Is Marc Jacobs The Beauty Bag Worth It?

For me, it’s important to have a piece in my wardrobe that can be used in multiple different ways and situations. That piece has been the Beauty Bag by Marc Jacobs.

The Beauty Bag is made in a similar design as the brand’s famous tote bag; however, instead of it saying the Tote Bag, it says the Beauty Bag. For $95, it comes in all leather with a cloth lining, and has an all leather exterior. Furthermore, it has a little wristlet strap that you can slip on your arm.

What I really love about this is that they have a huge variety of colors. Of course, they have the classic brown and black colors. But they also have the gorgeous pink, lilac, and red.

I recently added three of these to my collection, and I’m so happy that I did. I’ve been using it almost everyday since I got it. I’ve used it as a wristlet and as a catch all pouch in my bag. I got mine in black, Aragon oil (which is such a gorgeous brown), and the lilac for a pop of color.

I am obsessed.

And in both situations that I’ve mentioned, it holds a lot.

When I use it as a wristlet, I’m able to hold a card case, car keys, my phone, sanitizer, and lip balm. When I use it as a daily pouch, I’m able to put lip balms, hand lotion, AirPods, and all of the little bits and bobs that would normally be floating around my purse. That being said, it fits in quite a bit of my purses, as I was able to slip it in my Longchamp and my Marc Jacobs tote bag without any issues. I can see this fitting in a majority of my purses, however it may be a little too large to fit in my smaller bags. With that being said, it makes it so easy to switch my bags because all I do is take this out and plop it into the new bag.

And those are two of the ways that I’ve used it. I can see it also becoming my go-to when I travel, a place to hold crochet needles, and a clutch — just to name a few.

I have been enjoying this bag and I highly recommend adding this piece, because of all of the ways that you can use it. That is what makes it worth it for me, if I’m being honest, because the cost per wear goes down so low that it’s pennies.

This bag is both useful and fun — and something I will continue to reach for for years to come.

Milford’s AT Lost and Found Is a Cozy Boutique That Isn’t Like Anything Else

There is a little cottage located right on the Milford Green that upon first glance, one would think that it’s a cute and cozy home. However, if you take a deeper and closer look, you would soon realize that it is the shop AT Lost and Found.

AT Lost and Found Boutique is an adorable and cozy shop that breathes nothing but good vibes from the moment you set foot into the shop. The boutique sells clothing, gemstone jewelry, accessories, and other adorable and unique items that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

What I really love about the shop is the DIY elements that are available. And there’s a quite a few things to create — terrariums/witch balls made out of succulent plants and gemstone bracelets. And the prices are not that expensive to make these one of a kind items — terrariums and gemstone bracelets are $25 and witch balls are $15.

In addition to adorable clothes and unique items, they also have some yoga items that will definitely assist you in your practice, whether you’re a beginner or a yogi for years.

Furthermore, the community and good energy of this shop is something that makes it so much fun to visit. Last Saturday, they invited their community to help them out by painting an adorable VW Bus Sign for their shop. But that’s not the only fun event that they have, as they also offer parties for oracle reading and terrarium making.

That good energy radiates through the layout and the decor of the boutique, where every item is separated by rooms, and in the middle of the house is a small couch that you can relax and take a breath.

AT Lost and Found is a part of the Downtown Milford Yoga Studio, AT Sangha Yoga. AT Sangha Yoga is the studio that is behind Walkabout Yoga that allows you to practice while walking on the beach in Milford. AT Sangha Yoga currently has two studios, one in Milford, Conn. and one in Bethany, Conn. In addition to their Walkabout yoga classes, they also offer hiking yoga, sister circles, and full moon gatherings, according to their website. That and of course, traditional indoor yoga classes.

That mindfulness from yoga is present when browsing AT Lost and Found, both online on their Instagram. In addition to posting their store items and new arrivals, they also post yoga things as well as icons for self care.

It’s safe to say that I would love to lose myself at AT Lost and Found, and will continue to be a customer for a while.

You can also follow them on Instagram to stay apprised of their events and hours by following them at @ ATlostandfound

March Fiber Faves

This is the last week of March and I have been working on some huge projects that I am at last done with. I also have spent the last week or so dealing with the stomach bug, which was not fun whatsoever. So needless to say, my motivation to pick up a hook or a needle has been lacking (but for good reason since my body was healing).

However, with spring and summer on the way, I have the itch to crochet some fun projects now that my larger ones are no longer WIPS. That being said, I wanted to share some of my fiber faves of the month, and trust me, there are a few.

Lion Brand Pound of Love: I used this for a blanket, and I am so happy I went with this. I loved this one, because I had used two balls for my blanket, and only had four ends to weave in by the time the project was complete. I used the blue/green one for my project, but I do want to get other colors in the future especially as JoAnn is closed.

Lion Brand Mandala Ombré: I am also obsessed with this yarn as well. I have been using this for a Sophie Scarf and it’s so soft. I got a few other colors while Joann was having their going out of business sale, and I am so excited to make Sophie Scarves with those.

Viney Maple: I found a new YouTuber that I am obsessed with— none other than Ms. Viney Maple herself. I love Killian. I love her vibe. I love the things she creates. I love the fact that she also works a regular job, as it’s so relatable to watch her crochet while balancing it. She’s also inspired me to go through the yarn that I have, and has lately shown some really cool stash busting projects.

Caron Cotton Cakes Yarn: I have been using this yarn for my first wearable of the year, and I am loving it! I love how this yarn feels, how it’s working up, and how it will look when it’s done! I’ve become a Caron Cake girly through and through and I am sure I’ll be using this for some other crochet projects.

Is the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag Still Worth It?

I first got my black canvas now medium The Tote Bag in January of 2022. It was getting some hype online, and once I switched all of my items into it, I could see why. The bag was lightweight, but was able to hold everything you may possibly need and then some. I loved it for about a year straight, and ended up purchasing a few more canvas colors.

Three years later, the bag still remains popular. It has come out in more textures — from Sherpa to denim as well as the original leather and canvas version. It has added a smaller one as well, as well as an adorable nano size as well. Further, they come in many different colors, making it so easy to fit into your daily wardrobe and add a little touch of color if you so choose.

The bag has definitely surpassed a trend and become a staple — much like my Longchamp bags. What I enjoy about the Totebags is the fact that you can combine two very practical types of bags into one: a tote that holds everything with the security of a crossbody.

However, the years have not been so kind to my original tote bag. In the review, I talked about how spacious the bag was and how it easy it was to throw everything in my bag and just be on the go. I took it to the City for a day trip. It was my ride or die for about a year after the original review. But then, the color of the canvas began to slowly fade. It got dirty very easy, the black becoming a dust/lint magnet. Once that happened, the bag got buried into the back of my closet.

That being said, I recently decided to update my bag and get the leather version of this bag. I’ve seen them all over my ‘for you’ page, and I knew that I could not swallow picking up another tote bag just for it to fade.

Enter the leather versions.

I recently got the Argan Oil and the Black in the small of the leather, and so far, I am really impressed with them. For a leather bag, it’s going to be about $395 for the small, and $450 for the medium. My original tote bag was a medium these days, but I’ve carry less than I had back in my original post.

I love small size, because for me, it fits everything I need: my Kindle, my Mini Pochette, my Coach Mini Skinny ID case, Coach Lanyard, Coach Zip Small Wallet, various lip products, hand sanitizer, Teleties Hair Clips, and hand lotion.

I’ve been following some reviews of this bag in the leather and have been talking to a few people who own it that I follow on Instagram. They have said that the leather bag has held up extraordinarily well, and has become their ride or die bag as well. I am hoping this well soon become a beloved fixture of mine.

So what is the answer to the million dollar question?

Yes, I still think this bag is worth it. It is practical and it works for someone to travel with, a student, work, or even just someone who wants a bag that goes with everything and fits everything. However, I do think that if you do want this bag to last longer than a few seasons, then I recommend saving a little extra and grabbing the leather or jacquard versions so you don’t make the same mistake that I do.

Friday Faves: March 14, 2025

TGIF! I am so happy to report that the weekend is near, and I have no plans pretty much. I have not done a Friday Faves during the month of February, so I am so happy to return to doing so. I have so much fun sharing my favorites, so let’s chat about them!

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams: I think I’m officially a Sarah Adams girly. This is the third book that I’ve read by the author and I’m obsessed. I have a few more before I officially read all of the viral books. This one is about awkward wallflower Annie, who is trying to practice dating. The bodyguard of her future sister in law is up for the job. I’m almost all the way through this one and let me tell you, I am obsessed with this book. I loved the growth of the characters, the way that they fell in love, and the romance.

Honey Roasted Peanut Butter: Whole Foods has this peanut butter and I’ve been enjoying this along with some toast. It has some crunch, but it tastes so delicious.

Song of Archilles by Madeline Miller: I devoured this on my way to the City this past weekend, and I am so happy that I read that. This is the retelling of the Greek myth Archilles, and I absolutely loved her spin on the tale — so much to the point where I had to run home and finish the last few pages.

Kraft No Cheese Mac and Cheese: Kraft Mac and Cheese was something that I loved as a kid, and something that was super hard to let go of when I discovered that I was lactose intolerant. I tried this last week, and it was so good that I ordered two more boxes on Amazon. It was amazing! I’m sure I’ll be regularly ordering these, and I highly recommend them if you’re on the dairy free life like I am.

Enewton Small Locket: I had picked this up when I was in the City, and I’m so glad that I did. It is a gorgeous, gorgeous piece. I love lockets, and I am even thinking about adding a photo into it. Plus you know that eNewton has the best quality.

Pavoi Tennis Bracelet: This has been my emotional support bracelet in all of my stacks as of late. I’m a huge fan of Pavoi, and I am so happy that I was able to pick this one up! It goes with bangles, it goes with other beaded bracelets, and it’s amazing. I 10/10 recommend.

Is Pavoi Jewelry Worth It?

Pavoi has shown up on any Amazon favorites that an influencer shares. And, with prices ranging from $12.99 to $20, Pavoi Jewelry makes high quality jewelry accessible to all. There are options for gold, white gold, and rose gold. With that being said, is that jewelry truly worth it? And also what is the quality like?

I think that there is something that we need to get out of the way here. Pavoi is not a luxury brand. We are not getting precious metals such as gold and platinum. These are plated pieces. They are not going to be in your jewelry box forever. Going into buying a Pavoi piece with these expectations definitely is something that I want to iterate over and over again.

That being said, I do think that the quality of the brand is excellent for the price. I own several pieces from the brand, rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. All of the pieces are gold plated, meaning that there is a base metal that is coated with a layer of gold on top of it. Many of my pieces are stamped 925, which means that they are sterling silver based.

With plated jewelry, there is a tiny bit of delicacy that comes with them. Be sure to take them off when you shower, work out, put on lotion or perfume, and swimming.

However, my experience with Pavoi has been great thus far. I am a very sensitive girly when it comes to my jewelry. My fingers and body will turn green whenever I wear metals that are not sterling silver or 14k gold. I have no issue with their earrings, bracelets, or rings, which is something that I am really impressed by.

Additionally, I want to mention how lightweight their hoops are. These hoops went virtual a few years ago, and I grabbed a pair. They were so comfortable and easy to wear to the point that I forgot that I had them in. Yup, that’s how easy they were.

Furthermore, I know that I mentioned earlier that with this type of jewelry that it needs to be babied. However, I did not practice what I preached. I have been wearing my pinky ring stack (which is an eternity band and a pointed ring) and washed my hands and applied lotion with it on with no issues. So even though I said to baby it, I think that it will withstand it if you choose to do so anyways.

That being said, one final thing that I want to mention about Pavoi is it is carbon neutral, which I think that is really awesome. I know that we all like to be a little more eco conscious when it comes to the things that we purchase, but this brand has got you covered. That is something that I personally really enjoy about the brand.

Now that you heard my thoughts about the brand, you must be asking yourself this question: is it worth it?

My answer is yes, 100 hundred percent hands down. Many of these pieces are less than $25, and for jewelry in that price point, I think it’s a steal. The quality is better than many of the fashion pieces that are in this price range, and they blend with some of my other higher quality pieces for that price. It’s a plus that they are one thousand percent hypoallergenic, which makes them so accessible for many of the people out there.

Further, I think that Pavoi is a good option for people who are interested in getting a more investment piece, but are not sure if it will be something that would work. The stakes are so much lower, so if it doesn’t work out, the money lost will be so much less. I also think that they are great options for travel jewelry, because if they get lost, it’s not as devastating as a piece that was hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Overall, as a non influencer, I would say that highly recommend checking out Pavoi to grow a jewelry collection, and to add some sparkle to daily life. I know I will continue wearing some of the pieces that I’ve picked up, and already plan to add more to my collection.

My personal favorites are:

February Faves

February was a short month, but it was a long one. It was busy with work, and it took a huge toll on me emotionally. However, I am now writing this in March and I’m really happy that spring is on its way at long last.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone: This book was sitting on my shelves for a while. I picked it up over one weekend and devoured it. It is about Eve, who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a one night stand. The book follows her pregnancy journey, along with her romance with her best friend’s brother, Shep. This was an amazing novel, and one of my favorite books that I’ve read thus far in 2025.

Baggalini Triple Zip Crossbody: Baggalini is one of my new favorite brands that I’ve been slowly adding pieces to my collection. I love them that they have so many different pockets and organization. This bag is my favorite because it’s compact, but it still is able to fit my essentials — including my beloved Kindle. I highly recommend this bag if you’re on the go, or even if you’re looking for a bag small enough to carry the essentials.

Sheila Fajil Everyone’s Favorite Hoops: I am a hoop girly through and through. These are so chunky, but so lightweight. I’ve worn these for two or three days in a row and have absolutely had no issues with these hoops. I recommend these if you’re a sensitive girly like myself.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: This has been one of my favorite shows as of late. I’ve gotten invested in this show thanks to my mother in law. Every Wednesday, we sit and watch the show together that was recorded from the night before. There’s a lot of drama, it’s mindless, but it’s something that I love to watch to get my mind off of my daily adventures.

Nespresso Oatly: This flavor is limited time, and I wish that Nespresso would consider having this as a part of the regular lineup. I have been enjoying this so much, and I want to stock up on a few boxes to enjoy. 10/10 recommend.

Fiber Faves of February 2025

Happy Thursday everyone! There is only one day left in the month of February, and I am finally sitting down to share my favorites in my adventures in my crochet journey with you.

The reason why this one was later than usually was the sad news that Joann is closing and going out of business. I’ve been going to Joann since I was little. It was my favorite place to get craft supplies and the closest at the time. While I am a hobbyist, I do feel for those who have small businesses who use Joann yarn and those who work at Joann and would be losing their jobs as well. That being said, anything from Joann will not be linked since I don’t know where else to find it at this time.

On that sad note, here are my fiber faves this month:

Patterns:

Other Crochet Items:

Silver Sands Gyro Offers A Chance To Head to the Mediterranean Without a Flight Ticket

During this time of year, I find myself craving the sunshine and warmth of the Mediterranean. However, it is not plausible for me to hop on a plane to head there at this moment in time. Enter Silver Sands Gyro.

Silver Sands Gyro is a new restaurant located in Milford, Conn. I’ve enjoyed their food quite a few times as of late, and I will be honest that every time was a treat. The decor fits into that peaceful blue that is associated with the serene Mediterranean Sea that is miles away from Milford. However, it’s the food that is worth the buzz.

The menu consists of a Subway-style build your own pita, salads, and bowls, as well as some special options. What is really cool about Silver Sands Gyro is that the fact that you can completely customize your meal — from meat choices (chicken, Falafel, steak, gyro, and kofta), to dressings and toppings. However, they do have a few other treats on the menu as well, such as the delicious rice pudding and baklava.

Right now, my go-to on the menu is a pita with grilled chicken, lettuce, onions, and tzatziki sauce. That is my go-to because their ingredients are so fresh and delicious. I’ve also had their Falafel — which was my first time having it — and it was absolutely amazing. They had a little kick of spice of them, but did not lack flavor. In addition, I’ve also tried their seasoned fries and they were absolutely delicious as well. What I liked about those is that those fries don’t taste overly salty. Instead they rely on natural flavors and seasonings. Perfect for this high blood pressure girly.

Oh, and before I forget, we need to talk about the hummus. The hummus was absolutely amazing. One bite of this is like biting into a piece of heaven. It is the perfect addition to anything that you get on the menu — from bowl to pita.

I will say that this is the perfect grab and go place if you need something quick or just want something to grab for dinner on your way home. One thing that I will note about this place is the takeout stays so well. You know some foods that you need to consume right then and there? Yeah, well this place can be taken home and enjoyed without lack of flavor. And in addition to in person ordering, they also offer all of their options online as well.

It is safe to say that I will be a regular at Silver Sands Gyro — whether it’s a falafel pita, or a bite of hummus — long after my winter blues subside.

What’s In My Bag Wednesday: the Coach Ellie File Bag

I think I found a Coach bag that is both underrated and a much more affordable alternative to the Louis Vuitton Odeon PM — the Coach Ellie File Bag.

This is a bag that is not new in my collection by any means. I purchased both the black pebble leather and the brown/black monogram versions back in 2022 from the Coach Outlet. I’ve used them for daytrips, and trust me, they were perfect for a casual on the go moment.

I used the Ellie this past weekend to take a day trip shopping and to the Melting Pot, and I was pleasantly surprised that the bag was able to fit my knitting project. Granted, when I am not going into work, I don’t take a lot of things with me anyways, but it’s a good thing to know if you like to travel with your crochet or knitting like I do.

Here’s what fit in my bag at that moment.

  • Coach Essential Mini Card Case
  • Country Cottage Fingerless Gloves
  • Summer Fridays Lip Balm in Vanilla
  • Summer Fridays Lip Gloss
  • Touch land Hand Santizer
  • My knitting project

The next day, I went ahead and switched my everyday bag from the Coach Teri Hobo. It was able to fit my usual everyday things, which are: