Another Friday... Another Top Five...

Can I just start off by saying I am floored by the dedication my fellow bloggers have to their blog?  I've been reading blogs for years and years now, and now that I am blogging on my own, I can't believe how much work you ladies put into it!  It amazes me!  This week has been absolutely insane, so I went a little MIA.  I barely had time to breathe!  I'd rather be busy than bored, so I guess I should be thankful.  With that said, here are my Friday's Five:

1.  I'm a Bridesmaid again!!

So I've been friends with this chica for almost 25 years.  That's CRAZY!!!!  We met in middle school and the rest is history.  Anyways... she asked me to dinner the other night and asked me to be in her wedding and I couldn't be happier! I can't wait to watch her marry her guy in March!!! CONGRATS ANNIE BANANNIE!!!!

2. Corona-Ritas!

I love carona-rita's!  They are the perfect summer margarita!  I tried these the other night... These are strawberry margarita's with a tasty beer on top.  I wasn't sure I'd like the strawberry, but it was just as amazing as all the other one's I've had.  Love me some fun summer cocktails!

3. Naked Flushed-in "STREAK"

 A couple weeks ago I went into Sephora on a mission to find a new bronzer for the summer.  I've been using Too Faced Pink Leopard, but was pretty much out of it.  I tried on this naked bronzer and haven't looked back!  I absolutely love that it comes with a highlighter and a blush.  It's a cool peachy tone, perfect for summer.  The bronzer slides on very sheer and is perfect on my fair skin.  It actually feels like silk when I apply it to my face.  I couldn't be happier with this purchase!!

4. SUSHI!

For some reason I was craving sushi all week.  I got the chance to nip that craving in the bud the other night!  Yummy Yummy!!!

5. MIT Under-Eye Breakthrough

So apparently scientists at MIT have invented "Spanx" for the eyes.  This cream is supposed to be a breakthrough in treating bags around your eye area.  I won't believe it till I see it for myself... but I am looking forward to trying this product in the future.  You can find out more about this breakthrough here... Under-Eye Breakthrough


I hope everyone had a fabulous week!  I'm hoping to be a little less MIA next week!

Happy Fabulous Five Friday

Happy Friday the 13th!  I've never really understood what the fuss is about this day,  just seems like any other day to me... but what do I know? Haha!  Time for my Top 5 of the week...

1. Twins Born 24 Days Apart- If you haven't already read about these beautiful baby boys... you should! Mom had a tough pregnancy and they had to deliver one baby 24 days ago.  They were able to leave the other twin in the womb and give him almost a month longer to grow.  Both babies and mom are doing just fine.  I never knew you could be a twin with such different birthdays.  The medical field truly amazes me sometimes.

2. ESSIE "Good to Go" Top Coat-

(photo courtesy of Essie.com)

Can I just say this stuff is AMAZING?  I have no patience when it comes to sitting still while my nails dry.  Inevitably, every time I do my nails, I always mess at least one up by not waiting long enough for them to dry.  It is so frustrating!  I was fresh out of top coats a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to give this a try.  My fear was I would be giving up shine and chip protection, but I figured I'd give it a go.  Boy am I glad I did.  This stuff makes your nails dry almost instantly!  And the shine is perfect.  I haven't noticed any difference with chips either.  The time I spend on my nails has been cut in half.  It's perfect for someone on the go... or someone like me, with Nail Dry ADD hahahaha.

3. St. Tropez Tanning Mouse-

This tanning mouse has been life changing.  I know I sound crazy saying that... but I only speak the truth!  I am super fair- skinned, and for years and years I used to tan in tanning beds.  BIG MISTAKE.  Now that I'm older, WISER, I realize what a huge mistake that was. There were times I was addicted to tanning and couldn't get enough.  Because I am so fair-skinned I had to tan several times a week to keep up my color. There are so many products on the market that help create a natural looking tan, there is no need to risk skin cancer in a tanning bed.  I've tried a few of them over the past couple years, but this one is by far my favorite.  I read so many amazing things about it from other Beauty Bloggers, and decided to give it a whirl.  First, this stuff doesn't stink like most self tanners.  You smell a little beachy at first, but the smell is very mild and goes away within a few minutes.  Second, it's super easy to use.  All you do is take a mit, spray two pumps of mouse, and apply to your skin in a circular fashion.  When I failed to use the circular motion, I ended up with streaks, so applying it correctly is key.  The lasting power of this stuff is great.  When I first started using it, I applied for a few days, had my desired color and stopped.  Within a few days it was gone.  So it didn't stain my skin for a long period of time.  Right now I have the color I want so I simply apply it a couple times a week to keep it up.  I no longer feel like "Casper the Friendly Ghost" when I'm wearing skirts or short sleeves! 

