Spring Cleaning | Grove Haul

Not only do I love a good beauty haul, but a box full of cleaning products is also a welcomed package. I've been ordering from Grove for over a year and a half now and am loving the product selection, free, fast shipping, and gifts with purchase. I decided to try it out for the cute 5-piece set free and got hooked! Here is my referral code if you want to try it out!

Here is what I got in this haul, if you needed some products to add to your next shipment or if you are new to Grove and wanted to see what was available!

Mrs. Meyer's - Room Freshener (Mint)

Grove Collaborative - Sleep Essential Oil Blend (Sleep)

Grove Collaborative - Glass Spray Bottle with Silicone Sleeve (Slate Gray)

Grove Collaborative - Cleaning Concentrates, 3 Pack (Lavender & Thyme)

Paw Sense - Pet Stain and Odor Remover (Lemongrass)

Mrs. Meyer's - Dishwasher Tabs (20 ct) (Lemon Verbena)

Seedling by Grove - Tree-Free Paper Towels (2 Rolls)

Other favorite Grove Products:

Grove Collaborative All-Purpose Microfiber Cloth, Set of 2

Grove Collaborative Replaceable Head Dish Brush

Grove Collaborative Wool Dryer Balls, Set of 3

Do you have any cleaning product favorites?

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GRWM Spring Make-Up

It's almost the unofficial start to summer! But I am in the peak of Spring vibes. I am definitely wanting all the florals and creamy pastels. If you are in the spring state of mind too, I just posted a getting ready with me for this make-up on my YouTube channel! Even if you are already focused on summer, I think this look would be perfect anytime of year!

Below are the products I used:

Tatcha The Pearl in Softlight

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Wet n Wild photofocus Water Drop Primer in Rose

Glossier Haloscope in Quartz

Julep Cushion Complexion in 110 Porcelain

Glossier Stretch Concealer in Light

Wet n Wild ultimatebrow Retractable Brow Pencil

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

tarte Flawless on the Fly (This was a limited edition holiday set, but similar colors are in their Tartelette Flirt palette and Dream Big palette!) 

Physician's Formula Eye Booster in Ultra Black

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Blackout

thrive causemetics brilliant eye brightener in Stella

Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

tarte tarteist ProGlow using Sculpt (contour) & Lit (highlight)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio in Cocktail Party using Scorching & Babe

Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss in Dirty Chai

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

I mentioned FabFitFun A LOT this video! It's my favorite subscription box-I even order it for my mom! Here is my referral link if you want to get the summer box.

Do you switch up your make-up for the season?

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FabFitFun Spring 2018

I have gone through quite the range of subscription boxes over the years. I love checking the mail, and you got to have something fun in the midst of wrong addresses, spam, and junk. I have always been curious about FabFitFun (my referral link for $10 off!). All the boxes I had seen seemed to have a high value and good variety of products. I also like that it's a quarterly box, so I don't feel inundated by stuff.

I first became a subscriber for the Winter 2017 box. I thought it was an excellent way to get a few gifts for friends while keeping a few goodies for myself. My mom loved the skincare and eyeshadow palette, my sister the necklace, and I got to keep the poncho and socks.

This month, I may just be keeping everything-wait, I did share the Lip Masks with friends which was fun. Sharing is caring :] I am loving the eye mask, earrings, and candle. I have been trying to get better about foam rolling and this massage roller is super easy to use. The moisturizer and nail polish base coat are perfect staples. I am looking forward to some spring weather- brunchin' with the clutch and earrings for a killer spring combo.

Overall, I am super pleased again with this box. The items feel very curated to me and epitomize the spring vibes of the seasonal box. I love that it's basically instant self care in a box, making it the perfect gift for friends or yourself-or a bit of both!

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FItness Update 2017

It's been awhile since I've posted about fitness. Of course, every year-month-day, I tell myself that I want to make changes in my lifestyle, but it never seems to stick. I basically kept to my favourite yoga class once a week and having a few of staple healthy meals in rotation. Recently though, I started to post again on my fitness Instagram, @evladyfit. The resurgence started with posting daily pics from the #stretchrevolution challenge from Blogilates.

Around the same time, my yoga studio started a yoga challenge, #30daysoftangerine. Today is day 10, and I've gone every day (so far)! Before signing up, I really didn't think I could do it-I even set my goal at 20 classes. Now, I'm not sure if I can stop! It's really helped my sleep schedule. I have to make sure to wake up early for 6:30 am classes before work! Plus, daily exercise gets my body tired, so I don't have that tired but wired feeling at the end of the day. My posture has improved, and just a couple of days ago, I was able to do my first full wheel! It also forces me to dedicate a solid hour of just me time, which is so important for promoting mindfulness, setting intentions, and reducing anxiety.

I think the key is to find what works for you and that you genuinely enjoy. I am a planner, so I love setting up my classes for the week. And with it set, I think of it more like a meeting, so I can't miss it! That's the structure piece, and I just love the content of the classes-how they make me feel in my mind and body-before, during, and after hitting the mat. I feel like you have to try different methods, studios, even instructors can change how much you enjoy a class before finding your thang. Maybe you find you are someone that likes to mix up your exercise methods. Every once in awhile, I have been bouldering at Preston's climbing gym and sometimes he comes with me to yoga. Gotta keep it fun & interesting!

You also can't be too hard on yourself. Things change. We will be out of town this weekend, so I won't get my "gold star" for the days (literally), but hey, I'll be back Monday to start again. Same goes for month(s) long and year(s) long breaks too. I feel like you pick up little habits, tips, and tricks with you every time you start something new. Like, maybe you didn't stick with that meal prepping, but you found an easy healthy snack or a dinner recipe you love. Or what I am predicting will happen after this challenge-I won't be doing everyday yoga, but I now know my body can wake up early, and I enjoy it, so maybe I'll start doing a morning class before work in addition to the weekend.

In some ways, the start of spring seems more like the time for resolutions than the new year. Are you trying to up your fitness game before summer?

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Best Whole Foods Beauty Bag Yet

Happy Spring!! In name only here... At least that means the Whole Foods Beauty Bag is back! It is a great way to try a bunch of different natural beauty products. I love the 2015 and 2016 version, but 2017 has to be the best. I mean just look at how many products they included. I even convinced the sales associate checking me out to get one!

Piece & Co Organic Cotton Bag

Acure Pore Clarifying Red Clay Facial Mask

evanhealy Wild Carrot Nourishing Eye Balm
Weleda Soothing Facial Lotion
derma e Hydrating Night Cream 
Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner 
Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk  

Trilogy CoQ10 Booster Oil
Juice Beauty Green Apply Peel Sensitive

Whole Foods Market Dry Skin Hand Cream Peony, Mint, & Blackberry
Pacifica Devocean Lipstick in Tenderness

Mineral Fusion Volumizing Mascara

So while you are picking up some groceries or a green juice, make sure to grab one-or two!

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ABM Happy Mail | March 2016

Loving the spring vibes of last month's Happy Mail. I need to have a spring cleaning of my stationery collection, and start sending more snail mail regularly! I am loving the cacti card, watercolour 'thank you', bicycle, and little rain cloud notepad.

What were your favourite cards last month?

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Birchbox | April 2016

This box has me ready for Spring. The weather is definitely rainy (hoping April showers bring May flowers) but has been on the chilly side. I'm so glad that Birchbox did another collaboration with Rifle Paper Co. (see the first one here). I love the floral design, plus it came with a 20% off Rifle Paper coupon. Here is what else I received in this month's box:

Box Breakdown

Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub

PBJ Smoothie Stick Creamy Lip Crayon

rms beauty The ultimate makeup remover wipe

Beaver Repair Rescue Shampoo & Conditioner

I just received a sample of the Acure Facial Scrub in the recent Whole Foods Beauty bag. I love it and even featured it in this past month's favourites. I am currently debating storing this one as a back-up or sharing the product love with a friend. I love the colour of the PBJ Smoothie Stick. It looks like the perfect transitional shade from colder weather to spring. And the little blenders on the packaging are pretty cute too. For sample selection, I chose the rms beauty makeup remover wipes. I have been wanting to try many products from rms. I love their chic design and luxe ingredients. These wipes are going straight in my gym bag. I tried hot yoga for the first time last week and came out looking like a panda-these are going to solve that problem! Finally, I received a generous size of Beaver Repair Rescue Shampoo & Conditioner. I am not a fan of their ingredients, so I might have to pass these on. Even so, this box is still a win for me. 

What did you get in this month's Birchbox?

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Lush | Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! We usually spend the weekend in Jersey but went out there just a couple weekends ago, so decided to stay home. We're making the most of the start of spring by doing a full cleaning. We made so much progress yesterday! Life is much nicer with a clean apartment. I picked up the latest from Marie Kondo, Spark Joy, to serve as a bit of inspiration. I also purchased a few goodies from Lush. I'm loving it as a simple, little Easter tradition. Plus, I have taken up rock climbing and am so sore-I could use a luxurious bath!

For Easter goodies, I went with the classic Bunch of Carrots. But this year, it has an heirloom, farmer's market update. I love the bright fruit scent. It's great that it's reusable. I always end of breaking my bath items up for several uses, but with this one, I don't have to. You just swirl it around in your tub, then remove, and let dry for next time.

I had to go with the glitter bomb that is the Golden Egg. It's a bath bomb melt. It feels super soft and smells very sweet. Perfect for a relaxing evening in.

