5 Gifts Your Bridesmaids Will Actually Keep/ Use

What's in My Bag This Summer

 

 Summer is almost here and it’s time to ditch the winter bag that you've carried over to spring, and grab something a little brighter and warmer!  Pantone released its top colors which include warm tones like tangerine and a cool scuba blue to remind you of a refreshing ocean.

In addition to swapping bags— It’s also time to take a new look at what’s inside.  Below are a few summer friendly items that will have you ready to hit the road en route to the nearest body of water, tikki bar or cookout. 

What's in your bag?

ScentBird Subscription Box Review: Smell Like A Hundred Dollar Bottle of Perfume for Less than $15

A little birdie told me to try this and I have to say, ScentBird is a subscription you’ll want to refill…

If you've followed my blog you know I’m a sucker for a subscription box. I mean it’s basically having a personal shopper who delivers all kinds of goodies to your door, perfectly tailored to your preferences!  However, none have worked as fabulous as Scent Bird. To be fair, their team is selecting from an array of 100% authentic luxury and designer perfumes, so I would have to image it would be difficult to not enjoy your package—but at the same time to give credit where it is due, there’s a thoughtful quiz they've put together to find just what types of scents you gravitate to.

The fun thing about this box is the chance to try something new without spending a fortune. I personally stick with the same smell as a my signature, however after ScentBird  came into my life, I started to question my relationship with my current perfume. Are we only together because it’s so expensive to try out the other high end names like Juicy, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Versace etc.?

DIY Coffee Station

If it’s not obvious by the title of my blog I’m an advocate for coffee.  However, sometimes having an area to service this addiction at home can get a little cluttered.Things only get messier when hosting family and friends in this space.

Creating a diy coffee station provides a fun and inexpensive way to present more of a café feel instead of a claustrophobic one for you and your guests. The best thing about a coffee station is that you don’t need a lot of space or anything over the top make it work in your kitchen.

One of my favorite tricks is to use a tray to tidy things up.. There’s an immediate transformation from a clutter of coffee bags/cups, spoons, syrups etc. to an organized collection just by adding a simple tray. You can choose a pop of color or go super classy with a sleek silver or bronze tray from the flea market to give you a vintage and polished look.

If you are really low on counter space, there's no need to worry.Try hanging and shelving concepts to create more space above your station. Since I have an obsession with mugs, I honestly don’t have enough room in my cabinets for these and other drinking glasses. Plus this is a great way to display some of the fun and offbeat mugs I've collected over the years!

No room at all? Still not a problem! Take a quick visit over to the local flea market or the next yard sale and search out a vintage drawer/table you can slide into an area of choice. You can use any additional drawers to store spoons, extra cups, etc. so you and your guests have easy access to the essentials. The extra touch is hanging a sign above your makeshift station to pull the look and feel together.

So what to do you need to get your coffee bar started?

Let’s start with the obvious- coffee.

Community Coffee, which can be found at any local participating grocer, comes in a wide variety of light, medium and dark roasts, including their rich French Roast, Dark Roast, Café Special, and Breakfast Blend. The company shared four delicious bags with us including their most popular flavor Café Special. Having a variety of roasts is best when hosting family or friends since not everyone has the same taste for coffee. However, there’s nothing wrong with having your preferred and favorite close at hand!

Syrups: Just as noted not everyone likes their coffee the same way. My friend actually gifted homemade ones to me for Christmas but you can always visit Starbucks or even Wal-Mart to stock up on a variety of flavors.

Easy access to mugs and other coffee accessories: Having mugs in sight or located right above/under the station along with spoons, etc. allow guests feel welcome to create their perfect cup.

A Fun Sign: Because you should never start your day too serious.

And that's it! It doesn't take a lot to feel like Martha Stewart for this one. Now you can take on the day, but fist- coffee. 

Must Have Products for Post-Work Out Pleasure

Flywheel, Body Pump, Hot Yoga, Barre— Whatever workout you completed, reward yourself when you head home from the gym with something other than a slice of pizza (am I the only one who does that?).  Check out these post work out items that may not be for your gym bag but will make you feel even better after your activity of choice-- and all can be enjoyed from the couch.


While the gym may be your sanctuary to gain strength, stamina and confidence, it’s also where a great amount of sweat and bacteria lives, putting you at risk for less than perfect skin. GROSS. To combat this, a simple but thorough post-workout beauty routine will help you stay clean and clear of blemishes! Masque bar’s Anti-Blemish Mud Mask features a non-drying formula to cleanse, purify and balance post work out skin. It only takes 15 minutes and you can buy a pack of 3 for only $9.99 at CVS stores nationwide. Don’t trust me? The product was recently featured in Allure Magazine, TeenVogue, and Lucky Magazine as a must have!




