Blogmas Day 8 | Under $30 Gifts!

Happy Blogmas Day 8! Budget shopping is definitely a strength of mine, and around the holidays this skill kicks into overdrive. Today I decided to share some of my favorite gift picks for under $30! Here are some suggestions for those *special someones* in your life who you still need to shop for:

one.two.three.four.five.

1) Lush Rosy Christmas Gift Box - Lush's line of rose-scented bath products is my all-time fave, perfect for that glamour girl (or guy) in your life!

2) Dot Monogram Flameless Candle - I remember being so upset in college when I couldn't have a small candle in the dorm. I'm a sucker for how beautiful candles look, so this would be great for anyone in an anti-candle/open flame situation!

3) Herschel Supply Co. Duffle Bag - Herschel's bags are of such good quality, and this duffel bag is the perfect weekender size. I may have to snatch one of these up for myself! It's perfect for any guy or girl on your list, especially because most of Herschel's prints are gender neutral.

4) Gimme Gimme Makeup Bag - I'm a firm believer in the idea that you can never have too many makeup bags. Plus since this baby is under $10, why not grab one for yourself! It's the perfect size to hold your on-the-go necessities in your everyday purse.

5) Creativity Fuel Mug - I have a small arsenal of coffee mugs, but this little one is so cute! On some days you need a little more than plain old coffee, so grab a mug of "creativity fuel" and get down with your bad self.

*SURPRISE BONUS*
6) Valentia Glow Eye Cream - Being a full-time teacher makes me exhausted and I cannot go to work with puffiness and under-eye circles! The Valentia Glow Eye Cream keeps those dark circles away and smells amazingly fresh, like valencia oranges! LOVE IT!

Happy shopping!

Blogmas Day 5 | Winter Wardrobe

After a much-needed baecation (see what I did there?) I'm BACK and better than ever to participate in this year's Blogmas extravaganza! For those who have never heard of Blog/Vlogmas, it's a time for bloggers (and vloggers) to post about their favorite holiday items, whether it be traditions, clothing, makeup routines, activities, etc. Today I wanted to share 5 of my favorite wintery treats from the new ASOS and Loft collections!
1) From ASOS, this dress is so sexy and ethereal, and would look perfect with a polished bun and a bold lip or loose flowy curls and gladiators for a more lowkey look.
2) Also from ASOS, this halter/racerback hybrid is such a cute color that would flow perfectly into 2016 considering Pantone's Color of the Year announcement! (squeal!!!)
3) Shoutout to my onesie-wearing adults! This unicorn onesie would be absolutely perfect for keeping me warm next year in New Mexico (hint hint).
4) Loft always has my back when it comes to cute sweaters, and this diamond pointelle pattern on a cream sweater is the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe.
5) Last but not least, this moto jacket from Loft's Lou & Grey collection is my idea of the ultimate cross between edgy and sophisticated.

things i love: one.two.three.four.five

Happy Friday!

Peeps Test Drives Fitness Trackers

I am so convinced that we are slowly being taken over by robots. Everywhere I look, someone is talking into a bluetooth headset, checking their Apple Watch, or walking around with one of these guys on their arm - yes, I'm talking about the increasingly popular wearable fitness tracker. 

When the first wave of these trackers first came out, I was not impressed at all; they were bulky, NOT fashionable, and way too industrial for my taste. Thankfully, the manufacturers became a little wiser and started to make more wearer-friendly trackers for those of us who do not work at 24 Hour Fitness for a living.

I've been looking at getting a tracker for a while now, but really didn't know where to start. This is where the wonderful website Lumoid comes in handy. Lumoid will let you test drive 5 fitness trackers of your choosing for only $30. If you decide to buy one of the trackers, $25 of your "rental fee" goes towards your purchase! If not, you're charged the full $30, but at such a small fee to try out 5 trackers for 2 weeks, how could I say no?!

Above are the trackers I've selected to try (from left to right): Fitbit Charge HR, Jawbone UP3, Moto 360 1st Gen, Striiv Fusion, and Garmin Vivosmart. I can't wait to get this rental box in the mail and share my thoughts with you all!

The Scent of Spring

All I can think of when Spring comes around is the phenomenal quote from Meryl Streep's character, Ms. Miranda Priestly...

But hey, who's judging?! A few days ago, I was evaluating my perfume and rollerball obsession collection, and picked up a new scent for Spring at Sephora. Here are my top Spring perfumes!

* Elizabeth and James Nirvana White

With notes of peony, muguet, and tender musk, this perfume by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen is the perfect embodiment of Spring - feminine, chic, with a little rebellious kick. Although it's a little heavy for my everyday wear, I will definitely be using this baby for Sunday brunch gatherings and a day out with my girls.

