This was a really long week. I don't know why but it felt really, really long. The weekend is going to be even longer because I'm busy every day, which I'm looking forward to. It's a weekend full of friends, food, and drinks so it's going to be a really good one!

Last weekend was good too because I went to Her Conference. It was so awe inspiring and I felt so energized when I left there. Listening to all these inspiring women speak, and being with the Her Campus team was incredible. They are just so successful, smart, and fun -- it's everything you could ever want.

I also wanted to address that this week's content. I know it seemed a little all over the place because there were three "sponsored" posts. The Brit + Co post was truly sponsored while the comfortable in summer and bra post were NOT sponsored but just inspired by emails I received from the companies. I didn't receive any compensation for those two posts, but just liked the ideas they threw out at me.

I never want to post that many "sponsored" posts in a week but deadlines are deadlines -- but do know that they were all written from the heart with my own opinion taking over. I don't think I need to explain that I'll never post something I don't believe in or anything that doesn't align with what this blog is.

Anyways... that was kind of bothering me all week so I wanted to get it cleared. I have actually really been loving the Brit + Co planner; I have another planner post coming up as we head into August and I'll fully explain my planner woes in that post. I love notebooks and planners so I always have more than one in any given year.



That's all I really have to say right now (I'm tired and it's getting late and I just want my bed) so here's what I loved this week:

• Tips to make you a better blogger
• Financial anxiety is my middle name
• An inside look at Huda Beauty's empire
• Peter is 100% justified in NOT wanting to get engaged at the end of The Bachelorette
• Pursuing your passion and how to stop obsessing over it. YES PLEASE
• A museum dedicated to early 00s pop culture? OMG YES

This post was created in partnership with ThirdLove but was not sponsored. All opinions are my own

So let's get into something I haven't talked about before... bras.

In 5 years of blogging, I've never talked to you about bras. I guess I always thought it was a little taboo but also bras are not something I've ever been super serious about. I have 2-3 bras from the same company, they fit, and I go about my merry way with them. Once the underwire comes out, I throw them away and buy a new one.

I don't wear outfits that require a strapless bra (those are the worst for me) and don't wear slinky things that I wouldn't be able to wear a bra with. I'm very simple, old fashioned when it comes to my bras. A no fuss, no muss t-shirt, full coverage bra is my go-to. Add a touch of padding for some support and we're set.

Because bras are not something I focus on, I never really thought about having one that was super duper comfortable. I just figured that I've been given big boobs and all bras are going to be uncomfortable.

Going back to my post on comfort this week, that really doesn't vibe well with me. I need to be comfortable and my bra was always getting in the way of that. I've dealt with it all from tight straps, loose straps, a cup being too small or too big, the strap riding up in the back, and my least favorite of all, when you get a bad case of underboob from your bra not fitting properly.

You name the bra problem and I've had it. But like I said, this is something I have accepted.

Thinking about comfort, thinking about the summer, and thinking about my upcoming trip to Boston, I knew I needed a bra that would withstand me walking around the city for three days, in sweltering heat. I hate few things more than being uncomfortable in a bra, and that is a lot of walking and heat. Combine the three and it's one very unhappy, grumpy, and cranky Briana.



I've heard a lot about ThirdLove through the Internet and a few other bloggers so when I found out about their free trial, I jumped at the chance. Everyone can try the free trial here (basically, you try the bra for 30 days and if you don't like it, you send it back. If you love it, they charge you at the end of the 30 days. All you need to do is pay $2.99 shipping).

You take a little quiz to tell them about your bra woes and they match you with the correct size and bra you should be wearing. After I took the quiz, I found out I was wearing the right size but they matched me up with the 24/7 Classic Memory Foam T-shirt bra.



I've been wearing the bra all week and oh my goodness. I have never, ever felt a bra so comfortable. I almost forget I'm wearing it. I didn't realize it was memory foam until typing up this post and it makes so much sense.

The padding feels minimal but very soft... it really does feel like a memory foam mattress or pillow.

After wearing this all week, I don't feel the need to rip off my bra as soon as I get home. It feels so comfortable I could almost sleep in it (which is something I truly hate) but this bra doesn't make me feel so bad.

