michigan screen printing

Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit with U V Light | Review

May 10, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hadn’t gotten a manicure in probably close to two years. I got sick of painting my nails with a base coat, two coats of polish, and then a top coat only to have them chip after a day or two. I got gel manicures before special events, but when times changed in March of 2020, I started seeing more and more folks doing gel manicures at home. I asked for a gel manicure kit from Amazon, and it has been a GAME CHANGER.

Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit with U V Light | Review

The kit comes with the UV lamp, 6 gel polishes, a base coat, a matte top coat, a glossy top coat, cuticle oil, toe separators, a buffing tool, and several other cuticle and manicure tools.

This kit did take a bit of trial and error. My first attempt I struggled to get the edges of my nails to work well, but I realized that I needed to be careful to not let any excess polish go onto the skin next to my nails because once the polish is cured, any polish on the edges also hardens and then my nails don’t have a nice shape. I did also notice that a couple of the polishes didn’t cure as well as others, but overall this kit is a WINNER.

Hate waiting for polish to dry? Or nicking your polish or smudging them? ME TOO. My FAVORITE part about this kit is that the polish cures so quickly. It takes me about 45 minutes to do my nails, which is similar to the time you’d spend in a salon, and the cost of this kit is less than the cost of one gel manicure. I also purchased extra Beetles Gel Nail Polishes so I would have more options.

Shop

My final thoughts are this kit is SO WORTH IT! I have bought gel polishes before, but the light is what really makes it a gel kit. Have you ever tried a UV Light gel manicure at-home kit?

Watch One My YouTube Channel

THE BEST AMAZON RUNNING GEAR

April 19, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I buy running gear from a variety of places, but isn’t nice to sometimes just know what you can easily access on Amazon Prime? I think so! Today I want to share my favorite running finds on Amazon (and trust me, I’ve tried many). If you enjoy this, let me know and perhaps I’ll make a series or do a part 2.

Running Apparel

Running Accessories

Running Nutrition

What are your FAVORITE Amazon finds? Let me know in the comments! Just for fun, what was the last thing you purchased on Amazon?

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini-Course

Levi’s 501 Selvedge Jeans

Citizens of Humanity Liya Jeans Review

April 5, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a joyous Easter, if you celebrate!

As a kid I had a terrible time finding jeans. I was tall and thin and jeans that fit in the waist were usually too short. I’ll never forget wanting a pair of Limited Too rhinestone jeans, but they didn’t come in “slim fit” so I headed home with plain ‘ole denim jeans. I don’t know why in the 90’s and early 2000’s kids pants didn’t come with adjustable waists, but I digress. In high school I was shopping with my mom (our favorite thing to do together, and when we got along the best ; ) )and I tried on designer jeans. They fit. So, while the price point was WAY more than they’d ever spent on jeans for me, I rocked Seven For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, Paige…fast forward to college and more stores were offering more sizing options, and I began wearing most of my jeans from more affordable places again. For the past decade or so, most of my jeans have come from Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, and Express. Recently I bought a pair of Citizens of Humanity Liya (pronounced Leah) and I want to share my thoughts.

Citizen’s of Humanity Liya

A friend of my, a true denim goddess, was able to get me a steal of a deal (I’m talking 70+% off) on these jeans, which is what pushed me to take the plunge back into designer denim. These jeans are a thick, stiff denim and are fitted through the hip and thigh, but then straight down (similar to the Wedgie Fit Levi or Levi 501). When I first put these on they were perfect in the waist, bum, and thigh, but tight in the calf (runner probz) but after a day or so of wear, they were perfect. I haven’t worn Citizens in so long, but immediately remembered how they keep their shape as opposed to cheaper denim which can stretch out over time and result in a diaper butt.

Why I’m Investing in Sustainable vs. Fast Fashion

Over the past couple of years, I have transitioned my wardrobe to be a capsule wardrobe that consists of all neutrals (read about that here) and now that I’ve done that, I am working to buy higher-quality (often this means designer or more expensive) sustainable clothing and accessories vs. fast fashion. I will still buy my beloved Target and H&M for anything “trendy” or that I won’t be wearing repeatedly (think a wedding guest dress or a trend that will not be evergreen).

Shop

Citizens of Humanity Liya Jeans

*I bought my true size, but next time would potentially even size down because the calves were initially tight, but the rest of the jean stretched quickly. I do love that designer denim begins to form to your body. It feels special and luxurious.

My Favorite “Mom” Jeans

Levi Wedgie Jean

My Next Denim Purchase

Do you own designer jeans? Are you a fast-fashion shopper? Do you buy sustainable items? I would love to know!

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini-Course

Why I Only Wear Neutrals

March 22, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I wear neutrals almost exclusively. White, black, beige, gray, navy, denim, and I also consider blush and olive in the neutral category. I do not wear patterns or florals, but I do wear stripes, leopard print, plaid (buffalo check and gingham), and the occasional polka dot. But, why? Do I hate all colors? No, not at all…let me explain.

Why I Only Wear Neutrals

I love clothes, and if you could hear me in a store? “Cute. Cute. Cute! That’s cute”. But I hated not haven’t a definite style. In high school I wore the typical Abercrombie, Hollister, and American Eagle garb that was popular amongst high schoolers at the time. In college my wardrobe bounced around a lot, until I got a job at Abercrombie where we wore “core colors”. I LOVED it. What do I wear today? Navy, gray, or white. In my mid-twenties, now no longer working for Abercrombie, I bounced around and just bought whatever I thought was “cute” but didn’t really know what my style was. It was then that I decided to start figuring out more clearly what I liked, what I wanted my style to say to the world, and how to build a capsule wardrobe.

I went through my closet and pulled out anything I could sell or donate. I still do this every few months.

I now only buy neutral colors and it is a GAME CHANGER.

Why I Love Neutrals

Versatile
Timeless
Looks high-end (especially black. Black faux leather, black blazers even if inexpensive, look luxe)
You can invest (I haven’t done a lot of this yet, but if I spend $$$ on a classic piece that I’ll have forever that’s way better than on something trendy or that I won’t like in 2 years)
It’s so much easier to shop. I get to ignore 75% of every store or clothing section.
You can repeat and mix-and-match outfits easily (Once you get pictures in a floral dress, it’s far harder to repeat, no?)

Neutral Outfit Examples

Shop

A few great neutrals on Amazon to get you started.

Do you prefer neutrals? Or are you all about color and patterns?

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Target A New Day Hat Shown

How-To Wear a Bucket Hat in 2021 | The Bucket Hat is Back!

March 8, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Yes, the bucket hat is back. And, it isn’t just for Gen-Z! If you’re a millennial like me, you can rock it again, and do it better than you did in 1998. I remember thinking that my brown Adidas bucket hat was the coolest accessory, ever (it likely wasn’t, but I owned it and that is half the battle). I should ask my mom if she has pictures of this…goodness knows I wore it enough. If she finds them should I share them or burn them?… But, the bucket hat is back in a big way. Hats are one of my favorite accessories, and today I want to share with you my favorite way to incorporate the bucket hat in a wearable, classy way.

Let’s be real, not much was cuter than Britney in a bucket hat in Crossroads. I still love that movie. #FreeBritney

How-To Wear a Bucket Hat in 2021

I found a wool bucket hat by the brand A New Day from Target. This hat is pale, blush pink, and features a grosgrain ribbon and a small gold detail. I loved it, so much, and when I wore it for a picture on my Instagram, everyone else loved it too. I found several similar styles on Amazon that are also fantastic.

Shop

Have you tried this trend? Did you have a bucket hat growing up?

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Nadine West | Affordable Clothing Subscription Box

February 15, 2021 & 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 was so excited when I saw this shirt, but it is just too long and the knot sits at an awkward spot. I wish it was either a tunic with no knot, or shorter with the knot. The leggings are black with a white stripe, but they aren’t a very nice fabric.

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

How-To Pick Family Picture Outfits |2020

July 27, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Last week we got family pictures taken (finally. legit the last time we did our youngest who is 5.5 was in the womb) and I was asked several times on my Instagram how I selected our outfits, so today I am going to share my process.

How-To Pick Family Picture Outfits

1-Pick your own outfit first

Now, stay with me here. I knew that I wanted to feel confident and comfortable, so I wanted something that I felt that I could take truly happy, candid, and beautiful pictures in that I wasn’t sucking in, worried about wrinkling, or feeling less than my best in. If it’s engagement pictures or couple pictures, you can focus on your heels or your posture, but with family pictures and young kids? I knew if I picked something that would cover all my bases, I could build the rest of the family’s outfits around that I picked a Blush dress from Lucy Avenue.

2-Figure out a color palette

Once you have your outfit, you can pick your color palette. Once I knew that I was wearing a blush dress I decided that the boys all had soft blues that would coordinate well with the dress and this left me to find something for our daughter.

3-Have a “pop” of pattern or color

It isn’t 1998 and we aren’t at a mall photo studio. (Fun fact? Stephan and I got our “engagement” pictures at the mall because we were young and broke. Some could argue that we are still young and broke…joking, ish!) Gone are the days of all white shirts and jeans. It can be scary, but having one person rock plaid, a statement piece like a hat, faux fur for textrue, or a floral print that coordinates with the colors of the other outfits looks great! Just don’t get too busy or too “matchy-matchy”. I was having a rough time finding Hailey something, and ended up finding a jumpsuit at Walmart for less than $10 that was a butterfly floral print, so yes I got lucky.

4-Plan shoes, accessories, and makeup

HURRAY! You’ve laid all the clothing pieces on the bed and you’re happy with the result. The hardest part is over! Now, accessories! Try to not let this be an afterthought. I planned all of my jewelry (I love rings in photos, ladies! They look so good) and picked shoes that I wouldn’t be sinking into the dirt or twisting my ankle in while holding my kids. I wore more makeup than I typically wear in the summer especially, and I do suggest wearing makeup a *bit* heavier than your normal look in photos.

5- Pack extra clothes. Trust me

Put the clothes on just before the pictures, and grab a back-up for anyone who spills or isn’t reliably potty trained. You’ll feel much more relaxed and less tense knowing you have this option.

6- Know your angles and have fun!

I know which “laugh” pose looks naturally and which one makes me look like a hyena. I know my favorite “side”. I know what makes my kids smile. I saved a few inspiration ideas on a Pinterest board and wasn’t afraid to speak up when there were a few pictures I wanted.

Our photographer, Celeste Lovely Photography, is INCREDIBLE! If you’re local, check her out!

Did you find this post helpful? If so, please share! How often do you get family pictures taken? Let me know in a comment!

BUY A SHIRT!

Target Universal Threads | Affordable Pieces Under $20

July 13, 2020 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Over the past week or so I’ve seen the pencils and markers popping up at the big box stores, and I’ve gotten the influx of emails with Back-To-School promotions and fall fashion previews, but it is still summer and I want to share an easy, comfortable, and affordable outfit that I have been wearing on repeat from Target. I have raved about the line A New Day from Target, and while it is still my favorite, I have found some great pieces from Universal Threads this year and these are two of my ultimate favorites.

Women’s V-Neck Sweater Tank Top – Universal Thread™

I typically don’t gravitate to crochet style summer pieces, but for whatever reason this top called to me. It is the perfect simple tank that can be worn dressed up, or very casually with denim shorts. I purchased it in beige (neutral girl forever and ever), but I also LOVE the lilac color, which looks like a rose to me. It is an open weave and is unlined, but I felt comfortable wearing mine with a nude bra. I also wore it with a nude colored cami tank, and that looked nice for a more dressed up feel. I love that this would look great under jackets, and even a blazer. A con is that it should be hand-washed or washed delicately and hung to dry.

Women’s Mid-Rise Tie Front Utility Shorts – Universal Thread™

These shorts are SO GOOD! They feel like pajamas, but they look a little dressy. I love the olive color, and they aren’t too short where I feel that they’re too short to wear out and about. I find that they wash very well, and I usually hang them to dry but then tumble on low to get the wrinkles out (or, I am a huge fan of Downy Wrinkle Release or a quick steam).

Have you purchased any great pieces lately? What is your favorite clothing item to get at Target?