Thank GOD!!!!

Oh I am so happy August is over! I think February-April & July-August are my least favorite months. August is hot and sweaty and humid. It's the Friday of summer, yes, but I am very happy to welcome September with open arms!

August was an odd month. I still feel like I should be sitting in a classroom instead of in an office and the realization is just as bad as it was last year (ok, maybe not THAT bad). I feel like it went very slowly and I'm perfectly fine with that. I can't believe how fast 2015 is going, and has already gone.

Before we know it, it'll be Christmas! Oh I CANNOT WAIT.

Before I begin rambling more and more, let's get into my favorites. I didn't keep track this month of what I loved, so we're rolling with the punches, especially since I'm writing this at 8 PM on Sunday, after a very long and tiring weekend. I was on a work trip and was basically up for 24 hours straight (#socialmedialife) and then I went to a Mets game with my friends on Saturday afternoon. It was a tiring, exciting, and overwhelming weekend for sure.

Side note: It's also been ONE YEAR since I posted my first favorites blog -- oh how things have changed!

Ok ok, no more rambles!



//Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer: I have been an avid wearer of the no make-up, make-up look all summer. I barely wear any liquid foundation so I've been sticking with concealer and my powder foundation. This concealer from Maybelline is new to drugstore shelves and it's the only thing I've been using this month. Maybelline concealers are my favorite and you'd know it from looking at my concealer drawer (yes I have a concealer drawer). This one is very thin in consistency but covers your under eye like it's nobody's business! I have not used anything else and I'm perfectly okay with that.

//Too Faced Amazing Face Powder Foundation: I feel like I spoke about this once before but I couldn't find any record of it. I bought these foundations (yes plural because I have 3 different shades) a few months ago for $8 in Nordstrom Rack. I really wanted a powder foundation and these seemed like a safe bet. I bought one, my mom bought two, and she decided she didn't want them anymore so now I have three shades. I've already hit pan on the deepest one "Honey Beige" because it was honestly all I was wearing for two months straight. It was just easier to apply before work, and I couldn't stand the feeling of foundation during the heat and humidity.

//Caudalie Lip Conditioner: I've spoken so many times about my problem with dry skin, and my dry lips. I've used so many different lip balms, trying to find the perfect one. I've had no such luck; they all work fine for the first week or two, and then they don't work anymore. The latest one I had was the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment and it was $22 and lasted about two weeks before I was finished with it. Not worth the money! I was on the Birchbox website, looking for something to spend money on and realized I needed a new lip balm. I saw this Caudalie one and OMG I'm IN LOVE. It's hydrating, nourishing, I don't have to reapply too often, and it doesn't feel heavy on the lips. It's $12 which is pricey for a lip balm but I think I need something heavy duty and I'm willingly to spend that much if it works.

//Herbal Essences Dry Oil Spray: I got this in a Target Beauty Box (not the one I posted about) and I have used a decent amount. I've never used dry oil and I never really use oil on my hair but now I see the benefits. This is really easy to apply (no greasy hands), and it leaves my hair soft, smooth, shiny, and frizz free. It's a life saver in the heat and humidity.

//ban.do planner: August is national planner month apparently so when August 1st struck, I was stoked to start using my ban.do planner. It's small but mighty in my opinion. It fits in all my bags perfectly, yet still big enough to write in. Not to mention it's SO cute! I'm always looking for a reason to take it out and write things down--definitely a good purchase in my book.

//Seamless: This is such a typical NYC, basic girl favorite but I've been ordering off Seamless basically everyday at work, for lunch. I hate bringing my lunch because it's never as appetizing as something fresh. If I bring a sandwich, by the time lunchtime comes, I no longer crave that. It's easy to just decide right then and there what I'm in the mood for. It's dangerous and I need to stop spending money on food.

I probably have more favorites but this month has minimal in terms of "things".

What were your favorites this month? Tell me in the comments!!

