How was your weekend?, Seriously. Fashion. Love.

A few things

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I knew I wouldn’t have time to go to the store before a birthday party J is going to this weekend, so I found these fun items on Amazon:

I kind of want the pen case for myself. And the pens are a great price!

I love my Drunk Elephant Hydration Serum for nighttime, but I’ve been on the hunt for a vitamin C serum for daytime. This one from Target may fit the bill:

It has good reviews on Target, and so I’m thinking about picking it up on my next Target run (or adding it to my next Target order).

We checked out a new coffee shop on Friday last week and I’m already thinking about when we will go back:

They had me at iced dirty chai latte. So good!

I also picked up a few Fall things at the Anthropologie sale:

My absolutely favorite wind down activity:

I’m currently watching Scandal as research for the Crisis Communication class I’m teaching and I am totally hooked. Don’t spoil it for me! I’m behind a couple of seasons. Also, as much as I use my iPad, I love a good print magazine. The current issue of InStyle, plus painting my nails (OPI Cajun Shrimp) is perfection.

And finally, how I recipe plan, screenshot from Destin Duchess for baked chicken dinner:

Unfortunately I’m not going out! Happy Thursday!

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Seriously. Fashion. Love.

Sephora summer save sale

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Whether I wear no make-up:

 

Or have fully done my make-up:

I always keep an ongoing list for must purchases when Sephora has a sale. Right now their summersave code gets you 15% off if you are VIB and 20% off if you are Rouge. This time around the big four I was out of was foundation, my Naked 2 eye shadow basics palette (finally back in stock), hydration serum, and styling cream:

As you can see, I’ve used these significantly (I threw the hydration serum away because it was completely gone). NARS is by far my favorite foundation of the year. I like that I can change the coverage if I use a beauty blender or a foundation brush. I love the neutrals of the NAKED 2 palette, I’ve probably had it longer than you should. B and I have used the styling creme for years. I like that it has hold and creates volume without being sticky or stiff. And finally, the hydration serum. This isn’t a moisturizer on its own, but helps to lock in your moisturizer better. I use it with the retinol cream I picked up at the last Sephora sale.

I picked up all four plus I’m testing out Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. I’m hoping this will be a bit more mattifying than the current sunscreen I’m wearing to work under my make-up. It’s so hot right now here, that you only step outside and feel like your make-up is melting off. In addition, I grabbed two samples, one is a sleeping cream that has a really high rating on Sephora and the other is a sample refill of my Lancôme eyelash primer. I combine the primer with Covergirl exhibitionist mascara and my mascara doesn’t budge.

I’m all stocked up! Until the next sale!

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Blush & Print for Fall

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I have a bit of a confession. I’m super lazy when it comes to accessories. I’ll spend time carefully planning my outfit the night before, and then when I go to put on accessories the next morning, I either a) forget, or b) feel overwhelmed trying to pick them out. In a move to combat that I’ve started stream lining my accessories, creating a capsule collection of them and then switching out outfits that coordinate. I’ve created three different looks to share, all using the same accessories, just switching out the outfits! Here is the line-up of accessories:

A fun essentials clutch for my purse.

An investment purse to wear with everything.

Cute peep-toe booties to transition to fall.

Hoops that add a bit of sparkle but aren’t overwhelming in size (I go with smaller hoops because when I teach larger hoops will swing around when I talk….my students would say I’m pretty animated, ha!).

My favorite lip gloss for when I remember after I get somewhere that I didn’t put on lipstick, which is often.

I invested in several pairs of sunglasses this year and this pair was one of them.

I love stretch bracelets because they tend to not slide up and down my arm and they don’t have to be sized.

And finally, a cute cellphone case that I can switch out easily (I also have this one).

First up, is an outfit for work:

The top is Target and the black jeans are Madewell. If I had a meeting I’d switch out the jeans for these pants (and if you want to take the outfit even further into fall get the wool-blend version).

Second up, is an outfit for work or going out:

The dress I purchased for 60% off this weekend, so if you have a Gap/Banana Republic Card be sure to check it out! The denim jacket is on my fall list from Nordstrom.

And finally, an outfit to wear to go volunteer and then remove accessories and switch shoes for the gym. Or just remove accessories and shoes and do yoga.

These leggings are a thicker weight and the sweatshirt is comfy, but still stylish, layered with this sports bra and this tank.

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Family Style, Home Decor, Mini Cupcakes, Seriously. Fashion. Love., Teacher Essentials

Prime day deals

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We purchased a few things on “Prime Day”. I thought I’d share some of our best deals, and some of our favorites!

First up, these are the specific prime day deals…

The ring doorbell. This has been a long time coming in our house. Our front door has limited visibility, so this was something we’ve had on our list for awhile.

Sports thermoses for the boys. Another necessary item…all of ours are lost or broken.

Collagen peptides. A scoop of this goes in my coffee every day.

 

I’m starting on back to school shopping and copy paper is on the list (I bought the three reams 30% recycled for the best deal) .

