Another week is over, the first full week of December and we're one day closer to Christmas. Since I hit my twenties, I feel like Christmas has never felt like Christmas but I make the most out of it every year. I thought this year would feel different because I was REALLY looking forward to it, but I am feeling the same.

It just doesn't feel like Christmas. I don't feel like I'm in the Christmas spirit -- maybe because it's a little warmer than usual. I'm doing my best, watching Freeform 25 Days of Christmas & sitting by the Christmas tree, but I feel like I really need to focus on being in the Christmas mood.

Does anyone else feel like that?

The Newsette has a new website & it's so cool! Sign up here

Also, has anyone else been addicted to playing HQ? I'm in the middle of a game right now and I'm so competitive with myself. I've only gotten up to question 6 on all my games and I get so frustrated -- I just want to win!


Last weekend I went out for my 25th birthday and my goodness, was it a lot of fun. I also got very, very sick so you know it was a good time.



This week, Mercury went into retrograde and boy did I feel it. I've been getting more into astrology lately and I really like it, it's very calming and comforting.



Ok, I will stop rambling... here are my links for the week!

• Kylie is releasing concealers & I am READY
• I'm very curious about Hemp CBD capsules to help with my anxiety... 
• How to stay productive when working from home
• Gifts for the person who has a long commute... yes please! 
• The Harry Potter theories get better and better as the days go on... 
• Weight Watchers introduced Freestyle this week and I am so excited for it! Will report back! 
• If you haven't read my Weight Watchers article yet on POPSUGAR yet, go read it! 

With the entire blogosphere in the blogmas/vlogmas spirit, I figured I'd try to join in as much as I can. Most of my content this month will be Christmas & winter related so I figured I could name it blogmas and just do as much as possible.

Today I turn 25 years old.

That seems like an unreal age for me. I felt this way when I turned 13 years old, 16 years old, 18, 20, and 21. The past few birthdays have been uneventful but yet, here we are at another milestone.

For my last milestone birthday, I was in my senior year of college, ready to drink my face off for the next few months and just living life, however I wanted too. I had no responsibilities aside from sorority chapter and going to class, and I felt like I would never get off the high I was on.

Fast forward to now and I'm heading into my third year at my first full-time job, I'm living at home, single, and in need of more of a social life. I work a lot, blog a lot, and spend my money too frivolously.

It's no secret I had a rough few years; I transitioned out of college, adjusted to life at home, lost my dad, and have just been growing up. Now, I no longer can be classified as a silly twenty-something. I'm 25 years old. I'm a real adult with real responsibilities and it's time to start acting like it.

That may sound too harsh but I came to a realization a few weeks ago. I need to stop shopping, I need to make some big life changes, I need to put myself out there. It's time to buck up and get serious. I'm going to be 30 years old in five years and I'll be damned if I'm in the same place then.

I'm rambling a little bit but you get the picture. It's been a rough early twenties and I'm ready for a change. Maybe 25 is the change I need?

All that being said, I wanted to be a cliche blogger and break down for you some of the biggest lessons I've learned, almost all occurring within the last five years. Some will be long, others will be short but stick with me.



1. Stop waiting & just do it: I've been wanting to lose weight forever but I had my breaking point this summer and have lost 23 pounds so far. When you want to do something, there is no right time... just do it now. There is no better time than the present.

2. Spend the extra dollar: My friend Tyler said something a few years ago that stuck with me. "You can always earn more money"... while this isn't true for everyone, it's true for almost all of us. If you want that latte, just buy it. That $5 will fall back into your lap somehow.

3. Alone time is essential: I am a huge advocate for alone time and it's something I realize more and more. Spending time with yourself is the best way to learn about yourself. If you don't want to spend time with you, who will?

4. Step outside your comfort zone: Take the phone interview, cold email the company, take a risk -- it'll pay off in the end.

5. Get help when you need help: It's not weak to ask for help; if you have anxiety, go to a therapist and get medication (exactly what I did), if you need help at work, ask for it. No one will help you if you don't ask.

