I really liked last month's Pop Sugar Must Have Box so I was super excited to see what came for February! 

Inside was: 

//Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush.  This stuff is awesome, it hydrates your skin will it gives you a pretty face.  ARV $26
//U.S. Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath.  What a great way to relax after a long day. This would be perfect as a gift for someone too!! ARV $30
//ACME Party Box Company Bamboo Heart Cutting Board & Cheese Knife.  Okay this was my favorite thing. I can't wait to use it when I have my own house this year. ARV $32
//Sally Beauty FingerPaints Nail Color.  For the polish fans out there here you go! ARV $5.50
//Chuao Chocolatier Ravishing Rocky Road Bar.  Delicious.  Marshmallows, almonds, and al! ARV $6
//Figs & Rouge 100% Natural Balm.   Great for winter lips! ARV $8
//BaubleBar Mini Arrow Pendant Necklace.  So beautiful and petite.   I have wanted one of these for a while now.  ARV $32



So far after 2 months, I'm hooked to these boxes.   If you want to sign up, go here.

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Pink + Green If You Know What I Mean

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And once again, my favorite boot Ever!!!!

So What I Wore: 
Boots - Impo Shoes | Jeans c/o Mint Julep Boutique | Pink top - Zara.

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My Health & Fitness Progress

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So ever since about January 13th, I had given up drinking wine.  I packed on so many extra pounds and inches yet I didn't really change my eating habits to anything worse. I was actually eating better.  So then I heard someone say how when they stopped drinking a glass of wine everyday, they actually lost some weight.   Wine has a lot of added sugar so I gave it a shot.   I have lost 2 inches so far off my waistline so I can't wait to see what another month does to me! 

I have also been trying to go on more walks daily.  So I got some awesome new kicks from Topo Athletic to help me stay motivated! 

These are the ST.  They are so freakin lightweight which is why I absolutely love them.  They are Topo Athletic's lightest and most responsive running shoe. 

I love how sleek and stylish they are too.  They are designed to help your foot work naturally through the gait cycle.  This is great when I jog because it gives me proper form.  Seriously I love these, they are so minimalistic!  

Have you ever gave up wine?   Did you see any results? 

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Tips to Save Your Skin and Lips This Winter

I don't know about you but winter has been taking a toll on my skin.   I wanted to go over a few tips to help everyone else deal as well! 

1. Be Mindful of Soaps 
When you wash your hands make sure you are using a soap that moisturizes your skin rather than strips it of moisture.   Just read the labels!

2. Pamper Skin & Lips
I use Fleurs de Temps Body Lotion on my body after a shower.  It's full of nutrients and helps keep my skin super soft. It also soaks in quickly.  For my lips, I use the Mirabella Red Velvet Lip Pencil and I love how long it lasts and the fact that it doesn't dry out my skin. 

3. Bundle Up
When you have to be outside in the cold weather, cover your skin! Wear a scarf to protect your face and neck and always wear gloves!!! 


How do you help your skin survive the Winter? 

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3 Easy Ways to A Fresh Look

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Colgate-Palmolive. All opinions are mine alone. #OpticSmiles #CollectiveBias.

My life can get so busy that it feels impossible to keep up with my looks and beauty routine some days so I just try to smile do what's best and what takes the least amount of time.  There are 3 easy ways that I do that, and none of them are time consuming.   

1// Fresh Brows
I always mind my eyebrows and make sure I look well groomed by plucking them on a weekly basis.   A little detail like that goes a long way. Whenever I get a few spare minutes I just stand in front of my vanity and pluck away.  

2// Fresh Hair
Even if I can't wash my hair everyday (which I never can) I make sure to keep it fresh by using a dry shampoo.  It's quick, easy, and convenient. Dry shampoo holds me over between washes and it helps my hair look and smell fresh! 

3// Fresh Smile
This is my favorite part.  I don't have weeks or months to wait for whiter teeth.  So I use Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste for an easier and faster way to get whiter teeth in just 3 days from brushing!!* It's so much less of a hassle than other methods. I love that I don't have to sit around and wait for an hour for a product to help my teeth look great.  I can just use it as part of my regular routine when I brush my teeth! It has a great fresh mint flavor and I love how fresh my breathe is afterwards! 

Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste` has 2 times more of the professionally recommended whitening ingredient (vs. Optic White Sparkling Mint Toothpaste). Express White is different than other toothpastes because it has Hydrogen Peroxide and it's less hassle than whitening treatments.   There are 3 sizes available: 3 oz, 4.5 oz, and a 1.45 oz travel size that will hit select stores on March 14th. This is such an easy solution for me to keep my smile looking great.   

