Lately...New Car, New Hair, and More!

Is this really only my second blog post this month?  Eeeek!  I've totally fallen off the blog bandwagon, but I'm ready to jump back on!  I have tons of new posts lined up for the spring, and I'll kick this one off with what we've been up to lately!

Lately......

Driving

We got a new car!  It's a Toyota Highlander, and we are in love!  It's our first SUV, and now I don't think I ever want to drive a sedan again :)  Love being so high up!

Reading

I reached for this book off my bookshelf last week, and I can't put it down.  It also really really really makes me want to get a dog.

buy here

Eating

These new chip/crackers are delish!  We love all the flavors we've tried, especially the BBQ.

Drinking

Loving sparkling waters as always, but especially the Peach-Pear flavor for spring and summer!  So refreshingly delicious!

Watching

We are on episode 5, and this is such a funny and witty show!  Produced by Tina Fey, it has so many amazing one-liners.  Check it out if you have Netflix!

Wearing

These 2 items below have been my go-to pieces for the last month or two.  Great easy and comfortable items that will transition perfectly into spring!  Highly recommend both if you can find them!

Express Ponte Leggings

(so flattering and comfy!)

Old Navy Canvas Slip-ons
(my favorite casual shoes of the moment - I wear them with everything!)

Swooning over

Forever 21 Embroidered Top
yes please.

Target Gladiator Sandals
I keep going back and forth on these....are they cute??

Styling

My new haircut!!  I chopped it, and highlighted it too.  Just needed a change - thanks Olivia for making me over!  ;)

I'm really liking it, and every day I get more and more used to styling short hair.  My favorite way to wear it is in these soft waves (created with a flat iron!)

Celebrating 

7 years of marriage to my BEST FRIEND!  I am so incredibly thankful for this man, and I feel so lucky to be his wife.  Here's to 7x7 more years of happiness!!

This weekend was our anniversary, and we got to sneak away for a couple of days to a B&B for some delicious food and relaxation.  John's parents came to stay with Andrew, our first time leaving him! Post to come this week!

Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this post! 

Had lots to catch you up on!!

Hope you are all doing wonderful, and had a fabulous weekend as well!! :)

linking up with Biana!

Friday Five: Beauty Faves

Happy Friday!
This week has been a whirlwind after coming back from the Florida Sunshine to the Snowy Northeast.  We've been cooped up mostly just watching the snow fall, and catching up on American Idol.  Is it snowing where you are?  I feel like it's snowing everywhere now!

After a week of traveling, I began to realize what my most used and most loved items are within my beauty bag.  You know, those items you just reach for over and over, because you know they look pretty darn good, and you know they get the job done.
Your comfort pieces.  Easy, and fool-proof.  Like that perfect pair of skinny jeans, or little black dress.

Well I thought I'd share just a few of my go-to beauty bag essentials with you.
These are my top 5 as of lately!  :-)

1. Nails

Essie Polish- "Bikini So Teeny"
This color has been on repeat all month, and I seriously get compliments on my nails every day when I'm wearing this color.  It's a milky periwinkle blue, ideal for spring and summer, paired with a white eyelet sundress and sunkissed skin.  BUT  it even works during these drab winter days.  It provides a perfect pop of color with my all black/gray/neutral outfits, giving that little ray of hope that the sun will shine again someday.



2. Lips



Tarte Power Pigment- "Exposed"
You know you've found a favorite lippie, when you move it around to every purse or handbag that you carry around.  I am never without this lipstick, and it's the perfect every-day, neutral color.  A great "your lips but better" shade, smooth and creamy, lasts awhile, and gives that subtle minty scent which I really enjoy.



3. Bronzer



St. Tropez Tanning Mousse
This has saved me all winter.  It's by far my favorite bronzing/tanning product I've ever tried. and a little goes a long way.  It's easy to apply, pretty darn fool-proof, and provides a natural but glowy tan.  Will repurchase this guy over and over.



4. Blush



Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush- "Exposed"
Again with the Tarte, and the "Exposed" color, but this time we're talking cheeks.  This is a color that might not grab your attention while you're perusing the makeup counter, but trust me, it's a good one.  It's a natural looking dusty rose, with a hint of shimmer, but just enough to give you a natural glow.  And you can even skip the powder bronzer if you want, because this gives off a beautiful warmth to the cheeks as well.  The best part - it lasts all day.



5. Skincare





Clarisonic Brush and First Aid Beauty Cleanser
This dynamic duo has been my favorite all winter.  The Clarisonic is a cult favorite, and for good reason.  It cleans deeply, but gently, and there is never a trace of makeup left over which I love.  My skin never looks better when I'm using this brush to cleanse.  And the First Aid Beauty line is a dream - the cleanser is so mild, but effective, and I love the way it works with the Clarisonic. I don't see myself changing up this routine any time soon - such a great team!  

What standouts are in your beauty bag?

What can you not leave home without?

linking up with Liz!