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May Product Empties

One of my favorite things that I love to watch on TikTok and YouTube is empty videos on makeup, skincare, and other products. I have been trying to go through and actually use the items in my stash. However, many of my products that I use are actually items that I use almost daily, and have used them for many years.

That said, I did want to share the products that I finished up during the month of May, and probably will continue in the upcoming months.

1. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: I have used this product for years. I love the formula, and for me, this is something that is truly unmatched. You can find this product at drugstores, Ulta, and Amazon.

Would I repurchase this? Yes. I actually already started to use the newer bottle.

2. Nuskin Lumi Spa Cleanser: I switched over to the Nuskin Lumi and this cleanser permanently in the last few months, and I really, really love it. My skin has truly never been better. This cleanser and the Lumi itself seems to pull up all of the gunk that lives in my skin and leaves it feeling really clean.

Would I repurchase this? Yes. I actually already started to use the newer bottle.

3. Batiste Dry Shampoo: This is my ride or die product. I tried using a more upscale version of dry shampoo, but I didn’t like it as much as this one. This was also a fraction of the price of that one, so I’m sticking to this one.

Would I repurchase it? Yes.

May 2024 Favorites

I am so happy that May has brought some warmer weather. I am a summer baby, so needless to say, I will be thriving. I can’t wait to spend my summer days soaking in the pool and my Kindle in hand.

Before we get there, though, let’s take a pause and discuss my favorites for the month of May.

1. Coach Teri Hobo: I love this bag. I have a feeling that this will be a bag that I constantly reach for throughout the summer. It’s a bag that could be worn multiple different ways, which is something that I truly love about it. I had worn mine with the cherry charm, and I love how it looks. I wrote a review of this bag, and my thoughts on the bag are still the same.

2. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote: I love this bag. I have been carrying this to work almost every day, and I absolutely love it. It fits in everything that I need — my iPad, lunch bag, a change of clothes for the gym, and a book if need be. I have three sizes, and I can’t stop using them to death. I have a feeling that this bag will be something that I reach for time and time again throughout the summer.

3. Furls Hooks: I am absolutely obsessed with these hooks. They grip the yarn so well, and they are so comfortable to work with. I highly recommend getting them on the mystery sale, as they are really discounted.

4. Jennifer Weiner Books: I have been binge reading Jennifer Weiner’s books lately. I read Good In Bed, In Her Shoes, and The Summer Place, all of which have been on my TBR for a while. I enjoy her writing, and how it feels like it’s an early 2000s rom-com. Furthermore, I hope to get to a few more of her books in June, including Mrs. Everything.

5. Coach Zip Card Case: I am obsessed with this little wallet. This wallet is tiny but mighty. I’ve watched several TikToks of this holding things like AirPods and Keyfobs, which is something that I truly love about this wallet. I got the cherry print one, and I am so happy that I did, as it just adds an extra little something to my wallet. I did go back and buy the black one on days when I just need a basic black wallet, but I highly recommend this little guy if you’re considering it.

6. Supergoop! Resetting Powder: I have been using less makeup in the recent months, thanks to my skincare routine, and I’ve honestly been using this powder, which is actually a setting powder nonstop. It’s light and it has SPF. I love how light it is, because I sweat a lot in the summer. I already restocked it, as I’m sure that I will go through a lot of this product.

Fire Engine Pizza Company Is So Good It’s Fire

One bite into a pizza slice from Fire Engine Pizza Company, I was instantly reminded of a quote from the movie Eat Pray Love when Liz was indulging in a slice from Italy when she says, “I’m having a love affair with my pizza.”

Yup, that pizza was that good.

Fire Engine Pizza Company currently has two locations — Shelton and Bridgeport, with a third location in Milford coming soon. What makes these locations so unique is the fact that they are made from old fire houses. That theme is expanded to the decor of both locations, which I find really unique.

In addition to the upcycled firehouse theme, Fire Engine Pizza Company has a pizza truck (an older fire truck) that is available to rent for special occasions. I personally think that is so amazing.

Fire Engine Pizza Company is both a bar and an Italian restaurant. However, the show stopper here is their pizza. They have the classics, such as cheese, pepperoni, and meatball. Those choices though are just scratching the surface. They have a lot of fun and unique flavors, such as mashed potato pizza, salad pizza, and bread and butter pickle pizza. And if these don’t sound like something that you’d enjoy, you can also make your own.

For me, their pizza is honestly like taking into a bite of fresh, delicious, heaven. Their crust is wood-fired, and their sauce has the right mixture of both sweet and savory. When it comes out of the oven, it is piping hot, so hot that you have to give it a minute to cool down or use a fork and knife for that first piece (am I the only one whose grandparents taught them that when they were little?)

Their menu has much, much more than pizza. Additionally, they have a huge sandwich menu, such as chicken and eggplant parm, chicken burrata (which was so delicious), and a steak burger. Their entree menu has delicious choices, such as Sunday at Carmela’s (pasta, meatballs, and red sauce), Carmine’s Eggplant, and salmon — just to name a few. And if you’re not that hungry and just coming out for drinks and apps, they got you covered — they have garlic bread, wings, and many other delicious bar fare.

And if you’re looking for somewhere for a brunch, they definitely would make a delicious brunch spot, and have the menu to prove it. It’s only available on Sundays though.

I’ve been to both locations, and I’m honestly so impressed with the pizza, the quality of the service, and the decor. Every time my husband and I went, our waitress was speedy, friendly, and efficient. We felt welcomed, and they were approachable when it came to questions as well.

Overall, this is a spot that definitely will be coming into my permanent rotation of places to eat.

Friday Faves: May 24, 2024

TGIF! It’s Friday, and better yet, it’s the Friday before a long weekend. Ahh, I am so excited to have a long weekend. I don’t have much planned, however, I have been wanting to do some crochet projects. But before we get to the weekend, let’s take a moment to reflect on my favorites of the week:

1. Coach Teri Hobo Bag: I recently wrote a post about whether or not I think this bag is worth it. I have been using it nonstop for the last few weeks. It makes a great shoulder bag. It makes an amazing crossbody bag. It fits a lot (including a book). It is one of those bags that just is a great staple to have in your purse collection. I love Coach — that is no secret, so I am so happy to have this one in my collection. She I currently on sale on the Coach Outlet, so I highly recommend looking into this one.

2. Supergoop Mineral Powder: I have been wearing less makeup than I used to these days. However, I really have been finding myself reaching for this. It has SPF, which is crucial to protecting your skin in the summer months. Furthermore, it adds a little bit of coverage on your skin, but is really light and semi-sweat proof. I definitely can see myself using this more and more in the summer months.

3. Jennifer Weiner books: I have been binge reading so many of Jennifer Weiner’s books. I finished In Her Shoes and The Summer Place and I hope to read Good In Bed. Her books are really well written, and I often am unable to put them down.

4. Coach Zip Card Case wallet: I absolutely love this wallet. I got it in the cherry print (which is now sold out), and it’s been on repeat. It’s so adorable. I love how compact it is, and I love that it fits everything I need, and can attach my keys. This is also on sale on the Coach Outlet website, so I recommend this if you’re interested.

What are your favorites of the week? Let me know in the comments below.

My Kindle Essentials

My Kindle Paperwhite has become my best friend. I take it everywhere. I use it almost everyday — well, almost. There are some times that I use a physical book, and crave the touch of one.

Thanks to the pandemic and TikTok, the Kindle has definitely grown in popularity, along with accessories. However, there are somethings that are worth it, and there are others that are not. Figuring that out honestly could be so overwhelming. That being said, I decided to sit down and share my personal essential Kindle Accessories. This will work on all models of Kindles, from Basic to Scribe.

Case: If you don’t take anything else off of this list, the one thing that you need to get for your Kinde the second you press place order is a case. Cases are essential. They protect your device and make sure that it doesn’t get damaged. I think that’s really important. There are so many different type of cases, from the Kindle Clear case to the fabric official Amazon one. Personally, I like the clear one, because it allows me to be able to fit it into multiple different bags, and be able to use my Kindle on the treadmill.

Popsocket: Popsockets are essential for me, because it really helps me hold my Kindle so much better, whether I’m reading in bed, the beach, or waiting for the train. 10/10 recommend.

Page Turner: I registered for this for my wedding, and this is by far one of my favorite things that I got from my shower. I use this daily. I love it because it allows me to get comfortable while reading, and not have to move. The battery lasts forever, and it’s something that works for both of the Kindles that I currently own.

Stand: There are so many different types of stands out there, from gooseneck to plush to plain. I personally love this one. Having a stand makes reading much more convenient, because like the page turner, it allows you to get comfortable and read hands free. I also use it to hold my iPad, so it’s definitely useful.

What are your Kindle essentials? Let me know in the comments below.

This Coach Bag Is Perfect For Readers

It is no secret that Coach has been making a huge comeback in the last few years. I have quite a huge collection of Coach that I’ve developed over the last few years, and this bag is definitely one that is no exception. That bag is the Teri Hobo bag.

The Teri Hobo went viral as it was rumored to be able to hold a physical book. Priced at $219, the bag comes in black, white, signature, as well as a few seasonal colors that rotate from time to time. For example, I have a nude one from last year, which is no longer on the website. The hobo is the larger, bigger sister to the Teri Shoulder bag on the Coach website, which is also another really great everyday bag.

There are two different ways to wear this bag: on the shoulder and crossbody. I love this feature, because it adds a ton of versatility to how I can wear the bag. What I love about this bag is how comfortable it is to wear either way. The crossbody melts into your body, and doesn’t protrude. Furthermore, I can also just throw it over my shoulder and it fits comfortable when worn as a shoulder bag. Personally, I leave both straps on the bag, and switch between the two options.

Before we talk about capacity, I want to bring up one thing about the Teri Hobo bag. It is such a slim and sleek bag that can be worn for years to come — especially if you get one of the leather options. For that reason alone, I think that this bag is definitely worth the money, because it’s something that is not trendy.

Furthermore, I also think that this bag is one that is just practical. It is not so small that you can barely fit anything, but not so large that it is overpowering. You can fit quite a bit without having to play Tetris. You can use this bag everyday.

Now, what does this bag fit?

I’m going to break this up into two different sections — what I put in here, and then of course, the bookish element.

First off, we have what I carry in my bag on a daily basis. These items include my Coach Zip Card case in the Cherry Print, my Kindle Paperwhite, a Baggu Small Pouch, various lip products, pouch with crystals, work ID, keys, hand sanitizer and a notepad.

Now, let’s talk about what fits in terms of books. I was able to fit two paperback books in the bag, and still have room for my wallet, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. With that, I can still zip my bag.

Overall, this bag is amazing and I can see myself using this for various situations other than everyday. For example, this is the perfect bag I can use for a day trip. I also can use this in situations where I’m going somewhere where I need to carry a book and a few other things. It’s a more sophisticated version of a tote bag, and I definitely can see this being in my bag rotation.

Crafts by Spooky’s Plushies Are Cute to the Point Where They Melt Your Heart

It all started with a love for plushies for Serena, the owner of Crafts by Spooky, which is based in Milford. Serena, who had begun her fiber arts journey when she learned how to knit. A few years ago, she swapped her knitting needles for a crochet hook, and the rest was history as Crafts by Spooky was born.

Crafts by Spooky is a brand that is both on Etsy as well as various local markets. Serena’s main bread and butter is adorable plushies. She has a huge variety of animals and characters — including none other than Mona from Nanaland and Ariel from the Little Mermaid. In addition to those, she also sells adorable animals, and my personal favorite, her bees.

That being said, she also offers bucket hats, cute keychains, bags, and flowers — just to name a few. Furthermore, her Etsy also has a few patterns that are available for purchase as well.

There are multiple ways to purchase Spooky’s creations outside of Etsy. The first is through her markets. Spooky has a ton of spring shows. In fact, she is expecting to be in Emmett O’Brien Technical High School this upcoming Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, by following her Instagram, you can follow along to see where she’ll be setting up. Secondly, her creations are available for purchase at Milford’s Ambroisa Bakery. And finally, you can private message her on Instagram to purchase her creations through Cashapp and Venmo as well.

The growth of inventory will continue for Serena. She said she plans to continue to grow the selection of plushies in the coming months. I personally love seeing her creations. I crochet myself, and I have such a huge appreciation for adorable creatures made with love.

So, definitely keep an eye out for her in fairs and on Instagram, and be sure to follow along on her journey at @craftsbyspooky.

Frenchies Coffee Bar is Both Cozy and Cute

Imagine a French bulldog themed cafe. That cafe exists, and is none other than Stratford’s Frenchie’s Coffee Bar. With a Google Review rating of 4.8 stars and a Yelp rating of 5 stars, I knew that Frenchies was something worth checking out.

The coffeeshop is located in the center of Stratford, with offstreet parking. A pro tip is to make sure that you read the signs, as there are other businesses that will tow your car.

Now, this coffee shop was so adorable, and perfect for dog lovers. The decor was everything you could want in your local coffee shop — artwork displayed on the walls, and a few flyers scattered around. Scattered around the coffee shop is also various pieces of dog decor — true to its theme. What I love about this little shop is that the WiFi information was readily available on the counter, which makes Frenchie’s Coffee Bar a great place to grab a coffee and do some work.

Frenchie’s food menu is extremely small. They have a few different sandwiches, French toast, quiche, and of course, baked goods such as chocolate chip cookies and croissants. Yum. There is even a croissant wheel, which is a donut made out of croissant dough, which sounds absolutely delicious.

However, don’t get discouraged by the fact that there is not a lot to choose from. Every single thing on the menu is extremely delicious. When I went to grab lunch, I had the chicken pesto sandwich, and a chocolate chip cookie. Well, let me tell you that both of them were extremely delicious. The cookie was one of those large chocolate chip cookies, and was extremely fresh. This was the kind of cookie that literally melts in your mouth and the kind that you take a moment and savor.

Frenchie’s Coffee Bar also has a great drink menu. True to its name, Frenchie’s offers coffee (both hot and iced) and lattes. In addition, there is every kind of beverage that you can imagine — tea, lemonade, chai, and matcha. Some drinks that have caught my eye are the strawberry matcha latte and the red velvet latte.

Since I was eating lunch, coffee was out of the question. So, I paired my sandwich with their lemonade. And let me tell you, it was the perfect addition to my meal. It was not too sweet, but not too sour. The flavor was not overpowering, but it still had the lemon flavoring that I know and love with lemonade.

Overall, I really enjoyed my trip to this adorable coffee shop, and will definitely be back for more. This coffee shop is the perfect cozy place to gather with friends, grab lunch during your lunch break, or even just to hunker down and get work done. With the vibe being just right and with prices being fairly reasonable, I definitely recommend that you check out this adorable little place.

April 2024 Faves

We are a few days late, but here we are sharing my favorites for the month of April. During the last month, I’ve been working on becoming more consistent with blog posting, and I hope to continue that throughout the month of May. I have some ideas floating around, so I hope that they will be live posts soon.

But before we do that, let’s take a pause to reflect on some of my favorites for the month of April:

Kate Spade Knott Bag: I switched into this bag because I needed a larger bag to bring onto the train. I loved it. It’s so spacious, and it fit so comfortably on the shoulder. Furthermore, I love this bag because there are so many different compartments to keep organized. I have mine in black, but I highly recommend this bag. I also have my eye on the crossbody version, so I’m hoping to add that to the rotation soon.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez: This was a highly anticipated new release for me, and I devoured this one. Abby Jimenez can do no wrong, and I highly recommend this one for the beach.

Baggu Lemongrass Medium Crescent: At first, I was not into this color. However, TikTok made me do it, and I finally grabbed this, and I am so happy that I did. It’s a pale yellow/greenish shade, and it added the perfect pop of color to anything I was wearing. As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Baggu, especially the Medium crescent, and this one is no exception.

Jai Boxchain bracelet: I recently added this to my jewelry collection, and I have been obsessed with it. It’s simple, dainty, but still has some weight to it. I definitely love wearing this, and it’s a great basic.

Kingdom of the Wicked series: I binge read this entire series this month, and I have been obsessed. This series, as it progressed, seemed to get better and better. I absolutely loved it, and can’t recommend it enough.

Funny Story by Emily Henry: Emily Henry can do no wrong. I was absorbed in this one, which is her latest release. I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the characters, the little details, the side plot, everything. I highly recommend this one.

Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift: Yes, I’m like everyone else who has been binging this album, but hey, it’s really good.

Why It’s Okay To Have Lazy Days

One of the things that I am working on before I hit 30 is to allow myself to be lazy and do nothing.

When I was younger, my mom was the type of person who was always on the go. Weekends were reserved for yard work, chores, and cooking for the next week. And then when I was in college, lazy days were a tricky option as I was balancing classes and a few jobs.

As an adult with only one job, I have been struggling with the concept of slowing down, especially on the weekends. I have the habit of being a yes woman, and scheduling so many different social and family engagements during those coveted 48 hours, in addition to just trying to do all of the things you struggle to make time for during the week.

Whenever I do have a lazy day for myself, I feel so guilty. I feel as though I should be doing something — seeing a friend, working on organizing something, or just going. Sleeping late often comes with the side of guilt, to the point where my husband has to tell me that it’s okay to rest. Even on our honeymoon.

As a millennial, I grew up with so much propaganda of romanticizing being busy. Girl bosses reminding us to wash our face, and the blogger culture in general during the 2010s is just one example of this. Furthermore, as Americans, we really romanticize being busy in general.

According to an article on the Huffington Post entitled Love A Lazy Day? You Should Be Having Them More Often Than You Think, the act of having one of these lazy days is in fact “productive and important to wellbeing” mentally and physically. Furthermore, the article says that these benefits are “because research shows that relaxation keeps your heart healthier, reduces stress, reduces muscle tension and can help you to avoid depression, anxiety, and obesity.”

For me, those statistics are enough to get me to slow down. That, and the fact that my Garmin keeps track of my body battery.

Relaxation means something different for each and every one of us. It’s self care, and making that time to just unwind. I had a lazy day this past Sunday, and let me tell you, it was so much needed. I had Emily Henry’s Funny Story in hand, and just hung out in bed for the entire morning. Yesterday, I arrived to work with a little more alertness and feeling so refreshed.

As I enter my 30s, that is something that I want to work on. I am so tired of wearing my overwhelm as if it’s some sort of badge of honor. Furthermore, I think I deserve to allow myself to not be run down to the ground. I think that’s something that everyone deserves to do for themselves.

The moral of the story? Let’s not romanticize the fact being busy anymore, okay?