Some tried and true, some new! Ever since I started blogging years ago, I always enjoyed rounding up my favorite products, happenings, and experiences to share with all of you. And even just to look back upon to see what I was into at that certain time.
My taste and style hasn't changed too much but I would say it's evolving nonetheless. TikTok has been a big influencer of that lately but some of it is just my own wonder for trying new things. A mish-mosh of beauty and lifestyle products—here's a snapshot of what I've been loving recently!
Yves Saint Laurent Libre — I never thought I was really into floral scents, especially because I despise rose. However, warm and muskier perfumes are just my jam recently. This one has notes of lavender and orange blossom which aren't as poignant. I use this almost daily and I need to slow down a bit with it. My go-to scent at the moment and it won't disappoint. The perfect gift for her, too!
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer — I have gone through as many BB creams and tinted moisturizers as I could think of and I was never really loving any of them. Since I don't wear makeup every day, and don't prefer the full coverage feel, I have always just wanted something light and natural. Nars has never let me down. This tinted moisturizer is the only foundation I ever reach for and it can't be beat in my book.
Eyebrow Things — My eyebrow journey has come a long way. I think one of the biggest game changers has been Tweezerman tweezers that I have been obsessed with. There are no other tweezers that are as sharp or as precise. I have also been setting my brows with the Benefit 24 Hr Brow Setter which I am pleased has not made my brows sticky but keep them in place all day long.
Podcasts — I know so many people who rave over their podcasts, but I have never really had the time to invest into listening. The same with reading lately. But the latter is much easier than sitting down and opening pages, so I took to start listening to one that I find meaningful to my every day life (as opposed to all of the true crime or gossip banter out there)— Let's Talk About Mental Health. Jeremy Godwin goes through different mental health struggles or topics and I've been invested in his episodes when I walk on the treadmill. That and listening to my daily Leo Today horoscope of course. New perspectives, open ears, open mind. It's been a daily ritual.
Staedtler Pens — Even during college, these have been my beloved writing utensils. Especially for planning and organizing my week, I love a good colored pen. These are really fine tipped and I love all of the color options.
Rifle Paper Co. Calendars— Every year for Christmas I ask for a calendar. And no matter what, it's usually one from Rifle. I love that they can be time tables and wall art at the same time. I even cut off the bottom of the calendar to keep the art rotating year round as I please! They're always so creative and I am always willing to spend a little extra on these because they're just so pretty to look at.
Room & Pillow Mists — I always have some sort of room spray or pillow mist on hand. Maybe growing up and having them in the house influenced that or just wanting to always have a good smelling space. I was into essential oils for a little bit but their scent can be a bit too strong at times. I've been using this Hearth & Hand zest room spray and it brings the perfect citrus and freshness to my room. On days I don't burn candles, this is what I have been loving lately.
That's a wrap for now! It's all about the little things that bring joy and I believe that enhancing your space and your routine make for a more wholesome way of living. No—you don't need a room spray or a new perfume, but sometimes investing in yourself and your favorite things make life a bit more joyful.
There's nothing I love more than a fall getaway up north. Especially if it means getting away from Halloweekend shenanigans. I'm sorry not sorry, but the holiday just isn't my jam. If there's anything I've learned from experiencing it through the years—I would much rather be snuggled up, watching Halloween movies, drinking a glass of wine. And so we did. Ben and I made our way up north for a cozy cabin we found in Narrow Lake on Airbnb. With the colors still lasting, the smell of wet and burning leaves, and anticipating that lake view we obsess over—we knew we had to squeeze the last bit of fall this month before winter comes.
Day 1
The cabin itself was quaint and newly renovated. I always envision wood—just lots and lots of wood. For optimal cozy fall vibes, there's nothing better than a log cabin. Perfect for two of us.
We definitely wanted to cook while we were there and make the most of the fully stocked kitchen—we brought wine, steaks, and made french toast and coffee for breakfast. But Friday night, we opted to go downtown Lake Geneva to eat some wood fired pizza at Oakfire along with some beer and a deliciously warm hazelnut old fashioned which is the perfect warm cocktail for me!
Day 2
Saturday we had an easy morning and decided to walk the Lake Shore trail around the water. The trail lines the lake and mansions around the perimeter.
With intricate pavings, disassembled boat docks, and stone bridges, we enjoyed the morning before heading to Barrique for a quick wine tasting and walk around downtown.
I crave weekends like these all the time. But the reality is, we can't always pack up our things and escape when we want to. I cherish times like these and moments where everything just slows down. It's already the end of October and the holidays are creeping up on me.
Finding time to be still and recharge is essential for me. Even without getaways like this, I make the time to let myself decompress—get away from the hustle and bustle. And what I've learned is that life up north ain't too scary...
Wishing that everyone had a safe and spooky Halloween!
These beautiful fall weeks have been holding out on us this month. With sunny skies, vibrant colors, and the smell of crunching leaves. I have been making the most of calmer days, cooler nights, and wanted to give you all an update on what I've been up to.
Cooper Update...
Life at home has been somewhat slow—Cooper has been cuddling up on the couch, reading the daily news, barking at falling leaves, and eager for me to take him on his mid morning walk. He's 5 years old and still acting like a puppy yet he makes a great colleague.
Fall Walks
Fall walks and hikes have been my go-to. Before the weather falls grim and cold, I want to make the most of the sunshine. This is probably my favorite time of year and I wish it lasted longer than a month. Ben and I have been taking advantage of our weekends to be outside as much as we can. This past weekend we hiked the falls and canyons of Starved Rock. Cozy Evenings
Like most this time of year, I've been embracing cozier evenings by starting the Game of Thrones series, lighting a Trader Joe's pumpkin vanilla candle, eating some chocolate truffles, painting my nails a pretty wine color, and snuggling up in my TJ Maxx woodland plush blanket. Pure bliss.
Holiday Shopping
October is the month where I gather my lists of things I need to get people for the holidays. I've always been two months ahead of the game so I can allot for last minute gift shopping for people just in case. My sisters and I always go in on gift giving for each other—I think we all just get joy from the excitement and easily enough, we all just provide hints or our own wishlists so I can mark them off and focus on my parents' gifts a bit more. In recent years, I haven't been too keen on receiving gifts as I have giving them—it just makes me feel good and this year I want to be a bit more personal with the gifts I give.
Giving Myself Grace
This month has been all about giving myself grace. Time. Pause. Patience. And allowing myself to just be. I get very caught up in plans, feeling a great sense of overwhelm about my goals and where I want to be. For example, my ongoing wellness journey. Waking up early has never been easy for me, and on days when my body tells me I want to sleep—I let it. Instead of kicking myself, ashamed about not making the most of my morning or getting a workout, I just need to let myself make it through the four "quarters" of my day. Knowing each quarter (morning, mid morning, afternoon, and evening) I can improve or do something else to make progress.
As it gets colder and we move forward into winter...coming...I'm looking forward to the warmth the holiday season brings as people gather. I want to move forward in gratitude for peace, family, friends, and loved ones. And take on each day with a new and better mindset.
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