One girl's guide to a healthy, loving, & tasty life.
Thanks to Kotex for making this post possible!
Have you ever seen a model wearing all white & thought you couldn’t pull it off? For me, white has always been kind of a scary color. What if it looks dirty or worse…gets stained? After a very long winter that I’m still feeling (brrrr) I’m finally ready to check out some white pieces to add them to my wardrobe…& I wanted to share how I’ll be pairing them with some of the hottest trends this spring! Plus…a free sample! Keep reading to check it out!…
Thank you to Cottonelle for giving me the confident clean to #GoCommando!
Have you noticed a lot of holes in fashion lately? Okay not holes- cutouts! Holes is much more 90’s & while I’m dealing with the lip trend being back…I am so not grunge. Cutouts are basically the opposite! A great cut out can add some visual interest to an otherwise basic piece or up the fun in general. They can be risky or completely basic. Check out some of my favorite ways to rock cutouts & even some that will have you wanting to #GoCommando!
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This post is brought to you by HiHH & M&Ms. Thanks to M&Ms for making this post possible!
Are you ready for the awards show parties to begin? Today I thought it’d be fun to show you a super easy recipe to either bring to a party or serve at your own! All you need are some basic ingredients a lot of us have in our pantry already & it doesn’t take long to throw together either! Adding M&Ms to the mix adds some color, crunch, & a bit of fun with a candy we all recognize & love. Keep reading to check it out!
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Thank you to Cameron’s Coffee for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to #CrushtheCups!
Are you a coffee lover? I’m less of a lover & more of a coffee nutcase. I remember trying to be more grown up & begging my mom to drink coffee. Both of my parents drink coffee every morning & I finally convinced my mom to let me have some while I watched Saturday morning shows. She would bring me my very hip Catwoman cup filled with”coffee” which was mostly just milk. She was a sly one!…
The holiday season is super crazy & it is definitely the season! Out running errands & checking off my holiday list I’ve been grabbing a clutch that goes with anything. I always try to keep my bag stocked with essentials like hand sanitizer, concealer, a brow pencil so I don’t look crazy, & a tasty snack I can toss in my bag like the LUNA gluten-free bar options.
Need to go to a work event? Check! Grab milk because we ran out….again…? Check? Head out the door to dinner with my husband? Checkitty check! Know what keeps me going? Making sure I have energy by always having a snack on hand! I have been loving the new gluten-free LUNA bars because I have a bad habit of getting really grumpy when my tummy starts to rumble.
All LUNA bars are now gluten-free & they are still under 200 calories for a suitable snack. They come in an awesome variety of flavors, are made with 70% organic ingredients, have no artificial flavors or synthetic preservatives, & are a great source of both protein & fiber! They tweaked things only slightly to make them gluten-free while still tasting great. I have 4 bars here that Ryan & I sat down & tried together & we loved each one for different reasons. We both agreed we’d reach for any of the flavors again…& that they tasted a bit like a granola & candy bar hybrid! Win!
Want to try your very own bar of your choice? Visit the LUNA PAGE HERE & then come back to let me know which flavor you’d most like to try! Just comment with it below along with your email address & I’ll contact one winner randomly!
Are you ready for the holidays? I am! Because I grew up in a somewhat non-traditional household I tend to have some different holiday treats so I thought I’d share one with you today! & since I’m already here & you’re already here…I’ll also share a few ideas for super easy appetizers with a coupon at the end. Sound good? Great! Let us make some Mezzetta Memories! Because the holidays are all about family I think of foods I always eat with mine. My mom & I both love hummus but my dad & husband don’t so we tend to really load up on it when we’re together! Today I want to share my super easy Roasted Red Pepper Jalapeno Hummus recipe that you can throw together so quickly it is practically sinful. It looks a bit more fun than the plain original & has a lot more zest. …
Thanks to Lindt HELLO for sponsoring today’s post! All opinions are my own. #ItStartedwithHELLO 
Our love story definitely started with hello…over the internet! Completely unexpected when I wasn’t even looking I found the love of my life chatting with me over Facebook. Minutes turned to hours & hours into day then we met & definitely were both head over heels. At 19 (& him 23) we eloped…& have been married ever since! Sometimes I can’t help but wonder though…what if he hadn’t said hello? What if I hadn’t responded? What a sad story that would be indeed! 
