Happy Wednesday everyone! Today I don’t have that many favorites to share, but I am still excited that we made it halfway through the week. These are a bit random, but I still can’t wait to share them with you.
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken: I heard about this while watching Brooke Miccio’s vlog. I bought it, but I didn’t use it until I didn’t have anything in my house. And it was soooo good that I ended up finishing it the next day. It tastes just like a Chinese restaurant made it, but is definitely a lot cheaper. This is definitely going to be a staple in my freezer.
Vasoline with Aloe: I have really dry hands, which is something that really annoys me. I recently was at my boyfriend’s parents’ house, and tried this. After one use, I noticed a complete difference in my hands and purchased a bottle that day. I have been using it a few times a day, and have definitely seen an improvement.
Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil: I have been a Demi Lovato fan since 2008, and so I tuned in last night to watch the two episodes of the docu-series of Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil. The series chronicles Demi’s overdose. While this is a heavy topic, this series was a great watch because of the interviews, and the way that it was shot. I learned so much about the singer and about overdoses that I haven’t before, which I really like as well. After watching the first two episodes, I was hooked and can’t wait for next week.
In the past year, I have been doing a lot of decluttering and reorganizing especially as 2021 approached. Thanks to Poshmark, I have been able to get rid of the items that have not worked for me (there will be a post on that soon), however there were a lot of items that I purchased in 2020 that still serve me today.
2020 has been a crazy year, but there was some good purchases from that year that I want to share:
Nespresso Vertuo: I love my Nespresso. I had it for over a year now and I have no regrets buying it. This was definitely a COVID-19 purchase. At the time, all of the Starbucks in my area closed and I missed lattes. Because, let’s face it — prior to COVID, I was at Starbucks nearly every day. Now that my local Starbucks is still back open, I still rarely go to it. I get my pods either from Target or Amazon, and it’s about $1 a day — with a dairy free option. Can’t beat that, and I get some extra time in the morning. Win.
Kindle Oasis: I have had nearly every e-reader in the last few years. However, this one is the best one for those like me who read a lot and carry a lot with them. I have the 32 GB one in graphite, and I am so glad that I picked this up during Prime Day. The screen is so crisp and great to read all day, and it’s really comfortable to hold when reading in bed. Usually this is the time that I get bored with the e-reader or find something wrong with it, but this is the perfect one. I also like e-readers that have large screens, so this also helps a lot with that.
iMac: I got an iMac because of working from home and Zoom meetings. Having this larger screen has been so helpful, because otherwise, I would be using my 13 inch MacBook Air. I have the most basic one, and it’s so much easier to work with and have Zoom meetings with. I also really love using it when doing the graphics for my blog as well. I currently don’t connect my MacBook to my iMac, but I do not regret buying this whatsoever.
Air Fryer: I got the smallest, off-brand air fryer that I can find at Kohl’s using Kohl’s Cash. I am so glad that I did, because I really love using this. I use it to warm up food, to make chips, and fries. I am sure that there are so many other uses for this, but I still have yet to learn what other things you can make with it. That said, if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, you definitely need one of these.
Pandora Beads and Pave Bracelet: Are you surprised that there is a jewelry pick in here? This one is one of my ride of die pieces of jewelry. I wear it nearly every day, and has become one of my go-to pieces to wear with other ball bracelets or other bracelets.
Tiffany Heart Bracelet: I purchased another needed bracelet and I wear this with the other bracelet I just mentioned. Like the Pandora one that I mentioned, this has become one of my go-to pieces of jewelry because I like to stack my bracelets and this is one that I can wear without worrying about it.
One of the things that I watch on a regular basis is YouTube. I watch YouTube at least a few hours a day and have subscribed to so many YouTubers and Vloggers. The topics that I enjoy watching include luxury, lifestyle and book tube. Watching YouTube is something that has helped me gain so much information that I wouldn’t have otherwise, and introduced me to so many new products and books.
That said, here are some of the people I enjoy watching:
Brooke Miccio: I started watching her vlogs a few years ago and I have been obsessed with them ever since. Brooke is a lifestyle/college vlogger who films days in her life, sit down videos, fashion hauls and more. I really like her because she is relatable to me, and she keeps it real.
