Friday Favorites

Happy Friday everyone! And welcome to what is probably my next-to-last Friday Favorites of 2017... next Friday is the kids last day of school and the next day, we leave for Kansas.

"Alleluia. Holy sh*t. Where's the Tylenol?"! (Name that movie!)

And on that hight note...

I've been a nightly chapstick user for years. Every night, right before I go to bed, I swiped on Burt's Bees.

And then I started wearing LipSense.

And what I learned was the reason most lipsticks don't stay on your lips is because of the wax in them. And how that is a reason why your lips tend to get so dry. Same goes for chapstick. If I continued to use a wax chapstick, lips are going to continue to feel dry and it won't help my LipSense-wearing one bit.

So... I started using the LipSense lip balm this summer. And boom. Sold.

It has a nice, silky feel to it and now with the cold weather here to stay, my lips haven't felt cracked like they always do at this time.

If you're a constant chapstick user, give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed! (I've got three available -- good stocking stuffer!)

This.

I need this.

I tried it on in a medium, but needed it a little smaller... but they had no smalls.

SO comfortable and soft and perfect with jeans and my New Balance sneakers or go-to Uggs.

Comes in a really pretty blush pink as well, but I'm digging the white. So Lauren, if you're reading this and Matt asks, like he always does, what I want for Christmas... after you tell him a new desk or kitchen (yes, I've asked for that), tell him this. :) 

Speaking of Uggs... they have upped their shoe game! No longer is it the short or tall basic lined boot, they have now given it some style! 

These are the Elvi Harness Boot and I got a SUPER similar pair for my birthday (thank you Amazon Wish List and my brother-in-law who only buys from the Wish List) and am obsessed! They are so warm and comfy and look really cute with leggings or skinny jeans. 

This is part of the Koolaburra brand of Ugg, which to me means they are Uggs at better prices. These are only $78! I'd go add them to your Amazon cart quickly before they are gone! 

Not sure how many of your hands, during the cold months, get so dry and crack at the cuticles... but mine do and it HURTS. SO. BADLY! 

A dermatologist recommended this to me (I believe I even bought it from the doctors office the first time I got it and paid $22 for it) and I have never been able to find anything better. But am completely open to suggestions! 

This one is thick enough that it feels nice and feels like it's doing a job. I put it on in the mornings and at night before bed. 

I've tired all kinds of lotions specifically for the splits and cracks I get by my nails and this is the only thing that has ever felt like it's worked. 

I've owned many water bottles in my time. Very few did I use. I probably had a Nalgene hanging from my backpack in college NOT because I was planning on drinking tons of water throughout the day, but because everyone else was doing it and it looked cool and healthy.

You know... SO me. 😂

Then came a time in my life when I was really drinking a lot of water and THIS water bottle was the main reason why it was so easy. 24 ounces of water could be swigged down super fast. All because of the straw. 

Then in a weird twist of events, Contigo becomes one of the companies that is under Matt's 'umbrella' at work and I lose all of my water bottles like this... and he tells me he can't find another one for me because ... and I quote "no one uses those anymore." 

What? Who is no one? I am someone and I only use these! 

I told him I would look for a different brand if I had to get a water bottle with a straw. He scoffed. And the next day, came home with this water bottle... in stainless steel. 

I"m back to my water-drinking ways and so happy! You guys... this is a GOOOOOD water bottle. If you're not a good water drinker, this one is for you. You inhale 24 ounces of water without even knowing it! 

Thanks to everyone that reached out to me about my 'Aha Moments' blog post from earlier in the week. Lots of texts and emails with great words of wisdom as well as stories of your own to share. I loved it -- that's exactly why I started this blog was for moments like those. So thank you! 

Have a wonderful weekend and we will see you next week! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

First off, I want to thank everyone who commented either on the blog post or on Facebook/Instagram about my Reece. I was definitely not looking for the props that I got (obviously, I'll take them!), but I appreciate the kind words.

A few of you even mentioned that you know others who might also have some sensory issues, but didn't know it. Seriously, I had NEVER heard of it until I googled about haircuts. And MAN, am I glad we have the Internet or Lord knows how I would have been able to come up with that medical diagnosis on my own. :)

But in all honesty, thank you for the feedback. It's definitely a journey and like I told many of you, it's not one that we thought we'd ever be taking. But so many times, usually when I'm in a puddle of tears, I remind myself that things could be SO much worse. But it's just one of those things that sometimes, you just need to have a pity party to feel better, then move on!