As you may know, sometimes what you do after you leave the gym is just as important for your body as what you did at the gym. Am I the only person who thinks about pizza the entire time I’m on the elliptical? Maybe it’s because of all those food commercials or advertisements running on the screen above me….either way you can  fight off the urge to indulge with a post-work out smoothie!Who better to make you one than the Nutri Ninja® ? Before you think this is just another blender take another look. The company shared their Auto-iQ version to test out and I had no issues whatsoever breaking up clumps of frozen fruit, kale, etc. like I normally do with other products. I've already worked it out at the gym and worked all day-- so its refreshing to have a product that does all the work for me! One of my favorite things about this product in particular is the to-go cups you can blend in. So if you are more of a morning work out girl you can have your breakfast on the way to the gym.


We are so quick to hydrate before, after and during a workout. But don't forget about your hair! Shampooing after each workout can really dry out your hair but if you are really breaking a sweat you are really left with no choice.Try out some leading leave-in conditioners that will continue to moisturize hair long after your shower.

Your Boyfriend Might Improve Your Style

 

Living with a boy has its perks sometimes….especially when those perks can help perk up your style. Who know you could get style form your guy right?  

1. American Crew: The first on our list was a product sent over by American Crew for review. Their daily moisturizing shampoo is an easy steal when left in the shower by your unsuspecting significant other. Of course you could always spring for your own bottle around $10 online or in a salon. My favorite thing about this product is the sage leaf and chamomile extracts that double to provide shine and reduce bacteria. This is perfect for those after workout showers to relax and deep clean.

2. Big & Bold Watches: I’m a sucker for a watch as big as my face. OK I’m exaggerating a little here but you get the idea. I love a big faced watch that speaks volumes to an outfit. Since watches made for men are typically larger, I can add a little boldness to my style. The only downside is there’s no excuse for being fashionably late when you are wearing a watch, especially one this big.

3.Razor: A staple in the most stolen items from your bae. No need to go into detail on why men’s razors are sharper and closer than a women’s—hence why for smoothness, especially in the summer this is often a frequently snatched item behind closed shower curtains.

4.Sunglasses: Sure you can collect them all –but why not double you’re selection by borrowing some from his? Just like the watch faces, I love giant sunglasses and frames on a tiny face, which is why I opt to borrow from the boys now and then. Hey, its extra sun protection isn't it?

5.Plaid Shirts: Mix it up with an over-sized plaid shirt from his side of the closet. Pairing your plaid with jean shorts or leather leggings is a great way to get the best of both worlds without having to buy another top.

What are your favorite steals from the opposite sex?

GYM BAG MUST-HAVES

Working out is a necessary evil in my opinion. I think the worst part is the time it takes away from your day. That’s why making sure you have everything packed to transition from a sweaty mess to a decently presentable person is essential if you plan to venture out after a workout. Every Monday I try to squeeze in a quick fix before my Bible study. I mention this because I’m going to an event where people shouldn’t judge me so I feel like having these quick fixes are enough to get me where I need to be.

The companies below shared their products for testing for post work out use. However in addition to my gym bag, I found they come in handy in other areas in my day/life as well!

My saving grace is Batiste Dry shampoo in brunette! Yes, they actually come in blonde & brunette so no more trying to hide white residue. For those of you who don’t fall into those shades- grab their scented bottle instead! My boyfriend usually hates the smell of dry shampoo when I’ve spritzed it in before heading out in the morning but Batiste is boyfriend friendly and gets the job done. I’ve always viewed any dry shampoo as a convenient time-saver for days when you have to rush but having options that come in colors and scents makes this particular product a must-have in any beauty arsenal in addition to your gym bag!

If by some miracle you do have time to shower this compact brush with big results, called The Wet Brush Squirt. The brush is designed specifically for wet hair with bristles that are super thin, strong and flexible. The bristles' flexibility enables protective and pain-free detangling. You can still use the brush on dry hair so feel free to comb through your workout to spray in the dry shampoo as a temporary fix. At just $4.99 you it’s a steal you can carry with you wherever you go.

Next in line to pack- Whish Deodorant Swipes: These little wonders refresh and prevents odor with one quick swipe. The formula is natural and long-lasting and packaged individually so they can travel virtually anywhere. You can pick up a pack starting at only $8 at Nordstrom.com

Whether you are doing an early morning workout or one after a long day at work, Mineral Fusion SPF 16 Age-Defying Treatment Serum will work wonders on sleepy eyes. The SPF moisturizing cream brightens and plumps while firming the area to combating sun damage. Light-reflecting Mica gives skin a subtle glow while Mineral SPF provides broad spectrum sun protection. My favorite part is the Rose Hip and Avocado that work to deeply hydrate and plump skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles –Who needs Botox?

Since all these items are travel friendly you’ll have plenty of room in your gym bag for another space saver, Mineral Fusion Glow & Go 3-in-1 Color Stick. The stick packs a creamy formula allows for easy on-the-go brush-free application – so whether you want a sheer hint of color or a bold pop on lips, cheeks or eyes, you can obtain the desired look anywhere and everywhere.

Heading straight home from your work out? Check out these post-workout products you can reward yourself with...Click Me! Click Me!