Favorite Products Lately

Hi loves!

Back this week with my favorite products lately. I like to round up these posts every once and a while to show you guys what I'm loving and using constantly.

1. Beauty Counter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation - So I've been dabbling in clean beauty & I wanted a foundation that was good for my skin! I wear foundation anywhere from 10-12 hours a day and I wanted to choose an option that was better for me.  This is medium coverage, but build-able. I build it to full coverage daily. It feels light weight on the skin and lasts all day. It does not break down on your face or separate. It's definitely a win for me!  I wear the shade sand.

2. Otterbox Pop Socket Case - Ever since I got this case, it has been a game-changer for me! The pop socket is attached and it is sooo convenient.  It also is not as bulky if you were to add a pop socket to your phone. I also barely drop it now with this new case. It's worth the investment because this case has lifetime limited warranty as well!

3.  Amazon Wrap Sweater -  Ok this has to be my favorite amazon item to date?! So good! The quality is like my Nordstrom sweaters.  I love the wrap detail and I think it will look so good with dark denim or white jeans. Soo many ways to style it!

4. Ouai Leave-In Conditioner  - So I recently finished up my briogeo leave-in conditioner and I was debating what to try. I've always been curious about this brand and I decided to give it a try. I loveee how my hair feels when I use it and not to mention the amazing smell.

5.Bauble Bar Drusy Earrings - I don't like a huge statement earring but I do like something subtle. These are the perfect amount of glam and a great size. I always get so many compliments when I wear them and they look so expensive but they are such a good price! Love these! I might need the black too.

Thanks for reading!

Til next time,

Danielle

Favorite Coffee Spots in Chicago - City and Suburbs!

Hi all - I'm sure it's no secret that I'm a big coffee drinker! I love me an iced coffee about anytime of the year, even when it's cold. I'm one who loves to try new shops and find the cutest insta-worthy photo opportunity. Here is a compiled list of places I love to go!

Suburbs:

Pressed - This is in skokie! Cute little shop that also does latino sandwiches. Yum!

Cupitol - They are in Evanston. They have amazing breakfast and a super delicious Nutella latte.

Newport Coffee - Delicious lattes that I just looove. They also have a great coldbrew. This place is brand new and adorable on this inside. All white and such an airy space.

Other Brothers Coffee - Such a good local spot! I love their ice coffee. They also have no straws, sustainble :-)

Colectivo Coffee - The Dulce De Leche latte is soo good! Ugh cinnamon in a cup.

Ebar- Honestly, Nordstrom's Cold brew with caramel and almond milk is delicious. Anytime I'm at Nordstrom, I always grab one.

Papagalinos - They have great greek coffee & frappes. I love the freddo iced espresso. This spot is in Niles.

Glenview Grind - A local shop with a drive through! Love that. They have great seasonal lattes.

City:

Groundswell - This one is not far from Lincoln square. My go to order is a vanilla latte with almond milk.

Three Arts Cafe - The most delicious iced salted caramel latte. Ugh it is so cute and not to mention three arts cafe is just an adorable place to visit.

Heritage Bicycle Shop - A bike store and also a coffee and cafe spot with great bites and good coffee.

Limitless Coffee - If you want a pretty instagram-able latte, head to limitless! They make the prettiest glitter latte I've ever seen and it tastes amazing.

Do-Rite Donuts - Great ice coffee accompanied by amazing donuts! They also have a really good hazelnut/nutella latte.

La Colombe - Their coffee is just spectacular. The spot is also super minimalist and cute.

The Grind - One of my first shops I got into. On the smaller side but in one of my favorite little neighborhoods- Lincoln square. Their latte art always gets me every time.

The Coffee Studio - A delicious ice coffee in a cute space that I love to work from as well!

My followers recommend:

Fairgrounds

Dollop

Somerset

Goddess and The Baker

The Coffee & Tea exchange 

Maison Marcel Chicago

Maison Parisienne

Dark Matter Coffee

Thanks for reading! Whats your favorite spot? Leave a comment down below!

Xo,

Nordstrom Sale - What I got + What is worth buying

Hi y'all -

Ton's of Nordstrom Sale coverage is happening but I'm here to share what actually worked out for me and what I'm keeping!

Tops/Sweaters:

Chelsea 28 LayeringTurtleneck - Perfect for layering. I can not survive the fall & winter without these. They are light enough to wear under a leather jacket and not break a sweat. SIZE: M

Halogen Turtleneck- A little thicker & a little longer. Same purpose as the other turtleneck! Grab some good colors and they will be staples in your fall and winter wardrobe. SIZE: M

Square neck tank - Love the square neck and love the material. A pretty neutral that will layer well under blazers, jackets & cardigans. SIZE: M

Knot Peplum top - A great throw on & go top. I love the pattern! It's so fun and will make a great work wear piece. Also will be super cute with jeans & booties. SIZE: M

Mock Neck Sweater- I have loads of sweaters so I did not need many. I got this one in the eggplant color. Something I don't have & I always love a mock neck style. SIZE: M

Pants/Jeans:

Kut for Kloth black flare jeans - Saw Emily Ann Gemma on the sweetest thing get these and I had to have them! Super cute flare. I grabbed a size 8!

1 state pants -  I love anything menswear inspired and these pants are IT for fall. Love the tie waist and the colors in them. I got a size 8!

Leith Jumpsuit - I will add this jumpsuit in to the pants since I'm not sure where else to put it. A great option for a date night, work, GNO, etc. I got the burgundy to have a little something different in my wardrobe besides black. I got a size L and it fits great!

Accessories:

Bauble bar earrings- Love a drusy stone and love this hexagon shape! Also an amazing price point.

All Saints Camera bag - A beautiful coffee color and super durable leather! Will make a great addition to my fall outfits. If you have never looked into all saints bags, I definitely would. The quality is amazing and they are super chic.

Shoes:

Vince Camuto perforated booties - Great heel height and beautiful deep gray color! Price point under 100 and TTS - I got my normal size 9.

Hiltin Knee High Boot - Didn't buy these this sale but I have them and totally recommend! TTS and love that they are under the knee and not above.

Steve Madden Heels - These are so fun! Love the straps & run TTS but a little narrow! If you have wide feet I'm not sure if this is the shoe for you. Under 60! A great buy.

Sorel Boots - You NEED these if you live in the midwest. Sorel are a lifesave & a super cute way to stay dry & avoid wet feet! I love these boots. My second pair of Sorel & they are such a great investment for our harsh winters!

Sole Society Loafers - Thought these would make the perfect work loafer & under 60! I regret to say I have not tried them yet so I do not know how they run but looove how they look.

Office Desk Essentials

Hey everyone,

I got my first office job this year (yay) but it's been such a different kind of adjustment for me. There are some things I realized I always need to have with me when I'm at work.

 jacket // cami // jeans // bag (amazon 34 bucks!) // shoes 

1. The first one - tea bags & keurig cups. I keep these in my desk at all times. I'm usually running late and don't always have time to make coffee or tea before work. Pro tip: leave a travel mug at your desk so you can always wash it out & re-use it.
2. Hand Sanitizer - I eat a lot at my desk so to avoid getting up every minute, I have have these.
3. Mints - If you know me you know I love garlic & onions lol - I always keep mints hand.
4. Post its & journal - for work notes or personal notes. I jot down my thoughts through the day.
5. Fan - Ever since I bought a fan I've been cold, but It gets humid once it gets warmer. I actually found mine at the dollar store but you can buy them on amazon for about 12 dollars.
6. Snacks on snacks on snacks - I try and pack heathy ones like granola bars or fruit. Granola bars are great because you can leave a pack at your desk for the week.
7. Chapstick- I feel like the air in the office can be so dry? I keep one at my desk for whenever I need it.
8. Water bottle - this one should go without saying! Try and drink as much water as I can daily.
9. Hair ties & clips - Something I'm always loosing and always need. I try to keep a couple at the desk.
10. Tissues! Again, I feel like dry air always makes me sneeze. Also in case you ever spill anything (I know I do).
11. Sanitizing wipes - Seems to me that someone is always sick in the office. To keep your space clean, I recommend picking some up.
12. Lotion - You never know when you will need it. 

Interesting enough, you can find a lot of these items at the dollar store. I love going to dollar tree for napkins, hand sanitizer, mints, hair ties, etc.  I also choose to sometimes buy them in bulk on Amazon.

Hope this helps! What is your #1 essential you leave at the desk?

Xo,

Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is right around the corner! This time of year always flys by for some reason. I rounded up some items I have my eye on and haven't purchased (yet).

1- IFLY Luggage - If you have been following along, you know I am taking a trip soon (eek so excited!) This carry on is so chic and I hear so many good things about this brand.

2. L'amour Sweatshirt - This looks like a frame sweater but for so much less! Love this for a weekend casual look.

3.  Briogeo Don't despair repair hair mask -I have a leave in conditioner from them that I love and I love that this brand is vegan.

4.Summer Fridays  Overtime Mask - This brand gets so much 'hype' on instagram. Would love to try this mask out.

5. Prada Pointy Toe Flat - These have to be the most comfortable flats I own! Would love to add nude to my collection.

6. High waisted denim skirt - Love the subtle rips on this skirt and that it is high waisted.

7. Neon Dress - This neon dress is a perfect way to try the neon trend that's happening. There are so many ways to style this!

So excited for my birthday!  What's on your wishlist?

Xo,

4 Lifestyle Changes

Hi everyone! It's been a minute since I wrote any lifestyle content. I've truly been re-evaluating my spending, eating, and health habits since the holidays. I knew I wanted to make some changes but I did not want to introduce them in January. I wanted to adapt them before hand so I could get used to them and keep myself accountable always, and not just as a new year resolution.

• I introduced My Fitness Pal in the first week of December. I stepped on the scale after Thanksgiving and I was like yeah... I don't want to gain any more weight this holiday season. I started tracking what I was eating just through the app. Just by logging my food, I was able to loose 5 pounds. That may not seem like a lot to the average person, but to me it was a big deal! I'm continuing to track what I eat daily, and it's paying off.  My Fitness Pal is an APP you can download. It's so easy! You can even scan labels on there and it will add the item to what you ate that day. It's super self explanatory as well.

• I started carrying around a water bottle. This is going to seem like such a Diva move, but I never want to carry a water bottle that's not cute LOL. I  just can't carry something bulky and ugly around all day. I recently picked up this ELLO water bottle and I've been drinking water daily ever since. It comes in rose gold and matte black, I loved both options but I went with rose gold because it's brighter. Carrying a water bottle has helped me drink more water, which in turn I think is really helping my health.  

• I'm starting to acquire a regular gym schedule. I say starting because I don't have it set in stone yet on what days I do what exercise, but never the less I am going. I am making it apart of my daily routine more than I ever have. One thing that has really helped me is packing my gym bag the night before and leaving it by my purse. That way in the morning, I can't make an excuse that I'm not prepared or ready to go after work. With that being said, there are days I should work out and I don't, and that's ok. We are all human and sometimes need a break. I am trying to go three days a week and eventually four, but until I get three down I am going to keep myself accountable to this realistic goal.

• STOP SPENDING MONEY. Within the year, I have really cut my coffee consumption. I rarely go to Starbucks or Dunkin, for the most part, I drink my morning coffee at home. My one weak spot for spending money is....shopping. Who would have guessed, right? Now that the holidays are over, I'm done spending money. Realistically, there is nothing I need to purchase that I do not already own. For the month of January, I am REALLY trying to limit my spending. The problem is, I do not allocate a certain amount of money a month to clothes. When I see something I want, I buy it. However, my one rule for January and the coming months, is to only buy things I truly NEED. I am not going to buy a new mascara unless I run out of one. I am not going to buy a new chunky sweater, because I have ten already. The one thing I am looking forward to purchasing is a new perfume. I ran out of three bottles, so I'm on the hunt for a new one! 

I started thinking of all the things I wanted to accomplish for January in December. And then I thought to myself, why wait til January to go to the gym when you can go now? Why wait til January to track your food consumption when you can start now? If you want something to happen, or want to do something, GO for it! Don't let a new year or a new month or a new week or another Monday for the changes you want to make. 

Hope you all enjoy this and in some way it inspires you to accomplish and changes the things you want to improve on! 

Xoxo,

August Favorites

Click to shop: 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

1.  Free people jeans- I have been wearing these non-stop since I have gotten them. They are very stretchy and I love the busted knee. I want them in the darker wash too! You have to size up a size! I read all reviews and I am so happy I went a size up. 
2. Morphe Brush- I just got this brush in within the last two weeks. I got it for bronzing and blush. I really like the size of it and it's good for blending your blush and bronzer together and making everything look smooth. It wasn't my favorite for contouring, but definitely for blending blush & smoothing your contour.
3. Banana Powder- This is 4 dollars! Go and get it now. It works so well and it really does make a difference with brightening under the eye. I like that it's not that streaky yellow color when you put it on, it blends into the skin nicely. It also has super great reviews, so flip through them if you're curious how it will blend with your skin coloring.
4. Luminoso Blush - THE BEST DRUG STORE BLUSH. Sorry for the crazy caps but I'm that serious y'all. It's so pretty and peachy and great for warmer looks. Forgot how much I loved it but glad I picked it up again this month! 
5. Pajama Set- Even though it's warm out, I've been wearing these non-stop! They are so soft and comfortable and I just love a matching set. I got a medium but could have definitely done small, they run generous. Here is a similar style that's on sale!
6. Steve Madden Mules - A Nordstrom Sale find that I love! This grey color is very neutral, I love it with white denim transitioning into fall. This shoe goes really well with cool tones & the silver stud detail is perfect. They come in so many colors! I think they're great shoes for fall. I got my normal size, a size 9. 
7. Coffee Table Books - I have been trying to add some decor to my room and I love stacking books like these on top of one another! This vogue one is so fabulous and fun! It's a good price point too for home decor. 

What's a product you love ? Share it with me down below! Thanks for reading everyone. Hope y'all have a great week xoxo

Amazon Buys under $20

Hi everyone! It was a close call between July Favorites & recent Amazon buys...but I am excited that you all wanted to see something new.  Since Prime day, I have been checking out amazon more and found some really great purchases. Check them out here!

Fashion: 

1. Button Up Thermal -  So lately I feel like amazon has been coming out with a lot of clothing. I saw this button up, the price was under $20 with free returns. So I was like...worth a shot. There is a similar one at Nordstrom that sold out that I was interested in, so  I just took the plunge & ordered this. I seriously love it! I wore it the first day it came in the mail. Really comfy material and such a unique color. 

2.  Nude Crossbody - I'm always looking for a good nude bag. I feel like that's the story of my life. This one looks super cute & under 20 -- can't wait to get it!

Accessories:

3. Pop Socket Mount -  SO useful for anyone who has a pop-socket on their phone. I have this mounted in my car and I just pop my phone in every time. 

4. Rose Gold Top Hangers -  I own these and love how they look. So chic & worth it!

5. Rose Gold Bottom Hangers - Just placed an order for these to complete my wardrobe.

Cherry Top For Work Or Play

Happy Saturday everyone

 This is such a fun look that I've been wanting to share with you guys! This cherry top is instantly a new favorite for me. I'm not much of a button down kind of girl, unless it has a girly twist to it. This cherry one is perfect, and in stock right here for only 18!

My look:

Top // Denim // Shoes // Sunglasses // Bag 

I paired it with my favorite crop slim boyfriend jeans. If you are on the hunt for a boyfriend jean that flatters a fuller figure, these are the ones. I feel like they hug in the right places and are the right amount of crop & right amount of skinny.  They also just went on SALE! For 89 - original 135. ySuch a quality pair of denim I would recommend to anyone!

What I'm buying from the #NSALE

1.Louise Et Cie Black Boot- I always struggle with what boots to wear in winter to more formal events. These are perfect! So classic and elegant.

2. Sam Edelman Bootie- I need a new cognac boot, and this one looks like it will go with everything for Fall.

3. Soludos Espadrille- I love espadrilles! Debating between the nude & gray, probably will order whatever is available in my size and go with that.

4.Steve Madden Slide- I love these mules! I personally love the grey and the snakeskin the most.

5.1 State Block Heel Pump - I love the color of this heel! Could see myself using this a lot, especially for church or fancier events. 

SHOP DOWN BELOW:

1- Thread & Supply Pullover- if you feel the material on this thing, you're gonna snag it. So warm & cozy. I have been eyeing it since last year! 

2. Leith Cardigan- Lilac is going to be a big color this year, for sure. I love the length of this cardigan. 

3. Good Vibes Tee- So cute! I love a good graphic tee and the price is right.

4. Wayf Top- This is what I call a grab & go top. You just pair it with some denim and cute shoes and you have a put together look. 

5. Free people top- Perfect for layering. Covers your butt & good with leggings! 

SHOP DOWN BELOW:

June Favorites

Hey everyone! I wish I could get this post up on the first for y'all, but you guys know I am always late about it. Anywho- these are the products I have been LOVING in June!

Revlon Blow Dryer- Ok this thing is amazing! Took me like 20 minutes to do my hair and gave me so much volume and body. I also suck at blow drying my hair by myself, and this thing made it so easy. I would definitely recommend it!

Morphe Foundation Brush- I was using a real techniques brush before I got this one, but mine was starting to fall apart. I decided to pick this up and OMG- my foundation goes on so smoothly and it blurs and blends everything together so well.  I don't think I'll ever use another foundation brush. Price is only 14 too!


Madewell Slim Boyfriend Jean- I have been searching high and low for what seems like years for a good boyfriend jean that wasn't too baggy and I finally found the pair. It fits so well through the hips and thighs, and slims down by the knees. I got a 29, but I'm usually a 30. I'm a total sucker for made well jeans now!

Sugarfix earring- I have been trying to switch up my accessory game, so I thought these white earrings would be perfect for the summer season. I can see myself pairing these up with wrap dresses or nice blouses. They are 12.99 and come in so many colors!


Polka Dot Hair Scarf-  I have been using this thing all the time! You can tie it on your bag as an extra accessory, or put it in your hair. You can do it in a bun, a pony-tail, or as a head band. I love how multi-purposeful this is and that it can just be an extra accessory for summer time!

Shop-

Hope you guys enjoyed this post! Let me know what you are loving for the summer months down below!

Xo,

May Favorite Products

I'm starting to love doing these posts. Every month, I look back & reflect on what products I've discovered that I love and want to share with you guys

• Starting from the top, these flat cat eye sunglasses are adorable! My best friend and I got a matching pair. They are only 14 and SO cute. I got a lot of compliments when I wore them.

• Second, this jewelry organizer. This was a gift from my best friend as well. Before this, I had a hanging jewelry organizer in my closet, but I felt like it was always hidden behind my clothes and I could not see anything. I love that this has three drawers, so much space& it's clear. It's really easy to keep my jewelry organized! 

• Next are these Gingham Pajamas! I got them in a green color, but I have been wearing them every night to sleep. They are perfect for summer weather & who doesn't love gingham? Click here for the green!

Dip Nails VS No Chip...What's better?

Hi everyone!
I got my nails done this past Friday at a new salon called Xpressions in Skokie. It was a beautiful place that was super clean and cozy, they just opened up too. I have really weak natural nails, so I was debating whether to get a no chip manicure or try the dip powder. In the past, when I get a no chip manicure done, my nails usually break within 10-12 days. I knew that it doesn't always work the best for me, so I went with the dip powder.

What is the difference?
If you are not familiar with the types of nail services, a no chip is a gel shellac that is basically like regular nail polish but is cured with an LED light to make the color stay long. Dip powder is a totally different ball park. The only real nail polish is the top coat and base coat. For the color of your nails, you literally dip your nails into a powder. The whole experience was so foreign to me because I am so used to regular nail polish.

What's in my bag? My top 10!

Hi Everyone!

Hope you had a fabulous week. Today I wanted to talk to you all about what I always carry in my bag. I'm usually running late or in a  rush, so keeping these items in my bag is a life saver.

Things To Do On Sunday For a Smooth, Stress-Free Week

Hi everyone!

Sunday is easily my favorite day  of the week. I love Sundays because I start my day with Church and  I end it with relaxation. Sunday is always my day to get prepared for the up and coming week, so that it can be as enjoyable and stress free as possible. This post will highlight my favorite things to do on a Sunday Night.


1. Clean my room - This one should be obvious, but it's not. My room usually stays clean through the week but once it hits the weekend,  it turns into a huge mess. Sunday is my organization day. I make sure I have cleaned, swept, put everything in the laundry and tidy my room so that I can find everything when I need it. Adding fresh flowers always gives it a nice, fresh feeling as well.

How I lost 6 pounds in 3 weeks! 21 DAY FIX Review

Hey guys!
This post is long long long, overdue! I started this diet back in June and it helped me learn a lot about myself. My main reason for doing this 'fad' diet was not to loose a crazy amount of weight, but to teach myself how to portion and what kind of foods I should be consuming. In three weeks, I was able to loose 6.4 pounds, which was amazing for me! I hit a plateau and I needed a change and 21 day fix provided that for me.


So...you are probably thinking, what is 21 day fix?


It is basically a portion control program that gives you containers. The containers are for vegetables, fruits, proteins, carbs,  healthy fats, seeds and dressings. If it fits in the container, you can eat it. Based on your calorie intake, you are allowed to have a certain number of those containers per day. For example, my calorie intake was 1350-1400 calories a day. I was allowed 2 vegetable containers (green), 2 fruit (purple), 4 protein (red), 2 carb (yellow),  1 healthy fat (blue), 1 seeds, nuts or dressing (orange). You are also allowed two tablespoons of things like peanut butter, nut butter, olive oil, etc.