January Favorites

First favorites of 2015!  Is it just me or did January fly??  On one hand I'm super excited that we're one month closer to warmer weather, but I'm really not trying to wish my life away.

Elvis Duran was talking about living in the moment this morning on the radio and that these really are the days.  I'm trying to channel that thought process.... anyway, let's talk favorites!

1. Alex & Ani Positive is How I Live Bracelet

This bracelet was a Christmas gift from one of my most darling friends and I have worn it almost every day since.  The meaning behind this piece is all about being positive and sharing that kindness with people throughout your day.  My favorite part of the description that came with this was to "greet each day with an open heart because every situation is enhanced with enthusiasm."  Each time I wear this bracelet and it catches my eye during the day, it's a little reminder to think and be positive.

2. Cabin Socks

Scott gave me two pairs of these for Christmas and I cannot stop wearing them.  I'm usually not a huge fan of fuzzy socks because they're too big to wear with shoes and they make my feet overheat.  But these fuzzy socks are like a little bit of heaven.  They are slimmer (if that makes since when talking about socks) than previous fluffy socks I've had, and they're infused with aloe that keeps your feet warm but super soft and cool at the same time.  Is that even possible...?  I don't know how they do it, but these are really great socks.

3. Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum

This has been my skin lifesaver this month.  I have sensitive skin that doesn't do well with many moisturizers which can be a huge problem in the cold, windy winter.  I won this product through Allure (score!) and when it came in the mail I was so excited.  It is luxurious and silky; a little goes a long way.  The serum it definitely pricey ($75), but if it's within your budget, it's worth trying.

4. Mike's Hot Honey

After reading about this on philly.com, I hopped right on over to Google and ordered my bottle.  I placed my order on a Thursday and received it Saturday morning and started to think of things I could try it on.  The first thing I had it on was one of the recommended pairings- pizza!  This stuff is sweet but seriously spicy; it is so good.  Since then I've been trying to come up with anything and everything to put this on.  They recommend trying in a cocktail; if you have any ideas leave me a comment!

5. PB2 & CPB2

Yes, powdered peanut butter has made my monthly favorites.  Originally I was only using PB2 and CPB2 (chocolate peanut butter!!!) in my protein shakes, but once I followed the instructions to make this into actual peanut butter, there is no going back.  It's so easy (2 T. powder, 1 T. water) and it mixes up just like regular peanut butter, with much less fat and fewer calories.  If you're a peanut butter lover looking for a healthier alternative, give this a try.

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I hope you liked my favorites this month, I wanted to switch up the format a little to include some treats as well as products.  Feel free to leave a comment letting me know some of your favorites this month!

October Favorites

One month closer to the holidays... I can smell the Christmas trees now and it's not just because I'm burning my B&BW Balsam candle.  October was a lovely month!  We had our first anniversary, lots of birthday celebrations, a trip to the orchard, and my first ever wine tasting.  I'm excited for the end of this month; we have a full weekend with Halloween, my momma's birthday and the Race for Hope in honor of my dad on Sunday.  For now, let's take a look at a few of my favorite things this month!

Beauty Product: Elizabeth & James Nirvana Fragrances

I caved this month and bought a roller ball of each of Elizabeth & James Nirvana scents: Black and White.  To me, White is light, floral, happy, day-time scent.  Black is a bit deeper, sexier, evening scent.  When I put either of these on my wrist, I honestly can't stop smelling them!!! I've become obsessed with wearing Black on one wrist and White on the other.  I think they mix so beautifully and until I figure out which one I like better, I'm just going to wear them both!

Songs: Waves & Trumpets

Waves - Mr Probz (Robin Schulz Remix)

I could listen to this song over and over.  I (obviously) like songs that are feel-good and get you pumped up.  I'll give Scott credit for finding this one.

Trumpets by Jason DeRulo

This song is just my jam lately.  Kinda sucks that Jay-Son DeRuuulo and Jordin Sparks are no more cause I feel like this song might be about her, but I'm still down with it.

Food Find: Cookie Chips

Y'all.  Salted peanut butter cookie chips. They are so amazing!  I found these bad boys at the grocery store (obvi) last week and lets just say they did not last long.  This week we picked up chocolate chip and, you guessed it, they're awesome, too.  I know there's a lot of candy going around this week but blah blah blah - try these!

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Friday is HALLOWEEN!!!  I am so excited because my newish job has a costume contest and I get to stay in costume to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.

I'm going to be one of the following...

        A. Princess Jasmine (or Princess Jabs-Min according to my niece)
        B. A ballerina
        C. Taylor Swift circa Shake it Off video
        D. Maggie from TWD

Leave a comment to see if you can guess what I'm dressing up as!

September Favorites

I say it at the end of every month, seems like each one goes faster than the last.  Let's just jump right into my favorites for the month!

Find: Marc Jacobs Honey

My last Sephora online order included a sample of Marc Jacobs fragrance, Honey.  I sprayed it twice before dropping the tiny glass bottle to the floor and watching it shatter.  Heartbreaking, I know, but I did get to smell it!  I loved it and was so upset that I wasted the rest of that sample.  Literally two days later, Honey pops up on Groupon; $49.99 for 1.7 fl.oz. (normally $76).  I bought it on a semi-whim seeing as I only wore it once, but am so glad I did!  It is more of a Spring scent, but for the time being the beautiful little bee-covered bottle can sit on my perfume stand and look pretty :)

Memory: Curacao!!!

I've shared all our pictures from Curacao (here, here and here) already, and I'm sure it's obvious why it's my favorite September memory!  We had so much fun and every night my dreams are still in Curacao.  Of course I have a trend where all of my dreams eventually turn into nightmares and a really high cliff with a shark at the bottom of it started showing up recently so that's just awesome ... whomp whomp.  Anyway, still my most favorite memory this month!

Food Find(s): Pumpkin Eggo Waffles & Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts

I picked both of these up in the grocery store and Scott asked me why I have to "buy everything pumpkin."  I'm like uhhh... fall?  And I'm glad I stuck with my gut (literally) and tried both of these because they're delicious!  Pumpkin pie pop tarts for 15 seconds in the microwave + a cup of chai = heaven on a chilly fall night.  I know we haven't had many of those nights yet, I'm just getting prepared!

Song: Taylor Swift "Shake it Off"

Tay tay's done it again!  Every time this song comes on I am rocking out to it.  Liz and I had a dance par-tay (pun intended) and we were shaking errything off!  I love how she's basically making fun of herself and turned it into a catchy song.  In other news Scott is refusing to let me pick the music in our house anymore ;)

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Happy Monday!  This week I have two exciting posts planned- a DIY candle holder to add to you Halloween decor and a flashback Friday to our wedding pictures in honor of our first anniversary next Monday.  For now I am off to my flu shot, eeek!!!

Farmer's Market Favorites

I'm a big fan of supporting local shops and restaurants, and I try to carry that local support out to our farmers and vendors around the area.  It takes a little time to get used to/familiar with shopping at a farmer's market, but in the long run, I believe you find better quality food and, in some cases, end up saving money!  Win win situation my friends!

Most Saturday mornings Scott and I head into the borough for the lovely West Chester Growers Market!  It's open May through December from 9AM-1PM.  We try to get there early to have the best options from all the vendors.  The vendors range from delis and produce to beautiful flowers and anything maple you can imagine.

We've found a few staples over the summer, and we can't help but going back for more of what we love!  Here are a few of our recommendations:

1. Maple Oat Clusters, Granola, and Honey Whole Wheat Bread from Big Sky Bread Company

If you get there early enough, Big Sky Bread Co. offers half loafs, which are perfect for just Scott and I.  The bread is fluffy and toasts up really nicely; it makes the best grilled cheese :).  In addition to bread, we always find something good to snack on for the rest of our shopping trip (like the maple clusters or granola!).  The bread will need to be refrigerated since they use no preservatives.

2. Italian Herb Goat Cheese from Yellow Springs Farm

Speaking of grilled cheese, this goat cheese lasts like 3 days in our house.  I put is on crackers, salads, or in scrambled eggs.  It's been great every time I've had it!  They have had a lavender soft goat cheese in the past, but it sold out before I could get one!

3. Blood Orange Bergemot /Lavender Lime/Santorini soap from Ellen April Handcrafted Soap

These lovely soaps hold a special place in my heart.  When my parents moved into the borough, my dad's health was slowly getting worse.  One Saturday morning he woke up and walked to the farmers market, not the easiest thing for him at the time.  He came home with just a bar of soap for my mom because he knew how much she loved it.  I think that was such a sweet, romantic gesture.  Every once in a while, I will treat myself to a new soap; they smell amazing and make great gifts, too!

4. Salami from Maiale Deli

Mailae Deli makes some delicious salami and sausages!  I believe we get the Tuscan salami which is seasoned with garlic, wine and fennel.  Some Mailae salami on the honey whole wheat bread and goat cheese.... lunch most Saturdays ;)

5. Pickles, jams, and Fiber Balls from Lizzie's Kitchen

The fiber balls were a random find, but they are so good.  Not really sure where the fiber is coming from, they seem like cookies in ball form to us. We have yet to try a pie from Lizzie's kitchen, but I doubt we'll be able to say that for much longer!  Lizzie's bread and butter pickles are awesome, too.

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The fruit and veggies we've gotten from different vendors have all been great, especially the broccoli and apples.  If you've been to the borough grower's market, leave a comment with any suggestions I should try!

Friday will feature another restaurant review, this time... breakfast!

August Favorites

Oh hi, September.  Yep, I see you creeping in and ending my summer... tempting me with your fall sweaters, dark nail colors, and pumpkin spice lattes beer.  Alrigggghht, I will admit I love love love me some fall.  I'm always sad to see summer go, but fall is such a lovely season.  Plus, my first wedding anniversary is coming up annnnd we're getting closer to my favoritest holiday ever (hint: it's Christmas). Before I get ahead of myself, here's a quick look back at my favorite things this past month!

1. Memory - Dwyer Family Reunion

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I'm off floating in the water or laying on the beach in Curacao... so my favorite memory of the month may be changing quickly ;).  For the month of August so far, my favorite part was hands down the Dwyer Family Reunion.  If you didn't know, both my dad and his brother passed away within 5 months of each other last year.  As you can imagine, it was an incredibly painful and trying year for my family, and getting together was exactly what we needed.  To be able to see each other and offer support and some laughs was so comforting - plus we had a beautiful weekend!

2. Hair Product - TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo in "Smoothing"

I bought this on a whim after I ran out of my last dry shampoo and boy am I happy I did!  This stuff smells amazing and gives my hair body all day.  All of dry shampoos I've tried tend to wear off and my hair gets greasy by the end of the day, but this product is really awesome!  It blends into my hair nicely and doesn't leave a white cast like others I've tried.

3. Find - S'mores Candy Corn

If you saw my latest recipe, you know I have a serious love for anything s'mores.  Candy corn is one of my all time fave candies (especially the pumpkins!), so when I saw a lil bag of SMORES CANDY CORN I knew I needed some in my life.  Its delicious and if you're a fan of both these things, try it!

4. Songs - Taylor Swift "Shake it Off" and Hozier "Take Me To Church"

These two songs are basically opposites so obviously I can't get enough of either. Half of me is an 18-year-old obsessed with Tay-Tay and the other half just needs some gospel- nah'em sayin?!

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Hope you all had a fantastic August, I think I'll end mine with another margarita on the beach!  Can't wait to share some pictures from our trip!

July Favorites

Every year I hate saying goodbye to July!  It is my favorite month for many reasons, and this July was another fun one I'll remember.  I do have quite a few fun trips coming up in August, so I am really looking forward to the next few weeks!  Here are my favorites from this month...

 

Book: Gone Girl

I ended up reading Gone Girl in three days ... I lent it to my friend and she read it in a week!  My mom listened to it on tape during her drive to and home from the Outer Banks.  This book (4/10 on my 25 before 25 list) was suspenseful, interesting, and surprising - three things that will definitely keep your attention. 

I loved how the author went back and forth between points of view.  When I lent it to my friend, Allison, she asked if it was a love story.  Once you have read this book you will understand why that question was so hard for me to answer!  Gone Girl is coming out as a movie in October, but read the book first (they're always better!).

Memory: Birthday weekend

I've said it once five million times, best birthday ever.  You can read about it and see lots of pictures here and here.

Find: Crest Be Dynamic Toothpaste in Lime Spearmint Zest

Don't judge this until you try it!  I'm the first person to think "uhhh... lime mint toothpaste?! Gross!"  I picked up a trial size of this on clearance at Target 'cause I was feeling dangerous it was $0.50 so I figured why not?  This is my new favorite toothpaste to use in the morning!  The lime flavor is not overpowering, but wakes you up in the morning and adds another layer of freshness to your average toothpaste.  Try it and tell me what you think!

Make-Up Item: Too Faced Boudoir Eye Shadow Palette

This palette was a birthday gift from my sister (in-law) Alli, and I big-sparkly-pink-heart LOVE it!  The colors are so soft and gorgeous, and can easily be amped up to take a look from day to night.  Garter Belt and Voulez-Vous create the most beautiful smoky eye!  If you're looking for a new palette, this one is worth trying.

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I hope you all had a great July!  See you back here in August ;)

Favorite Spots: The Outer Banks

Every year since I was 5, my family and I have taken the 6 hour drive to the Outer Banks.  My mom has a house in Duck and this place holds a lot of memories for me.  Growing up my sisters and I spent our Easter mornings hunting for eggs on the beach and our Thanksgiving evenings walking next to the ocean.  Over the years we have found some great places!  Be sure to check these out if you're headed to OBX!

5 Places to See: OBX

1.  Morris Farm Market

Within the last hour of our drive, Morris Farm Market comes up and you gotta stop.  Fresh fruit, a bunch of different ciders, and boiled peanuts are some of the treats featured here.  The strawberry and peach ciders are delicious, but you can sample all the others and decide for yourself!

2.  Duck Donuts

I posted a full review Wednesday on this amazing place.  The best freshly made donuts with locations throughout the OBX.  Anything else you need to know?!

3.  Sweet T's

A few mornings this week I biked or walked into town to stop in my favorite coffee cafe (I'm writing from Sweet T's right now!).  Besides having great coffee, Sweet T's offers free WiFi, beer on tap, create your own 6-packs, a huge selection of wine, good music, and an awesome location.  A perfect place to start your morning, I recommend the iced chai latte and a biscotti - yumm!

4.  Duck Deli

Dinner at Duck Deli is another annual tradition.  Get there early or there will be a wait (worth it).  This tiny restaurant serves an amazing shredded BBQ chicken sandwich.  Start your meal off with an order of hush puppies and you're set!

5.  Coastal Cantina

With live music every night, frozen margaritas, and, my favorite, mexican food, Coastal Cantina is a great place to hang out after doing some shopping at the Waterfront Shops.  I suggest starting with the queso and trying the shrimp quesadillas!

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If you're visiting the Outer Banks, be sure to add a few of these spots to your list.  I'll be dreaming of donuts the whole drive home ;)... Happy Friday!

June Favorites

June is over which means it's officially my birthday month!  If you think about is, July really is the best month of the year.  When you're a kid, it's the only full month where you are totally completely out of school.  There's the 4th of July, lots of sunshine, perfect weekends annnnnnd my birthday!  July is the month for bbq food, country music, and too many sugary cocktails.

May Favorites

It's almost officially Summer!!!

 

I don't know about you guys, but I am ready for boating and barbeques.  Not so much bikinis, but we'll get there.  On to my favorites from this month!

April Favorites

I can't believe this is my third favorites post!  I feel like I am getting the hang of blogging, feel free to leave a comment so I'm not just talking to myself I know who's reading. ;)  Here are my favorites for this month!

March Favorites

March is over already.  According to the weather it seems like the month is just starting, but hopefully Spring will make an appearance soon enough!  Here are my March Favorites...

February Favorites

Holy cow - it's March already?!  Let's take a look back at a few of my favorite things from February...

1. Memory - Justin Timberlake Concert

 

 

Where do I even start?!  After being in love with him since elementary school, my friend Melissa and I finally saw JT in concert last week, and he was incredible!  He put on an amazing show and everything from his dancing, to his band, to his stage was really unbelievable.  I took the picture above (without zoom!) of him giving me an air hug.  I mean, obviously he is looking right at me - right?!

 

2. Make-up Item - The Body Shop All-In-One Blusher - $16

 (02 - Ginger)

 

 

On a quick trip to the mall this month, I picked up this blush on a whim.  I was actually looking for a new product from MAC but they sold out (whomp!).  I tested this color in the store and it was so gorgeous, there is a bit of shimmer but it acts more as a highlight.  It is definitely an all-in-one product and has pretty good staying power over my foundation.  I have reached for this everyday since I bought it, and plan to try more make-up from TBS!

 

3. Hair Product - Living proof Perfect Hair Day Styling Treatment ($26)

 

 

Oh my gaasshhh this stuff is good (which it better be for the price)!  I run a quarter-size amount of this through my damp hair before I blow dry and it is really amazing.  The name is totally appropriate - my hair looks super soft, shiny, and frizz free.  It smells amazing - it has a fresh citrus scent - and I have been loving it and the matching shampoo.  Next purchase, the conditioner for sure!

 

4. Find - Popcorn Obsession

 

Yep, my husband and I found this place on the way to Lowe's.  I saw I sign and he said we had to stop in.  They have over 70 kinds of popcorn, vintage candy, tons of jellybeans (my fav!) and old school sodas!  We could have gone crazy picking out a ton of flavors, but ended up getting a few "mini" bags to try out.  We picked up Birthday Cake, White Chocolate Oreo, Cheesecake (surprisingly a favorite), Salted Caramel, and White Cheddar.  Finding places like this is so fun for Scott and I, and it will definitely come in handy around the holidays!

 

What are some of your favorites this month?