friday favorites

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These weeks are just flying by lately! With the sun being out longer and the warmer temperatures, I am filling my days with things to do. Suddenly, the temperatures are above 50 degrees and everyone is wanting to make plans again! I admit that I turn into a bit of a hermit during the winter because of the cold and dark weather. But now I am waking up early on the weekends so I can enjoy my days off again.

Two weeks ago, Jake’s mom came to Philly to visit. It was her first time here so we spent the weekend walking around Philly being tour guides. I love when people come to visit or I make plans with friends in the city because it gives you an excuse to try something new or just enjoy the city that I forget to take advantage of.

While we walked around the entire city Jake and I kept making a list of things we wanted to do and see in Philly. What is it when the warmer weather hits we all get inspired to do everything and see everything. We are looking forward to lots of outdoor dining, trips to museums and finding every rooftop bar we can find in the city. I keep joking that one of the nicest parts about having a boyfriend is having a friend to do things with and I got lucky because Jake is always happy to go on an adventure. I’m doing my research now and finding out what events are going on this summer to add to my planner because I am so ready to take advantage of these warmer months in the city!

I haven’t shared this with many people, but I recently got promoted at work. A job opening came up and I applied and interviewed but didn’t get my hopes up. It was the same week we had a death in the family so I wasn’t in the best mental state but interviewed anyway as a distraction. A few weeks later, I got the call that they were happy to have me join the team. This new role is a lot more work and more responsibility, but I am soo excited to start this new chapter. Did I mention the best part? I will no longer be working the evening shift and will have a normal 9-5 job. Work has been busy because I am working on finishing some of my reports and wrapping things up so the next person. With a lot going on, I decided to treat myself to a mental health day in the middle of the week. The last time I took a day off was for the day after Christmas so I could use it as a travel day so this girl really needed a day off!

My weekends have been super busy lately but I have been able to dedicate a few hours here and there to the blog. Lots of new content is coming out each week so I hope you are able to enjoy the steady flow of new posts. With the warmer weather, I like waking up early and having a slow morning before I do my weekly errands. Trader Joe’s is a bit of a walk so I haven’t been in a while but last Saturday was so nice out that we didn’t mind the walk.

I wish my weekdays were more exciting than the same old routine each week. Now onto my favorite things this week…

What I’m Loving

A friend of a friend’s wedding was featured in Vogue magazine recently. Her dress is beyond beautiful and it was cool to get texts of photos that didn’t make it into the article. I’m already trying to find where I can a veil like her’s!

Taylor Swift was seen wearing new merch around New York City and I am loving the new look!

Lots of gingham is on sale at this retailer.

I recently did a round up of my favorite things at Old Navy and J. Crew Factory.

Hopefully you have been enjoying my skincare series on the blog. I took a bit of a break but started to love reviewing products again on Sundays. Check out my review on a Sunday Riley product here.

Speaking of product reviews, I am sharing this Sephora post from the archives if you want some inspiration while shopping the Sephora sale. In the post I explain what products I purchase at Target and the ones I splurge on. Not all mascaras are made the same! Remember to check out my beauty tab for dozens of makeup and hair product reviews!

What I’m Watching

I’ve been watching Blindspot and The Black List at the same time the last few weeks. And of course I am watching Game of Thrones every week. Let me know what shows you are watching so I can add it to my list!

Staying In is the New Going Out

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For years I experienced the worst FOMO so I was always going somewhere or making plans with friends. I was commuting back and forth to Philly while working a full time job with a part time job because I didn’t want to miss out any girls nights out with my friends. Now in my later twenties, I get excited when plans fall apart or I have a quiet evening planned at home. My relationship with Jake started off as friends who watched a lot of movies together on my couch so it’s something we always try to make time for during the week. We like to order in food and get work done on our laptops while watching a movie. We like to spend time together while doing our own thing as we talk about our day or share a news story with one another. It’s a nice balance of being near each other and doing our own thing at the same time. I love to blog while Jake will play a game on his laptop while we binge watch our favorite show with a box of pizza in between us. Nights like these allow us to have balance and taking care of our selves while in the company of one another. Not once do we argue that we only do what the other person wants to do because we both get to do what we want to without ignoring the other person.

Then we have date night when we go out for dinner or a movie. Those nights feel just as special as the nights we stay in and eat Wawa for dinner. I guess it took me a few years to appreciate that you don’t always have to be doing an activity to enjoy time with someone. While Jake and I have a list of restaurants and things we want to try, our weekends usually consist of errands and grocery shopping but it never feels like a chore because we enjoy doing them together. On Sunday nights, I’ll fold laundry while he puts it away and our trips to the grocery store have us excited about meals we can make at home that week. It’s a sign that you are with the right person when you get just as excited about going out for Sushi as you do going to Target to pick up a few things.

Spring Finds at Old Navy

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ruffle top // mules // dress // gingham pants // chambray dress // watermelon towel // block heels // gingham dress // ruffle long sleeve shirt

Helllloooo Spring! It’s been a long time coming but it is finally here. After wearing sweaters for months I am so excited to refresh my wardrobe for Spring. It’s a weird season to dress for because in the sun it is warm but there is still a light breeze. With this first world problem of not knowing what to wear in this weather, I decided it was a good time to scoop up a few new things for Spring. With my budget, I love shopping at Old Navy for a few trendy pieces because they are affordable and the styles are really cute! This season, there are so many cute styles for spring that it’s impossible not to buy it all! I’m loving all of the gingham, easy dresses and pretty tops.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

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Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

Something that I have always been very strict about is washing my face every single night. More importantly, for years I have done my research and used every product that I can to make my face look good. Maybe it’s because I struggled with acne for so long or because I have been trying to be like one of those girls who can go makeup free and still look gorgeous.

I was sent the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser a while ago by Influenster and I have been including it in my skincare routine. This cleanser claims to do a lot including washing our face so your pores look smaller leaving your skin feel really soft. The cleanser is made with plant based soaps so it is a natural cleanser that purifies the skin and removes makeup as well. It is also specially formulated for sensitive skin because it doesn’t have harsh chemicals. After using it, my skin immediately feels clean and refreshed. Recently, I have been leaving this cleanser at my boyfriends apartment because I only need to use this one product to take my makeup off, wash my face and in the mornings wash the oil off that builds up while I sleep.

Right away I can notice a difference in my skin. I use so many products to keep my skin acne free, soft and looking good. Finally, I found one face wash product that does it all without stripping my skin of necessary hydration.

Why a Staycation is the Perfect Vacation You Need

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With our busy work schedules, adult responsibilities, social calendar and everything else on our lap sometimes we forget to put ourselves first. My weekends are filled with items on my to do list and very little time to just relax and unwind after a work week. We may not have the budget to go out of town or head to the spa, but a staycation is the perfect option to recharge when we need it most. Earlier this week, I felt exhausted even though it was only a Monday. Then I realized that the last time I took a day off work was the day after Christmas and I was in desperate need for a day off. I didn’t have anything I wanted to do or go to. I just wanted a day off to sleep without an alarm and lounge around all day while watching Netflix. It’s been a while since I had a lazy day off and it was so nice to recharge my batteries. Below are some ideas you can do on your staycation to help you get the refresh you need.

Take A Long Shower or Bath

Sounds silly, but I love to take a long shower in the morning with no rush to get out the door for work. It’s the perfect time to actually use that 5 minute conditioner or that body exfoliator. Most nights I am rushing to shower as fast as I can so I can quickly make dinner and get into bed at a reasonable time. Having a day with no plans so I can take a long shower is a luxury I don’t often get.

Binge Watch

There are usually not enough hours in the day to catch up on all of your favorite tv shows or watch that documentary that everyone is talking about. Most nights I fall asleep mid episode of something and need to rewatch. Take a day to get comfy on our bed or couch and catch up on your favorite shows. Snacks are mandatory obviously!

Dedicate Time to your Hobby

If there is a book that you have been wanting to read or a craft idea you found on Pinterest, today is the best day to do it. I love a free afternoon that I can get ahead on some blog posts or plan outfits to shoot for the blog. If you don’t have a hobby, I highly encourage you find something that you love or something to challenge you like learning how to run.

Tidy Up

Maybe this is the last thing you want to do on a relaxing day off but tackle that pile of clean clothes sitting on the chair that you have been avoiding all week. It doesn’t have to be a big spring clean because I am sure there is something you haven’t had the time to straighten up or organize something because of a crazy schedule.

Work on that House Project

I recently took twenty minutes to update my coffee table and hang a picture on the wall after procrastinating for months. I’m sure we all have a few projects we would like to get done around our homes but just never have the time. If you are feeling productive on your staycation, it would be the perfect time to check an item off of your to do list.