Stop what you’re doing…and start taking care of yourself. Drink up I’ve been so much better about drinking water over the last few months. And now I actually ENJOY it. I love seeing how much water I drink throughout the day. I really notice that my skin looks better, and I’m less hungry! Drinking water does nothing but WONDERS for you. Send a loved one a text Shooting a random text to someone I love is one of the best ways to brighten my day…and the person I’m texting. Whether it’s my mom or dad, Matt, or a best friend…I just love telling everyone how much I love them. Seriously, when I love someone, I just wanna squeeze them till their heads pop off;) Open up a book My mom and I were recently talking and she told me that when I was younger, I once said to her, “Mommy, I just love reading because I feel like I’m in the places that are in the books.” (Or something like that.) That pretty much holds true today. When I start reading, I really try to get lost in the book. I read because I thoroughly enjoy it, and it helps me forget about real life and social media for a few minutes. Get an ice roller Honestly, best purchase of 2019. I try and use my ice roller every day while I’m relaxing or need to depuff. They’re also great when you have a headache…LIFESAVER. I’ll definitely include this in my next beauty round up, so stay tuned! Buy yourself something Whether it’s a fancy bag or a Starbucks iced coffee…just buy yourself something. YOU DESERVE IT. So what are you going to do to show yourself some love ASAP?! photo by allie provost

The more I think about it, the more I realize just how much I actually smile. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of GLEEM. The opinions and text are all mine. Which is a good thing. Obviously. But much like the movie, Elf, smiling is most definitely my favorite. And smiles are contagious. So let’s smile more, ok? But behind every good smile, is a good toothbrush. Or something like that. Right? That’s why I’m so excited to be partnering with GLEEM ! I’ve been using their power toothbrush for a few weeks and I’m SO happy with the results. So why do I love it so much? Design: The electric toothbrush I was using previously was super bulky and it was kind of annoying. I love the sleek design of GLEEM . ..and how it looks in my bathroom! It’s also battery operated and super lightweight, so you can take on-the-go! Price: At just $25, GLEEM is just an investment for your smile, not from your pocket! Usage: I have really sensitive gums, so I appreciate the gentle sonic vibrations that still create a beaming smile! There’s a built in timer that pulses every 30 seconds for the perfect 2 minute brush. Benefits of using a power toothbrush Encourages longer, more thorough brushing with built-in timers Bristle vibrations help remove biofilm Gets those hard to reach places, which can help prevent gum issues Helps eliminate bad breath with the right toothpaste Do you use a power toothbrush? If not, I highly suggest you check out GLEEM ! I promise your smile will THANK YOU! This post is sponsored by GLEEM. All opinions are my own. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of GLEEM. The opinions and text are all mine.

A few of my favorite beauty and wellness picks for this month! chill mode eye patches I’ve talked a lot about Patchology around here, I’m into anything with cannibis oil nowadays, so I was really excited when Patchology came out with these eye patches. These patches help leave my eyes stress free. My skin feels calmer when they’re on and they help pack in some much needed hydration! aveeno 60 second in shower facial ​I’ve actually used this product for at least 3 years, but not sure I’ve ever talked about it here. I was invited to the product launch event for this product and really loved it.​ The purpose of this product is to use when you’re in the shower so it can react to the steam. I also love that it’s one less step I have to do outside of the shower. It takes your skin from dull to radiant but the time you wash it off. I love how INSTANTLY smooth my skin feels. skinsei update You guys might have remembered when I partnered with Skinsei last year . I’ve been really enjoying incorporating their products into my morning and nightly routine. I’ve specifically been loving the moisturizer. I brought it with me to Canada and it held up against the weather there! I highly recommend you taking a diagnostic and seeing the products/routines recommended for you based on your skin type, your location, etc. What are you loving this month? Let me know all of your beauty and wellness faves!

I wouldn’t call myself a beauty junkie by ANY means, but that’s actually why I feel compelled to share my favorites with you. As someone with a pretty normal skincare routine, I don’t really have a lot of “favorites”. I have tried and true products that work for MY skin, but I do always love testing out new products that will make my skin feel and look good. I couldn’t even tell you when I was introduced to Tula. But obviously, some influencer probably mentioned it, and I bought into it. If you follow a lot of content creators, then you’ve definitely heard of Tula. You’re probably sick of hearing about Tula. Perhaps even almost as sick of them as you are hearing about the Nordstrom Sale. AM I RIGHT LADIEZZZZZ?! But today, I’m actually here to tell you why I genuinely enjoy Tula products. And, since this is a touchy subject in the influencer world, NO THIS ISN’T SPONSORED. I’ve never even talked to someone who worked at Tula. Everything I have from this brand was paid for out of my pocket. The fact that I’m actually writing its own BLOG POST must mean I TRULY, TRULY love it (blog posts are a lot of work, people!!!). Today I want to share the products I LOVE from Tula, and even some products that didn’t really live up to the hype. cleanser I’m pretty sure this is labeled as a cult favorite on the website. I’ve been using it for about 2+ years, and really do like it. It’s definitely gentle, a little thicker, and definitely gets the job done. I don’t really wear make up, so I can’t attest to how good it is at removing everything from your face. But from what I can tell, it gets the job done. glow To be honest, I bought into the hype of the eye balm (blue), and didn’t LOVE it. I did like that it was super cooling on my skin, but that’s kind of all it did for me. I ended up giving it to my sister. When I saw Courtney was coming out with this product , I didn’t think much of it. When she started showing the product and all the different ways to use it, I wanted to try it. Here are the ways I’ve been using it: Under eyes On my nose On my lips I LOVE IT! I will say you definitely need to blend it in under your eyes. It looks weird at first, but once blended, it’s gorgeous! exfoliate And now we can get to my latest love! I saw my friend Jenn using this product and I was VERY interested. Since we’re friends, I asked her if she actually liked it (LOL, ya just never know these days), and she had nothing but great things to say. I ordered the 6 pack as a test, and when they arrived I tried it that night. GUYS. This might be my FAVORITE product I’ve ever purchased from Tula. I love the serum on one side of the pads, and an exfoliate on the other side. I noticed a difference in my skin IMMEDIATELY after use. Smoother, brighter, it was just GREAT. The directions say 1-2 times a week, so it’s definitely in my weekly routine!

A round up of this month’s favorite beauty, skincare, and wellness products! HUM Nutrition A few months ago I was sent Hum Nutrition’s Vitamin C gummies ( Glow Sweet Glow ) in a press package, and I was intrigued by the brand. I started looking into their other supplements and really wanted to try them, but never purchased. Luckily, I was sent another press package with Flatter Me , Daily Cleanse , and Gut Instinct . The reviews were all amazing, so I started taking them towards the end of December. I have such an issue with being consistent with things, but I’m really trying to be consistent so that I can hopefully see a difference. If you’ve ever taken HUM supplements, would LOVE to know your experience! Murad City Skin Products I promised an update on these blue light/environmental defense products. So far, I’m really loving them. I add the City Skin overnight detox moisturizer before my sleep mask every night. It goes on so smooth and really prevents dry skin. The fact that it also helps detox your skin from blue light and other pollutants is an AMAZING benefit! In the morning, I put on my City Skin SPF . It’s the only thing I wear, and it goes on super light and feels really great on my skin. It’s great for sensitive skin. My skin also runs on the dry side, and this SPF blends in really easily. Skin Laundry I first tried Skin Laundry last year, and really loved it. I stopped going because it’s not exactly super affordable. In September, I noticed small, annoying break outs on my chin. I haven’t had time for full blown facials, so I decided to go back to Skin Laundry. I’m all about efficient, so this 15 minutes laser and light facial is perfect for my lifestyle. Again, I decided that I need to be more consistent when it comes to my skincare, so that I could hopefully avoid the breakouts, I joined the Laundry Club and decided to go to Skin Laundry every two weeks to keep my skin extra clean! I often add the Hydroboost (which is an insanely hydrating serum) to protect my skin from the winter cold here in the city. And there you have it — January’s beauty favorites! I would LOVE to hear about the products you’re loving this month. Leave a comment below!

A round up of products (skincare, beauty, wellness) I’m loving this month! Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser I bought this off a recommendation from Grace (no surprise there), and I do like it a lot. I don’t use this as my daily cleanser though. I incorporate this into my routine when I need to double cleanse . My skin leans towards the oily side during the summer months, so I like to give my face a good double cleanse 2-3 times a week. This cleanser is super gentle and leaves my skin feeling great. Shiseido Facial Cotton Honestly, I’m just bougie. My sister and I picked up these facial cottons during the Sephora sale, and honestly I REALLY like them. They’re super fluffy and don’t come apart when you’re toning or putting on some moisturizer. Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream Dewy skin is actually my favorite look, so when I stumbled upon this product in Sephora , it was game over. Dewy skin cream? OK FINE, TWIST MY ARM. This lightweight cream is my final step every morning while getting ready for work (after my sunscreen). This cream provides extreme hydration and antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice (helps skin recover from and protect against stress, pollution, and UV damage for healthier looking skin). What products are you loving this month? Gimmme all the recs!

It shouldn’t be a big surprise that I don’t wear a ton of make up, nor am I into a ton of make up. New York City fashion blogger, The Champagne Edit shares her summer beauty routine! Check out the best summer beauty products! New York City fashion blogger, The Champagne Edit shares her summer beauty routine! Check out the best summer beauty products! I mean, come on. I was recently getting my make up done for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic and I told the MUA that I wanted “annoying eyebrows”. Clearly, I know nothing. Over the last year or so, I’ve been getting a bit more into make up in terms of actually putting in “some” effort daily. I used to NEVER wear any make up to work. And now I’m getting a leeeeeeeeettttle better at it. I think…someone please tell me if I look like a clown or something. FACE: Tatcha Dewy Skin Moisturizer Getting that dewy glow is the main objective since I don’t have much else going on. I picked up this Tatcha moisturizer simply because it had the word “dewy” in it. Yes, I’m 100% that kind of shopper…whatever, sue me. When it goes on, it feels a little thick, but it sinks in nicely. It definitely gives you a nice glow and keeps your skin hydrated for the day ahead of you. while I let that sink in and dry… BROW: it! Cosmetics Brow Power/ glossier Boy Brow I honestly didn’t start doing my brows until last year. I’ve always had dark brows, and they were pretty filled in. Last year, I started becoming more and more into a dramatic brow, so I decided to learn how to fill them in myself more. I’ve gotten my eyebrows tinted before, but don’t do it too regularly, so this routine currently works for me. I like the Brow Power because it isn’t too thick, easy to use, and is a great shade for my brows. I like to fill in my brows in the front mostly, and don’t have to do too much to the middle or ends of them. After, I like to use Boy Brow (in brown) to give a little additional color. The gel really helps keep your brows in place all day. now that the moisturizer is dry… FACE: Murad & Goop SPF SUNSCREEEEEEN. I think everyone knows JUST how important sunscreen is for your face. Unfortunately, I only started applying sunscreen DAILY this year. I also only started applying sunscreen while I was outside in the sun (pool, beach, etc.) last year. I know, it’s bad, but hey, I learned before I was 30. ANYWAY… I’m not dedicated to one product, so I wanted to share both! Murad City Skin SPF Moisturizer : I’ve talked about this product and brand before, but it’s still part of my routine! I like to add this before heading out the door to start my morning off protected from SPF, city pollutants, and blue light. Goop SPF : I got this sample at the VCPC and honestly was very surprised how much I liked it! Since it was a tester size, I keep it in my bag with me at all times for when I need to reapply throughout the day. Honestly, it goes on SO smooth and SO invisible. Definitely recommend! FACE: Beautycounter Dew Skin This was a very recent purchase…as in last Friday. I picked this up when we stopped at goop in Nantucket. I’ve been wanting to try some Beautycounter products for a while now (honestly Ashlee and Brittany are my go to gals for knowledge), but it’s a bit overwhelming since I don’t ACTUALLY need anything. But ya know, since this was a leisurely stroll around the store, I was able to test out their Dew Skin tinted moisturizer (in No.2). I ended up loving it SO much and bought it on the spot. CHEEK: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge I am ALL about a good cheek color. Luckily my sister got a new product, so she gave this to me. Honestly, I rub this onto my cheeks with my fingers. It gives the perfect “just pinched” look. I use color Pale Pink . CHEEK: Tom Ford Glow Drops / Almay Instant Glow Again, v into the dewy look, so a good highlight is a must. My sister and I decided to splurge on Tom Ford Glow Drops a few months ago, and it was honestly a great purchase. And let me tell ya, if you’re thinking about purchasing, just remember a liiiiiittle goes a long way. For best results, I highly recommend using a beauty blender. When I’m in a hurry, my fingers have to do the trick. If you’re not looking to splurge, then I recommend this Almay duo highlight . The stick portion is super easy to swipe on and go! So as you guys can see, I’m just suuuuper into make up;) But I do love this look and don’t mind doing it every day. This finished look is usually about 5 minutes from start to finish…and gives you the perfect summer glow!

A look at the beauty and skincare products I’ve been loving this month! Benefit Brow Bar My eyebrows are becoming more and more important to me. I realized my brows were SCREAMING for attention just a few days before I left for Croatia. And let’s just say I haven’t given them attention in months. I really liked a local place that my sister and I went to in May, but they’ve been booked up forever. I knew Elle loved Benefit , so I made a last minute appointment at their SoHo location. And let’s just say, OBSESSED. I ended up getting a lip wax (WHAT?!) and brow wax/tint. I LOVE a good dark, filled in brow, and mah girl Kara knew what she was doing! It’s not cheap, it cost me about $60 (with tip) to get the three services. Definitely worth it before a trip though! Neutrogena Purifying Wipes I picked these up on a whim in CVS one night after work . If I’m in a pinch, I used to use the make up remover wipes. But these? WAY BETTER. These wipes clean the skin and remove make up without stripping your face of natural oils. Definitely packing these in my carry on for the plane so I can use them before my in-flight skincare routine. OPI Big Apple Red Any time I post something super close up of my nails, I get questions or comments about my nail color. At this point in my life, I can 100% say that OPI’s Big Apple Red is definitely my signature color. Every time I think I want something different and get it…I end up hating it. And then go back to my favorite color. There’s just something about it that seems so chic and classic. And really goes with everything! What’s your go to color? What products are you loving this month? What do I need to try next?!

The more I think about it, the more I realize just how much I actually smile. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of GLEEM. The opinions and text are all mine. Which is a good thing. Obviously. But much like the movie, Elf, smiling is most definitely my favorite. And smiles are contagious. So let’s smile more, ok? But behind every good smile, is a good toothbrush. Or something like that. Right? That’s why I’m so excited to be partnering with GLEEM ! I’ve been using their power toothbrush for a few weeks and I’m SO happy with the results. So why do I love it so much? Design: The electric toothbrush I was using previously was super bulky and it was kind of annoying. I love the sleek design of GLEEM . ..and how it looks in my bathroom! It’s also battery operated and super lightweight, so you can take on-the-go! Price: At just $25, GLEEM is just an investment for your smile, not from your pocket! Usage: I have really sensitive gums, so I appreciate the gentle sonic vibrations that still create a beaming smile! There’s a built in timer that pulses every 30 seconds for the perfect 2 minute brush. Benefits of using a power toothbrush Encourages longer, more thorough brushing with built-in timers Bristle vibrations help remove biofilm Gets those hard to reach places, which can help prevent gum issues Helps eliminate bad breath with the right toothpaste Do you use a power toothbrush? If not, I highly suggest you check out GLEEM ! I promise your smile will THANK YOU! This post is sponsored by GLEEM. All opinions are my own. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of GLEEM. The opinions and text are all mine.

I’m a big big big list maker. But for some reason, sometimes I get too specific with my lists, and it’s hard for me to tackle whatever is on my list for that day. One day a few weeks ago, I decided to try a brain dump list. I just word vomited all of the random things I had to do — whether they were for the blog, for work, for appointments, for random errands — I just wrote them down. The weirdest thing happened — I felt like I had some mental clarity after doing that. The brain dump list I created was really like a reset button for my mind. So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and indecisive (and therefore feeling unproductive). A brain dump starts by writing a list in no particular order — seriously WHATEVER comes to mind. I try to do a brain dump at least once a week (and if anything comes up throughout the week, I’ll add to it). We accumulate so many tasks in our heads that it tends to feel like everything is so urgent and important. A brain dump helps me feel like I can visually look what what’s important and what’s not. Often times I find myself writing things down that I don’t necessarily need to worry about until a later date. How To Write A Brain Dump Start a list of whatever is on your mind I got a cute notebook to start my list. This is definitely just a personal preference. I very much enjoy writing things down – pen to paper. I know many people prefer the digital route, but seriously, anything works. At the end of the day, the goal is the same: Clear out your brain. It’s random, but really think After you’ve really dumped everything that first came to mind as you started the list, eventually you’re going to run out of things you need to do. Once you’ve done the random stuff, it’s time to think a little more. Think about what’s due in the next week. Think about any upcoming appointments you need to make. Think about what you want to accomplish at home. Anything else that comes to mine, just write it down. Time to delegate (and eliminate/postpone) It’s okay if your list is getting long. If it starts to get overwhelming, start to review your list. Delegate: Can anyone take this off your plate (someone on your team, your significant other, a sibling/friend) Eliminate: Get rid of anything you don’t actually have to worry about Postpone: If you don’t need to get it done in the foreseeable future, take it off Create categories Since your brain dump is going to be all over the place, creating categories may help make it less daunting. Next to each item on your list, write down a category. I don’t always do this…only if my weekly lists are super hefty. I like to color coordinate them as well (using a highlighter). Home Errands Work (Lou & Grey Blog Appointments Personal Finances Take it step further If you’re severely into making lists like I am, you can go a step further and create a separate list for each category. Then, it’s time to look at your tasks and see what needs to be prioritized. Does this need to be done today? Does an item need to get done, but doesn’t need attention today? Is there anything that doesn’t need attention for at least a week or two? When your tasks are organized by timeframe, you can take a step back and REALLY focus on what needs to get done that day. For things that I can worry about later, I schedule into my planner, so I can add them to an upcoming list. Focus on today After I have my organized list of things I need to do, it’s time to take some action. Some days my “today” list is long, and other times it is not. Each day might have a different priority, and that’s okay. I love seeing all of the things — both big and small — that I need to get done written on paper. While these steps may seem long, this only takes me about 10 minutes. Some people do daily brain dump lists, but I focus on weekly ones. Knowing my priorities help me schedule my days efficiently without wasting time trying to decide what I need to get done first.