I'm in the need for some massive retail therapy but I know my bank account isn't having it..at all.

There are just some things that I've had my eye on and I can't help but daydream about them. Some are too luxurious for my liking and others I could afford once I have some extra cash.

As a girl, there is something nothing more that I love than buying something shiny and new, whether I need it or not.

Granted my birthday and Christmas are months away but I think I'll have to keep some of these in mind to ask for.

J.Crew Factory Novelty Quilted Puffer Vest: Isn't this on everyone's wish list? I think this is something I'm going to need to splurge on ASAP

Tory Burch + Fit Bit: I've been seeing these Fit Bit bracelets all around and I love the idea of them. I love that you'd be able to track all your food intake and physical activity. Some of the bracelets aren't the most flattering but then a few weeks ago Tory Burch came out with her own take on the Fit Bit and I'm obsessed. How gorgeous is this bracelet? You can't even tell it's  Fit Bit bracelet.

GiGi New York All in One Bag: I have wanted one of these clutches since I discovered GiGi New York. I see all these fashion bloggers with them and they look so adorable and chic. I'm a real bag lady but I've been experimenting with smaller bags so I think that this all in one clutch would suit me

really well. The fact that you can monogram it is just an added bonus.

Too Faced Hangover Primer: I saw a few reviews of this and I think it's a cool concept. It's a primer that hydrates your face and restores your skin to it's normal balance as if you were up all night partying. I've seen good and bad reviews on this but I don't really care because the name is 'Hangover RX' and I'd like to try it out for myself.

BaubleBar: I haven't bought myself a BaubleBar piece in almost two months and I'm really needing a fix. There are so many beautiful pieces that I have my eye on and I need them in my life.

What are some things on your ultimate wish list?

I've always prided myself on a being a bookworm. I've always gotten lost in a good novel or memoir. Barnes and Noble is my safe haven and I could easily spend $100 in there if I was allowed. I've gone through two Nook e-readers and now have my trusty iPad as a my book friend. 

There is nothing more relaxing than escaping in the imaginary world created by an author. I'm obsessed and I always have been.

I've definitely been off my book game recently, mostly loving career books and biographies. I haven't had my hands on a good novel in a while (aside from One and Only). Maybe it's because I haven't had time (aside from my post grad summer vacation) but I realized how much I missed reading an actual story.

I'm definitely going to take advantage of my new adulthood to read more novels because it really is a great way to escape and unwind from the world around you.

Last summer I was in Barnes and Noble and came across this book "Brooklyn Girls" by Gemma Burgess. After reading the summary on the back, I immediately picked it up because it was just too good. It sounded a lot like HBO's hit and one of my favs, "Girls". 

Five twenty something girls who are just graduated and living together in Brooklyn. They're trying to figure out how to survive in the real world. 

It was obviously right up my alley because at the time, I was experiencing a crisis with being a senior in college. Now times have changed and I could really relate to this book.

That's why I put off reading it after a year of purchasing. I started reading this two weeks ago right as I started my first big girl job. On my days off I would sit outside on my deck and take the sun (#summer) and needed something good to read.

In comes "Brooklyn Girls" and my life is changed forever.

The five girls, Pia, Julia, Coco, Angie and Madeleine are all drastically different with opposite personalities, jobs, hopes and dreams. Their lives are the same but so different at the same time. They live in Rookhaven, the home that belonged to Julia and Coco's mother. With Rookhaven comes issues  of money, career, relationships and friendships.

Pia is the main character and she is a scatter brained, exotic 22 year old who is just trying to figure out life in New York while trying to make her parents proud. She has quite the wild personality but always is there for her friends and always tries to do the right thing.

Sometimes while reading I would shake my head at Pia's actions but in the end, she always fixed it. She always figured it out.

I don't want to give away the plot because I truly think this is one of the most heartfelt, incredible books I've read in a while and everyone who is finally out on their own in the real world needs to read this.

It's filled with wise words of wisdom hidden beneath the character's quick and witty banter. Each character has their own way of doing things and their own friendships but everything blends together. 

That is the magic of Gemma's writing. You know a book is special when you feel like you know the characters and can predict their next move. That's exactly what happened in this book. I felt like I knew the Brooklyn Girls.

This was also the sort of book that you didn't want to put down. I would force myself to close the book in order to make it last longer but it was a book that I needed to know what happened next.

It was realistic but at the same time, had that imaginary touch. That combination makes for a great book.

"Brooklyn Girls" is about life in the real world and trying to do your best while also being happy. It's about keeping up with your friends, finding a significant other and making your parents proud. It's about figuring out your problems in the best way possible and staying safe and having fun. 

It's not easy being an adult and "Brooklyn Girls" shows that true side of adulthood while also showing us how you can get through as long as you have a strong support system by your side.

When I finished this book I felt sad because I knew it was over and I wouldn't get to share any more adventures with the Rookhaven girls. Then I remembered there is a sequel called "Love and Chaos" and I need to get my hands on it ASAP.

Here are some of my favorite quotes that I recorded while reading:

(Excuse the language in some of them)

“Here's what I think...There is no unfucked up. People think there is, but there's not. We're all fucked up in different ways. It's simply a question of making your fuck-ups work for you.” 

"It's like we're all pretending to be fantastic but secretly freaking out, all the time. I wish college had warned us"

"Life is meant to be fun, otherwise what's the point?"

Have you read "Brooklyn Girls"? What are your thoughts? 

This was a tough week. I was sick, tired and I'm starting to really realize I'm not going back to school in two weeks. I don't want to talk about it, it's really sad.

Summer is dwindling down and I have to say, it's a shock how fast it went. Is this what adulthood is like?

Anyways...there were some fabulous and funny stuff all over the Internet this week, as per usual. Isn't it fabulous how there is always something new to read or learn? I love it!

A Pinterest recipe that needs to be in my life right now.

This list sparked an intense feeling in me. I agreed with some but not all. #1 definitely deserves it though.

Is there really anyone better than Cory and Topanga? The answer is no. 

This was one of the best EveryGirl profiles I've read. 

Beauty products that work instantly are my favorite kind. 

I love Ariana Grande, a lot but she will never be The Queen. 

How do you not love this story? It's way too precious. 

Happy Friday and have a fabulous weekend :)

This is a post I probably should've had up at the beginning of the summer but in reality, I didn't know what my holy grail items were. Those items that you just can't get through your makeup routine without and even through the hot, summer heat, can withstand it all. 

These products are some that I use everyday, whether on their own or mixed together. Some products I've mentioned and reviewed, others are brand new to my collection. All in all, they have been keeping my face put together.

//Urban Decay BB Cream: I've talked about this multiple times and I'm still on my first bottle, holding out on every last drop. It's the perfect shade for my skin and the consistency is magical. It gives you some coverage but adds a healthy glow to your face. It's also really quick and easy to apply and doesn't move once on your skin. I've tried a few other BB Creams but nothing fits quite like this one.

//Revlon Peach Glow Highlighting Palette: Highlighting is something I have been trying to get the hang of and I have a few products but I really like this one. I saw it in a youtube video and immediately ran out and got it. It reminds me of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact. It has a bunch of different highlighting shades that you can swirl together for the perfect summer glow. It's very subtle when I apply it because I don't want to overdo it. It gives me the slightest glow and I know this will work its way into my Fall and Winter beauty routine.

//Milani Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Sand: I received this eyeshadow in my Her Campus Her Conference goodie bag and it's kind of perfect. It's a simple, champagne shade that you could probably get in any nude palette from any brand. This is special though because it's a gel/powder eyeshadow. It's a powder finish but feels satiny when you swatch it. It's a formula that is really difficult to explain but it stays put. You can apply it with your finger or use a regular eyeshadow brush and it just stays right in place, especially when paired with my next product.

//Too Faced Shadow Insurance: I got a mini sample of this years ago and it's still lasted me to this day. I have a deluxe version now from my Beauty Blogger Darlings kit but a little bit of this stuff goes a long way. I was never really into primers before trying this and it's the only eyeshadow primer I've ever tried because it's the only one I ever needed. A little dab of this primer and your shadow and eyeliner are on for good; it lasts all day. I don't use this on an everyday basis but on special occasions like a party or for work, it makes an appearance. It's pure gold.

//Benefit's They're Real Push Up Eyeliner: A liquid, gel eyeliner in blackest black that won't even be removed by a makeup remover wipe? YES PLEASE! This eyeliner came at the perfect time because the heat doesn't move or change it. I've heard a lot of people say they didn't like the formula of this eyeliner but I see no problem with it. I'm obsessed.

//Maybelline Baby Skin Primer: This is a pore minimizing primer that is a clear gel and applies flawlessly to your face. It really does a great job at keeping your makeup on but you can also wear this alone to even out your skin. It's very light on your face, it doesn't feel oily, greasy or heavy at all. I've used other primers but this one is by far my favorite.

//ELF Makeup Spray: I knew I wanted to use a makeup spray this summer because I had heard such great things about them. My sister uses the MAC Fix + and it's alright but not so much a setting spray for me. The Urban Decay spray is supposed to be made with unicorn hairs and a gift from the heavens but it's too much money. I decided to go with the ELF version and it's just as great. It does give you a dewy look which isn't great a times but it does hold everything in place.

Honorable Mention: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion: I saw this everywhere this summer and knew I needed to get my hands on it. You always want to prolong your suntan in the summer months (and all year round, of course) and this lotion is designed to help you do that. It's an aloe gel lotion with hydrating ribbons mixed into it and it feels so good on your skin, especially after a day at the beach. I honestly like this better than regular lotion because it makes it feel really soft and smooth. It's also not as greasy and it blends well into your skin. My bottle is practically empty. 

These beauty products keep me sane in the summer heat.

What are your holy grail items?

The Monday after a really great weekend is always the toughest. This was one of the better weekends during the summer as I had a lot of plans and really enjoyed them.

I can't believe it's already August and that the summer has flown by. This is around the time when I'd be getting my stuff ready for school, organizing plans with my roommates and sorority sisters and counting down the days till I return to New Rochelle.

That day is never coming and my goodness it's really difficult. Talking to all my younger friends from school and hearing how excited they are is depressing as hell. It's scary and it's going to be a long, rough month.

In the meanwhile, I went to a Mets game at Citi Field with some friends on Friday and it was awesome. We were at field level right behind the Mets dugout. I'm not a Mets fan (#Yankees) but it was still so cool. Also, Citi Field is a lot nicer than Yankee Stadium so being there in itself is an experience.

Another thing I was loving this weekend was the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS. This was floating around my Facebook for a few days before it blew up! Pat Quinn is an Iona (#gogaels) alum who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in 2013. He challenged his friends to dump a bucket of ice water over their head or donate $100 to the Quinn for the Win Foundation. 

Because us Gaels stick together, almost all my friends and other Iona people have participated in the challenge and it's amazing to see how fast it has spread. 

Here's my video:

I nominated my friends to do it but now I'm nominating all of you! Take the Ice Bucket challenge or donate a little something to the Quinn4theWin Foundation! Send me your videos by email (lucabriana@gmail.com) or leave them in the comments!

Other than these two, I hung out at home and with some friends this weekend but now it's Monday and back to work.

Did you do anything fun this weekend? 

This week was bittersweet, in many ways. I started my first job (WOO, definitely the SWEET) part and it has been such a fantastic experience so far. Working in an office takes some getting used too and it just feel weird, because it's my first job. My post graduate life has actually begun and it's kind of scary.

The bitter part is just me. Always something, always in a mood.

Um, also, it's August 1st!!!! Where did the summer go? I'm so confused.

I wasn't online as much as I wanted to be this week, getting into the swing of commuting to Manhattan and getting adjusted to not being home every second of every day was odd. Even not being attached my computer this week allowed me to find some lovely links, articles, and blog posts as usual.

This profile on Carly Cardellino, beauty editor at Cosmopolitan is everything and more!

I'm guilty of it, you're guilty of it, almost all millennial are guilty of the hook up culture #badmillennial

Well isn't this Buzzfeed article appropriate for this week!

Harry Potter turned 34 years old yesterday but JK Rowling's words of wisdom will never get old

THE BEST VIDEO TO EVER EXIST. IM STILL DYING OVER IT

From conventions to leadership conferences, there is nothing better than learning more about yourself and your sorority. TSM just gets it sometimes

Lorelai Gilmore will forever be the ultimate TV mom

Do you guys like posts like this? I love sharing my favorite links of the week because I always find something I love and that I just have to share them with someone!

Happy Friday :)