I will 100% be taking this on my trip to Boston and wearing it with everything for the rest of the sweltering summer heat (even though it's been in the 60s all week in NYC). I really do not want to send this bra back and I doubt I will, I'll probably buy a few more and some underwear as well because we could always use more of that.

What is your MUST HAVE for comfort?
xoxo
B
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I've been slowly getting back into my audiobook game and taking a break from podcasts. I started up my Audible subscription again and the first book I wanted was something....you guessed it... in the mystery genre!

I don't know if I could ever read another book that ISN'T a mystery novel. I'm addicted and I won't apologize for it.

Anyways... when I saw that the author of "The Girl on the Train", Paula Hawkins, had a new book called "Into the Water" I knew I had to read it.

'The Girl on the Train' was an epic book and was early on in this world wide obsession with 'true crime' books. I was expecting just the same from 'Into the Water' but I don't think I got quite got it.

The book focused on a number of deaths and tall tales about a river in this close knit town. There have been 2 deaths in only a few months and the women were found in this river. These deaths open up a can of worms in the town and the people are forced to face what has been going on. There is a lot of scandal and mystery and back and forth between characters and it's interesting.



The book was good, the plot was good and well thought out. It was exciting and had a lot of good details. The mystery was really interesting and the ending was satisfying. I wasn't disappointed in that aspect of the book.

What I was disappointed in was that the book was SO CONFUSING. It's something that I read in the reviews (I don't read book reviews until after I'm done with the book but I needed to see if it was only me that was off but it wasn't); everyone felt very confused by the book.

The issue was that there were too many characters. The book switches back and forth between different point of views and it makes it very hard to keep up with who is who.

Most of the point of views are necessary but there were definitely a few characters that we didn't need to hear their thoughts. It seemed very unnecessary and pointless to me.

I think that the book would've been a lot better if the book focused on maybe 3-4 characters instead of what seemed like 7-10.

I don't know if I could recommend this book for the sole reason that I was so confused and it took me till more than halfway through the book to figure out what exactly was going on and who was who.

I think if you don't mind a lot of characters and switching between POVs, I'd pick it up from the library.

Have you read Into the Water? What did you think?
xoxo
B

This post was created in partnership with Tommy John; it is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

My least favorite way to spend my day (especially in the summer heat) is to be uncomfortable. Scratch that... my least favorite way to spend a work day is to be uncomfortable.

My style has always been identified as chic but comfortable. I have worn leggings for like 100 straight days (it's probably more) with the acceptation of a night out where I wore jeans. It's not because of any other reason other than that they are SO COMFORTABLE.

Leggings are pants people!

But seriously, I love to be comfortable. It's my favorite thing in the world to be in comfortable clothes, whatever that may be.

I especially need to be comfortable at work because if not, it throws off my entire day. The days where a necklace is bothering me or a shirt is falling off my shoulders are the worst days because I'm so distracted by my outfit, I can't seem to focus on anything else.

That's why I always make sure before I leave the house I feel good and comfortable about my outfit. Fashion is meant to make you feel confident and powerful, if you don't like what you're wearing, how could you take on the day?

I've noticed (especially with the athleisure trend) that more and more companies getting the hint that we like to be comfy. One of those companies is Tommy John, and through their products like under shirts, they definitely know a thing or two about comfortable clothes. To learn more about them, be sure to check them out. (Yes it's men's clothing but sometimes mens clothing, especially undershirts are just more comfortable LOL)

Here are my tips to remain cool, calm, and collected all day long:



Fabric: I always make sure that the material I'm wearing is breathable and comfy. I don't want anything too scratchy or silky against my skin, especially when I'm sweating. A simple cotton shirt or a kimono are my go-to's for work summer outfits. Pair it with a camisole and leggings and you're set.

Undergarments: It's a rarity that I wear a dress in the summer but if I do, I make sure that I have comfortable Spanx. That sounds like an oxymoron and it kind of is, but if you don't have comfortable Spanx (or a Spanx type item) don't bother wearing a dress. You will want to scream all day long.

I took this necklace off halfway through the day

Minimal Jewelry: I am a huge jewelry girl. I love my rings, bracelets, necklaces, and I love to stack them up. But, during the summer I go about my work day sans jewelry. I will wear a simple, no fuss bracelet and a ring but that's it. I stay away from necklaces because they stick to my skin and forget dangly bracelets -- they usually end up in my bag before it's even noon. I like to be minimal during the summer because it's just more comfortable that way.

Shoes: For the love of God, if my shoes hurt my feet the day is over. I usually end up barefoot under my desk. I stick to my trusty Jack Rogers or a great pair of J.Crew shoes in the summer because they're casual, but also can be dressed up if needed (it's best to advise that my office is super casual). If anything, I recommend keeping a pair of comfortable shoes at your desk that way, if all else fails, you have a backup.



I also recommend finding a style of clothing you like and sticking to it. I have no shame in saying that after I purchased one of these J.Crew shirts, I went and bought one in every color available. They are so comfortable, stylish, and can be dressed up or down. They are also so comfortable; the style fits really well, it's flowy and drapey but still seems fitted, and I'm just really into them.

Comfort is key, especially when it's hot and gross out, especially if you're at work trying to do your best, especially if you're commuting by subway.

What are your tips for staying comfortable all day long?
xoxo
B

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Brit + Co and Her Campus Media. All words and opinions are my own

I do so many planner posts that I think we may have to call these reviews 'Royally Planned'. You guys know how much I love a good clever series name...

Well, this weekend I had the honor of attending my 4th Her Campus Her Conference in New York City. The first time I went, I was a rising senior and it was such an eye opening experience (but more on that later) so I always jump at the chance to go back.



This year, I got to go in partnership with Brit + Co. They were a sponsor at the conference and had an activiation booth. They have been one of my favorite websites for years now and they're starting to really blow up. I don't remember when I first heard about them but I do know that it was a while ago.

I've read so many interviews and listened to so many podcasts with Brit Morin, the founder of this DIY, lifestyle, news website and it's always such an inspiration. I'm a sucker for a good business story and Brit + Co is just that.

*Mila Kunis even just jumped on board as an advisor and Disney just signed on to be one of their investors so you know it's legit.

That's why I was so excited to find out they were a sponsor this year at HerConference and that I was going to be able to partner with them to promote their new line of planners at Target.

A few months back, Brit + Co released a set of DIY sets at Target; everything from necklace stamping to calligraphy. They basically took their online DIY classes and gave them to you in person (Brit + Co offers online classes on a variety of different topics -- I highly recommend checking them out)

Well, they've now expanded that line into planners. It seems like the only natural direction for Brit + Co to go because all lifestyle gurus love a good agenda, especially one that is super fun, colorful, and customizable.





At Her Conference over the weekend, Brit + Co had their own little space. The activation was that you could take your photo (with Brit + Co props), post it on social media and enter for a chance to win your own agenda. They had artists there on Sunday, personalizing the agendas with your name (or however you please).

The booth was SO adorable and SO on brand, it was insane how you just knew it was Brit + Co.

But back to the planners... I knew I wanted one of these planners because I just couldn't resist the fun colors and all the different inserts. I was just waiting for the right time to head to my Target to get my hands on one and all the fun accessories.



I was in luck because Brit + Co sent me one of their planners (personalized with my name in gold lettering) and a bunch of inserts and accessories. I immediately ripped everything open and put my planner together.

The binder is strong, durable, and has 6 high-quality gold rings; the gold ribbon that binds the planner closed is super strong which is good because I hate when they stretch out and feel flimsy.



The inserts I got are daily to-do inserts which are perfect for my desk. I also got some fun fabric stickers that I put on the inside cover, regular daily stickers, washi tape (which I've been loving because I have never used any before), and binder clips.





Everything is bright, colorful, fun and feminine; they're are a lot of different binder covers to suit everyone so I know you'll be able to find something that fits your personality.

There are a lot of other inserts and accessories that I have yet to get my hands on but they're all currently in my Target.com cart so I'll definitely post an update on social media (or here on the blog) when I receive those!

