Anniversary Date & Look

Since today happens to be my 5 year anniversary with my boyfriend (whatttttt 5 years?! slow down universe), I figured I'd do a post inspired by some of the things we have done in the past to celebrate, along with similar looks that I wore on those particular dates. We typically like to keep things low-key and intimate so we don't make any extravagant plans. One of our favorite things to do this time of year (he lives at the beach in the summer) is an easier spin on the whole "picnic" thing. We order some pizza, grab some wine and a blanket, and bring it to the beach once the sun goes down a little. It's also a special outing when we actually venture to the movies. We are big fans of renting on demand and redbox so we rarely ever physically go see a movie. When we do, we sure as hell go all out and get popcorn and soda. (I loveeee movie theater popcorn!). Although we also grab dinner a lot together, we typically just get take out and something on the affordable side. So on special occasions or every once in a while we like to splurge a little at a fancier restaurant (usually Italian). Keep on scrolling to see the looks and all the links. :)





Date 1: Pizza on the Beach

Beach Stripe Throw Blanket / Top / Sandals / Maxi Skirt / Wine Glasses / Pizza Cookbook

 Date 2: Movie Theater Outing

Strappy Cami / Distressed Denim Shorts / Steve Madden Sandals / Oversized Poncho / Popcorn Box

 Date 3: Fancy Italian Restaurant

Crochet Shell Top / Skort / Dolce Vita Sandals / Stone Earrings / Heart Ring / Wine Glasses / Flatware Set

I'd like to wish a very Happy Anniversary to my special guy, Troy <3

I love you!

xox,

               Meredith

5 Minute Makeup using 5 Products

There will be times in your life where you just have to hustle when doing your makeup. Any last minute plans or errands that need to be taken care of can leave you flustered and unsure of what makeup products you should limit yourself to. For this post, I literally timed myself and completed my makeup in 4 minutes and 57 seconds. The products I chose to use are just the basics, but I feel are essentials before walking out the door. If I'm running really short on time, I can limit it to three of the below products (BB cream, brows, and mascara). But I think dedicating 5 minutes to your makeup even when you're in a hurry is pretty reasonable! Check it on out below :)

1. First, I applied by Neutrogena Visibly Even BB Cream in shade 'light to medium' to my entire face and just blended with my fingers.

2. Then, I used my fake-up concealer by Benefit in the shade 'light' and applied it under my eyes, again blending with my fingers.

3. I quickly filled in my brows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in the shade 'soft brown'.

4. Next, I applied two coats of my Loreal Telescopic mascara, waiting about 30 seconds between each coat.

5. Lastly, I applied my Milani Baked Bronzer in the shade 'Glow' very generously all over my face, concentrating on my cheekbones, forehead, and jawline.






...and Voila!

What are your go-to 5 minute makeup products?






xox,
                  Meredith

August Beauty Cravings

What, it's already that time? Yup, it's August 1st and I'm not wasting any time with my August Beauty Wish List. The unplanned theme of these products seems to include very neutral toned makeup (eyes, and lips) and adding on a classic winged liner with some long, dark lashes. I've heard great things about the Loreal Visible Lift Blur Foundation by women of all ages (my mom loves it!). I've also been seeing the Nudes eyeshadow Palette by Maybelline pretty much everywhere and am eager to try it. I love Urban Decay's Naked Line for their eyeshadow, but have yet to try out any of their lip products, which is why a gloss and a lipstick are listed below. Have you tried any of the below items? Let me know your thoughts!

Links Below!

Have a great weekend!!

xox,

                  Meredith

Date Night Inspired Fashion Looks

Happy Hump Day Everyone! Today I have three fashion looks for you all inspired by the concept of 'date night'. Depending on where you're going or what you're doing, the formality of the outfit can be subjective, which is why two of the below looks are a little dressier, and one is more on the casual side. If I am going out to a nicer restaurant, I like to dress up a little more than say a date to the movies, where I would definitely be more casual. No matter what, it's always nice to put in a little effort when I'm out with my guy. Believe me, he's seen me at my worst - so I like to remind him of my best! All of the links for everything are also listed below :)

Handbag / Top / Earrings / Skort / Sandals / Lipstick (Show Orchid)

Earrings / Top / Necklace / Sandals / Shorts / Lipstick (Pink Pout)

Earrings / Top / Shorts / Shoes / Handbag / Lipstick (Jungle Red)

Which one is your favorite?

xox,

                 Meredith

July Beauty Favorites

If you've been following my blog since the beginning, you've probably noticed that at the end of every month there is a beauty favorites post. What qualifies a product to be considered a monthly favorite to me? It doesn't necessarily have to be a brand new product or something that I've never used before. Although, there may be a few newbies here and there, the products that make it into this post are the ones I find myself using most often during that particular month and would also recommend to others. The below six items definitely fall under that category and have been a part of my everyday beauty routine.

Links!

1. I've had my Neutrogena Visibly Even BB Cream - Light to Medium for a few weeks now and have been using it everyday. I love the finish it gives to my skin and that it contains an SPF of 30. I will definitely continue to use this throughout the rest of the summer.

2. Although I've had my Benefit Fake-up Concealer - Light for months now, it has been so easy to use during my summer makeup routine. I apply it in a small triangle shape under my eyes and quickly blend it out with a brush. 

3. I've also had my Naked Basics Palette by Urban Decay for a while now, but have been using it all throughout July on the days when I've been putting eye makeup on. I've mixing the lighter shades for a bright lid color, and then adding some dimension in my crease with the shade Naked 2.

4. My most used brush of the month has been the Real Techniques Blush Brush. I have been mainly using this with my Milani Glow bronzer, which I like to apply pretty generously. When I'm on the go and don't have a lot of time to do my makeup, this has been the only brush I've been using.

5. When I first received my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brown Wiz in the shade Soft Brown I was not really a fan. I've been so used to filling in my eyebrows with powder or a pomade so switching to a pencil was a little different. However, after trying it a few more times it quickly became one of my favorites. I just applied with a little lighter pressure and then used the spooly side to blend it out. I've been loving it because it allows me to fill in my brows real fast without looking sloppy. 

6. The Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in the shade Nude #2 has become one of my favorite nude lip products. It's a little expensive for a lip product, but the packaging is beautiful and the actual lip color has been the perfect beige nude for me.

xox,

                Meredith

Friday Five: So Clutch

Happy Friday! Today's post will be featuring lots and lots of clutches. Although the clutch handbag serves its purpose year round (I like to pick out something universal for this reason), clutches are great to use during the summer when you're always on the go. I find it unnecessary to take my large satchel or tote everywhere I go during the summer season, especially at night. They are also a fun accessory to use because they come in so many different variations. For a more classic look, choose an envelope style clutch. For a more modern look, try out the fold-over style. So that you can use your clutch year round (especially if it is a bit of a splurge), I'd say go with neutral tones like nude or tan. When it doubt, classic black will never fail you. Look below for all clutches and links!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

xox,

                Meredith

Birthday Gifts for Her/ Mid-Summer Gift Guide

Hi Everyone! I apologize for my first post of the week being on a Thursday. I am currently on a family vacation in Wildwood Crest and left my computer off for a few days - but I am back today with a mid-summer gift guide! My birthday happens to be coming up (August 15) and also my 5 year anniversary with my boyfriend (August 5) and he's always a little lost with what to get me. For our anniversary, we typically just get each other tickets to a concert or comedy show and call it even. However, he still likes to get me a little something for my birthday. The below items featured in this gift guide do not only have to be for a birthday or from a boyfriend. In my opinion, I think they are great gifts for a girl for any occasion. So ladies, if you need to get your friend a gift in the near future - these could work for you too!

Of course these are all based on my personal taste, style, and interests, so feel free to leave feedback in the comments below! :)

xox,
                 Meredith