Winter Blues

It's been raining nonstop. These gloomy days have me longing for some sunshine. My parents just booked their annual Bahamas trip. Unfortunately, Brady and I won't be able to make it this year. I'm bummed about this one. I've been reminiscing on our past trips whilst dreaming of warm weather and salt water. Here are some favorite Bahama memories (going all the way back to 2007...yikes).

We have always gone to Nassau, but we were married on Paradise Island and vacationed in the Grand Bahamas in 2014... trust me, they're all good!

Life Update

I apologize for my absence. I've been super busy with work... and watching every episode of The Good Wife on Hulu. I upgraded to Hulu Plus so I could catch up on Scandal. Before I knew it I was hooked on The Good Wife. It's been quite time-consuming. 

I've been trying to get back on the workout wagon. My goal is a good workout three days a week. I've also been working on my diet. Lots of lemon water, greek yogurt, and avocado toast has made it pretty easy. This has been my breakfast of choice every morning...

My parents are coming to Washington next week! I'm so excited! It feels like it's been waaay longer than three months since I've seen them. The song, Yellow (by Coldplay) was on the radio yesterday and it made me very homesick. I always rocked Mira to this song to get her to sleep. Then, Amanda posted this picture...

... and I nearly cried.

Coveting

1 | Concert tickets! Hozier, Maroon 5, and (we can't forget) One Direction are coming to Seattle. I've spent a lot of time looking up tickets and convincing friends to go with me. 

2 | I can't believe it's taken me this long to get on board, but I really want the SensatioNail Nail Starter Kit. With how frequently I paint my nails, I think it's worth the investment!

3 | I haven't needed my sunglasses too often lately, but they always seem to be misplaced when I need them. I think it's time to invest in a second pair like these from Warby Parker

4 | I'm prepping for Spring. I need a lightweight hooded jacket and this one from Shopbop is perfect. I love the camo print, but it also comes in many different neutral shades. 

On My Mind

1 | It's been cold and rainy here. I'm ready for Spring! In the meantime, I've been snuggled on the couch for a Harry Potter marathon. I don't know why I'm so obsessed, but HP marathons seem to be annual tradition. 

2 | Two new makeup items added to my regimen. I've been starting with La Roche-Posay moisturizer and ending with the L'Oreal Infalliable setting spray. My makeup lasts all day without any touch-ups. 

3 | I'm trying to become more domesticated. I made a new rule for myself- every time I go grocery shopping I have to cook dinner that night. Last night was pasta with chicken and pesto. Brady was shocked, but he enjoyed it. 

Must-Have Drugstore Makeup

1 | L'Oreal nailed this one. At last, a drugstore setting spray. I've been addicted to Urban Decay All-Nighter, but I actually like this better! It's a finer mist, lasts just as long, and is much cheaper.

2 | I know I've raved about Miss Manga mascara in the past, but I couldn't make this post without including it. It's the perfect formula that lasts all day with flaking or smudging. At $7, it's definitely worth trying out. 

3 | NYX Butter Glosses are ultra creamy and smooth. Plus, they taste of vanilla. Creme brûlée is the perfect everyday nude shade. They don't have the longest staying power, but definitely aren't sticky. 

Next on my list- a Benefit Gimme Brow dupe. Maybelline Brow Drama might be the one. 

Your Rx

I'm not sure if everyone figured it out, but I'm a pharmacist. I've been keeping pretty busy during flu season. I spend a lot of time showing patients over-the-counter options for treating cold and flu symptoms. Here are my top recommendations...

1 | Fever

Advil (brand) = Ibuprofen (generic)
Tylenol (brand) = Acetaminophen (generic)

Choose one or alternate them. Also great for any generalized aches or pains. 

2 | Congestion

Sudafed (brand) = Pseudoephedrine (generic)

Sudafed PE (brand) = Phenylephrine (generic)

The top two images are pseudoephedrine... the most effective decongestant and only sold behind the pharmacy counter.

The bottom two images are phenylepherine... less effective, but sold off the shelves. You'll know it's phenylepherine when it ends in PE.

3 | Cough

Delsym (brand) = Dextromethorphan (generic)

Is the cough productive? If so, then it's best to let it run it's course and get the mucus out of your chest. If it's a dry, hacking cough try dextromethorphan. It's non-drowsy and the best OTC cough suppressant. 

Mucinex seems to get a lot of buzz, but it's not very effective and it's often combined with dextromethorphan which completely negates it's purpose. 

I've listed the brand-name options for easy recognition, but do yourself (and your bank account) a favor and go for the generic. It's equivalent and much cheaper!

Don't forget to visit with your pharmacist for questions and dosing!

January Favorites

Beauty

1 | NARS Laguna Bronzer is back in my life, but this time as my favorite eyeshadow. I've been using it as a bronzer and shadow every day. It's nearly gone, but still just as good as when I first got it.

2 | Tarte Gifted Mascara is still my one true makeup love. The obsession is real and for good reason- every time I wear this mascara I get compliments (or people asking if they're real).

3 | The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter will leave you looking refreshed and awake. I've been mixing it with my moisturizer for an allover glow or just dabbing it on my cheekbones. Both ways are good! 

4 | Fresh Sugar Lip Polish works wonders on smoothing and softening your lips. Plus, it leaves the nicest glossy finish. Brie got me a Christmas gift set which included a small sample size. I use it every morning and will definitely repurchase when I run out. 

5 | Urban Decay 24/7 Mushroom Eyeliner is a metallic taupe shade. It's subtle enough for everyday wear, but is more interesting and fun than black or brown. Just like every other 24/7 pencil, it applies smooth and evenly. 

Fashion

1 | Aerosoles Salt Water Sneakers are worth all this credit I've been giving them. When I love something I buy in multiples. I have four pairs of these... crazy, I know. I'm afraid they're going to stop making them. 

2 | H&M Basic Tees are my second favorite t-shirts (after FreeLoader, of course). However, they are much more easy to find than FreeLoader. They're long and flowy and look great with everything. I now own two white, one grey, and one black. Well worth $10.

3 | Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Tote was a birthday from my in-laws. It seriously rocks. I can't imagine going to back to a different bag. It holds all my everyday essentials plus my little work extras- spare flats, lunch, water bottle, etc. 

4 | Ann Taylor Cardigans are a wardrobe staple. I wear them weekly for work and also on the weekend (I wore the burgundy one for our little bar crawl a couple weeks ago). They fit great and keep their shape throughout the day. 

5 | TNA Jupiter Pants are ultra cozy. The most luxurious sweatpants I've ever owned. I wear them for days on end (TMI?). Again, I had to buy two pairs. 

Miscellaneous 

1 | LUSH Dirty Springwash Shower Gel smells fresh and minty. A great scent to wake you up in the morning. It also lathers really well and soothes sore muscles. I've really enjoyed, but it is quite pricey.

2 | Eureka Saaa-Wheat Bread is the most expensive bread I've ever bought, but it's completely worth it. The flavor and texture are out of this world. I've been enjoying it slightly toasted with avocado and pepper. 

3 | The Body Shop Absinthe Purifying Hand Soap was a Brady purchase. I sent him to Bath & Body Works for hand soap and candles, but he heard The Body Shop. The hand soap smells incredible! I'm a convert. However, the candles are no good.

4 | Orange You Glad Facial Cleansing Wipes were a Christmas gift from Brie. I never thought I would stray from my favorite Yes to Cucumber facial towelettes, but these are better. No one is more shocked than I. Thanks Brie!

5 | York Peppermint Patties have always been a weakness of mine. I made the mistake of grocery shopping while being hungry and ended up with a family-size bag. They're too good! Unfortunately, Brady doesn't like them so I end up devouring the entire bag.