Tag Archives: tgif

Sep8

If The Shoe Fits: Candies Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Candies Edition

Helloooo everyone and TGIF! As you all know from yesterday’s post, the arrival of autumn spells out big trouble for my bank account. A recent trip to Kohl’s and Target with my beloved mother left my wallet a little less fat but my wardrobe all of the better for it. Take a look at my new boots from the brand Candies, which Kohl’s offers, and let’s discuss:

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First of all, in my defense – I haven’t bought myself a non ankle or combat style boot in literal years. The last time I bought actual knee high boots was on Valentine’s Day in 2015, so this purchase was a long time coming. Why, you might ask? The answer for a long hiatus between boot purchases, is that I actually have a really difficult time finding “actual” boots that I like. Why, you might ask? It’s not like I have a problem buying anything else! Lol, sigh. Let me explain. Ahem:

  1. I have expensive taste. Sue me for it. The boots that I do happen to like are usually close to or above one hundred dollars. As much as I love shoes, I’m not comfortable spending that much.
  2. This is a really personal preference when it comes to footwear, but I absolutely despise rubber soles on shoes. I’m well aware that many of the shoes featured on my If The Shoe Fits series has them and, believe me, I’m not thrilled about it. But rubber soles on boots are a bit of an eyesore for me, and I refuse to purchase ones with them.

In my perfect world, literally every heel or sole on a shoe would be covered with cloth or made with funky material like wood, cork, or see through plastic. However, I know that this is just not feasible, because rubber soles on boots during inclement weather is a nonnegotiable staple for obvious reasons. I realize that, but it doesn’t mean that I have to like it! Therefore, I’ve always avoided buying, and even looking at boots to purchase because it’s just too damn hard to find what I like for a price that I’m comfortable paying.

(This is the part where the world pauses for a second, because the boot world as I know it is about to change forever.)

Pre Mind Blown Monologue: I love the shoe department at Kohl’s. I would say that about forty percent of my shoes are from there, forty percent are from TJMaxx, and the remaining twenty percent is from other various locations. I think that Kohl’s has a fantastic selection of brands and styles and the prices are, for the most part, extremely reasonable thanks to sales and coupons. While browsing through the shoe selection, I wasn’t really anticipating buying anything until…

MIND BLOWN.

My leisurely amble through the shoe department led me to my new boots from Candies. Guys…It really was love at first sight. These boots had EVERYTHING that’s important to me in my “Buying Boots Guidelines”:

  • Must be black
  • Must be at least knee high (These go up to the lower part of my thigh.)
  • Must be made from non-animal materials (These are pseudo-suede and man made.)
  • Must be heeled
  • Must not have a rubber sole

These Candies boots checked off literally every single thing on my Buying Boots Guidelines. Not only that, but I got these babies that were originally about one hundred dollars for sixty bucks. Fifty to sixty dollars is my cut off point when it comes to buying anything, but I prefer to stay well under that. However, because I own a whole two other pairs of boots, one pair that is two and a half years old and another that is four years old, I was okay with spending up to my price limit. This doesn’t happen very often, but it really has been a while since I found a pair of boots worth buying and I realize that around sixty dollars is very decent for a new pair of such high quality.

What I love about these boots, aside from the jet black color, CLOTH COVERED HEEL, and cruelty free material, is the length. I’ve never owned an above the knee pair of boots before and, I say this very rarely, but these boots made me feel sexy. These babies hit solidly at my lower thigh but are shorter than mid-thigh. I’ve always wanted a high, heeled pair of boots but never found one that I liked so much until now.

These boots made me feel good. Sexy is a look that is never a priority when it comes to how I dress but, man, I felt it in these shoes and it was definitely a new feeling – but I liked it. I was wearing a mustard yellow maxi dress and a moto jacket when I tried these on and I loved how I looked. These boots were edgy and cool but they gave off a glam and sultry vibe because of their length and, I don’t know…I felt good in them.

Another plus to these boots is their shape. They’re form fitting without being skin tight, but they have just enough slouch to give them edge as opposed to more sex appeal. Had they not had that extra give, I don’t know how comfortable I would have been in them.

Of course I’m looking forward to pairing these with one of my many black skinny jeans from my black skinny jeans collection for a sleek silhouette, but I never thought to pair boots like these with a maxi dress. I absolutely loved it and I genuinely can’t wait to style these with maxi and knee length dresses in the fall. And a cool moto or distressed jean jacket is a definite must with these bad boys, too!

I realize that I just wrote a freaking novella on these boots but I just couldn’t help it. I’m really happy with this purchase and they are going to look absolutely stunning with my new coat from yesterday’s post, to boot! (AYYY, see what I did there?!) 😉

So there you have it, the newest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Candies Edition! How would you style these boots? What are your own guidelines for boot shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep1

DIY Lies That You Should Never Listen To

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DIY Lies That You Should Never Listen To

DIY work is something that everyone has tried at some point in their lives. Perhaps you have tried to put together a fence in the garden or maybe attempted to repair something in the kitchen. Some are successful…. some aren’t. DIY success depends on a number of different factors, but there is one major source of information that everyone attempts to follow when they’re presented with a broken appliance or issue: the internet.

The internet is full of useful facts, information, and tutorials that can teach us everything from how to dance to how we can use cardboard boxes as furniture. It goes without saying that the internet is a valuable learning resource, but there’s one problem that far too many people overlook; is the information even credible?

With so many articles and blogs on the internet, it can sometimes be hard trying to discern if something is true or false. In this article, we’ll be going through some of the most common lies that people tell you about DIY and why they’re false. This is to prevent you from making bad decisions when it comes to home repairs and also to alert you about the dangers of false information on the internet.

DIY Is Cheaper Than Calling A Contractor:

Perhaps the biggest flaw in this way of thinking is that DIY is the cheaper option. This assumes that you already have all of the tools and materials to do whatever repair or renovation that you want. And we all know that this can be expensive! Let’s assume that you want to repair a leaking pipe in your bathroom. Not only do you need to purchase the right tools for the job, but you also need to purchase the materials, such as piping, and it needs to be cut to size and shaped appropriately. Add in the additional cost of delivery and you’re going to be paying more than it would cost to hire someone to repair it for you. If you look at plumbing services, such as www.alltex-plumbing.com, you’ll find that it’s actually fairly cheap to hire a contractor. Compare this to the cost of learning something, purchasing the tools, and getting the materials and you’ll see how much cheaper it actually is.

DIY Is Easy to Learn:

DIY is never easy to learn. Among all of the articles that you might read and tutorial videos that you can watch, there’s going to be some information missing. Most of those people usually aren’t qualified teachers, which means that they aren’t exactly the best at explaining things. In addition, experience is what makes a good contractor and unless you have a large supply of broken appliances to fix, it’s difficult to get enough practice in. Small DIY projects can be fun and fulfilling, but larger repair projects should be left to the pros.

In short, DIY is not easy to learn and it’s not cheap, either. If you’re absolutely certain about learning DIY, then you can check websites, such as https://www.familyhandyman.com/skills, to get more information. Just be warned; you need to dedicate yourself to DIY if you really want to get something out of it. And all of the Pinterest projects will be waiting for you when you’re ready!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug25

The Questions To Answer Before Accepting A Management Role

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The Questions To Answer Before Accepting A Management Role

Management is the goal, right? A corner office overlooking the city, a fatter salary, people to lead, and minds to mold. The idea of becoming a boss is one which is exciting to a lot of individuals for these very reasons. Career progression is just, as if not more, important than the value of a person’s wage. So, the thought that a management position wouldn’t be the right move might appear silly. Of course it’s the right move – it’s everything anyone wants for their career!

But, is it? Although the concept of promotion is a tempting one, it is essential to understand the dynamics of the role. Otherwise, you could end up in a position that is potentially fatal for your career. To avoid that, the following questions are the ones which you should ask before signing on the dotted line:

Will I Get All Of The Benefits?

Most people assume that a promotion will result in managing people and leading a team of employees. It isn’t always the case for many reasons. Sometimes, companies give their best employees a pay bump to keep them at the firm without giving them more responsibility. Harsh, but true. Also, the boss’s boss has a significant role to play. Great managers know how to leave an individual to their job without getting in the way. However, some love to micromanage every aspect of the company and cannot relinquish the power. If the man or woman at the top of the tree is such a person, the chance of managing people will be low.

What Does The Position Entail?

This question is along the same lines as the first one but with a subtle difference. Analyzing whether you get the benefits of managing people isn’t the same as challenging your day to day activities. Again, employees assume that a promotion is a good idea regardless of what a typical day will look like in the future. The reality is that it could be mind-numbingly boring. Take a construction worker, as an example. Working ‘on the tools’, as they call it in the industry, is a lot different than an office job. If the thought of filling out paperwork and phoning suppliers for prices doesn’t appeal to you, then the  management position isn’t the right move. Quite simply, it boils down to job satisfaction.

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 Pexels Image

How Much Am I Being Paid?

As soon as you see the extra amount per month, dollar signs will send your brain into a tizzy. It is human nature to concern yourself with money, especially when you work hard to move up the corporate ladder. The issue is, that the additional amount might not be enough. Yes, the job pays more than your current role, but it has added responsibility. Employers never tell an employee that they will have to work 20 hours extra per week, turning a 50 hour week into a 70 hour one. Is ten grand extra per year enough for a potential 17,000 hours yearly? The 17,000 figure, by the way, is up from 12,000 hours for a standard working week.

Why Did The Previous Manager Leave?

Everyone is different, so judging the situation from the ex-boss’s standpoint is illogical. Still, there will be warning signs as to why that person left which might affect your position. Would you stay around if you needed attorneys to help take the burden off your shoulders for your work accident injury claims which you have to deal with on behalf of the firm? The idea of fighting lawsuits, which is part of the management’s job, is tiring and leads you down a potentially sticky legal avenue. Or, maybe the person received a more lucrative job offer from another company. In that case, what is stopping you from exploring your options? It is possible the person decided to leave for a variety of reasons, but you shouldn’t dismiss them out of hand. By looking at it from their point of view, you might spot an issue which could determine your answer.

Is There Room For Growth?

Finally, one promotion should not be enough if you want to take your career to the next level. Sure, the position is a great opportunity now, but you don’t want to stay there forever. If you do, your career will stagnate. Unfortunately, taking a role with a firm that offers no extra growth is a sure-fire way to stall your progression. Therefore, think about the glass ceiling and whether you have reached it already.

Simply put, you should never accept a role without thinking carefully through the pros and cons!

Featured Image By: The Blue Diamond Gallery

Aug25

Sick :(

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Sick :(

Hi everyone and TGIF! Lil Red has come down with a really unfortunate summer cold this past week and, rest assured, I am absolutely miserable. Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me this weekend because I need to get some rest and I also have a lot to catch up on from my sick days. But please tune in for next week’s Monday Update, because I will be announcing the lineup for my Falling For Fall guest bloggers series, which premieres on the 29th!

How do you beat a summer cold? What are some of your home remedies for when you’re feeling unwell? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition

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If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition

Hi everyone and TGIF! Okay, you guys all know how much Lil Red loves shoes – specifically heels. But two of my latest footwear purchases from TJMaxx sport barely there lifts, which I’m shockingly okay with. The mule shoe is the it thing right now, and I have been on the prowl for the perfect pair since they made their debut late in the spring.

The mule hunt has proven to be extremely difficult. I don’t want them completely flat like a slipper but I also don’t want a huge, chunky heel like a clog. I thought that all hope was lost until a TJs trip last weekend, which resulted in these Coconuts By Matisse baroque beauties:

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Having size six feet truly is a blessing, because the pair seen above was the only one in the entire shoe department and it felt like they were sitting there just waiting for me. My new Matisse mules were stationed on the bottom shelf, tucked into the corner of the size six section looking forlornly for a new owner. Thank god I came along to help out with that!

These beautiful slip ons were the first thing that caught my eye upon entering TJ’s shoe section and as soon as I saw them, I knew that they were “the one”. The stunning pattern? The tiny heel? The pure craftsmanship of the embroidery? The twenty-five dollar price tag? As if my leg didn’t need twisted to buy them before!

The small lift of these mules was the selling point for me when it came down to it. Frankly, if my new babies were totally flat, then I don’t think that they would have been coming home with me. I don’t like flats. I really just despise how they look on me and this mini kitten heel made me feel excited to not be wearing four plus inches high shoes. That’s not just saying something, that’s screaming something.

My Coconuts By Matisse mules are going to be so extraordinarily perfect for fall. The rich jewel tones will add spice to the black skinnies that make up my cold weather wardrobe and will look simply stunning among the fallen leaves on the ground. I’m looking forward to wrapping up the summer by wearing these with shorts during errand days, but will be transitioning them into the autumn season with A-line skirts and sun dresses with thick tights underneath.

There’s no doubt that my marvelous mules will be making a huge statement in my autumn wardrobe and I can’t wait to kick up my mini heels for some fall fun! And for more heelless hootenanny, be sure to tune in for the next edition of If The Shoe Fits where I discuss an edgy new pair of combat boots perfect for a punk night out at the Marilyn Manson concert that I so desperately want to attend!

So there you have it, the latest issue of If The Shoe Fits: Coconuts By Matisse Edition! How do you rock the mule trend? What is your favorite brand of shoes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug11

The Fallout: Steps To Take After Suffering Extreme Damage To Your Home

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The Fallout: Steps To Take After Suffering Extreme Damage To Your Home

It’s never something we would like to think that would affect any of us, but with the rise of inclement weather all over the world, it seems more and more likely with every passing year that your home will be involved in some kind of disaster. Whether it be a flood, tornado, earthquake, or a fire, it is a terrible situation to be in. But what happens after the event to your home and to you personally? Let’s try and address the issues about how to repair all the damage after a disaster.

The First Thing To Do:

The first sort of call when it comes to a disaster happening to your home, once everybody is safe, is to get in contact with your insurance company and file a claim. Depending on whether you are renting your home or not, you would still need to make a claim based on the damage to your property or your worldly possessions. It’s your prerogative at the start whether you would want to use a public adjuster to deal with the entire process of the claim, which could help with the building insurance, contents insurance, as well as providing emergency accommodation. These experts work on behalf of policyholders’ interests, so the sooner you are able to engage with reputable Public Adjusters, the bigger the burden they can remove from your shoulders. Once you have met with the public adjuster, they will undertake a fact-finding mission throughout your property, and based on the circumstances of the claim, forensic specialists may be called to undertake an investigation, especially if this was a house fire to determine the cause.

The Next Steps:

Once you have met with the loss adjuster, they will submit a report to the insurance company based on the circumstances surrounding the disaster and they will also recommend whether the insurer should pay your claim or not. They will make a decision on whether the policy you have is sufficient enough to cover the damage, which is a big problem a lot of policyholders have, being “underinsured”. From there, the emergency contractors will be appointed to carry out any works that are urgent, and this could include water damage restoration companies, which will provide their own investigation into the causes. If you have issues in your home with things like running water, they will provide a restoration plan for you. If you live in an area where water damage is a threat to your home, it is advised to have a professional in mind as you never know when you will need them. To find a team near you, simply enter a search for “water damage restoration in Sacramento” (or your local area) so you always have an expert on standby.

Other companies may weatherproof your property or make your home more secure by boarding up the windows or covering the roof. These practical fixes can provide an extra boost of protection. Businesses like Restoration 1 (Or a similar one in your local area) could tend to issues like mold or restoration from fire or water damage. It’s important to note that the insurers might not pay for this work until the claim has been processed, so it would be your responsibility in the meantime to prevent additional damage to your property. After this, the surveyor will assess the overall damage to your property and put together a plan for the reinstatement of it.

The Contents Claim:

If your home was very badly damaged and all of your possessions have been destroyed, it’s important for you to make a detailed list of all of your contents including the cost for replacements. A lot of insurance companies act on a “like for like” basis. But if you are claiming for things like clothes and bedding, they are replaced on what is called an indemnity basis, meaning that there will be a reduction in their value based on the wear and tear of your original items. And if you’ve got a lot of high-end items such as electronic equipment or designer clothes, you need to provide the proof, the makes, models, etc., before the insurance company will accept the claim completely.

The Personal Impact:

As it would be expected, the process of dealing with loss adjusters and the insurance company can be a trying one, especially if you are without a home. During the process, you will be in temporary accommodation, and this could be the emergency accommodation provided at the outset of the disaster. After that, you would have to find long-term temporary accommodation that suits you and your family during the restoration of the property. This can be difficult to acquire, especially if you have a big family or have pets.

It’s at this point where the stress can get the better of you, as you’re not in your own home. During your dealings with the insurance company, you may feel like you’re being passed from pillar to post, but this is a fact of the situation, unfortunately. If your claim is in limbo, it can take some time. And during your negotiation with a loss adjuster, you may not get everything that you wish in terms of suitable emergency accommodation, as you need to agree on a budget with the loss adjuster.

The Final Pieces Of The Puzzle:

Once the ball has been rolling after the tense negotiations, the process of tendering will begin. At this point, the contractors will be appointed to do the work on your home. The contractors are usually specialist ones appointed by the insurance company, but if you want to use your own contractors, you need to be careful with your choice as there are many out there who may not have a good track record. It is at this point where the surveyor will meet with the contractors to solidify the final parts of the work, which will progress until your home is fully restored. It’s important to note that at this point, you may wish to make some alterations to your home, pending the approval of the surveyor. After this, your contents claim would be agreed, items are secured, and you can return home.

While we all hope that it doesn’t happen to us, it’s important that if your home suffers from any type of disaster that you have the right policies in place. If you don’t have any insurance, it is recommended that you get something for peace of mind. If your home is ever going to suffer a disaster, with the right insurance policies in place you know you can, at least, rebuild your life.

Featured Image By: Wikipedia

Aug11

Face Mask Festivities: The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Edition

Hi everyone and TGIF! Today we’re going to ring in more Face Mask Festivities by discussing The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask. This is one of the first face masks that I ever used and it holds a special place in my heart for that reason and the fact that it eliminates my pesky nose blackheads like no other. Take a look at some pics and let’s chat about this miracle mask further:

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^^^ So this mask admittedly looks pretty gross in the container and on my MUG, for that matter, but gosh darn it is it effective!

With five nose piercings, my honker is a freaking battleground of blackheads that pop up like landmines around my studs. This isn’t the biggest skin care problem one can have, and I realize that, but I know that they’re there and it really bothers me. Not only does my skin care perfectionism cause me to lightweight freak out over blemishes, but I’d prefer for my pierced up nose to stay clean and clear to prevent irritation and infection.

We all know that charcoal is the “it” thing in the skin care world, especially when it comes to drawing blemishes out and giving your pores a deep clean. That’s what made this mask an obvious choice for purchasing. After ONE USE of my TBS mask, there wasn’t a single blackhead left on my nose. Saying that I was ecstatic about this is an extreme understatement. After countless cleansers and scrubs, I found something that literally eliminated the problem within ten minutes. Amazing much?

My favorite thing about this mask is its smell. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it smells minty, but when you unscrew the container lid you get an instant waft of brisk freshness. Kind of like opening a new pack of gum but without that overpowering peppermint aroma. This mask feels cool on your skin so that combined with such a crisp scent definitely makes for an invigorating experience.

Despite all of the above rave reviews, there are some things that I dislike about this mask. For one, you really have to be careful about washing this mask off quickly. If you go over the ten minute limit even just slightly, the hydration in your skin seems to slip away in double time, leaving your skin feeling brittle and looking flushed. Not fun.

And, for pettiness’ sake, this mask is a big fat pain in the BOOTASH to clean up. I prefer to wash my masks off in the shower and the chunks of charcoal in the mask simply REFUSE to go down the drain. As soon as I shut the water off, there is face mask residue coating my tub, so you have to use a towel to wipe it all off. God forbid you just leave it there (Which I’ve totes done before – #lazygirlproblems), because the mask will dry and it will be a vicious cycle of the mask getting wet and then drying every time you shower. SMH.

Although there are some annoyances with this mask, I do recommend it for those looking for an effective charcoal product. My skin always seems to thank me for using it (If I’m quick enough to wash it off!) and saying bye-bye to blackheads is a blessing in itself!

So there you have it, the newest issue of Face Mask Festivities: The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Edition! Be sure to tune in on Sunday as I wrap this mini series up. What is your favorite product from The Body Shop? What is your favorite face mask to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug4

Elf Palette Faves #1

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Elf Palette Faves #1

Hiiii everyone and TGIF! Okay, so this Wednesday I introduced you guys to my New(ish) Elf Nude Rose Gold Palette and I wanted to share a few of my fan favorites with all of you. Unfortunately, I don’t know the names of any of these colors SO I’LL MAKE THEM UP MYSELF. Ayyy! Let me introduce you all to SPARKLING EGGPLANT lololol:

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Sparkling Eggplant is the last color on the right in my palette. This is my favorite color out of the ten. I love the purple-y, mauve color and the fact that this shade has some glitter thrown in for good measure makes me like it even more. I prefer to wear Sparkling Eggplant (It never gets old!) as an eyeliner and I wet my brush to give it the appearance of the second heart seen above.

My eyes are hazel and frequently change colors from brown to green or gold depending on the lighting and what makeup I’m using. The purple hue of this eyeshadow brings about green eyes, which I love. To complete this look, I like to use one of the shell pink colors in the corner of my eyes with one of the browns or mauves in the palette across the lid. I then blend these together for a purple haze, smokey look – which sounds a lot better than my makeup skills allot for!

So there you have it, the first of my Elf Palette Faves! How do you use makeup to play up your eye color? How would you name this color from my palette? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul28

July 2017 Finishes

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July 2017 Finishes

Hi everyone and TGIF! My goodness, the months are just flying by, which brings us to another wrap up post for all of the beauty goodies that I used during July. This month brought to an end some products that I’ve been using for what seems like forever as well as some short lived lotions that were still enjoyable, just the same. Take a look at my July Finishes and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Bath & Body Works Beach Nights lotion: YES
  • The Body Shop Satsuma Body Puree: YES
  • Destiny Boutique Charcoal face wash: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost: YES
  • The Body Shop Amazonian Acai Energizing Radiance Mask: NO
  • Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara: YES

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Lotion: You guys all know that I love me some Bath & Body Works so, of course, this lotion was no exception. I got this full sized lotion as a freebie months ago and just now got around to using it and am so glad that I did! The Beach Nights scent smells amazing!! It literally smells like vanilla mixed in with the crisp sea breeze scent of the ocean and marshmallows roasted over a big bonfire. It’s absolutely delicious. A fair warning, though, – the lotion is quite pungent. I never wear lotion unless it’s at night, but even if I were a day time wearer, this would be my last choice to use. It took me about six full body uses to finish this product.

TBS Body Puree: I looooooove all things Satsuma from The Body Shop. To me, it is the most divine citrus scent on the market and I am always so happy when I can snag some of its energizing deliciousness. I would never buy The Body Shop bath and body care products from there because the prices are absurd, but when TJMaxx is stocked with their items, it’s hard not to indulge! I got this lotion for four bucks and it was such a wonderful treat. The Body Purees are so much lighter than a normal lotion – it feels like using a lush, aquatic gel and it feels so nice on the skin. The Purees also absorb almost instantly, which is another amazing touch! It took me about seven full body uses to finish this product.

Destiny Boutique Face Wash: Destiny Boutique is a brand that I discovered through TJMaxx that I freaking love. I am obsessed with all things charcoal and loved using their charcoal face bar so much that it seemed silly to not buy their cleanser. This face wash was well worth the ten dollar price tag as it took me OVER FIVE MONTHS to finish it. Every day, this cleanser left my skin feeling fresh, clean, and blackhead free – which is a fantastic way to feel! I’m so happy that I have another one of these washes in my hoard for another five months of beauty bliss!

TBS Skin Boost: I don’t need to explain my love for this product anymore, you guys already know all about it! It took me over two and a half months of daily use to finish my Vitamin C Skin Boost from The Body Shop.

TBS Face Mask: I really enjoy using face masks but, unfortunately, this Amazonian Acai Energizing Radiance Mask from The Body Shop really missed the mark. In its title, this mask has everything that I look for when selecting a product – something invigorating that provides bright radiance to the skin. This mask did none of that and my skin was left looking and feeling no different after about a month and a half of using it two times per week. The product smelled lovely, but it was far from effective. Whomp whomp.

Too Faced Mascara: I rarely write about makeup finishes during my monthly empties posts, but this mascara is a different story. Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara has been a complete game changer to my makeup routine. My sister got me hooked on the stuff and after using this mascara for close to FOUR MONTHS, I had to get more to feed my addiction!

This mascara is AMAZING. It does for my lashes what using multiple different tubes of mascara during my routine couldn’t even come close to doing. Better Than Sex gives you gorgeous fanned out, jet black, lush, plush lashes that stay in place but still feel soft to the touch. There is literally nothing better and I am so willing to shell out the twenty-three dollar price tag for a mascara that does what the classic drug store brands can’t. It’s worth every penny and then some.

Besides for my face mask from The Body Shop, July was a very successful month for my finishes. I am so happy with the empties that I did like and would happily purchase them again in a heart beat!

So there you have it, my July 2017 Finishes! Which beauty products did you finish up for the month? Has anyone used any of my empties before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul21

Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition

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Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to the conclusion to my Zara Haul series featuring a twenty dollar button down dress with to die for details! I’m unsure of the original price for my dress because there was no tag on the item but I’m assuming that it’s starting price was around seventy or so dollars, because that’s the Zara way. The button down dress is an item that I took for granted until I realized that I flipping love them, so now I have to make up for lost time and BUY ALL THE BUTTON DOWNS! Take a look at this new beauty and let’s discuss:

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White is a color that I don’t wear very frequently, just because I find it very anxiety provoking. Hello, future coffee stains. But, I always do enjoy a crisp, white piece of clothing when the perfect one comes a knockin. I simply love this dress, so having to be extra careful with eating, makeup, etc. while wearing it is totally worth it. The sleek fabric, kimono-esque style, blossoming pattern, and daring details all make this dress worthy of being in my expansive wardrobe.

The button down dress is a classic piece of clothing. It’s something that looks good on every body type and can really be worn for any occasion depending on how you style it. The button down dress offers timeless beauty to all who wear it and I am ashamed that it has taken me so long to appreciate that. The few button down dresses that I own are some of my favorites, so it’s definitely nice to be able to find one that I think is so well suited to me to add to the collection.

From the lace up detailing on the side to the barbell shaped cuff links on the sleeves, this dress is full of surprises. Probably the biggest surprise being that white actually looks good on me! As a very pale gal, white is something that I tend to unconsciously shy away from because of the fear that it will wash me out (And also stains, lol.), but it’s actually quite the contrary. By some divine miracle, the color white manages to enhance and exaggerate my skin and hair color even more, creating a stunning effect – especially while wearing red lipstick!

Of course, I’m looking forward to wearing this as an actual dress but I’m more excited to pair this with some black super skinny jeans and a nice pair of stilettos for an edgy, office chic look. Throw a blazer or a moto jacket over top of it and you’re all set with a look that can be easily suitable for day or night!

So there you have it, the conclusion to my Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition! What was your favorite item from my haul? Who else is getting some serious summer shopping in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah