Five Friday Favorites - Quarantine Buys

For this week's Five Friday Favorites, I wanted to share some of my favorite quarantine buys. Most of them are household things because we spent A LOT of time at home and that has my brain going on how can we reorganize, improve or make prettier. :)

#1 - Bike

shirt / shorts (similar) / flip flops

This bike has been the BEST purchase! Now I can ride around the neighborhood with my girls...especially now that little Mini is off her training wheels. It was very affordable ($99) which was a must because I wasn't sure how much I was going to use it. I added the cute basket to help transport stuff on our adventures.

#2 - Outdoor Trash Can

This trash can was a must since we are spending SO much time outside during quarantine. There's a lot less in an out of the house while we are outside. While this one is sold out, I found a similar one here and here.

#3 - Stuff to Organize

drawer organizers / tiered organizer / basket

I've had A LOT of time on my hands these last 11 (almost 12) weeks of quarantine so I've gotten around to organizing projects that have been on my list for a few years now. And of the rooms/drawers I've tackled, these three items have been my favorites because they are affordable and really got the job done to help keep things neat, in order but still allowing for me to see everything we have. I've got another blog post coming after I tackled under my bathroom sink, the minis bathroom closet and the guest room closet (where I store our extra sheets/towels). Stay tuned.


#4 - New Kitchen Sink Set Up 

soap caddy / soap / lotion / sponge holder

I wish I had a picture of the before of my kitchen sink set up so you can see how I simplified the space. I used to have a sponge/brush holder, dish soap, all purpose cleaner, hand soap, lotion and other random stuff. Now it's simplified to soap/lotion in one area and a simple sponge in the other. The other things I need like all purpose spray and dish soap are all under the sink in my new organized cabinet.

#5 - Olaplex #3 and Briogeo

I haven't gotten a haircut in more than four months...maybe five and my ends are hanging on for dear life. Until I can get my hair done these two products have been helping keep y ends on life support. I rotate using them every week or sometimes do both in one washing. If you haven't tried them I highly recommend you do.

Five Friday Favorites - Beauty Loves

#1 - Shower Cap

This isn't your grandmother's shower cap.  I use this baby every other day because I don't like to wash my hair all the time (but I still have to shower).  It keeps my hair dry and frizz free.  Helps hold the style too.  HIGHLY recommend this one from Drybar because it's terry lined and stays in place. 


#2 - Lip Mask

This is a new beauty favorite of mine.  After seeing so many of my blogger friends rave about this I had to try it.  I was blown away by how soft my lips were after using it.  I keep it at my bedside table and right before I go to bed I put some of this one and wake up to super soft lips.  HIGHLY recommend.

#3 - Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer

When I start to get tan, I don't bother trying to match my foundation because my coloring can be all over the place with vacations and such so I use Charlotte Tilbury's Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer.  Gives enough coverage without having to worry about matching coloring.  I go over it with some bronzer and blush and it's an easy out the door look.  HIGHLY recommend. 

#4 - Cleansing Balm

OBSESSED with this cleanser.  I feel like it does such a good job of really taking off all my makeup and environmental grime off my face.  It's one of the first products I've actually tried to scrape every last bit left.  And right now Colleen Rothschild is having 25% off site wide! 

#5 - Vitner's Daughter

This serum is definitely a MAJOR splurge for me but it does WONDERS for my skin.  It is filled with 22 organic botanicals that brighten, smooth and give my skin an overall glow.  It's $185 a bottle but a bottle lasts me almost six months (I only use in the morning). 

Five Friday Favorites - Staying Hydrated Inside and Out

The ups and downs of the weather temperature have my skin all out of wack so I thought I would focus this week's Five Friday Favorites on how I stay hydrated inside and out.

#1 - FACE

In addition to my normal face routine, when my skin is feeling dry I use Colleen Rothschild Intensive Hydrating Mask.  Does wonders for my skin...like giving it a big glass of water.  You can either tissue it off or leave it on.  I usually just leave it on so it can all soak in.

#2 - EYES

The older I'm getting the more I'm noticing bags and dryness under my eyes.  The Bright Eye Complex from Rodan and Fields has really transformed them and I see a difference if I don't use it.  I apply a small amount under my eyes each morning and follow with my eye cream.  And on really bad days (if I have time) I slap these eye patches on and WOW what a quick fix! 

#3 - BODY

I've been using Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil for years and years and it never fails.  I apply a generous amount right before I'm going to get out of the shower.  It's super moisturizing but not too heavy.  I use it year round.  I follow it up with a moisturizer...right now I'm rotating between Aveeno and Rodan and Fields.  The reason for rotating is the Rodan one is a little pricey but I LOVE it!


#4 - HAIR

Once I week I give my hair a good old soaking in Kerastase Nutritive Mask for Dry Thick Hair (they also have one for fine hair).  I put it in my hair right after shampooing and leave in for the rest of my shower before rinsing it out.  Keeps my hair healthy, shining and smooth.  Highly recommend!   

#5 - INSIDE

Only way I know how to stay hydrated on the inside is through lots and lots of WATER.  For working out I LOVE Camelbak straw water bottles...makes it easy to drink while I'm on the treadmill or want to take a quick sip in between workouts. 

For just around the house, I go back and forth between water bottles.  Right now I'm loving this one that came in my VineOh! box.  It's glass and holds a good amount of water...and it's cute!! 

Five Friday Favorites - Beauty Splurges

With Sephora's sale going on (code: VIBBONUS; anyone qualifies if you sign up for their insider program which is free), I thought I'd focus this week's Five Friday Favorites on some of my favorite splurges that you can get discounted thanks to this sale -


#1: Dyson Blow Dryer

Totally worth the splurge.  I bought the Dyson blow dryer in the spring during Sephora's spring VIB sale and I LOVE it.  Totally worth the price tag but with this sale you can get a little discount and this set has four free Ouai products to try out.
Alterna Caviar

#2: Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

I'm usually a drugstore kind of mascara girl but anytime I can get this Bobbi Brown mascara on sale I snag one up because I LOVE it.  Makes my eye lashes so long and voluminous.  Obsessed.  Totally worth the splurge.


#3: Alterna Caviar Moisture Replenish 

I got hooked on this shampoo and conditioner during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale last year.  Love how soft my hair feels after using this.  Really gives it the moisture it needs from the blow drying and flat ironing without weighing it down.  It also doesn't make it too greasy the next day.  Highly recommend!

#4: Kerastase Hair Mask

Another go-to hair favorite...this one I've been using for a little over a year now.  Once I week I shampoo with Kerastase Nutritive shampoo and then apply the corresponding hair mask.  It's the perfect weekly treatment to keep my hair healthy and help prevent split ends.  Again, doesn't weigh my hair down or make it greasy.  Highly recommend.


#5: Coola Anti-Aging Face Serum

I love this product because it gives me just a subtle sunkissed glow.  I mix a couple drops in my nightly moisturizer and then wake up with just a touch of color.  Right now because it would look weird if I was really tan I do it 1-2 times a week but in the summer I do it almost every other night.  As I get older the less I want my face to see the sun so this helps still give me the color I want without the aging.

Five Friday Favorites #31 - Beauty Loves

This week's Five Friday Favorites is doing a little shift from clothes to all things beauty.  Here are five of the beauty items I'm loving right now.

#1 - Dyson Blowdryer

The Dyson blow dyer was a definite splurge at $399 but it's SOOOO worth it.  My hair dries in half the time and it stays healthier longer.  I was really hoping for all of you that this would have been part of the Nordstrom sale but it wasn't however there will be other opportunities for sales.  I bought mine earlier in the year when Sephora was having their VIB sale so I got 15% off.  It's totally worth it it though at the full price...of course only if you have hair like mine that takes FOREVER to dry and gets processed a lot with the flat iron.

#2 - Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow

This stuff is AMAZING.  I don't know about you but my skin tone fluctuates SO much in the summer so I don't bother with foundation.  And this tinted moisturizer is a great alternative!  My friend got hooked and shared a sample and after one use I bought a bottle.  It's amazing.  Lightweight and blends in really nicely.  It's unisex so your hubs can use it too.

