March & April Favorites

Since I epically failed last month on posting my favorites, I decided to combine my March and April favorites into one post. Without hesitation, here are the things I’ve been loving these last 2 months.

1. Saucony & Madewell Dxn Trainers Sneakers

If I could wear these every single day, I would. They look great with skinny jeans and dresses, and are actually athletic shoes, so I can go from running errands, to running with my dog (who are we kidding, I don’t run…but I do walk with her). I’m definitely planning on taking these with me on my trip next month while exploring the city.

2. Elements of Style Designing a Home & a Life Book

This is the perfect coffee table book, and it’s inspiring for decorating my new place as well!

3. Better Call Saul

Image via Google

If you liked Breaking Bad, you should watch this show too. I’ve gotta say, it’s not as epic as Breaking Bad, but I still think it’s a great show, and I can’t wait for it to return!

4. Instax Share Printer

I love this little thing! It’s great to quickly print tangible photos from things I capture through my phone. I love storing the little pictures in my planner, as well as giving them away as cute little unexpected gifts.

5. Sweet Kawaii Design Etsy Shop

If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been obsessed with my planner lately. Well, I’ve also been obsessed with the stickers from Tesia on her Etsy shop Sweet Kawaii Design. It’s always exciting to see the new stickers she comes out with as well, and she ships so quickly!

6. Intoxicated- Martin Solveig & GTA

I cannot stop playing this song, so I thought I’d share it with all of you! It’s ok if you hate it. I know I have a different taste in music than most people with similar personalities as me. :p

7. Kikki K Leather Personal Planner Large in Black Cherry

I have been carrying this planner around since I received it in the mail. I love the quality of the leather and it’s durability, as well as how much it holds. I did replace the inserts with the Erin Condren, but I still love having a ring binder system for my planner, and this one is perfect.

8. Last Man on Earth

Image via Google

If you’re looking for another show to watch, watch this one. It’s quirky, the fangirl from Flight of the Conchords (the show) is in it, and it’s really easy to watch while doing other things. And I’ve legitimately laughed out loud a lot while watching this. So you should watch it, because it will make your day better!

9. Produce Candles Rhubarb Candle

If you recall, I received this candle in my latest Pop Sugar Must Have box, and I love it! I’m burning it as I type this up, and anytime I’m in my living room, this thing is lit on my coffee table. It smells sooooo good, and reminds me so much of spring.

10. Wow Baking Company Snickerdoodle Cookies

Be careful with these guys. They are addicting. I got them on a whim, and they were so good, I ate the whole bag in two days. I bought them at Target, and the next time I went back to get more, they only had 2 bags left! They are really soft, just like snickerdoodle cookies should be in my opinion, and you’d never know they were wheat and gluten free if you didn’t read the bag.

So there you have it! What were your favorites this month?

Thanks for reading,

Lynda

February Favorites

I’m going to go ahead and blame my absence these last few days on Kevin Spacey. Typically, I post my monthly favorites on the last day of the month, or the first day of the new month…but I’ve been slacking this weekend because, well, Kevin Spacey. And that damned dress (if you don’t know what I’m referring to, just click here).

I’m back and at it, so here are my favorites from the month of February.

1. Lucettegrace

I was going to make my first favorite the Valentine’s macarons I got from here, but then I realized I should just make the entire business my first favorite (and to be honest, it’s probably going to be my favorite for a while). It’s located in downtown Raleigh, and if you live in Raleigh, or even in the triangle, you should definitely check this place out.

2. U.S. Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath

This was the bubble bath I received in my February Pop Sugar box. I recently ran out of my bubble bars from Lush, and this was much needed for my relaxation baths at night and came at just the right time. I also think it was the perfect scent for Valentine’s Day.

3. Madewell Flea Market Flares

I am so glad that flares are back in style again. I’ve always loved a really wide leg pant, because I’m 5’4” and pants like this with heels underneath makes me look so much taller than I really am. And sometimes it’s fun to walk around all day acting like I’m naturally 5’7”.

4. Bauble Bar Arrow Necklace

For obvious reasons, I love arrows. And this necklace, also from February’s Pop Sugar box, is one of my favorite necklaces! For the longest time, I’ve been trying to find the perfect tiny little gold arrow necklace, and I’ve never been set on buying one when I see it, because I think there might be a better one out there. But this one just came to me, so of course I love it. Pop Sugar made my decision for me.