Shop my favorites below: 


Sunday afternoon I decided to get out of the house and head to the mall. I haven't been in a while and I knew I wanted a few things that I didn't want nor could I order online.

I never go to the mall a lot because it's a good half hour away, and I always feel like it has to take up an entire day. When I was younger, and I'd go shopping with my mom, we'd be at the mall for up to 4 hours. It was an all day thing that left you exhausted, and usually in tears after fighting with my mom and/or sister.

Now that I'm older, I can relish in the fact of taking the car and doing my shopping in under an hour. I knew exactly what I wanted and went to a few stores, and got what I needed.

I did roam around the mall a tad bit, heading into Forever 21 to browse, and then I found Mecca. On the bottom level of Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island, next to Sephora (which I resisted THANK GOD) and Nordstrom, is the first ever BaubleBar store.




I knew it was there and I meant to see where it was but then I forgot once I got there. Hence why I was pleasantly surprised when it just kind of appeared.

I walked in and ugh, it was amazing to see the baubles in real life as opposed to shopping them online.

It's a small store, but has enough baubles stocked that there's something for everyone. It was adorable and chic, in true BaubleBar fashion and I kind of never wanted to leave.





I didn't buy anything because I was on a mission to spend a certain amount of money, and I didn't need any new jewelry -- you'll find out next week as to why ;)

I also haven't been wearing too much jewelry because it's so hot out and I don't like feeling the extra metal against my chest. With Fall coming, however, it did spark my interest to invest in some new Baublebar pieces. I never buy my jewelry anywhere else because they make it so easy. They have everything from chic, delicate pieces, to chunky and trendy statement necklaces. They've expanded their line so much in the 2 years that I've known about them and it's so amazing to see the store come to life.

Here are some pieces that I have my eye on for the fall:




Let me start off by saying that I love Birchbox for so many reasons. The monthly box of surprises, the perks of being an Ace, the points system, and the endless possibilities that the Birchbox shop holds. There is really nothing bad about Birchbox in my opinion.

I am however, getting quite overwhelmed by all the product I have. There's just so many samples everywhere, so much other make-up that I have...it's a lot. I haven't bought make-up in a while, but all my Birchbox samples are becoming a lot. I already cancelled Ipsy because it was just too much.

So, I have a feeling, sooner or later I may say goodbye to Birchbox-- temporarily, and give myself a break from all the product I have.

Uhh..this box is ADORABLE!!!! It looks like it's 3D and I can't get enough!




Despite all that, my August box was awesome, aside from another perfume sample which I cannot use because I'm allergic.

Everything else in the box was perfect and I'm pretty sure I already went through one product already.



//Coola SPF 30 Organic Make-up Setting Spray: This was my sample choice that I chose. I've been obsessed with setting sprays and facial mists recently and I figured I'd try another one out. This is the product I've gone through fully already and I'm considering getting the full size. It smells heavily of sunscreen so if you don't like that scent, you may not enjoy this, but it feels really refreshing and I think it does help my make-up stay on longer.

Full size: $36.00
Sample size: 3/5



//IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer: I haven't tried this out yet but I'm looking forward to it. I love primers, they're definitely one of my favorite make-up products and I love radiance primers. This one seems promising and I can't wait to try it out!

Full size: $28.00
Sample size: 3/5




//Parlor Blowout Spray: With all the make-up I have, I've been loving hair & skincare products lately to fill the void. This one made me extremely excited! My keratin treatment is still lingering in my hair, but with winter coming, I know I'll be more patient with my locks and will actually take the time out to blow and straighten this. I'm sure this will come in handy in extending the time the style lasts.

Full size: $24
Sample size: 4/5




//LAQA & Co Charm School Kit: I've never tried a LAQA & Co product and they're a cult favorite in Birchbox so I'm happy to have the chance now. I received the chubby lip pencil in Cray Cray, a coral peach shade, and I'm obsessed. They're smooth, pigmented, and really great for an everyday lip color. I have so many lip products but nothing like this so it'll come in handy for the last few weeks of summer.

