Simply Thankful

This year has had it's ups and downs, but there is still SO much that I'm thankful for going into this week of giving thanks.

I'm thankful for.... 

Even though Lil' Miss had a scary fall earlier this year and reconstructive surgery on her right ear in September - she was a super brave girl and is doing really well. She's even back in the pool after a few months off from swim team and back in the gymnastics gym.

After 2 major health scares when both of my parents were hospitalized with cardiac issues while I was traveling for work which led to my dad's open heart surgery - they are both doing well. My mom's heart no longer shows any signs that she had a heart attack, and my dad is recovering well from his major surgery. 

I was laid off from the job that I loved for 6 and 1/2 years, but am fortunate to still have some freelance work and am slowly building my client list. I would be devastated if I was left without any work for the past several months. Not just financially devastating, but it would be hard for my brain not to be challenged and for my sense of self worth too. Looking forward to more positive opportunities to end out this year and to welcome in 2025.

I'm thankful to live in the sunshine state and enjoy year round outdoor living. Growing up in Connecticut was rough this time of year with how bone chilling cold it would get and all the leaves fallen off the trees. I've lived in Florida for 14 years and it truly never gets old to see lush palm trees and spend the weekends outside in the middle of winter.

Tank in Tennis Green | Boyfriend Jeans | Necklace

I'm thankful for these amazing friendships. Moving to a new state as an adult was not for the faint of heart when it came to re-building a social life. We are incredibly fortunate to have fallen into this group of friends that we consider framily. There's never any fighting, gossip, etc... just lots of laughs and strong bonds of always being there for each other as we navigate life. 

Happy Birthday to one of our bestest!

I'm thankful for the opportunities this little blog has presented me with. Most recently, I was invited to attend the preview event for the new Ashley Snell Collection store in the Florida Mall. I sipped and shopped my way through the store, and was swooning over the color coded layout of the store. I was really drawn to the two-toned sets, and in the end chose the Barbie pink (of course).

Always always thankful for my little family, and little things like spending the day with my mini. She LOVES to go shopping (no surprise), and tagged along on a recent trip to Ulta where I got my out of control eyebrows cleaned up at the Benefit Brow Bar and picked up some items I was influenced to buy on TikTok. Has anyone else been wanting to try the Tarte Concealer Paw Brush and Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector after all the amazing videos on TikTok? Just me? Well, I went in looking for those 2 items, and ended up walking out with the Paw Brush (which is AMAZING) and Benefit's Boi-ing Bright On Brightening Undereye Concealer. One of the associates steered me away from the Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector and toward the Benefit Boi-ing since she said it provides better coverage with less caking. I am happy to report she was right!

Lil' Miss pointed out almost everything in the store to put on her list for Santa, and was one happy little girl. She was also proud to see her new Caboodle that she got for her birthday and has already filled up with all her hair accessories and chapsticks. 

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New Year New to Me Beauty

Happy New Year! Is it ok to still say that on January 10th? Between the virus that shall not be named hitting our house for Christmas and into the New Year, and still being super busy at work I haven't had a chance to hop in here for a bit. Thankful to report that we are all much better, and if there's ever a time to get sick it's when school and gymnastics are out for Lil' Miss coupled with company holidays and PTO. We were able to hunker down at home eating Christmas cookies and watching holiday specials while Face Timing with the fam up in Connecticut. 

Since it's a new year, it was time for me to update some beauty items. I used to overspend at Sephora and went from VIB status to not even spending $1 in there the past few years. Needless to say, I needed to start replacing some of my staples and discover new-to-me products. 

Lipstick in Twig | Hair Dryer Brush | Shape Tape Concealer and Shape Tape Glow Wand

I was looking for another wear with practically everything lipstick, and finally scooped up MAC's Twig which went for a spin on girl's night out recently. Such a pretty shade! 

I'm a total dunce at doing my own hair (and makeup if we're being honest), so a tool that will help achieve that salon blowout look was calling my name. I'd seen so many people try the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer Brush and alerted my husband to a great sale before Christmas. The look of surprise when it was under the tree on Christmas morning was Oscar award worthy. The only complaint I have is it doesn't do as great a job at controlling my fly-aways as my trusty regular hair dryer. 

Oh Shape Tape - the overpushed by influencers beauty product. Well, I finally decided to see what they hype was about and scooped up a duo that included their Glow Wand as well. 

Clarifying Shampoo | Total Face Sponge {only $6} | Perfume

Did you know you can purchase Ulta products at Target now? Well none of the Targets around me are fancy enough to carry the products in-store, but I was excited to order this clarifying shampoo with my Red debit card for free shipping and 5% off. It had been too long since I used a weekly clarifying shampoo and my hair was getting dull. Glad to bring some of the oomph back until my next salon visit. 

I've never ventured into a blending sponge for applying makeup, but now that I picked up the Shape Tape Glow Wand I wanted to properly blend it in for an extra glow. Enter the $6 e.l.f. sponge that I simply added to a recent Target Drive-Up order. 

I used to ask for a new perfume every Christmas, and realized I hadn't refreshed my collection recently. Maybe it was the Lady Gaga commercials, but whatever the reason Valentino's Voce Viva eau de parfum is the perfect blend of florals and vanilla. 

Dry Shampoo {only $9} | Rose Quartz Roller {only $15} | Honest Primer

I also hadn't replaced my dry shampoo for far too long even with less showers thanks to permanent work-from-home (can I get a hallelujah?) I wanted to try one that was specifically for brunettes, and got this dry shampoo from Santa in my stocking. 

Another score from my stocking was a rose quartz face roller. No matter how much sleep I get, I still have puffiness and dark circles around my eyes and let's not get started on the wrinkles creeping in. I picked one up a few months back, and after only using it once Lil' Miss picked it up and said "Mommy what's this?" and then proceeded to break it. Needless to say my new one will be kept safely out of reach. 

I'm working on trying to be better about clean beauty products, and have liked everything I've tried from Jessica Alba's Honest Beauty line. The Everything Glow Primer is the perfect base for a dewy look plus it contains hyaluronic acid. 

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Birthday Month Goodies

I have no problem declaring the month of August "Birthday Month". Not only is it my favorite time of year - oh summer do I heart you, but my inbox is flooded with amazing discounts and freebies to celebrate my birthday. I wanted to list out some of my birthday month freebies in case they weren't all on your radar to take advantage of when your big day comes around each year.

Tory Burch: If you didn't already know, when you sign up on ToryBurch.com at least 30 days out from your birthday they'll send you a $50 gift card to use on their site or in stores every year during your birthday month. Two years ago, I picked up this cuff with my gift card, last year year I picked up these flip flops which have been perfect for the pool and the beach, and this year I ordered these sunnies in milky chestnut. You used to be able to just cash in the $50 (like I did last year on the flippies and paid $0), but this year they're requiring you to make at least a $100 purchase to cash in the $50 gift.

Smashbox: If you're signed up for their emails, they'll send you a code during your birthday month for a free gift. They want you to spend $35 or more before you're eligible for your gift. This year you'll receive a free full size Full Exposure Mascara.

Sephora: My love for Sephora runs deep - aside from their endless amazing products and rewards program I just love walking into their beautiful stores. There's just something more crisp, clean, and elegant about walking into a Sephora than into an Ulta.. am I wrong?

If you're a Beauty Insider, VIB, or VIB Rouge member you'll receive a free gift during your birthday month with no purchase necessary. This year, you can pick between a mini set from Fresh or Marc Jacobs.

Victoria's Secret: VS sends out a $10 gift card to use towards your next purchase online or in stores. Great to pair up with those rewards cards that stack up!

Kobe Steakhouse: Free hibachi on your birthday - enough said. If you sign up for their rewards program at least 30 days before your birthday you'll receive a free meal at anytime during your birthday month. You can sign up for their rewards program here.

Starbucks: During your birthday month, Starbucks treats it's rewards members with a free drink (of any size), and discounts off of food and merchandise. You can sign up for Starbucks' rewards program here and start earning those coveted gold stars!

Ulta: This year you will receive a free UD eyeshadow in Midnight Cowboy with a purchase during your birthday month.

Firehouse Subs: Free sub on your birthday, all you have to do is show them your drivers license.


Also don't forget to check out local spas for free upgrades to facials or massages. Last year, I received a discount on my massage plus a free hot towel wrap and aromatherapy just for going on my birthday.

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Linking up today with Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, April for 5 on Friday, Tif for High Five for Friday, Lauren for Fab Favorites, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday!

 

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Ulta Salon Follow Up

I had my hair appointment today after work at the Ulta Salon which I had never been to before. As I described in a previous post, I have been going to the same stylist back in CT for almost 10 years so it was really hard for me to branch out and try someone new. I went to the salon for their Monday-Wednesday $50 color, cut, and style deal and was really impressed with how nice it came out for such a deal!

My stylist did a great job and layered my hair to give it some more body since it was so damaged and laying so flat recently. It looks so much healthier and shinier and I'm really happy with it.

However, what I didn't like was that the salon was in the store. It was in the back off to the side, but it was still really weird to have customers walking close by and shopping while I was sitting there waiting for my color to set. But for $50 I wasn't complaining! I'm not sure if I'll go back since I'll be returning to my regular stylist when we're home for Christmas, and afterwards I'll probably look for a stylist at a regular salon.

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Ulta Salon

I've been going to the same hair stylist for almost 10 years and absolutely love her! However, H and I moved last year and she's not just a short drive away anymore. I went to see her and got my hair cut and colored while home for Christmas last year, but am in desperate need of a new cut and color again and shouldn't have waited this long nevermind continuing to wait until this Christmas! So, I started researching salons in our area, but I'm super nervous about trusting someone new with my hair (ridiculous I know, but I know there are a lot of other girls who feel the same way about their hairdresser). So, a few girls suggested going to Ulta's salon, so I looked up their site to see their services and prices and I found this gem!

I feel a lot better about going to someone new if I'm getting a good deal. I couldn't believe how much I'd be saving, but I told H that I still feel like I'm cheating on my hair stylist back home :0(

I'm definitely still nervous, but I'm going to put my trust in the stylist and bring inspiration pics of what I'm looking for and hopefully it'll come out great. I'll be sure to post a review and some pics after my appointment this week.

H and I just relaxed this weekend and tackled a lot of housework and got in some good workouts since last weekend was so crazy busy with one of my college friends visiting and this upcoming week will also be crazy. I have to travel for work and H has a big surprise coming at the end of the week, but I can't blog about it until after the fact just in case he checks in which he does sometimes. It's almost impossible to keep secrets from him, but I've done great this time around.. in fact he doesn't even know there's a secret that's being kept which  is probably why it actually worked!

Last weekend, one of my good friends from college flew down to visit and stayed with us. We enjoyed a couple days off of work with him and went to Aquatica, the beach, and out to various restaurants and bars. It was a great couple days, but so busy and of course it went by too fast. Beware: picture overload!

One of my new tops from my recent Victorias Secret order

One of my new bathing suits from Old Navy

The only gator my friend got to see while he was here 

We went to Ice Bar which we loved! It was soooo cold but so much fun!

One of my new dresses from my recent Victorias Secret order for our upcoming cruise, but I was too eager to try it out. It was super comfy yet nice enough looking to wear for a night out. 

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