Shannon Stone: I love watching lux YouTube videos. Shannon’s channel is no exception. In addition to unboxings, she talks about how to sell your goods and how to get great deals on consignment. I really love that, because I love consignment shopping over shopping retail because of the savings. If you enjoy fashion and lux, then check her out.
Peruse Project: As many of you know, I am a huge reader. Watching book tube has helped me discover so many good books, and one of my favorites is Peruse Project. Peruse Project is run by Regan Peruse, and she is known for her love of fantasy. She posts TBRS, reading vlogs, wrap-ups, hauls, and so much more. What I love about watching her channel is that it helped me get into fantasy. And, let’s be honest — she has really good taste in the genre!
Michelle Reed: Michelle is one of my favorite lifestyle vloggers that I follow. I followed her originally when she was a New York YouTuber, but she has since moved to Dallas, Texas. Michelle mainly talks about lifestyle, but also talks about faith, her marriage, family, money, and her puppy. One of the things that I really love about her content is that it really well shot and really calming.
Alyssa Lenore: While many of her content is focused on luxury, Alyssa Lenore has so many different types of content. She offers a realistic look at luxury goods, which is something that I really like. She discusses talking about saving up for a bag, selling bags to make room for more, and does so many great reviews. Recently, she got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, and I really am enjoying the wedding content!
Danielle Carolan: I began watching Danielle’s vlogs after watching Brooke and listening to Gals on the Go. Her content is very similar to Brooke’s but she is a college senior and films her daily life as a college influencer.
Catherine June: One of my more recent discoveries is Catherine June. I found her channel while looking for a review on an iPhone 11 Pro, since I needed to get a new phone. She talks about lifestyle, fashion, and tech. I love watching her vlogs, and seeing her content.
Moriah Robinson: Last but certainly not least, one of my favorite YouTubers that I like to turn to for product recommendations is Moriah Robinson. She posts a lot of fashion and product heavy videos. What I love about her content is that she talks about affordable options, such as Target and Amazon. I’ve purchased so many of her picks, and I have never regretted them. She is honest with all of her recommendations, which is something that I really appreciate when I am about to make a purchase. If you’re looking for affordable fashion, then definitely check out her channel and blog.
Decluttering: Spring Cleaning has been hitting me hard, everyone! I have been listing a ton of items on Poshmark and have not only made some extra money on the side, but have also cleaned out my closet. By selling many of the items that I wasn’t wearing, I was able to make room for items that I love and actually wear.
David Yurman Albion Petite Ring with Semiprecious Stone & Diamonds: I bought this ring on the anniversary of my mother’s death and I have been wearing it ever since. My mom loved jewelry and this ring makes me think of her whenever I look down at it. I actually pair it with a ring that I purchased myself a number of years ago, and it looks great. The only times I have not worn this ring was when my fingers were swollen.
Wild Fable Cropped Hoodie: This shirt is so good that I bought it twice. Since I am starting to finally lose weight, I am hesitant to buy new clothes for a little while (especially since I am working on decluttering pieces not adding more). I couldn’t pass this one up. I originally purchased the black one and wore it the next day. It was one of the most comfortable hoodies that I purchased in a while. Therefore, after a lot of hemming and hawing about it, I also grabbed the gray one as well. It’s cropped, which I like because it pairs well with high waisted jeans or leggings. I really like it that I can use it not only in the spring, but as a layering piece in the summer. I can easily see myself wearing this when going to the beach as well, because you can just throw it on when it gets chilly. And, for $18 you can’t go wrong in my opinion.
The Financial Diet: I have been binge watching their Youtube videos and I have been loving it. I have been really getting into learning more about money and finances, and one of the ways that I get information is by consuming many different points of view. What I like about them is that they are a more realistic approach to finances. I listen to Gentler and Dave Ramsey as well, but I like that this is both realistic and informative. They also cover a lot of other topics as well, which I really like. I think that this is a great tool for everyone who wants to learn more about money, since money still seems to be a taboo topic that no one talks about.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas: Okay, so I know that the other two books have been favorites of mine already. I started this book over the weekend, and I am once again hooked. I won’t spill too many details, but this series is basically a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I love this series — surprisingly. I have had mixed experiences with Sarah J. Maas’ books, but these books I’ve enjoyed.
