The Miracle Morning – 180 Days

July 21, 2017 by 6 Comments

I just hit the 180 day mark on my Miracle Morning journey and thought I would give you a little update! In case you missed my introduction post, you can see it here, my 60 day post here, and my 90 day post here.

Something amazing is happening! Since my last post, a few of my friends have starting doing The Miracle Morning after seeing my process on a recent girls trip. I love that we are all pushing each other forward! Our texts have changed to sharing fun motivation posts and asking meditation questions. This by far is one of the best outcomes of starting this journey.

Achieving 180 days of The Miracle Morning requires a lot of discipline. When I get questions about my routine, many people ask how I have time to focus every day. My answer is that some days are more hectic than others. The important thing is consistency. If you can’t do a full blown workout – do a 10 minute ab workout. It’s about quantity more than quality on some days. The second you stop doing it, the easier it is to not start back up again the next day.

Here are a few things I’ve added to my routine in the past 90 days:

Essential Oils

I wrote a post on adding essential oils to my meditation and morning routine. Right now I am using peppermint, lavender, rosemary and lemon in my diffuser, but hope to add more to my collection soon. I had a lot of trips scheduled in June and brought peppermint along for the ride. It was so helpful to get me in the Miracle Morning mindset when I was in a different place. Smell is really powerful in bringing you back to your routine.

Meditation

I’m still loving the Headspace app and it recently received an update. One of the great new features is that you can change the time of your meditation daily instead of sticking with only 10 minutes for an entire pack. For example, if you have extra time you can up your meditation to 15 or 20 minutes and then go back to 10 minutes the next day. Headspace also shared this new video – if this doesn’t convince you of the importance of meditation I’m not sure what will:

Reading

I completed The Power of Consistency by Weldon Long and I highly recommend it. Weldon has an incredible back story as a 3-time convicted felon. If he can make affirmations and visualization work in an 8×8 prison cell, what’s your excuse? I would love to read his other book, The Upside of Fear which shares more of his personal journey.

If you’re still not doing The Miracle Morning, what’s stopping you? Watch the following video with Hal Elrod himself explaining how The Miracle Morning can transform your life:

How are you sticking to The Miracle Morning?

For more Be the Best You posts, click here.



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Bachelorette 13 – Week 4

July 14, 2017 by Leave a Comment

We kick off this week with hopefully a little less crazy Lee drama (one can hope) in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Rachel gives her intro talking about having a fresh start while wearing a sold out Likely Floral Print Dress and All Saints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket ($560). This NSR
Floral Printed Halter Dress ($34.97) and this Charlotte Russe Faux Leather Moto Jacket ($38.99) are similar:

Rachel took Dean on the first one-on-one and they got to ride and drive the Goodyear Blimp! Rachel wore Phillip Lim’s Floral Cloque Bomber ($509.98), Adidas Women’s Superstar Metallic Toe Lace Up Sneakers ($100), Paige Edgemont Ultra Skinny Jeans ($143), Robyn Rhodes Rachel Necklace ($69.99), Jules Vance Small Triangle Necklace ($70), Jules Vance Oracle Ring ($110), and Jules Vance Friendship Stacking Rings ($20):

I found this Charlotte Russe Floral Border Print Bomber Jacket ($38.99) and Michael Kors Zip-Pocket Skinny Jeans ($59.99) to recreate the look for less:

I loved her lipcolor on this date, it was the Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick in 503 Red Fuschia ($38):

Besame Cosmetics Rose and Pink Masterliner Lip Pencil ($22):

Her blush was Too Faced’s Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Sparkling Bellini ($30):

Here are the rest of her makeup details:

Rachel wore The Kooples Moonlight Long Sleeve Lace Shirt (sold out) to her dinner with Dean and gave him the rose. This was a unique piece but I think this Floral Lace Blouse from Alex Evenings ($129) fits the spirit of her outfit:

On the group date, Rachel takes the men to a Spelling Bee! This is now my second favorite date of all time (after the dog date with Peter)! I was a two-time spelling bee champ and love this challenge! Rachel wore a sold out off the shoulder top from Zara, PAIGE Jacqueline High Waist Crop Straight Leg Jeans ($239), and Stuart Weitzman Letsdance wedges ($272.99). I found three similar tops which I just love! The first, STATE 3/4 Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Poplin Blouse ($53.40), the second, 7th Avenue Poplin Off the Shoulder Shirt ($34.96), the third, 7th Avenue Flounced Off-the-Shoulder Shirt with a Drama Sleeve ($38.46):

For the evening cocktail portion of the date, Rachel wore a custom navy Randi Rahm design with floral appliques. I liked the fit and flare party dress element and thought you could get the same sort of feel with this Ellen Tracy Sheer Stripe Dress ($49.99):

We end with more drama from Lee and Kenny and are left to wonder if either of them will stay on to the next week.

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.



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Viktor&Rolf Magic Collection

July 7, 2017 by 4 Comments

I received a complimentary bottle of Viktor&Rolf’s Dirty Trick fragrance from Saks Fifth Avenue in order to provide a review. All opinions are my own. 

Lately I’ve been working on building up my fragrance collection instead of just buying one bottle and using it until it’s gone. Now that I have a few bottles, I can collect different fragrances for each occasion. When I was asked to review Viktor&Rolf’s Dirty Trick fragrance I was excited to add to my fragrance library.

Every fragrance collection looks to tap into a specific lifestyle and Viktor&Rolf’s Magic Collection is no different. There are six scents in the collection and they look to bring a little magic into everyday life.

Each of the six fragrances has a two-word name to represent their olfactory and magical elements. Each scent contains an innovative ingredient that has never been used in perfumery and pairs it with a traditional ingredient. The entire collection is unisex (John didn’t seem too excited about trying this fragrance himself, which is fine because that means more for me!).

The Magic Collection includes:

  • Lavender Illusion – the illusion of the classic lavender magically turned into a precious flower
  • Liquid Diamonds – the transformation of the hardest precious stone into liquid
  • Dirty Trick – the ubiquity of precious iris and provocative ink
  • Sage Spell – the addiction of sage becoming a transcending plant
  • Sparkling Secret – the sublimation of a fusing cologne
  • Dancing Roses – the captivating dream of levitating rose petals

I tried Dirty Trick, which is elegantly sensual with notes of suede accord, cedarwood essence, and benzoin (it’s a resin from a specific type of tree – I had to look it up).

Dirty Trick combines the elegant and precious Iris and the mischievous and provocative Chinese Ink into a concoction of disruptive and animalistic sensuality. It arrests the senses with a mischievous combination of iris and ink. Sparkling bergamot and clary sage are interrupted by spicy and sweet incense to compose the top notes, while powdery iris and violet leaves blend harmoniously with ink to create a metallic and smoky heart.

This fragrance retails for $220 at Saks Fifth Avenue and comes in an apothecary-inspired bottle. I love that Dirty Trick is such a sensual fragrance and I can see myself saving this for a romantic date with my husband or a special night out when I want to look and feel my best.

Which scent from Viktor&Rolf’s Magic Collection would you like to try?

For more beauty posts, click here.



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Bachelorette 13 – Week 3

June 29, 2017 by Leave a Comment

We ended last week on a not-so-exciting cliffhanger as DeMario returned for a second chance. It was pretty obvious that Rachel wasn’t going to give to him. In other news we finally got rid of Blake and Whaboom – hooray!!

Rachel launches into week three by bringing her first group date to the Ellen Show. She wore a sold out Ramy Brook Lauren Snakeskin Cold-Shoulder Blouson Dress. The good news is that you can find a different pattern, Blush Combo, for $425 and a variety of solid colors here for $395. This Msk 3/4 Sleeve Blouson Dress ($59.99) is a similar look for less:

She sported MAC’s PatentPolish Lip Pencil in Sultana ($21):

For the evening portion of the date Rachel catches up on her kiss count and things get steamy with some of the men. Rachel looks great in a Straight Jersey Cut Out Jumpsuit by Jovani ($338). This Skies Are Blue Cut-Out Jumpsuit ($89) is similar:

You can get her smoky eyes with MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Lunar ($20):

Next, Rachel took Anthony on a one-on-one date to Rodeo Drive…on horseback. She wore a sold out Three Dots Abstract Netted Lace Jacket. This 14th & Union Lace Bomber Jacket ($32.97) is similar:

Anthony and Rachel continued their date on the rooftop and it must have been chilly because she kept her coat on the entire time. She wore a Cinq à Sept Juno Cutout Mini Dress ($164.25) and the Mackage Loni Long Double Face Wool Coat in Mineral ($440):

Rachel wore Charlotte Tilbury’s Very Victoria Lipstick ($34) again:

For the mud wrestling date, Rachel wore a Henley by Three Dots. I don’t think this is the exact one she had, but this Sofia Henley by Three Dots ($30.73) is similar. I also found this Splendid Women’s Thermal Long Sleve Henley Tee ($84):

After everyone got cleaned up, Rachel changed into a Rag & Bone two piece crop top and skirt and DSTLD Womens Wool Blanket Maxi Coat ($180). I found this similar Marled Surplice Crop Top ($8) and Knit Skirt ($5) to recreate her look:

Rachel’s lips were lined with MAC’s Pro Longwear Lip Pencil ($21):

Rachel’s rose ceremony look was from Randi Rahm. This Adrianna Papell Beaded Halter Gown ($289) is similar:

I loved her eyeshadow here and it is Danessa Myricks Colorfix in Titanium ($18):

This episode ended with Eric drama. I love that after so many seasons of this show people still waste their precious time with the lead to talk about other people. That is the quickest way to go home…every time. To be continued next week…

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.



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Summer 2017 Favorites

June 28, 2017 by 3 Comments

Just like Olaf, I too am ready for all things summer!

Sand in my toes, sun on my face, cold drink in my hand. Here are all my favorites things for summer this year:

Lands’ End Ponte Portrait Collar Dress (Sale $34.99)

I saw an article on this sheath in US Weekly and apparently people are going nuts over this dress. I ordered one for myself and will post an update. I got the navy version, but if I like it I’ll probably get the pink version too.

Summer Boardwalk – Salted Caramel Popcorn Candle (Sale $12.50)

So I liked the smell of this candle – so fun for summer and then I read the reviews and noticed people talking about “throw” and had no idea what that meant. Google to the rescue in case you are curious too. A candle’s throw is how it smells, the cold throw is the scent you get when you smell it before you light it and the hot throw is how the candle smells when lit and how far away you can be and still smell it.

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Sandal ($198)

You have to check out the video for these sandals. They first caught my eye with the rose metallic color and then I discovered that they are convertible sandals! You can wear them as a sandal or move the strap to convert them to a slip on! And they fold up so you can travel with them – amazing! They also come in black, tan, white and blue. 

OPI Hotter Than You Pink ($10.49)

This color is originally from the OPI Neon Collection released in 2014 but it is the perfect pick for summer. I did like their new California Dreaming Collection, but it doesn’t come in Gel colors. While your toes are on display in the summer months this hot pink will give you a pop of color! It also has a little shimmer to it.

Banana Republic Ruffle Crossback Tank ($49.50)

I love this pink color and I LOVE the back of this top!

Colorescience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 ($64)

This is an awesome concept! If you’re like me, you don’t want to apply sunscreen on your face every few hours once you’ve already put on your makeup. With this you can just do a little powder touch up and voila instant protection. I also love it because you can powder your scalp line too which is where I always get burnt.

Cherry Charm Cuff Bracelet ($24.50)

This is so adorable and would make a cute accessory to any summer outfit.

Cold Shoulder Flounce Dress ($79.50)

I have another Loft dress that I just LOVE for the summer and thought that this would be a nice addition. I’m not really a shorts person so dresses are my go to summer outfit.

Banana Republic Enamel Tassel Pendant ($32.50)

I love that this is pink AND it has flowers too!

Melissa Floral Crossbody Clutch ($34)

I know florals for summer are cliche but I love em!

Merino Off-the-Shoulder Bow Top ($78)

Off-the-shoulder is the hot look for summer and I love the color of this top. I can’t resist a bow!

Colada Pineapple Vase-Planter ($6.95)

Why not bring a little bit of summer inside with this cute little planter?

What are your favorite things for summer?

You can also check out my Summer 2016, Summer 2015, Summer 2014, and Summer 2013 Favorites.



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Bachelorette 13 – Week 2

June 12, 2017 by 1 Comment

This might be one of my favorite and least favorite weeks of The Bachelorette ever! The highlight was Copper and Peter! Boy did we need that pick me up to get us through the rest of the drama!

The first group date brings us a special guest appearance by Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher who host a “husband competition.” After seeing how the contestants performed I probably would have sent all of them home. Rachel wore a Self-Portrait Floral Jacquard Sleeveless Mini Dress ($311). I found this BP Floral Print Cross Back Dress ($45) look for less:

You can see her makeup from this date here:

At the cocktail party the men definitely didn’t deserve this hot Michelle Mason Plunge Zipper Dress (sold out) that Rachel wore. But Dean brought it back and earned the group date rose. This Aglow Bodycon Midi Dress from Lulu’s ($54) is similar:

Those red lips were fierce, but not so great for kissing Dean:

Rachel decides to take Peter on the first one-on-one date a.k.a. the best date in Bachelor Nation history! We meet Rachel’s adorable pup Copper and go to Barkfest where Peter wins everyone over. I have to say, I’m loving Peter right now – he seems really genuine and it looks like they have great chemistry together. On the evening portion of the date, Rachel and Peter bond even further. Rachel wore the Saylor Maya Floral Lace Slip Dress (sold out). I found this Bardot Botanica Lace Dress ($139) or this AQUA Floral Lace Dress ($69) to recreate the look:

The basketball date was total DRAMA. This was so annoying because it was obviously so producer driven. Why waste our time and even have this girl come on screen?! Rachel seemed annoyed by the whole thing too – it was just juvenile and dumb. Rachel wore the Trouve Chiffon Bomber Jacket (sold out). This Sculpt Mesh Bomber Jacket from Zella ($98) is similar:

You can get her makeup details here:

After the DeMario debacle, Rachel brought some sparkle to the cocktail party with a sequin babydoll dress. I found this similar Michael Stars Sequin Sleeveless Mini Dress ($84.99):

You can find Rachel’s sultry evening makeup here:

Rachel went full on glam at the rose ceremony wearing a black and gold MacDuggal Flash Dress ($338) and Rachel Zoe Viv Sandals ($178.80):

These INC Sadiee Strappy Dress Sandals ($99.50) are similar:

You can see Rachel’s golden goddess look here:

Before the night is over, DeMario makes another appearance (who knows why…I suspect producers). Will DeMario stay or go? Tune in next week…

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.



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Dead Men Tell No Tales: The Final Adventure

May 26, 2017 by 3 Comments

I was all in when I got a sneak peek of the new Pirates of the Caribbean move: Dead Men Tell No Tales. As soon as I knew the date, I started my movie marathon of the previous four movies. And yes, I did watch these with a Captain and Diet Coke in my hand (it’s only fitting – there can be no Pirates without rum). Now that I’ve seen them all I think my favorites are the first one and the third one. But I can’t wait to watch all of them over and over again.

If this movie is truly the last in the series, I am sad to see Jack Sparrow go but I think they wrapped things up nicely. They also left the door open for more, so who knows? Make sure you stay past the credits as there is some bonus footage at the end. More than any other movie, I got into all of the products surrounding the Pirates franchise and even got a few things to celebrate at the screening.

Lorac’s Pirates of the Caribbean Collection

Lorac unveiled a limited-edition collection featuring an eye shadow palette, cheek palette and six dual lip gloss/lipstick colors. I chose the “Me Hearties” lipcolor. I loved this because it had a gloss and lipstick all in one with a little mirror on the side for a quick application.

Him & Gem Pirate Shirt ($21.95)

I ordered this fun shirt to wear to the screening and I can guarantee you I will wear it again.

Starbucks Pirate Cake Pop

Starbucks came out with a fun Pirate Cake Pop with vanilla cake and a white chocolate coating. It is a fun little treat that makes me laugh.

Pirates of the Caribbean Compact Mirror ($16.95)

I loved this little compact mirror – it sort of reminded me of Jack’s compass.

Silver Skull Stud Earrings ($24)

I wanted a pair of skull and crossbones earrings and thought this were cool and edgy.

Have you seen the new Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales movie? What did you think?

For previous movie reviews, click here.



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Bachelorette 13 – Week 1

May 25, 2017 by 2 Comments

Eleven weeks was too long to go without a Bachelor Nation show. The good news is that Mike Fleiss is adding another show to the roster, The Bachelor Winter Games, scheduled to premiere February 2018. So I assume this will overlap somehow with The Bachelor, we shall see. I was so pumped for Rachel Lindsay, that I did a quick premiere post with her amazing behind the scenes look. So grab your Bachelor Nation wine and let’s get started!

As is the custom, Rachel had to get advice on being the Bachelorette, so she turned to Corinne, Raven, Kristina, Whitney, Alexis and Jasmine. I spotted Kendra Scott’s Naomi Ring ($130) and I loved her feather lariat necklace but couldn’t find it anywhere.

Kristina was also wearing Kendra Scott’s Elisa Pendant Necklace ($65):

Rachel’s premiere dress was custom designed by Randi Rahm, a favorite designer of the Bachelor/Bachelorette. This dress was heavy with 30 pounds of white beads and Swarovski crystals. To recreate this look you can try Randi Rahm’s Sylvia Embellished Gown (worn by Raven on Nick’s finale) $6,800. Or this great look for less, the JS Collections Jacquard Halter Brocade Mermaid Gown ($248):

Gina Modica, the Bachelor’s makeup artist, shared all of the makeup she used to create Rachel’s look:

Jane Iredale Amazing Matte Loose Finishing Powder ($36)

Giorgio Armani Eye Tint #8 ($39)

This color is called “Flannel” and it looks like #25 was a limited edition color.

NARS Galapagos and Mekong Eyeshadow ($26 each)

Make Up For Ever Waterproof Cream Shadow Aqua Black ($23)

So this is technically a shadow, but she’s using it as an eyeliner in this instance.

Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow, Neolita ($42)

Charlotte Tilbury Iconic Nude Lipcheat Lipliner ($22)

Charlotte Tilbury Very Victoria Lipstick ($34)

 

What do you think about Rachel’s men?

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.



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Set Your Intention with Aroma Foundry Essential Oils

May 24, 2017 by 14 Comments

I received complimentary samples from Aroma Foundry in order to provide a review. All opinions are my own. 

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you’ve probably noticed my Miracle Morning journey. I’ve just crossed over 120 days and am always looking for ways to enhance my morning routine. When Aroma Foundry reached out to me, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to incorporate essential oils into my Miracle Morning routine and maybe even create my own Miracle Morning blend.

Essential oils are all-natural and extracted from plants. Aroma Foundry sources Native Oils where they are first known to have appeared. For example, Aroma Foundry Rosemary is sourced from Morocco. Each of their oils has a little history attached to it. Rosemary has this background: “Going back to the time of the indigenous Berbers, fields of wild rosemary were sustainably harvested and utilized for many centuries.” 

