Book Club

BAN.DO 2017 AGENDA REVIEW AND WHY I SWITCHED TO A SIMPLE PLANNER!

September 19, 2016 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! Today Connor, our middle little love, started school! I can’t believe I now have two of three in school! Things have been crazy lately, and that inspired this life change for me and I want to share it with you today.

WHY THE CHANGE?

Lately I have been feeling completely overwhelmed and I decided that I needed to simplify my life in areas where I could, and try to cut myself a little slack. I have been an avid Erin Condren Life Planner user for years, and while I still love the Life Planner I decided it was becoming too much for me. I know, that sounds awfully dramatic because after all, it is only a planner, but the way I used the Erin Condren planner it really was too much for me at this point in my life. My Life Planner was full-on weekly sticker sheet spreads, fancy markers, and not only was that time consuming, but it was expensive. I loved it! And I still do, they’re fun and like a scrapbook or memory keeper. At some point I hope to go back to it, but it was becoming something I dreaded doing instead of something that brought me joy. If I do go back to a decorated planner, I will have two planners because I can’t imagine giving up the Ban.do style! Right now I need function and a little cute tossed in, which is what made me order the Ban.do 2017 Agenda.

THE DIFFERENCE IT HAS MADE:

The second I ordered the Ban.do planner I felt like a weight had come off my shoulders! That sounds crazy, it isn’t as if I was forced by anyone but myself to fill out my other planner in such detail, but I truly felt lighter after deciding to make the switch! The Ban.do planner is adorable, and gives me the cuteness factor I crave, but it’s also SUPER functional and easy to fill out on-the-go! I love that I can toss it into my bag and that is it! It also is way more cost effective! I spent $25 on the planner including shipping and it comes with cute little stickers, a cute “secret code” key and messages sprinkled throughout the planner, and a planner with monthly view and weekly pages that has inspirational and funny quotes! I am obsessed! I am a convert!!

BUY THE BAN.DO 17 MONTH CLASSIC AGENDA

(*Note: NOT an affiliate link!)

What planner or agenda do you use? Please let me know in the comments! Have you let go of anything that made you feel a little bit more free? Let me know that as well! Have a wonderful week! Thank you for reading : )

SOMETHING FOR ME | ADULT COLORING BOOKS?

February 1, 2016 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that all of you had a great weekend! I got to spend some great time with my husband and all three kids and that just makes my heart happy! I am a person who likes to be busy, and that’s good because I am very busy (in fact more busy than even I would like!) but I am horrible about making time for myself! I know a lot of you out there, especially moms, can probably relate! It’s hard to prioritize time for yourself! As I’m sure you’ve noticed, everyone and their mother is using adult coloring books (literally, my mom has some!), so I decided to jump on the bandwagon. If you’ve been watching our daily vlogs you know that in just a couple of days our life will be getting even crazier, so I thought this would be the perfect time to try these. I am fairly crafty, but I am not an artist at all, but I am excited! I think it’s important that we do something for ourselves that is just for fun and just for us! So, in the comments, tell me something you do for yourself! And, have you tried any adult coloring books?

Thank you so much for reading! Have a wonderful week and do something for you : )

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX | OCTOBER 2015

October 28, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Lately I’ve been doing first impression unboxing videos on my YouTube channel, but because I have so many videos that that need to be edited right now I decided to do this months box as a blog post. The PopSugar Must Have Box is a monthly lifestyle subscription box that has food, fashion, beauty, home decor, and exercise goodies for $39 per box. that If you like seeing PopSugar this way as opposed or in addition to the videos, let me know in the comments.

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE OCTOBER 2015:

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

$25

I absolutely love Mindy Kaling’s first book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me, and have listened it to on Audible.com more than once. I hate to admit that I already stored this in our basement, because realistically I don’t have time to read this right now, but I’m happy to have it!