6. You 'fall out' with friends & find your way back: If your friend is really your friend, you will always fall back together. Your real friends will be there for you when you really need it and it'll mean more than you'll ever realize.

7. Timing is everything: If it's not the right time, it's not the right time. It'll all work out in the end, whether it's relationships, jobs, money, or friends.

8. Don't worry about others: Like I said in my blog post yesterday, I'm whimsical and don't care who knows it! I used to be embarrassed about sharing my blog with everyone I knew but now IDGAF and most of my friends read it! (HI!) Just do you, boo.

9. Do what is best for you: In the same breath, you have to take care of yourself and do what is right for you. If you can't go out on Friday night because your body is screaming, just stay home. If something is going to make you anxious to the point of sickness, don't do it. Just do you.

10. It is not the end of the world: Nothing is the end of the world; if you're not a doctor or lawyer, your work is just work. The fight with your friend won't last forever, and everything will pass. Nothing is the end of the world, there is always a solution.

11. Grief will hit you anytime, anywhere: On Thanksgiving, I cried my eyes out for about 10 minutes because I missed my dad. Other days I don't cry at all or even feel like crying. However, grief will hit you at weird times and you need to feel it; ride it out and let it consume you. It gets better every day.

12. Step away from the phone: Some days I wish I could delete all social media and throw my phone out a window. Sometimes it's good to disconnect and just be for a while.

13. If you don't like someone, stop talking: There is no room for negativity in your life. If someone rubs you the wrong way, you can just not talk to them. If you can't stand someone's social media posts, just unfollow them. It's simple and very liberating.

14. Keep a password keeper: This is more of a rational, easy to do item; download a password keeper app on your phone and store your passwords there. It's a lifesaver!

15. To do lists are king: Another rational item, keep a to-do list for everything. Whether it's on your phone or in a notebook, your life will be easier if you have a to-do list.

16. Life without passion is nothing: Find something you LOVE to do and stick to it. It doesn't have to be your job, although that is nice, find a hobby, a charity, something to dedicate yourself too. Don't come home after work and sit on the couch. Find a passion, your life will be better for it.

17. Don't compare yourself to others: A few of my friends have moved out and have had multiple jobs, they have boyfriends and are doing something big with their life. I don't feel ready to move out yet so I need to stop comparing myself to them. They're not better than me and vice versa so don't compare yourself to people you know or people on the internet.

18.  Heartbreak: You will get your heartbroken, more than once, and at times you will feel like you are drowning but I promise, you're not.Each day gets better and the world keeps turning. It's going to be ok.

19.  Learn to say no: At work, in your personal life, just learn the word no. Don't be a yes person, especially when it is inconvenient for you.

20. Family time is important: I have few regrets but one of them is not spending enough time with my dad while he was alive. Now I make sure to spend as much time with my mom and the rest of my family. It's more important than anything because you always have your family, even when you feel like you have nothing.

21. Understand what you like and don't like, and accept it: I was going to go out on Saturday for my birthday to a bar with some friends. I didn't want to do a brunch because I always do. Well, then I thought about it and I hate bars and hate going out at night. So I planned a brunch & I can't wait. Why would I try to pretend that's what I wanted to do when it wasn't? It's not about being different and stepping out of your comfort zone (for this) but if you like something and you'd rather do that, then do it!

22. Being kind is not hard: In today's world, we need all the kindness we can get. It's not hard to smile at someone, hold the door, or just be a good soul.

23. Research is your friend: I love research so much. Learn to look for the things you need; if you need to know how you'll react to a medicine, what questions to ask on an interview, or what kind of puppy you should adopt... just research it. The internet is there for the taking!

24. Bored? Do something!: My mom always asks me what I do every day because, after work, I'm always perched at my desk doing something. I don't like to be bored so I always find things to do, whether it's blogging, reading blogs, writing an article, or on Pinterest, I entertain myself because that's what I like to do to keep myself entertained.

25. Everything happens for a reason: I will probably get this tattooed on my body at some point in life. What is for you, will not pass you and there is a reason for everything. It's my motto, my mantra and what keeps me sane. I truly believe it too. There is a reason for everything, we just may not realize it yet.

Thank you all for reading, for being a follower and for letting me be me!

xoxo
B

PS: Enter my birthday giveaway! 



SaveSave

IT IS SEPTEMBER 1ST! I am so excited that it's the start of my favorite season ever! I've been waiting for this since LAST September!

We've been having a bit of an Indian summer in New York the past two weeks or so and it's been a really great taste of fall. When I woke up today, it was 55 degrees and life was just grand! I've already ordered my fall candles from Evil Queen (read my post about the candle company here) and I'll be heading to Target today to get my hands on all my pumpkin favorite foods.

I will wait until Tuesday to have my first Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks but I will take out all my fall decor and clothes out this weekend and get ready. The first official day of fall is September 22nd but for me, it's today!

Anyways...

There was a lot going on this week and I've felt a bit off. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel like I can't really focus or concentrate on anything. I'm not nervous, anxious, or sad, there's just something off about me. I told this to my mom and she said "Briana, you have been 'off' for 25 years" -- which is funny because I'm only 24 years old...

I do think that it might be my allergies playing with my head but who knows, maybe I was just waiting for this long, glorious weekend! Maybe I was just excited for fall!

I don't have any exciting plans for the weekend, but what surprise is that? LOL I was supposed to go to the beach on Sunday but it's supposed to rain, and I might go to my aunt's house for a BBQ on Monday so we'll see!

For now, here are the links I loved this week:



PS: Don't forget to shop all the Labor Day sales this weekend! 

• The best Fall bath products out there!
• Why aren't you getting promoted at work? Here's why.
• A review on a heated eyelash curler 
• Side hustles for introverts -- these are up my alley and I want to get started on them all
• An incredible interview by my friend, Elana, with the founders of Well + Good
• Midday slump=my life. Here's how to cure it!
• A wearable can reduce anxiety? This is something I need right now

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

SaveSave

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

SaveSave

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

The calm before the storm.... if the storm if a 4 day weekend! The holiday weekend is upon us and for once, I can't wait. I actually have some plans and I'm excited for some serious down time. I say that every week but it doesn't really ever change, does it?

The week was interesting... a very slow work week, I did some article writing, and my interview with South Street Company came out! I talked about my blogging and social media strategy and it was super exciting to see it on paper (err...screen)

What was so exciting about this week? The Pretty Little Liars series finale! I wrote an article on this so hopefully that'll be out soon!

I did a little beauty shopping this week (along with purchasing these monkey earrings from Kate Spade since there is 30% off sale items with code SUNNY) so there will be a few more new beauty posts soon!



I'm watching General Hopsital on DVR right now so my mind is a little spacey, and it's Thursday night so I'm pretty tired.. let's get right into the links I loved!

• Book clubs are popping up all over the place... are they the new networking? 
• Steve Burton (Jason from General Hospital) is coming back .. but there is already someone in the role of Jason! What will happen now? Here are the best soap opera cast reversals... 
• I love reading about other company's social media strategy
• Crystal infused highlighters? Yes please! 
• The best non caffeine ways to wake up? This is something I really need... 

Since I was a little girl I loved being alone. My mom tells me stories of how I would sit in my room for hours, on the floor, playing with my 'people'. She would call out to me "Briana, come sit with Mommy" and as a 2-3 year old girl I'd shout back "I'm playing with my people!"

As I got older, my room was always a safe haven. I could entertain myself for hours reading books, writing stories, watching TV or just relaxing. I don't need a lot to keep myself occupied and I'm perfectly fine entertaining myself.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that I was first born so for 3 years, I did have to occupy myself and maybe it has to do with the fact that my sister and I are very different so we never really liked the same things... so I always had to occupy myself.

