figure out what's going on. Don't give up on it.

2 | All The Light We Cannot See is a novel about WWII from the prospective of a young French girl and a German orphan boy. The protagonist's individual stories are captivating, but when their paths converge this book cannot be put down.  

3 | The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society was given to me by my mother-in-law and it she really nailed it with this one. It takes place on Guernsey Island during the German occupation and follows the lives of the most endearing characters.

And for the other end of the spectrum. Here are a few hyped-up books I found disappointing...

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Random Snaps

Here's what's been happening behind the scenes in March...
My "before" photo of my hair. It was as drastic of a change as I expected so no "after" necessary
#8... not bad. Wish I were still #6
Beecher's mac & cheese for the win
Best snap I've ever received
My lunch date
Copied my Dad and went for the Cortez
A few of my favorite things
Colin was in town last week. I think they spent more time drinking than skiing

Monday, March 21, 2016

Brie's Bachelorette Weekend

It was an epic weekend in Chicago celebrating the bachelorette. 

I flew in on Thursday afternoon and met up with Brie, Baylee and Sarah for a long weekend in the Windy City. We spent our days brunching, shopping and wandering around the city. Our nights involved a lot of bar hopping and very little sleep. I'm going to spend the rest of the week recovering. 
Pre-gaming 
St Patty's pub crawl
Donut run
So much choice
Green(ish) river
Soaking up the sun
When in Chicago
Make these purchases before the wedding :)
Met up with Dani and Lauren!
Happy babe
Representing 
City living
Blowouts 
Dinner at RPM Italian 
Ladies in black
The Underground at 3am
Brunch and bottomless mimosas at The Monarch
Shopping again
Quartino for the ISU game
Shots, shots, shots
Late night. Can't even remember the name of the bar...
... but I did play Jenga with this group

Monday, March 14, 2016

Weekend Update

Surprise, surprise. It was another weekend at home. 

Brady was in Alaska all week and didn't get home until late Sunday night. It was awfully quiet around the house. I didn't do much more than binge-watch Netflix, finish my latest book, and run a few errands. 

I miss weekends full of travel and adventure :(
House of Cards on Friday night
Saturday morning view
First workout in a month... arms and abs. Worst part was getting up off the floor.
Glasses, no makeup kind of weekend
Newest hobby
Tea time
Sunday skincare