5. Skinny Girl Nutrition Bars

I recently tried these, because I found them while at Marshall’s when I wanted a snack, and they were delicious. I’ve purchased more boxes since then from Target, and I love throwing these in my purse as a quick snack in the middle of the day when I need a pick me up.

6. Vineyard Vines Down Jacket

I’ve had this jacket for some time now, and it never lets me down in the cold weather. With the frequent snow we’ve had this month, this jacket has become by blanket while outside. Also, I love that it’s navy, because it matches everything and lightens up my sometimes all black outfits during the winter.

7. Sephora Fragrance Sample Bag

I received this with one of my Sephora orders, and am so happy to try all of these scents. Thanks to this little pouch of scents to test, I have an idea of some new spring scents to try out in T minus 19 days! Unfortunately, this deal is no longer available, but they do sell fragrance sets that come with a voucher for one full sized bottle of the sample vials you test out.

8. Sugarfina Bento Box

If you know me well, you know I love sweets. I ordered these and just so happened to receive them on a(n) snow ice day in the middle of the month. The packaging is absolutely adorable, it comes with a handwritten card, and all the candy tastes delicious. Plus, it feels like you’re really snacking on elevated candy (because you are!).

All opinions in my favorites posts are my own and I am not asked to make these posts by any brand or company listed in my favorites each month. I am also not compensated or sent any of these items for free, and if I were, I would most definitely let my readers know!

Happy March!

Lynda

January 2015 Favorites

This list isn’t going to be as long as my usual monthly favorites post, but that’s because I listed some of my favorites earlier in January (+ some of my favorites are included in my Winter beauty buys).

1. Serial Podcast

Thanks to one of my friends, I started listening to this…and then finished listening to this in about 72 hours. I was up a couple of nights until 3am because I just couldn’t stop listening. I know I’m probably late to jump on the train of people listening to this podcast, but it was just so interesting. If you haven’t listened to it yet, you should, and then you should contact me so we can talk about it!

2. Sally- Hardwell feat. Harrison

Yes, I know this is a strange favorite. I listen to a lot of EDM podcasts, and this song was on one of them, and now I can’t stop listening to it. Warning: this song needs a warning. So, there’s your warning. Listen at your own risk. 🙂

3. House of Harlow 1960 Plateau Triangle Midi Ring

I’ve been wearing this since I got it in the mail. It’s my one and only midi-ring, and I like that it’s not so delicate as others I’ve seen.

4. Madewell High Riser Skinny Skinnys: Tore Knee Edition in Clayton Wash

I have been living in these! I love the rise, where the rips hit me, and how comfortable they are. They are really easy to dress up a bit too, and you can definitely tell they are perfectly distressed, and not an at-home attempt at distressing denim.

What were your favorites for the month of January?

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

November Favorites

Holy cannoli, it’s December already?! I usually try to have my monthly favorites posted on the last day of the month, but November 30^th really snuck up on me, so it’s going up today tonight!

1. Orange Blossom Cloister Honey

For the past two years, I’ve been attending the annual Shopping Spree in Downtown Raleigh at the Convention Center as a start to Christmas shopping, and both years I’ve been, Cloister Honey from Charlotte has been there as a vendor. I bought honey from them both times, and without fail, they keep me wanting more. They are my favorite small business honey makers for sure. This year I purchased the Orange Blossom honey, and have been using it all month in my tea, and also on top of my pie crust cookies (the recipe I shared recently).

2. Archer Farms Skirt Steak

This was actually in 2 WIAW posts not too long ago. It is honestly one of the easiest dinners I’ve made in a long time. I put these skirt steaks in my Crockpot with a small amount of water, turn it on low before I leave for work, and when I get home, it’s done, and ready to serve! It’s so delicious and I love how easy it is to make.  They also have about 5 flavors to choose from and my 2 favorites are Garlic and Herb and Carne Asada.

3. Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy

For about two weeks in November, my lips were so chapped that it felt like they were constantly burning. Nothing I had at home would make the burning stop, and sometimes at night, my lips would crack open when I was sleeping (lovely image, I know). In years past, my basic chap stick options would fix this, but not this year. I discovered the Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy and began using it at morning and at night, and it worked wonders on my lips. No more super chapped lips. Yay!