However, I'm just someone who is content being alone. I can do things on my own time without having to worry aboout other people, and can really do whatever I want when I'm alone.

If I'm shopping alone I can go to whatever store I want; I can go to eat wherever I want, and I can leave the mall whenever I want. If I'm out with my friends, I usually always bring my own car so I know I can leave whenever I want too.

Maybe I just don't like relying on other people (as I'm writing this I'm having a deep psychological revealation) but I think it's just that I don't mind being alone.

When I went to college, it was a really big adjustment because I was NEVER EVER alone. I'd cherish the mornings when I would wake up and all 9 of my roommates were still asleep, or if I was the first one to get back to the room after a long weekend. It was just nice to escape and be by myself. It was a very overwhelming experience to constantly being surrounded by people 24.7.

 Within a year, I got really used to it and by senior year, I never wanted to be alone. I craved people's company and always wanted to be doing something. It was a culture shock when I came back home and I was alone all the time again. I no longer enjoyed being alone and I think that's why I became so depressed.



I've since found a good balance and I think I realize why alone time is important. Below are a few reasons why I think being alone is a good thing... (at times)

• You learn more about yourself and what makes you happy. 
• You get away from the hustle and bustle of the world and can really think things through
• Relax! Being alone means you can rest and relax with anyone bothering you. Recharge those batteries!
• Hobbies; when you're alone you have time to do the things you like. For me it's writing and reading, for you it may be drawing or crafting!
• Pampering: I love to pamper myself when I'm chilling alone. Face masks and hair masks galore!

 I'm someone who loves paper; books, magazines, planners, notebooks, cards, etc. I love holding an actual paper in my hands, I'm constantly printing out things I could read online or writing down lists in one of my 50 notebooks.

I've been that way forever and I've documented that many times before. School supply shopping was always my favorite and when I graduated college, I knew that shopping trip in August would be the one thing I missed most. However, I've found my way around that and I'm always adding to my ever growing collection of stationery.

I don't discriminate either; I love all kinds of paper goods from things in the dollar section at Target to my Henri Bendel planner. I actually have to stop myself from buying more notebooks on the daily because I have too many and not enough uses.

I figured it'd been a minute since I wrote about stationery and with the start of planner season around the corner, what better time than the present!

I'm going to break down my current favorites as well as some items I have my eye on!



1. Louis Vuitton Agendas: This was a big win of 2017 and I think it'll continue to be my favorite for years to come. I use two of these (I got them pre-loved for like $50 each which is a STEAL), one for my blog planner and one for miscellaneous lists. I keep them with me at all times and they are so handy because you can truly customize it.

2. Small, Hardcover Notebooks: I have so many random notebooks sitting in my drawer and they all have something in common; they have random lists in them from over the past year or so and they're all small, hardcover notebooks with adorable sayings and such. I literally had to stop myself from buying this cute marble notebook because I have about 6 of a similar size not getting enough love.

3. Whitney English: Years ago I did a post on Whitney English & The Day Designer for Target; I haven't picked one up since then but am always tempted each year. Last week while I was in Target, I bit the bullet and bought an adorable leopard planner. I don't know what I'll do with it but I have it and I love it! (The planners are not online yet so check your local Target!)

4. May Designs: Can I really do a stationery post without mentioning my beloved May Designs? I don't know how many I have in my collection but I stop myself weekly from buying more. However, they just released an appointment layout that I have my eye on! Also, don't even get me started on the folios -- they are too cute for words.

5. Notepads: As much as I love notebooks and agendas, I love a good old fashioned notepad just as much. Making a single to-do list on a nice piece of paper, whether it's adorned with something cute in the corner or just a regular paper, I'm addicted.

Honorary mention: Post-its are God's gift to the Type A and I just got these ADORABLE coffee & donut ones from Target. I've had these marble ones in my collection for a while too and I love them. They make any note feel that much fancier. Also, I've started an obsession with these awesome diamond pens.

PS: I just discovered this Etsy shop and I need everything from there immediately. She has the cutest notebook designs!

PPS: Evelyn Henson also has some wonderful notebook prints that I've been dying to get my hands on for years but never pulled the plug!

Below are some items that are currently on my wishlist:

What better day to share my morning routine than on a glorious, hot Monday morning! I've been wanting to share my morning routine for quite a while but never felt it was worth it. It still may not be worth it but I really did want to share it.

My weekend routine is much different, obviously, because I'm not going to work. I'll probably share my weekend routine very soon!



7:00-7:45,Wake up:  Clearly this is a huge gap in time and that's because I set my alarm for 7 and then snooze for about 45 minutes. My ideal time to wake up would be 7:15 to give myself enough time to get ready.

No matter what time I wake up, I usually lay in bed for a few minutes to go through all my social media, look through some emails, and check my horoscope. (The Daily Horoscope app is my life line)

On days where I do wake up early, I'll take my time putting my makeup on and making my bed; when I wake up late, I go to work sans makeup and put it on at work.

Below are the products I mostly use when I do a full face for work:




7:45-8:10: I'm getting ready to leave the house; I grab my granola bars, almond butter + pretzels, and a Lean Cusine for lunch. Sometimes I'll take a travel mug of coffee or MY FAVORITE Caribou Coffee and head out the door. The walk to the train is 5-7 minutes so I usually get there by 8:10, 8:15 if I'm on time.





8:15-9:30: It takes me a while to get to work on the train; the subways in New York are NOT my favorite thing and when they're delayed, it's even worse. I'll listen to my favorite podcasts or an audiobook (right now I'm switching between The Royal We and The Diana Chronicles). If I get super hungry, I'll eat one of the few granola bars in my bag (my favorite is the Nature Valley Oatmeal Squares)

9:30-9:45: If I didn't bring oatmeal or cereal for breakfast, I'll stop at Starbucks (their new egg bites are such a good breakfast) or the little Parisan cafe next to my office for a pastry and iced coffee. Afterwards I head up to my office!

I spend the better part of my work morning going through emails, making to-do lists, and responding to all social media inquiries. Once 11 AM hits, my 'morning' is over and the real work begins!

This wasn't the most exciting routine but it's what my day consists of!

xoxo
B

Another week in the books and a long weekend is ahead of us! I'm off today and Monday so a nice, long four day weekend is just what I need. I'll be heading off to Pennsylvania next week for a few days on a work trip (what else) so blogging will be limited but for now, here we are!

I don't have much else to ramble on about, other than the weather was less than springy in New York this week but it was a-ok with me. I love a good rainy day!

I uploaded a new Youtube video this week and another one will be coming very soon!


I'm going to the HerConference in July (my 4th time going I think) and they announced some keynote speakers this week. UM Troian Bellisario is going to be a keynote speaker as well as Lisa Sugar. There are a few more speakers to be announced and this year they're going to have an Influencer Track so I'm excited to get a real blogging conference experience.

If you're in New York and have never been to #HerConference, I highly recommend it! You can see my past posts here:

• 2013 Part 1
• 2013 Part 2
• 2014

I went in 2016 but didn't write a post about it!



Here's what I loved this week:

• How to handle depression & anxiety at work
• The Dirty Dancing remake was horrible & I didn't even watch it
• An interesting article about the handbag industry
• The best concealers this year
• Protect your skin from pollution with these products
• Cure your hangover face by doing these few things

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

Happy Friday! It was another long week at work and I'm very excited for the weekend, even though I will be headed to Pennsylvania for the day tomorrow for another work event. There are so many work things in the next few weeks, it's going to be a whirlwind.

I'm back!

I didn't think the newsletter weekly wrap up would be so short but I think I put too much faith in myself. I'm not ready for to take a series that I love (because I do love these posts) and put it solely in an email. I also don't know if I have 5 days of true, original content, and I'm confident enough to admit that to you all.

