The Oscars are coming up this Sunday, so cue the confetti! I've loved the red-carpet looks we've seen from all the lovely ladies this awards-season...but I'm also really enjoying this year's focus on those strong, stylish men! While most of the guys in our lives won't be walking the red carpet this Sunday (unless you're reading, Angelina!) they can absolutely be red-carpet ready for any special event in their lives with a few grooming essentials and some rockin' base-layer undergarments that will eliminate the need for any embarrassing adjustments or wardrobe malfunctions. You never know when the paparazzi may be standing by! So without further ado, below are a few mens' must-haves:
1 Cool Cotton Trunks from Tommy John
This innovative smart fabric is amazingly light a breathable, whether he's at an awards ceremony or just going to the gym! These trunks wick away moisture 4-5 times faster and keep 2-3 times cooler than regular cotton.
2 Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
A man's handshake is just as important as his award-winning style! Don't forget to toss him this hand salve before he heads out to meet and greet the people – adoring fans or brunch friends.
3 Mr. Incredible Leave-In Conditioner from Drybar
He'll be looking as sexy as George Clooney with a few spritzes of this leave-in conditioner from Drybar. It softens and conditions with hints of sandalwood and ginger mint. Yes, please!
4 Second Skin Crew Neck Undershirt from Tommy John
This soft undershirt made from a patented, non-pilling Micro Modal fabric will feel like a silky second skin under that red carpet tux or that office attire. Almost like he's wearing nothing at all!
5 Men's Socks from Tommy John
Let him show some extra personality or a pop of color with these fun sock options! And with InvisiGrip® and Stay Dry technologies, plus arch support, he can work that red carpet or party all night feeling cool and comfortable.
6, 7 Cade Shaving Oil and After Shave Balm from L'Occitane
He'll have a face ready for photo opportunities galore (and smell amazing too) with these shaving products from L'Occitane. The scent evokes dry wood and citrus for a masculine aroma that will make him a winner no matter what.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Monday, February 8, 2016
REVIEW: LUSH Shoot for the Stars Bath Bomb
This bath bomb from LUSH was an absolute fireworks show for the eyes. It just spun around and turned the bath water into a foaming, tie-dyed mixture of white, yellow, and blue. And each color had some shimmer mixed in that really made this bomb a celestial experience. I definitely recommend trying this one for yourself, and I also think it'd be fantastic for kids.
Description
Calming, shimmering, mood-enhancing
Featured Ingredients
Brazilian orange oils, bergamot oils, silver lustre
How-To
Drop this in a warm bath and enjoy the explosion of colors as it releases its pigments into the water. Make sure to breathe in the heavenly, calming scent as you enjoy.
My Review
I found this bomb to be quite enjoyable, if only for the show. I have used LUSH bath bombs that were more nourishing, and left my skin feeling better. But this has to have been the most beautiful experience of any bomb I've used. It left a bit more residue than I typically see, but again my little secret is always to run the shower afterwards to really make sure there's no glitter or pigment left over after my bath. The smell was very pleasant and quite a classic sweet-smelling LUSHy scent. I am definitely able to set aside my disdain for all things orange when it comes to LUSH products. I would maybe repurchase this just for fun, and for the visuals, but if my skin needs a good moisturizing soak-session, I will always go with Butterball or Honeybee, both of which are quite plain in terms of the colors.
I'm very excited to try a few new Valentine's Day products. How about you guys? Anything catching your eye at LUSH lately? Post a comment below. I'd love to hear about it!
--
Don't miss an update. Follow me on Bloglovin' today!
To see what I'm loving, follow my boards on Pinterest.
And to see random snaps of my life in the city, check out my Instagram as well.
Description
Calming, shimmering, mood-enhancing
Featured Ingredients
Brazilian orange oils, bergamot oils, silver lustre
How-To
Drop this in a warm bath and enjoy the explosion of colors as it releases its pigments into the water. Make sure to breathe in the heavenly, calming scent as you enjoy.
My Review
I found this bomb to be quite enjoyable, if only for the show. I have used LUSH bath bombs that were more nourishing, and left my skin feeling better. But this has to have been the most beautiful experience of any bomb I've used. It left a bit more residue than I typically see, but again my little secret is always to run the shower afterwards to really make sure there's no glitter or pigment left over after my bath. The smell was very pleasant and quite a classic sweet-smelling LUSHy scent. I am definitely able to set aside my disdain for all things orange when it comes to LUSH products. I would maybe repurchase this just for fun, and for the visuals, but if my skin needs a good moisturizing soak-session, I will always go with Butterball or Honeybee, both of which are quite plain in terms of the colors.
I'm very excited to try a few new Valentine's Day products. How about you guys? Anything catching your eye at LUSH lately? Post a comment below. I'd love to hear about it!
--
Don't miss an update. Follow me on Bloglovin' today!
To see what I'm loving, follow my boards on Pinterest.
And to see random snaps of my life in the city, check out my Instagram as well.
Labels:
Bath & Body,
bath tub,
Bathtub,
Beauty,
Color Lover,
Cosmetics,
Family Fun,
fun,
Lush,
Shopping,
Winter
Friday, February 5, 2016
2016's Top Spring Trenches
I LOVE a trench coat. I love a classic trench, a colorful/patterned trench, a trench made from non-traditional fabrics...the sky's the limit! If I could have an entire closet dedicated to coats and jackets (which I did before I moved to New York City) over 50% of it was filled with trench coats...All of which went to live with a nice family on a farm when I ended up in Manhattan, but that's neither here nor there. Since my last remaining (favorite, comfortable, just right) trench literally began to disintegrate into mere fibers held together by prayers after wearing it for 3 straight seasons a year for maybe 10 years, I've decided to pull the trigger on a better trench that will last a lifetime. Price point is not a concern, as long as it's great quality, a flattering style, and something classic enough that I could see myself wearing it forever. Below are a few I've added to my list to try on. I will absolutely keep you posted on this journey and share pictures of the winner this Spring! Wish me luck!
1 Gap Short Trench | $98 USD
2 Kate Spade Classic Twill Trench Coat | $498 USD
3 Banana Republic Suede Trench | $698 USD
4 J. Crew Icon Trench Coat | $298 USD
1 Gap Short Trench | $98 USD
2 Kate Spade Classic Twill Trench Coat | $498 USD
3 Banana Republic Suede Trench | $698 USD
4 J. Crew Icon Trench Coat | $298 USD
Labels:
Classy/Classic,
Fashion Design,
Savvy Styling,
Shopping,
Spring
Friday, January 15, 2016
Weekly Favorites - January Week 2
This week has flown by, but it just means I have another excuse to share the things I've been loving this week! On Monday, I got my January Birchbox and found a CC cream that has instantly become top-shelf for me. Plus I pulled an old powder sample out of my (obviously very big) makeup bag and fell completely in love with it. Better late than never! And I've included a purchase I made today that I've been thinking about FOREVER and just finally decided to go for it. So without further ado, my January Week 2 favorites.
1 Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35+ Sunscreen
I got this on Monday, and I know it sounds dramatic, but it changed my life. I never bought into the whole BB or CC cream thing before because I like a full-coverage but hey, it was free in my Birchbox so I gave it a try. And damn, it is the most gorgeous, creamy formula with a really nice buildable coverage. And the color match was perfect. I hopped right out to buy the full-size and I'll never go back. I'm thinking it will be incredibly moisturizing during the colder months, but I'm more excited to use it in summer because of its SPF, and because I don't like nearly as full a coverage in the warmer months.
2 Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream
This is an absolute winter essential for me. It's the most moisturizing, thick, nourishing hand cream I have ever used. And it's practically the only thing that will rehab my chapped winter hands. It goes on like butter, but also makes the skin on my hands look and feel fantastic. Is that weird that I care how my hands look? I dunno, but this gives my hands a gorgeous healthy glow.
3 Tarte Cosmetics Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
I got this sample in last month's Ipsy Glam Bag, and I had just purchased the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, so it was a little like why? But when I went home for the holidays, this sample was actually perfect for travel. And now, if I'm being honest, I like this just as much if not more. It's great for setting make-up, for baking your under-eye area and concealer, and I would absolutely consider buying the full-size of this powder after my the Laura Mercier runs out.
4 NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner
This eyeliner is absolutely brilliant. I love this more for tight-lining my eyes than I've loved any luxury liner, seriously. The consistency is so creamy and deeply pigmented, but you can also blend it to really smoke out the lower lash line. Because it's waterproof, it really will stay all day in the waterline! I have not tried it to truly line my eyes because I've been in a deep liquid eyeliner kick these days. But I'm sure it would be great there as well based on its smooth application. I am beyond happy with this product.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.
5 The Real Techniques Bold Metals Brush Collection
I am so excited to have finally purchased these today. I've admired them online forever and ever, and I've tested them at Ulta (my god, they are so soft and the brush handles are so long and perfectly weighted for a really dreamy experience). I have contemplated buying them forever, and added them to my online shopping cart more times than I care to admit. But today I noticed they were buy one, get one free! So I was really mindful about which ones I'd actually use. If I'm honest, I don't apply gel eyeliner, so I don't need a liner brush. I also bought a set with an exclusive brush in it, that also comes with 2 of the standard brushes in the collection, so there was some additional value there. I am very excited to receive the shipment. They will look so gorgeous on display and I can't wait! I'm also hoping that if I love them as much as I predict, I will keep stocking up so I can have multiples of each like a real pro.
--
You can check out last week's favorites here.
And don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin so you don't miss an update!
1 Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35+ Sunscreen
I got this on Monday, and I know it sounds dramatic, but it changed my life. I never bought into the whole BB or CC cream thing before because I like a full-coverage but hey, it was free in my Birchbox so I gave it a try. And damn, it is the most gorgeous, creamy formula with a really nice buildable coverage. And the color match was perfect. I hopped right out to buy the full-size and I'll never go back. I'm thinking it will be incredibly moisturizing during the colder months, but I'm more excited to use it in summer because of its SPF, and because I don't like nearly as full a coverage in the warmer months.
2 Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream
This is an absolute winter essential for me. It's the most moisturizing, thick, nourishing hand cream I have ever used. And it's practically the only thing that will rehab my chapped winter hands. It goes on like butter, but also makes the skin on my hands look and feel fantastic. Is that weird that I care how my hands look? I dunno, but this gives my hands a gorgeous healthy glow.
3 Tarte Cosmetics Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
I got this sample in last month's Ipsy Glam Bag, and I had just purchased the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, so it was a little like why? But when I went home for the holidays, this sample was actually perfect for travel. And now, if I'm being honest, I like this just as much if not more. It's great for setting make-up, for baking your under-eye area and concealer, and I would absolutely consider buying the full-size of this powder after my the Laura Mercier runs out.
4 NYC City Proof 24HR Waterproof Eyeliner
This eyeliner is absolutely brilliant. I love this more for tight-lining my eyes than I've loved any luxury liner, seriously. The consistency is so creamy and deeply pigmented, but you can also blend it to really smoke out the lower lash line. Because it's waterproof, it really will stay all day in the waterline! I have not tried it to truly line my eyes because I've been in a deep liquid eyeliner kick these days. But I'm sure it would be great there as well based on its smooth application. I am beyond happy with this product.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.
5 The Real Techniques Bold Metals Brush Collection
I am so excited to have finally purchased these today. I've admired them online forever and ever, and I've tested them at Ulta (my god, they are so soft and the brush handles are so long and perfectly weighted for a really dreamy experience). I have contemplated buying them forever, and added them to my online shopping cart more times than I care to admit. But today I noticed they were buy one, get one free! So I was really mindful about which ones I'd actually use. If I'm honest, I don't apply gel eyeliner, so I don't need a liner brush. I also bought a set with an exclusive brush in it, that also comes with 2 of the standard brushes in the collection, so there was some additional value there. I am very excited to receive the shipment. They will look so gorgeous on display and I can't wait! I'm also hoping that if I love them as much as I predict, I will keep stocking up so I can have multiples of each like a real pro.
--
You can check out last week's favorites here.
And don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin so you don't miss an update!
Labels:
Beauty,
Birchbox,
Buys on a Budget,
Cosmetics,
Glamour,
Saving Money,
Shopping,
Skincare,
Subscription Boxes
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Urban Decay | Gwen Stefani Makeup Collection
Guys, I am just still really obsessed with this UD | Gwen Stefani makeup collection! I even dedicated an entire post to the eyeshade palette last month. And they recently expanded the collection to include a blush palette, 8 lipsticks, 6 lip liners, and a brow box. I must say, I'm not sold on the brow box, though it is adorable, because it only comes in the "Bathwater Blonde" shade and too-light products in my brows tend to look a little too ash-toned. But this blush palette looks insanely gorgeous and also comes with a highlight and bronzer (the top right shade, and bottom left shade respectively). My fave, though, are the lipsticks which totally silence the complaints that her shadow palette was so neutral in tone. Of course Gwen is known for her outrageous lip looks! And I probably need them all. Take a look below at some visuals I put together of the shades available in the palette and lip collections. Enjoy!
Labels:
Beauty,
Color Lover,
Cosmetics,
fun,
Music,
Savvy Styling,
Shopping
Monday, January 11, 2016
What's New at Modcloth?
Happy Monday! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend, whatever you were up to, and that you're ready and raring to make this week a great one. Today I spent a bit of time browsing new arrivals and can I just say? I am such a longtime fan of Modcloth and have so many of their items on my current wish list. After the holidays, I get a little obsessed with spring clothing...Mostly because it helps me wish the winter away! Do any of you guys do that? Below are some of my fave new arrivals from Modcloth that I've been coveting. I hope you enjoy and you're surviving whatever crazy weather this winter is bringing you!
1 Miss Mix-It Dress | $129
2 Edgy Meets Elegant Jacket | $69
3 Made for Each Color Dress | $99
4 Your Bubbly Side Skirt | $60
1 Miss Mix-It Dress | $129
2 Edgy Meets Elegant Jacket | $69
3 Made for Each Color Dress | $99
4 Your Bubbly Side Skirt | $60
Labels:
Color Lover,
Fashion Design,
fun,
Retro Delights,
Savvy Styling,
Shopping,
Spring
Friday, January 8, 2016
Weekly Favorites - January Week 1
To wrap up the week, I thought it would be fun to start doing little Weekly Favorites posts! I spend so much time on the internet, and shopping, and trying new products through various subscription boxes and it adds up! I may not always have quite so many, but this week was jam packed with new discoveries I'm dying to share with you guys!
1 Kiss True Volume Lashes in Chic
These lashes are absolutely incredible. I am obsessed! Since I first tried them, I've literally worn them every single day. Even to work and other daytime activities. This particular style looks so unbelievably natural and not at all fake. They have this amazing fluttery shape and a tapered edge to more closely resemble natural lashes. On me, they totally double the volume of my natural lashes for even more impact. I can't say enough about these!
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.
2 Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe in Clear
This lash glue is actually the easiest I've used. It's a tube style with a little brush inside and you can just paint the adhesive onto your lashes and then apply. I know lots of people like to use the black adhesive, but I actually prefer this style because I want to be able to see that I've got enough on there and then let it dry after the fact. It works great, it's easy to use, and it's so not messy. Highly recommend this product too! It's def the best lash glue I've tried so far.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.
3 Revlon Pro Collection One Step Dryer & Styler
When I was home for Christmas, I obsessed over finding this hair dryer. I tried it at an Ulta store, but literally called everywhere and it was completely sold out. I finally found it online at Target and now that I've got it, it has seriously changed my life. It's shaped like a paddle brush with all the impact of a regular hair dryer. You can seriously just brush your hair with it, and pull straight to give yourself a salon-quality blowout. As someone who has never been able to blow dry her hair because I have super thick, usually super long strands...this is something I could not live without now. I am buying a second just in case they discontinue it and my current one breaks. Is that crazy? No...right?
4 Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1
This, along with my new hairdryer has elevated my hair game beyond belief. I first tried this last week when my roommate picked it up at Sephora and I owned my own the next day. It gives you such amazing volume at the root, brings amazing texture, and smells incredible. I don't find that it completely replaces the need for their Detox Dry Shampoo (another major fave of mine) because it's not really going to totally absorb oil. But for volume, texture, and scent it can't be beat.
5 Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner
I was a bit hesitant about trying this product, but was curious enough to request it for my January Birchbox sample choice. It just really looks like a black magic marker, and I thought there was no way I'd be able to get a good, controlled liquid line with them... But the truth is, it actually makes it way easier to hold and to use. And the tip is so firm that it gives you great control and accuracy. The color is a perfect matte, deep black also. I'm a big fan!
6 LUSH Milky Bath Bubble Bar
This took the cake as my favorite LUSH bath product ever. It gave me the most bubbles of any other bubble bar I've tried, and it turned my bath into a relaxing, sweet-smelling, moisturizing dream come true. I wish I had bought ten...
7 Double Sided Earrings
These are such a fave of mine for a really strange reason. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of them for sure. But I also travel everywhere using over-the-ear headphones and listening to music/watching YouTube videos all day. And headphones press the spiky post of an earring right into my neck, which is sooo uncomfortable! These double-sided earrings make it so much more comfortable.
And that's that for January Week 1! What products have you guys been loving this week? Leave a note in the comments below.
1 Kiss True Volume Lashes in Chic
These lashes are absolutely incredible. I am obsessed! Since I first tried them, I've literally worn them every single day. Even to work and other daytime activities. This particular style looks so unbelievably natural and not at all fake. They have this amazing fluttery shape and a tapered edge to more closely resemble natural lashes. On me, they totally double the volume of my natural lashes for even more impact. I can't say enough about these!
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.
2 Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe in Clear
This lash glue is actually the easiest I've used. It's a tube style with a little brush inside and you can just paint the adhesive onto your lashes and then apply. I know lots of people like to use the black adhesive, but I actually prefer this style because I want to be able to see that I've got enough on there and then let it dry after the fact. It works great, it's easy to use, and it's so not messy. Highly recommend this product too! It's def the best lash glue I've tried so far.
*I received this product complimentary from Influenster in exchange for my honest review.
3 Revlon Pro Collection One Step Dryer & Styler
When I was home for Christmas, I obsessed over finding this hair dryer. I tried it at an Ulta store, but literally called everywhere and it was completely sold out. I finally found it online at Target and now that I've got it, it has seriously changed my life. It's shaped like a paddle brush with all the impact of a regular hair dryer. You can seriously just brush your hair with it, and pull straight to give yourself a salon-quality blowout. As someone who has never been able to blow dry her hair because I have super thick, usually super long strands...this is something I could not live without now. I am buying a second just in case they discontinue it and my current one breaks. Is that crazy? No...right?
4 Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1
This, along with my new hairdryer has elevated my hair game beyond belief. I first tried this last week when my roommate picked it up at Sephora and I owned my own the next day. It gives you such amazing volume at the root, brings amazing texture, and smells incredible. I don't find that it completely replaces the need for their Detox Dry Shampoo (another major fave of mine) because it's not really going to totally absorb oil. But for volume, texture, and scent it can't be beat.
5 Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner
I was a bit hesitant about trying this product, but was curious enough to request it for my January Birchbox sample choice. It just really looks like a black magic marker, and I thought there was no way I'd be able to get a good, controlled liquid line with them... But the truth is, it actually makes it way easier to hold and to use. And the tip is so firm that it gives you great control and accuracy. The color is a perfect matte, deep black also. I'm a big fan!
6 LUSH Milky Bath Bubble Bar
This took the cake as my favorite LUSH bath product ever. It gave me the most bubbles of any other bubble bar I've tried, and it turned my bath into a relaxing, sweet-smelling, moisturizing dream come true. I wish I had bought ten...
7 Double Sided Earrings
These are such a fave of mine for a really strange reason. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of them for sure. But I also travel everywhere using over-the-ear headphones and listening to music/watching YouTube videos all day. And headphones press the spiky post of an earring right into my neck, which is sooo uncomfortable! These double-sided earrings make it so much more comfortable.
And that's that for January Week 1! What products have you guys been loving this week? Leave a note in the comments below.
Labels:
Accessories,
Bath & Body,
Bathtub,
Beauty,
Birchbox,
Cosmetics,
Glamour,
Haircare,
Influenster,
Resolution,
Skincare
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
My Influenster #JingleVoxBox Has Arrived!
I was so excited when I checked the mail today (finally) after the holidays and saw my #JingleVoxBox from Influenster! While I haven't gotten a chance to test each of the products just yet, I was too excited not to share all the goodies in a bit of an unboxing post!
First off, is an adorable little Spiderman from Hallmark's itty bitty collection. These would make such a nice little gift for someone special, young or old. In fact a few of my male coworkers were giving it the eye today on my desk like "what's that and can I have it?"
Next are some cookies from Biscoff that I've definitely tried before and, wow, they are absolutely incredible! They are so delicious with coffee, so I'm really glad to have received a few of these treats!
Then I have a few products to create a really polished eye makeup look: A CityProof 24 HR black eyeliner from NYC New York Color, and a really gorgeous pair of True Volume lashes in the style "Chic" and an aloe formulated adhesive, both from KISS. Already, just looking at these lashes...oh my gosh they look so natural because the ends are tapered like natural eyelashes. I can't wait to try them.
And of course, for these upcoming cold winter months (like today because it was literally 17 degrees...) a moisturizing cream from Cetaphil. I've never tried any products from Cetaphil before so I'm really excited to give it a try.
And last but not least, a Pure Ice nail polish in bright blue shade called French Kiss that is, at first glance, not something I would have picked for myself...but that's the best reason to try it and step outside of my comfort zone.
I would absolutely recommend you all sign up for Influenster. It's a great place to explore new products, discover reviews, and you could even qualify to receive a free VoxBox of products to review! I just joined about a month ago, and I'm really excited to share some reviews with all of you.
--
Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from for testing purposes, in exchange for my honest reviews of each product.
First off, is an adorable little Spiderman from Hallmark's itty bitty collection. These would make such a nice little gift for someone special, young or old. In fact a few of my male coworkers were giving it the eye today on my desk like "what's that and can I have it?"
Next are some cookies from Biscoff that I've definitely tried before and, wow, they are absolutely incredible! They are so delicious with coffee, so I'm really glad to have received a few of these treats!
Then I have a few products to create a really polished eye makeup look: A CityProof 24 HR black eyeliner from NYC New York Color, and a really gorgeous pair of True Volume lashes in the style "Chic" and an aloe formulated adhesive, both from KISS. Already, just looking at these lashes...oh my gosh they look so natural because the ends are tapered like natural eyelashes. I can't wait to try them.
And of course, for these upcoming cold winter months (like today because it was literally 17 degrees...) a moisturizing cream from Cetaphil. I've never tried any products from Cetaphil before so I'm really excited to give it a try.
And last but not least, a Pure Ice nail polish in bright blue shade called French Kiss that is, at first glance, not something I would have picked for myself...but that's the best reason to try it and step outside of my comfort zone.
I would absolutely recommend you all sign up for Influenster. It's a great place to explore new products, discover reviews, and you could even qualify to receive a free VoxBox of products to review! I just joined about a month ago, and I'm really excited to share some reviews with all of you.
--
Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from for testing purposes, in exchange for my honest reviews of each product.
Labels:
Beauty,
Buys on a Budget,
Christmas,
Family Fun,
fun,
Glamour,
Holidays,
Influenster,
NYC,
Subscription Boxes,
Winter
Monday, January 4, 2016
Happy New Year - Now Let's See How I Did!
I remember around this time last year posting several New Year's Resolutions on this blog. A sort of 30 before 30, if you will...which gives me the unique opportunity to check back and see how I did! Because while hitting all those goals definitely didn't happen, turning 30 was guaranteed to. Isn't it funny how aging works? Anyway, 2015 really was an incredible year, but it had its low points for me too. Beginning and ending a relationship that was kind of a full-time job in and of itself made it so I didn't have much time to really do the things I'd outlined, but it did bring lots of other meaningful goals and personal achievements. And while I'm really looking forward to a fresh start in 2016, I hope that reposting my New Years Resolutions from last year as more of a continuation (let's keep this party going!) would be kind of cool. We're all a work in progress, right?
So...without further ado, my 2015 Resolutions! I will cross out things I genuinely did and offer some background commentary on the things I did not...
1 Keep an up-to-date calendar/planner (past March...)
Yeah, this is just never going to be a thing for me. But I keep trying! I'm currently trying to focus my planner just to blogging goals and planning content so I don't just...casually step away for four years again! So that is my amended goal for 2016.
2 Keep my desktop/workspace clean (spot clean every day before leaving work)
3 Take an improv comedy class
I still really, really want to do this.
4 Set up drinks/dinner with a new female friend
5 Blog at least twice a week
Hah! A likely story... But, I'm upping this to 3x in 2016.
6 Wear makeup everyday (bonus points if I put it on at home and not at my desk)
I definitely upped my makeup game in 2015, but yeah...it mostly happened at my desk. Not gonna lie.
7 Go kayaking at Riverside or Brooklyn Bridge Park
Still on the list!
8 Go skiing at least twice this season
9 Pay off my credit card
Almost there, but working on it! Definitely happening in Q1 of 2016.
10 Take a design/art workshop or class
11 Buy a sketchbook and start to doodle again
12 Learn to make simple things I haven't tried i.e. whipped cream, poached eggs, roast chicken
13 Find a general practitioner that I like, and have a full check-up (I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been to a GP in 3+ years)
I did find a GP, but I haven't really made an appointment yet. I'm waiting for a big cold so I can kill two birds with one stone.
14 Buy a new mattress
15 Stick to my diet (I do Weight Watchers, and I always nail it perfectly for 2 months, and then fizzle for a month, and so on...this year I'm going for consistency!)
Yeah, this definitely did not happen in 2015, but I'm trying again this year, and changing it up with #Nutrisystem. Stay tuned for more posts on this! I've already lost my first 10 pounds, and I just feel like 2016 will definitely be the year of my best ever body.
16 Read at least 20 books
17 Aim to go on at least one date each week
I did do this right up until I started my relationship in March! I would like to do this again in 2016 maybe?
18 Get weekly manicures and DON'T chew fingernails
19 Cut way back on the booze and the occasional cigarette (very important!!)
Still working on this, though I do think I made some great strides this year.
20 Don't just remove makeup, focus on using my Clinique Sonic System brush for a deeper clean daily
21 Cook for myself at least two days each week
I really did do this for most of the year, so I'm crossing it off!
22 Make my bed everyday (this is so sad...I'm going to be 30, it's time)
I don't nail this every day, but I definitely do it way more and it's been great.
23 Never visit someone's apartment empty-handed (hostess gifts are in your future, friends!)
I can't remember if I really paid many people a visit this year, but I'm keeping this on the list because it's a nice idea and I think something people always appreciate and remember.
24 Make a point to send thank you notes, birthday cards, other meaningful communications Really still working on this. I would love to become a thoughtful, classy, adult lady this year.
25 Never go a full week without doing yoga
I did not do this but, if I'm honest, it's not really a goal anymore. I hurt my foot very badly last spring when I took a spill on my apartment stairs and it's still not quite yoga-ready.
26 Try at least one new recipe every 2 weeks, to broaden cooking/eating horizons
I used Plated for part of the year this year, and I really enjoyed it!
27 Moisturize hands/face/skin daily
28 Drink water (i.e. no more than 2 Diet Cokes per day, how will I ever do this?)
I started really doing this in the back half of the year, and I really do want to continue to work on it in 2016.
29 Go on a relaxing vacation (preferably out of the country)
Sadly no vacation this year. If I hit my weight loss goals, maybe I will take myself to the beach?
30 Feel good, stay positive, be happy
Total resolution score: 17/30 (Over half, not too shabby!)
If I had to add some new ones for 2016 (in addition to the above that I'm still working on) they would have to be:
1 Upgrade my wardrobe to start phasing in more high-quality staple pieces and more polished accessories
2 Give my room a bit of a facelift. I love the décor in there, but a few things need to be tweaked.
3 Start my JennaSaisQuois YouTube channel - Coming soon!
4 Once the credit card is paid off, start an IRA to save for the future
5 Learn how to blow dry my hair!! This is a basic life skill I do not possess...
6 Take a dance class or something fun to get my body moving
7 Really try to take the subway instead of Uber or a Taxi unless it's an emergency or I'm carrying something heavy
8 Stick with Nutrisystem for at least 4 months (longer than I have ever stuck with a diet ever)
9 Do another KonMari style purge of clothing and other clutter at some point
10 Say THANK YOU more often, which I think is such a simple thing that takes no effort and really makes a difference to people
So...without further ado, my 2015 Resolutions! I will cross out things I genuinely did and offer some background commentary on the things I did not...
1 Keep an up-to-date calendar/planner (past March...)
Yeah, this is just never going to be a thing for me. But I keep trying! I'm currently trying to focus my planner just to blogging goals and planning content so I don't just...casually step away for four years again! So that is my amended goal for 2016.
3 Take an improv comedy class
I still really, really want to do this.
5 Blog at least twice a week
Hah! A likely story... But, I'm upping this to 3x in 2016.
I definitely upped my makeup game in 2015, but yeah...it mostly happened at my desk. Not gonna lie.
7 Go kayaking at Riverside or Brooklyn Bridge Park
Still on the list!
9 Pay off my credit card
Almost there, but working on it! Definitely happening in Q1 of 2016.
13 Find a general practitioner that I like, and have a full check-up (I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been to a GP in 3+ years)
I did find a GP, but I haven't really made an appointment yet. I'm waiting for a big cold so I can kill two birds with one stone.
15 Stick to my diet (I do Weight Watchers, and I always nail it perfectly for 2 months, and then fizzle for a month, and so on...this year I'm going for consistency!)
Yeah, this definitely did not happen in 2015, but I'm trying again this year, and changing it up with #Nutrisystem. Stay tuned for more posts on this! I've already lost my first 10 pounds, and I just feel like 2016 will definitely be the year of my best ever body.
17 Aim to go on at least one date each week
I did do this right up until I started my relationship in March! I would like to do this again in 2016 maybe?
19 Cut way back on the booze and the occasional cigarette (very important!!)
Still working on this, though I do think I made some great strides this year.
I really did do this for most of the year, so I'm crossing it off!
I don't nail this every day, but I definitely do it way more and it's been great.
23 Never visit someone's apartment empty-handed (hostess gifts are in your future, friends!)
I can't remember if I really paid many people a visit this year, but I'm keeping this on the list because it's a nice idea and I think something people always appreciate and remember.
24 Make a point to send thank you notes, birthday cards, other meaningful communications Really still working on this. I would love to become a thoughtful, classy, adult lady this year.
I did not do this but, if I'm honest, it's not really a goal anymore. I hurt my foot very badly last spring when I took a spill on my apartment stairs and it's still not quite yoga-ready.
I used Plated for part of the year this year, and I really enjoyed it!
28 Drink water (i.e. no more than 2 Diet Cokes per day, how will I ever do this?)
I started really doing this in the back half of the year, and I really do want to continue to work on it in 2016.
29 Go on a relaxing vacation (preferably out of the country)
Sadly no vacation this year. If I hit my weight loss goals, maybe I will take myself to the beach?
If I had to add some new ones for 2016 (in addition to the above that I'm still working on) they would have to be:
1 Upgrade my wardrobe to start phasing in more high-quality staple pieces and more polished accessories
2 Give my room a bit of a facelift. I love the décor in there, but a few things need to be tweaked.
3 Start my JennaSaisQuois YouTube channel - Coming soon!
4 Once the credit card is paid off, start an IRA to save for the future
5 Learn how to blow dry my hair!! This is a basic life skill I do not possess...
6 Take a dance class or something fun to get my body moving
7 Really try to take the subway instead of Uber or a Taxi unless it's an emergency or I'm carrying something heavy
8 Stick with Nutrisystem for at least 4 months (longer than I have ever stuck with a diet ever)
9 Do another KonMari style purge of clothing and other clutter at some point
10 Say THANK YOU more often, which I think is such a simple thing that takes no effort and really makes a difference to people
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