Savvy Sleepers Luxury Satin Pillowcase

$36

I think changing your pillowcase often, and using a satin pillow case are two great ways to keep your skin free from breakouts, and the one I already have isn’t as nice as this one. I am very excited about this, and had just been thinking it was about time for a new one.

Easy, Tiger Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set

I wish I could say I was attending parties where I was bringing alone a nice bottle of wine, but realistically I’m not, however these are adorable and they’ll be saved with my other hostess and housewarming kitchen gear.

Belgian Boys De Stroopwafel

$1.59

This was such a fancy, fun little treat! I shared these with my husband, Stephan, with some tea over the weekend. I love that the waffle sits perfectly over a mug of coffee or tea.

The Honest Company Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub

$17

I used this the day that I got it and so far I’m loving it! It’s a great scrub to use before sunless tanning, too. I followed it up with my regular body wash and my skin was super soft!

Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks

$15

I absolutely love fuzzy socks, and can always use a new pair. I haven’t worn these yet, but they seem super cozy. It’s nice that some of the proceeds go to support women with breast cancer and that’s a great item for the October box.

Special Extras:

Danielle Stevens Monogram $40 Gift Card

I don’t count this because you have to spend more than it’s worth, but it’s still nice if that was something you were interested in. I do *LOVE* monogrammed jewelry, but I probably won’t use this.

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product Sample

This is the perfect size for traveling and I already use this product every time I wash my hair! I am very happy to have this for (get ready broken record:) Disney : )

TOTAL VALUE: $102.59 not counting the special extras …cutting that “At least $100 value” a tad close this month, but I do think it’s a fun box. I am the most excited about the pillowcase, slipper socks, and body scrub.

Do you subscribe to PopSugar? You can click here to subscribe to PopSugar or find out more. If there are any other subscriptions you are interested in seeing on my blog, please let me know so I can check them out for you! Have a great weekend!!

PopSugar Must Have Box November 2014!!! BONUS POST!

November 20, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy THURSDAY! Or Happy Friday Eve ; ) Because that sounds much nicer to me!

I usually post on a Monday and Wednesday schedule but when both my PopSugar Must Have Box AND My Ipsy Glam Bag showed up I knew I had to squeeze one of them in right away for you guys!!

If you don’t know, the box contains full size items in all different categories: food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! *Usually* the PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

November 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box:

The Secret Recipes by Dominique Ansel from Simon & Schuster:

This is such a beautiful baking book! This is written by the creator of the Cronut (YUM!) and has recipes for everyone, no matter your skill level so it says. It looks complicated honestly, but I still want to try some recipes out! I really enjoy baking, and I do have some baking books but none as fancy smancy as this! I think it would look gorgeous sitting in your kitchen or on a table, but with little kids mine is up with all of my other cookbooks.

$35

Saffiano Wallet On a Chain by Sorial:

I love this! I think it’s a fantastic idea and although I usually am carrying a big bag or diaper bag because I have little kids, this could be great for a girls night out or date night!! One concern is that I do *not* think this will fit larger phones like the iPhone 6. Quality wise this seems nice, but someone told me that the zipper on theirs came broken : / I am sure PopSugar will get it replaced quickly, but it does make me question the quality a bit. Still, very cute and functional! *Note: Lipstick shown in picture is for size reference!

$49

Ambergis Shea Butter Cream by K. Hall Simpatico:

I say this every time PopSugar sends luxury lotions…I LOVE IT! I don’t splurge on lotions but I definitely love them! The packaging of this is very luxe, but I don’t like the metal style tube because sometimes when you squeeze it they can crack…basically it is stylish but just doesn’t seem as functional this way to me…is that just me?! I opened this right away, but I had to do so with a pen because it doesn’t have that little part some caps have to poke it open. I love the light scent of this and have already been enjoying it!!

$22

Thoughtful Heart Stationery by Tiny Prints:

I just mentioned in a recent post how much I love sending snail mail to loves ones! And I *adore* pretty stationary, so this will definitely get used.

$15

Custom 3-Pack for POPSUGAR Must Have by Wine Glass Writer:

Oh my goodness! These are fantastic!! I am super pregnant, so I’m not currently consuming any wine, but I love wine and all the little accessories to go along with it! These are so much fun!!

$9.95

Chicago Mix Popped Corn by G.H Cretors

THIS. IS. UNREAL!!!! Are you paying attention?! UNREAL! Seriously!! I saw it an was kind of “meh” about it at first. I knew I would eat it, I do like carmel corn and popcorn, but it isn’t something I gravitate to if I’m in a chocolate shop or anything. But this?! Stop, seriously, stop! It is THE BEST SNACK I HAVE TRIED ALL YEAR! Hands DOWN! I know I sound sort of like a crazy preggo, but both my mother in-law and my friend who are also PopSugar subscribers have confirmed my feelings, this is the bomb.com! My husband doesn’t like carmel corn, and isn’t much of a snacker (it’s truely unfair actually!), but even he thought this was pretty amazing. I am buying a case of 12 bags on amazon for $35! That should last me a good two weeks ; )

$3.69

TOTAL BOX VALUE:

$134.64

After feeling lukewarm about the October PopSugar Must Have Box I am so happy with the November box! I love everything and everything will get used! I am super excited for the December box and hope that it ships plenty early so we can enjoy the goods before Christmas!

Do you subscribe to PopSugar? If you would like to you can sign up here for $39/month! I love subscription boxes and will be reviewing my November Ipsy Bag next week!! If there are any other subscriptions that you think I need to try, let me know in the comments or find me on social media! It’s always LeahTackles : ) Have WONDERFUL weekend my loves!!

September Favorites!

September 29, 2014 & 5 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend! One of my good friends visited, and we had a wonderful time with beautiful weather! And my alma mater won big at our homecoming game : ) I am combining my beauty favorites and lifestyle favorites into one post this month. Let’s get right into it…

September Favorites:

1) M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

This isn’t new to my collection, but I have been using it a lot lately and have fallen back in love. I love this as an eye shadow base or on days when I want a super natural look, alone.

2) Wet n’ Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana

This is definitely NOT a bronzer, but it is part of the Coloricon Bronzer collection from Wet n’ Wild, and what it is is a *OMG* gorgeous highlighter. The price cannot be beat, and it comes with a huuuge amount of product. Love it!

3) Maybelline “The Nudes” Palette

I had been holding off buying this because I have so many neutral palettes…but when I saw it was buy one get one 50% off at Walgreens, I went for it because I needed some other Maybelline products. If you do not have this yet and you love neutral eye makeup, or if you have been holding off getting the Naked palettes by Urban Decay or other neutral palettes from high-end brands, YOU NEED THIS! It has had some mixed reviews, but I absolutely love it! I have worn it more than any of my other eye shadows this past month, and think it is definitely worth the $10-12. On the back it shows how you can break it up into quads, trios, and duos which is super helpful for people who maybe don’t know where to start with an eye look, and I find the quads especially to be fantastic! The pigmentation overall is good, although I will say that they wear and swatch much better with an eye shadow primer used first. The packaging is simple, not bulky, and very sleek for drugstore, but my one complaint is that there is no mirror. I could gush on and on about this, and if you’d like more information please let me know because this palette really could have its own post!

4) The Balm Shadow/Blush in Down Boy

This is a perfect baby pink blush! I love this because it looks great with so many eye shadow and lip combos! You can’t go wrong with it, but it is HIGHLY pigmented, so you only need a tiny bit!

5) Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in Porecelain Ivory

This is my go-to everyday pressed setting powder ever since the Dream Wonder line replaced the Dream Matte line. I like that it gives an ever so slight coverage in addition to any foundation or BB cream you might have on.

6) EOS Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry

I love the EOS lipbalms! And so does my 3 year old ; ) I like to apply these while I’m doing my makeup so that my lipsticks have a nice base…and this lipbalm is even thin enough that my matte lipsticks still appear matte but have a little moisture underneath.

7) Dual Ended Brow Brush with Spooli

Brand really doesn’t matter too much here, there are great low cost options as well as more high-end brushes, but I have been using powder for my brows lately and loving a dual ended brow brush with spooli.

8) NCLA Los Angeles Nail Polish in Rodeo Drive Royalty

I adore this nail polish! I mentioned it in my “Leah’s Friday Five” on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog, and it has been on my nails almost all month! I keep re-applying it because I can’t get enough of this gorgeous color!

9) Bauble Bar Arc Pendant Necklaces in Rose Gold

I have been loving my plain rose gold arc necklace layered with my pavé rose gold arc necklace! So simple and beautiful! This necklace from Bauble Bar is similar.

10) Gorjana Viceroy Necklace in Yellow Gold

This is such a beautiful simple piece! It goes well with everything!

11) Minnie Mouse Coffee Cozy

I found this adorable crochet Minnie Mouse coffee cozy from LNRCrochetDesigns on Etsy! The seller is super helpful and shipping was very fast. How cuuuute is this?! Seriously! Cute!

12) Name Bubbles Small Contact Clothing Labels

This is mostly for all the moms out there! Or maybe if someone is stealing your jacket off your chair at the office or your food out of the fridge at work, you too ; ) These labels are WASHER AND DRYER SAFE! And just STICK ON! Amazing. And they come in really cute designs, too. I was able to use a coupon code “B2SNB” for 10% off as well.

13) “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” by Laura Markham on Audible.com

This book is amazing! Stephan and I are only halfway through listening to this book, and it has changed our relationship with our kids (and eachother!!) for the better. I don’t think you need to be struggling or think there is a problem at all to gain a great deal from this book! I really think this book would be benefital to anyone, with grown kids, or without kids at all! We plan to pick up a paper copy as well to highlight our favorite parts. Seriously, READ THIS IF YOU HAVE KIDS!

Phew! That was pretty long! If you read all that, thank you so much! What things have you been reaching for and loving this past month? I would love to know! I hope that you have a great start to your week, and don’t forget to subscribe!! : )

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JUNE 2014

June 13, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friiiiiiday!!

Today I am very excited to be reviewing the June PopSugar Must Have Box!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too. The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

The box and insert have been revamped and I love the new look!

You can see my post on my May PopSugar Box here and if you have questions on how I ended up liking any of those products please comment to let me know and I would be happy to answer : )

JUNE 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Lemon Wet Wipes from You Smell

These probably aren’t something I would have bought, but they are in adorable packaging and I’ll happily carry them in my purse.

Hawaiian BBQ Chips from One Potato Two Potato

I really like these! They have a nice little kick and have a nice full BBQ flavor. I was worried they would be really sweet, but they aren’t much sweeter than a normal BBQ chip.

Beach Towel from Turkish-T

$32

This is so pretty and soft!! I love the idea of using it as a wrap or maybe even a sarong. Love love love!

The One & Only by Emily Giffin’s

$28

I have been hearing so much buzz about this book! I am hoping I can find the time to read it! I love to read, but can never seem to find the time to read! Maybe I’ll see if it’s on Audible : /

Basic Hair Ties from Lollies

These are SO cute!! And I think they’ll look adorable as bracelets, too.

Shiny Citrus Body Lotion from Sacha Jaun

$24

I started using this right away! I *love* fancy body lotions, and this one is lovely. It smells so fresh and wonderful!

Special Extra: $15 Gift Card from Native Union

This website has a lot of cool tech-y gadgets (although I don’t think any for $15!) and I am giving this to my husband : ) I like tech accessories too, but I think my sweet hubs deserves a little something too.

I am NEVER disapointed with my PopSugar subscription! This month added up to $104 not counting the $15 gift card. I STILL haven’t subscribed to anything else in the subscription box world, but I am sososososo close! I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend! And don’t forget to subscribe : )

APRIL LIFESTYLE FAVORITES AND BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!

May 2, 2014 & 1 Comment

Hi There! HAPPY FRIDAY!! : )

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!
I am THRILLED to announce that I am going to be writing a bi-weekly column for Pearls and Pastries Shop blog!! I wrote a guest post, Guest Blogger-Leah Tackles, and am so excited to be a part of it regularly now! My column is called Leah’s Friday Five, and my first post went up today! I will still be posting on the same Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule on Leah Tackles. Please check out my column as well as the rest of Lauren’s blog and her AMAZING Pearls and Pastries Shop on Etsy!

Now today as promised I want to do a quick and to the point post on my lifestyle favorites for the month of April!

APRIL LIFESTYLE FAVORITES:

iPhone App:

Groovebook

This app costs $2.99/month and you can print up to 100 photos from your phones photo albums! I love this for scrapbooking and because I am horrible about not printing photos for months at a time!!

TV Show:

Hart of Dixie

I have loved Rachel Bilson since her days on The O.C (I bonded with my college roommates instantly over that show!) and she is just as lovable in this. The show is about a doctor, Zoe (Rachel Bilson), from NYC who ends up living in a tiny town in Alabama…hilarity ensues ; ) But my favorite part of the show is the fashion! Oh my goodness I love it!! I want it all!

Book:

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

I am in the middle of listening to this on Audible.com and I think it’s such an awesome idea! Even if you only take a way a few pieces of advice or ideas, I think it’s worth a listen. The book is about her journey each month working on different aspects of her life over the course of a year to make her life happier.

Girl Power Favorite:

Gretchen Rubin

She is the author of The Happiness Project, and I just think it’s pretty gutsy for someone to admit that they are happy but could be happier : )

Workout:

C25K iPhone App

I did the Couch to 5K early last year and loved it! I recently had been trading in my 30 minute runs for walks and needed a way to get back into running! And this app works! I hadn’t been running since having my daughter in 2011 and when I first used this app I was skeptical. I love it!

Song:

Dark Horse by Katy Perry

I.Can’t.Stop.Singing.This!

Movie:

Frozen

My 3 year old just got this for her birthday! HOW CUTE! I already loved the songs, now I am hooked on the movie too! It’s SO good!

Food:

Blue Diamond Natural Oven Roasted Almonds in Dark Chocolate

One of my best friends sent me some of these in a care package over a year ago and I have been hooked ever since! I like chocolate at night, and these really do the trick! I count out servings (yes, seriously) most of the time so I don’t go too crazy…but you really don’t need to because a few go a long way!

Kale Chips:

Oh my goodness! These are amazing! I have made 3 batches since last week! I am a nighttime snacker! Stephan and I usually stay up pretty late getting things done and getting some kiddo-free time while they are sleeping, so I always want a snack after dinner! I am going to make a kale chip recipe post soon!! : )

Home:

King Cube Tray

This is a silicone ice cube tray that makes giant ice cubes! It is suggested for use in cocktails, but can also be used iced tea or soda. It’s awesome because it doesn’t dilute your drink nearly as much as traditional ice cubes.

Copper Milagro Heart

This is a beautiful rustic copper heart that we got recently as a gift from my mom (thank you!!). The Spanish word “Milagro” means “Miracle” and it’s a beautiful handmade reminded of the miracle of love. I am going to be hanging this over my desk on my gallery wall.

Favorite Moments:

1) My son, Connor, walking!
2) My daughter, Hailey, blowing out her birthday candles!
3) Watching Frozen with my hubster, Steph, while the kids were asleep!

Okay, that’s it : ) I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!! If you have any questions or comments, please let me know! What have been your lifestyle favorites lately? I would love to hear about them! You can comment by clicking the link by the title of this post, or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! And if you enjoyed this post, please subscribe!