Full size: $20 for set of three
Sample size: 5/5




//I Am Juicy Couture: I don't even have anything to say about this because I can't use it. It does smell good, probably not a perfume I'd wear. To me, it seems faint and floral, and just not my taste in perfume. I wish I wasn't allergic because I feel like it's such a waste of a sample to me.

Full size: $95
Sample size: 1/5

What are your thoughts about subscription boxes? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the products you have from them? 



Links to Love

in , , , by RoyallyPink, 7:30 AM
This week was extremely long. I don't think I've had this long of a week in a few months, at least. I don't know if it was the fact that I was away all weekend, or if work is just super busy, but I've felt like every day was 100 hours long.

I realize I only posted twice this week, basically because Wednesday night I was too tired to write a post for Thursday, even though I had one on my schedule.

I don't remember if I mentioned this, but I'm probably going to cut down on blog posts for a little while. I haven't been truly inspired so I don't want to just write for the sake of producing content. I really want to take Royally Pink to the next level (I know I keep saying that), so I want to make sure I'm producing good content, and I feel like right now, posting about 3 times a week fits my schedule.

I usually write on Sundays and writing 4-5 posts in only a few hours, taking good photos, and playing in Photoshop is a lot.. not to mention actually trying to do things on the weekend.

Anyways...

Next week is going to be a busy one! I'm heading down to Pennsylvania for work on Thursday, coming home on Saturday morning, and then heading to a New York Mets game that afternoon. I *might* go to a bar Sunday afternoon for my friend's birthday, so if I do, it will for sure be another tiring weekend. I'm excited to rest up this weekend though, run some errands, and get some hardcore writing done.

I was so happy to get out of New York last weekend (I went to Boston if you didn't know) and now I have that adventure, travel bug inside me. Maybe I'll actually start living a life I want now ...

Ok ok enough babbling about nonsense -- here are some links I loved this week:

Harry Potter always gets me right in the feels

Frozen=Tarzan???

Pancakes as dumplings? Hmm.. I'm intrigued

Beauty products for post work-out -- these are hands down my favorite types of beauty posts

Carly from The College Prepster was on Career Contessa yesterday and my girl crush on her has been reignited 

TV finales are always the saddest, and always make me cry

Anxious? Laid Back? Yup, sounds accurate

Have a great weekend everyone!!


I apologize if this post is a little all over the place ... I'm pretty tired and can't form coherent thoughts but I've been wanting to get this post up for a while so I figured there's no better time than the present! I'm also trying out a different format for writing review & round up posts -- let's move away from lists from a little bit and try regular writing for once - let me know what you think!!

Ever since I was little, I had a fascination with face masks. Whether they were the peel off masks, or green mud masks, I loved the idea of applying something to your face, sitting in a bubble bath, and having the ultimate relaxation experience.

Even if face masks didn't work, I think I would still use them because it's the idea of helping your skin while just laying down-- who wants to move around when your face is tight and you look like a zombie? Nope, I lay down in my bed or a bath when I have a face mask on.

As I've learned more about beauty and skincare, I've learned more about what face masks can do for you and all the different types. I've gotten a lot better at choosing face masks for my skin type and my needs... I've also started doing face masks 1-2 times a week. I like to space them out so I'm not overdoing it and putting too much on my skin.



I've recently been really into sheet masks, as has the entire beauty industry. They're quick, easy, and aren't as messy as typical masks that you apply from a tube or jar. My favorites have been the Sephora face masks (they have eye masks too which are amazing), and I really like the Dr. Jart ones as well, especially the Pore Minimizing one which I received in a past Birchbox

I will always be a drugstore gal through and through, and you can't go wrong with the Freeman Masks, whether you get them in foil packets or in the big tube. I have the Stress Relief, Avocado, and Charcoal masks and I use them regularly. They all have different uses and satisfy my different skin needs.

I also just tried two packets of the famous GlamGlow Youthmud Mask (in the black jar) and I will be buying the full size -- full review coming soon so stay tuned! It definitely is worth it to me... at least get the $19 one from Sephora.

I think face masks are an important part of your skincare routine because they give your skin that extra boost and those extra benefits that you may not be getting from your regular skincare. I usually stick to brightening masks, mud masks, charcoal masks, and fatigue masks. They all serve my skin differently, and actually work. I think my favorite has to be charcoal and mud masks because they are so purifying and I can feel the difference in my skin.

Face masks are an addition to your regular skincare and if your skin is acting up, a face mask can be a quick fix. If I have a blemish, I'll break out a anti blemish mask and it'll help speed along the process.

You can shop all my favorite face masks, that I continue to repurchase over and over and I feel like really work for me, below.

Here are also some face masks that are on my "to buy" list and that I've heard amazing things about!!

What are your favorite face masks? What's your opinion -- do you think they really work?

I never travel. I can count the states I've been too on 2 hands, and still have some fingers left over.

I've talked before how I want to be that spontaneous, adventurous, twenty something traveler. It goes back to me stepping outside my comfort zone, saying yes to things, and having an idea in my head of the type of person I want to be.

I think this weekend was a step in the right direction.

As I said on Friday, my friend (and old college roommate) Marissa asked me to road trip to Boston this past weekend to see our friend Will, who lives there and who we also went to college with.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't skeptical about it. My weekends (and pretty much any time away from my work desk) is sacred and I'm very picky about not having time to "relax." I am a homebody through and through, and I'd even go as far as to say that it's a major problem.

Well, I survived and I wasn't struck by lightning, I wasn't overly exhausted on Monday morning at work - the world didn't end just because I spent a weekend away from home.

I did get a little antsy while away -- I was tired from walking (13,000 steps on Saturday afternoon), and was excited when I was on my way home. I just wanted to be in my own bed.

I was never weird about sleeping out, but as I got older, I savor my time in my own bed and feel very disorientated when I'm out of place... but as I said, I survived.

The weekend was FANTASTIC! I had been wanting to visit Boston for the longest time and it was a great first visit.

Me and Marissa drove up on Friday night and didn't arrive till around 11:30 PM. We were both equally exhausted and just hung around until around 1 AM and went to bed. We knew we had an early day in the morning!

My friend Will lives right outside of Boston, in Cambridge and it's gorgeous! It was the cutest little town! Marissa and I were very out of place and confused, because Cambridge isn't considered a "small town"-- it's a city but it basically looked like New York suburbs.




We got breakfast in Cambridge (Boston bagels are NOT as bad as I thought haha They were delicious!) and got ready for the day!

We first headed into Harvard Square and walked around Harvard's campus. I was in awe... I felt like I was in a movie. Harvard is gorgeous... lush trees every where, gorgeous architecture, and tons of people!







We wandered around Harvard Square (outside of campus) for a really long time, walked into a few Harvard shops and book stores, and just admired everything around us.



How cool is this?!

Stopped for some Pinkberry (forgot to take a pic #bloggerfail) and then took the T (not the train) into Boston. This is where we did the majority of our walking and where I legit felt I was going to die.

It was great thought.






Potato, Bacon, Cheddar, Sourcream Spring Rolls?! 
You could feel the history on the streets, from the trolley tours, to the town halls, to the historic statues, it's easy to forget that our country started in Boston and the history there is richest. We actually saw a historic reinactment on the streets of Boston, with men dressed in red coats and screaming something as they galloped down the cobblestone road. It was awesome.

There was also no shortage of Red Sox & Patriot talk/gear spread around the city - I saw a street stand with "Free Brady" shirts as well as hearing people scream that through the streets #LOL.

