It's officially May - how did this happen? The NSync song is still in my head, and I'm absolutely loving the longer days of daylight. Last week I went to a much needed hair appointment. It's always nice to catch up with my stylist (can't believe I've been going to her for over 10 years now!), and I was definitely in need of a re-fresh.
On Friday night, Lil' Miss had a gymnastics party which meant date night for us. We finally scored a reservation at a restaurant we've been trying to get into for a while, and then hit some golf balls at TopGolf. Well - I had a lot of air swings, but that's neither here nor there. Still a lot of fun!
On Saturday, we were reunited with framily for some grilling and pool fun. Lots of catching up over good food, beverages and lots of laughs. The kiddos splashed around in the pool, and had a serious game of laser tag and we made plans for future staycations and vacations.
I feel like it's been forever since I scooped up a fresh pair of sneaks, and I had these beauties on my wish list for a while. They dropped in price, and I almost snagged them. Then they dropped in price again, and I knew I had to go for it before they were gone. They are currently 57% off and only $36. If you're not a fan of the blush pink there is also a white and silver combo at that price point. Perfect for running errands, walks around the neighborhood, upcoming travel and taking Lil' Miss to gymnastics and t-ball.
I also had been eyeing these earringsfor Lil' Miss now that her ears are pierced, and have healed. Another item I've been watching, and they dropped down to $19. She has been asking for Minnie Mouse earrings long before her ears were even pierced. So, I'm holding on to these to give her for a special occasion or after a big milestone.
I always seem to wait too long in-between hair appointments, and I can never figure out why. Because you always walk out afterwards feeling like you can take on the world. I was excited to visit Salon Dulayback in August for my first ever Shine Treatment (because this mane can take ALL the help it can get!), and was swooning over the beautiful space. You can find my Shine Treatment recap here which was back before they changed owners, and it was called Rizzieri Salon.
The new owners have made the space even more beautiful, and added on some fun features like a complimentary hand massage with a color treatment and Chakra aromatherapy during the hair wash. I was pampered to say the least! I think it's safe to say I'm honored they asked me back for a full touch up color and haircut, and walked out feeling like a queen. Ok not THE queen. Is it that obvious I recently finished Season 4 of The Crown? If you haven't caught up - what are you waiting for? They finally made it to Princess Diana!
How gorgeous is the hair washing room? I now want a wall like that in my bathroom! I was very impressed by their safety measures. Masks are mandatory, your temperature is taken at the door, lots of hand washing, and there were even dividers at the sinks in case you end up next to someone during the hair washing portion. I love seeing businesses stepping up and enforcing the right protocols to keep everyone safe while also being able to survive. It breaks my heart to see so many shops and restaurants going out of business.
*Before the Magic*
If you were following along on my InstaStories, I mentioned that I ordered a festive coffee before arriving at the salon minus the calorie bomb. I was craving one of their Irish Cream Cold Brews, but my eyes bugged out that it has 14 grams of fat. Yikes! So, I ordered a blonde roast with a splash of skim and 2 pumps of Irish Cream syrup which totally hit the spot. If you're looking for more of a peppermint flavor you can sub in 2 pumps of peppermint syrup in place of the Irish Cream. Tastes like Christmas!
I loved how there were things that remained the same since the name change such as the use of Aveda products, and the adorable hair dryers that hang from the ceiling. Less clutter on the stylist's station, and fun to watch when it's blow dry time! I was also treated to the same stylist as last time, and it didn't even feel like it had been 4 months since I had last seen her!
The before and after shots side by side were a true eye opener. You know when you think you look cute, and then you realize you have been talking to people with food in your teeth or your hair has frizzed up without your knowledge. Yeah that's how I felt. I like to call the "before" look air dried chic.
Since I had taken the day off to burn off some end of the year PTO, I met up with H for some lunch and we had a much needed day date. He had also gotten a hair cut that morning, so we both were rocking the so fresh and so clean clean vibes. A stroll down Park Avenue, and popping into some of our favorite spots was on the agenda. However, I was deeply saddened by how many shops and restaurants have gone out of business. Don't forget to support your local businesses during this awful time! Curbside pick up options and gift cards are causing the owners to have a little happy dance!
And can we please talk about this sweater dress? It was a "gift" to myself as I was shopping for loved ones, and I couldn't be happier. It was warm and cozy for a chilly day in Florida, and it's SO soft. It comes in 3 colors, and I may need to scoop up another. Perfect for some me-time at the salon and a day date with my favorite guy afterwards. Plus, it pairs perfectly with over the knee boots.
Last week was a big week for my mane - I went from wanting to not let my hair see the light of day to having a "Is that really MY hair?!" moment. Due to the virus that shall not be named, I hadn't gotten my hair done since January. The split ends, dull color, and grays were out in full force so I finally plucked up the courage to see my stylist. She moved from a big salon to a salon suite which is perfect right now with all the precautions. She's in her own suite with a sliding door with it's own beverage station, hair station, and even sink for washing and rinsing. She took off a few inches and brought rich color back with some highlights, and I felt like me again.
Several days later, I was asked to visit the Rizzieri Salon for a complimentary shine treatment and blow dry. I stopped for a cold brew on the way, and got settled in at the new to me salon. We talked about my hair goals, and I expressed wanting it to simply shine more and be healthier with less frizz (because Florida humidity). She applied the glaze, and let it set for a bit and then washed my hair with Aveda products before blowdrying. I'm still in awe of how much better my hair looks after letting it go for so long. Excuse me as I do a much needed hair flip!
Check out these "after" photos. I honestly can't even remember the last time I was proud of my hair. My daily ponytail since being home this year is officially on a break!
After getting my shine on, I enjoyed a celebratory glass of bubbles before beginning my self-quarantine leading up to a big work event. We obviously aren't traveling around the world this year, but we are putting on a global event on a stage which will be streamed online for people to watch from the comfort of their own homes. Love how we have quickly accommodated to all things 2020!
As much as I love a good holiday party, and finding the perfect dress I'm terrible at one thing - doing my hair. If it's not blow dried straight or thrown into a ponytail for a workout I've got nothing. I was excited to be invited to a local blogger event at Cherry Blow Dry Bar for a fun girls night, bubbles, snacks, and fabulous hair-dos that made us all ready for the fun parties coming up.
"Before" shot with a mimosa of course
"After" - so fresh and so clean clean
To complete the look, you need to add some glam makeup. The Sephora sale is going on through today, and I rounded up some of my fav products that'll help you achieve the perfect holiday glow for your next event or make great stocking stuffers for others. Save 15% off your entire order with code BIBONUS
I included some of my holy grail products in this round up, because they're THAT good.
My favorite brush EVER which has saved my hair from more damage, it works great on dry and wet hair for minimal breakage.
These masks are amazing, and at only $5 each they're they perfect stocking stuffer!
I've had my Clarisonic Mia for 7 years now, and it's still going strong. Worth every penny of the $99 investment, just don't forget to replace your brush head regularly.
The holiday scented NEST candle that comes in an ornament box makes a fun stocking stuffer, or can be a special surprise on the tree Christmas morning.
I can't get enough of the Becca highlighters, and this one is on major sale for only $17 + an additional 15% off during the sale. The Sephora Collection Luminizing Powder is a great dupe for only $16, and comes in 4 different shades.
Eliminate those dark under-eye circles (come on - we all have them!) with Kat Von D's Lock-It Concealer, and give your skin a dewey finish with this full coverage foundation. Now's the time to scoop it up with the sale!
And how festive are these brushes which are less than $30 for the whole set. Such a great deal!
Finish off your holiday look with a yummy and angelic scent and a great makeup setting spray. Now go deck those halls!
Don't forget to enter my JORD giveaway to win one of their beautiful wood watches just in time for the holidays. They make a great gift for loved ones or of course a great treat for yourself. Enter HERE to win $100 off any watch. Good luck and happy shopping!