Thursday, June 9, 2016

Stylish Phone Cases

For years I was strictly an Otterbox girl. I had nightmares of shattering my screen by using any other case. Then after many of my friends ended up shattering their phones while using the so called shatter-proof Otterbox, I decided to make the switch to a more visually appealing case. I haven't regretted making the switch once.

Rifle Paper Co. tend to be my go-to when in search of a new case. Currently, I'm using their Folk case, and before that I used the Clear Peach Blossom case, which was made in collaboration with Paper Crown a.k.a Lauren Conrad's clothing brand. My love for everything Lauren Conrad (Team LC!) is so strong that I actually purchased the case before I had a phone to use it with. Their cases have always kept my phone safe and stylish.

Recently, I've been itching to find a new case to switch to for the summer, so I rounded up some of my favorites to share with you guys.


Which are your favorites?

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Tips for Planning Your Week

For as long as I can remember I've been obsessed with staying organized. In high school and college I was always so excited to pick out my yearly agenda, and always tried to make it as neat and colorful as possible. To this day I hoard notebooks, planners, notepads, writing utensils - the list goes on and on. I love making to-do lists and being able to see my plans and appointments in writing. I've tried numerous times to utilize my iPhone calendar, but really nothing can compare to an actual handwritten list for me! 

1. Find a great planner // This is absolutely essential to me. I try to start each week by writing any existing appointments, trips, plans - anything that I'm expecting to do during the upcoming week. I color coordinate based to the category of each entry as well. Most recently, I've been attempting to plan my daily blog posts in my planner as well. I've tried a few different planners, and without a doubt the Erin Condren LifePlanner is my absolute favorite! You are able to customize the LifePlanner so that it's perfect for your needs. I've tried both the horizontal and vertical layouts, and plan to get the horizontal for 2017!

I also like to keep a smaller planner in my purse to use on the go. For a while I tried to carry my EC LifePlanner in my purse, but it's just a bit too bulky for that.

2. Plan weekly meals // I love to cook, but I've found that if I don't meal plan ahead of time I'll find any excuse to just grab take-out. Once Sawyer was born I went through a period of refusing to make dinner, but lately I've gotten into cooking again. I have a meal planner that I fill out each weekend and then post on the front of the fridge. I don't limit myself to what I write for each day, but having a menu that I can look at daily really helps.

Another thing that helps me to plan my meals is utilizing some great recipe subscriptions. I rotate between Plated, Hello Fresh and Blue Apron. I've found so many great recipes from these subscriptions that I never would have tried on my own.

3. Write daily to-do lists // I've always been obsessed with making lists, and honestly I'll find any excuse to make one. I currently have at least 10 unused list pads in random drawers because I need to be able to make a list at any moment. I make lists for everything - chores, groceries, ideas - I even try to keep a running list of all the makeup I own that is broken down into categories AND brand (I plan to show you guys my collection in the near future!).


These are just a few of the ways I am able to keep my life organized and set a schedule for myself. I'm always open to new ideas and ways of keeping myself on top of things.

What are some of your tips for planning and staying on top of your weekly priorities?

Saturday, May 28, 2016

On My Radar

The last two weeks I've been able to get a good amount of things accomplished. Last week I went back home to spend time with my parents for the first time since Christmas! I always love going home, and Sawyer gets to spend time with his grandparents. Once I came back to Wilmington I had a lot to accomplish - cleaning bathrooms, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning...everything. 

My goal was to have this post up on Friday. As in last Friday. Now it's Saturday, and - better late than never, right?



ONE // Bloom That

I received a $20 promo/gift code for Bloom That in my April Popsugar Must Have box. I had not previously heard of the service, but I was interested in trying it out. I've been checking the site frequently to see what new blooms they were offering, since some were a little more than I'd like to spend. When they added peonies I knew it was time to place an order.
I love having fresh flowers, and these were beautiful. If you're interested in ordering from them, the code PSBLOOMS4857 is good until around mid-June.


This fresh mask from Lush is so amazing! It's bright blue (it totally matched the color of the walls in the previous photo!) and smells like Fruit Loops. It made my skin feel so smooth and after the first use I could notice that my skin was so much clearer. I always love Lush's Fresh Masks, but I think this is my new favorite. 


I'm always a fan of new Colourpop collections, so this is no surprise. I really love the entire collection, and I'm so excited that they're finally allowing you to purchase single shadows rather than the whole set. Also, May marks Colourpop's second birthday, so orders placed this weekend will include a limited edition shadow in 'Birthday Boy'. I missed out on last years shadow 'Birthday Girl', and have regretted it ever since!

FOUR // Slither.io

I'll be the first to admit that I hate having games on my phone. I actually get nervous if I try to download a game app. I decided to try this one out one day while I was home, and I got hooked. You play as a snake and you essentially just eat the remains of other snakes, which appear as colorful dots. It's a pretty simple concept, but still fun. I love that it's also available to play online, and it really is so addictive. I've managed to make it to the top ten score board in 4th place before being killed by the tiniest of snakes.

FIVE // Rifle Paper Co. Memorial Day Sale

I love any and everything Rifle Paper Co.! I've gotten quite a few things from them in subscription boxes, and I've purchased a few of their prints for my living room, as well as iPhone cases. They are currently having a sale for 15% or more now through Tuesday, and it's taking a lot of willpower to not buy it all. I'm trying to decide between this one and this one. Okay, and maybe there are a few lot more I want. I am also dying for this to hang in my bathroom!


Sunday, May 15, 2016

Skincare Favorites


The importance of a good skincare regimen has always been something I was aware of, but I haven't always been the best at keeping a consistent routine. There have been nights when I was just "too tired" to wash my face, weeks when I thought that it didn't make a difference if I stuck to my routine, times when I thought that because I didn't have a current breakout I could skip a day or two - and every time I get out of the habit of washing my face, I've noticed a drastic difference.

I always feel so much better when I take the time to go through the steps of washing my face. There's a clear (no pun intended!) improvement in the look and feel of my skin. It's just so refreshing to clean and moisturize your face before bed.

I am by no means an expert when it comes to skincare. There are still things that I need to learn and steps I need to add to my routine - for instance, I know nothing about products that will help to prevent aging, but I do know that it's best to start using them early. These are the products that are currently working best for me.

Clarisonic Mia 2

Purchasing my Clarisonic from Sephora was probably one of the best decisions I've made for my skin. I have used cheaper alternatives in the past, but I don't think any compare to my Mia 2. In only a minute, I am able to clean my entire face. It even alerts you when it's time to move to the next section - 20 seconds on your forehead, 20 seconds your nose and chin, and then 10 seconds for each cheek. I generally focus more on my chin, because that it where I experience the most breakouts. I also like that there are many different replacement options for the brush head, so there's something that will work for everyone. I've tried the Deep Pore and Acne brush heads and I've found that the Deep Pore works best for me!

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

I've used almost every cleanser imaginable. I decided to try Philosophy's Purity cleanser after Jaclyn Hill mentioned it as a part of her skin care regimen. My mom is also a big fan of this cleanser. I love how gentle it is, and paired with my Clarisonic it makes my skin feel so amazing. It doesn't irritate my eyes either, which I've found to be a problem with many cleansers in the past. I've also used the Purity Makeup Remover Wipes and really like them as well.

Another cleanser that I've repurchased multiple times Lush's 9 to 5. Both do a great job at removing my makeup and making my skin feel clean and refreshed.

Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water and Tea Tree Water Toner

My skin is combination, so I deal with dryness and oiliness, though I'm usually more on the oily side. I actually use both of these toners together, and it totally works for me. The Breath of Fresh Air toner makes my skin feel so refreshed. Any time I notice dryness, this is able to fix it almost immediately. The Tea Tree Water helps with the oiliness and helps to heal any breakouts I have. 

Vanishing Cream Moisturizer

This is the best moisturizer I've ever used. Most are too heavy for my skin, so the lightness of this one is perfect. Really, the description that Lush gives for this moisturizer is spot on. It really does balance my skin out and makes it feel hydrated.


The following products I have used and plan on repurchasing:
  • Movis Facial Soap - This soap looks more like something you should consume, but it works so well! It smells really delicious, and makes my skin feel refreshed. I've noticed a huge difference in my skin after using this - it really clears up any problem areas.
  • Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask - This mask uses ground almonds to exfoliate the skin. It's great for healing the areas on my face that are dry. It's calming to my skin, and makes it look so healthy.
  • Cosmetic Warrior Fresh Face Mask - I first purchased this mask while my skin was having a major freakout and nothing was seeming to help. It was great for calming my skin and clearing up the breakouts I was having. It has garlic in it, so to some it may smell strong, but I actually found it to be calming. 
  • SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment - This is the first GLAMGLOW product I ever purchased. It's great for really clearing my skin up and bringing out all the junk in my pores. I use this whenever I feel like my skin is in need of a major overhaul.