I have been a crafty person since I was 12 years old, probably earlier. I took classes at Micheals learning how to make jewelry. Since then, I made jewelry for fun. And, I still do.
That was 14 years ago. Since then, I have learned to knit, crochet, and am venturing out to use my Cricut.
The number one thing I get asked? “When are you going to open an Etsy shop?” Or, “when are you going to start selling stuff?”
The answer is, as of right now, I’m not sure. And, that’s okay. Now, if someone I know wanted me to make them something, then I will be more than happy to make it. However, I am not sure if I will ever truly make my desire to crochet or make jewelry into its own Etsy.
And, that’s okay.
I was listening to a podcast this morning that talked about the fact that many of us feel like we have to master a skill to make a profit out of it. While listening to it, I couldn’t help but agree.
I just do this stuff because it brings me joy and I feel relaxed when I do it. I know if I ever did this, there is a chance that I might be stressed out to get orders done. So, for now it’s a hobby. Not a side hustle. Although if I ever did, at least it would be something I enjoyed.
I work full time already and sell stuff on Poshmark to make extra money to fill my wardrobe with things that I love. One of the things that I look forward to after a long day is binge watching TV shows while crocheting or making things with my Cricut. That is how I unwind. Sometimes, I don’t do that, and that’s okay.
Crafts have become my hobby. It’s something that I do because it fills me with joy and helps me unwind. It’s helpful for me because I make a ton of gifts with it. I also make a lot for myself. For now, it’s okay.
I believe that we’ve lost the concepts of hobbies and doing things for the sake that we enjoy them, not that they help us make money. I don’t know why that is, to be honest. But, I think we need to make more time for those things that bring us joy versus money.
One of the great things that the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine has taught me is the importance of just doing things for the sake of enjoying them. This was a time for hobbies, for learning new things just for the sake of filling the time. I feel like many of us often lose that sense of relaxation because so many people around me are constantly hustling — whether it’s work or side hustling.
As the pandemic draws to a close, I do want us to continue doing these hobbies. Or, at least I want myself to continue making time for them. Not because they bring in money. Just because I enjoy doing them. Which is a perfect valid reason to do something, if I do say so myself.
The last month or so has really taken a toll on my mental health, and has really been something that has served as a reminder to take a moment for myself.
It has been almost a year since the pandemic has begun, and I don’t know about you all, but it has taken a huge toll on my mental health. However, there are some things that I’ve been doing to help me feel a little bit less stressed out about everything that is going on around me.
Cycling/Working Out: I have been taking cycling classes via Apple Fitness Plus for the last month or so, and it has become my obsession. For once, I am actually looking forward to working out. While working out can be challenging, it is something that is good for me because I get all of those endorphins flowing. Having this time (usually 30-40 minutes a day) set aside for me to work out has become the ultimate form of selfceare, because I am in a much better mood than before I worked out.
Having a Good Morning Routine: I need coffee before I start my day. I also need a few minutes to settle down with my book and coffee before I start my day. Having those few moments of peace have been so helpful because it gives me an enjoyable moment before I have a crazy day. It also helps me actually enjoy my coffee as well, which I think is really important.
Making Time For Things That I Love: Some of my favorite activities include: reading, shopping, crafting, and crocheting — just to name a few. I have been treating myself to things that I love and doing more activities that I love as well.
Journaling: Remember that morning routine I mentioned? Well, journaling is a part of that. I have a five minute journal, a regular journal, and a self care one. Journaling for me serves a few different purposes. The first is that it serves as a great release. Another one is that it helps me gas myself up to keep track of my goals and accomplishments. Finally, journaling is something that helps me learn to love myself up, because I will do a self-love prompt as well.
Creating Chill Time: I have become obsessed with the iPad game Two Dots. And, at night, I allow myself to use the time to enjoy those things. Usually, I am always crocheting a project or reading. However, I know that having some chill time is really important, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
Allowing Myself Grace: It’s important that I give myself grace in all fronts and aspects in my life. Whether it’s that I don’t get a blog post out right away or as frequently as I like, or that I’m not getting everything done. I allow myself grace, because I know that I am doing the best I can to be the best I can — well I am trying to do anyways. This is something I am still struggling to do, and I am hopefully getting better at.
