Mercury in Retrograde has left the galaxy of being something only astrologically in tune people know about. It's become a sort of a societal phenomenon that everyone is constantly talking about; brands post memes about it, publishers write articles about it, and your co-workers are talking about it.

I think the first time I discovered what Mercury Retrograde was probably about 5 years ago after I graduated college. The more I paid attention to this time of year, the more I became in tune and the more cautious I became. It's also really nice to be able to blame something for all your communication, travel, and technology woes.

I thought it would be a fun little to do a 'mercury retrograde' survival kit. This is everything you need to ensure you have a lowkey retrograde and if any problems do arise, you're able to combat them with grace.


PS: This retrograde ends on November 20th so there's still time to prepare yourself!

Chargers, Protective Phone Cases, Hard Drives 

I need this adorable Kate Spade charging tray

Technology is notoriously bad during retrograde. Whether it's your computer, phone, iPad, e-reader or TV, you're bound to run into some sort of issues. To make sure everything runs smoothly, try not to fiddle with your Wifi, don't hook up anything new and try not to buy new electronics.  You should also stock up on all kinds of chargers and invest in some protective screen covers/phone cases just in case you drop your phone... no one wants a cracked screen.

Also, be sure to have a hard drive around to back up your computer (BEFORE RETROGRADE) in case anything should happen...

Amethyst

It's been said that if you place amethyst on top of your internet router, it'll clear up any issues it might face. The amethyst promotes clarity and cleanses energy so if it's near your router, your computer will surely find it's way back to the connection. It wouldn't be a terrible idea to keep a piece of amethyst with you during retrograde to give yourself that same cleansing energy.

Dogeared Mercury in Retrograde Bracelet

For $22 you can protect yourself against all retrograde troubles! Dogeared is an adorable jewelry company that has really cool pieces that represent different beliefs. It's no surprise that they have a Mercury in Retrograde bracelet. The rock crystal in the bracelet promotes balance and harmony, making sure to keep all bad vibes away from you during retrograde. I'm definitely going to have to invest in one next retrograde!

Sage Stick

Sage your space before Mercury Retrograde (or any time during it) to ward off any bad energy and to just cleanse yourself and your areas.

Sleeping Supplements

There is a lot of energy around you and in the air during retrograde so you may have a little trouble falling asleep. Be sure to have some sort of sleeping supplement around to help you go to dreamland peacefully! I love my Olly Sleep Gummies or the HUM Nutrition Beauty zZz.

Honorable mentions include a journal to write down your thoughts and worries, a book all about crystals, and the new Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Palette,

*Also, don't forget your Mercury Retrograde nail polish!

What is in YOUR Mercury Retrograde Survival Kit

xoxo
B

It seems that Essie is back for more astrology polishes and I couldn't be more excited about it! I did a review on their first Mercury in Retrograde collection last year and the polishes were good, but had to be built up to full intensity.

When I saw them post about the second edition, I was skeptical but the moment I saw this hot pink, glittery number I knew that I didn't care about if I had to apply 100 coats, I needed it.

This "Universe in Reverse" collection is available at Ulta and has two shades: Happy Medium which is the hot pink shade and Get a Psy-Kick Out of It which is a bright, vivid magenta but to me looks more purple. I felt that it looked too close to the first collection so I opted out of getting that one.

From the first moment I opened the bottle I knew that this formula was vastly different from the first. The brush was big and flat, just like all the other new Essie polishes but also the formula was a little thicker and I could tell it was going to be more opaque which is 100% is.



This polish acts like a normal polish, just with a lot more glitter which is really beautiful. It's not sheer, goopy, or weird, it's the ideal polish formula; I was good with two coats.

Happy Medium is a true hot pink with silver, blue, and lavendar flecks of glitter within it. It reflects really beautifully in the sun and is such a fabulous summer color. Even though there is glitter within the polish, I don't think it's going to be difficult to get off like other glitter polishes. I think it just has that look because it doesn't feel gritty to the touch.

It isn't a messy formula, didn't smear easily or chip within 24 hours... and it's just so pretty to look at!

I know I say it a lot but I think this is going to be worn heavily throughout the rest of the summer and honestly probably all year round; to me, the glitter makes it more wearable than just a regular hot pink polish.

If this collection has you intrigued, I highly recommend picking it up before it sells out. I'm very tempted to order the other shade to complete the foursome!

Will you be picking up this polish?
xoxo
B

Ever since I was little, I always really liked astrology. I loved reading my horoscope and using it as a guide for my days.

When I was in college, my sorority sister was very much into astrology and she wouldn't even talk to a guy if he wasn't a compitable sign with her. While I'm not THAT much into astrology, she definitely rubbed off on me.

I started becoming obsessed with horoscopes, following everything very closely and even learning more about my sign and the characteristics of myself and other people.

I think the reason I am so interested in astrology is because it gives meaning to otherwise mundane things. Having the planets be the reason for things happening here on Earth give some sort of comfort to those who believe. Like there is something else controlling us -- it's very weird to think about but it's my truth.

One of my favorite parts about astrology is Mercury Retrograde (which we are in right now) and seeing how it really affects communication, travel, and technology in our everyday lives. I really do believe in it, and I will try to minimze big decisions, purchases, and any types of controversial communcation during these days.

The trains, my computer, and phone are always a mess during Mercury Retrograde and I whole hearedly believe that this is all true.

Astrology goes even deeper with what the planets mean and do, the full moon cycles and how they affect us, and truly anyhting else related to the planets and stars.



There is a lot more I want to learn, and I think I just need to find the time to really sit down and study it.

I do have the resources; a while back I bought the book 'Bedside Astrologer' and this is great for beginnners because it gives you everything in very easy terms and goes through all the signs and characteristics, and then it breaks down everything in terms of romance, and then gives you more information on the planets and how to read your horoscope and what certain things mean.



Another book I have my eye on is called "The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need". I saw it on Instagram and it looks like the next level verison of Bedside Astrologer and looks really wonderful.

All in all, I think astrology is super cool and it's something I've never talked about here on the blog and I thought it was time!

You don't have to take it seriously but it is something fun to take part in and it really makes you think about the world in a different way.

Are you into astrology? What are your thoughts?
xoxo
B

So this is super late but I actually have a lot of links to share so I thought I'd post anyway!

This week was fun and exhausting. I've fallen asleep before 10 PM every single night and I'm super happy to be sitting on my couch on a Saturday afternoon, watching Sex & the City and hanging out. I forgot how much I love relaxing and not doing anything.

Ever since starting my new job, my weekends have been jam packed with weekend events (which is great because I love it, which is weird) but exhausting because I feel like I haven't rested.

With the long weekend ahead of me(almost over) & summer Fridays in the distance, I know I'll be resting a lot more but also having more fun. I realized this week that getting out and being busy and doing fun things with my friends really makes me happy and as exhausted as I am, it's good to get out of the house.

After posting my post-grad update on Monday, I had a set back and just had a meh week. I was stressed out, and everything seemed to be the end of the world. Then I remembered Mercury is in retrograde so it all made sense. Yes I believe in astrology and yes I believe that Mercury was only created to annoy everyone a few times a year.

Anyways... I'm feeling much better and some retail therapy, sunshine, and some relaxation couldn't cure!

I have a very short work week ahead of me (Monday & Friday off) and I have some great plans for next weekend so it's really great to have something to look forward too.

I found a lot of things I loved on the Internet this week so let's go...

Nina Dobrev left the Vampire Diaries & I haven't watched it in two seasons but this broke my heart.

Mad Men ended and I may do a random blog post on it next week because it was just amazing and I feel like my heart is empty. 

Cheese makes the world go round

If it's worth the fight, then fight it. I loved this!

Matthew Weiner talks all about the Mad Men finale and it's perfection

YA novels will always have a place in my heart and this is so beautiful

Knolling really works and you know you love it

GIVE ME ONE OF THESE KATE SPADE BAGS

I am Kourtney & Kourtney is me.

Have a great long, holiday weekend everyone!!!