Lindt’s “It Started with Hello” campaign introduces tasty premium chocolates sure to get a conversation going! Lindt has an amazing new collection called Lindt HELLO– a variety of premium chocolate options inspired by classic American Treats! Say “Hello” to someone you’ve been wanting to talk to…a new possible friend at work? A seriously handsome cutie on the bus? Share your favorite Lindt HELLO stick, bar, or mini stick to get the conversation rolling! Lindt HELLO is available in stores nationwide, Lindt Chocolate Shops and Lindt.com. You’ll see flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookies & Cream, Crunchy Nougat, Caramel Brownie, & more! Ryan & I are so enthralled with the Strawberry Cheesecake flavor that I’ve already ordered more to pickup from Target!
From September 12th through October 9th, you can visit the “It Started with HELLO” Youtube page to view new episodes of “It Started with HELLO” weekly and share your opinions on who you’d like to see paired up next. They partnered with Ashley Tisdale for the series who I personally find charming! The first teaser video will introduce the cast & each week a new episode will premiere, showcasing the romantic stories between different couples. You can actually choose the ending to each episode as well! Plus Lindt is holding a SWEEPSTAKES to make new connections of your own! To enter, visit the Lindt HELLO Sweet Connections Sweepstakes Landing Page and enter your email address. Entries can be made daily for additional chances to win prizes that are awesome!So what is your HELLO story? If you’ve tried some of the new Lindt HELLO options– which was your favorite?
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. & its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WalgreensPaperless #collectivebias #shop
Aren’t online & mobile apps providing paperless coupons just the future of couponing? I love some sent to my house or from magazines but they just aren’t nearly as convenient! I’m constantly misplacing or spilling coffee on them. Really- a lot of coffee. The Walgreens Mobile App is one of the most well-designed coupon friendly apps I’ve seen & I’ve gathered up some savings to share with you today! Keep reading for mini reviews & a look at the beauty products I snapped up using Walgreens coupons from my phone!
First let’s check out the easy to maneuver Walgreens Mobile App display shall we? See the barcode at the top of this example? That’s what they scan right there in the store! You link it up with your Walgreens account so all of your rewards & such are linked as well. Once you’ve redeemed a coupon on your purchase it is gone so you have room to add in new ones! It also removes expired offers automatically which is handy! No scissors, no coupon booklets, just your smart phone!
Here’s a look at my personal picks from before my Walgreens shopping trip! Check out my estimated savings- $15! With pretty much zero effort! I always flip the app open before we head into the store because you just never know what will be on there! I was already planning on picking up more than half of these items so I saved money effortlessly. I also wanted to point out here on the right you can see lots of non-beauty options as well. Everything from home to kids to food has options & opportunities to save. The coolest part of the app for me personally besides the coupons is up at the top right- see my store’s weekly ad? My store is almost always out of these so this is super convenient for me!
Because I’m a creature of habit & love of all things new &/or shiny I had to hit the beauty aisle first. I love me some drugstore makeup! I immediately zeroed in the new Studio 35 Beauty Nail Polish Removers with the spill-proof pumps. A friend of mine on Instagram shared a rave about them recently & I knew I needed them in my life! After using them- you NEED them! So easy to use & mess free! I also picked up a new Revlon eyeliner, Covergirl nail polish, Covergirl smoochie, & two sets of EcoTools brushes which are always hits for me. Oh…& some Hershey Kisses…I had a coupon!
Isn’t this Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish in Violet Flicker insanely beautiful? I have it here over a base of Zoya Marney & I’m absolutely in love! I’ll have an indepth review up on Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful soon but I couldn’t wait to share! I used both the pump polish removers all morning for swatching & am just so impressed. Plus- they’re refillable!
On my eyes is my brand new Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Topaz which looks like a beautiful copper shade. It makes me eyes look so blue & I see myself reaching for it a lot! I used my new Eco Tools Eye Enhancing Duo Set for a barely there eye look to accentuate the eyeliner. I was most excited to try the Eco Tools Skin Perfecting Brush which is meant for BB/CC creams- & so far I’m really loving it! On my lips is my first ever Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochie in the shade #doubledare which is an orange that is extremely comfortable on the lips!