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today’s favorites are all over the place, because we have a little bit of everything. However, all of these favorites that I have been mentioning are items that I am loving — and have been for a few weeks now! So, without further adue, here are this week’s favorites.
Smart Sweets Fish Gummy Candy: I am a huge gummy girl, so needless to say when I discovered these, I knew that I had to try them. What is great about these sweets that they have low amounts of sugar and are plants based. I have been enjoying these so much more than the original Swedish Fish, and not having the extra calories is even better. There are so many different flavors to choose from, and you can get them at Amazon or Target.
Liquid IV: I have a really bad habit of not drinking enough water. This helps so much. This little packet is so easy to use — you just mix it in with your water and drink. It has a ton of electrolytes, and helps rehydrate you instantly. You can find these at your local grocery store or on Amazon.
Echelon Smart Connect EX3 Bike: I recently upgraded my spin bike, because the one that I originally had was not fit for spin classes. I got this one from QVC, because you can break up the price into monthly payments. I got this one and so far I am really loving it. I have reached the point where I am actually looking forward to my workouts! A rarity, yeah I know. That said, I don’t use the Echelon classes that are on demand at this moment, but I use it with my Apple Fitness Plus trial. I do see myself having a cycling subscription at some point, because I have been addicted to cycling.
Louis Vuitton Recto Verso: I have been buying a few luxury items in the past few months, and this one thus far has been my favorite item that I have picked up. This is kind of like the best of both worlds for me. It has the key pouch, which is my favorite small leather good, and the card holder. I loved this piece too because it gives me so much more organization, but still is compact.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas: I mentioned the first book in last week’s What I Love Wednesday, and I am on the second one and I am obsessed with it. To put it bluntly, I started reading this book on Sunday and I am 33 percent of the way through, which is amazing. If you haven’t read this series, then I highly recommend checking this series out.
When you live in Connecticut and have had a long winter, you crave March and springtime. If you’re like me, this means spring fashion. Every year, I always manage to discover new clothes to brighten my wardrobe.
Therefore, here are my must-haves for spring 2021:
Wrap Bracelets:
Row 1 L to R: Victoria Emerson, Tory Burch; Row 2 L to R: Tory Burch, Victoria Emerson
This year, I have been obsessed with wrap bracelets. I have two Tory Burch wrap bracelets and two Victoria Emerson Bracelets. I am loving these bracelets because they are so easy to wear and they are so comfortable. If you do opt for the Tory Burch version, I highly recommend that you check out Poshmark. I was able to get mine for $20. The outlets also have a good deal.
Layering Bracelets
Bracelets: Bangles are from QVC AND SV Decker, Little Words Project, Gemstone Bracelets are from Gorijana, Silver Beaded are from Various
In the spring/summer, I love stacking bracelets whether that is colorful bangles, beaded bracelets, or pairing smaller bracelets together. Some combinations that I’ve done is a bracelet paired with a beaded bracelet, beaded bracelets stacked, or a colorful bangle with a silver or gold metal one. I have so much fun pairing different items, and I can’t wait until summer to do so.
Espadrilles/Canvas Shoes
Canvas is a big thing for me in the summer time. Some of my favorites are the Keds Shoes or the Sketchers Bobs Shoes. Those shoes for me are the ones that I constantly use in the warmer months, and I typically have to buy one pair for every season. Both of these shoes that I mentioned are extremely comfortable and they go with a lot of different things from formal to casual.
Bright Colored Accessories
All are older pieces so they are not available, but from L to R: Kate Spade, Coach, and Longchamp.
In the Spring Time, I love having bright colored accessories, whether that’s a purse or wristlet. I have a yellow Coach wristlet that was a gift from my mom a number of years ago that I love breaking out in the springtime. Another purse that I love to use is a Vera Bradley purse that my mom gave me for Easter that I like to use occasionally. Both of these are older ones, so the ones linked are the more modern versions.
Floral Tops
Floral for me means spring, am I right? I love floral tops for spring time. I have a few that I’ve picked out from TJ Maxx years ago, and I wear them every season. These are great to wear casually, professionally or even if you’re dressing up. What I love about floral print tops is that they brighten up my mood and I feel brighter wearing them. I definitely recommend wearing floral — especially in these troubling times.
Pastel/Bright Colored Nails
Thanks to my GEL Lamp, I have been painting my nails more frequently. I love pastel or vibrant color nails for spring time. I love mint or lavender colors, and they add a fun pop of color to my daily life. My current favorite is Essie’s Gel Couture Nail Polish in Once Upon a Time.
Cardigans
When you live in New England, it is freezing in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. Therefore cardigans are an essential part of my wardrobe. I typically have a few from a while ago, but my most recent one is from Kohl’s.
What are your spring style essentials? Let me know in the comments below.
Note: This was a sponsored post, where I received free items in exchange for this post.
I don’t know about you all, but I am so excited for spring time. Living in Connecticut, winters can be brutal, and by the time March rolls around, I am craving spring fashion and accessories.
Made by Aniela is going to be one of my go-to shops for spring time accessories. I have purchased some of the shop’s boho earrings, amoungst other things, and they are perfect for spring.
That said, there is going to be a drop on her site tomorrow, March 5, at 3 p.m. The drop will be focusing on rings, which is exciting because it’s my favorite type of jewelry. There will be two types of rings, including: wire-wrapped rings, and adjustable fidget rings. The rings will be available in sizes 6-8. I was so lucky to be gifted a wire-wrapped ring, and it’s perfect because it layers perfect next to the two rings that I never take off (my promise ring and my Tiffany ring that was a gift to myself a few years ago).
Something that I also really like about these rings and want to note is that I am not allergic to them. I have sensitive fingers, so typically the only rings I can wear are sterling silver, gold plated/filled, and solid gold. These rings don’t cause a reaction, which is amazing.
These are the first rings to premier on the Made by Aniela Etsy shop, as she’s previously dropped bracelets, earrings, and necklaces — all of which are gold plated or filled.
One final point that I want to touch upon is that she is running a MAJOR promotion as well. In addition to having free shipping, she will be offering a deal where if you spend $20 on anything, you’ll get a free stretch ring. And, let me tell you, these rings are awesome, because you can stack them with rings you already have, or wear it on it’s own.
That said, if you want to splurge on a piece (or two), I have a code for you to get some pieces discounted. If you use the code NATALIE15 or follow this link, you get 15 percent off of anything you want. This is perfect for those who are looking to score one of these rings, or if you want to add a necklace or bracelet to your daily stack. Her shop has so many great options for spring and summer, so I recommend you check it out and stock up.
Happy Wednesday everyone! I still can’t believe that we are officially halfway done with the week. I have been stressed out and struggling these past couple of weeks, so being halfway to the weekend is always nice.
That said, I have a few favorites to share with you today. So without further adue, here are this week’s favorites:
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: I’ve been wanting to read this since 2015 and honestly don’t know why it took me six years to pick up this book. It is so good and once I start reading it, I can’t put it down. Needless to say, I finally understand the hype.
Two Dots: I downloaded an addicting game on my iPad and I spent all of last night playing it while watching reality TV. Basically you have to connect the dots and meet challenges. It is addicting and I highly recommend playing it as a way to unwind.
Tory Burch Wrap Bracelet: I recently found this bracelet on Poshmark for $20 (originally $98). I held onto it for a while, but recently brought it out for spring and I am obsessed with it. Tory Burch as a whole is really expensive, and so finding this bracelet on Poshmark for the price I did was exciting. I have a feeling that this will become a new summer staple for me, since I tend to wear bolder bracelets in the summer time. I recently bought a black one from Nordstrom using my notes and I am so happy I did!
Clinique Happy Perfume: This perfume was my one of my mom’s favorites, so after the anniversary of her death, I decided to purchase this so I can smell like her. I love the perfume and have been using it almost everyday since getting it. My mom loved perfume, so this was something that I was happy to get in honor of her.
thenutmegmillennial.com 