So we are back to regularly scheduled programming here on Royally Pink and I'm excited about it.

I like telling you all about my week and sharing my favorite links; it's just a little more personal. I do think that I will do something else on the newsletter -- something having to do with shopping, obviously. But stay tuned!

This week was really difficult for me; work was stressful, I was dealing with some personal stuff, I started a new anxiety medication so my body is all out of wack, and I got some blood work back. My doctor discovered I have arthritis which at 24 years old, is not good.

I've always known that there was something wrong with my hands and wrists, ever since I was 16 years old and starting spending a lot of time on the internet and a lot of time writing. Well, it was confirmed that I have arthritis and I need to get it treated.

I already was in a lot of pain this week and it got worse as the week went on; also knowing that I have something wrong with me, something that is not common in 24-year-olds, was kind of jarring.

I'm such a happy blogger, aren't I? But this is real and I have issues so why not share them. What's the point of having an outlet if I can't use it?

Anyways...



There was so much going on on the internet this week, here are my favorites!

• A review on the latest fitness tracker craze, Ringly
• An inside look at Rebecca Minkoff's social media team
• How beauty companies are getting on the vitamin bandwagon
• I love an inside scoop on careers, and I loved this article on beauty editors
• #2 is being retired at Yankee Stadium this week and I'm emotional
• COACH IS BUYING KATE SPADE. I REPEAT, COACH IS BUYING KATE SPADE
• Learning to be happier is something we can all use

SaveSave

I feel like I should've gotten past my Kate Spade obsession by now but this phase has lasted for quite a long time.

I've always gone through phases over obsessing about something but this Kate Spade phase is nowhere near over. I think this is a long-term love affair and I'm quite ok with that.

I spend a majority of my time on the Kate Spade website, browsing the new sale items and adding to my wishlist. I always find something that I'm lusting after.

That's what inspired me to write this post... that, and the fact that Coach just purchased them for $2.4 billion.




Kate Spade is pretty good at releasing new products and I feel like it's more than once a season that we get a new collection. A few months ago it was their Moroccan inspired collection with colorful prints, camels, and fringe everywhere... now they just released their floral inspired collection with bright greens, pinks, and blues. I personally really love this collection and really want to buy this bag because it's a nice little crossbody.



They also just released their convertible bags; they've taken their convertible straps, stickers and bag charms to the next level and you can swap out covers for two different bags, the Byrdie and Candance Satchel.

There are so many different covers for each bag, giving them totally different looks. One of these is on my list but I may wait until my birthday to ask for it.

Below are some of my latest wants from Kate Spade!

Happy Friday! I'm very excited for the week to come to the end and for the weekend to arrive because I'm going to Florida on Tuesday! It's for a work trip but I'm so excited to travel SOMEWHERE. I'm also going to Disneyworld so YAYYYYYY. It's the first time I've been in 10 years so I'm uber pumped.

On that note, I'll try to pre-write as much as I could and I will have some downtime so I'll get in a few posts if I can't write this weekend.

Be sure to follow me on social media, all my handles are @bribrilukes, as I'll be documenting the trip. Also, I'll be vlogging (YAY) so you'll have some videos when I come back. If you haven't subscribed to my Youtube channel, subscribe now, please & thank you!

Now, onto the real reason we are here... let's talk about spring! Now, onto the real reason we are here... let's talk about spring! I was introduced to the excited team at iRazoo a few weeks ago and their paid surveys, games and video options, got me thinking about Springtime inspiration and all the things there are to do and try out; so here we go!

Spring is not my favorite season and I dread it every year, but once it rolls around I'm happy to have it. I love light jacket or no jacket weather, a mild breeze with 60-70 degree weather, and just being comfortable. Not hot, not cold, just right.

It's the summer I truly hate and I should stop lumping the seasons together because they are not alike.

We haven't had too much spring here in New York; there's been lots of rain and windy weather but I'm sure things will turn around soon.



On that note, there are many ways to make the most out of spring, even if the weather isn't ready to follow.

1. Revamp your makeup routine: I love to do this whenever the seasons change. I start to use more tinted moisturizers, lighter eyeshadow colors, more 'minimal makeup' and try out a bolder color lip, like pink or coral. My favorite thing to do is switch out my nail polishes. I'm currently wearing a hot pink that will hopefully make it's way into Manicure Monday at some point. After wearing so many dark colors, I'm really excited to wear hot pinks, neon coral, and bright blue!

2. Wardrobe Change: I love fall and winter clothes so much, but I do like not wearing a jacket. In spring, I like to break out light sweaters and ballet flats; it's pretty much my go-to. I just purchased some new clothes and shoes from J.Crew and finally bought a jean jacket so I'm excited for that. I think changing up your wardrobe and buying a few new pieces to add to your collection is a great way to ensure a good spring.



3. Plan a road trip/fun plans: The key to being 'happy' during any season is making plans, I'm pretty sure of that. Once spring rolls around I like to plan something, whether it's a baseball game, a brunch, or a small road trip to another state. Having plans throughout the weeks will guarantee peace of mine and a good spring season.

4. Redecorate: Ever since moving into my new house and having my own room again I've been really into interior design. I loved decorating for fall and Christmas and I've loved transitioning my room to spring. With lighter color pillows, and blankets, new candles, and a few other fun trinkets. It's a great way to put yourself in the spring mood!

Open the windows, throw on a denim jacket, and put on some pink lipstick because spring is here!

Have a great weekend everyone!
xoxo
B

I was never the fashion girl, says the girl who has been running a lifestyle blog since 2012. I wore simple things from simple stores, but always envied those who knew how to put an outfit together.

I've definitely gotten better in the past few years, since discovering the online world of my favorite fashion bloggers and taking inspiration from them. I still struggle, mostly because I think I'm too big to pull off a lot of outfits that I see but I'm more confident than I used to be. Well, so I think.

While I owe a lot of that to my fav bloggers, I owe so much of that to Nordstrom.



When I was younger, Bloomingdales was my favorite store ever. I mean, there was Juicy Couture for miles and my mom took a liking to legendary Bloomies more than Nordstrom. I also thought Bloomingdales was just more glamorous. I hated going into Nordstrom and didn't give it a second glance.

That is, until I discovered online shopping and the fact that Nordstrom had free shipping and free returns, and that there return policy was a thing from the heavens. When I started Royally Pink and started following other bloggers, I saw that the Nordstrom Anniversary sale was a huge deal, that's the moment I fell for the big time department store.

When I got my Nordstrom credit card in 2015, just in time for the big sale, I fell deeper in love and it's been the most intense relationship of my life.... that's a total lie but hey, it's up there!

Now, the Nordstrom app is a permanent fixture on my phone (I even have Touch Id to login) and I am constantly searching the New Arrivals Section.

The beauty and shoe department is some of the best in the business, and now Nordstrom even does price matching, so if something is for sale on Rebecca Minkoff, it's on sale at Nordstrom where you can use your credit card, Nordstrom Notes, and the return policy stands.

I love that Nordstrom has clothes for any price and any size. If you want a $30 LUSH shirt or a $600 Burberry Jacket, they have both and you can get both at the same time.

Nordstrom has THE BEST customer service I've ever experienced and the website is a true dream -- and I work in E-Commerce.

If you think Nordstrom is the kind of retailer that doesn't ever go on sale, you'd be surprised at how often items are on sale there.

I've already mentioned free shipping & returns, on any price point, right?

Nordstrom is my dream retailer; it's my one stop shop for everything and anything. I will shop there forever and ever and this post has been a longtime coming.

Besides American Eagle (for jeans) and JCrew, Nordstrom is the only place I shop for clothes.... or shop for pretty much anything.

I love you, Nordstrom. Thank you for feeding this addiction I have for nice, pretty things!

Below are some of my favorites & must-haves that Nordstrom is currently caring:


xoxo
B