Leah Tackles

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Cheap Whitening Strips?

February 20, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday! I hope you’re off of work for President’s Day ; )

I’ve whitened my teeth with trays, whitening strips, gels…you name it! And I’ve always had decent success. I whiten my teeth a couple of times a year, and today I want to share my thoughts on the Equate Timeless White Whitening Strips from Walmart.

Equate Timeless White Whitening Strips

I love these. They are $15 and work just as well for me as more expensive brands, and while they aren’t fancy, they get the job done. I have a LED whitening light I use for the last 5 minutes. I have sensitive teeth, so whenever I whiten I brush my teeth with this sensitive teeth toothpaste.

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My Favorite Perfume [under $30!]

February 13, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I have a signature scent but in 2022 I tried the Ariana Grande Cloud Body Spray which I talked about in this post. I have been wearing it almost every evening and I love that Ariana Grande Cloud is a dupe for Baccarat Rouge 540.

I bought our daughter Ariana Grande Sweet Like Candy a sweet perfume that is perfect for a tween or someone young at heart, for Christmas and also got myself a bottle of the perfume version of Cloud because I have enjoyed the body spray so much.

Ariana Grande Cloud Perfume

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My Favorite Abercrombie Jeans [25% off!]

February 6, 2023 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Abercrombie has sales often, and right now their jeans are on-sale! I wear Abercrombie jeans multiple days each week, and own more Abercrombie denim than any other denim. My favorites the Abercrombie 80’s Mom Jean, Abercrombie Mom Jean and the Abercrombie Straight Jean are on-sale and this is the time to snag them!

I typically wear the regular fit but sometimes will try on the curve love (especially in looser fits when I size down in the waist).

Abercrombie 80’s Mom Jean

Abercrombie Ultra High-Rise Straight Jean

Abercrombie High-Rise Mom Jean

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My CHEAPEST Beauty Favorite | The Best Body Lotion

January 30, 2023 & Leave a Comment

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

January 23, 2023 & Leave a Comment

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

January 16, 2023 & Leave a Comment

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

January 9, 2023 & Leave a Comment

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

January 2, 2023 & Leave a Comment

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

December 29, 2022 & Leave a Comment

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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