If you are thinking of incorporating essential oils into your Miracle Morning routine either by diffusing, smelling or applying them, here are a few to consider:

Rosemary

Rosemary is the perfect oil to diffuse during your affirmations and visualization time. It is known to promote memory retention, concentration and productivity. It also uplifts and stimulates the mind. You can also take it with you during the day and take a quick inhale whenever you need a reminder to stick to your goals.

Bergamot

A type of orange, Bergamot has a calming effect and its citrus properties will help to uplift you during meditation. Aroma Foundry sources their Bergamot from the Netherlands where it is popular as a fragrance, in teas, and even in beers.

Peppermint

Aroma Foundry sources its Peppermint from Washington which surprisingly produces more mint than any other region in the world. Who knew? Peppermint can be used as an energy booster and to promote concentration. It can also stimulate clear thinking. It would be great in a brainstorm or when you are doing your visualizations. You may try taking a whiff of this when you first wake up in the morning.

John and I used Peppermint during a road trip to stay alert and energized.

Lemongrass

If you are hitting your yoga mat every morning, consider diffusing Lemongrass or applying it to your wrists prior to practice. Aroma Foundry uses Lemongrass from Guatemala because the climate produces some of the most fragrant oil. Lemongrass will invigorate your senses and open your mind. It’s also perfect for those sore muscles and can be used in massages.

Lavender

Source in the United States, Aroma Foundry’s Lavender is 100% pure and not diluted. Lavender can help relieve nervous tension and depression. To ensure you get a good night’s sleep, rub some behind your temples before bed and visualize the next morning’s routine.

Grapefruit

This grapefruit oil is sourced from Florida and has a stimulating effect on the body and the mind. It’s another mood lifter, perfect for your down days or when you need to focus on your goal with clarity.

Lemon

Aroma Foundry’s Lemon oil is sourced from California. Lemon promotes concentration and can help calm you when you’re exhausted or feeling angry. This is a good one for an early morning meditation when you really don’t feel like doing it that day.

It’s your lucky day, because Aroma Foundry has generously offered to give a $25 gift card to one of my readers. I am thrilled to share this with you so you can kick start your Miracle Morning practice using essential oils. Enter the giveaway below and I will select a winner on June 5th:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more posts about the Miracle Morning, click here.



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Splurge vs. Steal: Vita Fede Titan Bracelet

May 23, 2017 by 5 Comments

I’m not sure if I’m ready to pull off multiple bracelets at a time, but I definitely want to up my bracelet game. Stacking bracelets is all the rage right now and I have less than five bracelets that I even like to wear at any given time. The Vita Fede Titan Bracelet caught my fancy, plus I love a hinge bracelet because I have large hands and can’t always fit an enclosed bracelet on my wrist. Jessica Alba, Kristen Wiig and Jennifer Lopez have all been caught sporting this bracelet.

I have seen this bracelet many times before, but was never familiar with the brand. Vita Fede belongs to designer Cynthia Sakai and handcrafts her pieces in Italy. Think timeless luxury with a feminine twist. “Vita Fede” stands for life and faith which makes me love the jewelry even more. Aside from this bracelet they have amazing rings, earrings and more that you can see featured on tons of celebrities.

The Vita Fede Titan Bracelet costs $290, and there are a number of variations, they even have rings. This month’s steal comes from The Favery with this Bullet Hinge Cuff Bracelet on sale for $32.50. This is made with 14-karat gold, so it’s higher quality than some other steals you might find.

I love this sleek bangle, but The Favery’s price point is more in line with my budget. Now I need to work on a bracelet stack. Do you have a splurge that you want me to find a steal for? Let me know in the comments. Or let me know if you find another steal for the Vita Fede Titan Bracelet.

For more Splurge vs. Steal posts, click here.



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