What makeup products are you wanting to try from the drugstore right now? What coupons do you look at first on a mobile app? I think it is safe to say I peek at beauty first!
Today’s post is sponsored by Tommy Bahama, but my love for National Relaxation Day is all my own!
Affiliate links.
I get poked at a lot because I rarely take some “me” time. Honestly I just don’t think about it! Half of the stuff I do that is considered relaxing is normally for blogging so I don’t really turn my brain off much. Tommy Bahama asked me what my idea of relaxing is but because I’m far from home relaxing tends to mean improvising! We’re talking no beach, no family, & not many places to get out of the house to! Want to see how I relax at home on my own? Just keep reading!
Okay I actually meant just keep reading because that’s what I tend to do- READ! I like to combine my very substantial nerdy self with my obsessive beauty self & therein lies the me time. I have a ton of books on my Kindle (my favorite reader which can be purchased from Amazon) everything from pretty much any supernatural series to tons of cookbooks to numerous magazine subscriptions. I maximize my time with beauty treatments that make me sit still- like a face mask, hair mask, or some wet toes! Check out some of my favorite relaxing items below!
Marc Jacobs Dot ≡ LaVanilla Coconut ≡ Boscia Sleep Mask ≡ Josie Maran Oil ≡ Tocca Tahiti Candle
Kindle ≡ Bumble Surf Kit ≡ Zoya Bubby ≡ Zoya Tickled ≡ L’Occitane Body Cream ≡ Flip Flops
So what do you need a break from? How do you chillax? How do you make “me” time more relaxing?
PR Sample. Affiliate links.
Working from home can sometimes be draining. The lack of fresh air & sunshine can weigh on me. & no- the back yard doesn’t count. Neither does getting the mail. When I am cooped up inside the house when the outdoors are sparkling I like to remind myself of the long (too long) winter & that sunshine is a gift. Then 2-3 days a week are the golden days- the me time. The time where I bust out of the house to do fun things mixed with chores. Glory. Today I wanted to talk a bit about my routine outside of the home & the items I grab for first when I get to head out the door- from chewing gum to perfume to my preference for hoop earrings.
Usually when I’m out I am accompanied by my husband. We tend to do a lot of the house stuff together like groceries then grab lunch or have a dinner date. It has always been like this because I usually use my alone time to get things done for work inside. Often I’ll wake up Saturday stir-crazy & SO ready to be NOT inside that I don’t even bother to throw on makeup.
If you follow my beauty blog (filled with everything from basics to the very elaborate cosmetic adventures) then you might be giving me a little gasp right now. True story. I know. My own mother does when she hears I go out in public without a stitch of face makeup on. But I do have some essentials that I work in!
One of my favorite kinds of places to go to get out of my dulldrums is a museum. Probably half of you aren’t remotely interested but the act of walking around & viewing random bits & bobs is fun for me. My husband…not so much so this tends to be more of a mom & me trip. This is the Getty Villa in California & this is a shot of the garden from above. Isn’t it lovely? The perfect place to stroll.
No matter where I go I always bring SPF, sanitizer, & something to apply to my lips. Right now I’m loving Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery for the SPF of 50 & how healthy it makes my skin look. I go crazy without something on my lips so when I want something colorless that feels & looks nice I grab the Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Lip Silk since it seems to fill in all my lines. I’m a constant hand sanitizer person & this one from bath & Body Works in Market Peach is one I stock up on yearly. The scent is so fresh!
Another spot to hit when the weather is hot is our local zoo. The zoo here in Omaha is absolutely fantastic- this photo is over by the butterfly exhibit where you actually walk through & they land on you! My parents came our for a visit last summer & the 4 of us went nearly every day. It can get really hot but you’re always around the corner from something with air-conditioning so it is definitely not bad. I throw on big shades, comfy shoes, & usually a huge hat which my mom ended up using for the day.