#3 - Detox and Sheet Masks 

Lately I've been loving the way my skin looks and feels after I do this combo mask routine.  First I do the Colleen Rothschild Detox mask to detox my pores and balance my complexion.  Then to give my skin a nice drink of water and overall just rejuvenate it I use this sheet mask.  This is a fabulous combo and it does take time but I usually do it once a month (or after a trip) while I'm folding laundry.

#3 - Dry Shampoo 

I've posted about this before but hands down my FAVORITE dry shampoo is by Ricky Alessandro (who also happens to be my amazing hair stylist).  I personally prefer an aerosol vs. powder.  This one is easy to use, doesn't leave a residue, smells great and works really well.  I use on my hair before I go to bed and it really limits the greasiness.  Sometimes I can go 3-4 days without washing my hair.

#5 - Sonia Kashuk Make Up Brushes

Make up brushes can be very expensive but I found a great alternative in the Sonia Kashuk line from Target.  I really like the ones with the bronze/gold handle.  They are super soft bristle and so far the blush and eye shadow ones I have are holding up.  Definitely recommend.


#5 - Neutrogena Make Up Remover Wipes

I use these Neutrogena wipes 1-2 times a day.  They are the best at night for removing all my makeup before I cleanse.  I use them in the morning before I go to the gym, I travel with them.  I always have a stash because I use Target subscription (same as Amazon Subscribe and Save).  Definitely recommend them.  Disclosure: I do use a separate eye make up remover for certain mascaras because I don't think this takes it all off.

Five Friday Favorites #23

#1 - Coola Sunless Serum 

I've been using this for about a month now and LOVING it.  I put one to two pumps in my night cream and mix it together and apply on my face, neck and chest.  Gives me just a slight glow/color so I don't look so pastey.  Looks very natural.  And you can find it on Amazon and order it for Subscribe and Save for a discount! 

#2 - Love everything about this outfit 

I'm absolutely LOVING this outfit...and it's super affordable. The skirt has more pink in it...the picture makes it look very orange. Shop full look - shirt, earrings, necklace, skirt, bracelet, bracelet (20%), shoes.  

#3 - Favorite engravable jewelry...great Mother's Day gift 

I LOVE the engravables line from Stella and Dot.  They make such great presents and right now they are all 20% off!!!  This make the PERFECT Mother's Day gift.  My husband was gifting these to me before I joined as a stylist.  My favorites include delicate bar, bar cuff, wishing bracelet and round disc.  

#4 - Dyson Hair Dryer

I decided to finally try the Dyson blow dryer.  I know its a big price tag but I have SO much hair and I'm constantly burning through them so when Sephora offered 15% off, I jumped at the chance to try.  I've used it twice (I try and wash my hair three times a week) and so far I'm obsessed.  Drying time is half and my hair is so much softer after.  I'll keep you all posted but so far I love it.  Nordstrom is having triple points right now so if you were going to get it, take advantage now.

#5 - Steven by Steve Madden Sandals 

If you follow me on Facebook then you have no doubt seen my new sandal obsession - Steven by Steve Madden Greece sandals.  They come in a bunch of great colors but I'm partial to the white.  They go with everything.  Not the greatest support but not uncomfortable.  I'll definitely be wearing them all spring an summer long.  You can buy them from a whole bunch of places including Lord and Taylor, Amazon, and Dillards. 

Five Friday Favorites #14

#1 - Addy Poncho

Absolutely obsessed with this Addy "poncho" from Stella & Dot's spring collection.  It is so comfortable.  The fabric is like a sweatshirt material...super soft!  It's multi-functional and can be flipped and turned into a cardigan as well.  Shop full look below.  

Poncho

Necklace

Jeans

Shoes (similar)

#2 - Kerastase Hair Mask

I am OBSESSED with this Kerastase hair mask.  I use it at least once a week to help manage the damage I do to my hair with the blow drying and flat ironing.  I highly, highly recommend.  A tub of this lasts me a pretty long time.

#3 - Strong Tees from Stella and Dot 

I love twinning with my daughter and I love it even more when there is a strong message behind it like these I AM STRONG tees!  These are so cute.  I sized up for mine because I wanted a looser fit.  Big Mini is true to size.

#4 - Jay Godfrey Jumpsuit 

I am so incredibly thrilled with my look for the wedding I have next month.  This jumpsuit is absolutely AMAZING!!  And it looks like I might get the opp to wear it again in March for an event.  I highly recommend.  It doesn't come in petite so I had to get the pants hemmed...A LOT.  Love how the look all came together...shop it below. 

Jumpsuit 

Earrings

Bracelet

#5 - Intention Bracelets 

Another favorite this week with meaning behind it.  Love these intention bracelets because of the message behind them - courage and strength.  Lots going on in my life and these bracelets give me the can do attitude I need.  I know it's cheesy but whatever gets you through...right?  Shop all three below - 

Courage 

Simple Gold

Strength 

Five Friday Favorites #1

I'm going to start a new feature on the blog called Five Friday Favorites...sharing five things I'm loving...could be clothes, beauty products...really whatever tickles my fancy.

#1 and #2 - Target Finds 

I LOVE a good Target find so #1 and #2 of this week's Five Friday Favorites are from there.  I have a hard time finding jeans that fit because of my height so when I find a brand or pair that fit I cling on.  I've been a Kut from the Kloth girl lately because of petites but when Just Posted shared these Mossimo jeans on her Facebook page I had to try them.  And well they are perfect!!!  High waisted sucks everything in, love the raw hem and distressed detail.  From a sizing standpoint I obviously went with short (they also come in regular and long lengths).  The 2 was a little tight but the 4 was a little big so I'm going to stick with the 2 and know they will stretch out a bit (and make sure not to put them in the dryer).  They do have faux pockets which may or may not be a dealbreaker for you...I don't mind it.  These are definitely going to be a staple in my wardrobe this fall...and best news is they are $29.99 and you can get 10% off with code JEAN10.  And for those of you that use Ebates, you can get 1% cash back.  Not familiar with Ebates...read my post about it here, here and here...I'm a big fan!!!!  

A lucky week for me to find not one but two awesome Target finds.  This Mossimo sweatshirt reminds be so much of the Caslon sweatshirt I posted back when I first started the blog back up again a few months ago.  Similar lightweight, soft sweatshirt with lace up detail across the front.  It comes in two colors - mauve and black and the price point is awesome at $18.99.  I'm wearing a small and it fits great.  Right now they are buy one, get one 50% off!

#3 - Ricky Alessandro Dry Shampoo 

I try really hard to only wash my hair every other day and the only way I can get away with it is by using Ricky Alessandro dry shampoo.  This is seriously one of my favorite hair care products.  I've never really liked dry shampoos before because of seeing white powder at my roots or the residual powder feel in my hair.  Ricky's product doesn't do that...it's like I'm barely putting anything on my hair and it works like a charm.  Plus it smells great too.  I bet you can't tell which OOTD pictures my hair is just washed and which is a day old.  Check out my full review of the Ricky Alessandro hair care line here.

#4 - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 

I know you are all probably sick of me posting about the Anniversary Sale but I can't help it.  It's one of my favorite times of year...I'm like a little kid at Christmas time.  The sale is wrapping up and I've gotten some really great deals.  I know my back account is glad it's over but I'm sad.  Time to start saving my rewards for next year's sale.  I'll keep posting on Christina's Favorite Things on Facebook through the end of the sale with restock alerts and favorites that are still available.  And you can check out my posts on the sale here, here, here, here and here.



#5 - Scout Bag 

I know I've posted about this bag before but the Scout Deano Large is my go-to bag this summer.  I literally use it every weekend as we head to the pool.  Great quality...holds everything you need.  Highly recommend.  Want to know what I keep in this bag...check out my post on it here.  

Now for something fun...head over to Christina's Favorite Things on Facebook for a fun giveaway of one of these Friday Favorites.