4. NARS Blush in Orgasm

Gotta love the color names of NARS products. 🙂 I’m sure every beauty guru has mentioned this product at some point or another, and if you’re even somewhat obsessed with makeup, you either already have this product, or have seriously contemplated purchasing it. I only have one other blush that I use, and it’s a matte pink shade in a bronzer/highlighter/blush palette, so I finally made the plunge, and purchased this one, and have been wearing it every day since. It really is a great basic blush for all skin tones.

5. Hollywood Fashion Secrets Sweater Saver

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have mentioned this thing to someone and raved about how awesome it is in the past month. Seriously. If your sweaters are pilling, go to Target or Ulta right now, and buy this bad boy. It’s a lifesaver. I mean sweater saver.

6. Mine Chalkboard Soy Message Ceramic Candle

I got this in my October Pop Sugar Must Have box and wasn’t sure about how excited I was about the scent. Lo and behold, I’ve burned the entire candle already! So now it’s an empty chalkboard jar that I’ll probably turn into a pen holder on my desk. Who knows…DIY project to come!

7. Madewell Sidney Boots in Pecan

I believe I purchased these boots in September, but I’ve probably chosen to wear them 3 out of 7 days of the week every week since. They are extremely comfortable if you’re on your feet all day, and they are also the perfect shaft width if you have no calf muscle whatsoever like me. The brown is also a great color as well and balances well even when wearing a lot of black.

8. Russell + Hazel Desk Calendar

I don’t know why I needed a new desk calendar a month and a half before the end of the year, but I did. I saw this one in The Container Store when I was shopping for Christmas presents, and I had to have it. It’s completely blank. You fill in the days, the month, and pretty much do whatever you want to it. No fancy designs or anything. Which to me, is awesome, because I love doodling and designing my own organizational calendar. There is also a section at the bottom for notes, and a section on the side with each day of the month in a “to-do” list form.

9. Sephora Pro Precision Smudge Brush #29

I needed a new eye shadow brush. I did. I needed it. Because the only other ones I have are by ELF (which for a very affordable brand, has some really good quality items), but the brushes I have from them have bristles that occasionally fall out. The brushes are also meant more for sweeping one color all over your eyelid, and not necessarily providing precision placement of shadows, and ya know, sometimes, I like putting multiple colors of shadow on my lids. This Sephora brush didn’t let me down! And it even comes with a brush cap, so it can stay safe and clean while traveling.

10. Merrick Natural Wet Dog Food

This one isn’t necessarily my favorite, but rather, one of Gabi’s favorites, but I’m putting it here for the world to see. The names and packaging of their wet dog food options are awesome, they are grain free, and they make little cans (which say they are for toy breeds, but really it’s just because of the size of the can) that I can feed to Gabi all at once mixed into her dry food. She’s kinda picky when it comes to wet dog food that has been sitting in the fridge. She even got a Thanksgiving Day Dinner flavor for Thanksgiving!  If you live in Raleigh, you can pick these cute little cans up at Phydeaux.

Let me know if any of you love any of these products as much as I do! And Happy December!

Bows and Arrows,

October Favorites

Holy cow, how is it already the end of October!? I feel like I was so excited for October to get here, and it’s already gone, and I still feel like it’s just started! At least the upcoming months are fun ones too! Here’s my favorites for the month of all things pumpkin, fall, and the such. 🙂

1. Band Aid Friction Block Stick

I bought this stuff towards the end of summer, but forgot about it, until I really needed to break in some shoes in the middle of September. It works so well, that I needed to put it in my October favorites, so I could tell you about it. This stuff is perfect to use when you’re breaking in flats, heels, or any other shoes that seem to rub on parts of your feet and leave painful blisters. If you apply this before wearing your new shoes, and keep the container with you throughout the day for any “touch ups,” you won’t get any blisters. It’s amazing.

2. Studded Kiss Lipstick Set by Kat Von D

I’ve recently been getting into lipsticks. I’ve mentioned before that my lips are constantly chapped, making it harder to get away with wearing matte lipsticks, but I finally caved and got this lipstick set, which includes 9 different lipstick colors. I think my two current favorites from this set are “Bachelorette” and “Lovecraft.” Either way, I am not disappointed at all with these beauties and I know I’ll use all of them at some point. Also, one full sized Studded Kiss Lipstick is $21 dollars, but this set including 9 sample sizes (which are still pretty big) is $39 dollars at Sephora, so I think it’s worth it if you want multiple color options to try out.

3. Petco Dog Treat Bar

Petco recently had a sale on their dog treats from their treat bar, making them half off their price per pound, which is typically under $5 dollars. I got my fur baby over a pound of a variety of healthy dog treats and cookies for under $3 dollars, and Gabi loves them all…especially the ones that look like little chocolate chip cookies (and they smell like chocolate chip cookies too!).

4. Lush Sparkly Pumpkin

Since I was sick for an entire week this month, I found that I got a bit more stressed out that I do on a normal basis. Probably because I felt like I lost an entire week out of the month when it comes to getting things done. It was nice to have something to help me relax at the end of the night with this bubble bar from Lush, and the scent actually helped open my nasal passages through the end of my cold.  It also lasted for multiple baths, as opposed to the bath bombs…just a small crumble of this under running water makes the whole bath bubble up.

5. Madewell Rangeplaid Scarf

I already have a plaid scarf, which I mentioned in my December favorites last year, but I decided that I needed another one…in a different color scheme. So now, I can pretty much wear a plaid scarf with every outfit. If one doesn’t work, the other one will! There is one difference between these two scarves though. This one is huge, and doubles as a shawl, which makes me love it even more.

6. My Tiny Pumpkin

It wouldn’t be October without a pumpkin somewhere in the house. I picked up the tiniest one I could find at Whole Foods to keep on my desk next to my almost empty Teakwood & Tobacco candle I mentioned in my August Favorites.

7. Halloween Puppy Chow

Yes, this is one of the things I made myself, and the recipe can be found here. But it’s addicting. I made an entire batch, and it’s really hard to stop eating it. It’s definitely a delicious fall-inspired snack that lasted me through the second half of October. I’m even considering creating more varieties for the upcoming months, inspired by different seasonal flavors! Ginger cinnamon puppy chow anyone?! Also, Happy Official National Candy Corn Day! 😀

8. Tazo Calm Tea

This tea got me through my miserable cold this month. It was soothing on my sore throat, and when I could no longer taste, it would open up my sinuses just enough so that I could smell the chamomile. It also tastes really good when you’re not sick too!

9. Happy Socks

If you read my Pop Sugar Box review, you’ll see that I got a pair of these in my last box, that are very similar to ones I already have. I’ve been wearing my tall riding boots a lot this month, and these socks are perfect for those. They also come in fun colors and patterns, so they are great to wear when you want something cute peeking out from your booties.

Thanks for checking out my October Favorites!  What were yours this month?  Let me know in the comments!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

August Favorites

Happy Labor Day! Since we are jumping right into September, I thought I’d share my August Favorites with everyone!

1. Videri Chocolate

   

   Videri Sea Salt Chocolate and Dark Milk Chocolate with collectable box. Purchased from the factory in Downtown Raleigh

Local chocolate. Delicious chocolate. I don’t think I need to even say anything else because it speaks for itself. If you’re in Raleigh, just go try it. You’ll know why it’s on my favorites list after you do!

2. Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Foundation

   

   Urban Decay Naked Foundation Shade 1.0 with Optical Blurring Brush.  Purchased from Belk.

This is the first liquid foundation I’ve ever used. Ever. I know. I used to use Bare Minerals powder, but over time, I felt like it just wasn’t doing its job when it came to my combination skin. However, this stuff does. It goes on so well, and it doesn’t cake like previous liquid foundations I’ve sampled in stores like Ulta and Sephora. I recommend checking it out if you are still searching for a liquid foundation to love.

3. P.F. Candle Co.- Teakwood & Tobacco

   

   P.F. Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco. Purchased from Madewell

My birthday happened, so I say it’s now time to move into Fall. This candle smells like Fall. And I want it to be Fall. So I burn this candle in my room because it makes me believe that it is Fall even though it’s not. Fall.

4. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub- Hawaiian Kukui Nut

   

   Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Hawaiian Kukui. Purchased from Ulta.

Oh how I wish you could smell this right now. Every time I use it, the smell whisks me away to a calm and relaxing spa. (BTW, I’ve never actually been to a spa, so this is what I imagine a spa to smell like.) It’s so relaxing and it just smells so dang good. And it works. Just like sugar scrub should work.

5. Russell + Hazel Planner Accessories

   

   Russell + Hazel Planner accessories. Purchased from The Container Store.

ALL THE ORGANIZATION. Really though, at the beginning of August (or maybe the end of July, I cannot remember), Ashley and I went to The Container Store and got ALL THE PLANNER THINGS!!! And I’m so happy I did. Because now my planner is super customized to what I want it to be like, and I just love it so. So thank you Russell + Hazel, for taking all of my money so I could organize my life even more than I already have.

6. Veda x Madewell Leather Moto Jacket

   

   Veda x Madewell Moto Jacket

Leather jacket love. My birthday present to myself. I’ll probably be wearing this at least 1/3 of the year.

7. Spring Meadow Tide Pods

   

   Spring Meadow Tide Pods.

Just ALL THE SMELLS this month, ok! Don’t judge me. First the candle, then the sugar scrub, and now, I know…laundry detergent. It just smells so good. And every time I need to get laundry detergent, this scent is already sold out, so this is the first month I’ve been able to try it. And now I know why it’s always sold out. Because it just smells like wonderfulness. And yes, it’s like I’m confusing all the seasons (I’m aware of it!)…it’s still Summer, I want it to be Fall, but my laundry smells like Spring.

8. Tarte Colored Clay Eye Primer

   

   Tarte Colored Clay CC Eye Primer. Purchased at Sephora.

What can I say? I like my eye primers. When I’m not using my Urban Decay eye primer in Sin, I’m using this one! It’s like a crayon that you color onto your eyelid and it makes whatever pigment you apply afterwards so vibrant. Seriously. It makes your shadow look exactly like it does in it’s palatte/pot. Also, no smudging throughout the day!

9. C. Wonder Ring Set

   

   C. Wonder Ring Set.

   I stumbled upon these when I was wandering around during my lunch break one day, and they were on sale, so I brought them home with me because I like stacking rings. I also really liked the 3 different colored metals and I use them to sandwich other rings onto my fingers. Yay ring sandwiches!

10. Anthropologie Homegrown Monogram Mug

    

    Homegrown Monogram Mug from Anthropologie.

I bought this for myself (essentially anything I bought this month was a birthday present to myself) because I liked it. Plain and simple. And I wanted another mug to drink from in the morning. I was getting tired of my basic ones, and because this one has an L on it, it’s like I’ve psychologically tricked everyone else into not using it!

 

Bam. My August favorites. What were yours? Let me know in the comments below!

Bows and arrows,

Lynda

July Favorites

1. Birkenstocks

I finally gave in and bought myself a pair of Birks, and I’m so happy I did! They are super comfortable and actually don’t make my feet look gigantic like I thought they would.

2. Lil Piglet Paper Clips

I bought these from The Container Store a while ago, but I love how cute they are and find myself using them multiple times a week at my desk at home.

3. Which Wich

I’ve been to Which Wich in the past but always forgot about it when trying to decide where to eat around town. A new one just opened up where I work and I’ve been there for lunch more times than I really should have! But there pepperoni wich is awesome!

4. Watermelon

The watermelons were everywhere at the Farmer’s Market each time I went this month and of course I got one!

5. Slingshot Coffee

Let me just go ahead and say, I don’t like black coffee. I never have. If you read my WIAW’s, you know I always add extra cream to my coffee. Well, this coffee is delicious black. It needs nothing. And I don’t even really like iced coffee, but I love this stuff! And it’s local, which makes it even better!

6. Escazu Chocolate

Speaking of local, this brand houses it’s factory in downtown Raleigh! I picked up one of their bars at Whole Foods and it was so good! I have Videri chocolates too because I went to tour their factory (also local!!), but I have resisted the urge to eat all the chocolates in the house, so I haven’t yet tried the bars I got from there…but I’m sure they’ll end up on my August Favorites list!

7. Bubblegum Lip Scrub from Lush

This stuff is addicting. It smells so good and actually does help my constantly chapped lips. It’s hard to not continuously lather this stuff all over my lips though!

8. Annelore’s German Bakery

Since my friends David and Rachel introduced me to this bakery (which I’ve seen before at the Farmer’s Market, yet never purchased from), I’ve been going on the weekends if I’m not working, to stock up on their apple strudels so I can have them for breakfast during the week. The pastry is perfectly baked and the filling isn’t too sweet, yet so fulfilling!

Thanks for reading!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

June Favorites

Here’s the list of my June favorites!

1. Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds

Almonds are just great snacks and toppings in general, but I’ve really enjoyed the smokehouse flavor this month…it kind of reminds me of a cook out flavor, which is great for the summertime.

2. Turtle Flavored Chex Mix

It’s like these sprinkled this stuff with crack or something.  You won’t even understand until you try them.  They are seriously addicting, and if I don’t portion out small amounts for myself, I will consume the entire bag in one sitting.

3. Madewell Allie Gladiator Sandals in True Black

I’m not sure that these are offered online anymore, but I got them as soon as they were put on sale, and I never once felt like I had to “break them in” like you do with a lot of sandals that have ankle straps.

4. Lemons

Since the official start to summer was less than 2 weeks ago, and it has been H-O-T around here, lemons and lemonade have just been refreshing!  They have been consistently cut up in my fridge, ready to add to my iced tea this month, and they’ve also made there way into that soup I posted not too long ago! (Link here.) I’ve also been on an Arnold Palmer kick lately, so lemonade is stocked up in my fridge as well!

5. Blinc Mascara Amplified

The premise behind this mascara is that it doesn’t “paint” your eyelashes, but rather, it “tubes” them.  I was skeptical at first because I wasn’t exactly sure how this was supposed to work, but the first time I actually removed the mascara from my eyes, I was pleasantly surprised!  It really is the neatest thing in makeup products, and it doesn’t leave that annoying black residue underneath your eyes after you finally get all your makeup off.  And you remove it from your lashes with water and pressure, which means my already sensitive eyes don’t have to deal with accidently getting makeup remover on them.

6. Urban Decay Eye Primer in Sin

I received a trial size of this primer in the box that my Naked 3 Palate came in, and I used it all up as soon as I opened it.  I really liked it, however, I still had eye primer to use up, but this month, I finally ran out, so I decided to get a full sized version of this since I loved it oh-so-much!

7. Weekly To-Dos planner by May Designs

I got this little planner in a Pop Sugar Must Have box last year, and I didn’t really put it to use because I was using a different planner that was working really well for me at the time.  I found it in my pile of books early this month, and was excited about its customization for each week.  You fill in the dates for each week and there is a section on the opposite page for “Things to Do,” “Errands to Run,” and also an “Oh, and Can’t Forget” section for anything else you’d like to add for the week.  The other awesome thing about these books is that they are customizable online!  You can pick your cover design and if you wish, you could monogram it, or title it.  There are also multiple options for the inside pages…they don’t just have to be weekly planner pages!  Check it out at maydesigns.com!

8.  Julep Green Tea Facial Blotting Papers

Speaking of summer, it has been hot around here for a while, but this weather sure did sneak up on my skin.  One minute, it was fine, the next, oil everywhere!  I’m very glad I found these in my bathroom with all of my random skincare products, and have been carrying them in my bag for quick touch-ups since this weather has run rampant on my pores.

Those were my favorites for the month of June!  What were yours?!

Bows and arrows,

Lynda

April Favorites

I’m not sure how many of you out there are enjoying this monthly tradition I began in December, but I’m still sticking with it anyway!  Give me some feedback as to what you think about my monthly favorites posts!  This month, I’ll keep it short and sweet.  (So sorry I’m posting it so late!)

 Talenti Gelato in Sea Salted Caramel

Talenti Sea Salt Caramel gelato

Umm.  Nom.  Seriously.  That’s all I feel that I need to say about this delicious dessert.  I already raved about it in one of my previous WIAW’s as well!  Just go buy some and try it, and you’ll understand.

Ulta brand Professional Cuticle Pusher

In March, I got my nails painted with the awesome Shellac that is the current trend in nails.  It’s amazing because it doesn’t chip, but then your nails grow and you have this section of unpainted nail right there by your cuticle.  If you choose to not go back to the salon to get them redone, you have to struggle to take off the polish yourself.  I’ve found that this cuticle pusher helps with that, so you aren’t stuck peeling a layer of your nail off with the polish.  It’s also great because when you do your nails yourself, you can actually push your cuticle down without it hurting!  Pushing your cuticle down before polishing also makes for a better at-home manicure.  (P.S.-It works sooooo much better than those little wooden sticks)  Get one here.

Sally Hansen Strength polish and Ulta brand cuticle pusher

Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition- Strength with Green tea and Bamboo

Speaking of nails, this nail nutrition polish is great to use after having shellac on your nails for a while.  It also helps with nail splitting, which happens to me often.  I will say that I have always had pretty thick nails that don’t break easily, so I don’t know how it would work in making nails stronger in that manner, but for nails that split, this is recommended!

Vans Atwood Low Sneaker, in Black/White

Vans Atwood Low Sneaker, in Black/White

I found these gems at DSW.  They are oh so comfy, no breaking in required.  And I’ve received a lot of compliments from them when I’ve worn them (which has been a lot this month)!  You can get a pair here!  I did get my true size.

Hello Kitty Pencils

There’s a pink one as well, I was just too lazy to find it in my purse to photograph. :p

Ok.  I know this is just a silly thing to put on my list, but I really do like using pencils, I don’t know why.  I found these in the dollar section at Target, and they are kinda nostalgic.  Back to the time when I actually used the pencils like these, before mechanical pencils were all the rage (remember that?).  And I like Hello Kitty, so win-win!

Hyperbole and a Half, the book

Hyperbole and a Half, the book

I have always loved her site, but when I saw that the book had been released, and was an extra 20% off at Target, I had to pick it up.  Allie Brosh is hilarious, and if you’ve never heard of her, or her site, check it out here.  The book contains both new content, and content from the website, but I can never get enough.  ALL THE THINGS!!!

Joffrey Dying (Game of Thrones, duh!)

If you watch this show, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  I don’t even need to explain why this was one of my favorite things in April.  If you don’t watch the show, shame on you.

Transport Tote

My transport tote hanging out at the NC Farmer’s Market

This was my present for getting a full time job, and I love it so!  I have always wanted it, and now I finally have it!!!  If you would like one too, you can get one here.  I promise you won’t regret it.

 

Bam.  Lynda’s faves for the month of April.  What are you guys thinking?!  I’d love to know!  Do you have any of these items?  What’s your take on my monthly favorites post?  Let me know in the comments below!

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda

 

February Favorites

Since February is the shortest month of the year, I decided that my favorites list could stand to be a tad shorter as well.  So without further rambling on my part, here were my favorite things this month!

1.  Teavana Earl Grey Tea

Since it snowed around these parts twice this month, I’ve been really into my hot beverages more so than usual.  I love drinking this tea as it is, or with some vanilla syrup and skim milk added to it.  It’s so delicious, and smells amazing too!  If you’re interested, here is the link where you can purchase some for yourself!

2.  Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask

This stuff came in my January Pop Sugar Must Have box, and I really like it!  I have been using it at night before bed.  It’s fun because you can feel it tingling on your face as it oxidizes.

3.  Cookie Dough Oreos

Image credit to Time website

Honestly, these things just speak for themselves.  Nom.  If you haven’t tried them, find them.  And try them.  And then become addicted as soon as they all disappear and you can’t find them anywhere anymore.

4.  Disney’s Frozen, more specifically the snowman character Olaf

If you haven’t yet seen this movie, stop whatever it is you’re doing right now (like reading this post) and go see it.  And no, I’m not saying this because of the “Let It Go” song that has gone viral, and plays on the radio, and is sung on the Oscars.  (It is a great song though!)  It’s just a great movie.  I love, love, love the snowman!!! “All good things, all good things!”  And yes, he is my screen saver on my computer currently.  It’s. Just. That. Good.

5.  EOS Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry

I am just addicted to all of the EOS brand lip balms, but I have really liked this one for this month.  I think it’s because it’s kind of a wintery flavor, and it actually felt like winter in the month of February!

6.  Be Enchanted shower gel from Bath & Body Works

So I do this thing where I can never use an entire bottle of body wash without getting tired of the smell before it runs out.  So I have a few, and I keep two different scents in my shower at the same time.  I know…it’s weird.  Anyways, I had this scent for a while and it was hiding under my sink…and then I happened upon it when I was cleaning a couple of weeks ago, and stuck it back in the shower.   And now that I have, I’m glad I did.  I would describe it as one of those icy and chilled fruity scents, with an undertone of sandelwood.  It’s definitely been a rediscovered favorite of mine this month.  (Also, I think I have a thing for pomegranate this month, because pomegranate is definitely a main scent in this shower gel)  And if Elsa from Frozen used a shower gel, this would be the one I think she’d use.

7.  C9 by Champion Women’s Advanced Cold Weather Run Tights

I feel like it’s always colder in January and February in Raleigh than it is in the final months of the year.  I really love these athletic leggings from Target because they are fleece lined, so they are very warm on those cold winter mornings!  They also zip at the bottom and kind of seal themselves around your ankles, so they keep the air from going up your pants, because no one likes that.  And they also have one of those hidden zipper pockets on the back wasteband.  And even better, they are on sale online!  Here’s the link.

There you have it!  My favorites for this month!  Thanks for reading,

Bows and Arrows,

Lynda