Latest Obsessions

Oh hey everyone! It's me. You know, that girl that used to blog every.single.day and just fell off the face of the earth. I know, I've been a bad blogger. I keep on telling myself I'll get better and start blogging again, but it just hasn't happened. I guess you could say I'm in some type of blogging slump. Lately, all I have been wanting to do when I get home from work is snuggle up with the nugget and watch The Glades (which I've watched almost two seasons of in a matter of days...)

Part of the reason I started this blog was to share with you all some of my current obsessions, hence the tag line. And since it's been a century and a half since I have last done so, I think today would be the perfect time.

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If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw this picture I posted last week of my new favorite maxi skirt. I found this bright fuschia, chiffon overlay maxi skirt with a side slit at Nordstrom Rack a couple weekends ago and fell in love. I'm pretty sure I could wear this outfit all day every day. The semi-sheer skirt gives it an edgy feel. I might just go back and buy this skirt in every color they have!

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Am I the only Northern girl who loves a good monogram? I've been obsessing over the Marley Lilly website, basking in all of it's monogrammed glory. The only problem is I'm in that awkward "what monogram should I get?" stage. I could get my initials, J.A.S., but that S is going to be turning to a B really soon. But, since the wedding is only 3 months away, I decided it wouldn't be too weird to get my soon-to-be new monogram. And this mason jar?! I think I might start carrying it around with me.

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When I opened my May Birchbox to find another Miss Jessie's sample, I jumped for joy and cried at the same time. If you're a curly hair chick like myself and you've tried Miss Jessie's, you know why I was so happy and sad at the same time. Miss Jessie's makes, hands down, the best products for curly hair, but they cost as much as your first born son. You really expect me to drop 35 bucks on a tube of curl cream? Once, I tried the Jelly Soft Curls sample, I was in love. It gives me the hold I need for my fine hair but doesn't leave my curls crunchy and crispy like every other gel. And the best part? It's only $14! Sure, $14 isn't exactly cheap for gel, but compared to $35, I'll take it.

Well, I can't talk about my latest obsessions without talking about Riley now, can I? I'm pretty obsessed with this little pooch. He's been keeping me pretty busy lately, driving him back and forth to the vet at least once a week. The nugget had a respiratory infection that turned into pneumonia. But don't worry, a couple rounds of antibiotics and turning my bathroom into a sauna for him, the little guy was deemed healthy by the vet last night! He's quite the fighter and pretty darn spunky. He's quite the chunker too, weighing in at a whole 3 pounds 4 ounces. And if you're wondering how housetraining is going... it's been better.

My Latest Obsessions

It's been too long since I've last shared my latest obsessions with you all. I mean, isn't that what my blog is all about according to my little tag line? So let's get to it, shall we?

NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium. Okay, so I know I just bought this bronzer on Sunday, but it's already at the top of my latest obsessions list. I'm always looking for the next best bronzer that I don't have to fork over an arm and a leg for, and this is it! I'm loving the matte finish to this bronzer. I hate sparkly/shimmery shit in my bronzer. I don't want to look like a fricken vampire from Twilight when I walk out of the house. Let me also mention that this bronzer lasts all day; I worked out after working eight and a half hours and my bronzer looked just as great as it did when I first put it on. I'm pretty sure it would leave you glowing after surviving a nuclear bomb, that's how amazing this stuff is. But the best part? Ladies, brace yourself. I bought this bad boy at Ulta for $8.99! Do yourself a favor and put down that $34 NARS bronzer that everyone and their moms are raving about and run over to the NYX display. You can thank me later...

Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System. Soon after Justin and I got engaged, my mom did what any good mom does and bought me a couple bridal magazine. While perusing the amazing, but overpriced, wedding decor and dresses, I came across a great article about all things beauty a bride-to-be should be doing to prepare for the big day. One thing the article suggested was for brides-to-be to jump on facial peels and scrubs to perfect the even and glowing bridal complexion. Now, a girl like myself can't afford to splurge on professional facial peels, so after a lot of research, I found Olay's at-home system. I can't rave enough about this product. It's gentle enough for my super sensitive skin and has done wonders at evening my skin tone and minimizing pores. Even my makeup goes on smoother! The price tag is very reasonable as well. At around $25, you can't really beat it! But be careful about overusing this product! You really don't want to use it more than once a week.

Sephora Purifying Brush Shampoo. The last time I had cleaned my makeup brushes prior to purchasing this brush shampoo was..... never. I know, I know, it's so important to clean your brushes, but I'm lazy people! So I finally grew up and bought Sephora's purifying brush shampoo. I had forgotten what clean brushes felt like! Not sure you're going to like this brush shampoo? No problem! Sephora sells a 2oz bottle for $6, so if you don't like it, it's not a huge deal!

Li Lash Eyelash Conditioning Serum. My natural eyelashes are light, short, and thin...something every girl wants....NOT. A couple months ago, I finally took the plunge and bought an eyelash serum. I did a lot of research and Li Lash had the best reviews, so I bought a tube off eBay (because I'm too cheap to buy it straight from the company). I had every intention of dedicating an entire post to Li Lash with before and after pictures, but since I'm really great at remembering to take pictures (not) that idea went out the window. I'm not lying in the least bit when I say that this eyelash serum is worth every penny. I've been using it since September and I can tell a significant difference in the length of my eyelashes. Even Justin commented on them! You know it's really working when a man comments on the length of your eyelashes.

elf 32 pc. Warm Eyeshadow Palette. This eyeshadow palette just reinforces my love for elf products. I tend to stick with warm, neutral colors for my eyeshadow and this palette gives me enough options for days! Shall I mention this bad boy only cost me $5?

Have you tried any of my latest obsessions?

Happy Tuesday, lovelies!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

While I was at Ulta the other day picking up some prizes for recent giveaway winners, I naturally picked up something for myself. And by something I mean three things. Let's be honest, I'm a product junkie and I can't walk into Ulta/Sephora/Target/Anywhere without picking up a new product to try. It's a curse really. This Ulta trip reminded me that I haven't shared some of my latest obsessions with you ladies! And since the little tag line to my blog is "Ramblings of my life and latest obsession" I feel like I need to step up my game! So without future ado, some products you should definitely check out for yourself!

$65.00 for 1.7oz from Sephora

Coach Poppy- I can't leave the house without perfume. I feel self-conscious without it. Why? Who knows! The minute I walk into the stinky building I work in, I'm sure the stench overtakes this amazing perfume. But at least I smell good on my way there! Coach Poppy is by far one of my favorite scents. It's the perfect flirty-floral-girly scent. I've received a ton of compliments when I wear this perfume. Even Justin asked me what I was wearing! You know it has to smell good if a guy is interested in what perfume you're wearing! In my opinion, Poppy is worth splurging on.

$6 from The Body Shop

Mini Coconut Body Butter- So if you read my His & Hers post, the handsome Justin mentioned that I drown myself in lotion. But for a good reason! I have eczema, a.k.a my skin doesn't produce enough moisture, leaving my skin extremely dry. So I have to drown myself in lotion to keep from turning into the Sahara Desert! I've been looking for the perfect hand cream to carry in my purse, especially since cooler weather is on its way. I picked up this mini body butter and I couldn't be more pleased! It is very thick, so that may be a turn off for some of you, but it's the perfect cream for those trouble dry spots (hands, feet, knees, elbows). And the coconut scent? Heavenly! I'm instantly transported to a tropical island when I put this stuff on! All I need is a daiquiri. 

$12 from Ulta

OPI Rapid Dry Spray- When I was a senior in high school, I worked as a receptionist at a hair salon owned by the best boss in the world. Every Wednesday night, she would let me paint my nails while sitting at the front desk. Obviously, it's the small things in life that make me happy! But since I had work to do while and after painting my nails, I would use this handy dandy spray. 45 seconds after putting on your last coat of nail polish, mist this magic product on your nails and voila! Your nails are instantly dry! I can't believe I forgot about this rapid dry spray! I used it last night for the first time in forever and remembered just how much I love it. Five minutes after painting my nails, I was hammering nails into the wall to hang up my jewelry hanger. Side note, if you don't have a hammer, a platform heel works just as well! Who says girls can't be handy?

$10 at Ulta

L'Oreal True Match Compact Makeup- So, I was a mineral makeup girl through and through until a friend of mine talked about how much she loved L'Oreal's compact makeup. And of course, being the product junkie that I am, I had to try it. I have to admit, I love it more than mineral makeup! It has a better coverage but doesn't feel heavy or look like I'm a clown at a six year old's birthday party. NO ONE should have makeup so thick you look like a clown. Well, unless you are one.

And a couple products I picked up at Ulta that I haven't tried yet but I can't wait to...

$5.99 at Ulta

$5.99 at Ulta

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe and Clean Freak. I'm obsessed with sea salt spray and dry shampoo. I don't know what I did with my life, and hair, before I found them. I've heard great things about Not Your Mother's products, so when I spotted these at Ulta, I snatched them up. Have you tried Not Your Mother's products?

Happy Tuesday, ladies. Make today count!

Golden Silk in a Bottle: Product Review

A couple weeks ago Raven shared some of her Friday Favorites with all of us in Bloggerville. The first on her list? Dove Nourishing Oil Hair Therapy Detangler. Knowing myself, I was immediately sucked into her review because I can never say no to a good hair product. The next time I was at Thee Best Place on Earth...otherwise known as Target, I picked some up. Enter Golden Silk in a Bottle:

 Oh.Em.Gee. (emphasis on the dramatics) This bottle of goodness did not disappoint. If Captain Obvious needs to point out the...well...obvious...this products is an oil conditioner/detangler. I know, the word oil probably scares you, but I basically spray half a bottle in my hair (over-exaggeration, obviously) and my hair is not the least bit oily.

It smells ah-mazing and it honestly makes my hair feel so soft. If I could take a picture of how soft it makes my hair, I would. But since I'm not sure how that is possible, let me try to explain. My hair feels like...

{Straight up silk}

{Those ultra soft baby blankets}

{A baby's bottom}

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Okay, okay, you get the point. I also spray a little bit in my hair the second day after washing it, and again, softness galore! I've also noticed it's done wonders for my frizzy, wirey dog hair I get when it's humid as all get out. The more moisture in your hair equals less water your hair will be drinking up during the day which ultimately equals goodbye frizz! Now that's music to my ears. 

Best part about this product? It's only $5! Ladies, do yourself a favor and literally run to the nearest drugstore, Target, what-have-you, and buy yourself a bottle of this goodness. Your hair will thank you. And so will that guy romantically running his hands through your hair when his fingers aren't suddenly stopped by some gigantic knot. And then you will thank yourself because we all know how much it hurts to get your hair ripped out. And then you will thank me. You're Welcome!

Currently...

I was stalking Jenn over at Perfectly Imperfect and saw that she has a fun link up going on. If you know me, then you know I'm always up for a link up (that sounds scandalous) so I'm excited about this one! Link up with Jenn if you want to join the cool kids.

current book(s):

 Don't judge me. I love me some LC and I love an easy, summer read!

current playlist:

(Please, don't mind the random list of new & old songs)

Princess of China - Coldplay feat. Rihanna

American Honey - Lady Antebellum (ultimate summer song)

Sombody That I Used to Know - Gotye

Safe and Sound - Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars

Titanium - David Guetta feat. Sia

We Are Young - Fun (thought I'd be over this song by now...NOPE!)

Dancin' Away With My Heart - Lady Antebellum

Payphone - Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa 

Wild Ones - Flo Rida feat. Sia

Even If It Breaks Your Heart - Eli Young Band

current color:

 Essie's Tart Deco (left) on my fingers and Essie's Watermelon (right) on my toes

current food:

 Tostitos Hint of Limes...all day, errday

current favorite show(s):

 Real Housewives of Orange County

Keeping up with the Kardashian

Giuliana and Bill

Duck Dynasty (don't knock it till you watch it! HIGH-larious)

current needs:

A major back massage! Picking up toddlers all day, every day isn't easy!

current triumphs:

I've been really consistent with running lately. This is HUGE for me considering I hate working out more than I hate nuts (which I am highly allergic to, FYI)

current banes of my existence:

The fact that I am going on my second summer of being a full-time working woman. I know I talked about this in my Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday post yesterday, but I'm so annoyed that I have to post it again. Why can't I be super rich and never have to work a summer in my life?!? 

current celebrity crush:

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My man, David Beckham. He could use a hair cut these days and might as well shave off that hideous mustache, but he's still looking pretty good. 

current blessing:

Definitely the fact that my overweight cat who just spend two nights at the vet isn't diabetic. Who has the money to shoot up a fat cat with insulin every single day?

current indulgence:

 Someone I work with decided to be "nice" and bring back a HUGE box full of white chocolate covered pretzels from Food Gatherers (where we get all the food we feed the kiddos). Ummm...I ate a TON yesterday!

current outfit:

I'm still wearing my workout clothes and they're not that cute so no pictures. And no, I don't work out in the morning. I just cheat and write my blog posts the night before. Yes, I am the freak-o-nature that writes 'yesterday' when I'm really writing about something I just did. Now you know my secrets.

current mood:

Pretty fricken happy. Bordering on the obnoxious side, but I'd rather be obnoxious than a Debbie Downer!

current favorite quote:

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current wishlist item:

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current favorite product:

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 Maybelline Lipstick in Coral Crush. In love with this color right now.
(I couldn't get a good picture on my really great iPhone camera so I stole one from my friend, Google)


xoxo, J

Latest Obsessions

Today while my toddlers we're taking a nap, I was trying to stay awake/pretending to be working (but really just Facebook stalking) when I started to make a mental list of everything I've become obsessed with the past couple of weeks. And since I have this so-called list, it only makes sense to blog about it!

So here you go people...my latest obsessions:

1. Hope in a Jar for Dry Skin

While this little gem isn't exactly cheap, it is AMAZING. I have eczema, so not only is my skin super sensitive to products, but its unbelievably dry (like Sahara desert dry). This moisturizer does wonders for my dry, sensitive skin. I smooth it over my face every night and my skin still feels moisturized in the morning! It is a rich facial moisturizer, and for me, is too heavy for the day time, but perfect for overnight.

2. Fishtail Braids

Really, I've been obsessed with fishtail braids for a while now, but since I rocked one today, I thought I would post about it. It took me a while to master the fishtail, and many YouTube videos, but I did it! I have really fine hair, so if my hair is straight or clean, a fishtail braid won't stay. I usually wear a fishtail braid the day after I let my hair be naturally curly (I usually wash my hair every other day). The extra texture of curly hair helps to make my fishtail braid last all day.

3. Statement Necklaces

I absolutely love this J. Crew bubble necklace, but the $150 pricetag is outrageous! I mean, I love it but not that much! After some searching the web, I found a replica on Ebay for about $30. It's going to be mine! Let's be honest people, does anyone really care if the necklace around my neck is J. Crew or a knock-off? Because I sure don't!

4. Chobani Greek Yogurt

   
Once you go Greek, you never go back. That's a saying, right?!? But seriously, Greek yogurt is so much better than that regular stuff. I eat a Chobani every morning... every morning. Strawberry is my personal fav, delish! Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than normal yogurt and has twice the protein! Yum!

5. Sephora Facial Brush

I had been looking at the Clairsonic Mia facial brush for some time, but again with the pricetag, ridiculous! I had dinner with a friend when she told me that she picked up this little gem at Sephora for $5! The next time I was at the mall, I went to Sephora and picked one up. For $5, this facial brush is amazing. My skin legitimately feels cleaner and smoother! And the best part is you use less facial cleanser since the brush really helps lather it up! 

What are your latest obsessions?


XOXO
        
            Yours Truly ♥