We walked through Quincy Market that has tons of little shops, stores, and restaurants, before heading into downtown Boston to sit, eat, and drink at Brewery. Afterwards we met up with some more friends, and went to a classic Boston bar. We were in bed by 12 (which I was very thankful for) and up early on Sunday to get some classic New England seafood and then on the road back to NYC.

I think my favorite part of the trip (aside from seeing my friends and road tripping in the car) was Harvard. It felt so surreal to be in a place that so many great people have been before. My one regret this trip was not getting a Harvard t-shirt before I left.

Side note: I also LOVED all the Snapchat filters, as you can see above. I mean, come on--is it really a road trip if you don't add some snapchat filters?

For my next trip, I want to do a lot more sight seeing and possibly head to Salem (maybe during Halloween?!)

I feel like I may be doing some more road trips in my future!

Have you ever been to Boston? What's your favorite road trip you've ever taken?


When was the last time I wrote one of these posts? Now that I work on Fridays (or have summer Fridays and pass out at 9pm on a Thursday night), I forget to write them.

I've been forgetting a lot of things lately--is that a sign of old age? Do I just have too many things going on? I have forgotten so much stuff in the past few weeks, I feel like I should be alarmed.

Also, the days and weeks have been flying by, yet going so slow. I feel like Monday comes, the week passes by, and then by the time it's Friday, I'm so tired I actually forget it's Friday! I forget to hang out with my friends, to enjoy the weekend to the fullest... I just don't even realize what's happening. It's very odd.

I've been dealing with so much stuff in my personal life, so many back and forth feelings about my life (not to mention big things happening in my family, etc), so it's been an odd few months.

One day is good, the other is bad -- I can't decide how I feel about any situation, sometimes I actually feel like I'm going insane.

I'm stressed and anxious and angry and sad and frustrated, all at once. I just feel so many things about everything, it's incredibly overwhelming. Work, my friends, a social life, my family -- ugh when does it end!

For once though, I'm actually doing something FUN this weekend! I'll be heading to Boston with one of my college friends to go visit another friend who lives there. Visiting Boston has been on my bucket list FOREVER and I'm so happy to finally be taking the plunge.

My friend, Marissa, asked me on a whim to go with her and I agreed with no hesitation. She was thoroughly confused (as was I, my mom, and my other friends) as to why she didn't have to convince me to go with her, and I think she just caught me in a good mood, and because she asked me far enough in advance, and is driving, and I had no other plans... also, I've just been wanting to do more THINGS. I don't just want to lay around and go out to eat, I want to travel and do fun things like this.

It was just too good to pass up.

I'm sure I'll be taking a bunch of photos (I plan on bringing a GASP, digital camera!) and maybe snapping some fun photos!

For now though, here are some links I couldn't get enough of!

This is pretty much me in a nutshell...

So now I have to worry about Venus being in retrograde too? GREAT

Ugh, being in your twenties <<< 

Candance Bushnell is selling her apartment and yes, I'd like to move in. 

The top 50 outfits from Friends... yes! 

Lilly Pulitzer really does have a grasp on social media -- this was so fun to read!

It's almost Pumpkin Spice season!!

A was REVEALED and I wasn't disappointed at all! There are still some questions I'd like the Answers too, though

Millennials get REAL about what post grad life is really like ... 

Have a good weekend everyone :) 


I love a good career book... I always have. Ever since junior year of college, I've been fascinated with career books and articles, and learning as much as possible about "the real world" and how I should navigate these unknown waters.

Now that I think about it, I always loved reading about the next stage in my life. When I was headed off to college, I read those types of books; when I was joining a sorority, I read those types of books, and when I was getting an internship, I read those too.

I think it has to do with my fear of the unknown, but we've discussed that so many times before.

When I was getting ready for my first, full time job in social media, I knew what book I had to read. I had been waiting for this book to hit shelves for months, ever since I first heard about it. Fashion + social media= give me it!!!