PS: Each Brit + Co x Target planner product comes with a code for a FREE online class. I have a lot of classes already in my Brit + Co account because of past promotions they've done but I'm so excited to add even more.

There's everything from starting an online business, to photography, to social media marketing. Brit + Co are constantly adding classes so I recommend saving those promo codes for a class that really catches your eye!

I'm so excited to see what else Brit + Co has in store for us because I am sure it's wonderful.

xoxo
B
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This was such a short, weird week and I'm so confused LOL. I went to a Mets game yesterday with my office (it was our summer outing) and it was probably the hottest day of the year. I got so sick from the heat, I was out of commission all day. All day, it felt like a Saturday because my mom and my sister were home, and I wasn't going to work and I had off today. It really threw me off.

Today, I have a summer Friday so I'm taking it easy, may just go get a manicure and head to the gym. Tomorrow and Sunday I'll be at the Her Campus Her Conference and I'm actually really excited. Sometimes before these conferences, I get a little anxious and don't want to be bothered going into Manhattan, but this time I'm not feeling that.

The conference is going to be amazing this year with insane speakers, great sponsors, and a whole track dedciated to bloggers.

I'm also participating in a great campaign with one of my favorite companies (seriously, this is a dream collab) and I'm so excited to share that with you! Make sure you're following me on Instagram to follow along .. I'll be posting all weekend long and revealing tomorrow which brand I'm working with.

*PS: The Nordstrom Anniversary sale opens to the public today so be sure to check it out. Here are some of my favorite pics from when I shopped it.

How cute is this Macbook sticker? Get it here

Anyways.. below is what I loved this week:

• There's a lot of controversy surrounding a new movie starring Lilly Collins -- very interesting article about it
• Why working from home makes people happier
• The world's best concealer is getting a serious upgrade
• Really good advice on declining a job offer
• These new books about creative types look very interesting

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There was a time when I was doing ok with controlling my handbag collection. I had sold a lot and wasn't buying any... I thought I had got it all under control.

Then, recently, something came over me and I just caught the bug again. I want all the handbags... I need all the handbags.

Everyone (cough Kate Spade cough) is coming out with their fall collections and I'm drooling hardcore. I also want to add a Louis Vuitton handbag to my collection so I have my eye on a lot of pre-loved items.



I've already given in to a want and purchased this gorgeous Rebecca Minkoff velvet bag from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I've always wanted one of her 'Love' bags and I thought this velvet one was just gorgeous. Velvet is super in so I'm ahead of the trend for once!

Here's what's on my wishlist right now:




Kate Spade Cameron Street Perforated Large Lane: I have the small lane from last year's collection but when I saw this larger version in the perforated leather with rose detailing, especially in the Dolce color, I almost lost my mind. I haven't been able to think of anything for the past few weeks and I'm surprised I haven't just gone off the deep end and splurged. I'm trying to be responsible.



Rebecca Minkoff Leo Nubuck Clutch: I've been seeing this all over my Instagram feed and I just found it on Nordstrom.com. I love the color and the embroidered roses -- so on trend and perfect for the fall and winter.



Kate Spade Olive Street Brigette: I've started following a lot of the Kate Spade sales associates on Instagram.. their accounts are popping up all over and I can't get enough of the sneak peeks. Well, the Fifth Ave Muses posted this over the weekend and I lost my shit. How stunning is this? The satchel shape? The big bow? The color? I did some research and I think this was part of an older collection and they're bringing it back. It'll be available in August online but may be in stores now!



Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis: I have not stopped thinking of this bag in months. I need it. I want it. It's so pretty. I saw it in person for the first time on the train yesterday and I almost fell up the escalator. I have a Speedy 30 and it's amazing but the Pochette Metis is modern and classic at the same time. Please go look up a review on Youtube because this bag is something everyone should have.

Below are a few more handbags I've had my eye on (just not as much as the ones listed above)




What's on your wishlist this Wednesday? 
xoxo
B
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I did my first Little Loves post a while back and never continued the series. I figured I'd do another one since it's been so long since my last.

There are things that I discover every day, whether they're new or something I've rediscovered in my collection, and I don't always get to share them with you. They may be included in monthly favorites or in a beauty post but sometimes things just don't fall into that category.

That's why I wanted to do a small roundup here.

Here are a few little loves that I've had lately!

Kate Spade Charm Bracelet: A few months ago I got a hankering for a charm bracelet. I don't know where it came from but I haven't had one in forever. I saw that Kate Spade had one and I quickly bought it along with a few adorable charms. I have a hashtag, a pair of glasses, and a champagne bottle. I've been wearing it nonstop the past few months and it's so nice. It doesn't make a lot of noise and doesn't feel annoying on your wrist, which is essential for me in a bracelet. It's definitely something I'd consider as a gift for someone else (or for yourself!). Below are some other charms that are super fun and cute.




Watches: Another piece of jewelry that I was never really on board with, watches. I have had a few in my lifetime but I never got much use out of them. Lately, though, I've been loving them, especially my new Rose Gold Metal Kate Spade watch. I bought mine off of Tradesy but here is a similar one. I always felt that metal watches were a little too manly for me but a smaller size, and in rose gold, is the perfect touch of feminity.





Babe Magnet Essential Oil: I recently got this essential oil from Evil Queen, my favorite candle company ever, and I'm obsessed. She had been teasing us for a while on Instagram that she was going to release rollerball oils so when she posted them online for pre-order, I got my hands on one immediately. Babe Magnet Potion (she calls them potions, how cute!) is made with Frankincense, Bergamot, Mandarin, and Apricot Oil. They all have their own little uses in the oil but basically, this potion is supposed to enhance your mood and I definitely feel like it works.

Barnes and Noble Nook E-Reader: I have been a lover of the e-reader ever since the first Nook was released in 2009. I had the first ever Nook and fell in love. I have to admit that I was against it at first but once I realized how much money I was spending and how much room my books took up, I warmed up to the idea. My first Nook broke and I got the Simple Touch shortly after because I couldn't be without it. After I got my iPad, my Nook took a backseat but I recently found it in my room and became obsessed. I love supporting Barnes and Noble, and I love that the Nook screen is not colored. It's black and white so I don't feel like I'm reading on a computer. I also love that there is no Internet so I don't get distracted by Twitter or any other app. My Nook is solely for reading and I love it. The Simple Touch doesn't exist anymore but the GlowLight is very similar.


What have you been loving lately?
xoxo
B

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I love skincare almost as much as I love makeup and I love when I find products that are interesting and different. It's even better when those products actually work and become a staple in my routine. This summer, my skin has been freaking out a bit and I think it's probably just adjusting to the heat.

I recently did a review of traditional skincare products that I've been using, and I'm still loving all of those but recently, I've found a few that I've really been loving and wanted to round them up for you!



When Sheet Masks: I've talked about these before but I cannot get enough. I was just sent the entire line by the company and got to try a few I haven't before, like Makeup Base. They also went through a repackaging and this new packaging is just as cute as before but has a lot of new information on the back. I love a face mask to soothe my skin after the sun or when I just need a little extra TLC and these have been my favorite for such a long time.



Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: I was looking for something new for my lips (lip balms are one of my favorite beauty products) and I saw this with rave reviews on Sephora. It comes with a little spatula that is a huge help to apply it and makes it easier. It smells like bubblegum and goes on super thick and creamy. I feel it soothe my lips as soon as I apply it and through the night I know it's working. I wake up in the morning and I can still feel it on my lips. I've never had a product work so well and I'm really obsessed. I can tell a difference of nights I use this and nights I don't. It's only $20 so I recommend going out and getting it.


Herbivore Botanicals After Sun Spray: I don't spend a ton of time in the sun but when I do I feel the after effects of it, even if I apply sunscreen. I was scrolling through Instagram and saw this baby. I immediately ordered it and have been using it for about 3 weeks. I LOVE it! It's so soothing but doesn't sting and really makes my skin softer and a little less irritated after a day in the sun. It's a must have for the summer.

Below are a few more products that I've been using and I can see actually working (especially the BooBoo Zap by Benefit which is so hard to find!)
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The Nordstrom Anniversary sale has consumed my life for the past 24 hours and I cannot get enough. I already placed three orders and I'm sure more will be coming. I'm working on getting a lot of stuff on my wishlist and I recommend everyone checking out the sale. I know every blogger is telling you that but it's true, this sale is outrageous; the best it's been in years.

Anyways... this week was less than exciting. I did start something new that I want to highlight on the blog eventually but I want to wait until I see results.

For the first time, I'm going to talk about my weight and my diet... I started Weight Watchers this week and wow, it's weird having this huge lifestyle change. It's working well so far and I'm on day 5. I promise I'll do a full in-depth post, maybe around the 1-month mark because I do think (so far) this is the way to lose weight.

More on that later...



Here are the links I loved this week:

• Does chamomile really help anxiety?
• Such a good profile on Betches.com 
• 9 things to know about Eloise 
• Foundations that won't suffocate your skin-- perfect for summer! 
• How would one feel after consuming nothing but Halo Top Ice Cream for a week? 

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I apologize because I know every blogger is posting about this sale today and I swore I wouldn't, until I logged onto Nordstrom.com today and saw what was staring back at me.

This sale is SO GOOD. I think it's the best it's been in years.

I'm so overwhelmed right now, this may not even make sense. I'm so excited for this sale, there is so much I want, and I'm so excited for fall.




I already ordered this NARS Multiple kit and this diptyque Scented Candle set.

I don't really have a strategy for the sale but I do know that I like to order the beauty products first because those are the items that are exclusive to the sale and once they sell out, they're not coming back. Usually, the clothing will come back in stock after the sale is over but the prices are higher. So my go-to is grab beauty while you can!

There are lots of good beauty deals but I think I'm going to stick with clothes and accessories for the rest of the sale. I don't need any more beauty products but I think the one thing everyone should pick up is a Clarisonic. It's on sale for $86 which is a steal .. check out my Clarisonic post (I'm obsessed and I've had two different ones!)

I also really like this water bottle set ($50 is a bit pricey but for two of them, you could justify it) and I'm obsessed with my Laura Geller Just Blushing Palette. It's not avaialble anywhere else and it's the perfect travel palette with gorgeous, pigmented blushes so get it while you can.

Below are all my other picks and I'm sure I'll do a haul video on my Youtube channel once everything I order arrives!


What are you picking up during the sale? Give me suggestions!!
xoxo
B

*PS this is also just more of a wishlist for me so I have all the things I want in one place*  

Over the weekend I was looking for a new book to read. I broke out my Nook which I haven't read on in forever (thank you, iPad) and really wanted to read something new. I didn't want it to be a memoir or self-help... I just wanted some good old fashion fiction in my life!

I looked on my Goodreads and saw that there were a few Sara Shepard books that I've been meaning to read. She's the author of "Pretty Little Liars" and she writes really great Young Adult thriller type novels.



One of them is called "The Amateurs" and that's the book I decided on. I actually started reading it while in bed on Saturday afternoon but then decided to move that party to a park bench. I walked to my local park, sat on the bench for two hours and read as much as I could. I later went home and finished the entire book!

I love finishing a book in one day. It's very thrilling and satisfying... it gives me my reading bug back.

But, as for The Amateurs ... its main plot is that there is a cold murder case in a tiny Connecticut town that has been unsolved for 5 years. A young girl, Helena, was taken from her backyard and turned up 4 years later, dead, in a park a few counties away from her home.

Her sister, Aerin, is one of the few narrators of the book and she writes on a cold case board to find people to help solve her sister's murder.

Following so far?

Someone reading the cold case form, Seneca, decides to head to Connecticut to visit her online friend Maddy, and also solve this case.

From there, it's a lot of twists and turns and super interesting. It's typical teenage angst with lots of family drama thrown in. It definitely has a Pretty Little Liars feel to it but more mature and not as silly.

Once the plot is coming to a close, you feel satisfied with the ending (or what you thought was the ending) but then in typical Sara Shepard form, she throws a huge wrench in everything and your world is turned upside down. It was a twist so grand you really didn't even see it coming!

The sequel is coming this fall and I was so pissed when I went to go buy the 2nd book and it was only available for pre-order!

If you're in the market for a quick, easy, but super interesting read I highly recommend this. It's not as gory as other thriller/mystery novels I've recommended, definitely more on the tame side of things, but it's still exciting.

What book have you read recently?
xoxo
B

It's that time of the year again when all of the companies are releasing their planners... it's my favorite time of year and basically my true Christmas in July experience.

When the time came to start thinking about what kind of planner I wanted this year I had a decent idea (which will be coming soon) but then I started seeing all of these other fabulous, gorgeous planners and I wanted them all.

I was in Target a few weeks ago and came across the Day Designer endcap and fell in love. Every year for the past few years I was intrigued by the Day Designer for Target, ever since I first tried a real Day Designer, the Day Designer for Target, the BlueSky Planner for Target. I never picked one up because I couldn't let go  of my Lilly Pulitzer planner. 

I did let go this year when I scored my Henri Bendel planner so I'm branching out, even though the Lilly planners this year are so gorgeous and this pineapple one is truly calling my name.

However, I had already bought my planner for the year when I saw the Day Designer but I couldn't resist. It was $7.99 and too cute for words. It's a simple, no fuss planner but makes me feel super chic at the same time.

*I can't find Day Designer on Target's website but if you go into your local store it'll be there! BlueSky also released an adorable line of planners that are online and I almost bought another one last week. 

*After some research I see that it's now Day Designer for Blue Sky and you can find all of the adorable ones here. This is the one I have and it's called the Spotted Dot planner.

I was so excited to start using this baby and was so thrilled that it started the last week in June.

For now, I'm using the Day Designer as my full time, on the go planner until my "real" planner and the original planner I bought for this year starts in August.

Day Designer for Target has a lot of different sizes, designs, and layouts but the one I have is a smaller size, smaller than the medium agenda for Lilly Pultizer and a lot lighter in weight. It has a nice soft touch cover to protect the actual paper cover, and the design I got was zebra/leopard spots (unsure what it exactly is) and I love it!

The gold spiral coil is strong yet not too tough and doesn't make the pages too tough to turn. The monthly tabs are also coated so they don't get ruined in your bag.

The Day Designer layout is a normal planner layout with a calendar view before each month and daily boxes spilt down the middle, lines on one side and a to-do list on the other. I like that it's spilt because sometimes there are things I need to write down that aren't to-dos. This way, everything is seperate and organized.





At the top of each page are "This Week's Top Three"  and this is helpful in determining what definitely needs to be done this week. This is probably one of my favorite features of the planner.



The back of the book has pages for notes, the front has a goal section, a morning and evening routine section, and a checkpoint interval with birthdays, anniversaries, schedules, etc. This isn't something I really used in my last day designer but I think I'll definitely use them this year, as I'm more intune with goals, etc.




As much as I love this planner I will be switching to the planner I planned to use originally. This will become my at-home planner.

How I organize myself is that I have my 'on the go' planner that I bring back and forth with me to work. Then I have my at home planner that is used less but still useful because I write my to-do lists and daily tasks that I need to take care of at home. Sometimes the things in both planners overlap but that's the point of having a planner with me when I'm at work, so I can write my thoughts down when I'm out.

Anyways... this planner is perfect for pretty much everyone and anyone. It's a good college planner, a good grad school planner, a good work planner, a good everyday planner -- I have nothing negative to say about it.

It's inexpensive, chic, simple, lightweight, and a wonderful alternative if you're not into designer planners that start around $35.

I can't wait to show you my other planner which will be coming soon!

What planner are you planning on using this year? Do you still use a paper planner?
xoxo
B

A few weeks ago when I was at Ulta for a work event I came across the Essie display and a color caught my eye. I feel like I hadn't seen this color before and I was intrigued.

Barbados Blue is a gorgeous irridescent baby blue shade that screams summer. It's not like anything I have in my collection and to me, just seemed like a really unique shade.

I didn't pick it up that day but I was on a mission to find it. Barbados Blue isn't a new shade to Essie's collection, it's at least three years old but I was shocked to know that I've never seen it before.

I couldn't find it in my local drugstores but found it online at Ulta. I ordered it when I ordered my Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette and couldn't wait to use it.




I painted my nails last Monday and there was minimal chipping on Saturday and some of that was my fault for picking it off. It's definitely one of the more long wearing polishes.

This is definitely a summer color so I'll be getting as much wear out of it over the next two months.

xoxo
B

Hello July!! I feel like summer is going to fly by now, especially that I'm going to be busy with lots of fun stuff. That's definitely a good thing though!

I have a summer Friday today so it was a two day work week for me, and a three day weekend. What am I supposed to do with all this free time?! It's also currently raining in New York and will be through the weekend so I'm happy about that.. it'll give me time to stay indoors and catch up on blogging, writing, and everything in between!

I've also been really good about going to the gym so hopefully I'll be able to hit it all weekend long. It has been really making me feel good and it allows me to clear my mind and just be alone. I never thought I'd like going to the gym but I do... we'll see how long that lasts.

In other news, I really dropped the ball on blogging this week -- weird holiday weeks do that to me but next week, we'll go back to normal.

I really want to take my content to the next level, and up my social media game. I feel like because social media is my career, my personal accounts sometimes take a back seat so I'm going to try to change that. I hit 1K Instagram followers a few weeks back and it's been up and down since then. I want to try to get my followers at a consistent level. Soooo.... if you're not following me on Instagram, go follow me!

Enough rambling, let's get into my links ... but first, Kylie Cosmetics is having a BOGO sale and I need to tell you about it. Buy any lip-kit, eyeshadow palette, kyhighlighter, kyblush and get something free! I just ordered the Burgundy Eyeshadow Palette and got a highlighter for free! I'm so excited because I've been wanting an excuse to buy more Kylie stuff!



That's all for now... here are my links!

• Lazy girls unite! 
• Essentials oils to help with anxiety 
• The best way to help increase your productivity
• Turn your side hustle into an empire -- isn't that the dream? 
• I have a few planner posts planned but for now, take a look at these gorgeous agendas!
• I think I like the idea of a morning mantra
• Your period makes you more anxious.. that explains a lot

July is here and the summer is almost over! We're so close to Fall!

Ok I'll stop now! I don't like when people remind me that winter is ending and spring is coming so I'll spare all you summer lovers!

I'm writing this on 4th of July because my plans got canceled and I haven't been feeling too great this weekend. I was super hungover on Sunday and I was running errands all day Monday so I feel like my body hasn't had a chance to truly catch up with itself. The good news is that I work Wednesday & Thursday and I'm off again on Friday -- this is the ultimate summer week.

As we move further into the summer, the weeks are going to get busier so I need to get my sh*t together. Trips, conferences, and fun things are going to happen within the next few weeks!

For now, however, let's get into my June favorites!



1. J.Crew Drapey Tank Top: I ordered one of these tank tops at the beginning of the season and fell in love with it. It's so comfortable and you can dress it up or down, depending on where you're going. It goes with everything-- jeans, leggings, shorts. I was so obsessed that I went back to J.Crew Factory and bought one in every color. I have purple, salmon, grey, black, and blue. I might have to go get the white one just to complete the collection.

2. Friday + Saturday Brunette Baseball Hat: I've been wanting to get into the baseball hat trend for a while but I wanted a cute, punny one. I saw this one on Shop Riff Raff and couldn't pass it up. It's so cute and makes any outfit a touch more casual and trendy. I haven't stopped wearing it all month long!

3. NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm: I ravved about this in a post and a video this month but I had to mention it again. It's the only blush I've been wearing and it looks so natural and gorgeous, you could make it the only product you're wearing!

4. Benefit Total Moisture Face Cream: My skin has been on the drier side lately, which is weird for the hot summer but the one product that has been really helping me is the Benefit Cosmetics moisturzer. I talked about it my latest beauty video and while I haven't pulled the trigger on a full size yet, I will soon because I'm running out of the sample. It's super thick and hydrating but doesn't leave your skin greasy or tacky like you'd think a heavy cream would. It's so gooooooood!

What were your favorites this month?

xoxo
B