June Favorites

It is truly crazy to me that the month of June has come to an end. The month flew by. It was a fun filled month with many many milestones: the first country music concert of the summer, the conclusion of my first year of teaching, my best friend got married, Todd and I hit the year and a half mark until our big day, and I was hired to join the coaching staff at a high school near where I teach.

La Croix

I think this one is pretty self explanatory. I drink a ton of water during the day, but I do get tired of it. Lately, I have been drinking one seltzer a day.  La Croix is hands down my favorite brand. I find their flavors to be so tasty without tasting artificial.  This month my go to flavors have been mango and grapefruit. 

Supergoop Sunscreen

Back in May, I got really burnt. Despite reapplying sunscreen while coaching, I got fried. It was so bad that I had to get a spray tan for the wedding I was in because no amount of sunless tanner could do enough damage control. Awhile back I had tried a type of mineral sunscreen that I got in a sample form a few years back. After getting burnt, I decided it was time to switch to a different type of sunscreen. Let me tell you, this brand is absolutely amazing! Check it out here

Blue Printed Jumpsuit

I have been dying to find a jumpsuit that did not look frumpy on me.  While shopping for an outfit for my friend's rehearsal dinner I finally found one that I loved. It is incredibly comfortable, has pockets, and its light weight.  I love it because you can dress it up or down depending on how you accessorize. 

Pink Jacks

Y'all know I love my Jack Rodgers sandals. I seriously cannot get enough of them. Spoiler- I'm considering getting a pair to wear in my wedding.  Anyways, my mom found these for me on clearance this past spring. I almost did not get them, but I'm definitely glad I chose to splurge at the time. They have been the easiest pair of jacks to break in. 

Running Shorts

I used to be a die hard nike tempo short fan, but a few months back I tried on a pair of under armour's version of running shorts and was instantly persuaded to make the switch. They are much comfier for working out plus they have pockets! They are called Fly-By shorts.

Rodan + Fields Sunless Tanner

Prior to this spring, I had never used sunless tanner. I always a little apprehensive about it, but I have been pleasantly surprised with how well this one worked.  It provides a nice natural glow, doesn't smell awful, and is easy to apply.  You can check it out here. 

So now you have some product recommendations to help you kick off the next month. You may even be able to find some of them on sale thanks to the Independence Day sales out there right now! I'd love to hear what your favorites from June were. 

XOXO

June Favorites

Can you believe that today is the last day of June? The month has flown by. The first half of the month was filled with end of the school year shenanigans and the second half has been filled with more summer related things like being a camp counselor, nannying, and enjoying a day a few days off.  This might be the first summer in awhile that I won't make it to the beach until the month of July (sigh). I guess this is what the adult life is like. On a positive note I have a few beach trips planned for the upcoming month. 

Here's a little recap of my favorites from the month of June:

Reading

Now that school is over, I feel like I have time to read some books that I want to.  I'm working on a list of books to conquer this summer, so feel free to send any suggestions my way! I am hoping to read a combination of some popular YA Lit. books (keeping up with my future students) and some adult light fiction novels. I'm a sucker for a good romance novel. 

Currently, I'm reading Girl on the Train. It's not my usual read, but I do have to say so far I'm loving it. I've read over half the book in the past few days. I'll have a review to come in the future. 

Watching

What can I say, I love my Bravo TV shows. This month I have been hooked on Southern Charm. I find the characters on the show quite funny. They are drama filled, which makes the show entertaining. Plus, it's set in Charleston, South Carolina- a place I have always wanted to travel to. I love their sense of style and seeing the different places where the show is set. Sadly, the season finale was Monday night, so it's time to find a new show for the rest of the summer. 

Wearing

Lots and lots of workout clothes. The past two weeks I've worn more athletic outfits than I have normal clothes. Being a camp counselor last week, a summer nanny this week, and working out regularly has me wearing all different kinds of athletic attire.  At the beginning of the month, I found an adorable pair of leggings with mesh and cut outs at the bottom. They were less than $20 at 

TJ Maxx, which was such a steal for their quality and how cute they are. They have been perfect for yoga, barre, and spin classes. 

Smelling 

Pink Sands by Yankee Candle has been my go to scent lately. This candle scent was given to me as an end of the year gift from one of my former students. It's nice and light, plus it has a hint of a beach scent to it. I'll be sad when I reach the end of it soon. 

Eating

I've been working on eating healthier.  Everyone says how breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but there are some days where I just don't feel like eating. Recently, I discovered a protein bar that tastes good, doesn't make me feel sick, and provides me with enough energy to make to lunch. These RX bars are made of only a few ingredients, so they are pretty nutritious. They come in several different flavors, but my favorite flavor is the chocolate sea salt.  Most grocery stores sell them and if yours doesn't, then you can always purchase them on Amazon. 

Products I'm Loving

This month there are two products that I am just loving. The first is pink nail polish. I always enjoy wearing bright colors on my toes and hands during the summer months. This year I'm definitely going for the many different shades of pink.  My current nail color is Cascade Cool. I refer to it as a less obnoxious shade of  barbie pink.

Last weekend, my mom and I wandered into a local shop that sells products from numerous vendors in our area.  We found a fabulous line of body creams that are made of natural ingredients. I picked up a bergamot and grapefruit body cream that has just been fabulous. It smells so great and it makes my skin feel incredibly soft. It's been great for helping to sooth sunburns. The neat part is that it is actually made in the town I live in. You can check out their products here. 

Drinking

My go to beverage lately has been just about any flavor of La Croix Seltzer water.  I drank it a few years ago, but the past month I discovered it on sale in Target again.  I love how flavorful each type is.  I drink a ton of water, so I like to mix it up with one of these every once in awhile. Hands down, my favorite flavor is grapefruit. If you haven't tried it, then I highly recommend it. 

Your Turn:What have your favorites been this month?

Remember you can always keep up with me via Instagram @shorelifeof_m

Have a fabulous weekend!

XOXO

February Favorites

I feel like February just began, but somehow it's the last day of the month. This past month has been quite eventful for me. Those quiet days, in January, that had me stir crazy are actually sounding appealing now. February was definitely a much busier month. I started substitute teaching more, working at my part time job again as the weather got nicer and business picked up, celebrated my birthday, continued my fitness journey, experienced some personal things, and began my first official interview process.  The month was filled with many ups and downs for me, but I did have a few favorites come out of it. 

Birthday Cake
My birthday falls in February. In case you missed it, I turned 23 this month. You can check out my post here. My mom has pretty much always made my birthday cakes. This year she tried out a new recipe to make an ice-cream cake.  Let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious. The bottom layer was a half baked chocolate chip cookie that was just heavenly.

Bobbi Brown Finish Illuminating Powder
This month I added a new step to my daily makeup routine. I felt like I was in need of a little more color and sparkle. My mom helped me find the perfect powder to accomplish this. Bobbi Brown's Nude finish illuminating powder was able to do this for me. On the weekends, I'll just put this on by itself and it does the trick for a simple face of makeup.

Cold Play + The Chainsmokers 
Anyone else obsessed with this combination? I have been playing their song on repeat since it has come out.  Without a doubt my favorite song from this month. If you haven't heard it, then you can check it out here.

This after school snack 
Almost two years ago, I shared this recipe with you guys.  Lately, it has been my go to snack when I get home from teaching.  It even makes for a great snack the next day when I can't finish it all at once.

Weekend Getaway

This past weekend, Todd and I were able to get away for the weekend. We spent two days and one night exploring Washington D.C. It was a much needed weekend away to forget about life's current stressors and just hit the reset button.  Having someone to go on adventures with definitely makes life more exciting.  More details to come on the trip in the upcoming weeks!

101 in 1001 Update:
This month I was able to cross four items off of my list. I mailed a care package filled with cookies to my brother and his girlfriend (what college student doesn't love a sweet treat and some snail mail?), went a month without purchasing anything outside of the necessities, visited a museum, and I published a collaboration blog post (check it out here).

What were your favorites from this month?
XOXO

January Favorites

Can you believe that the first month of the year is almost over? I definitely am finding it hard to believe.  January has flown by, but I don't feel like that much has happened in my life.  This past month has been a recharging month for me.  I have been spending time doing things that make me happy, relaxing, taking care of myself, working out, and regaining the energy I had lost. There have been a few places and products that I have been loving this month. Check them out below!

Fitbit Charge 2

The first week in January my fitbit stopped working. I had it for almost two years and wore it just about everyday. After calling the company, I found out that it was out of warranty but I was eligible for a damage discount.  Initially I thought I could go on without purchasing a new fitbit, but several days later I found myself missing it.  After some research and consideration, I chose to purchase the Charge 2.  There hasn't been a day yet that I've regretted this purchase.  

Green Smoothies

New year, new me... Just kidding I actually hate that saying.  I've always loved smoothies, but this month I've started making more green smoothies; filling my morning drink with kale and spinach.

Grapefruit

It's grapefruit season.  I've been eating half a grape fruit with my breakfasts. They're great hot or cold.  When I have some extra time, I broil one in the oven with a little brown sugar and honey. 

SNAP

If you know me, then you know that I love pizza.  My favorite pizza is one that is thin and crispy.  It's hard to find the perfect slice.  My mom and I have always loved Peace A Pizza, but in the past few years they closed down.  This month we discovered a new place called SNAP. It turns out Peace A Pizza shutdown and re branded themselves into this company.  The pizza is custom to your liking so you can make it as healthy or unhealthy as you'd like.  When we went, we split a custom pizza topped with herb butter, goat cheese, olives, spinach, and artichokes. 

Bookending the day

I've been loving ending my day with a little reading rather than watching Netflix. It's helping me sleep better, and it has reminded me how much I actually love to read. This month I read The Friends We Keep and No Baggage.

Moisturizer

My face has been really dry lately. This moisturizer has done miracles for my face! It's definitely pricier, but it's made of all natural ingredients. 

Of the five goals I had for the month, I've managed to complete three of them, which isn't bad at all.  Over the course of the next day I'll be setting my intentions for February.  I'm looking forward to what the month has in store for me. 

What have your favorites been form January?

XOXO

July's Favorites

Happy August first!

Don't be fooled. I'm actually not that excited for this month to begin.  Since it's the beginning of August that means there are only a few weeks of Summer left before it's back to reality.  This month my not so little brother heads off to his first semester of college, my best friend moves to Arkansas, my other best friends moves into her first big girl apartment, and I begin my last semester undergrad. Although lots of changed are happening there are still some fun things planned: this week's family vacay, meeting up with friends I haven't seen in awhile, another trip or two to the beach, coaching field hockey begins again, the Olympics are this month, and so much more. This is my last summer before #adulting begins, which is just insane.  The past few months have flown by. This summer has been filed with work, academic achievements, spontaneous adventures, and a ton of hot/humid weather. I'm not ready for all of the fun to end and school to begin quite yet. 

It seriously feels like last weekend was Fourth of July weekend, but nope here we are embarking on the last month of summer. During July I discovered some hidden gems near my hometown, played around with some new recipes, established a routine for the summer, and enjoyed a little R&R at the beach. 

During July I shared a few of my obsessions. In addition to these, here are a few of my favorites from the month

Volcano Soap

Last month I shared with you my new candle that I'm seriously in love with.  Anthropologie has a scent called Volcano and it is amazing.  A few weeks ago I found out that they have a soap in the same scent. I'm slowly growing a collection of Volcano scented products. I have yet to open this pretty packaged soap, but I put it in my closet and it has made my clothes smell heavenly. 

Nude Nails

I shared a few of my favorite nail colors with you guys last week. I just really love the look of a good nude color nail polish. 

The Friends We Keep

 This book is a great beach read. I started it earlier in July, but never got to read it entirely. I'm taking it with me on vacuum this week. I'm planning to finish it. If you're searching for one last summer read, then definitely check this one out!

Avocado Toast

I shared a few of my favorite breakfast recipes with you this past month, but I didn't share this avocados toast recipe. 

2 pieces of rosemary bread

Tomato

2 eggs

1/2 an avocado

Toast your bread

Fry two eggs so that the yolk is barely runny

slice a tomato

slice 1/2 an avocado

Once the bread is toasted, mash the avocado on it

Place the slices of tomato and egg on top

Polka Dot Notebook

I just couldn't leave Target without this notebook.  It is the perfect portable size. I plan to use it during student teaching this upcoming semester. 

XOXO

June Favorites

I cannot believe that June has come and gone! This means that there are only two months left of summer. Where is the time going? I still have so much I want to do this summer. The time seriously needs to slow down a little bit. 

June was a busy month filled with working my retail job, nannying, watching my brother graduate, a few good reads, celebrating my brother's graduation, studying for my PRAXIS, blogging, field hockey, hanging out with friends, celebrating birthdays, and working out. 

Here's a little recap of my favorites from June:

Reading: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes 

Yes, I've hopped on the Me Before You bandwagon. But let me tell you it is actually worth it. If you haven't read it yet, then add it to your summer reading list! The first thirty pages are a little slow, but it picks up quickly after that. The writing is pretty good and the plot makes this book the perfect beach read.  Now that I've read the book I'm interested to see if the movie is just as good.  

I plan to read some more of this author's books this summer. 

Drinking: Sangria! 

Last week my mom and I made some banging sangria for my brother's graduation party.  It was such a hit we had to make two batches! I'd share a pretty picture with y'all, but I got too caught up in socializing that I forgot to take pictures.  Anyways, if you're interested in the recipe just let me know and I can share a post with y'all soon

Watching: The Bachelorette

Confession time- I'm not loving this season at all. Jojo is a great bachelorette, but I've just found the show to be more drama filled than normal.  The boys are so caddy, which is just flat out annoying.  I do have to say that I've enjoyed watching this season's men bonding. Their bromances are comical to watch. 

Wearing: Pattern shorts and tanks

The summer heat has been pretty mild for the month of June. We've had some super hot and humid days, but we definitely haven't had as many as we usually do.  I've been wearing lots of fun pattern shorts paired with tanks this month. These outfits make running around with the kids I nanny doable and are cute/comfy. 

Listening: Pandora and Spotify

I've been alternating between the Young & Free playlist on Spotify as well as Zac Brown Band Radio on Pandora. 

Smelling: Volcano Candle

I'm #obsessed with this candle I purchased this month. It is the perfect summer scent. When I burn it, the scent carries through my house and is nothing but pleasant.  It's a little pricy, but it lasts awhile so it's totally worth spending the extra amount. 

Eating: Wegman's popcorn

This popcorn is the perfect summer snack. Low in calories but yet so tasty. 

What have been your favorites this month?

XOXO

 

February's Favorites

I cannot believe that today is the last day of February. This month has flown by.  This week is already the seventh week of the semester, third month of 2016, and week before spring break. February was a great month filled with lots of love and birthday celebrations.  This month I finally established a routine for the spring semester. With all of the snow days this was a difficult task initially.  In February I was also able to get some things crossed off of my 101 in 1001 list too. Next month I'm thinking of crossing logging off the list by creating a video to share March's favorite with y'all...

I'd love to hear what your thoughts on this are! 

This month's favorites are a little bit of everything from clothes to school supplies to makeup products. 

Sand Pink Blush/ Herringbone Infinity Scarf / Burt's Bees Vanilla Bean Chapstick/ Essie Top Coat

Desktop Organizer Pad/ Orchard Valley Snacks/ Rum Raising Lipstick/ Face Scrub

XOXO