"Leave Your Mark" is written by Aliza Licht, the lady behind the famous DKNY PR Girl Twitter account. I've been hearing about that Twitter account for years, and I think it was an genius idea--create an anonymous persona that gives you all the inside scoop on the fashion industry.

I don't remember following the Twitter account well, in it's prime, a few years back before Aliza revealed that it was in fact her, but reading about the hype in the book was awe striking. It was a huge mystery among the fashion world and everyone wanted to know who was DKNY PR Girl.

But that's not what the book is completely about.

It's about Aliza's journey to becoming THAT girl, the social media gal behind one of the most famous Twitter accounts in the world.

It's about how she tried a few different career paths before deciding fashion was what she really wanted, and how she fought to get there-- through internships, and a hard work.



The book is FILLED to the brim with career lessons, and I especially love how it's laid out, with Aliza telling her story, offering tidbits of advice, and then rounding it up all at the end in bullet point form (makes for extremely easy reference).

She talks about the importance of remaining authentic in your personal brand, asking for help when you need it, always clarifying your tasks with your supervisors and boss, so you are extremely clear on what they want from you (a HUGE lesson for myself).

Aliza gave insider tips from some industry people on what they look for in candidates, and what sticks out to them, when someone is trying to land a job in the fashion world.

She takes you step by step, from figuring out what you want to do, to writing a kick ass cover letter & resume, to getting the most out of your internship...all the way to ask for a raise & get a promotion.

Licht uses her life and her experiences to give us the advice we need to succeed in this dog eat dog world.

I will say that some of her stories sounded like Andie Sacks in "The Devil Wears Prada" but it also does sound glamorous in a way, even with all the hard work.

All in all, Aliza was a girl who tore out the pages of magazines and stuck them on her bedroom walls as a young child, and then she ended up becoming one of the top executives (and a social media guru) at one of the biggest and well known fashion brands out there. It's a dream come true in more ways than one.

I've never felt more satisfied when finishing a book than when I finished this one. I felt like I had learned so much, and gained such an insight into this industry, it was truly eye opening.

This is 100% a book that I will keep on my nightstand and re-read more than once. It's 100% a book that I think everyone in the communications field (or someone just looking for career advice) needs to own, read, and highlight everything that inspires them.

Have you read this book? What do you think?

PS: I nearly cried when I found out Aliza is leaving DKNY  (does this destroy the review? Sorry!)


Being the beauty junkie I am, I know the importance of skincare. The most expensive foundation will look horrible if your skin isn't properly prepped.

I've always been content just washing my face... and even when I started to get into beauty, I was very lazy with my skincare routine. I only stuck to moisturizer, and I would forget to apply it almost everyday.

When I got home from school last year, that's when my beauty love expanded, and I started realizing the world of skincare. Since then, I've been trying lots of skincare products and trying to figure out what works for me -- both from the drugstore & high end.

People always say that you need to pay a lot for skincare, and I do believe that you should invest in skincare, if it works for you. If your holy grail product is from the drugstore, you do you.

I've learned a lot about my skin in the past year, and I've figured out what helps my skin, and what irritates it. Ever since realizing I'm allergic to fragrance, I've had to pay closer attention to what I'm putting on my face, and I know immediately if something is going to irritate my skin.

These are my go-to holy grail items that I've repurchased, or will repurchase. They work for me, and have transformed my skin.



 1. Clarisonic: I've mentioned this lovely little item before but I figured I'd start off with it because it's very important. I will love this baby forever-- it completely changed my skin, and has helped make my complexion better. I was having so many skin issues last year and after a few weeks of using the Clarisonic, I noticed a significant shift. My breakouts were at bay, my skin was smoother, and the little bumps along my cheeks were gone. It's amazing and it's definitely an investment, starting at $99. There are so many different brush heads that you can choose from, depending on what you need or what your skin type is, and you can use any cleanser you please. (My favorite is the Fresh Soy Cleanser which came with it when my mom ordered it from HSN for Christmas) If your skin is having trouble and you don't know where to start, start with this.