4. World Cup-

(Totally stole this from her Instagram account- Sorry Gisele)

So I may have a huge girl crush on Gisele, and I swear, it's not just because she's Tom Brady's wife.  I am by no means a World Cup Expert, but I do enjoy watching.  It at least gives me a sport to watch because, lets face it, the Red Sox are pretty depressing these days.  There's something about most everyone in the world watching this series that makes me smile.  I have a lot of dear friends, who have pretty much become a second family to me, who are from Brazil, and nothing would make me happier than to see their team win!! 

5. My Kitties, Again-

So it seems as if these guys make my top 5 more than anything else.  But I just couldn't resist this week!  My kitties Darwin and Simba got shaved this week and I think they look adorable!  My mom says they look scary and I shouldn't do that to them, but I disagree.  This time they even had little scarves on them.  I couldn't believe they left them on all day without a care.  Yes, I am a crazy cat lady, and I don't care.  Hahaha!

Hope everyone had a great week!!  Go Brazil!

Linking up with Carolina Charm


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Friday's Top Five!

It's Friday, and that means it's time for my top 5!

1. Country Concert Fun- I absolutely love country music.  I need more friends who are as into it as I am!  Luckily a group of us went to see George Straight, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill play at Gillette Stadium this weekend.  It was a blast!!!  We tailgated, and had spectacular seats.  It was an all around good time, all acts performed exceptionally well (except I think Tim could have played a bit longer), regardless, it was such a great time, and I look forward to more summer concerts!

2. Sunday Funday- One of the highlights of my week was an amazing pedicure that included both a leg and foot massage and a back and shoulder massage.  AMAZING.  It was exactly what I needed.  I picked a Tiffany Blue color for my toes.  It has a little sparkle to it, which is perfect for me (I wish I had a photo to show you).  Sometimes it is important for a girl to pamper herself a little.  I love hot stones and they did a number of treatments on my feet.  My feet finally feel ready for summer!


3. Curious Traveler Shandy- So this is a new find for me.  Sunday afternoon we had some beers in our yard.  As I've told you before I LOVE shandy beer in the summer.  The best part is there are so many new brands!  It seems everyone is on the shandy wagon!  This one had a little more lemon flavor than I've had in the past.  But if you really like lemon... you will love this.  And look at that label... super cute :)

4. Darwin- Below is a picture of my kitty Darwin.  He cracks me up!  If you read my blog, you know that Monday wasn't the greatest day for me.  But leave it to your pets to make you feel better.  I walked into my bedroom and there he was sitting on my shelf!  It cracks me up how many funny places they find to sit.  Anyways.... he makes my top five, because he makes me smile!

5. Naked 3- Everyone knows about Naked 3.  The reason it made my top five this week is because I find myself wearing it every day.  I didn't think I would use this pallet as much as I do.  When I got Naked 2, I was in love.  I didn't know how I lived without it (yes, I have issues...we know that lol).  When I saw Naked 3 I didn't think I would use it much because it is so pink heavy.  WRONG.  I can't get enough.  I keep trying to work some of my other pallets into my routine, and I am never as happy as I am with Naked 3.  I think with spring and summer being here, pink looks great on my lids.  If you don't own this pallet... I highly recommend it.  It has both shimmery and matte colors.  It's perfect for every day wear or a night on the town.

 (photo credit Sephora.com)

I hope everyone had a fabulous week!  I am off to a bachelorette party this weekend... and I am sure I'll have lots to say about that next week!  Cheers to a wonderful week, and an even more wonderful weekend :) />

Friday's Fabulous Five

This week went by at light speed.  I don't even know what happened.  It was a 4-day week for me, but still, I feel like I blinked and it was Friday again.  What a wonderful thing to have happen!  Here are 5 things I'm loving this week!

1. This View....

I am a huge fan of summer, and this weekend made me so incredibly excited it's finally here!  I'm really lucky to be able to spend as much time as I want on Cape Cod, and I take full advantage of it every chance I get.  This is the beach by our house, and everything about this view makes me smile :)

2. OPI "Don't Bossa Nova Me Around"

This shade is from OPI's Brazil line.  Pretty much all of the colors in this line are very bright, except this one.  I picked this color up because I wanted a nude color that reminded me of sand.  I hit the jackpot!  Once I put it on, I instantly loved it.  It reminds me of sand on the beach, and it is the perfect color for work!  The color lasted several days, and I only needed two coats.


3. "81 Whacks" Red Indiana Pale Ale-

Ever heard the nursery rhyme... "Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41"?  Completely appropriate nursery rhyme for children to learn, I'm sure you'd agree.  Anyways... in case you don't know... Lizzie Borden was famous for being acquitted of the murder of her parents in Fall River, MA in 1892.  Basically, she was the OJ Simpson of the 1800's.  I live just a couple miles from where the murders allegedly took place.  Lizzie is a bit of a legend in New England, and someone finally created a fabulous IPA in her honor.  A local sports bar nearby used to carry it on tap, but has stopped.  Luckily my friend Jessica (Hi Jess!) found this gem when she was in a craft beer store and picked it up for me.  Absolutely love this IPA...  Oh, and if you're a true crime junkie, like me, google Lizzie- you won't be disappointed ;)


4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Captivating-

This is part of Tarte's limited edition summer collection, but I have a feeling this is here to stay.  It is a beautiful coral shade, perfect for summer.  I tend to like cream blushes more than powder blushes.  I think they look more natural, where the powder ones can give you that caked-on look.  If you read beauty blogs, I'm sure you've seen tons of bloggers rave about the lasting power of the Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes.  This shade is meets every expectation I had.  It lasts the entire day, and it looks very natural.  Two of the most important factors I think about when choosing a blush.  I'm obsessed with this color! 

5. Lastly, this week was a fabulous week at work for me.  I don't know if it was going back after a long weekend, and feeling completely rejuvenated, or if it was the short work week, but this week really flew by.  I worked an insane amount of hours, but loved every second of it.   I had a lot of amazing victories and am really thankful I get to wake up every day and do something I love, and work in a field I am passionate about.  

 Hoping you all had a wonderful week too!!! Cheers! It's FRIDAY!

Friday's Fabulous Five!!!!

Hi All- It's Friday!  And that means it is time for the fabulous five....

1. Sephora's Sun Safety Kit-  This kit is amazing!  It's only $32 for $177 worth of items.  I am a huge fan of the "Sephora's Favorites" lines.  It's a great way to get deluxe size samples and try new items.  I'll do a full review soon- once I've had the opportunity to try everything!

And that's not all... there's more....on the other side....

I'm telling you! This kit has EVERYTHING.... lotion, moisturizer, self-tanner, bronzers, lip balm... the list goes on!

2. Summer Shandy!  Shandy season is officially in full swing.... and I couldn't be happier.  I love the lemon Leinenkugel Summer Shandy the best!  It's such a refreshing brew for summer.

3. The TJ O'Connor Animal Shelter and an unnamed Good Samaritan
Warning- this story is upsetting.  

(photo credit: TJO)

One thing I have absolutely no tolerance for is people who abuse animals.  Sadly, the other day, someone threw this poor dog out the window of a moving car, then ran him over.  Luckily someone who saw the incident rescued the dog and rushed him to the local animal hospital.  The pup survived (thank goodness!) and has been eating and doing better.  He did fracture his pelvis and needs surgery.  My heart goes out to this poor dog.  This story reminds me there are so many animal shelters and hospitals out there who dedicate their services to these helpless little animals.  The folks at TJO are giving this guy the love he deserves.  I'm loving the fact there were so many people who have reached out to help this guy, and we have facilities and people who devote their time to helping! My hat goes off to the doctors, vet techs, assistants, and good Samaritans who have given so much of themselves to save this little guy and others.   Keep him in your prayers, this little guy isn't out of the woods yet.

4.  Yankee Candle Fluffy Towels:
I am obsessed with this candle! It smells like freshly cleaned laundry and makes my entire home smell clean and fresh!  I can't get enough of this scent.

5. Lastly, I'm LOVING the fact it is a 3 day weekend!!  Memorial day is the official kick off to summer, and I couldn't be happier.  Bring on the sand, sun, and beach!!! I hope everyone has a fabulous long weekend planned!!! See you next week :)

Friday's Fabulous Five

It's Friday!  And here are my top 5 favs from this week!

1. USE YAH BLINKHA!
Pahk the cah in havhad yahd???  Try Using yah blinkah!  If you are from Massachusetts you probably know what I'm talking about.  I was on my way to work last Friday and electronic highway signs looked like this:

Only in MA would this happen.  And, it's AWESOME.

2. Lemon Infused Water:
I have been having such a hard time drinking water lately.  I've started putting fresh lemons in my water and letting it sit over-night.  It tastes amazing!  I know this is a no-brainer... but it has made a huge difference!  I can't get enough!

3. My Kate Spade Polka Dot Wristlet:

I'm already a little obsessed with polka dots... and this wristlet solidifies that love. I got it over the winter and only used it a couple of times.  Now that it's spring, and I don't always like to lug a purse around- this wristlet is perfect.  It looks great for a day look, running out for coffee, or an after-work function.

4. Buxom Lip Gloss- in Katie:
I got this lip gloss a while ago on a 100pt. Sephora perk.  I recently re-discovered it, and forgot how much I love it.  It is the perfect shade to wear to work.  This gloss is a pale pink gloss (Buxom describes it as pink lemonade).  It is a sheer, light color, and isn't very overwhelming.  I have a serious obsession with Buxom glosses, and this one is no different. Besides, the name is pretty cool too ;)

You can get this gloss here: Buxom Gloss Katie
(photo via Sephora)

5. iMap My Run:
If you aren't already using this app... you are missing out.  I have been using it for years.  I haven't used it this winter (mostly because I was on my couch more than I was working out- ha!).  I started using it again this week and am reminded how amazing it is.  I don't know how I lived without it.  This app is free, and it acts as a GPS on your phone when you walk/run.  It maps your route, gives you stats, and tells you how many calories you've burned. It's a great way to keep track of your workouts! The program sends you an email at the end of the week with all of your stats combined- talk about motivating!

Hope everyone had a fabulous week!

Friday's Fabulous Five

So I've decided to dedicate my Friday posts to Five Fabulous things I'm loving!

1. Book of Mormon

I had the opportunity to see this the other night at Providence Performing Arts (PPAC) and was awed!  I know I am probably the last person to see this musical but it was unbelievable.  It kept me laughing the entire time, and there was a great message at the end of it! If you have the opportunity to see this... don't miss out!

2. Nashoba Cherry Wine

With spring being in full gear now, I tend to like a sweet, refreshing wine.  Nashoba Winery located in Bolton, MA offers a number of fruit based wines.  This light wine seriously tastes like cherry juice.  That can be a little bit of a problem because you feel like you're drinking juice instead of wine.  Haha!  If your interested in knowing more about Nashoba you can click here... Nashoba Winery

3. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Facial Oil

I am in love with face oils!  This one I got a couple months ago in a Sephora 500pt reward.  I haven't used it because I have been trying other oils.  I totally forgot about it until I was packing for a trip.  I tossed it in my bag and couldn't have been happier.  I tend to get very dehydrated on planes, and I used this in the middle of the flight and felt amazing!  It smells like fresh fruit, but is not overwhelming at all.  All you need is a drop or two and your face is glowing! The full-size is definitely on my wish list!

4.  HARLOW and SAGE

If you aren't already following these two on instagram, you are missing out!  They are simply the most adorable and lovable puppies! If you're having a bad day, one look at these two and you will feel like a million bucks.  Sadly, "Sage" (not pictured) passed away, and "Indiana" (pictured) is Harlow's new sister.  They are inseparable, and actually spent their first night apart Tuesday evening when Indiana went to the vet.  Don't worry- everything is fine and they are back to being the cutest little pair I've seen!  Check out their Website!

5. My Gatos!!!

In true "Crazy Cat Lady" fashion- I'm loving my three kitties!  After being away from them the past week, they have been extra cuddly.  There is nothing better than coming home from vacation and seeing the unconditional love your pets have for you!  They melt my heart!!!

Happy Friday everyone!