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May Hits List!

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Happy Tuesday, everyone! I hope those of you in the States had a lovely Memorial Day weekend. Mine was mostly rained out, unfortunately- but I still managed to have my share of fun with friends and family while paying respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while they were defending our country and our freedoms.

I’m back at work this morning bright and early to get a jump start on anything that may have accumulated over the long weekend and to assist with training a newcomer to the team (and she’s an absolute doll! I’m so excited to work with her!) but I wanted to take a little bit of time to share some of my favorite things from the month of May. Some are helping me prep for this Summer, others were the breakout stars during my recent trip to the West Coast- but I’ve put them (and some other things!) all right here to share.

Let’s take a look!

I had previously showed off these holograph sneakers from Primark in my pre-vacation haul/shopping spree post a couple of weeks ago- and while I am still completely smitten with how cool they look- I also just want to comment on how unbelievably comfortable they are, too. I was sporting these in the airport, around the Las Vegas strip, and throughout downtown San Diego last week and not once did my feet ever feel sore or stiff.

Considering I paid less than $20 for these- I wasn’t expecting long-term comfort or style- but these made it to and from the West Coast and are still in great shape. I’m so, so thrilled about this purchase that I had to share them again!

Last month, an Aveeno face wash had made my “Hits List” for being my g0-to cleanser when I was freshening up post-workout at the gym. This month, the brand returns- but in the form of a really incredible nighttime repair cream that I’ve been swearing by in recent weeks. I brought this with me to California and it’s a lifesaver, to put it plainly.

Between the climate change, staying out late with my friends out West and having one too many drinks (more than once)– I was pretty much expecting to wake up every morning of my vacation looking rough and tired- but after generously smearing this cream all over my face and neck every night when I got back to where I was staying/crashing- I THANKFULLY always looked fresh-faced and radiant. The multi-vitamins and soy complex loaded into this fluffy, lightweight moisturizer worked wonders at repairing, hydrating, and protecting my skin while I slept. I’m a believer now and I can’t recommend it enough.

I’ve also been using this incredible color-changing/complimenting lipstick from Lipstick Queen I received in a recent POPSUGAR “Must Have” box pretty much non-stop. While the lipstick appears yellow in the tube, it quickly transforms into a flattering coral shade once it hits your lips. It brightens me up in the mornings when I head to work and is perfect for that no-fuss “beachy” look I covet around this time every year. I always keep it nearby in my bag for quick touch-ups!

As much as I love the latest Vegas key chain I picked up for my collection during last week’s visit- the key chain itself isn’t the only thing that made the “Hits List!” this month- but the overall memories, really.

I went to Vegas with a bit of an agenda- one, was to visit some friends I wish I got to see more often (which was also part of my agenda when I went to California shortly thereafter) and the other thing was to give a serious look and some consideration into the real estate options out that way.

I would love to live in San Diego- anywhere in SoCal, really- but the truth of the matter is that it is obscenely expensive. What I pay now for a lovely enough place that suits me and my present lifestyle where I’m currently located is barely enough to afford a decent studio (or even a basement apartment) in that region. Finding good condos or a suitable house is like winning the lottery- and I’m not getting any younger. I have to be realistic- and while I continue to take some roommate offers into consideration- the possibility of moving to the slightly-less-West-but-still-West-enough and infinitely cheaper Las Vegas/Henderson region has piqued my interest.

I did look at a couple of homes in the desert during my stay- still close enough to civilization so I’m not cut off but far enough away from the bright lights and the noise where I can get a full night’s sleep. I haven’t made any definitive decisions yet- but this entire trip really felt like a step in the right direction for a lot of reasons (some very personal) so that is a hit as far as I’m concerned.

On Mother’s Day, while out in Western Massachusetts for a day of shopping with my darling mom- I picked up a couple of packets of these punch mixes at a farmer’s market/general store to make on the hotter days this Summer. I ended up making them as soon as I got home- and yeah, I’m addicted. So much, in fact- that I went back and bought a few more during one of my recent days off- some for myself and some to gift to friends for their respective cookouts and BBQs.

These things are refreshing, and can be made with or without alcohol (guess which I prefer!) I have a feeling I’ll be including a couple in an upcoming giveaway I have planned for the Summer and a blogging milestone.

Finally, I’m in the process of compiling a list of my favorite burger joints around the New England area (the most fun part being the field research, of course)– but I’ve also been actively working on perfecting the art of the burger, myself. I recently picked up this cookbook featuring some of Shake Shack’s most famous recipes and it. is. awesome. Seriously- they have everything. Burgers. Fries. Breakfast sandwiches. Milkshakes. I’ve been working my ass off all Winter/Spring to get into shape and I’m going to blow it for the sake of trying everything in this book- but it’s gonna’ be worth it.

I’m actually thinking of sharing one of my recipe attempts a little later on this week/over the weekend- so stay tuned!

And now, for a couple of things that couldn’t quite be photographed so easily:

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

– WWE: Okay, hear me out. When I was a kid- I desperately wanted to be like my two older brothers- who were the coolest as far as I was concerned. That included getting into what was then called the WWF and keeping a brave face on whenever either one of them would attempt to throw me in a figure four leg-lock or a Sharpshooter after every installment of Monday Night Raw or SmackDown! we’d watch together (I always tapped out, for the record. That shit is PAINFUL.)

My favorite wrestlers back then were undeniably Matt and Jeff Hardy- who recently made a triumphant comeback and thus caused me to sit down and tune in again. A group of my friends are still really into it, and have been giving me lessons on all the new faces and feuds I didn’t recognize- and I gotta’ say- it’s still wildly entertaining. I’ve been having a ball watching along- and now my brothers may be jumping back into it, too- which means I need to learn how to get out of a chokehold ASAP.

– “Wonder Woman”: While the movie hasn’t officially hit theaters yet, the early reviews are all fantastic so far- and I’ve been anticipating it’s release for a long time now. Coupled with some recent controversy over some “Women Only” screenings scheduled across the country- WW is looking to be the feminist movie us ladies need right now and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I might even go see it twice- just because.

I think that’s pretty much everything for May 2017’s “Hits List!”- it might not seem like much- but it’s all been helpful/fun.

Feel free to share your own favorites for the month of May!

xx

Pre-Vacay Haul!

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Good Morning and greetings from Chicago! I’m currently sitting in the airport terminal waiting for boarding to begin for my layover to Las Vegas, Nevada- and I. Am. So. Tired. I know once I’m in Sin City I’ll have a boost of energy that should keep me going all night and well into tomorrow- but right now I just want to curl up with my coffee and take a long and much-needed nap. If only these seats weren’t so uncomfortable!

Anyway, after a long night of packing and being way too excited to get a proper amount of sleep (every. single. time. I. travel)– I think I remembered to bring everything I need- including some new additions to my wardrobe and makeup bag courtesy of Sephora and Primark.

I warned y’all there was going to be a haul post- and here it is!

I have been down to the bare minimum of makeup lately- having traded in elaborate cat-eyes for a more natural look so I could sleep a little later in the mornings before work during the week- so I thought I’d treat myself by picking up replacement foundation, concealer, and powder- but also throwing in some new waterproof mascara, a lipstick (“Stark Naked” by Urban Decay- a lovely nude matte!) and some spa-level face and eye masks to get myself looking alive and awake before I hit the Vegas strip tonight.

I’m a young, single gal on vacation, after all- and I gotta’ look like one!

In terms of clothing- I just wanted to pick up a few things I know I’d get plenty of use out of instead of just wearing it once and forgetting about it for months at a time. First things first- I needed light, cool pajamas to sleep in while I’m resting in the desert since all I currently own are thermals from this past Winter.

I snagged these two pajama sets- one with cute little lemons printed all over them and one with bright fringe/tassels- at $6 per set!

Once I laid eyes on these holographic sneakers- I knew I had to have them for long walks through the airport or from casino to casino on the strip. They’re cushy and comfortable- and definitely eye-catching.

The silver flip flops, for when I finally head poolside or want to dig my toes in the sand when I finally hit California- may not be as attention-grabbing as the sneakers- but they’re sparkly and don’t hurt my feet the way other sandals can- so I love them, too!

I have accepted my pale-ness and no longer attempt to cover it up in embarrassment. I’m as white as a ghost. That’s who I am- and it’s too hot to not be wearing shorts or trying to hide my legs- so I made sure to stock up on a bunch of these low-priced denim and/or crochet style shorts to keep cool and chic wherever I go- as well as a couple of loose-fitting cotton shirts to mix and match them with.

I’m all about going casual for this trip. It’s long overdue!

Of course, there are going to be one or two instances where I may need to dress up a little while I’m away- so I made sure to grab this metallic pleated skirt (one of my favorite trends right now!) to give me a little sparkle if I’m wining and dining anywhere on the West Coast.

A nice top and a little jewelry and I can go from dressed-down to glamour girl in a few minutes. It’s all in the details!

I also don’t intend to walk around with a big purse the entire time I’m on vacation- so I grabbed this little zip-up faux-leather pouch to hold the essentials like my I.D., my hotel room key and some lipstick while simultaneously displaying some hometown love. Cutest $3.50 I’ve ever spent!

And for one last dressy item- I was absolutely smitten with this thin, bell-sleeved floral dress that fit me perfectly when I tried it on. I bought this not only for my trip, but for when I come home and head back to work- too! It’s completely office-appropriate! How lovely is that design?

Overall- I spent just over $200. The Sephora stuff was actually what cost the most (no surprise there) but I think I made out pretty good considering all of the things that I got!

And with that being said- my flight is boarding in a few minutes. Time to try and get some last minute shut-eye on the plane!

For updates from my trip, be sure to follow me on Instagram. I’ll be posting a LOT, I’m sure.

See you all when I get back!

xx

March Hits List!

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Happy Hump Day, everyone! I’m getting ready to head into my office for another day of keeping busy and staying caffeinated- but I wanted to share some of my favorite things from this past month that was- and to be honest I’m still a bit shocked that March is almost over since it feels like it only just started! Have I been so preoccupied at my job that I missed these past few weeks? Or did my recent fight with the flu just knock me out for a while and I completely lost track of time?

I’m going to go with the flu, since it was pretty brutal- but oh well. At least I’m feeling better! There’s plenty I can do to make up for lost time in April.

I only have a handful of physical favorites this month- but they’re all a lot of fun and I’m very excited to share them before I get into some of the other things that made March memorable!

In regards to beauty products that I fancied in March- two were breakout stars that garnered repeated usage. In desperate need of a replacement lipstick that walked the fine line between nude and subtle pink- I fell in love with the “Naked” shade of Urban Decay’s VICE Lipstick line. Creamy and long-lasting, this formula gives me a natural pop of color that I can wear with pretty much anything in my Spring wardrobe- day or night.

To keep my digits nice and neutral- I turned to Avon’s TRUE COLOR collection in “Rose Quartz”- which is one of my favorite colors, anyway. The formula is smooth and chip/smudge-resistant, so I can type and text without fear of having to constantly re-apply this. Like the lipstick, this shade matches nearly everything I own.

I really do make an honest and earnest attempt to keep myself from impulse purchases, but sometimes- a girl has got to treat herself and splurge a bit- which is exactly what I did when I spotted these glitter ankle boots from ASOS and knew I needed them in my life immediately. Typically paired with black leggings, jeggings, and a simple top (and a good piece of statement jewelry to balance out my shine)– these super comfortable boots give me just a little bit of height and are easy enough to walk in for long periods of time.

I feel like David Bowie in these and I LOVE them.

Okay, so I recently started my new position at my job following my promotion- and I have to confess: I love it. Truly. It’s such a breath of fresh air. The people I work with are wonderful and fun, the work is challenging and detail-oriented (which I am ALL about) and it’s just so, so rewarding and fulfilling for me and I couldn’t be happier.