I usually keep a pair of hoops in the car in case I forget to put on earring in either silver or gold. I also make time for a dab of perfume, this one is L’Occitane Roses et Reines which smells terribly romantic. I absolutely love it alone & layered with other scents. Earrings & a quick spritz instantly make me feel more put together without having to glance in a mirror or even stop walking.
I do a lot of shopping this time of year as well…okay I shop a lot in general. But really- even more so in the summer because it is so nice to be outside without being miserably cold. I’m always hunting down some new makeup collection- remember this Oz the Great & Powerful one from Urban Decay awhile back? I loved this one so much that I snapped a picture & I’ve kept it all this time. I still love those palettes which I reviewed here & here! We hit store after store just to burn some energy, grab some frozen treats, & chatter.
Because someone (my husband usually) always tempts me with lots of treats all summer or I’m trying to burn off some energy I tend to be chewing gum. I picked up one Juicy Fruit Bubble Gum pack for my purse & the Juicy Fruit Fruity Chews for my car from Walmart. Did you know Walmart is having fun Juicy Fruit demos across the country? You can check out these demos July 25th-27th from 11am-4pm & August 1st-3rd 11am-4pm & 1pm-6pm on Sunday. Besides the original flavor seen here Juicy Fruit also has a Juicy Fruit Strawberry flavor that I’d love to get my hands on! One of these cool flip top bottles called Juicy Fruit Fruity Chews are available nationwide & cost only $3.49. The bottle contains Juicy Fruit Fruity Chews sugarfree gum which is what I reach for most but the Juicy Fruit Bubble Gum is great when I want to blow some bubbles for only $0.79 a pack.
So what are you doing to get things done this summer while still trying to work in the fun? What are your must-haves? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
When you think “Keurig” I bet you think of a hot cup of coffee right? Well now they’ve rolled out with Brew Over Ice options- perfect for the whole family! When I went to Walmart the variety was awesome- everything from iced tea to low calorie drinks to iced coffee! My husband actually isn’t a coffee fan & during the summer we don’t reach for hot drinks as much so this really helps us get more bang for our buck with the Keurig we have! In a pinch I started making these great popsicles that are super easy to recreate! Keep reading to check them out & make your own!…
This post is brought to you on behalf of Weight Watchers. All thoughts are my own.
Do you ever look around your kitchen & think “Wow! I really need to step up my style game in here!” because you realize it is kind of blah? Well- I have lately. I’m trying to find my perfect accessories without changing anything permanently since we live in military housing. As much as I’d love to paint, re-tile, & replace cupboards it just isn’t an option! I recently had the opportunity to update my snack containers & customize them as well! I really love how this turned out! You don’t need very many tools & they should also be easy to find at a local store. Enough chat- let’s get into this crafty DIY then I’ll share with you a few of my favorite healthy snacks!
You’re going to want to pick any kind of sturdy container that have a seal like you see above. They’re super simple with clean lines & they aren’t real shiny- plus they have a nice ceramic finish to them. I like basic things like this because they are easy to switch up if I change my kitchen design. I chose to label them something simple below too so I can switch out the contents as seasons & my mood change.
You can buy paint in any color but here I have a satin finish black & white along with a fun metallic silver- all from Martha Stewart. You also want sponges so you can go over the stencils easily. I don’t always use the entire sponge, sometimes just the sides or just the center. The stencils are also from Martha Stewart & I love that the fonts are really different. Plus each comes with a little design to place.
Because the stencils have a light adhesive it is really easy to place them where you’d like. I’m a bit messy with stamps honestly so I keep cotton swabs on hand to touch up any coloring outside the lines. You can then rinse these & adhere them back to the plastic backing for reuse. Once you try self-adhesive stamps it is really hard to go back!
All cleaned up- here’s what I came up with! I like the silver on that deep chalkboard black best. I think it looks really cool! I love these two containers & although they may look small they actually hold quite a lot of snacks! Plus things just look better out of their package & in a new container that matches the decor doesn’t it?
So since I created these to hold snacks…let’s talk about two of my favorites at the moment! I am loving these Weight Watchers Triple Chocolate Brownies Bliss bars… they are absolutely awesome- & taste like way more than only 2 WW points! Another snack I’ve been loving are dehydrated apples! They help curb my sweet tooth when I need something that won’t get yucky on the go in this heat & humidity!