As I was walking out of the store, the Intergalactic bath bomb caught my eye. I loved the bright, swirling colours. It reminds me of those rubber balls from the quarter machines-you know what I am talking about, right? It has a mint, cedar scent. Very refreshing. I feel like Preston is definitely going to want to steal a piece of this one.

What are your favourite Lush products?

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Spring Cleaning My Everyday

It’s crazy to think it’s the spring of 2016. I feel like yesterday I was worrying that 2016 was too big a number. Usually, I am all excited about the new year. I feel like there are unlimited possibilities, always curious what might happen. 2015 was a great year for me. I was working full-time the entire year which made me feel so much more secure and independent. I was saving money, making plans, paying those student loans... I scored my dream job over the summer and everything just felt right. I had been fighting for so long to get to where I am. Long nights, worry, never enough money, wondering what will happen. But I am someone that loves having a goal. Something to strive for. So now that 2016 has rolled around, I have been wondering what’s next? There is no big finish line-graduate college, finish grad school, get the dream job. I should be so happy to not be furiously treading water to just keep my head up. It can be hard to not have that one goal where everything can fall back as long as you’re headed toward that one thing. Now, I am worrying about everything. Should I be eating better, exercising more, getting more sleep, picking up fresh flowers on the weekend? Maybe, this is holding myself up to an unrealistic standard, an Instagram filter. The day-to-day can be hard. I’m always telling myself that I can just try again tomorrow.

So with this new spring, I’m going to start spring cleaning my everyday. Does every day need to be perfect? No, but I do want to have a little more routine, to give myself time to find new hobbies, try new things, see new places. Otherwise, I’d just be crashing on the couch after work every night. A few times on this blog I’ve made some seasonal goals. A few of them still remain on the list. I think I’ll try to tackle those. Have a Marie Kondo weekend. And really just try to make my bed every morning.

It’s funny how the big things can feel easier to accomplish than the small ones.

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Birchbox | March 2016

My little succulent has been the star of several blog posts now. But today we are talking about the March Birchbox. I had just received February's after a postal challenge, so March wasn't even on my radar. So, let's explore around this box together.

Box Breakdown

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser

Parlor by Jeff Chastain Moisturizing Sea Salt Spray

Wilma Schumann Skin Care Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads
trestique Color & Smudge Shadow Crayon in Aspen Pine
Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Oil

I didn't select a sample this month, so this box was a complete surprise. I have been quite happy with my subscription lately. I feel like I am always getting a good variety and large sizes. Just look at the Kiehl's. I have heard about the Parlor Sea Salt Spray, I believe it was the first product they released. Last night, I ordered some new bikinis-I am so ready for beach days and beachy hair to match. Soothing eye pads are much needed after many late nights in front of a computer screen. When I first opened my box, I freaked out that the eye shadow crayon was missing it's cap. It took me a bit too long to realize that is the cap, and once removed, the twist-up crayon is underneath. I will have to give this dark forest green a try. Finally, I received a sample of smashbox's Primer Oil. 

What did you get in this month's Birchbox?

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Review | New from Wet n Wild 2016

Wet n Wild has come out with loads of new products for 2016. There are eyeshadow palettes, make-up brushes, gel polishes, and more! I have had to reel myself back in several times in the drugstore... I did end up picking out a few new things. But I have to say, I now just want to try more!

I am always down to try a new mascara, especially when it promises cat eyes. I am not the hugest rubber bristle fan, but I am loving this Max Fanatic Cat Eye Mascara. The end of the wand really fans out to get all those long lashes in the outer corner. I only need a few swipes for length and volume, and I have found it to last all day on me without smudging. I love the Urban Decay Setting Sprays, but they are a bit on the pricey side, especially for something that runs out fairly quickly. I tend to use setting sprays more in the summer due to the unbearable heat (whether I'm in the city or visiting Florida), so I haven't tested this out too often as of yet. The Photofocus Setting Spray does have exactly the same light scent and feel as the UD one. Just for a fraction of the price. Finally, I did not need another nail polish, but I had to try the 1 Step Wonder Gel polishes. For blog research, right? I'm sold, and now want the whole range. I have Pretty Peas and All That Jazzy!  I love the look of gel nails but like to switch it up too often for the tedious removal process. These polishes give the look of gel with your standard nail painting technique without a single difference in removal. I haven't tried these as long as they could go, but I did wear it on my weekend trip to Seattle. They stayed picture perfect the whole trip. I am lusting after some of the bright summery shades and cool neutrals.

Have you picked up any new WnW releases?

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Spring Nails | Julep Posey & Andie

Happy March! This weekend felt a bit like spring which had me wanting to bring back the pastel nails. These two polishes from Julep, Posey & Andie, came in the January mystery box. I wasn't quite ready for these shades when it was snowing. But now is the time. I have an obsession with lavender nails. I probably didn't need another one, but I love the pale, yet true, purple shade of Posey. And of course, I can resist a fun glitter. It makes my nails look like little easter eggs-perfect for spring!

What polishes have you been wearing lately?

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Leisurely mornings...

Hello! After some crazy, hectic days, I had been looking forward to some relaxing hours. I thought I would just share some simple things that I have been loving lately.

Morning reading sessions. It was so nice to have an easy morning without having to run off or do anything. I particularly like to use the time to drink a cup of tea and read a good book. Currently, I am reading Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I have heard it described as a hybrid of Jane Eyre & Harry Potter. Magic and 1800s England. Every page I turn, I am curious as to what will happen next. Plus, it's just been released as a BBC TV show. It's a long one. I am about half way at 400 pages in.

Peony love. It's going strong. I am not one to always have fresh flowers, but it's a nice treat. I love the pillowy petals on this bunch I picked up at the Farmers' Market.

Fluffy cats. The cats have been super cuddly lately. It has been even harder to get out of the bed in the morning when they are being so cute. I love that we can let them have little adventures outside with the warmer weather. Do you spy Rococo in the back?

Share your little moments!

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Fresh-faced Beauty

There have been a few beauty items that have been heavily used this week. Despite being a Birchbox Man item, I have been loving the Baxter Facial Scrub. It smells of marzipan and has a nicely scrubby texture.  I have been back to coral blushes lately and love Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Fearless. I am usually all for bold lips in the spring/summer, but recently, I have been loving the Nars Rikugien Satin Lip Pencil. It's a rosey neutral pink shade with a touch of metallic. It came in the Sephora birthday gift, and now I'm considering a full-size upgrade.

Any recent beauty loves?

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Beauty Favourites | May 2015

Happy June! And man, has it been a week so far. I am looking forward to a vacation-which is in the near horizon! I have been loading up on some new summer purchases, but I have to say, May didn't result in much new spending. Big time spending anyway. Favourites this month were a few drugstore finds and old stand-bys.

Earlier this month, I shared a few new finds from Physician's Formula, and I am happy to report they have made favourite status. The Organic Wear BB Cream is just so easy for the weekend, and the Argan Bronzer is the perfect shade-not too orange or dark. I love to apply it with the Real Techniques Bold Metals Flat Contour Brush (301; post coming soon!) It's a great shape and the brush is super dense and soft-and it's pretty! Needs a wash though... In May, I did a bit of traveling (for work, but still fun!), and it made me rediscover an old favourite-Nars The Happening palette. It's awesome for traveling with its four shadows, Laguna Bronzer, and Orgasm Blush. I have been using Orgasm Blush a ton lately with the spring weather. I tested out quite a few lippies this month and the ones I couldn't stop reaching for were fun, bright corals. Wet n Wild The Coral of the Story is a lighter, glossier balm stain. ColorPop Lippie Stix in Brunch is a bold, bright orange-y coral with a satin lipstick feel. Surprisingly only one skincare favourite this month (I haven't really felt the need to change up too much lately), but it's a good one-perfect for summer.  Finally, for nail polish, I went for Butter London Fruit Machine. I even matched my mani & pedi. It's the quinessential Barbie pink and usually not a shade I go for, but sometimes you just feel like being super girly, right?

What were some of your favourites this past month?

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Spring/Summer WnW Balm Stains

I can't help but throw in a couple of Wet n Wild lippies into the basket while running errands. I usually go for the straight-up lipsticks but these spring/summer shades in the Balm Stains caught my eye. I have tried the Balm Stain formula before and love the pigmentation, crayon applicator, and long-wearing stain. Those shades were super vampy for fall, so I am excited for these brighter, lighter hues. Coral of the Story is, you guessed it, a coral, and Red-ioactive, another punny colour name, is a pink-toned red.

I love these shades for summer, and long-lasting formulas are another definite. I really don't want to have to keep touching up. The colours do look a bit different in stain form-they don't have the same glossy finish, but the pigmentation is there. I might just have to get a few more...

Do you have any of the WnW Balm Stains?  

What are your favourite lip shades for spring/summer?

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The Weekend | Cherry Blossoms Round III

Everything is coming up roses in Park Slope. Well, not roses yet, but cherry blossoms, dogwood, tulips, magnolias.... Spring & Fall are definitely my favourite seasons in New York. Temperate weather and the changing foliage is gorgeous.

It was another super warm day, so we hit the food trucks and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Finally, all the trees on the esplanade have bloomed!  Pink cotton candy covered branches...I've been trying to work on my braid game. I just recently learned how to dutch braid, and I am loving it. I am still working on the dutch halo braid ...it's so tricky!

Bees!

How was your weekend?

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