This could be the best deal of the day for me, and I put it on my birthday list for B to purchase:

I also picked up this rarely on sale Stila liner:

Second, these aren’t prime day deals specifically, but were good prices:

Under Armour shoes for A:

Composition notebook packs for school supply list:

T-shirt sets for the boys:

Happy shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog!

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Friday Favorites, Recipes, Serious reads, Seriously. Fashion. Love.

Friday Favorites

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The kiddos have one week of swim lessons down! They boys are definitely stretching their skills this year, working on diving, backstroke, and longer periods of freestyle. And our newest swim lesson participant, my niece, is doing great working on her back float! This weekend we are headed to our local art walk downtown, and doing some hiking and biking with B’s parents if the weather holds out. I can’t believe we are winding down the second half of summer! Only three more weeks until school schedules, sports, and everything else is in full swing again!

Organization ideas from Target.

The puzzle we finished over the weekend.

Summertime lemonade options.

My yoga schedule for the month.

And a plan to get my heels on the ground for downward dog.

A cookbook dedicated to my most favorite food.

My Bible reading plan for the month.

Food meal planning ideas for high/low macro days.

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe.

Six herbs to grow inside when it’s too cold or hot out.

Corn fritters for a veggie filled weeknight dinner.

And, I’m not shopping the Nordstrom sale until next week, but if there is anything left, I’m picking up these sneakers, this tank, and these pants.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog!

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How was your weekend?, Mini Cupcakes, Seriously. Fashion. Love.

JCrew Factory List

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School’s out, summer vacation is here, and we’re feeling fine!

I mentioned having a few items on my list for the Vineyard Vines for Target Collection. After the big release, here are my actual purchases:

If you’re wondering if I got up super early to get these items, the answer is yes. I randomly woke up at 2:00 a.m. (B and I have being trading off with different medical issues, yay for mid-thirties), and couldn’t go back to sleep. I had a favorites list saved, and I just opened my iPad and ordered it all. The quality of the pullover and pants was heavier weight than I expected, which I appreciated for the price. I’ll probably be more likely to wear the pants in fall/winter here. The swimsuit is adorable, definitely my favorite. The shorts are great quality, but I was very glad I got the XS, because I saw an early review online. The sunnies were a wild fable purchase, and they are super fun. Anyway, now that I’ve shopped that collection, we are headed to the beach soon to have family time, beach time, and some outlet shopping time!

Every year, I make a list for outlet shopping at JCrew Factory. I typically try to find some things at the outlets for Under Armour, Aacis, Gap, and Kate Spade as well, but for JCrew Factory I make a list! JCrew Factory carries some of my favorite basics, and I like to stock up while we are there.

First up, is graphic tees. I love a good graphic tee!

Second, is the teddie sweater. Made of lighter weight cotton than JCrew’s typical merino sweater, these are wearable summer through mid-fall.

Next, low wedges. Great for trekking across campus, or going out to dinner, these are low enough you I can wear them with shorts, jeans, or some of my work pants.

Its already 95 degrees here and in the summer I love my easy pajama shorts. These come in a variety of pattens and are perfect for mixing and matching with cotton sleep tees.

I’m so excited they’ve kept their scalloped shorts! These are some of my favorites.

My old white pants are super stretched, so I’m on the hunt for a new pair.

Some of B’s favorite tees we pick up from JCrew Factory including striped and henley’s.

And finally, the boys and I always pick up fun socks for B for Father’s Day.

We are definitely all looking forward to our beach vacation! Until then the cousins are making do with trying to create an impromptu slip and slide:

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Seriously. Fashion. Love.

Summer skin care and make-up routine

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I’m prepping these Minnie Ears for an upcoming Disney trip! During the summer, I like to keep my make-up routine super simple to give my skin a chance to breathe after wearing make-up almost everyday during the school year. Also, because in the South, wearing make-up becomes almost pointless, until the temps get back below 100. I thought I’d share my make-up picks and everyday nighttime skin care routine for summer! First up, is my every night skin care routine:

I have used this ultra repair cream for several weeks now and I really like it. It is quite thick, but I have pretty dry skin, so it works well.

I use the Peter Thomas Roth water drench moisturizer for under my eyes.

Then I use the sugar lip treatment right after I shower and follow up with Kiel’s lip balm when I go to bed.

This is what I use almost every night. However, I also mix in using my retinol cream once a week, vitamin C serum another night, exfoliator pads on another night, and then watermelon glow mask on another night.

For my make-up/morning skin care routine…

I skip foundation as much as I can and start with my ultra repair cream.

Then I use my Olay Eyes Depuffing Eye Roller.

After that, I put on my La Roche Posay sunscreen. I have tried lots of sunscreens for my face, and this one doesn’t make me break-out, and doesn’t smell like sunblock at all.

Then I lightly fill in my brows with the hourglass brow pencil, and curl my eyelashes. I also add a swipe of mascara.

I use this puffy bristle kabuki brush (similar style here) and tap on Tarte tipsy on my cheeks (which they apparently don’t sell anymore…similar here). Then I blend it with a tissue.

Finally, I spot treat any problem areas with my NARS concealer, and swipe some Sugar Dream lip balm on. And that’s it! It literally takes me less than five minutes.

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Seriously. Fashion. Love.

Drugstore tried and true

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So for when I can’t use a filter (like out there in the real world with no instastories), some of my favorite products, are *gasp* not from Sephora. I thought I would share some of my tried and true favorites that can be found at your local drugstore, or grocery store for  that matter. I’m pretty loyal to my brands & products, each of these items I’ve been using for around ten years (not the specific one’s I’m showing, obviously you need to buy new, ha!). Without further adieu, here are my favorites!

1. First up, all the brushes. I know that you can buy more expensive brushes, but I’ve been using Sonia Kashuk brushes since the year 2000, and they are so comparable I don’t know why you’d spend more. I also really love Elf’s powder brushes.

2. Revlon color stay eye liner. This is tricky to learn how to use, but since I’ve been using it since 1998 (yup, over 20 years), I’ve got it down to a science. I’ve tried other brands and always come back to this one.

3. Covergirl lash blast mascara. I’m always worried they are going to phase this one out because it’s my very favorite.

4. L’Oreal colour riche liner in dark brown. I love this one because it doesn’t tug on my eyes when I put it on and it matches the color stay eye liner.

5. Revlon nudes color palette. I ran out of this one earlier this year and about panicked because I thought they stopped making it. If you see me on the weekend with make-up, this is what I’m wearing.

6. Olay depuffing eye roller. Doesn’t irritate my eyes, and I use it morning and night.

7. Tweezerman eyelash curler. I swap out the cushions on this regularly.

8. Sonia Kashuk make-up beauty blender sponges. The little blenders are perfect for contouring and highlighting.

Happy beauty shopping! Oh and Target has a gift card with $20 purchase right now! I’m getting my gift card when I buy this sunscreen since I’m on a quest to find a sunscreen I can wear everyday that doesn’t break my skin out. I’ve trued the Elta MD but it was super drying, so I’m still searching.

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Seriously. Fashion. Love.

One camisole two ways

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Some times we get to the end of the week and there are no sports, no Cub Scout meetings, homework is minimal, and we don’t feel like cooking dinner after work. It’s on these nights we do a quick change and go out to grab something to eat. I thought I’d share one of my favorite quick changes from work to casual dinner out.

First up is my work look, brought to you by my Mom taking a picture of me while I was sitting to chat for a minute when picking up the boys:

Cardigan, Camisole, Pants, Shoes, Sunglasses

And my going out to dinner outfit:

Camisole, Jeans, Shoes, Sunglasses, Purse (Super Old-Similar here)

If you haven’t noticed I do love a bright shoe! I wear quite a bit of neutrals for work, and everyday, so I like punching it up with a bit of color. Happy quick change and dinner out!

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Seriously. Fashion. Love.

Sephora Sale

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I’ve been a bit behind on posting this week, so in an effort to catch-up, I’m posting on a Saturday! I’m super excited about the Sephora sale (starting 4/26 for Rogue, and 5/2 for VIB & Insiders) and have my list created and ready to go! I’m sharing my list of re-stocks and new items. I also listed out a lot of my Sephora favorites. While I may not be buying them at this sale, they are ones I purchase over and over from Sephora. Happy beauty shopping!

1. My favorite brow pencil, this is one I use until it has completely run out.

2. St. Tropez tanning lotion. It’s supposed to be a gradual tan, and this is one I’m looking forward to trying out!

3. Vitamin C serum…I normally use the no.7 version from Target, but I read that this was less oily, which I need in the summer.

4. Literally the only hair spray I use.

5. St. Tropez mitt…because I don’t want to turn my hands orange.

6. Ultra repair cream…so Sephora stopped making my favorite moisturizer, so I have my fingers crossed that this will be a good substitute.

7. Watermelon glow mask. Pretty much the only mask I use. It’s my favorite…and I’m almost out of it.

8. Vanilla-coconut rollerball perfume, my summer go to when I’m not working.

9. YSL lipstick to test out (this is one of the samples I have on my list to get with points)

10. My shampoo and conditioner….again the only ones I use.

11. From my extensive listening to Forever 35 podcast, I’ve made the decision to try a retin serum….I’m planning to begin using it really slowly, per the instructions.

12. A slip pillow case has been on my wishlist for awhile.

13, 17, 21. Sugar lip balm in berry, rose, and honey are my favorites for days I don’t work.

14, 18, 22. NARS lip pencil in Bettina, Sex Machine (yup that’s the name) & Cruella are my favorites for work days or going out.

15. Kiehls that I put on every night before bed.

16. An eyeshadow compact of smoky purples and neutrals.

19. Another mini version of my powder for at home (I keep the other in my makeup travel bag).

20. My favorite undereye concealer (in vanilla).

23. An eye brightener to go under concealer.

24. And my favorite dry shampoo/volumizing spray.

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