What are your favorite snacks lately? Where do you store them? Any other Weight Watchers treats I need to get my hands on?
Thanks to U by Kotex® Pads for sponsoring today’s discussion! All opinions are my own!
Can you believe it is already almost Summer? It will officially start at the end of June- but I’m prepared! I have some of my very favorite products here to share- from home to health to style! Everything you need to prep for summer! Keep reading to see what makes them all absolute favorites & to find out more about the U by Kotex Save the Undies Campaign!
When I think of summer I automatically think of SPF! I used to be a tan, California goddess- then things got real. I am now an avid SPF user year-round but naturally in the summer I’m showing more skin than normal. I’ve been loving the spray-on options & this Coppertone Continuous Spray Sunscreen is an obsession! This is a small bottle which is perfect to toss in my purse plus it is water resistant. With SPF 50 & a super easy to spray nozzle this is a must have!
Next up is a drink I picked up on a total whim & now can’t get enough of! While browsing I picked up the Trader Joe’s brand Matcha Green Tea Latte Mix & now it is my favorite treat drink! If you’ve ever had green tea mochi at an Asian restaurant than you likely have tried the green tea variety. Now imagine it- in liquid form. I don’t really go out to buy my drinks like a lot of people so this is the perfect at-home treat. I really like the flavor with almond milk for a creamier finish & especially iced to beat the heat.
Getting ready for summer has a lot to do with my house since I work from home- candles & wax melts are the perfect way to get it moving! I have some beach scents but my favorite tend to be more fruit based- like the strawberry & pink dragon fruit scents above. I also pick up some that smell grassy, like fruity drinks, or coconut-esque as well. Anything that makes me think of sunshine or days by the pool!
I’ve been chewing a lot of gum lately- & isn’t this just the perfect summer flavor? I really like these Extra Dessert Delight flavors & I think I’d tried them all! Key Lime Pie is more tangy than sweet & has that nice brightness to it. Like summertime! Gum has been helping me control cravings but these taste so good that I forget they aren’t a treat!
During summer you won’t catch me without a waterproof mascara- & the It Cosmetics Waterproof Full Lash Tightline Primer & Mascara is my top pick this year. the brush is itty bitty & meant to full in between the lashes but it is also a great primer under other mascaras. When I want a more natural look I’ll wear this by itself & it coats every last root to tip. I’ve found using it as a primer is great too & helps adhere my mascara better to help prevent flaking. The hot, humid summer easily bumped up this mascara to holy grail status.
Last up is a product absolutely necessary for switch over to non-black pants: U by Kotex® offers a full line of feminine care products for periods including pads, liners and tampons. Outstanding protection that keeps you one step ahead. These are specifically the U by Kotex® Clean Wear Ultra Thin Regular pads which come with super cute packaging. Seriously though- they didn’t make them this cool when I was a kid! Introducing new U by Kotex® Ultra Thin Pads with 3D Capture Core*, a one-of-a-kind center that locks away wetness to help stop leaks. Kotex is SO confident you’ll love them that they’re giving away free sample too! Visit the U by Kotex Landing page and find the samples that best fit your mission to save the undies. Click on the “Get Sample” button and enter your mailing information. Then, sit back and wait, your samples will be on their way!
What are your summer must-haves? Do they change a lot year to year or do you have favorites that repeat over & over? I’d love to hear about them! Don’t forget to pick up your samples above as well!
Today I get to share with you a sweet & yummy Kentucky Derby themed treat thanks to Cottonelle who is this years sponsor! When I think of the big day I always dream of big hats, high heels, & fancy drinks. Instead of watching me teeter in heels & get lost in my fabulously big hats (I own so many! I feel like a celebrity in them!) I thought it would be fun to take some of my favorite drink ingredients & turn them into an easy, Kentucky Derby inspired dessert. Enjoy!
This is one of those recipes that you can prep ahead & it still tastes awesome! Peaches really take very little work to grill & even though they aren’t in season quite yet you can serve the sauce over preserved fruit as well. I love a nice set of char marks- aren’t they lovely? If you’ve ever had people over & not had time to clean up an area (or yourself!) consider whipping out a handy dandy Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloth to do the job! I’ve used them to clean up quickly after brunch, when I just don’t have time to get out an arsenal of cleaning products, or when someone has little ones. My house isn’t an anti-kid zone but that doesn’t mean I need sticky hands all over things! I like to keep my bathrooms well-stocked as well- consider keeping some Cottonelle Clean Care toilet paper rolls in an easy to find spot for guests & a handy Cottonelle Flushable Cleansing Cloth Upright Dispensing Tub to keep your whole house feeling fresh & clean!
So now time for the sweepstakes! You can win a year supply of Cottonelle products depending on the outcome of the races during the Kentucky Derby. Even better news? There will not be just one winner but the first 15,000 entrants to sign up could win Cottonelle toilet paper & flushable cleansing cloths if the outcome aligns!
Win!
1. Visit the Cottonelle landing page.
2. Click on the Cottonelle Great Finish Giveaway
3. Click on “Sign up now”
4. Register for the Cottonelle Updates website
So what makes you feel clean & fresh before a big event? How do you take your bourbon? What will you be doing on Cottonelle Kentucky Derby day?
If you have pets then you probably know the crazy bond people talk about. I personally don’t have kids yet so they really are like my children! Like kids they all have different personalities, needs, & ways of coming into our lives. Today I want to share with you my two girls- both extremely big personalities inside fluffy cat bodies! Keep reading to see what makes my girls special & why we’ve made the change to GOODLIFE™ dry cat food for them!
Gizmo was our first pet ever which is still hard to believe because that was way back in 2008. My husband & I went in to see some rescue animals to see if we bonded. There were two absolutely gorgeous kittens but they were also completely different. One was really wild & practically bouncing off the walls while the other was mellow & loving. I left the choice up to my husband (or else we’d have a house full of animals, seriously) & we brought home our little mellow, lovable bundle of joy.
We named her Gizmo because she reminded me of a gremlin with her very pointed fur on her cheeks. Even now she hasn’t totally grown into it!
Our newest addition is Sawyer- & boy is she lively! After a huge storm here in Nebraska Ryan heard a noise outside. He thought it was one of the kids living on our circle…turns out it was the tiniest kitten I’d ever held. She was trapped in a bush in our front yard & sadly soaking wet, starving, & absolutely terrified. We honestly had no idea what to do because we thought she was wayyyy too young- her eyes were forced open & covered in kitten gunk. After looking through every lost pet site & making some posts of our own it became too late- I named her. Ryan pretty much gave up.
Sawyer is the name of our street so it was an easy choice although we still call her “bush kitty” here & there. Sawyer has pretty much re-energized our entire household with tons of youthful energy & pure insanity. She’s a true spitfire.
When Gizmo was very young she was oddly picky about food. We were a young couple & only tried a few big name foods before we settled on Purina One & have been using it for year. For obvious reasons we opted to use the same when little Sawyer came along. Recently though it was brought to my attention that although I thought I was feeding my cats some of the best—I likely wasn’t. GOODLIFE™ dry food for cats is the only food I’ve gotten my hands on with chicken or salmon as the #1 ingredient, contains fruits & veggies, & doesn’t have artificial flavors or preservatives. On top of that, the recipe doesn’t contain corn, soy, or wheat.
All this time we thought we were on top of keeping them healthy but now we’re back on track! Good nutrition just adds to their grooming, attitudes, & overall health which is something we have to stay on top of. They’ve even included a $1 off GOODLIFE™ brand coupon on their website- perfect so you can give it a shot too! We picked our GOODLIFE™ dry food for cats at our local Walmart. We picked up all three varieties- Indoor, Salmon, & Chicken Recipes. I figured the girls might go for the same type or different ones but somehow (even though they are finicky!) they managed to BOTH like all THREE! Score!
What do you do to help your kitty stay healthy? How did your cat join your family?
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Please remember that all photos, projects, opinions, & recipes (unless otherwise noted) are mine & mine alone.
If you would like to use a recipe or photo, please shoot me an e-mail here: Stephanie-louise@live.com Thanks!
