Leah Tackles

My CHEAPEST Beauty Favorite | The Best Body Lotion

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I love indulging and investing in high-quality skincare, and high-quality also often = a high price. That said, some items I will always buy at an affordable price because they work and that’s an easy way I can save money. The BEST body lotion I’ve ever used, far better than higher-end versions I have gotten as gifts or anything from Bath and Body Works, is the Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Lotion from Up and Up at Target. This is a store-brand version of the Vaseline brand, which is also fantastic, but it is about double the price. Meijer and Walmart also have store-brand versions.

Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Lotion from Up and Up

This lotion is inexpensive, and every night (unless I am sunless tanning) I slather every inch of my body in this. It is not greasy but very moisturizing and keeps my skin incredibly soft. I love the pump, but when you get to the bottom it does stop working when there are still several days worth of lotion left but you can turn it upside down and shake the rest out.

Is this a silly thing to blog about? Maybe! But this lotion is something I have repurchased for years and I love it.

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My No-Buy Contentment Journey

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I am really enjoying my no-buy. I have noticed that I get excited to even buy basic things now, like replacing my favorite facewash. I do think this showcases that I do crave the thrill of buying, but I think that being able to be excited about the simple and mundane is good. This brings me to another element that I have brought into 2023 along with my no-buy.

My Contentment Journey

I am trying to be more present by not distracting myself all of the time with YouTube, streaming shows, and music. I still listen to things (I am listening to a YouTube video as I type) but when doing things like making dinner, switching the laundry, or washing dishes I am not having entertainment on. I am trying things like using some of my many (many) eye shadow palettes that I haven’t reached for in awhile, changing up my earrings, and trying to enjoy the process of getting ready. I’ve also tried to be present and notice the touch, sound, and beauty in the mundane.

Have you attempted a no-buy or a low-buy? What category (makeup? skincare? clothes? home decor? craft supplies?) do you overshop?

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Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen Eyeliner | Review

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I spoke last week about my no-buy and I will only be replacing makeup that runs out such as eyeliner, eyebrow products, and concealer. I also must “shop my stash” first, so I use up anything I have, and if I can’t use it because it is too old or faulty, I will get rid of it in an effort to declutter. I use liquid eyeliner most days, and my current favorite is the Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen.

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen

Why I love it: It sounds gimmicky, but I love the hexagonal grip. I really do find it easier to hold. The tip is small and fine, which makes it perfect for a nice barely there line which is what I’ve been gravitating to lately, but I also am able to get a thicker line and a nice wing when that is the look I am after. It doesn’t pull or drag, and it is very opaque.

What is your favorite eyeliner?

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My No-Buy/Low-Buy For 2023

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I’m going on a no-buy/low-buy for 2023. We have significant financial goals, and I want to find more contentment while appreciating what I have, and figuring out what feelings I am processing when I might be inclined to shop.

My No-Buy/Low-Buy Rules

I will not be buying clothes. I will not be buying any makeup that isn’t replacing things like eyeliner, mascara, and concealer. I will not be buying skincare that isn’t replacing my basic skincare. I will not be buying any shoes. I am allowing myself to use gift cards or store credits. I have given myself one item/month, but I hope not to use this.

If you’d like to follow along or get updates, please let me know. And feel free to send me gift cards 😉 KIDDING. Nah, serious.

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My 3 Best Purchases of 2022

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Hi there! Happy 2023!

I am going on a low-buy / no-buy in 2023. If you’d like to hear more about that stay tuned! With my no-buy in mind, I want to share my top 3 purchases of 2023.

Vegan Leather Straight Leg Pants I own these in a pinky brown and in cream and I LOVE them. They’re comfortable, often the source of compliments, and a nice way to get out of a jean rut.

Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum This is pricy, but one bottle lasted me about 9 months using it every other night (alternating with my tretinoin) and it has made the most noticeable difference in my skin. If you’re around my age (35) I suggests this or a similar AHA.

New Balance Sneaker I wear these with sweatpants, trousers, jeans, leggings, and dresses. The absolute best and so comfortable.

What was your best purchase for 2022? I’d love to know!

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Christmas 2022 Outfits

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Hi there! Happy Belated Post. I enjoyed Monday 12/26 with family but didn’t want to miss a post. I never missed a post in 2014 (I started with 3 posts/week, then down to 2, and eventually 1 but I’ve never missed!) I hope you had a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate! And a joyous last week of 2022.

Chritsmas Outfits 2022

For Christmas Eve we went to mass with our dear friends and then to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. I t was certainly different than our plans but a snowstorm changed things and we ended up having a wonderful time!

Swiss Dot Top (I DIYed this by adding a velvet bow)

Vegan Leather Pants

Hanna Anderson Family PJs (the absolute best of the best. Stephan and I have had the same pair for YEARS and size the kids up, and I love it because they always have this print so it’s easy peasy + oh so cozy!)

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The Best Drugstore Concealer of 2022 | NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Serum Concealer

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

The NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Serum Concealer is the best concealer of 2022. I have been wearing only concealer with no foundation for years now, and I typically use a foundation for my undereye and a different concealer for any spots or discoloration I want to cover or correct. I found this concealer from my dear friend Sunny’s recommendation and she is an aesthetician who has helped me completely revamp my skincare. This foundation is THE REAL DEAL! It looks like skin and has a serum in it, which I usually roll my eyes at “skincare makeup” but this one is different.

About NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Serum Concealer

(From the website) MEDIUM COVERAGE CONCEALER – The first NYX skincare serum that can be used as an undereye concealer, as well as, face and body. Provides up to 24-hour hydration with a non-cakey, smooth, natural finish and a lightweight feel for skin that looks like skin in an instantly.

APPLICATION: Get undetectable, mess-free medium coverage cream concealer in one pump for dark circles, acne, blemishes, redness, irritation and dry patches with this vegan formula featuring tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea. Available in 13 vegan shades.

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Cyber Monday and Holiday Must-Haves | Shopping Guide For 2022

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Hi there! Happy Cyber Monday!

Below are my Cyber Monday and Holiday Must-Haves and a Shopping Guide For Her. Gift yourself, a gift to those special to you. Many of these items are not clothing pieces that need to be sized, so they’ll fit no matter what!

Cyber Monday Must-Haves | Shopping Guide For Her 2022

Abercrombie Sherpa Bucket Hat

Abercrombie Sherpa Slippers

Hatch Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock

Barefoot Dreams Socks

Sorel Boots (major sale!)

Apple AirPods Pros

Nespresso Machine

MI Football Sweatshirt (Sparty OR yes, that other team…)

Save The Great Lakes Shirt (free bottle opener)

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The PERFECT Michigan Beanies! | Holiday Gift Guide MI TRADING POST

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I have found the perfect pom Michigan beanie and cuffed Michigan beanie. Now, I am 100% biased because I selected them and my husband created the NOMI (Nothern Michigan) tags. They turned out perfectly, and are so cozy. You can shop our whole shop HERE.

NoMi Chunk Twist Beanie

It’s getting cold out there. Stay warm and keep that NoMi spirit alive with this warm chunky beanie.

NoMi Waffle Cuffed Beanie

It’s getting cold out there. Stay warm and keep that NoMi spirit alive with this warm cuffed beanie.

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Don’t forget to shop small this holiday season!

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Abercrombie Sweater Dress | Dressed Up and Down

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

First things first, I LAUNCHED A MI APPAREL BRAND WITH MY HUSBAND!! MI TRADING POST. Please give us a follow on INSTAGRAM and a “like” on FACEBOOK.

I’ve always loved the look of sweater dresses but didn’t feel like I would get much wear out of them because I lived in a very cold and snowy climate, and while I didn’t move *that* far we have had an unseasonably warm fall this year all-over Michigan and I love the sweater dress I bought so much that I need to share it with you.

Long-Sleeve Mockneck Mini Sweater Dress

I love this sweater dress because it can easily be dressed up or dressed down. I wore it belted with knee-high heeled boots to see Swan Lake and dressed down with loafers for an everyday look. I am so glad that the warmer fall prompted me to order this because now I am sure I’ll figure out ways to continue wearing it with tights as the weather cools down.

I purchased this in a size small and it has a relaxed fit. I did purchase a small tall one because at 5’7 I am right on the cusp of needing a tall, and for mini dresses, I prefer the bit of extra length.

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