Pipsticks Review

So I ordered this at the beginning of July, and actually received it not long after I ordered it, and it finally crossed my mind that I should share it with all of you! I had never heard of this company until I stumbled upon it on Instagram, and after some investigation, I had to try it out. What is it? It’s a subscription kit full of stickers!!! Yes…I am that excited about it. They offer one specifically catered to adults, so I got their sampler pack just to try it out and see what’s inside.

(Come on, if you know me, you know I can’t resist a package full of stickers. My inner child is on cloud nine right now.)

All I can say, is that I love it so much. Each pack comes with 15+ sticker sheets, the cute little vellum envelope it’s packaged in, cute paper or cardstock, and 1 pre-stamped postcard.

I’m really excited to use a lot of these in my planner, and those puffy ones are so stinkin’ cute, I don’t even want to use them!

If you want to check out this subscription for yourself, head on over to their website, here.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynda

 

Pop Sugar Must Have July 2015 Subscription Box Review

As soon as you thought I was gone for good…nope, nope, nope! I’m back! I plan to stick around this time too, now that I’ve got my life all in order (sorta). My game plan is to post three times a week, but we will see how that goes (please hold me to it!).

Keeping up with my train of Pop Sugar posts, here’s this month’s box and what was inside! This month was all about beach days, easy travel, summer heat, fourth of July, and stripes.

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit- $28

I love this little bag so much. I’ve always loved the color combination of blue and brown, and this little bag is really cute, and expandable. If you know anything about me, you know I’m overly organized and compartmentalize my purses…always having a little makeup bag inside to store all of my randomness. This one is now in my bucket bag, and couldn’t be more perfect! *This item also came with a code for 20% off on their website.

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50- $28

For some reason, this stuff smells minty to me, but I really think it’s just me. That’s definitely not a bad thing though! I used this for the first time yesterday, and actually think it works really well! It’s a great makeup setting spray, and it has awesome UV protection. It even mentions on the box to reapply every 2 hours when out in direct sunlight to maximize protection. It leaves a matte finish and says it’s helps eliminate oil and shine, and I will give them a 10 out of 10 for that one…because lately, I’ve been using my little oil blotting sheets like no one’s business…and this stuff really did eliminate all the excess shine I get, saving me a few of those sheets.

Sorial Card Case- $28

I’ve always found these little card cases to be so cute, but I never use them, partially because I have about 15 cards (most of them being rewards cards) in my wallet. I never just carry 3 or 4 cards on me, and have never found a reason to use the little ones like this on top of my regular wallet. Maybe I can use it in the future for business cards, but for now, it will probably hang out in my closet with all of my other less loved wallets. *This item also came with a code for $25 dollars towards your next purchase on their website.

PopDental Portable Toothbrush- $19.99

This was actually a bit different than things I expect to see in Pop Sugar Must Have boxes. I like that I now have a toothbrush I can dedicate to travel (although I don’t travel that much), rather than scrambling to find a toothbrush travel carrier for the one I’m currently using at the time. This one also comes with a replacement head.

Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes- $5.99

This is one of those items that I would never buy in the store when I see it, because I want to try it out first, so I’m glad I got this in this month’s box. I typically use Neutrogena’s makeup remover wipes, but I was excited to see these, because I’ve seen them in Target before, but didn’t want to spend the $6 dollars to try them out, in the off chance that they clashed with my skin. I like the smell of them, and they seem to be doing well with my skin, but I really need to give it a week or two to make sure. Either way, I liked seeing these in this month’s box.

The Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Bar, Chocolate Berry!- $1.99

I’ve had chocolate chick peas from this brand before and liked them as a snack, so I’m excited to try this out. One of my co-workers gets this box too, and told me she already ate hers and that it was delicious, so I’m gonna save this for when I need a really yummy snack (which will probably be when I’m hangry)!

Hallmark Signature Greeting Cards- $14.97+

This was this month’s special extra in the box, and I really love them.   I’m not sure if everyone who received this box got the same 3 cards, or if it was a variety, but I received one for a birthday, one with a pineapple on it which was blank inside, and another more generic card. They all require extra postage if you mail them, because they are the more fancy card options, but I’ll probably just give them out to people I’d see in person. I actually really like the pineapple one, so I might just frame it and hang it on my wall in the kitchen.

