My Favorite Things | JULY 2020

Another month has sped by, which means it’s time for another Favorite Things post! I’ve said it many times before, but these are my favorite posts to write. I love sharing the hodge podge of items that strike my fancy each month. This month is a hefty one, so let’s not waste any time.

S K I N C A R E

It’s been a long time, if ever, that I’ve gotten excited over a bar of soap. The Rustic House recently launched Artisan Soaps, and I am obsessed with the Milk + Honey scent. Mainly because it doesn’t have added fragrance. This soap contains Goat Milk and Tennessee Honey. It has the creamiest lather, and doesn’t leave a funky film on your skin. It washes away layers of sunscreen after a day on the lake with ease. This soap feels like such a treat with each use!

M A K E U P

Once again, Fenty Beauty has knocked it out of the park with their new Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipsticks. I first heard about these lip-balm-gloss hybrids from YouTuber Fleur De Force, and knew I had to try them! If you’re looking for an everyday, throw in your purse lip color that is ultra flattering, you need these in your life. I have the shade Retro Rose, a classic, rosy pink. The formula is super-light and moisturizing.

On the Sephora website, the swatches look frosty–as if they are from 1995, but in reality the finish is super gleamy and shiny. SO GORGEOUS. I have already ordered a second one. The packaging is also stylish and durable. I think I like this formula even better than the Gloss Bombs. The only thing that is off-putting is the fake strawberry-vanilla scent. But I can easily look past that. Your lips will look so plump and healthy.

Last summer, I purchased an eyeshadow palette from Marc Jacobs Beauty and was unimpressed. Really! The shadows had no pigment and disappeared on my eyelids within a couple hours. I sent it right back! However, they have redeemed themselves with the See-quins Glam Glitter Liquid Eyeshadows.

Y’all know how I feel about theHaus Labs Glitter Eyeshadows.These are very similar, but are even more opaque. I have the shade Gleam Girl. The Sephora website describes it as rose gold, but I would say it is more of a peachy shade with champagne sparkle. I mean, how pretty is that?! The formula is super-metallic and doesn’t budge. Gleam Girl opens your eyes and brightens your face. I really want to try more shades.

Retro Rose and Gleam Girl

T O  W E A R

I absolutely love to collect statement earrings. They are like little works of art! Gotta have a pretty floral pair for summer, and these Flower Field Earrings from Gilded Garment have become some of my favorites. They add a feminine touch to every outfit. Plus, they have a unique, ceramic-like texture,

T O  R E A D

Image Credit: Amazon

A posh, exclusive couple are set to be married on a remote island off the Irish Coast. At the start of The Guest List, a guest is murdered, and you know that the wedding will be anything but shiny and magical. The novel is told through multiple viewpoints; the guests of the wedding. This kept me interested all the way through. Even though the backbone of the novel is a classic whodunit format, it dives really deep into each character’s past. Dark secrets and true colors start to show through. You keep wondering which guest is actually murdered, and it will keep you guessing till the very end. Really liked this one!

Image Credit: Amazon

If you’re looking to take a trip back in time, I highly recommend Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams. Williams has become one of my favorite authors throughout the years. Her novels always contain sassy, strong-willed female characters. Each sentence paints such a vivid picture that really makes each novel come alive. Flight is no different.

Janey Everett is a spry photojournalist on a quest to uncover the truth about her favorite pilot, Sam Mallory, who mysteriously disappeared during the Spanish Civil War. Janey aspires to write a book about him. Meanwhile, she tracks down Irene, who Janey believes was Sam’s co-pilot; it was reported she disappeared as well. When Janey finally gets Irene to admit that she is the long lost pilot, she tells Sam’s story in detail.

Her Last Flight alternates between Sam Mallory’s heyday in the 20’s and 30’s, and Janey’s quest to tell Sam and Irene’s story in the 40’s. Each character is so rich and well developed, as if they jump right off the page. This novel also has twist and turns at the end that will make you say “no way.” Those are my favorite kinds of books!

Have you read anything good lately? I’d love to know. Drop a comment!

My Favorite Things | APRIL 2020

While March drug by at sloth-level speed, I really feel like April came and went. This month I didn’t try a ton of new makeup, but each item in my favorites this month is just a tiny something that I enjoyed. Let’s get started!

M A K E U P

I used to think that you had to spend a pretty penny for high-quality eyeshadows. But within the last couple years, drugstore brands have REALLY stepped up their game. For example, the elf Bite Size Shadow Quads are amazing quality. They are supposedly a dupe for the expensive Natasha Denona Eyeshadows–I just can’t spend over $100 for one of her palettes! I chose the elf palette in Pumpkin Pie; a combo of bronze and amber toned shadows.

I just can’t get over how buttery and silky the textures are! Shadows with a matte finish can commonly apply patchy, but not these! Most of the time I don’t even use a brush to put these on; just my fingertips. They have really dense pigment, yet they blend so easily. The packaging is sleek and sturdy. Would you believe each palette is only $3?! Can’t wait to try more shades.

S K I N C A R E

I’m a sucker for a high-end lip balm. There is something that feels so luxurious and special about them! Lately the one I’ve been reaching for the most is the Primera Clean Berry Lip Mask. It has the thickest, most moisturizing texture. A little goes a long way. This buttery lip mask really repairs your lips instead of just sitting on top. I used to be a big Laneige Sleeping Mask fan, but the Clean Berry Lip Mask converted me. It’s free of any weird ingredients and smells like strawberry lemonade. It’s worth the tiny splurge!

J E W E L R Y

This year I’ve really been into the statement earring trend! I hope it never really goes away, because I just think big earrings are a fun little cherry on top to any outfit. I’ve been loving these Under The Sea Mermaid Beaded Earrings from Gilded Garment. It encompasses everything I love: beads, sequins and colorful jewel tones. These earrings are very lightweight and won’t annoy you during the day. So cute!

T O  R E A D

My favorite kinds of books are the ones that whisk you away to a different place and time for a little while. I think most anyone could use that kind of read right now. I read The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin this month and liked it a lot! It’s such a transportive, lush novel.

The novel follows a young widow, Lily. She travels to Paris to visit her brother after losing her husband. Lily and her brother start rubbing elbows with high-profile people, including Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Both designers are at the top of their game, but remain rivals. Chanel’s style is classic and refined while Schiaparelli’s is more wacky and eccentric. Lily befriends both of them and gets tangled up in their worlds, from the lavish parties to competitive fashion shows.

The Last Collection is a fairly light read, but it took me a while to finish. Each character in the story is well written and developed. It was neat to see how Lily found her purpose  (and love) again after her husband’s death. I really enjoyed this one!

T O  E A T

I’m sensitive to sugar, so it can be really hard to find sweet treats that I actually ENJOY. My dad bought me this Lily’s Extra Dark Chocolate Bar and I’ve been obsessed. The texture is dark, smooth and rich. Plus, it’s sweetened just slightly with stevia. Most dark chocolate can taste really bitter and waxy, but not this one. I’m stocking up the next time I go to Whole Foods.

My Favorite Things | March 2020

I hope everyone is doing alright amid this quarantine craziness! I think I have finally become less stir-crazy and have just been enjoying the stillness of everything. But I sure will be happy when life returns to normal. Here are the items that have struck my fancy during March. I hope they will bring you a little happiness like they have done for me…

M A K E U P

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE collecting different blushes. Even the most similar ones have their subtle differences and are worth buying! I have long been a fan of Buxom’s Seychelles Blush. Almay recently came out with a new blush line – I have been loving the Healthy Hue Blush in Nearly Nude.

Like Seychelles, it is primarily bronze- based, but with more of a light pink undertone.  It has just the right amount of sheen that isn’t too shimmery and won’t cling to your pores. Nearly Nude is going to be perfect for the summer months and beyond. If you’re looking for a quality drugstore blush that is equal parts bronze glow and healthy flush, check out Nearly Nude!

Cleaning up makeup smudges is typically done with a Q-Tip, but Neutrogena has invented a more efficient way to do so, without removing or patching the rest of your eye makeup. The Vitamin E Makeup Remover Eraser Stick isn’t just a gimmick; it actually works pretty well! All you do is liberally rub the solid gel stick on top of your mistake–smudged mascara or eyeliner–and gently blend with your finger. The rest of your eye makeup won’t rub off with the mistake. I do notice that shimmery eyeshadows do lose a bit of luster at times, but I don’t have a problem with touching that up if needed. Nonetheless, this is a neat little tool.

C L O T H I N G

Image Credit: Gap

Social distancing has allowed us to break out our comfy clothes! I received this Ombre Sweatshirt from Gap for my birthday and have basically been living in it. Mine is a pink color, but regardless this item is a must-have. It’s just so cozy and warm without being too heavy. I love the ripped, distressed hem.

J E W E L R Y

Huggie Hoops have really been in this season! I love the dainty twist of these Blitz Earrings from The August Sisters, a local Chattanooga jewelry brand started by my aesthetician and her sister. These earrings go with pretty much any outfit and have the prettiest, iridescent shine. Now is more important than ever to support small businesses. The August Sisters has such fun, eclectic pieces. Check them out!

E N J O Y

Image Credit: The Rustic House

We all need a little something that keeps us calm during this weird time. For me, it has been the Ginger Root Candle from The Rustic House. I work for TRH, but I would rave about this regardless!

Let me tell you, Ginger Root smells absolutely DIVINE. It has notes of ginger, saffron and lemon. Each of these notes are evenly distributed throughout the candle, producing the most relaxing, serene scent. Spicy and bright, yet soft. It’s not too harsh or earthy. Your house will smell like a spa. My all-time favorite candle now. I could smell it for the rest of my life and not buy another scent. PS – TRH is offering free shipping + 20% off. Go support this amazing small business too! We make great candles 😉

My favorite things: March edition

Hello, friends!

I am so sorry for the delay on this “favorite things” post. March has been a crazy month for me school-wise, so I have been unable to gather my things and write this post. Nonetheless, I finally got it all together and am ready to share with you all the beauty buys, fashion finds and music that have struck my fancy this month. Let’s get started!

{Products for pretty hair}

It is no secret that I love all things beauty. But I have to tell you that styling my hair is not my strongest suit. So many girls are so talented at doing their hair..not Lyndi! I just don’t have the patience for it; I wish I did. These are two products that I have recently started using to keep my hair looking good.

Dove Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo has to be my favorite dry shampoo I have ever tried. I feel like this one truly does what it claims–to soak up oil and grime while still making hair soft. I just spray a small amount at my roots, let it sit for a minute or two and then tousle my hair around with my fingers for added texture. The smell is light, clean and pleasant. I can smell small bursts of it throughout the day, which I love.
About a week or so ago, I got four inches cut off of my hair! I loved my long locks, but the knots were getting in the way, so I was ready to say goodbye to them. I’ve mentioned before that I don’t have the thickest hair out there. Lately, I’ve been looking for something to help thicken it up and give it some body. Living Proof Full Thickening Cream has been the golden ticket! Again, this product does what it claims. I apply it to damp hair and then blow-dry. I have been using it for around four weeks now and I really have noticed a difference in my hair. It has become thicker and stronger. I definitely recommend it  and will purchase a full-size bottle soon!

{Fun, Dangly Earrings}

My momma taught me early on that no outfit is complete without earrings! Her motto has stuck with me for years…I feel naked if I don’t have any on–hahaha! Usually, I stick with a basic shape: classy pearls or shiny little studs. Lately, I’ve been inspired to branch out a bit and try something different! Here are three pairs of “dangly earrings” I have in my collection that I’ve enjoyed wearing lately:
My mom got me this Betsey Johnson pair for my spring break present! It reminds me of little mosaics. They are little works of art! You’ll noticed that each earring is the inverse of the other. So cute! I love the quirkiness that Betsey Johnson gives to her jewelry.
I received the middle pair of earrings as a Christmas gift! They came from one of my favorite boutiques in my hometown called Merch Northshore. I had been on the hunt for a basic pair of silver hoops. When I saw the tiny beads on them, I knew they were a must-have! They give the simple hoop a little bit of stylish texture.
The last pair is also from Betsey Johnson. I received these nearly two years ago and forgot about them until recently! I love how the gold and hot pink colors look together, and of course the heart charm! They give any outfit a dose of sass!

{The return of Shania}

photo credit: Walmart.com

Before I say anything else, let me just say that Shania Twain is just perfect. She has been one of my favorite singers for as long as I can remember. I kid you not–one of my earliest memories is singing Man! I Feel Like A Woman! in my car seat! She hasn’t put out a new album in 13 years, but I still listen to her regularly. Her songs are so good and relatable!
Now that my little speech is out of the way, I was THRILLED beyond measure when I saw her new Still the One: Live from Vegas album; I bought it without question! I get so giddy when I hear each song!! They bring back memories from my childhood. I haven’t had the chance to watch the concert DVD yet, but I definitely will soon. This album is so great! If you are a Shania fan, you must buy!!!! (Sorry for all of the exclamation marks.)

I hope you have enjoyed this month’s installment of My favorite things! I so enjoyed sharing them with you. 🙂 Stay tuned for more favorites in the future!

Have a fabulous day!

Chic yet cheap…part two!

Hello, all!

This week I am continuing my fashion posts, where I put together a trendy fall outfit for an affordable price. When I was visiting my hometown a couple weeks ago, I went to Old Navy to check out their sweaters, my favorite thing to shop for in the fall! It’s still a little warm to start wearing them, but I thought I would get an early start to be ready for the cold weather.  Here’s what I picked:

Women’s Graphic Crew Neck Sweater, $22 Graphic sweaters are really “in” this season! I spotted this sweater a month or two ago in a magazine and HAD to have it. The fox is just adorable, and I love the pink contrast the glasses offer on the tan sweater. The material very light and breathable but will keep you warm at the same time. It almost feels like wearing your favorite T-shirt! If you want to “dress it up” a little more, I would recommend wearing a colored button-down shirt under the sweater. It adds an extra pop of color!

         

(The dots were a little hard to photograph since each one is made up of smaller dots, but I tried my best to show you the detail).

Women’s The Diva Skinny-Ankle Pants, $32.50 I absolutely love these pants! Once again, the hot pink color compliments the glasses on the sweater.  Also, the polka dots on the pants add a cute detail! The material is awesome; it is stretchy and flexible. These pants are durable; you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have nice quality. Most importantly, they are very comfortable despite the “skinny” fit! Most fall garments have deeper tones, so these are definitely a nice change.

Flower Earrings, $7 You know me–I love to accessorize my outfit with a fun pair of earrings! These scream “expensive,” so it surprised me that they were under $10. I love the vintage look along with the soft colors of the flower. You can wear these with anything to add personality!

GRAND TOTAL, $61.50

There you have it–another cute fall outfit that didn’t break the bank! Tune in next week for more stylish and savvy bargains!

What article of clothing do you enjoy shopping for the most in the fall?

Have a fabulous day!

Lyndi

Chic yet cheap…part one!

Hello, all! So here it is…my first blog post! This blog is all about different ways to be stylish and savvy without spending a ton of money. I plan to use this blog to share with you both fashion and beauty bargains that I find.

When you think about fashion and school, they don’t really mix. Most people (including me) would rather hit the “snooze” button on the alarm clock instead of getting out of bed early to put on a cute outfit. However, a couple of weeks ago, I shopped at  Forever 21 to find some fall clothes that are trendy yet basic enough to wear to class. The best part? All pieces are affordable! Here are the details:

Taupe & Black Cardigan, $19.80 This cardigan is one of those classic pieces that will most likely work with any fall outfit. The material is my favorite part–it almost feels exactly like expensive, luxurious cashmere but is a fraction of the cost! Also, I decided to buy a size bigger than what I normally wear just because I wanted a more relaxed fit. This cardigan would look great on anyone!

White Tank, approx. $8 I paired the cardigan with a simple white racerback tank that I bought at Target a couple of years ago. To be honest, I can’t remember the exact cost, but it was somewhere around $8.

Leopard Leggings, $14.80 For the past couple of years, leopard print has been super popular! When I first saw these leggings, I thought they would be too bold to wear to class, but as long as they are paired with something subtle, like the cardigan, they should remain basic enough to wear to class on a fall day.

Bow Earrings, approx. $4: These earrings added some flair to the outfit! Again, I purchased them about two years ago, so I’m not sure of the exact cost.  Adding a fun pair of earrings can add a little something extra to any outfit!

GRAND TOTAL, approx. $46.60

There you have it…a fashionable fall outfit that didn’t break the bank! Tune in next week when I reveal even more fashion and beauty bargains!

What do you think are the most popular trends for this fall?

Have a fabulous day!

Lyndi