My Top 5 Instagram Accounts to Follow!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hope everyone has a fantastic “hump” day!! I have errands to tackle today…which includes a trip to Target… I’ll probably browse the new Opalhouse line, of course! Today, I want to share with you my top 5 favorite Instagram accounts. I love these girls so much, and they’re all an inspiration to me. Before I start, I will add that these are listed in no particular order.

First up is Brittany from Loverly Grey. Her IG handle is @LoverlyGrey. She’s so sweet! Her style is gorgeous and she styles outfits together so perfectly! I was instantly drawn to her because we have very similar hair styles! Her and her husband live in the Atlanta area with their doggie, Birdie! She often shows her home and some home decor ideas and it’s all stunning! Go follow her! You’ll love her!

Next is Jennifer from The Sister Studio! Her IG is @thesisterstudioig. Let me just say, first of all, Jennifer is hilarious! She’s so genuine and real and isn’t afraid to show you her everyday mom life. She’s the wife of a firefighter, which is super admirable, and a mommy of two adorable kids!

Next up is Gina with On The Daily Express. Her style is so awesome. She always posts outfits that are so nice and help inspire me to style my closet! Her IG feed is addicting! I keep scrolling and scrolling! @onthedailyx is her IG handle. Go follow her, she’s so great!

Another sweet lady I love following is Ashlee (@ashleeknichols) with Little Lovelies Blog. She’s from Texas and is a mommy of two adorable little girls! Her style is so practical, yet stylish! She always looks put together, but yet she shows her real life in her Instagram stories. I just love her and love following her!

Last, but certainly not least, is Anna (@annawithlove) with Anna With Love. She’s a very talented photographer, her prints and portraits from her travels are breathtaking! I “met” her through following another friend of mine, Emily Ley and her Simplified Planner! I was instantly drawn to her instagram because her and her husband are Greek and she loves coffee!! They have a little boy who is the cutest thing and she takes such cute pictures of him! Go check her website out and follow her! Her IG feed is so bright and cheerful, it’ll brighten your day!

So, there you have it! These are my top 5 “Instagrammers” to follow! Enjoy! Have a great day, y’all!

Monday Motivation: 6 Tips to Having a Productive Week Ahead!

Hey everyone! Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! I babysat my niece and nephew on Saturday, wonderful church services on Sunday, it was a great, family-filled weekend!!

Today’s post is one that I personally love to read about. How many of you wake up on Monday morning dragging and needed to pull yourself to the coffee pot to wake up? I often find myself dreading Mondays because let’s face it, Mondays get a bad rap! Let’s look at Mondays in a different way. It’s a chance for a new week, a fresh start, a restart to reach goals, etc.

Here are 6 tips for a fantastic start to the week:

1. Move/Exercise: Get up 15-30 minutes early and get a work out in. Or if you’re like me, I’m not a morning person at all. So, find a time during the day or evening to get your body moving! No need for an expensive gym membership, either. Just do your own routine in your home! Jumping jacks, running in place, etc. will get your heart rate up and your blood flowing. Also, Pinterest is loaded with at-home workout routines. Remember, you’ll never regret getting a workout in!
2. Bible reading/Prayer: This is #1…every day! The God of the universe wants to hear from you! And He wants to speak to you through His Word. Make it a priority to get into the Bible each day and learn!
3. Music: Have your favorite music playing throughout your home or have headphones in to get yourself moving to accomplish your goals/tasks for the day. There are so many avenues for music, no matter what genre that you like (Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, etc.). You’ll be surprised how listening to music can get you moving and get stuff done!
4. Make Lists: Most people would agree, making lists is key to getting things done. There is no way I could get everything done in my day without making lists. Now, as far as digital or paper lists, I have mixed opinions on this. Some lists (groceries, weekly or monthly reminders), I do keep on my phone, in my notes app or my reminders app (they’re automatically on your iPhone if you’re an Apple user). As far as other lists (daily to-do lists, chore lists, etc), I write down in my Simplified Planner to be able to check off the tasks when they’re finished.
5. H2O: Drink water!!! This may seem like a “no-brainer”, but most of us do not get enough water in during the day. According to health professionals, we should be drinking AT LEAST half of our body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 120 lbs, you should be drinking at least 60 ounces of water per day. If you struggle with this, jazz up your water with fresh fruit. Cut up some lemons and limes and throw them in your water. Or even berries are delicious (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)! Another tip is buying yourself a new water bottle! I just recently purchased this one and it’s fabulous! It’s a 32 oz. bottle, so I fill it 3 times during the day.
6. Have an accountability partner: this can be your spouse, best friend, or whoever you know that will be encouraging and helpful to you! Someone who will cheer you on to reach your goals and get your to-do list all checked off! For me, this one is my husband and my mom! My mom and I go to the gym a few days a week together and it’s a great time for us to talk, laugh, and get our workouts in! I look forward to those times! Not to mention the memories made and the conversations during those workouts that will stick in our minds throughout the days and weeks ahead. Proverbs 17:17 says “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Having someone in your life to encourage you in your daily tasks will be a tremendous help to you in so many ways!

I hope these tips help encourage you and you have a fabulous upcoming week!

Target $5 Tees & Tanks

Drugstore Beauty Products that I LOVE!

Hey everyone! I’m back! Wow, has it been a crazy few months! But thankfully, things have settled down a bit and I can get back to what I love…talking about all things beauty, fashion, coffee, etc etc etc!

So, in this post, I will be sharing my favorite drug store beauty products that I use on the daily and I LOVE. These items are my ‘holy grail’ products and pretty inexpensive!

John Frieda Volume Hairspray– This hairspray is my new favorite. I started using it a few months ago and will definitely repurchase this one over and over. It’s a dupe to the big sexy hair volume hairspray, but way cheaper. Everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE me some big hair! If you’re looking to add volume and hold to your hair, this hairspray is going to blow you away! (No pun intended!)

Pure Castor Oil Eyelash/Brow Serum– I just started using this and so far, I am definitely seeing results! My eyelashes are longer, and my brows are softer and seem thicker. I apply it every night and sometimes if I’m not going to be applying makeup during the day, I apply in the morning, also.

Burt’s Bees Chapstick– this is my holy grail when it comes to chapstick. I’ve tried so many, but none work like this one!!! It’s mint flavored, smooth to apply and keeps my lips moisturized year round!

Essence Long Lasting Eye Liner (Black Fever)– This is my all time favorite eye liner. I use it for tight lining my bottom lash line. It lasts all day and doesn’t smudge or anything! I also love that it is retractable. No need to keep a pencil sharpener on hand. Not to mention, the price is unbeatable!

Wet n Wild Photofocus Foundation– Out of all the foundations I have tried (A LOT!), this is my favorite drug store foundation. The coverage is outstanding and it isn’t too matte or too dewy. In my opinion, you could have dry or oily skin and still be able to use this foundation! And the price is definitely amazing for the quality of this foundation!

So, there you have it. My favorite drug store Beauty products! I fell in love with these, and I hope you do too!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

 

My Evening Skin Care Routine

Just as much as I love makeup, I love beauty and skin care products. These products are often not given much thought or importance. I’m not saying at all that you have to spend a life savings on these products, but I definitely wouldn’t spend nothing at all (in other words, not put any products on the skin). I would consider my routine to be relatively inexpensive. Here’s a tip I have put into consideration: the products that are going to sit on the skin for a longer period of time (for example, your serums and moisturizers), you should invest in. Those products that have active ingredients in them, they are going to be more costly,  but in my opinion, you can’t put a price tag on healthy, glowing skin. I know some women who are in their mid-60’s who have skin that looks healthier than mine. No joke! How do you think they achieve that youthful look? By great skin products. Now, I will add, that skin care products ALONE is not the key to healthy skin. You know what is?? A HEALTHY diet!!! A diet full of nutrients, healthy fats, and lots of H2O!!! Lots of it! So, if you’re on the standard American diet (AKA: the ‘SAD’ diet), don’t expect to have healthy looking skin by just loading up on expensive skin care products. The diet and products go hand-in-hand.

Here are the products I use, and I do use a particular order.

Egyptian Magic Cream– This cream is exactly what it says…MAGIC. I use this to remove my eye makeup, and it removes eye makeup like a dream! Just rub a little dab onto the eyes, and wipe off with a warm wash cloth. It works wonderfully on waterproof makeup as well! This product I cannot live without!

Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths– These cloths (not pictured) are awesome for removing face makeup. They have the cleanser imbedded into them, so you just moisten them with warm water, and wipe your face with the dampened cloth. They remove all my face makeup, then I can now move onto actually cleansing the skin.

Garner Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water– Micellar water is a relatively new skin care product out there on the market, and they range in price. I use a drug store one from the brand Garnier and I have loved it. What I use this for is an extra “insurance” that every trace of makeup is removed and gone. You can use this as an eye makeup remover if you desire, it’s an “All-in-one” remover. I soak a Cotton Round with the product and wipe it all over my face and neck.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser– Now is the actual cleansing step. I use this cleanser (I also love the Philosophy Microdelivery Face Wash –this one smells divine!!!) with my Clarisonic Mia 2 . I will explain all about the Clarisonic in the next step.

Clarisonic Mia 2 Brush System– This product is my absolute favorite face product. I received it for Christmas last year and have noticed a definite improvement in my skin since using it daily. It is definitely an investment in healthy skin. I replace my brushes every 3 months and I stock up on the brushes during the Sephora VIB sale each year. It makes an excellent birthday or Christmas gift for anyone! They have men’s brush heads also, so everyone can use it!

Witch Hazel– next, I soak a cotton round with a toner. Witch Hazel is my go-to skin toner. It’s great for your skin to keep it looking vibrant and glowing.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum– after toner, I apply a good serum. This one has been my latest favorite. It’s an awesome night time serum and I’ve already noticed a difference in my skin since using it.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Concentrate– this eye cream is amazing. I apply it after my serum. This eye swirl cream by Olay is also a fantastic one that I have used. An eye treatment is critical to reduce lines, crows feet, etc. As we age, these lines are going to keep appearing, so an eye cream will definitely help combat them.

Last, but certainly NOT least, moisturizer!!! This Clinique moisturizer is my tried and true moisturizer that I have been using since college! I repurchase this one over and over. You can get it in gel form or cream (linked above).

Finally, after I get done with my skin care routine and right before bed, I apply this Kiehl’s Lip balm. This is a vaseline consistency and is a good moisturizing balm to sit on the lips over night and work its magic.

I hope you enjoyed this post!! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have! Until next time! Muah!

Fall Fun!!

So, today and tomorrow, Lucy has no school. I will tell ya, she was super bummed! “But mom, I love school! I want to go to school!” Because of her being bummed, I really knew I needed to schedule some activities to do these two days. I didn’t want to sit around the house and risk hearing “I’m SO BORED!!!” (the worst 3 words for this mom to hear).

Today, we arranged to meet some cousins and aunts along with my mom at the apple orchard that we go to every year. We were so excited! So, we got there and they told us that the apples were all picked over and there wasn’t much left. Thankfully, I got on my phone and looked up another orchard in the area. I found Weymouth Farm in Hinkley, and it was an amazing place!! They had apples, pears, and grapes. I had never been to a vineyard and let me just say, it was beautiful (and delicious!)!! It was the perfect day to go and pick grapes. We picked concord, green seedless, and some red seedless. They were all so delicious. We had a great time and the kids loved it! Score.

Today, we are meeting my cousin Jenn and her son, Elijah (picture above) for another fun day! Have a fabulous Friday!!!

My First Product Review!

So, if you’ve known me long enough, you know that I love makeup and beauty products! I love trying out new products (or just “new to me” products)! A few weeks ago,  my friend Jo reached out to me and told me about a fantastic mascara that she uses and loves. She was so gracious and sent me a full size tube to test out and give my review to you all! So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Beauty Counter’s volumizing mascara!

Beauty counter is a wonderful company that provides safer cosmetics/beauty products to consumers. My friend Jo is doing an awesome job in the company and is so passionate about their mission. She is more than willing to answer any questions you may have! I will include her contact information below!

So, you are probably asking, “how did you like the mascara?” Well, I did like it a lot. It applies well, I didn’t notice any clumping or fall out at all, which is always a deal breaker for me. The staying power was good, too. When I wear mascara, I wear it all day long and need it to stay put, and this one definitely did wear well. The one thing that I didn’t care for with this product is the price. I have used both drug store and higher end mascaras, and this one is considered a high end price point. But, I will say, if you are in the market for beauty products that without the chemicals that other products have, then this mascara would be right up your alley and one that you should consider investing in!

If you’re interested in this mascara, or hearing about all the other products Beauty Counter has to offer, contact Joannah!!! Here is a link to her contact info!

Jo’s Beauty Counter

My 3 Favorite Nail Colors for Fall

So, I’ve been obsessed with all things fall lately, and the funny thing is, it is still 75 degrees here in Cleveland! Go figure. One of the many things that gets me in the mood for fall is the beautiful color palette that fall brings. Oranges, reds, even brown shades are beautiful, but my favorite is a deep plum color.

One of my favorite brands of nail polish is OPI. I love the different colors they have, and the staying power is pretty good. I also love Essie. The Essie Gel polishes are my latest craze, however, I am still looking for a fall shade in that line. Here are my 3 favorite shades for fall (so far! :))

The deep plum OPI polish is my latest purchase. I saw it and immediately fell in love with it. Next, is a magenta shade from OPI. And last, but not least, is an old favorite from Essie. The gray shade is just so perfect and neutral. I will link these below for easy finding!

Hope you all are enjoying this time of year!

Essie “Chinchilly”

OPI “In the Cable Carpool Lane”

OPI “O Suzi Mio”

Yahooooo, I’m back!!!

Hey Friends!!!!

Okay, so it’s been a few weeks since I last posted! I have missed it, but things have been super busy lately and blogging has kinda been on the back burner. But, no worries, I have a list of topics for the month of September, so stay tuned!! Also, some more Youtube tutorials coming! Yay! So, “Where have you been?” you might be asking. Well, this happened….

Yes, my baby girl started Kindergarten!!! She absolutely loves it! Her teacher is wonderful and Lucy is doing very well. Fun fact: her teacher was actually my Kindergarten teacher aid! So cool! Here are more pics from Lucy’s first day of school:

Be still, my heart

Lucy and her teacher, Mrs. Hoffman

She loves having her own desk

Lucy and her cousin, Elijah who is in First Grade

I am so thankful for HCS and the impact it has had in my life. Lucy is a 3rd generation to attend and God-willing, graduate from HCS. What a blessing!

 

My Hair Tutorial Video!!

So, several of you have been asking for a tutorial video of how I style my hair. Here ya go! It really is so so easy, and takes a very short amount of time! Let’s face it, none of us have time to spend hours on our hair. Below is a link to my youtube video! Don’t forget to give me a ‘thumbs up’ on the video and leave any comments if you have any questions or comments! Also, for your convenience, below are links to the products and tools I used in the video! Enjoy!!

Got 2 B Mousse

Root Pump Plus

Thermal Round Brush

Small ‘Bang’ Brush

Powder Play Volumizing Powder

Conair Hair Dryer

Hair Straightener

Turbie Twist Hair Towel

Spray and Play Harder Hairspray

Volumaniac Hair Spray

Greek Festival 2017

This year’s Greek festival was wonderful, as always!! The food, desserts, music, etc is always top notch! Something that I love is seeing other Greeks who my husband knows and introduces me to! They all seem to know each other! Oh, and my other favorite thing is the DESSERTS!!! Oh my! I think I gained 10 lbs. just yesterday. Baklava, Galaktoboureko, Loukoumades…YUM!!! It was such a wonderful time and I can’t wait for next year!! Opá!!

I had the lamb shank! Delish!!!

My Greek husband and I

I love checking out all the vendors and shopping the Greek jewelry! (No, we did not buy a fidget spinner!)