Speaking of travel, my 3 ways to a fresh look are also great when you are preparing for a big event like a party, a dance, or a presentation at work.  You can take care of your face, hair, and beautiful smile.  3 days is enough time to prepare for anything really, so make sure you go out and get Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste.

It's not hard to find Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste , just look for the huge Colgate® endcap in Walmart like I did! And on February 28th, there will be a roaming demo in 550 store where ambassadors will be giving out $1 off coupons good on Express White Toothpaste.  See if your nearest store is on the list.
Can you fit these 3 tips into your routine? 



*For best results, use as directed for 4 weeks. 

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A Day in the Life of Me

A lot of bloggers have been doing posts lately about a day in the life of them as a blogger/mom/full time employee.  So I figured I'd give it a shot.   I decided to pick a random day in the middle of the week to walk you through my life and how I go about balancing EVERYTHING.

5:50 AM | Alarm goes off (which sends my 4 dogs into a whirlwind of excitement for food. 
//I go to the bathroom, chug my water and vitamins, and brush my teeth.
//I head straight downstairs and feed 3 of the dogs, and as soon as I turn on the Keurig to make coffee, my 4th (Rocky) has appeared at my feet. 
//I take Rocky out to pee, then feed him and continue making coffee and getting out my Belvita.
6:00 AM | I sit at the table and eat/drink while working.
//I check my 2 email accounts.
//I check all my social media accounts.
//I enter a few new giveaways I've found.
//I check my bank account.
6:30 AM | I head upstairs to get ready for work.
//I brush my teeth again,wash my face, and get dressed.
//If my hair is straight, I touch it up with my flat iron.
// I feed my rat, and play my Covet Fashion App while waking up.
6:50 AM| I head out the door after grabbing my already packed lunch.
7:15 AM | I arrive at my full time job.
//During the day I am really busy at work but I manage to make the most of my bathroom breaks.
9:30 AM | Snack/ Bathroom Break
// I get some steps in on the way to the bathroom and while I'm walking I use my phone to respond to emails, and check my social media accounts.  I also respond to any texts I have.
11:00 AM | Another Bathroom break
//I get more steps in and I get on my phone to share my blog posts on social media for the day. (I schedule Twitter posts but I always live post on Facebook and Instagram.)  I also respond to texts.
11:30 AM| Working Lunch.
//While I eat lunch at my desk I do social media on my phone, responding to people that have contacted me regarding blog stuff.   I also read through magazines and make note of any companies I see that I'd like to reach out to as well as any blog post ideas I get.
2:00 PM| Break Time.
//Once again I use the restroom, get some steps in, and respond to social media/emails/texts on my phone.  If I don't do this throughout the day I have an INSANE amount of blog related emails by the time I get home.
4:00 PM| Leave work.
//As I drive home I can hear my email account on my phone chiming.  By the time I get home I'll have anywhere from 10-15 emails.
4:15 PM| Arrive Home.
//As soon as I walk in I'm greeted by my 4 dogs as well as my parents' dog. 
// I let the 2 boy dogs outside on a leash with me.
//I grab the mail and head inside to feed all 5 dogs.
//At this time I also go and tidy up the potty pads throughout the house. 
4:30 PM| Settle In.
//I open the mail and packages and respond to texts.
// I head upstairs and have to log in excel everything I got in the mail that day. 
//I open my blog post planner and set dates for when I'll post about any items I get.
// I check email and respond to emails.
// I also pack the next days lunch.
5:00 PM| I begin cooking dinner.
5:30 PM| Errands. I'll eat my dinner later so I put it in the fridge but at least I got it cooked before the other members of my parents' house come home.
6:00 PM| Run to a few stores to take in-store photos for blog campaigns as well as purchase the necessary items.
7:00 PM| Arrive home to eat.
7:30 PM| Shower time. I also do my hair.
8:00 PM| Set out the next days outfit and take some blog item photos.
8:30 PM| Edit Photos.
9:00 PM| Respond to emails before turning computer off for the night to watch TV and go to bed.


Just another day in the life.....

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Waiting for Blue Skies

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I am so sick of winter.   When it snows it's just icy slush and the wind is so obnoxious. I am ready for blue skies and white fluffy clouds. Where is Spring?!

So What I Wore: 
Boots - Guilty Soles | Jeans, Bag, & Necklace c/o Maurices at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster | Top - Target.

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PSA: To Anyone Who Thinks I'm Obsessed With My Dogs

All my life (or at least since I was 19 years old and got my first Chihuahua) I have joked that I am a crazy dog lady.  I love that title, because after all, I AM a crazy Chihuahua chick.   What I can't get past is the eye rolls I see people do, not necessarily about me but about other people when they talk about their dog or cat.   Or when they make snide remarks like "It's just a dog/cat/rabbit/hamster,etc." 

So I decided to write a blog post that would explain why my role as a dog mom is really no different than your role as a human parent.   You see, my dogs are just like your kids in many ways, and also they are different from them in many ways.  So here is my list.  I thought if I explain it, maybe people will understand why we consider our pets as family members, just as if they were humans. 

1| My dogs are dependent on me but not just till they are in their teens.   Just like your children are dependent on you for at least 18 years of their life, my dogs are dependent on me for their WHOLE life.   It is I who will have to take care of them when they are seniors.

2| I WILL live to see them pass.  One blessing (and curse if it's the opposite) of being a parent to a human child is that your children usually outlive you.  Haven't you heard people say that's the absolute worst thing (and an unnatural thing) for a parent to have to bury their child? Well, the crappy truth is that as a pet parent, I eventually will have to make the difficult decision of when it's time to let my babies cross the rainbow bridge.  And if you have ANY friends that have had to do this, you hopefully can understand how devastating it can be. 

3| My schedule revolves around my dogs.  I can't just go from work to happy hour if I wanted to, because no matter what I always have to stop home to feed my dogs and let them out.  It's not possible to stay the night at someone's house if you can't be there in time for their breakfast and first potty of the day. 

4| They are expensive.  Vet bills add up, as do food and grooming costs.  Oh and pet insurance? It doesn't work out to everyone's advantage, especially if you haven't had it since your dog was a puppy.  

5| My dogs get sick. Just like your kids get sick, my dogs get colds, coughs, allergies, and bumps and bruises. Oh and just like your kids, they need the proper nutrition to stay healthy, and I'm NOT just talking about Grocery Store Dog Kibble. 

6| They have behavioral issues.  Some dogs don't like strangers, or strange dogs, or loud sounds, or obeying rules.   They can destroy your favorite shoe just like a child could! 

7| Each dog has their own personality.  When one isn't around, the entire energy in my house is different because that dog's special energy is missing. Pixie is the smart bossy girl, Stella is sweet and cuddly, Rocky is loyal and loves to be held, and Grace is the dependable sidekick. 

8| I miss them when I'm gone.  When I'm away from home, I miss them, just as you miss your child when they are at school.  And they miss me.  If you don't believe that a dog can miss it's owner just go to Youtube and watch some of the awesome reunions between a dog and their owner.   

9| I miss work for them.  Vet appointments and emergencies can pull you away from your job and other regular commitments.  

10| They are not my whole life but they make my life whole.  So when you see me post about them, just know that what it looks like to you, is what your posts about your kids look like to a pet parent. 

11| Tolerance.   Basically, what I want you to know is that if YOU are annoyed by or get irritated with someone talking about their pets and how much they love them, then that's YOUR problem, not mine.   I can tolerate people talking about their kids even though I don't have any.  I can relate through my pets.  


I repeat... if you are annoyed with me talking about my dogs or sharing photos of them on Facebook then the problem is within YOU, not me. 

You do not have to agree with my love for my dogs and you certainly don't have to understand it, but if you can't respect it then keep it to yourself.  I always tell people that if you were to tell a pet parent "It's just your stupid cat" it would hurt them the same way it would if someone said "It's just your stupid kid." 


Can you guys relate to this? If so, please share my post!

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How To Physically Protect Yourself When Making a Purchase from Someone Online

There have been a couple of really sad stories in the news lately about people that were murdered after they went to meet up with someone they met on Craigslist, whether it was for a job or to purchase an item for sale.

This doesn't mean that Craigslist or any other online site are bad news, it just means you need to take as many precautions as possible.

Here are a few tips that will hopefully help you.

1| Do Your Research.
Once I get the name of someone that has a product I want and wants to meet up, I go on a google/social media spree.  I also reverse search their phone number or address.   If someone refuses to give me a phone number, name, address, and their email address seems too generic, I often times don't think twice about pursuing the sale.   Trust your gut.  

2| Meet in Public.
In a case where an item you are interested in can be easily packed up and transported, it's a GREAT idea to ask  the seller to meet you in a very public place like a busy parking lot (grocery store, mall), a restaurant, a coffeeshop, etc.   If possible, don't go alone.  Always bring someone and if you can't bring someone, make sure people know where you are. 

3| Watch Your Surroundings.
Did someone pull up behind the seller and they are watching you from afar? Make note of that.  Don't get in your car and drive away from a public area if you are afraid you might be followed.  If you are really uncomfortable, you can always call the local police and ask for someone to watch you. 

4| Bring Protection.
Of course the laws in every state are different, but in my state you can carry a concealed firearm if you have a permit.  If that's not an option, make sure you have mace, a personal alarm, a pocket knife, etc.  I know it sounds dramatic, but you have to think of the worst case scenario.   It may sound silly but even bringing a dog along in the car can be enough to deter someone from attempting something stupid.

5| Be Cautious of Going to A Residential Address.
The second you enter someone's home, you are automatically vulnerable.  If someone has a vehicle for sale, bring someone with you, and stay outside of the house.   Once again, be very cautious of your surroundings, and park in the street rather than in a driveway. 

6| Don't Give Out Personal Info.
Be cautious letting someone know where you work, when you work, or where you live.  There are cases where people come home to find their house robbed and ransacked because they told someone their work schedule and where they work and the person knew they would have some time to spare if they decided to break in.

7| Bring a Bodyguard.
Laugh all you want, but simply offering a large friend of yours $25 to ride along in the car when you go to meet up with someone for a job interview at a client's home or other "shady" spot could save your life.  

What other precautions can you think of?

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Doggy Dental Tips | February is Dental Month

Yep, it's dental month right now so what better way to celebrate than to give you guys a few tips for keeping your dog's teeth clean! 

Tip 1 | Don't Avoid Dental Cleanings
For my dogs, they are prone to dental issues and heart issues because of their breed and heart and dental stuff go hand in hand so I don't mess around.  If the vet suggests it's time for a dental cleaning, I go for it.   It may be pricey but it's worth it in the long run. 

Tip 2 | Weekly Brushing

I brush my dogs' teeth 2 times a week with a finger brush.   Even if I just shove the brush in and get the toothpaste in their mouth, it's better than nothing.   It also helps cut back on how many dental cleanings they will need in their lifetime! 



Tip 3 | Use Dental Chews
As a treat, I give my chihuahuas stuff to chew on, but I also want their treats to double as a dental health product.   I use Blue Buffalo Dental Bones.  They are all natural, made in the USA, contain Taurine, Vitamin A, C, and E, and contain no wheat.  


Do you take care of your pet's teeth? Are you going to start? 

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Wild Child

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I love love love leopard print and I love wearing it with fun colors.  

So What I Wore: 
Boots - Guilty Soles | Jeans & Tank c/o Maurices at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster | Necklace - Gifted from Monica | Cardigan - Old Navy | Bag - Nordstrom. 

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Sometimes Getting Dirty Looks is A Good Thing

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I look so happy in that photo don't I? Know why that is?  Because I have a full head of hair extensions from Dirty Looks in and I love the way they make me look and feel! 


When they come, they are in a ziploc bag packaging and you can open the one side first to see a sample clip in of the hair. If you like how it looks and matches with your own hair, you can open the other side to get the rest out. 

Inside are  10 wefts. I love how beautiful they are and how soft and silky smooth they feel.   The color is so on point with my own color.   

I made a quick video about unboxing them! 


They are very easy to put in and they blend in so well.  

Clip in hair extensions are my favorite thing ever. I don't have to worry about expensive salon visits, getting them cut out, or having to sleep and shower in them since you just take them out when you are done!

Do you wear clip in hair extensions?   

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Pretty in Pink + Polka Dots

Need I say more? 

So What I Wore:
Blouse - Target | Cami c/o Maurices at Rockvale Outlets Lancaster | Boots c/o Guilty Soles | Jeans c/o Articles of Society.

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Major Benefits of Living With Less

Whether it's your closet, your house, or your email inbox, living with less can mean a less stressful and more simple lifestyle.  Here are some ways to living with less can benefit you.

1. You spend less money.
When you have less stuff and the stuff you do have is only what you need, it makes it easier for you to see what is available, for instance in your closet. You need an outfit for a party so you look at what you have (you know all of it fits because you got rid of what doesn't fit) so you can easily put something together versus getting overwhelmed even glancing at your closet, and then running out to the store in a rush. 

2. You save time.
Once again, if you know where your things are, you won't have to spend time searching around.   If you can't find your box of winter gloves in the closet, it could be because it's buried in clutter. But when everything is organized and purged, you can easily see where you store things.


3. You save energy.
It's so nice being able to calmly and quickly open a drawer and grab exactly what I need... there is no frustration because I never have to frantically search for something since I know where it all is.

4. You have less stress.
This goes hand in hand with time and energy.  I can't remember the last time I was stressed out looking for something. 

5. You are always prepared for company.
Entertaining is so much easier when you don't have to spend tons of time cleaning and decorating.   And you will never be upset when you have an unexpected guest drop by!

What benefits can you think of that would really help you in your own home?

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