Anyway, it's another busy weekend for us. Back to Manhattan (yes, we were just there and yes, I'm going back NEXT weekend!) to celebrate my sister's birthday and Sloane's 6th Annual Tailgate Bash minus the tailgate (11 AM kickoff).

Here are some Friday Favorites for you!

I follow Cassie from Hi Sugarplum on Instagram and she had on a really cute outfit from last weekend that she had worn what looks to be while hiking. I didn't know looking cute and hiking went hand-in-hand, but you learn something new every day!

She had on a pair of boots that I zoomed in on (thanks for that new function Instagram!) and they were a new short pair of Ugg boots. I Amazon'd them (that's a thing now) and holy cow, they are only $75, which is unheard of in the Ugg Boot world!

They are called the Koolaburra and I immediately messaged my mother-in-law and said I wanted these for Christmas (not because she is Santa and boom, they will appear... but she sometimes is very much like Santa and boom, they will be there BUT ALSO she had asked what I wanted and these are it!).

I am certain these will be worn ... probably daily. Is Christmas tomorrow?!! :)

It is a known fact by pretty much everyone that I am a prude. Or... I just am not one to be so forthcoming with my body.

What I mean is I hate changing in front of people. It's a body image thing that I have had my entire life and at 34, it's still there!

So... the fact that I'm talking about underwear (I HATE the word panties) on my Friday Favorites might come as a shock to many, except my friend Gabrianna who introduced me to these!

They are made by Soma and are called the Vanishing Edge Panty. They have several different versions: high leg (like this one), bikini, hipster and boy shorts. They are made of microfiber, but what makes them great is that there is no visible lines and and then silicone strips on the back edges so they don't move and become a thong halfway through the morning!

I was told about these while in Denver at my friend's bachelorette party, then went to my nearest Soma store the next week and walked out with five new pairs of underwear. I seriously need atleast 10 more. They are legit people! Good chance I won't be buying underwear anywhere else ever again!

And right now, everything is 15% off or you can get a pair of undies for $7 with any other purchase.

For real ladies ... try them, thank me later, then I'll thank Gabe for you.

This last weekend was my good friend Abby's wedding in Manhattan and I had been asked to be a bridesmaid. I accepted the proposal. :)

I decided to have my makeup and hair done for two reasons: I cannot do my makeup and hair and I wanted to look pretty for a day. So done and done!

The poor gal that did our makeup didn't know what she was in for when she got me in her chair! Non-stop questions, pictures of everything she was putting on my face, then a text from me days later asking if I could email her with questions!

She really did a great job and seriously learned everything she does on YouTube. All I have learned from YouTube is that I need to pay closer attention to what my children are watching on there! 

One of the things she used was the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles and Concealer - quite a long name for what it does. It takes away dark circles. Which I have had since 2010!

She swiped it under my eyes, then down my nose, then blended in with a brush. And I used the 'fair' color.

I really loved it and it brightened up my face a bit! So I picked some up this week (only $8), used it today and STILL love it! I highly recommend!

And yet another piece of makeup I took a picture of was the Benefit POREfressional Face Primer. The description on the website says it 'diminishes the appearance of pores and fine lines...'. Again, I say, SIGN ME UP! I really feel like it was a good base to start with on my face, followed by my foundation.

This one is a little pricey at $31 at Sephora, but only gets good reviews (from me, too)! 

She had a Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime option as well, which is what I ended up buying to make sure I really liked having it on my face for more than just a 'look pretty wedding day'. This one is only $8.

And I do! I really can feel no difference, which is a big deal to me. I don't want to feel like I have a ton of makeup on!

I know I had mentioned it briefly before, but as this all is getting closer, I'm getting really excited about this new opportunity!

The City Moms Blog Network is probably something you haven't heard of, but I'm almost certain many of you have come across some of the articles posted from across the country and have shared them on social media or with a friend. I've received a few and am always like, "Yep, that is SPOT on with my life right now!"




So when it was announced that northwest Arkansas was going to start a group, I applied to be a contributing writer and was selected to be a part of the team! There are about 14-15 of us on the team and the team will grow and change as time goes on. But I'm excited to get started! We have our first team meeting next week, then a big launch event on November 17!

I'll keep you all posted as things happen and my posts go up!


Alright, that's all for today -- everyone have a fantastic weekend! GO CATS and see you next week!

XXOO,
Allyson