Tag: Must Have

Your Perfect Cup of Hot Chocolate

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These cooler temps and all things holiday season have really been getting me in a festive mood!

Growing up, my mom’s homemade hot chocolate mix was always something I looked forward to. Now that I have a home of my own, I love finding ways to incorporate that tradition into my little family!

This year, we opted to add out hot chocolate to our coffee bar! From now until the end of winter, if you stop by we’ll have all the options for your hot chocolate drinking pleasure!

Every good hot chocolate bar starts with good hot chocolate! Three of my favorites from Target are the Swiss Miss packets, Good & Gather Double Hot Chocolate, and since I’m slightly lactose intolerant, I always like to have a dairy free option on hand like this Swiss Miss Non-Dairy mix!

In my mind, the perfect cup of hot chocolate has lots of marshmallows. The more the better! I found these vanilla star and Christmas tree shaped ones along with the peppermint flavored ones on the Holiday section at my local Target. Both are by Wondershop and so yummy! I may have eaten a few of the peppermint ones just by themselves…

Before I found the peppermint marshmallows, I used to sometimes stir my hot chocolate with a candy cane to get that pepperminty flavor. Something about the chocolate and mint combination just gets me! This crushed peppermint shaker is perfect and so cute to sprinkle on top of a peak of whipped cream.

If you’re looking to have single serve and individually wrapped options on hand, these Hot Cocoa Stir Spoons from Wondershop are perfect for you! I picked up a few for my hot chocolate bar as well as to give along with gifts at Christmas!

What are you hot chocolate must haves?

XOXO,
Leah

Spring Products Refresh

LeahLeave a comment

Happy Monday, y’all!

A month or two ago I decided to switch umm routine a bit with spring being right around the corner. I happened upon these products by Pantene and Olay and am so glad I did!

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First in the line up is the deep detox & restore pre-wash! I love how it gently exfoliates my scalp and helps remove product build up. I use it once or twice a week when my hair seems to be hanging a little heavier, just remember that a little bit of this goes a long way!

With all of this social distancing and sheltering in place, I may be reaching for my dry shampoo more during the day than if I was out and about.

The miracle moisture boost shampoo is made with rose water and gives me all the spring vibes! Not only does it smell good without being overpowering, but it is so moisturizing!

I’ve always been a fan of lots of suds when I lather up my hair, and this does not disappoint. Even after just the shampoo my hair is left feeling softer and smoother! Once dry, it doesn’t get as frizzy either!

Even though I feel like I might not need it, I always follow up the shampoo with the miracle moisture boost conditioner. Just like the shampoo, the conditioner leaves my hair feeling so much better!

I’m all about having smoother, softer, and more voluminous hair. The fact that these are sulfate free is an added bonus! These products give me a high end feel without the high end price tag, and the packaging is too cute!

Last but certainly not least is the Olay cleansing & firming body wash with B3 and collagen. It feels so silky and smooth. I don’t think I can ever go back now that I’ve found this!

Paired with a loofa and it’s like a spa treatment in the comfort of my own home! The loofa helps to exfoliate while the body wash seems to wrap my skin in moisture and helps it stay toned.

If you’re in the market too switch up your normal routine and wanting to try something new, I’d definitely recommend these! After trying them out, they have quickly become my new go tos!

XOXO,
Leah

Winter Skin Savers

Leah1 Comment

Happy Monday, y’all!

The older I get, the more I crave having an easy and reliable skin care routine. I don’t need a million products, just a few that are tried and true!

With all of the new products constantly being released, it can be so easy to get caught up in trying them all; trust me, I’m guilty of it too! And what works for your favorite blogger might not work for you. It’s definitely a game of trial and error!

1. Tula Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm. In the winter, my skin can get pretty dull looking if I don’t stay on top of things with the cooler temps and dry air. This eye balm from Tula helps me achieve that bright under eye look that I love. It also minimizes the appearance of my under eye circles when Baby K insists on late night parties at his crib!

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2. Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser. I’ve tried out my fair share of face washes over the years; high end, drug store, even a few prescription ones. Nothing ever really worked long term though. My skin has always been prone to breakouts, especially around that time of the month. I’ve been using this face cleanser by Tula for several months now and haven’t had a single breakout! I love that it’s gentle enough to use everyday, but effective enough to keep my skin clear.

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3. Nivea Shea Daily Moisture for Dry Skin. Not going to lie, y’all; sometimes my skin gets dryer than the Sahara Desert! I’ve used so many moisturizers over the years that I’ve lost count. While this is technically a body lotion, I’ve found that it works best for my face too. I like that it doesn’t leave my face feeling or looking greasy while still providing my skin with exactly what it needs to stay hydrated!

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What products are your ride or dies when the weather gets cold?

XOXO,
Leah

 

 

 

How I Prepare For Guests: The Bathroom

Leah1 Comment

Now that my husband and I live hundreds of miles away from our families, when they are able to come visit it’s not just for an afternoon. This has really made me take a step back and think about the things I tend to forget when I’m packing my bag! I bet you’re already thinking about the one thing you always forget too!

Being the planner that I am, I love being ready for guests to be comfortable staying in our home!

Having a separate guest bathroom has given me the perfect opportunity to be able to have it stocked with the things that are so easy to forget!

I use a cute glass jar that I found at Target to help keep everything nice and organized!

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Fully stocked and ready to go, you’ll always find…

– Toothpaste
– Mouthwash
– Floss
– Shampoo
– Conditioner
– Hairspray
– Body Lotion
– Body Wash
– A Razor
– Deodorant
– Makeup Removing Wipes
– Hand Sanitizer
– Q Tips
– Contact Solution
– A Contact Lens Case
– A Nail File
– Band Aids
– Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve
– Hand Lotion

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Currently what the jar holds. I’m in the process of switching out and replacing a few products before our next guests come!

Unless they’re staying for an extended period of time, I normally just buy the travel size products, but full sized is always an option too! You can find these at most any store in a travel/trial size section in the health and beauty department.

In addition, there are always fresh towels, hand soap, toilet paper stocked, and a good smelling candle burning! Oh, and guests are always more than welcome to anything else in the house, but I’ll save those details for another day!

What’s a little way you like to make guests feel welcomed?

XOXO,
Leah

The Dress You Need In Your Closet

LeahLeave a comment

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If you have any special occasions coming up this spring, summer, or even early fall, then this is the dress you need! It’s the perfect dress for a date night out, wedding guest, and everything in between!

This true lace is absolutely gorgeous and well made, but it’s also lightweight and so incredibly comfortable to wear! It comes in over ten colors. Even better yet, it’s under $100!

If you’re on the shorter side like I am (5’00”) you know that the struggle is real when trying to find a good midi dress. Sometimes they hit at just the wrong spot and make my calves look huge. With this dress, I don’t have that problem! It hits at just the right length! The lace overlay continues all the way to a midi length while the under skirt hits just above the knee. (This will vary depending on how long your legs are too!)

You can find this ASTR the Label Lace Midi Dress here on their website or at Nordstrom! (The color selection between the two does differ a little between the two websites.) Nordstrom’s website says that the dress runs small and to order two sizes up. I personally feel that it fits TTS (true to size). I normally wear an XS or S and ordered a small.

This dress is perfect to dress up with a pair of heels or down with a cute pair of flats and a jean jacket! If you get one of the more neutral colors, the possibilities are endless for accessorizing too!

If you’re stuck between two different colors, I have great news for you! From now until February 14th, 2019, you can BOGO FREE when you order the dress from the ASTR the Label website! Use code XOXO at checkout!

What dresses will you be rocking for all of your special occasions?

XOXO,
Leah