2. Murad Renewing Eye Cream: Oh eye creams -- I have the biggest love/hate relationship with them. I have an obsession with under-eye products because of my dark circles and bags, and eye cream is a product I just felt like I needed. I couldn't find one I loved, and I was switching back and forth between a lot, before I had those major under eye issues last year. After that, I only found one eye cream that worked, and it was this one. I got a deluxe sample from Sephora, and I knew Murad wasn't cheap. I didn't think I'd fall in love with it because I've never adored an eye cream before. Boy was I wrong, and when I ran out of the sample I was crushed-- especially because this has a $70 price tag. Well, Murad was having a 20% off, Free Shipping, and 16% cash back on Ebates a few months ago and I took the plunge, ordering the full size. It's very nourishing, moisturizing, and gives a brightening effect. I've seen my under eye circles & bags decrease over the past few months and this eye cream is to what I owe it too!

3. Tarte Eye Brightener: Here we are with another eye cream. I've been wanting to try this FOREVER and then I saw it was included in a little set with the Tarte Maracuja Oil, on sale at Sephora a few months ago. I used this at night until it ran out (and since it was so small, I went through it pretty fast) and this will be my next eye cream purchase after the Murad runs out. This brightened my eyes like no other -- other people eve noticed! My mom looked at me one day and was like "Wow, your face looks different!" I knew then that it was the brightening effect. This didn't irritate my eyes or make them dry, and it was a smooth, silky consistency. Oh I miss it just thinking about it ...

4. LUSH Lip Scrub in Bubblegum: I loved my ELF Lip Exfoliate but when that was finished, I knew I needed a new scrub. I walked into LUSH for the first time, and I got sucked into buying this holy grail item at the register. I knew people on Youtube love & adore this item so I didn't think twice about buying it. I LOVE IT. It's handmade and you can tell it is when you use it. I just take a little bit after brushing my teeth, rub it on my lips, and wipe clean with a towel or washcloth. The bubblegum scent & flavor is a little overpowering so when I repurchase, I'd probably buy a different one, but I will buy this product again. It leaves my lips smooth, soft, and ready for any lipstick!

5. Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray: I've been lusting after this spray for a solid year and finally got my hands on it when I took my random work trip to Chicago back in April! My bottle is more than halfway gone and I'm already planning a trip to Ulta to pick up another one. It's a rose scented mist that has many different purposes; I use it to set my makeup, as a toner after I cleanse my face, and just whenever I feel like my face needs some moisture. It smells amazing but isn't too overpowering, and doesn't cause any irritation. It's perfect -- and only costs $7.

6. Blemish Control Pads by FAB: I talked about these in my July Favorites but they transformed my skin so I needed to mention them again. In May, I started to see little bumps along my cheeks, which I've had before, so I just started using my Clarisonic more regularly. It didn't work. Acne toners, cleansers, and treatments didn't work. Finally, I thought to just browse Sephora's skincare section on the website and I saw this product. First Aid Beauty is one of my favorite brands and after reading these 5 star reviews, I was sold. I ordered them, started using them, and my skin was clear within a few days. I'll never be without these again!

7. Simple Makeup Wipes: I turned to the Simple brand a few months back and it's been a lovely little love affair. Their cleansing make-up wipes are the only ones I will use. They're soft, soothing, and don't irritate my skin. One wipe takes off almost all my make-up and there is no scent. They're perfect & I'll probably never use anything else!

Here are some honorable mentions that I also can't live without: Simple Micellar Water, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer 

Shop all my picks below!




What are your holy grail skincare products? Give me suggestions below :) 


Since starting work full time back in April, my lounge days are limited to the weekends. That means, my Pinterest time is few and far inbetween.

I hadn't made a food concoction in quite a while, but a month ago, during the 4th of July weekend I basically had a 4 day weekend and a little bit of time on my hands.

With this, I started looking through Pinterest and decided that a breakfast casserole was my next project. This is very similar to the breakfast cups I made back in January, but just in a regular casserole form.

I couldn't find a recipe that exactly fit what I want-- a lot used ham instead of bacon, were for serving sizes of 24 people, or just wasn't what I was looking for. I decided to just wing it and make something of my own.

Ingredients:



1 package of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Half a package of Hash Browns
8 Eggs
Bacon (as much as you'd like) -- precook before hand
Shredded Cheese (whichever kind, however much you'd like)

Steps:

1. Spray casserole pan with cooking spray
2. Spread package of crescent rolls over the casserole pan, make sure there are no open spaces between the dough, seal up any cracks.
3. Spread raw hash browns on top of the crescent rolls
4. Beat 8 eggs together in a bowl (add salt and pepper if you'd like) and pour over hashbrowns
5. Add pre cooked bacon slices on top (I broke the pieces of bacon in half to cover more space)
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese
7. Cook at 350 degrees for about 15-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crescent rolls look golden brown, and the eggs are cooked thoroughly.





This casserole lasted for weeks. It was honestly way too much (whoops) so after about 5 days in the refrigerator, I cut it in half and put it in the freezer. It tasted just as good after it was defrosted and heated in the microwave.

This is such a fun brunch idea, if you're having a weekend brunch for your girlfriends -- it's something easy and quick to make that is different!



I've felt very down lately.. well, just the past few days. I struggle with "being happy" and being positive, though I know that life isn't all about being happy and having a great time-- that's not how it works.

I've fallen into a funk, and I hate feeling this way. It's just not me! I put a lot of pressure on myself to be happy and make the most of life, and so on and so forth, but there are always going to be hiccups and bad days, and I can't get down on myself because I don't feel happy 100% of the time, 24/7.

I'd be lying if I said I don't struggle with watching other people live their life to the fullest, and have fun every day of the week. Social media does that. I want to be the girl at brunch on a Saturday morning, mimosa in hands, and endless laughs happening. I'd like to go to blogging events after work, or grab a drink at happy hour. I'd like to enjoy going out to a bar and staying out till 4 AM, but I'm coming to realize I'm not that person.

I'm tired once the clock hits 5 P.M and I just want to come home and lay in bed. Saturday mornings, I like to lounge around my house in my pajamas and read a book. I'm asleep by midnight on the weekends because I was running errands all day, or getting a quick dinner with friends.

Why am I putting pressure on myself to do things and live a life that I don't really want? Why am I comparing myself to everyone saying "but they have so much!" -- if I'm happy, then that's fine.

But am I happy? What will make me happy?

It's a constant struggle and I could cry just thinking about it because I just want to feel okay with my life. I don't want to wake up one morning in five years and feel like I've wasted my entire life because I was waiting to be happy, because I was waiting for something good to happen, because I've spent too much time making excuses and complaining.

It's not silly of me to admit that I'm still struggling in the "real world" -- I feel like Bambi walking on new legs, wobbly and straining to stay upright, but still walking nonetheless.

I don't know when it's gonna give, when I'll feel like this is my life and this is how it's going to me -- maybe when I move out of my mom's house and get my own place, maybe when I find some work/life balance, maybe when one day I just wake up and feel like I'm not playing a part.

Your twenties are no joke.

I was not prepared for this constant feeling like I'm missing out on something. I have FOMO 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but I don't do much about it. I make excuses... I'm too tired, I have to blog, I don't feel good. I want to stop doing that, but I can't help it.

This has to be the most frustrated I've ever felt in my entire life and it's a horrible feeling.

I've just rambled on and on, maybe not even making any sense, and I don't know if I'll even post this because it's a bit raw for me, but it' just how I feel.






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