That said, I wanted to decorate my new desk space with a little something to keep me motivated when those inevitable challenging days emerge- and I picked up this “W.W.B.D?” desk plaque I had initially seen advertised on ModCloth a while back. I’ve been keeping track of my co-workers’ reactions when they see it for the first time and it’s always priceless.

Finally, I picked up a couple of t-shirts this month that have been getting some considerable wear. The first is my black and white Dropkick Murphys tee from my recent St. Patrick’s Day weekend insanity. The last shirt I own of the band’s is starting to fade out since I’ve had it for so long- and this one is a fine replacement. I love the design on the front!

The second, made of softer material- is this longer gray and pink tee from Yes Way Rosé– because if I’m going to be one of those people who want to tell the world about how much I enjoy a certain type of wine- then I’m just going to show my appreciation with a cute and cozy t-shirt. The brand also offers some other accessories that are adorable, too- so any shameless winos should definitely check it out!

I think that’s it for the more photogenic favorites from March, but I was loving some other stuff, too!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

  • “Feud: Bette and Joan” – I have a love/hate relationship with “American Horror Story”. Every season starts off with so much potential and promise and five episodes later there are 30 new characters being jammed into a single hour with convoluted plots that serve no real purpose but for some inexplicable reason have to be resolved within the season finale. It’s almost always a mess- and I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I heard Ryan Murphy was going to be directing a new series based on the off-and-on-camera drama between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis during the filming of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”

Thankfully, the show is excellent. With a small cast led by Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange- “Feud” is funny, surprising, and not to miss. I’ve been having a blast watching it.

  • The Lumineers – “Cleopatra” – I know it’s been almost a year since The Lumineers (one of my favorite bands!) dropped “Cleopatra” on us- but it recently ended up back in my regular rotation and I’ve fallen head over heels in love with it all over again. This is one of those albums that is perfect for those rainy day Springtime drives when you just want to mellow out and get some deep soul-searching and contemplation done- and I admit that listening to it again in it’s entirety has moved me to tears more than once in the past couple of weeks.

I’d love to see these guys live someday, but I know I’d be reduced to an emotional wreck three songs into their set.

  • Dave Chappelle’s Netflix Specials – THANK YOU NETFLIX. THANK. YOU. I have not laughed that hard in a long, long time.
  • SYFY’s “Cosplay Melee” – From the same network that brought us the disastrous and overly petty “Heroes of Cosplay” series a couple of years ago, SYFY finally hit the mark with their most recent offering to the cosplay and comic-con community with “Cosplay Melee”- which focuses more on the actual fabrication and construction of the costumes themselves by talented, passionate and actually NICE contestants who are striving to win weekly cash prizes for their efforts instead of perpetuating drama between women week after week. It’s only a couple of episodes in so far- but the show is fascinating.

Which brings me to…

– MISCELLANEOUS –

  • Planning For Comic-Con – It’s that time of year again when people spend perfectly good Saturday mornings in front of their computers for hours at a time while hoping and praying they can score badges to this Summer’s San Diego Comic-Con. I recently received the e-mail with the information I’d need for the sale when it happens in a couple of weeks, and as is tradition- I’ll be giving it a shot- but leading up to that point I’ve been focusing on starting the costumes I have planned for the 2017 Comic-Con circuit that typically kicks off at the end of Spring.

While I initially had outfits inspired by “The Walking Dead”, Punisher, and “Preacher” planned out- I’m also going to see if I can go a little further with my detailing and fit in a “Resident Evil” costume into the mix as well. A couple of the costumes are team efforts- so I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes with great groups of people- and I’m excited to start sewing/gluing/sobbing into plastic molding more than once.

And I think that’s everything for the month of March! I’m looking forward to finding new favorites in April- and as always- my full recap of this month will be up in a couple of days.

If you have any favorites you’d like to share- feel free to drop me a line!

xx

That 70’s Shoe!

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One of VH1’s best events!

My fashion sense and personal style has always been unique and often unpredictable, to put it mildly. Some days I’m all about bold prints and daring cuts while other days I’m into more classic silhouettes and subtle shades- and while my makeup has always been fairly consistent (a bold red lip and dramatic mascara is forever my signature)– my clothing and accessories are often a reflection of my mood and/or my interests on any given day- and I really do love mixing it up as much as possible!

As most people know- certain fashions almost always have a resurgence every few years. In late 2016 and early 2017- the beloved pairing of velvet pants/boots/blazers and chokers made a comeback (and growing up in the 90’s where I wore things like that constantly- I was more than thrilled to dig those things out of storage again!) and skinny jeans were briefly rivaled by flared jeans for the first time since I was in high school. It seems like just when we think it’s time to finally throw some our most beloved pieces away- they are suddenly on trend and in high demand again- which is why I only toss out the really, really, really bad and embarrassing stuff I used to wear.

Juicy Couture sweatsuits, glittery tube tops, butterfly hair clips and low rise jeans with thongs, anyone? Oh yeah. I wore those a LOT. Not my proudest or most photogenic moments, I assure you.

I digress- in 2017 it seems like the 70’s are making a highly anticipated comeback- and I’m not talking about Space Invaders, Fonzie, disco or “Soul Train” (although I’d honestly be fine with that coming back because watching old episodes is seriously the best)– but 70’s fashion is returning in a big way- and shoe brand Alterre is at the forefront with some seriously innovative and stylish designs!

For those not familiar with Alterre, they are a New York-based company who design shoes that can be modified and altered within minutes by simply snapping and locking different pieces (with various colors and designs) into place- making the transition from work to happy hour a breeze and rendering the need to carry a separate pair of shoes in your bag or your car obsolete. Alterre offers starter kits, individual shoes/snap pieces for sale- as well as a monthly subscription service (starting at $14.99 a month) for those who love shoes but may or may not have enough closet space to store them all.

I’m guilty as charged on that one.

And I love working with companies who give back in big ways- so it makes me even happier to advertise Alterre’s unique brand knowing that their products are made according to fair labor laws in Brazil, are environmentally friendly by using recycled plastic heels- and that they donate 5% of the proceeds earned to the women’s abuse/sex-trafficking victim shelter Restore NYC– which is a cause I am so, so passionate about.

The company was recently kind enough to invite me to their studio in NYC to check out their upcoming 70’s-inspired Resort/Winter 2017 collection as part of NYFW- and I am already in love with the metallic, sparkle, and floral designs that would make even Jackie Burkhart jealous.

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I honestly cannot wait to get my hands on some of these pieces. I’ve also taken a peek inside Alterre’s Look Book for the collection and really the shoes, the materials, and the colors are all part of my 2017 fashion aesthetic. This is a company those of you who love versatile, creative, convenient and fashionable footwear should keep an eye on. They’re quite brilliant!

via Alterre

via Alterre

xx

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post powered by BrandBacker. I do not work for Brandbacker and/or Alterre and was not paid or compensated to post anything I did not agree with. All opinions are 100% and completely my own!*

June Hits List!

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I’ve reserved a few words to describe this month of June 2016, none of which are particularly kind (I’ll get to that in tomorrow’s ‘In a Nutshell’ post,) but one word that stands out- especially this week- is “scorching”. This month was ridiculously hot! I’m not complaining, since I’ll take middle-of-the-desert-like temperatures over snow any day of the week, but I did have to adjust a few things- namely my makeup and my wardrobe- to keep either of them from sliding off of me in my perpetual state of sweaty-ness.

Because of that, my June ‘Hits List’ is filled with mostly necessities and/or odds & ends I’d picked up over the past few weeks to help me beat the heat and decompress as much as possible after some stressful situations I took on and tackled this month.

As per usual, I thought I’d show the material things that are easy to photograph, first- before I dove into music/movies/apps/tech and miscellaneous things that require more of a words-only description.

Let’s take a look!

Last week, during a day of cycling through downtown Boston, grabbing lunch at Paul, and lounging poolside back at the apartment, Sean and I also stopped by my new favorite store- Primark– for an impromptu mini-shopping spree. For those not familiar with the glory that is Primark: think Forever 21 prices meets H&M-but-better quality- add five stories of limitless clothing and accessory options in the heart of Downtown Crossing- and you’ll understand why it’s so appealing and why I could spend hours and hours in there on any given day.

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From our most recent haul, these are three of my favorite finds (not pictured are the two swimsuits and the cover-up I also bought!) The first is this really big, really Summer-y navy blue, tan and gold bag that can hold pretty much all of my work and beach necessities and then some- and which has really cute, very sturdy rope and faux-leather handles that gives it a sort of nautical feel- which we all know I’m a huge fan of. The price of the bag? $14.

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I also picked up this adorable and oversized cream-colored lace hat with brown suede accents for when I’m heading to the pool/ocean/out for a stroll in the sun. At $6- this was a steal- and it matches pretty much everything in my Summer wardrobe. I’ll be getting a lot of use out of this and I’m so excited because it looks great on- and that’s coming from someone who never thought she could pull off the “floppy hat” look properly.

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Finally, when I laid eyes on these $7 canvas sandals with flamingos printed all over them- I knew I had to have them- and considering they are SERIOUSLY SO COMFORTABLE- I’m thrilled I picked them up. If I’m wearing black? I put these on. Pink? I’m sporting these. Any color? These are my new go-to’s. I’m in love.

Good God, I love Primark so much.

Next up is my makeup selections for June- which, given the soaring temperatures- I kept as light and minimal as possible. You’re crazy if you think I’m dropping serious dough at Sephora for products that are going to be melting off of me the second I step outside. I’ve found decent enough dupes/substitutions in my local drug pharmacy- and both my wallet and my face are quite pleased.

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For example, I rediscovered my love of Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Cream, which matches my skin tone perfectly and gives me just enough coverage where I look refreshed (and not like I’m wearing a mask) and I have been coveting my #113 shade of Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick from Kate Moss’ collaboration with Rimmel since it gives me a subtle, natural pop of color that compliments my complexion and doesn’t feel sticky/tacky/drying. Most importantly? It stays in place- even when it feels like the rest of me is roasting in the sun.

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In regards to my skin care, I haven’t really changed anything up too drastically this Summer. I’m still using lightweight and oil-controlling moisturizers (and plenty of SPF!) as well as light cleansers and gentle toners- but one addition I’ve made is implementing this gentle grapefruit-infused daily scrub from Yes To into my routine. I like that this scrub cleans out my pores without being abrasive- and it smells really nice, too.

And in the spirit of all things fruit/citrus-scented for the Summer- I’ve also been obsessively slathering this Sparkling Limoncello hand cream from Bath & Body Works all over my palms for the past month. I love citrus scents/flavors in general- but especially in the hotter months (I think it’s because they remind me of my home away from home in Southern California and it’s comforting in a way.) This hand cream is super softening and moisturizing- which is nice after I’ve been in the pool or out on the sand for a while and my skin gets a little prune-ish and dry.

And now, onto the other stuff!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

  • ‘O.J.: Made in America’ – Not since ‘The Jinx’ has there been a documentary that has been so gripping, so chilling, and so revealing. I was a kid when the “Trial of the Century” went down- but I remember watching the Bronco chase in my parents’ living room, and the big glove-don’t-fit moment- and sitting in my fourth grade classroom listening to a radio broadcast of the verdict and not fully understanding exactly why it was so important but knowing that it was. ESPN’s five-part documentary: detailing O.J. Simpson’s rise to fame, his repeated abuse of Nicole Brown, the murders, the trial- and then his downward spiral  post-acquittal- all with the backdrop of rising racial tensions in Los Angeles at the time O.J. was charged- really shined a light on so many factors to the case that I don’t think a lot of people who tuned in every day saw for themselves or took into consideration.

Featuring interviews with/commentary by Marcia Clark (LOVE HER), Mark Fuhrman (still a piece of garbage), Carl Douglas (still awful), O.J.’s former friends and colleagues, and members of the L.A.P.D. and surviving members of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman’s families- the documentary is definitely worth a binge-watch on your next day off. It’s fascinating- even if there are no real winners by the end of it.

– TECH/APPS/GAMES –

  • ‘Death Stranding’ – Okay, so even though the game hasn’t been released (yet)– can we talk about the weird, semi-creepy trailer from the latest collaboration between Hideo Kojima and Norman Reedus after the game-changing demo ‘P.T./Silent Hills’ fell through? Revealed at this month’s Sony E3 Conference- I have so many questions, no answers- and nothing more than “Norman Feetus” jokes to get me through this until we get a tentative release date and more information. Even still- this looks incredible and I can’t wait to dive into it.

I think that’s pretty much everything for the month of June! I plan on recapping this shit-show of a month tomorrow, but I’ll have more favorites in July!

And as always- feel free to share your own hits for June. I’d love to hear about them!

xx

March Hits List!

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Good Morning and Happy Tuesday, everyone! I’m up bright and early today- not only because it’s my day off and I don’t want to waste a single minute of it- but because I’m also going to look at a beautiful studio loft apartment in Western Massachusetts a little later on this morning to see if it’s a good fit for me. I’m excited, a little anxious, but hopeful. Even if I’m unable to secure the apartment or even if it’s not “the one”- it’s still a step in the right direction- and it’ll still keep me motivated.

My end-of-the-month wrap-up will be up on the blog this coming Thursday- but before I get around to discussing some exciting news about my job and the details of an even more exciting mini-road trip I’m embarking on at the end of next week- I wanted to share some of the random things that have helped to completely make my March!

As usual (well, usual since I’ve started writing these posts every month, anyway)– I thought I’d start with the products/pieces I’ve been coveting over these past few weeks and then go into the stuff that I can’t exactly photograph easily.

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With Spring (kinda’) here- I’ve been preparing to trade in my favorite pair of knee-high black boots for more seasonally appropriate flats, sandals, and sneakers- and since I haven’t bought myself a decent pair of kicks in a while- I thought I’d splurge a little bit on these limited edition, glow-in-the-dark Andy Warhol-inspired high-tops from Converse. I’m absolutely loving the bright pops of color on these shoes- and like my other (and much more weathered) pairs of high-tops I’ve owned since high school (!!!)– these sneakers are just the most comfortable things to wear. My feet never get tired in Chuck Taylors. They just don’t. They are my favorite shoes- even if they make my feet look gigantic- and I intend on getting plenty of wear out of these ones, too.

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Of course, if I’m going to start rocking flats and sandals again- that means I have to make sure my feet look and feel good, first. I’m always down for a good pedicure (it’s the calf rub, honestly. I could sit in that cushy chair at the spa and just have my calves rubbed for three hours)– but I wanted to try an at-home treatment prior to my first pedi of the season so that I could spend more time getting my calves massaged and less time getting abused by the pumice stone. After reading many, MANY reviews (and being both horrified and fascinated by the post-application photos I saw)– I caved and ordered a package of Baby Foot Exfoliation Peel off of Amazon.

For those who have never heard of ‘Baby Foot’- the package comes equipped with two gel-soaked booties you strap onto your feet and leave on for an hour before rinsing the gel off and going about your business. Within a few days, however- the dry, dead skin on your feet begins to peel- and when I saw “peel”, I mean you are essentially a shedding snake for a good week/week and a half. Your skin comes off (painlessly!) in SHEETS. It’s disgusting and awesome at the same time- and when all that dead skin is gone- all you’re left with is super soft heels and toes. The stuff is incredible.

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Is it possible to fall madly and deeply in love with a liquid foundation? Because I think I did- and the love affair is still going strong. Some of you my recognize this full coverage Amazonian Clay Foundation from Tarte from my most recent Sephora Haul, but this stuff has truly been a lifesaver in ways I hadn’t even anticipated. Not only does it match my skin (FINALLY!), but it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing anything at all while I have it on- which is an amazing feat in itself for a product that covers every imperfection so ridiculously well. Please, Tarte- I beg of you- don’t ever discontinue this. You don’t understand how much it means to me.

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Even though we’re only in the early days of Spring, I’ve already opted for citrus, beach-y fragrances to get me through the next few months (I can’t do florals this year. I just can’t. Every year I do florals and I just needed a break from them.) I recently stocked up on body washes, lotions, and spritzes from Bath & Body Works‘ Hawaiian-inspired collection, specifically their Honolulu Sun (coconut and warm sand!) and Golden Pineapple Luau fragrances. Now every shower transports me to the beautiful beach-side communities in Southern California that I adore so much. I love smelling like I just sipped a smoothie by the ocean. Even if it’s only March.

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One other product from B&BW that made it onto this month’s ‘Hits List’ was this Mahogany Coconut 3-wick candle. Now, I’m devoted to Yankee Candle 100%- but sometimes, on occasion- I like to stock up on these ones, too. They don’t last very long- but they’re strong- and the scent lingers well after the candle is done burning. This fragrance, a mixture of sandalwood and coconut- smells crisp and refreshing- and is perfect to have lit while Spring cleaning and preparing to open the windows to let in some fresh air this season.

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Over the weekend, Sean and I headed to Somerville to redeem a birthday present for me that he’d made reservations for back in January. The event- “Trapped in a Room with a Zombie” is exactly what it sounds like. You, and a handful of other participants, are locked in a puzzle-filled room for an hour with a zombie. Your objective is to work together to solve each puzzle in order to find the key and escape before your clock runs out. The kicker? Every five minutes- the zombie’s chain gets a little longer- and you lose if he grabs you.

Years of playing ‘Resident Evil’ and ‘Silent Hill’ had pretty much prepared me for this moment- and my team escaped with a scary-close three minutes to spare. It was an absolute BLAST– one of the most unique and fun things I’d ever participated in- and I highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the Boston area anytime soon! You won’t regret it!

VICTORY!

VICTORY!

And now, for the stuff that couldn’t be photographed:

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

  • ‘Schitt’s Creek’ – One of my favorite Canadian comedies returned for it’s second season this past month, and it’s even better than the first season. Starring Eugene Levy (and his totally dreamboat son, Daniel Levy) and Catherine O’Hara- the 30-minute show follows the Rose Family, who move to the small, dead-end town of Schitt’s Creek after businessman and father Johnny (Eugene Levy) loses the family’s fortune. The show is so witty and genuinely funny- and Chris Elliot plays the mayor- Roland Schitt. It doesn’t get much better than that.
  • ’10 Cloverfield Lane’ – John Goodman might be one of the most lovable people on the planet, but good God- when he wants to terrify the living Hell out of you- he DOES it, and really, really well at that. I might be in the minority of people who really enjoyed the original ‘Cloverfield’ movie (motion sickness and all) so I was excited to return to the world of a still unexplained and very vague alien invasion. I liked how this was a completely different take on the events unfolding in the first movie- but was twice as scary and unsettling.

– MISCELLANEOUS –

  • Costume Designing! – With the 2016 Comic-Con circuit officially getting underway, I have a couple of months before things kick off here on the East Coast with Boston & Rhode Island Comic-Con, ‘Walker Stalker’, MegaFest, etc. Last year, despite being pretty busy- I had managed to pull of a really great Agent Carter costume I was very proud of. This year, now that my schedule is a little easier to manage- I have a series of three costumes I’m going to attempt (two of which are ‘Walking Dead’-related, of course!) The process of getting started is always the most fun- and I’ve been having a blast browsing tools and fabrics and writing out my plans. I’m hoping to share my progress once I get going!

And I think that’s everything for the month of March! As always, I’d love to hear your favorites for this past month and/or recommendations for things to try and do in April! Leave a comment or drop me an e-mail!

I’m off to look at the apartment. Wish me luck!

xx