Overall Thoughts of the July Box:

There was no wow factor in this box, but that’s a-ok for me. I really loved the Henri Bendel dopp kit, and it fits perfectly in all of my purses, so I know I’ll be using it for quite some time. I also really like the Supergoop! setting mist, and I think it will be a good substitute for my current Urban Decay version. With the exception of the card case, everything in this box will get used for me. And now with fall around the corner, I can’t wait to see what August has in store!

Value of the Box: $126.94 (not including the coupon/discount codes included with some items)

Want a box of your own each month? Click here to sign up!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Pop Sugar Must Have June 2015 Subscription Box Review

First off, I would like to apologize for being completely MIA last week and the first half of this week. Lately, I’ve been having a lot of those days where I’m really motivated to do a lot of things, but get too stressed out about everything going on in my life currently, that I just shut down. I’m in the process of trying to make a lot of changes in my life, so please bear with me if I disappear from here for a while. I promise I’ll be back at some point, so if for the next month or so, my posts aren’t as evenly laid out, please understand!

Moving right along…you came here to see what I got in my Pop Sugar Must Have box! This month was all about soft skin, papaya, outdoor fun, coconut, being sun-kissed, and yoga.

Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses- $45

Not that I need another pair of sunglasses…but I do like these. I really like the matte black frames and that they slightly resemble Ray Ban Wayfarers. I think these were a good choice for sunglasses because they probably work on a lot of different faces.

Judy Blume’s In the Unlikely Event- $27.95

As sad as it is, I don’t really read. I’m not much of a book person, but this could be something to entertain myself with during stormy hot days during the summer, or a book to bring to the pool with me. Hopefully, whenever I do start reading it, it pulls me in quick, because if I don’t get hooked after the first two chapters, I have a really hard time wanting to keep reading.

Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette- $14

I have a few Pacifica products already and I really like them all, so I’m sure I’ll like this one too. I like the neutral colors and that they are infused with coconut.

Yogitoes Peacock hBand- $4

If you do yoga, and you received this box, you probably loved this. I, however, don’t really do anything where I would use this…so I think it may just be something that sits on my dresser for a while. But maybe this is the push to get me into yoga…I guess we will find out!

Spongelle Boxed Flowers-Fleur en Boite- $16

I wasn’t exactly sure what this was at first, but once I figured out that it’s like a sponge filled with soap that exfoliates and cleans and can be used multiple times, and smells so delicious, I was sold! I think this is perfect for summer when you are constantly shaving, because it remind you to exfoliate. Hands down, this was my favorite item in the box…and it came with a 30% off coupon code for their website. I’ll also say, I’d never heard of this brand before, but I was in Anthropologie the other day, and they sell things from this brand.

SNAP Infusion Supercandy- $4

As you can see, I already ate a bag of these and they were delicious. They are infused with healthy vitamins and minerals, so you don’t even feel that guilty when you have a sweet tooth and you reach for these. I really like the packaging too, not that that makes much of a difference.

Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card

I haven’t completely checked this site out yet, but I’m excited too. They find vintage jewelry and sell it through their site, and there is no minimum purchase or expiration date to use this gift card. I will say that I’ll be bummed if everything is expensive, because then it seems as if this special extra is a waste.

Overall Thoughts of the June Box:

I wasn’t in love with this box like I have been in previous months, but I don’t dislike it either. The only thing I’ll really get use out of is the Spongelle buffer, the candy, the eyeshadow, and maybe the gift card. Either way, I’m excited for July’s box!

Value of the Box: $140.95

Want a box of your own? Click here to sign up.

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Lately with Lynda

Happy Friday!  While this isn’t what I’ve been up to this past week, I thought I’d take the time now just to highlight a few things from my recent trip to Philly and NYC.  Enjoy!

Independence Hall in Philly.

The most beautiful Anthropologie I’ve ever been in. 

A slightly blurry photo of Michael and I at the wedding inside of the Franklin Institute.

Inside Chelsea Market in NYC.

Hanging out at the Biergarten under The High Line in NYC.

Getting ready for Korean BBQ in Korea Town.

NYC on Memorial Day.

We walked everywhere, and I was the only one to ever try and photograph something, so it’s always blurry.  I think  it’s time I upgrade my phone.Heading back to Raleigh and flying through beautiful clouds.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Lynda

 

What I Ate Wednesday, 6/3/15

Happy Wednesday! Lately, I’ve been trying to eat in more and out less. I was good today and I packed my breakfast and lunch so I didn’t have to buy anything at work. Getting right to what I ate today…

Breakfast

  

My breakfast was a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on an English muffin. I also drank an orange juice and coffee with cream. 

Lunch

  

Lunch was leftovers from the other nights dinner. Mac and cheese and half of a bruschetta burger. I drank water with my lunch. 

Snack

   
 

After lunch, I had some snacks: strawberries and macarons. What better snack is there?!

Snack #2:

After I got home from work, I ate some Cheez-Its.

Dinner:

  
My dinner was leftovers from lunch at Ruby Tuesday yesterday with my mom and great uncle. So delicious! I drank an Earl Grey tea with my dinner as well as a bottle of water. 

I hope everyone had a great Wednesday!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

May Favorites

It’s so weird to me that it’s already June! I felt like May went by so quickly, but I’m excited for the summer weather to come. Here’s a quick run down of my favorites from May.

1. Jessica Simpson Emerita Sandals

I found these heels on sale at Belk, and couldn’t pass them up since I needed an open-toed heel for the wedding I was attending. They were surprisingly comfortable to wear for hours and I can see myself wearing them with many other outfits moving into the summer season.

2. Madewell Stitchtake Dress

If you’ve seen my last post, you already know I love this dress. I’ve only had it for not even two weeks down and I’ve worn it 3 times. I know I’ll continue to love this easy dress for quite some time.

3. Trader Joe’s Salt Water Taffy

I really do love saltwater taffy, and Trader Joe’s is one of the only places I can find it at a reasonable price. All of their variety flavors are delicious and they always have it in stock.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This was my first visit to Philly and I really did enjoy it. The city is very walkable, and all of their shopping areas are so pretty. I would definitely recommend visiting if you get a chance, and I can’t wait to go back!

5. Madewell Zip Transport Tote

This bag was perfect for traveling. While I love my transport tote and I carry that around everywhere, this bag was the perfect carry on size, and it made me feel better that it zipped up. It was great to carry around to ensure the safety of all my things while I distracted myself with all the sights I was seeing.

6. Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray

I mentioned this sunscreen recently, but I really did love this stuff this past month. I used it a lot while I was traveling because I spent a lot of time outside walking around in the sun. It smells great, doesn’t leave you feeling sticky at all, and legitimately works, and you can’t go wrong with that.

7. Crispy M&M’s

Michael and I picked some of these up at the M&M’s store in Times Square, and I didn’t even realize they were back! I’ve always loved the crispy M&M’s and I’m excited that I can enjoy them again!

8. New York City

I mean, do I even have to say why this was a favorite of mine this past month? I’ll just leave it at that.

9. Alex Studio June Subscription

Me and my planner addiction really enjoyed the surprise set of stickers and extras from The Alex Studio. It’s such a cute idea to have wacky holidays for each day of the month (I love that stuff!), and now I have a reason to buy donuts this Friday.

10. Midtown Nail Spa

This nail place in North Hills will definitely be a place I go back to in the future. Their staff was very friendly, and I went with Ashley and we both had an awesome time. The price was also comparable to many other nail salons in the area, but they really cared about keeping friends with friends (we’ve been to places that separate you…not ok!).

And now I’m going to get myself excited for all the things to come in June!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

What’s in my Closet: Embroidered Shiftdress

Guys!  It’s June!!!  How has the time gone by?!  I apologize for being completely off the grid this past week.  I was out of town for a wedding and we made a short trip to NYC after and once I got back home, readjusting to my usual schedule was harder than I thought.  But, I’m back now, so get excited! 🙂  Moving right along…

I really love an easy dress, and this one is probably going to be my favorite dress through the summer.

 It’s always great when you find a dress that you can just throw on and feel comfortable in, but this one takes it a step further with it’s delicate embroidered details and pockets!

It’s very easy to pair this piece with any type of shoe.  While I was in Philly, I went from wearing my Birkenstocks during the day time, to wearing strappy heels with it during the night.
I’m almost always wearing this delicate Gorjana necklace, but this dress doesn’t even need a layering piece because it’s detailed enough to stand alone.

[Shop this look: Madewell Stitchtake Dress, Birkenstocks, Madewell Skinny Bar Double Ring, Gorjana necklace, old, similar here]

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynda

 

 

Lately with Lynda

Good morning! While most of you were still sleeping, or getting ready for work, I was on a plane to Philadelphia. I’ll be out of town for almost a week, so be sure to keep up with my adventures by following me on Instagram! 

Here’s just a few tidbits from my week.

 Our appetizer from dinner at Vivace.  
Drinking a mini frappuccino on my break at work.   
Attempting to take a picture inside the castle at the Disney store. Yes, I love the Disney store. 

  Pre-flight this morning.

   I wear my aviators because it’s just meant to be when you’re flying.

 First look at Philly.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda 

Pop Sugar Must Have May 2015 Subscription Box Review

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems a bit crazy that it’s already May. I feel like it wasn’t too long ago that we were longing for spring, and now we’re almost half way through it! Without hesitation, here’s what I got in my Pop Sugar Box this month.

Sisters of Los Angeles Surf Sand Love Beach Towel- $40

While most people might not be terribly excited about a towel, I am! Surprisingly, being from the beach, it’s a shame to say, I don’t actually have a beach towel! I don’t know how I’ve managed, but I realized that was the case when I saw this one. So now I have the perfect thing to take with me to the pool during all these hot days we’re having. I’m not a fan of yellow, but I actually like this one, and having it means I don’t have to go buy myself a towel for the summer.

Middle Kingdom Mini Plum Vase in Coral Red- $20 

I actually really love this. I’m really into flower vases lately, and this one will go perfectly on my little café table!

Kitsch Tri’d & True Y-Shaped Necklace- $32

This necklace was packaged so beautifully. It came in a jewelry box with it’s brand on the front, and packaged on a cute card that resembled a post card. I don’t wear silver necklaces often, but I’m definitely not opposed to them. I think it was a good thing for them to add this silver piece into the box, since so many people do prefer silver to gold (I’m not one of those people). Unfortunately, my necklace had a small knot in the top of the chain…it’s not the end of the world, but I know it’s there, so I won’t wear it until I get it out. And right now, I’m too lazy to get it out, so it might be a while before I put this to use.

Sage & Row Bare Shave Cream- $17 

I’ve never heard of this brand before, but I’m excited to try something different when it comes to shaving creams. I usually stick with the typical drug store brands for shaving cream, mostly because I never think to look for anything else when it comes to shaving. This one smells like aloe and lavender and reminds me of a beachy scent. I haven’t tested it out yet, but I hope it’s awesome, since it is so expensive for a small 3.5oz tube!

Batiste Dry Shampoo- $4

I already love Batiste dry shampoo and I have the original scent in my bathroom right now. I haven’t tried this cherry flavor before, but when I used it the other day when I first got this box, I really liked the way it smelled. This will definitely come in handy for me when I travel

Hammond’s Candies McCraw’s Flat Taffy- $1 

I haven’t tried this taffy before, but I’ve always heard great things about Hammonds candy. I also love saltwater taffy, as referenced in this post. According to the back of this package, I received the “rainbow” flavor. Not sure what that’s supposed to taste like, but I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Overall Thoughts on the May Box:

I like this box. I’m not in love with it, and nothing in it really wow-ed me, but I’ll definitely put the majority of it to use. I do feel as if they needed to add a discount card or some sort of promotion to one of the brands to really make the box feel complete.

Value of the Box: $114.00

In terms of their inspiration for this month, I think they really touched on each of the topics they listed, however, I can see people getting slightly upset that it mentions Mother’s Day if they received their box after Mother’s Day (I received mine the Thursday after Mother’s Day). I’m definitely still excited to see what June has in store, even though they already have a spoiler out for Quay sunglasses.  I’m hoping to see some sea salt spray for my hair, and more food!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

Tomato & Broccoli Pasta

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I eat pasta all the time. I always like changing up the way I make my pasta to add variety to what I eat every week, and usually use whatever is currently in my pantry. Last week, I made this pasta, and it was so delicious I had to share it with you! Keep in mind that I made it as a dinner for two, with no leftovers.

Ingredients:

½ box cooked pasta of your choice

1 head of broccoli

1 Roma tomato, diced

1 garlic clove

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

¼ cup milk

¼ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon basil

olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions and set aside with a small amount of olive oil mixed in.
2. After cutting broccoli into smaller pieces, boil broccoli until no longer hard.
3. In a medium saucepan, add minced garlic clove to olive oil on medium high heat. Once garlic is fragrant, add milk and spices, reduce heat to medium and stir.
4. Working quickly, add your shredded Parmesan cheese and stir rapidly to create a smooth sauce. If you don’t consistently stir, you’ll have a clumpy sauce.
5. Once all cheese is melted and blended smoothly, reduce heat to low. Add your diced tomato and stir in.
6. Add your broccoli and stir until coated with sauce and then toss with pasta.
7. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve!
   

 

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda