Thrift Haul

Yesterday was Presidents Day AND the thrift store near me always does 50% off on holidays.  I LOVE going to thrift stores - it's super fun to try and find hidden gems if you have the patience (which luckily for me I do!)

 

SO the first thing I was on the hunt for were some tops, mostly for work.  I found 4 good ones from:  Banana Republic, Anne Taylor and the Gap! 

 

 

Next I was on the hunt for some cardigans (already dreaming of some SPRING transition clothes).  I found a super cute peach one! Then a white, grey and tan stripped.  These were from Anne Taylor, Old Navy and a few brands I think I recognize from TJ Maxx.



 

 

Last I needed some work pants.  I wanted some normal straight leg pants - which I found! Originally from The Limited.  Then I came across this cute army green jacket I also thought would be perfect for Spring.  And lastly were three pairs of shoes!  Simple black wedge flats for work, Steve Madden leopard flats and Nine West wedges. 

 

Seriously all of this stuff is practically in new condition.  No ripes, stains, etc.  AND best part - guess what my grand total was?!?!

 

$52.  THAT'S RIGHT - FIFTY TWO DOLLARS.

I almost can't believe it! I encourage everyone to check out a thrift store near you!!! Just try to go in with an open mind (and a few hours).  You DO have to dig, but if you're used to stores like  TJ Maxx/Marshalls etc it's honestly no different.  AND its so super exciting when you find something good :)

 

Easy Vegan Meal Prep

On Sunday this week I decided to do a little meal prep for the work week (yes I'm one of the sad people that actually has to work the week between Christmas and New Years). 

 

I really want to try and incorporate as many plant based foods into my diet as possible.  I used to be better at this, but I've def been slacking recently.  I haven't eaten meat (like chicken, pig, cow, etc) in over 2 years now, however I have had eggs, dairy and fish.  One of my goals for 2016 is to try and transition away from those foods.  SO I want to try and prep some easy stuff so I have it on hand and ready!

The first thing I made was this Chickpea "tuna" salad.  

It contains:  1 large can chickpeas, pickles, red onion, celery, salt, pepper and cilantro, diced/mashed together.

Does this taste like tuna?  No, it tastes like chickpeas LOL.  But it does have all the elements that make you think of tuna salad in a way.  I've had it on both a sandwich and as a salad topper.

Next thing I made was spaghetti squash.

Nothing crazy here - just baked and mixed with tomato sauce!

 

Next was an Asian veggie rice. 

 It contains: Long grain brown rice, asparagus, peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms, celery, low sodium soy sauce, Sriracha and chives. 

This is yummy! Only complaint is the rice was kind of sticky - almost like oatmeal?  I need to use something like jasmine rice next time I think.

 

And lastly - some potatoes :)

Baked with salt & pepper

 

And voila!



Christmas Season Recap

WELL HELLO FRIENDS!

 

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday!

 

This Christmas was one of the best ever.  I was able to spend so much time with friends and family, which made it extra fun and special.

 

Some fun things I've done the past few weeks are a couple of new traditions.  For the past few years, Kryssi and I have seen the Macy's Christmas Tree lighting in Boston.  It's SUPER festive, with singers, and confetti and (spiked) hot chocolate.  I also attended my families Ladies Only Yankee Swap (perhaps called White Elephant by some??).  Both of these things have turned into something I really look forward to and make the season extra FESTIVE!

 

Christmas Eve my mom has a XL BASH and it was so fun as always.  Just lots of: people, food, drinks.  Cheesy singing and even a visit from SANTA.  Christmas Day I had brunch with my BFFs fam and then Nils' parents for dinner.  Just happy and relaxing times all around!

 

I even loved our TREE this year.  It was a "woodland" theme tree - so all of the ornaments are little woodland creatures (owls, fox, squirrels, raccoons), feathers, antlers, etc.  I loved it!  Def doing it next year, and I'm excited to add things to my collection.  My grandmas also gave me her Nativity set this year which I have been weirdly obsessed with since I was a child (I accidentally decapitated one of the wise men once, but don't worry he's glued back together now).  I put it on the bookshelf right next to my tree :)

 

 

 

AND - not that this is as important - but I totally lucked out on presents this year.  I know everyone says the same thing, but I just have the best bf/family/friends/coworkers etc that are way overly generous!

Some of the goods include sweaters, some Patagonia gear (omg Nils and I are totally gonna be twinsies this summer), lots of makeup goodies, tons of Star Wars merch (I'm a huge fan - I tried to change my name to Ashaliea in my younger years LOL), the cutest sign for my vanity, an Ipad Mini (!!!) and possibly the best karaoke CD that exists (hello girls night!)

 

 

 

Hope everyone else had an amazing Christmas/holiday as well! xoxo

Christmas Gift Ideas!

SO Christmas is just ONE WEEK away!

 

I've been shopping here and there for a few weeks now, but I still  have a few people on my list!  IF you're in the same boat as me, I thought it might be helpful to see what I've got/am getting people. SO here are a few ideas I've done, past and present!

 

For guys - THE HARDEST TO SHOP FOR.

 

I am by NO MEANS an expect when it comes to guy stuff.  HOWEVER I usually can think up a thing or 2.  Here are some ideas I've used for my bf, dad, uncle, boss etc.

 

Electronics - an Ipad, Ipod, GoPro.  These are all usually big winners (although a tad pricey).  BUT if you have the moola, you really can't go wrong with any of these.  IF your guy already has these things, get them some accessories!  A new ipad case, ipod armband for the gym, sporting attachments for the GoPro, etc are all good little add ons.

 

Watches - You could either do a dress watch for work (like a MK), casual wear (like the GShock) or a FitBit (for exercising).  These are all good!

 

Apparel - Warm sweaters always seem to be a hit.  I've had alot of success at: LL Bean, Patagonia, Banana Republic and Express.  These are all nice but still somewhat affordable - especially if there is a sale or a coupon code!  ALSO sports gear is a no brainer.  Jerseys, sweatshirts, snow hats.  If they're into any team at all this is an easy win.

 

Hobby stuff - Golf balls/accessories, Whiskey, Video Games.  Whatever your guy is into, just embrace it for the holidays! Tis the season right?

 

NOW ONTO THE LADIES.

 

Being a girl myself - girls are super easy to shop for!

 

 



Makeup/Bath/Body/Hair - Ulta and Sephora has all kinds of holiday sets!  This year I was really into the Philosophy sets - they were super cute and I think it's a brand anyone would like.  Any kind of contour, lip kits, mascara sets, etc.  ALL WINNERS. 

 

Cute barware is always fun! Target, Homegoods etc has all kinds of super cute stemless wine and champagne glasses that are inexpensive.  Match these with a bottle of champagne and you have a gift that feels special but doesn't break the bank.

 

Homegoods and Hobby Lobby have ALL KINDS of random odds and ends!  Cute jewelry dishes, wall art, notebooks, travel coffee mugs, candle sets etc.  None of these things are super unique - HOWEVER when they are printed with an inspirational quote that is Instagram worthy - they are super cute little gifts!

 

And lastly - prob my favorite thing to give - memberships! Birchbox, Etsy and Glossybox are all cute makeup box services for just $10-15 a month (so a 3 month membership is a fun gift).  Also even practical memberships are good (Fitness Class, Costco, etc).  It sounds random, but trust me your grandma will love hitting Costco every weekend.

 

Hope this gives you some IDEAS! Because remember, the most important thing about the holiday is of course spending time with your friends and family presents. ;)



Cuteness from Too Faced

AS USUAL - Too Faced is just SLAYING the packaging game.

 

Their 2015 Holiday Collection collection has been out, and OMG its literally the cutest thing I think I have EVER seen.

 

I had a 20% Friends & Family coupon, so I got the Melted Kisses & Sweet Cheeks with  the intent I would give as Christmas presents.

 

But then it arrived.

 

 

 

 

And it was pink and tiny and ADORABLE.

 

 

So now these are mine (not sorry friends).

 



 

In all honesty, these are pretty teeny tiny.  BUT they are sorta perfect for throwing in your purse, travel, and trying a bunch of different colors for a good value.

 

If you have a friend/sister/gf in your life you need to shop for - these are perfect gifts!!! The little dollhouse sets are probably my favorite sets I have ever seen.  They have variations at Sephora and Ulta too.  I think every girl who's into makeup etc would LOVE these.

 

Happy shopping!



I'm back!

WELL HELLO THERE.

How have you been?! I've missed you.  So I'm BACK.

 

 

SORRY I've been MIA forervs! I know this is so lame - but I've been so busy that I've totally been neglecting you.  Please forgive me.

 

Since we last chatted, I've been to:

 

New York x2

Chicago x2

Arkansas

Indiana

Western, MA

Foxwoods

Red Sox

Bruins

Patriots

And beyond.

 

Alot right?! Which got me thinking - I totes shoulda posted about it!

 

Coulda woulda shoulda.

 

BUT cheers to moving forward!!

.

My Dry Skin Must Haves!

SO it's finally less humid (yayyy!) which is GREAT for my hair, however can be a tad drying on my skin (especially for me; I have the driest skin everrr!!)

 

In order to keep from becoming a totally flaky mess, here are my current must haves!

 

 

First off; gotta have my oils.  I am currently loving both Tea Tree Oil and Argan & Lavender Oil.  I use the Tea Tree Oil on my hair and dry patches (like my elbows).  I use the Argan & Lavender Oil on my face after I take off my makeup at night.  Both smell GREAT and leave my skin feeling so much better.

 

Next is Mario Badescu Rosewater.  This is my third bottle of this stuff, I honestly don't think I can live without it.  It's sooo cooling, and refreshing, and helps with redness (something I also suffer from #palepeopleproblems).  I use this both at night AND in the AM before I apply my makeup.

 

After I get out of the shower, a good ole body butter is my must have! I've been hooked on Soap & Glory for a while now, but I have others and any body butter will do! I just need it to be super thick and creamy!

 

NOW for my lips, for day to day use I use either Baby Lips or Burts Bees (I have like 5-6 of each so just whatever happens to be in my purse). HOWEVER if they are super chapped, I honestly think this Badger Balm is a complete game changer!  I am not kidding, it cures my chapped lips INSTANTLY.  Like, right before my eyes.  It's almost unbelievable.  I don't think the kind I have is technically for your lips, BUT the ingredients are just: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Beeswax, Caster Oil, Aloe and essential oil from Wintergreen - all organic.  So I feel like for me it's perfectly safe and fine to use for your lips.  And THANK GOD because like the packaging says, "THIS STUFF WORKS."