* Tory Burch 

I'll admit, I was first drawn in by the design on the rollerball tube. It's so fun and flirty, perfect for Spring. Tory Burch's first fragrance combines the floral chicness of peony and tuberose with crisp citrusy punches of grapefruit and neroli. It's classic, it's floral, it's just enough princess and punk for every day. Not too girly, not too heavy. A Spring classic for sure!

* Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

I picked this baby up in Sephora as a suggestion from a good friend of mine. I was a little skeptical at first, but I must say she knows me well! Flowerbomb is a deep flirty floral scent, combining notes of jasmine, rose, orchid, freesia, and patchouli. This will definitely be a contender for my every day perfume!

I absolutely love how portable and cute rollerballs are, and they give you a great sample of the perfume before you make an investment in the whole shebang. I can't wait to see what other scents of Spring will pop up during the season!

Wednesday Wants: Valentine's Day Edition

Wildfox 'Sleepover' Pajama Set / Tiffany Sterling Silver Infinity Bracelet

 Ro's Argan Body Condtioner / Heart Throb Bubbleroon 

The Lover's Dictionary / Rose Jam Bubbleroon

Beats Studio Headphones in Champagne

Valentine's Day is notorious for being over the top, and really terrible for those who are single. I, however, would disagree. Although I've compiled a few nice things I'd love for my significant other to get me, that won't stop me from purchasing a few things myself. It's all about self-love, people!

Body Love

The Wildfox Pajama set looks so unbelievably comfy, and granted, I usually sleep in an old, oversized t-shirt, but after finding out that we spent about 1/3 of our lives sleeping, I decided to up my sleepwear game and give myself the proper beauty sleep I deserve.

I've definitely talked about how much I love LUSH's line of rose-scented items, like the Rose Jam Bubbleroon and Ro's Argan Body Conditioner, and I've previously posted about the Heart Throb Bubbleroon - all fabulous items that aren't too pricey, and perfect for showing your body some love on the 14th of February and every day after that.

Soul Love

There's nothing I think is more romantic than someone purchasing a book for another person - it's like saying, "I read this book and thought of you, because I know you and your likes that well." I'm corny, whatever. I've had my eye on The Lover's Dictionary and Hold Me Tight for some time, and my Kindle is in need of a few new reads…

Treat Yo'Self
Donna and Tom know what they're talking about. Treat yourself well and others will too! Or that's the idea…anyway, Tiffany's infinity bracelet and the Studio Beats (in champagne, of course) are definitely on my "Treat Yo'Self" list (if someone doesn't buy them for me first, hint hint…) All kidding aside, whether or not you have a significant other this Valentine's Day, make sure to treat yourself with lots of love. You deserve it!

The Lust List

If you're like me and went a little overboard during the holiday sales (shoutout to Sephora and Kate Spade for turning me into an out-of-control shopping monster), then I'm sure you're experiencing some sort of No Spend January like I am! To help ease the pain, however, I've got my eye on a few key purchases I want to make soon...

The Watch
I have loved tortoise shell print since I knew there was such a thing (senior year of high school to be exact), and this Michael Kors Parker Gold-Tone Tortoise Acetate watch has been on my radar for far too long. I have the Michael Kors Gold Mini Horn Acrylic watch (thank you summer job) but I've been wanting something a little bigger for my *flashier* days. #firstworldproblems

The Books
I was an incredible reader all through elementary, middle, and high school. And then I graduated and got so busy with being stressed out that I forgot about my main relaxation tool - books! Randy Pausch's book The Last Lecture and Amy Poehler's Yes Please are two books on my Kindle Wish List that I plan to buy/start/devour ASAP.

The Bag
Kate Spade, why do you insist on taking all of my money?! I'm literally drooling over this Holden Street Olivera bag in Pebble right now. What I'm not drooling over is the price tag. Yowza.

The Bod
LUSH just released their Valentine's Day specials online and in-store, and I'm so beyond pumped to get my hands on these goodies. From left to right, top to bottom are the Heart Throb Bubbleroon, Superbalm Scalp Treatment (not a V-Day special), The Kiss Lip Gloss, and Lonely Heart Bubble Bar. I'm a sucker for LUSH's Rose Jam Bubbleroon (as in I pick up at least 3 whenever I'm at the mall...oops), so I can't wait to try this Valentine's Day one - complete with gold glitter. I think I hear angels singing...


Hope everyone's month (or two) of frugality is going well. May the restraint and willpower be ever in your favor.