Leah Tackles

The BEST Whitening Toothpaste | Arm & Hammer Advanced White

November 9, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I have made several posts about my teeth whitening routine, but about 4 months ago we switched to Arm & Hammer Advanced White toothpaste and today I want to share it with you.

We had used Crest 3D White for years, and while I liked it I didn’t notice a huge difference. I was nervous to try the Arm & Hammer tooth paste because I had heard that it doesn’t have a traditional minty taste, and has a bit of grit, but I actually LOVE it! My teeth feel so clean after using it, and the toothpaste DOES NOT taste like baking soda. I actually find it to have a minty flavor like regular toothpaste, with the added bonus of a more clean feeling after. I am still using a Sensodyne toothpaste when using a teeth whitener.

Shop

What toothpaste are you using currently? Do you switch or are you brand loyal?

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

BUY A SHIRT!

NADINE WEST CLOTHING BOX REVIEW | OUTFIT SUBSCRIPTION BOX

November 2, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable style subscription service.

I have shared my outfits from Nadine West for two years now on my blog (read the posts here). Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does Nadine West Work?

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts On Nadine West

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Nadine West Coupon Code

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

Nadine West Unboxing

I received a really gorgeous olive dress that I am so excited to wear! I likely won’t wear it much until next fall though, because here we are getting into temps that are way too cold for bare legs. I also got a basic navy v-neck that I know will get lots of use. The last item that I got that I am keeping is a Tory Burch inspired necklace that I love but it did come tangled.

Nadine West Final Thoughts

I love getting my Nadine West box each month! Most months I get a few things that I love, but I do wish that there was a simple form to update style preferences or check-in each month to see what I’d like to find in my box. I hope that I will continue to get neutral pieces that fit my style and delicate jewelry that works with my sense of style. I would love to see some simple, neutral-colored maxi dresses for spring, too. I would rather receive two or three nicer items than a lot of pieces that aren’t as nice of quality.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

BUY A SHIRT!

The BEST Conditioner for cool blonde hair? | Joico Blonde Life Violet Conditioner

October 26, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

We had hard water and even though we diligently change are water softener salt, and I don’t wash my hair too often, I am still always working hard to keep brassy blonde at bay. I have tried LOTS of purple shampoo and conditioner, and today I want to share my thoughts on the Joico Blonde Life Conditioner.

Joico Blonde Life Conditioner

The Joico Blonde Life Conditioner claims that it will nourish and neutralize in one application. It is a color-balancing formula that offers shine, hydration, and protection. It claims it will cool brassy tones and brighten cool blonde hair. It will nourish and protect fragile or damaged blonde hair

Directions For Use:

Apply to wet hair. Lather. Leave in 1-3 minutes. Rinse, and follow with Conditioner. Use 2-3 times per week

My Thoughts

This helps keep the brass out of my hair and restores my strands to the cool toned blonde that I see the day I get my hair highlights. I will continue to use this 2-3 days/week.

Shop

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Review

October 19, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I have been a big fan of liquid lipstick for years, mostly because I never wanted to get lipstick all over my little loves or my husband, but with COVID and wearing a mask being needed for the foreseeable future, I have been wearing only liquid lipstick on the days when I wear lipstick. Several months ago one of my best friends suggested that I try the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, and today I am going to share my thoughts with you!

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

My friend specifically suggested the color “Loyalist” because she knows that I love a pinky nude, but for weeks I couldn’t get my hands on that shade. My sweet, sweet husband picked up the color “poet” for me which is a bit of a darker nude.

These lipsticks claim to be 16-hour wear. SuperStay Matte Ink™ features a unique arrow applicator for precise application.

The website offers this direction for application:

Step 1. Apply liquid lipstick in the center of your upper lip and follow the contours of your mouth.
Step 2. Glide the liquid lipstick across the entire bottom lip.

My Thoughts

I find that these lipsticks truly do wear ALL day! I had to use makeup remover to get it off. I really enjoy the shape of the applicator. My preference is to apply a small amount of lip balm before I do any of my make up to make sure my lips are soft and when I’m ready for my lips I lightly line my lips, fill in my cupids bow, and then apply a THIN LAYER of the lipstick. I don’t press my lips together and wait a minute or two before talking (a hard task for me).

Shop

What is your favorite drugstore liquid lipstick? Please share in the comments!

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

BUY A SHIRT!

NADINE WEST CLOTHING BOX REVIEW | OUTFIT SUBSCRIPTION BOX

October 12, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable style subscription service.

Before we dig in, a little housekeeping, a BABY-STEP SOCIAL MEDIA KIT.

What is Nadine West?

How Does Nadine West Work?

My Thoughts On Nadine West

Nadine West Coupon Code

Nadine West Unboxing

This box wasn’t a great one for me, however, the pair of pants that I got I LOVE! I know it would take me a lot of hunting to find a pair of black pants that have the tortoise buttons, great ankle length, and perfect peach [booty!] fit.

Nadine West Final Thoughts

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

BUY A SHIRT!

Retinol | How-To Incorporate Retinol Into Your Skincare Routine

October 5, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

If you’re like me, skincare while fun, can be daunting. Every single item in Sephora sounds like a must-have, but knowing what you need for your age and skin type, knowing what products to use with what and in what order, and let’s not forget how to find quality products that fit your budget…it is a lot. I recently started integrating retinol, and I want to share what I’ve been doing with you.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, which helps boost cell turnover. Retinol can help clear your pores and help with fine lines and wrinkles. For me, someone with oily/combo skin and in my early 30’s so starting to see fine lines, it is a win-win!

What Should I Buy?!

I struggled with this because while many products boast that they contain retinol, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I spoke to my dermatologist who suggested I begin with Differin Gel, which I hadn’t used since high school, so I was a bit skeptical. I used it but didn’t find that it was strong enough, so I ended up getting a prescription for Tretinoin, which I was able to find a GoodRx Coupon that made it about $25. You can buy Differin over-the-counter at drugstores and big box stores for about $20. If you do use retinol make sure that you are using a good SPF because it does make your skin more prone to burning. Since switching to Trentinoin I’ve noticed clearer pores, and my skin is drier (I will skip a night, here or there, if it feels overly dry or irritated). I am hoping to see it help combat fine lines, and just knowing that I’m doing my best using a skincare powerhouse helps me feel good, does that resonate? I can’t be alone in that feeling!

Are you using a retinol? Let us know in the comments what you are using!

Shop

Watch One My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/S7_OSY7fwasversion3rel1fs1autohide2showsearch0showinfo1iv_load_policy1wmodetransparentversion3rel1fs1autohide2showsearch0showinfo1iv_load_policy1wmodetransparent?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

COPY MY STYLE | WEDDING GUEST DRESS, HAIR, AND MAKEUP

September 28, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending an engagement party that was aaaaactually a SURPRISE WEDDNG for one of my dearest friends, my Littleton, my sorority sister and “little”. I love an excuse to dress up and drink bubbly while hanging onto a hunk of candy (hubster), so today I wanted to share my details with you today.

THE DRESS

I am so thankful for my daughter (she is 9 but legit has better style than most adults and puts together things I would have never thought of) and one of my other best friends who I trust to tell me “Girl, no” or, for this one “HELL YES!” which I appreciate endlessly.

I rarely order from ASOS, but I need to more often. It is priced similarly to H&M, and I like this dress as much as ones I have paid (or swooned over) from Nordstrom for quadruple the cost.

Shop the ASOS DESIGN halter neck pleated maxi dress in rust here.

THE MAKEUP

FUN FACT: I am obsessed with Hilary Duff. I am not one who would stand in line forever to meet a celeb or flip out if I touched one (I mean, if I touched JT I’m sure I might. I’d try to keep the chill but COMEON) but I love her. During quarantine and the summer months I’ve really embraced only a few dabs of concealer, a tiny bronzer because I’m super fair, and mascara, but the handful of times I’ve worn a full-face it has been my copycat of this Hilary Duff Vanity Fair makeup tutorial. I don’t have all of the products, but my makeup collection is large enough that I have something similar and make it work.

My FAVORITE Lip Liner! Seriously, buy it. I have had it for years and it’s a stub now and still going strong. It works with any nude or pinky nude lipstick. THE BEST.

THE HAIR

I curled all of my hair with a Nume wand and let the curls set completely (hello Shirley Temple at the Rest Areas. oh well) and then add a little bit of my beloved Batiste Dry Styling Plumping Powder that gives me alllllllll the sexy volume! *Note: I didn’t like this when I had long hair but with my lob? LOVE! I also tip my head upside down and finger comb it so that the curls and volume look natural…I woke up like this, clearly.

Where is your go-to place for dresses for special events?

The gift because I love an excuse to curate a basket!

——-

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Nadine West Clothing Box Review | Outfit Subscription Box

September 21, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable style subscription service.

Before we dig in, a little housekeeping, a BABY-STEP SOCIAL MEDIA KIT.

What is Nadine West?

How Does Nadine West Work?

My Thoughts On Nadine West

Nadine West Coupon Code

Nadine West Unboxing

This post shares two unboxings. I really love the jewelry pieces, an opal necklace and a beautiful cuff bracelet. I got a pair of leggings that is very opaque and will work well for both workouts and athleisure wear. The tie waist, pull-on style pants are comfortable but not something that I see myself wearing often because I already have many similar pairs. I recieved a beautiful orange top that I wish was a bit more of a rust color, and because the color is a little brighter than I prefer I think I will pass it along to a friend.

Nadine West Final Thoughts

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

BUY A SHIRT!

SUN BURNT ULTRA-HYDRATING FACE MASK | FACE SUNBURN RELIEF

September 14, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Back-to-School chaos comes every September, and this year while different because of COVID, is just as stressful. I’ve been reaching for sheet masks as a way to give myself 20 minutes of “me” time in the evenings before I read as a part of my evening routine. I bought a few of the Sun Burnt Ultra-Hydrating Face Mask.

SunBurnt Ultra-Hydrating Face Mask

SunBurnt Face Mask is specially designed to provide your skin with luxurious recovery from the sun, cooling, soothing and rehydrating hot, dry skin on your face.

Infused with natural hydrating and antioxidant ingredients, including aloe, cucumber, marine collagen and hyaluronic acid.

My Thoughts

I used this once at our family lake cottage after a day in the sun and found my skin was not terribly burnt, but had gotten more sun that I normally allow, and woke up to skin that had no tenderness, blotchiness, or that tight sunburnt feel. I also used it this week and while I wasn’t burnt, I have been using a retinoid so my skin has been dry, and I woke up to hydrated skin that looked and felt so much better.

SHOP

What do you do for sunburn relief? Let me know in the comments!

Watch My Latest YouTube Video

Social Media Marketing Service s

Morning Routine Mini-Course

Need Shirts? Wholesale Custom Screen Printing and Art Design

NEW Freeman Hot Cold Mask Review | My new FAVORITE?

September 7, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are enjoying a nice long weekend if you are here in the U.S! Here in the midwest we are experiencing quick temp drops as we head into fall, and I have a 2-in-1 mask by Freeman Beauty called Hot Cold Mask to share with you today.

This 2-in-1 mask from Freeman Beauty offers a HOT mask and a COLD mask
HOT: A heating cleansing mask to help unclog pores. Draw out impurities for a cleaner pores with this self-heating mask. This mask contains moroccan lava clay refreshes skin for a radiant glow.
COLD: A cooling hydration mask for tired skin. You can quench and soothe your skin with this cool, hydrating gel mask. This mask contains cucumber to balance the skin.

My Thoughts

I absolutely LOVE the self-heating HOT mask! It is hot upon application, but it doesn’t continue to get hot or get uncomfortable hot. It is just hot enough to feel like it’s working to help the pores open up. I liked that I was able to massage it into the skin and then only needed to leave it on for 3-5 minutes because that is sometimes all the time I can find for a mask when life gets hectic! The cooling side did give an initial cooling sensation that is especially appreciated in the warmer months, or if I’ve just worked out. I don’t set timers for my mask (do you? Comment below…) and just go by “feel” (risky, I know!) and I was able to feel after about 10 minutes when this mask lost it’s cooling feel. I washed both masks off with a warm washcloth and found them to come off easily. This mask is my new favorite! I love that it is 2-in-1 and it gives me an easy way to make sure I mask at least twice/week.