The Best Mother's Day Gifts 2021

Hello loves! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought I would put together a gift guide for y’all. I think I have gathered up great pieces that are perfect for the mom who has everything and claims they don’t need anything. If you want to shop anything in the post click the photos of the items or the pink links. Enjoy!

Slip Silk Pillowcase

I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this pillowcase. Don’t get me wrong, I love my knockoff satin pillowcase, but I have heard that this one is next level since it is silk. The benefits of this pillowcase include protecting the skin and preventing bed head. I think this would make such a luxe gift and it’s currently on sale (and comes in multiple colors).

Always Pan

I received this as a Christmas gift and I’m obsessed - it definitely lives up to the hype. This pan is multiple pieces of cookware in one and when they say non-stick they truly mean it; this thing is incredibly easy to clean. The pan comes in multiple colors and is currently on sale.

Planter Set Delivery

There are so many chic plant/flower delivery options over on Urban Stems. I loved the set pictured above because of how adorable the little planter is, and it also comes with a hand cream by Nest and a gardening tool. A fun twist to traditional flower delivery!

Personalized AirPods Case

We gave this to my mom for Christmas last year - anything personalized is always a hit. This case is available in so many color and font combinations, so there is something for everyone’s aesthetic.

Personalized Travel Jewelry Case

I have this and I absolutely love it! It’s very sturdy for a travel organizer, so nothing will get damaged in transit. This comes in multiple leather and personalization options so you can really tailor it to your mom.

Barefoot Dreams Blanket

This will be in every type of gift guide that I will ever post - it’s just so good. I’ve had mine for over a year now and I use it every single day whether I’m on my couch or in my bed. I have the traditional leopard print, but I love this updated version they have released.

Initial Necklace

My mom has this necklace; it’s such a classic piece. It goes with everything and isn’t too over the top. Right now it is currently on sale.

Wine Chiller

I do not have this, but the reviews say that it will keep a bottle of wine freezing, even if it’s sitting in the heat outside. It’s vacuumed sealed and fits a variety of bottles. I think this paired with your mom’s favorite bottle of wine would make an amazing gift.

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

5 Retailers with Free Gifts & Discounts During Your Birthday Month

Hello loves! Since October is my birthday month (s/o October babies!) it’s only appropriate that I created and updated retailers with birthday discounts post. This is one of my favorite posts to put together - who doesn’t love free gifts and discounts? Some retailers update their birthday rewards programs annually, so this is accurate at the time of me writing this. Many of these rewards are gifted as long as you have an account with your email address with the retailer, so if you have a birthday coming up make sure that your birthday is up to date on your customer account with these stores. Let me know if I missed any retailers that offer free birthday gifts or discounts!

Sephora

For as long as I can remember Sephora has offered a free birthday gift to anyone who is signed up as a beauty insider. If you redeem this offer in store, you are not required to make a purchase, but if you redeem it online you do have to pay for shipping. According to the Sephora birthday gift landing page (as of October 2020 when I am writing this post) the gift options include a 3 piece set from Milk Makeup or a 2 piece set from Sol De Janiero. I went with the Sol De Janiero option this year because I can never get enough moisturizer. Make sure your birthday is updated on your beauty insider account to get this gift.

Ulta

I have been a member of the Ulta rewards program for a few years now, and every year their birthday reward seems to change. This year Ulta Rewards members receive a full size Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara in limited edition birthday packaging. Additionally, for any purchases you make during your birthday month you will receive 2x the points that can later be redeemed for $$$ off your purchase.

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott has one of the best birthday discounts out there. During your birthday month you can receive 50% off one piece of fashion jewelry or 25% off one piece of fine jewelry. This year I decided to splurge and bought this dainty gold and diamond ring from the fine jewelry collection. This offer used to only be redeemable in store, but this year they are allowing the discount to be used online - be sure that your birthday is updated on your account.

Outdoor Voices

As of 2019, OV sends a $10 off your purchase coupon to your email on your actual birthday. I will definitely update this post if the birthday discount changes this year. The below to sets are on my list so maybe I will purchase one of them when I receive my discount.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie sends Anthro Perks members a 20% off your purchase coupon to redeem during your birthday month. This promotion can be redeemed in store or online. I haven’t used my coupon yet this year so below I included a few things I have my eye on that I might use the discount on.

What’s your favorite retailer that offers a birthday gift or discount? Let me know so I can add it to my list!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

30A Recap | Restaurant Guide + Outfits

Hello loves! If you follow me on Instagram, you would know that I was just in the 30A area of Florida with my family last week. I had only been to this area one other time 4 years ago, so I was glad I was able to make this trip (and it could happen safely!). Since this is a popular place to travel to, I thought it would be helpful to break down all my favorite aspects (and outfits!) from the trip.

jeans | shoes (old from Macy’s) | top (old from Zara) | bag (Cult Gaia via The RealReal)

30A is a strip of beaches between Destin and Panama City Beach in Florida. This area consists of Watercolor, Seaside, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach. We rented a house in Watercolor which was great because all Watercolor houses receive access to the Watercolor beach club which has a great beachfront pool. Watercolor is also walking (or biking) distance from Seaside. As you’ll read below we went to places all along 30A but wanted to give you some context incase you aren’t familiar with the area.

swimsuit and hat (ASOS)

where to eat

Donut Hole - the best breakfast in the area! My mom ordered the pimento cheese omelette and I wish I had done the same. Not only can you pick up donuts but you can sit down and dine as well - they have so many choices.

Pescado - not only is the food here delicious, but thew views are amazing (next time I want to get a seat on the patio!) I definitely recommend the filet and the mac and cheese.

Cafe Thirty A - my family has raved about this place for years so I was excited that I finally had the opportunity to go. This restaurant had a great selection and was absolutely delicious. I definitely recommend the crab and spinach dip as an appetizer.

George’s - I had seen so many people post about this spot on Instagram and I was so happy we got to try it. You can’t go wrong here, but the calamari fries and lobster quesadillas were to die for.

Great Southern - a Seaside classic! There are so many amazing choices at this spot; there’s something for everyone. Definitely get a mojito (they have so many different flavors) and the pimento cheese and crab martini were delish.

shorts | belt and hat (old from Forever 21) | bag (Staud)

Let me know which places I should try next time I’m in the 30A area!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Photography Equipment I Use for my Blog + Instagram

Hello loves! I thought I would switch things up today and create a post all about the equipment I use to produce my blog and Instagram content. I am no photography professional, but I think I’ve learned a lot over my years of blogging. I am planning on making separate posts dedicated to the apps I use and specifically how I capture my photos, but today I’m solely focusing on the actual equipment today. I hope you enjoy this post!

Camera

My feed is a mix of iPhone and DSLR camera pictures (I have the iPhone XS Max for reference). My camera is the Nikon D5500 and I have had it for a little over 4 years. This was my first DSLR camera so it was a learning experience. My favorite feature of this camera is that it has WiFi capabilities which makes it super easy to instantly transfer images to your phone. I learned over time that the lens that comes with the camera is not the best, so I upgraded to the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens. I really like this lens but sometimes it can be a little too zoomed in for full body shots (it’s a fixed lens - you can’t zoom) so my next upgrade might be to the 24mm.

Tripod

Since I shoot most of my content on my own, a tripod is essential. Previously I had the cheapest one that appears when you search tripod on Amazon, and it is TRASH. I recommend spending a little bit more to get something a little higher quality. I use this $40 one and think it’s great (it’s been blown over in the wind before and is still in great shape). Below are a few photos that I’ve taken with my camera and tripod.

Ring Light

The key to getting the perfect lighting for indoor photos! I’ve had this ring light since college and I love how bright it makes my photos (it was also a huge hit with my friends in college). This has come in extra handy in NYC since my apartment barely gets any natural light. I’ve used this for any indoor pictures on my Instagram.

I hope you found this post helpful! Let me know if you want anymore posts related to how I produce content.

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2020

Hello loves! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time for my annual gift guide. These are items that I think any mom would love to receive this Mother’s Day, and almost all of them are under $100. As always click on the images or links to shop. Enjoy!

Personalized Phone Case

I have this case on my phone and absolutely love it. It’s something your mom will use everyday and since it’s custom it has a unique and personal touch. The site has so many color and font options, so there is something for everyone.

Electric Wine Opener

This is one of my most used kitchen gadgets! Once you switch to an electric wine opener, you will not go back to a traditional corkscrew; this is just so simple. A cute gift idea is to bundle this with some wine glasses and a nice bottle of wine.

Diptyque Candle

This candle will be on every gift guide I put together because it’s just that good. It smells amazing, lasts forever, and since it is pricey it’s not something that your mom is likely to buy for herself.

Initial Necklace

I recently got this necklace and love it. Like I mentioned with the phone case, anything personalized or initialed is extra special - and mom’s love it!

Barefoot Dreams Blanket

I received mine for Christmas this year and it’s 100% worth the hype. These blankets are incredibly soft and cozy and since they come in a variety of colors and patterns can be the perfect home decor piece (I have the leopard one).

Personalized Travel Jewelry Case

I know how difficult traveling with jewelry can be, and not only is this case functional, but it’s practical too. Like the phone case, there are many different colors of cases and font options so you can really tailor it to your mom’s likes.

Capri Blue Volcano Diffuser

Another great home product! The Capri Blue Volcano line is probably my all time favorite scent. My mom has this diffuser in our house and it smells amazing. This scent comes in a variety of different products and I linked my top picks besides the diffuser below.

Cold Brew Maker

I have a very similar cold brew maker that I received as a gift a couple years ago and I love it. It’s super simple to use and makes great cold brew - all you need is water and coffee grounds. If you’re mom is a coffee drinker I think this would be an amazing mother’s day gift paired with a bag of coffee grounds and a mug.

Mom Dish Towel

Now that I have my own apartment, I love receiving decorative gift towels as gifts. This one would look adorable in any mom’s kitchen. Below are a few more of my favs.

Silk Pillowcase

This was my mom’s suggestion for this gift guide. Silk pillowcases support healthier hair and skin. There are many different kinds out there at all price points but the one I linked here is only $20.

Pajamas

This was another suggestion made by my mom! There are so many chic pairs on the market right now and since we’re spending more time in pajamas than usual right now, this would be a perfect gift.

Loungewear

Another great option for wearing around my house. I linked my favorite joggers here, but any loungewear sets would be an amazing gift.

Let me know which gift was your favorite!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Me and my Mom's Top Wine Picks

Hello loves! I asked on Instagram whether or not you wanted to see a post about my mom and I’s favorite bottles of wine, and I am here to give the people what they want! Below are bottles that we love enjoying together, along with some of our individual favorites. I am no sommelier, so don’t expect in depth descriptions of each wine. Also, the prices are based on what I found online, so they will vary a little bit depending on where you shop. Enjoy!

Yes Way Rose - $12.99

Tried this because my mom bought it and it’s delicious. I also LOVE the packaging.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc - $9.50

We always have this on hand in our house. I’m picky about white wines and I love this one.

The Palm by Whispering Angel Rose - $13

Tastes almost identical to Whispering Angel but is $5-$6 cheaper depending on where you buy it.

14 Hands Red Blend - $10

This red blend is a little bit lighter than a cabernet, but still earthy.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc - $15

Another amazing New Zealand sauvignon blanc (their’s are the best).

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio - $18

This is one of the only pinot grigios I like, so if you like sauvignon blanc you’ll like this.

Kris Pinot Grigio - $10

I’ve never tried this but my mom loves it - pinot grigio is her favorite!

Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc - $7

Tastes very similar to Oyster Bay but at a cheaper price.

Coppola Diamond Claret Cab - $13

My favorite red that I buy for myself!

Emma Riechart Rose - $5

One of my go-to wines from Trader Joe’s. By far the best $5 wine I’ve found.

Dark Horse Red Blend - $9

A great red at a great price. I also love the rose from Dark Horse.

Whispering Angel Rose - $18

My all time favorite rose! It’s crisp yet fruity and is what I buy for myself when I deserve a treat.

Let me know what your favorite wine is!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

London Recap | What I Did + What I Wore

Hello loves! If you’re following along on Instagram you probably saw that I was just in London. I had planned this trip to visit my friend Danielle back in November, not anticipating everything that has been going on with Covid-19. Thankfully I was still able to go on my on trip, I just had to cut to cut my trip short to ensure that I could easily and safely get back home. I am grateful that I still got the option to stay in London for 2 1/2 days and I was able to do so much. In today’s post I am sharing what I did and of course what I wore. I bet none of you are planning a trip to London right now, but I thought I would go ahead and publish this for you to reference for your next trip.

Day 1

I took the overnight flight from NYC to London so I landed around 7am and was at my hotel by 9:30am. I was so glad I was able to have a full first day, especially since I had to cut my trip short. The first major thing we did on Thursday was tea at Sketch. I have been seeing this place all over Instagram and Pinterest for years and I was so excited that I finally got to go. Everything from the food to the ambience to the bathrooms (see below!!) lived up to my expectations. If you want a chic and aesthetically pleasing tea experience, I 10/10 recommend.

After tea we did some shopping on Regents street (the Topshop there is AMAZING), Carnaby street, and the Marylebone area. In addition, we stopped in Fortnum and Mason which is a place where the Queen gets food from and I’m obsessed. In between shopping we also went to Buckingham palace.

In the evening, we went on a pub crawl which was an absolute blast. We started with dinner and drinks at The Albany (the fish and chips were incredible). We then went for pints at Masons Arms and one other pub in Marylebone that I can’t remember the name of, and ended the night with cocktails at 31 Below. I’m honestly impressed with myself that I was able to accomplish so much with only 2 hours of sleep on the plane

Day 2

We started out my second day in London with breakfast at Caravan (I got avocado toast … original). Danielle had to work on some school stuff this day, so I had a few hours on my own to explore. I started out by going to Kensington Palace, which is where Will and Kate currently live. On the tour you go in the actual room where Queen Victoria was born in which is pretty iconic, and they have a bunch of royal artifacts on display. Kensington Palace also has huge gardens which I bet are stunning in the summer, but since it wasn't too cold or rainy I was able to take a short stroll (I definitely want to come back in the summer though).

Next I walked about a mile to the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum, which I can best describe as the London equivalent of The Met here in NYC. Admission to the museum is free and I knew they had a British fashion section, so I checked that out; they had some amazing pieces and the exhibit gave a chronological depiction of British fashion. After the V&A I walked to Harrod’s - obviously I was going to pop in to this iconic store. Somehow when I went to Harrod’s the first time I went to London I completely missed the food hall - which is absolutely incredible. Definitely check out Harrod’s whether you’re a fashion lover or not.

After Harrod’s I took a taxi over to Westminster Abby and did the audio tour there. Westminster Abby is where a lot of royal events happen such as Will and Kate’s wedding and coronations. The audio tour was great and I definitely recommend this tour if you’re a history fan.

Following my morning of site seeing, I met back up with Danielle for afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel. The Goring is where Kate stayed the night before her wedding and where the Queen stays during Christmas time. Meghan and Harry recently hosted their farewell luncheon here - this hotel is BIG with the royals. The afternoon tea was incredible (I opted for a glass of champagne with the tea as well) and it was crazy being in a space that the royals love so much.

While we were exploring the hotel lobby after tea, we started talking to one of the front desk employees about the hotel and he convinced us to stay for a drink at the hotel’s bar (which I 100% don’t regret - the vibe was amazing). After leaving The Goring we ended the night with a walk through Picadilly Circus, then a late dinner at Pizza Express, a UK chain.

Day 3

Since my flight was not until 6pm on my last night, I was still able to have a full half day of activities. This was the first day we went over to the south bank. We started out the day with breakfast at The Breakfast Club then strolled through Borough Market (totally would’ve bought some of the delicious looking cheese they had here if I wasn’t going on a flight). We then walked across London bridge and walked down to St. Paul’s Cathedral (where Princess Diana got married). We then crossed Millennium Bridge back to the south bank and rode the London Eye. These views of London were the perfect way to end my trip.

I hoped you enjoyed this recap of my trip! I had a blast and hopefully I will be able to return when once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Trader Joe's Favorites February 2020

Hello loves! I’m a huge fan of Trader Joe’s and their unique, affordable, and delicious products. I asked on Instagram if you wanted to see a post on my favorites, and an overwhelming majority voted for yes. If you’ve never shopped at a TJ or you’re a regular looking to try new things, I hope you find something in this post that you want to pick up on your next shopping trip.

Bean and Cheese Burrito

THE best microwaveable burrito you will ever have. It’s just a flour tortilla with refined black beans and cheese but it is incredible and makes a perfect quick lunch or late night snack.

Mini Brie Bites

These have become a new staple in my work lunches. If you love Brie but don’t want to buy a whole piece for yourself, these little bites are the perfect way to get your cheese fix.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Gnocchi is one of the products that everyone talks about from TJ. The sweet potato kind comes with this amazing butter sage sauce that melts with the gnocchi when they cook. This option is not as healthy as the cauliflower and kale kinds because it does come with a butter sauce, but it’s a delicious option.

Orange Chicken

A Trader Joe’s CLASSIC. This orange chicken is delicious and is easy to make on both the stove top and in the oven.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

Another TJ staple that I feel like everyone knows about. Incase you aren’t aware, this seasoning tastes like an everything bagel (just minus the bagel as the name implies).

Green Goddess Dressing

This is my go-to for when I make salads at home. It’s delicious and packed with great ingredients. Since it has avocado in it, I also like to put it on top of chili or a taco skillet if I don’t have any fresh avocados on hand.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

This is one of those TJ products that everyone and their mom talks about - and for good reason. It’s a healthier take on traditional gnocchi, and can be served a variety of ways with different sauces and veggies. To avoid the gnocchi from getting mushy, saute them on the stove top with a bit of olive oil or in the air fryer (never tried it this way but my mom uses her air fryer and loves it!).

Coconut Aminos

A great alternative to soy sauce. TBH I don’t really cook with this, but I use it whenever I order Chinese take out instead of the soy sauce they give you (it’s delicious on fried rice).

Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers

Another quick and easy meal option! I personally just eat these with a bit of mayo on top and no bun. I’ve also seen people cut up a patty and use it on top of a salad which sounds tasty too. If you love a black bean burger or just want to try a meat alternative, I 10/10 recommend.

Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

These aren’t as good as soup dumplings you’ll find at your favorite Asian restaurant, BUT they are pretty close. I always like to keep a box on hand incase I get the craving. You just pop them in the microwave and they’re ready to eat!

Plantain Chips

I went through a phase in college where I would buy 2-3 bags of these every time I went to TJ because I was that obsessed. Even though I don’t eat them AS frequently as I used to, they are still my top chip option. I have tried the plantain crisps as well and they are NOT the same … get the chips and you’ll be hooked!

Three Layer Hummus

There are so many great hummus choices at TJ (I love packing the individual size ones in my lunch) but this one has been my favorite lately. It’s traditional hummus on top, cilantro jalapeño in the middle, and spicy hummus on the bottom … SO GOOD. I pair this with the TJ reduced fat pita chips.

Almond Butter Granola

This is my newest discovery but I ate the first bag so quickly I had to include it. If you’re like me and don’t like dried fruit in your granola, but also don’t want it overly sweet, you should check this out.

Vegan Pesto

I love using this on gnocchi or pasta. It tastes just like traditional pesto, just has better ingredients.

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

If you like chocolate and almond butter, you need these in your life. I love that they’re individually wrapped so if I just want a little something sweet after dinner, I can just have one or two and fulfill my craving.

Cowboy Caviar

If you want to up your chips and salsa game, this is what you need. I love pairing it with the Trader Joe’s sweet potato tortilla chips.

Dark Chocolate Covered Powerberries

These are like the Brookside dark chocolate covered pomegranate seeds - just 100x better! One of my favorite things to treat myself with.

Let me know what your favorite Trader Joe’s item is!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Amazon Essentials

Hello loves! You probably know by now that I do not support buying clothing from Amazon, and I try to limit my shopping from the retailer as much as I can. BUT I have to admit, they have some great finds that are integral parts of my daily life - so I thought I would share them with y’all today. All of my favorites are prim eligible too because I do love the convenience. Enjoy!

Hair Drying Brush

This brush is what I have found to be the quickest and most effective way to dry my hair. Is it a true ‘one step blow out’ like the box says? No. But it is WAY easier than a normal hair dryer and round brush and leaves the hair feeling soft.

Ice Roller

I will never stop talking about this because it’s THAT good. If you need an easy cheap way to depuff and promote circulation, you need to add one of these to your beauty tool arsenal.

Acne Patches

I bought these on a whim after reading about them in a BuzzFeed article, and they actually work. You simply stick one of the patches on your blemish before bed, and when you wake up on the morning all the gunk will be sucked up into the patch and your zit will be significantly smaller. I found that these work better on larger zits while something like a pore strip works better for smaller ones and blackheads.

Makeup Eraser

This is what I use (in combination with my Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm) to remove my makeup every night. This is the best cloth for removing makeup and can easily be cleaned with the rest of your laundry.

Electric Wine Bottle Opener

This bad boy only costs $15 and saves me so much energy and time when opening bottles of wine. It sits on a charger, looks sleek on your kitchen counter, and allows you to open wine bottles with just one button. My mom haas one too - and once you try this you’ll never go back to a traditional corkscrew.

Wine Rack

I have this sitting on my bar cart - it’s such a chic way to store wine bottles. I have seen similar racks for double and triple the price on West Elm and Wayfair, but for $18 this can’t be beat.

Bath Tub Shelf

Another product that I have talked about multiple times on the blog - a bath tub shelf. If you’re a fan of baths, you need one of these. It allows you to drink, read, and be on your phone with ease while relaxing in the tub.

Let me know what your Amazon essentials are!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

It's 2020 - You Need These Things In Your Life

Hello loves! I hope everyone had a great holiday season filled with friends, family, and food. For my first blog post of 2020, I’m sharing all the products that I cannot live without. Everything from fashion to kitchen appliances - these are all my favorites. Some of these products I discovered in 2019, while others I have been using for years. I love writing these posts each year … it’s so fun to look back and see what I was loving each year. Let’s hop into the favorites!

HOME/SELF CARE

Bathtub Shelf

This improves a bubble bath by 100%. With this shelf you can easily relax without worrying about spilling your drink or your phone/book falling into the tub.

Ice Roller

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love this thing. You keep it in the freezer and roll it on your face to de-puff and prevent circulation.

Electric Wine Opener

This gadget makes it so easy to open a bottle of wine. If you struggle with opening a bottle with a traditional opener, you need this (and I found mine for $15).

Nutri Bullet

My parents have had one for years, and I finally decided to buy my own a few months ago. This machine makes it so easy to make great smoothies, and the blender acts as a cup so there are less dishes to wash.

Tula Oil Free Gel Cream

Y’all KNOW I love this moisturizer. It’s nourishing, yet since it’s oil free it doesn’t clog your pores. If you buy one product from Tula, it should be this one.

Loving Tan 2 Hour Express

Not only does this product give you a great, natural looking tan, but it only takes 2 hours to develop! If you wait until the last minute to tan, this is for you.

Laura Mercier Setting Powder

This powder perfectly mattifies the skin and locks in foundation. Even though this powder is a bit pricey, a little goes a long way (it’ll last you FOREVER).

Colourpop Cream Lipstick

I own two shades of this lipstick (LA Lady and Lay Over) and they’re both great. This formula is creamy, pigmented, and only costs $7.

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lip

Anytime I wear a JSC shade I get so many compliments! This formula does not budge … even when eating and drinking. Christmas cookie is my favorite nude shade, but I own 3 others (you can’t go wrong!)

Glossier Boy Brow

The best tinted brow gel! I use the brown shade on top of my brow pencil to lock everything in place. Since it is tinted, if I’m not wearing a full face of makeup I’ll use this on its own.

Dr. Teal’s Bubble Bath

This bubble bath is incredible affordable and makes the best bubbles! It comes in multiple varieties but since I like to unwind with a bath after work I like the lavender to help me relax before bed.

Kate Somervillle Eradikate Daily Cleanser

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love this. It’s formulated with sulfur, which does a great job at combatting acne. I have used prescription sulfur face washes in the past and this works just as well at a fraction of the cost.

Lou & Gray Sweats

I LIVE in these sweats. They’re the softest sweats I’ve ever owned and the slim leg allows them to easily be transitioned into a chic atheleisure look (for when you wear them outside the house).

Sweater Dress

Everybody needs a good sweater dress - and I’ve been living in this one from UO all winter. Sweater dresses are an incredibly versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down - while still keeping you comfy.

Spanx Leather Leggings

I don’t even have to say anything about these - they’re simply the best! I love pairing these with a tee for traveling or an oversized sweater and booties for work.

OV Tech Sweat

The best crop + leggings combo for working out and running errands! It’s super comfy, great for moving in, and comes in so many fun colors and prints. Plus, you save money if you buy the crop and leggings as a kit.

Nike Air Max 90s

Whether I’m running errands or going out with friends, you can catch me rocking these shoes. I bought mine off of eBay, but I found a new version on the Nike site.

Gucci Loafers

Another shoe that I live in! Whether it’s withs jeans or a dress, you will catch me wearing these. Yes they’re pricey, but I wear them all the time and I know they will last forever.

Black Cami

This reformation tank is so versatile and is the ultimate layering piece. I wore this all throughout the summer with midi skirts and jeans, and have transitioned it into fall and winter by layering it under jackets or over long sleeve tops.

Cropped Flare Jeans

The Alexa jeans fro 7 for All Mankind are the most comfy and flattering cropped flared jeans. I’m obsessed with this silhouette. Jeans are very personal, but 7 is one of my favorites for my body.

Let me know if you try any of the products mentioned in this post! I love sharing my favorites with y’all. Here’s to a great 2020!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Where to Eat in Austin, TX: Food, Coffee, Desserts

Hello loves! Since I went to college in Austin (hook ‘em!) I would always get questions from friends and family about where to eat when visiting. Now that I’ve graduated and been away from Austin for about 5 months, I finally have a solid list of food recommendations. Being away from Austin made me realize which places I truly miss. These restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert stops are all AMAZING and I can’t wait to go back and pig out the next time I’m in ATX.

Restaurants

Tiny Boxwoods

If you love feeling like you’re dining in a friend’s perfectly decorated home, this is the spot for you. Things you need to order: the white wine mojito, charcuterie board, and a chocolate chip cookie. Also if you go for brunch, they have amazing croissants.

Le Politique

Come here for the French food, stay for the aesthetic. I love both the brunch and dinner here.

Hanks

This spot is perfect for groups, has delicious food (for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and great drinks. My favorite drink is the frozen paloma (only $5 during happy hour!) and the best appetizer is the baked rictotta.

The Grove

Another spot that is great for large groups, The Grove has something for everyone. I definitely recommend a wine flight (they have mimosa flights during brunch!) and the bruschetta. There are three locations, but the one downtown has the cutest patio area.

Matt’s El Rancho

Always good! Famous for their Bob Armstrong queso and margaritas, Matt’s is a Tex Mex staple. Beware, this place doesn’t take reservations and always has an incredibly long wait. i definitely recommend going for lunch if you can and are short on time.

Perla’s

This is the only seafood restaurant on my list. Located on South Congress, this place is AMAZING. I haven’t tried anything that I haven’t liked here. Definitely one of the nicest restaurants on my list, but one of my favorites for a special location.

Coffee Shops

Seventh Flag Coffee

Even though they got rid of their amazing avocado toast (still sad about it), this coffee shop is still one of my top picks. I love the ambience and I spent a lot of time studying here during my college years.

Patika

This is another spot that I spent plenty of time at throughout college. They have great iced lattes, baked goods, and plenty of natural light.

Revival Coffee

The best iced vanilla latte I’ve ever had … PERIOD. This place has lots of outdoor seating if the weather is nice.

Desserts

Gourdough’s

If you love sweets and are in the mood for something DENSE, this is the spot for you. Gourdough’s specializes in fluffy donuts with insane toppings. The Blackout is a chocolate lover’s dream and the Sin A Bomb is an essential for anyone who loves cinnamon sugar.

Amy’s Ice Cream

An Austin classic. Great ice cream with plenty of mix ins. My favorite is the Mexican vanilla with oreos.

Bananarchy

Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate then rolled in toppings? Yes please. Keep in mind this food truck closes down in the winter time.

Happy Hour

Juliet

The best aperol sprtiz and calamari in town (discounted during happy hour!)

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these spots when you’ve been in Austin. And don’t worry, I’ll be sure to add more NYC recommendations on the blog soon.

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

NYC Q&A

Hello loves! I am currently sitting at the LaGuardia airport because my flight to Orlando is 2.5 hours delayed. Once I got the text from Delta saying the flight was delayed I found a table with a charger at the nearest restaurant, ordered a glass of wine, and decided to utilize this time to write a blog post. I have gotten some questions over on my Instagram about moving to New York, my new job, etc., so I thought I would take this time to compile my most frequently asked questions into one blog post. Let’s hop into the questions!

What area of the city are you living in?

I live in the east village! The area has everything I need within a couple blocks (grocery store, bank, drugstore, etc.). I am also close to multiple subway stops so I can get around the city easily and quickly.

What’s your job/what’re you doing in NYC?

I am working as a digital merchandising assistant in the ready to wear department at Macy’s. In short, I prep samples to be photographed for the Macy’s website and help with inserting information on the webpages of each piece.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to move to NYC?

If you’re wanting to move to NYC right after graduation, I think having an internship in the city before making the move is a huge advantage. I did a 10 week internship at Theory in NYC the summer before my senior year and I gained insight into how the NYC fashion industry operates. Having an internship based in the city on your resume shows potential employers that you are serious about living and working in NYC. if you’re not able to do an internship, networking is key. Reach out to anyone you know working in the city in the field you want to work in … you never know if there’s an available position!

How did you find your apartment in NYC?

My mom actually found my the apartment I’m living in on Street Easy while we were in NYC shopping for apartments (Street Easy will be your best friend!). What my parents and I learned while trying to find a place is that everything in NYC is last minute; you can’t plan out what places you want to see until you’re physically there. My apartment went on the market on a Monday night, we went and toured it Tuesday afternoon, and started filling out the application Tuesday night. It’s an incredibly fast turn around so don’t stress if everything doesn’t fall into place until the last minute.

Are you living alone?

Yes it’s just me! I didn’t have any close friends moving up to the city, so I decided to live alone.

Let me know if you have any more questions about NYC, working in fashion, living alone, or post grad life in general. I am more than happy to answer them.

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Going to the Rose Mansion with Love Island USA

This post is sponsored by InsluenceHer Collective and Love Island USA

Hello loves! A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to check out the Rose Mansion in NYC with InfluenceHer Collective in conjunction with the reality show Love Island USA. Love Island is a reality dating show that originated overseas, and last night it finally premiered in the US. What makes this show different from other reality shows is that everything is happening in real time: new episodes premiere 5 nights a week on CBS. The event at the Rose Mansion was the perfect way to kick off the summer and get excited about Love Island USA.

I went to the Rose Mansion last summer while I was interning in NYC, so I was scared it was going to be the exact same experience. To my surprise, the mansion was completely different and featured brand new wines and new photo opportunities.

The theme of this year’s Rose Mansion revolved around travel. Each room was themed after a different region and you got to sample a wine from the corresponding region. One of my favorites was the French cabaret room which consisted of delicious French wine and fun cabaret themed headdresses (MAJOR Moulin Rouge vibes here).

At the end of the mansion there is an area where you can buy full glasses of wine and other rose cocktails (they also serve tacos!). I had access to a special Love Island themed area complete with hammocks, faux palm trees, and Love Island march. This event was amazing and got me so excited to watch Love Island USA this summer on CBS.

Did you tune into the premiere of Love Island last night? Let me know what you thought in the comments. I’m looking forward to seeing how the season unfolds.

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Grand Cayman: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and What to do

Hello loves! If you are following along on Instagram, you would know that I just got back from an amazing vacation in Grand Cayman. This trip was in celebration of my sister’s high school graduation, and my graduation from college. We had the best time, and I wanted to recap everything for y’all incase you are interested in traveling there. I have broken everything up by where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate. And of course, I’m sharing my outfits and linking all of the pieces for y’all to shop. I hope you love this post!

GETTING THERE

We were lucky enough to have a non-stop flight via American Airlines to the island. The customs line was not too long, and it was easy to catch a taxi to take us to our resort. Below is my travel day outfit.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed at the Westin on Seven Mile Beach. This resort was located on a private beach, had a great pool (with a fantastic swim up bar!), and spacious rooms. Additionally, there was a mini mart, restaurants, and a liquor store right across the street from the resort. I would definitely stay at this resort again as the staff was friendly and accommodating, and everything was not ridiculously over priced. My favorite things from the resort in terms of food and drink were the summer blossom from the lobby bar, and the French 75 and tuna salad sandwich from the poolside restaurant called Tortuga.

WHAT WE DID

Besides laying out at our resort’s beach and pool, we went on a couple excursions during our stay. One of the main attractions in Grand Cayman is Stingray City. This is an area of the ocean with a sand bar where the water is only waist deep and there are tons of stingrays swimming around. We used the company Captain Marvin’s, which I highly recommend. This company was especially convenient for us because the shuttle pick up point was right across the street from our resort. We did the 3-stop stingray + snorkeling tour which included one stop where we got out and pet + fed the stingrays, and two different stops for snorkeling. This was only $45 which was a great deal for a 3 hour excursion. We also purchased the optional photo package which included all of our photos with the stingrays.

For our second excursion, we went on a sunset cruise. We used Red Sail Sports and we boarded the boat at our hotel’s beach (super convenient!). This was a two hour cruise around the bay which included snacks and had a cash bar onboard. The views were amazing and this was a great way to end our day.

WHERE WE ATE

We honestly did not have a bad meal during our trip! Below are my top recommendations.

• Casanova - Italian food with fantastic pasta and an ocean view

• Sunshine Grill - get the fish tacos … they’re “world famous”

• Casa 43 - delicious Mexican food (and I have high standards for Mexican food!)

• Deckers - little bit of everything … I got the lobster spring rolls and shrimp risotto

I hope you found this post helpful! Get ready for some content about my move to NYC over the next couple of weeks.

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

NYC Apartment Shopping Recap

Hello loves! Due to graduating college, job hunting, and finding an apartment in NYC, I’ve been MIA from the blog. But the good news is, I officially accepted a job offer and signed an apartment lease in New York City! I will be a digital merchandising assistant at Macy’s and I will be moving/starting my job at the end of the month. I was in New York for 3 days with my parents shopping for apartments and finalizing my job, so today I’m breaking down what all I did, and what I wore while doing so. Feel free to shoot me an Instagram DM if you have any questions about any aspects of my move to NYC. As always, you can shop the pieces I’m wearing by clicking on the product photo or the pink links.

dress

Long story short, our original plane out of Dallas was canceled and we had to reschedule our flight, resulting in us not arriving to the city until 2:30 am Sunday night; consequently, Monday was our first real day in the city. Our first appointment with a broker to look at an apartment was at 9am, and until lunchtime we had appointments with various brokers on the hour. After lunchtime, I changed into my new pale pink blazer (serious Elle Woods vibes) for a meeting at Macy’s to finalize some of the details regarding my job offer.

blazer | cami | handbag | barette | jeans (similar) | sandals

P.S. I didn’t wear this outfit to look at apartments but we were so busy that I didn't take a photo in that outfit (I wasn’t that cute anyways … I was running on 4 hours of sleep). The afternoon consisted of looking at more apartments; we saw a total of 10 units this day. The last unit we saw was a studio near Union Square Park, and the broker really did save the best for last! We ended the day with tacos and margaritas at Dos Caminos and went to bed early to gear up for Tuesday (we also walked over 10 miles this day so rest was NEEDED).

We started off Tuesday with a breakfast at Friedman’s and deciding what units we wanted to look at. If you are going to look for an apartment in NYC, you should know that everything is super last minute and happens very quickly, so many apartment showings are not scheduled until the day before or day of. Since there was a true favorite from the first day, we scheduled an appointment to go back to see it a second time and take more photos before deciding if I wanted to put in an application or not. Long story short, there were some logistical things in relation to the real estate company and landlord that made this apartment not the one for me. This leads us to the apartment I did choose…

cami | jeans | belt | sneakers

We went on saw one final unit at 5pm on Tuesday and knew it was going to be the one. It’s a true one bedroom, is only 3 blocks from the subway, and there were no logistical issues on the back end. After seeing the unit, my parents and I went back to the hotel and filled out the application. That night we went to our hotel’s rooftop bar (pictured above … we stayed at the Cambria in Chelsea) and ate dinner at L’Amico. We didn’t find out until we were in the Uber on our way to the airport that the application was approved and I got the apartment.

I can’t wait to move into the apartment and make it feel like home! Moving across the country is not easy, but I know it’s the perfect place to start my career in the fashion industry and begin a new chapter. There will be much more NYC and apartment related content coming this summer, but let me know if you have any suggestions!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2019

Hello loves! With Mother’s Day coming in about 3 weeks, I thought it was the perfect time to get together my annual Mother’s Day gift guide (you can check out last year’s post HERE). This year it was my goal to round up more gift ideas than last year and have a variety of price ranges represented. I think I found some great pieces that every mom would love to unwrap on her special day. As always you can click on the images below to see where everything is from/pricing information, and I have also written out why I think each piece would make an ideal Mother’s Day gift. Enjoy!

Jo Malone fragrance set

My mom absolutely loves Jo Malone fragrances, and I think this set makes the perfect gift. It includes a perfume, a candle, and a body cream. The variety of products is great for someone who is interested in Jo Malone products but doesn’t know exactly what to buy.

Tory Burch sandals

I randomly stumbled upon these sandals online, and I think they’re a chic upgrade from the original Tory Burch flip flops that we’re popular a few years back. They come in a multitude of colors (you can scroll through below to shop other options) and would be perfect with a variety of looks this summer. You can never go wrong with a classic, high quality leather sandal and I think any mom no matter her personal style would love to receive these (p.s. many of the colors are on sale too!).

initial necklace

This is another gift that I included on this list strictly because my mom has it and I know she wears it all the time. This is such a timeless piece and since it’s initialed it adds a bit of a personal touch. And it’s under $40 so it’s a great gift if you’re on a budget.

MacKenzie - Childs salt and pepper shakers

This check print will never go out of style and will look amazing no matter what your mom’s kitchen decor style is. You can never go wrong with a gift that’s both beautiful and functional.

monogram cosmetic case

When I saw this online I immediately knew I needed to include it in this gift guide. This cosmetics case comes in multiple colors, and the gold personalization adds such a chic touch. Us women can never have too many pouches and cosmetic cases!

travel jewelry organizer

If you’re mom is anything like my mom, she probably likes to travel with a lot of jewelry. This nifty holder has places for earrings, rings, and necklaces, and a removable pouch for anything else she might travel with. I think this would come in handy for any sort of trip and is something that someone wouldn’t think to purchase for themselves.

rose quartz roller and facial massage tool set

Facial rolling is all the rage these days, so why not get your mom on board with this trend this Mother’s Day?! This set comes with a rose quartz roller which helps to de-puff and promote circulation in the face, and a sculpting tool that helps to firm the skin on the face and neck. The best part of this set is that you save money by buying the two pieces together instead of individually.

MacKenzie - Childs spoon rest

Like the salt and pepper shakers, this pattern never goes out of style. This is a practical gift that any mom who loves to cook would get lots of use out. And it’s gorgeous so it doubles as a chic home decor piece!

black drusy hoop earrings

These are perfect for any woman who wants to add a little sparkle to her look, without being over the top. The hoop part is not too large, and they look super elegant for being under $40. And if black isn’t your mom’s go-to color don’t worry, they come in two other colors as well!

floral robe

I think every woman needs a great robe in their collection to lounge around the house in or throw on while they’re getting themselves ready to go out. A robe is something that I don’t think many people go out and purchase on their for themselves, so that’s why I think it would make an incredible gift. This one is a silky material, but doesn’t break the bank.

large Diptyque Baies candle

This candle makes it on to every gift guide I make because it’s just THAT GOOD. To switch things up for this gift guide, I included the larger size that comes in a sleek black jar. Not only does this smell amazing, but it would look great on display in any house because it’s so beautiful. I know the price tag looks scary, but I owned the smaller size and it lasted me almost 2 years, so I think it’s worth it!

drusy stud earrings set

If your mom doesn’t enjoy wearing hoops but still wants to add a little sparkle, I definitely recommend this stud set. The sparkly stones are surrounded by faux diamonds, and for just under $50 you get all three pairs. And since they’re neutral colors, they will go with any look your mom puts together.

mother’s day dish towel

I just couldn’t resist adding this to the gift guide! It says “not all heroes wear capes” and is actually listed online as the “super mom towel.” I think this would be a cute and meaningful way to show your mom how much you appreciate everything that she does.

I hope this post gave you some gifting inspiration. Let me know if you found this helpful!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Spring Break Recap: Las Vegas Girls Trip

Hello loves! Last weekend I was in Las Vegas on a spring break vacation with nine of my friends. We had an absolute blast and I thought it would be fun to share our itinerary, along with what I wore for y’all. As always, you can click the pink links to shop all the pieces I’m wearing. I hope you enjoy this recap of our trip!

We stayed at The Cosmopolitan which was amazing! It’s centrally located on the strip, the room was spacious, and there are plenty of dining options in the hotel. The pool also has an amazing view which was perfect for photos. This was a long weekend trip as we were only in Vegas from Saturday-Tuesday; however, we were able to accomplish so much in a short amount of time.

jeans (similar) | shoes | bag | earrings | sunglasses

After landing in Las Vegas, one of my friends that was on my flight and I grabbed lunch at Eataly, which recently opened in the Park MGM. Eataly was one of my favorite places to eat at in NYC this summer. Once we were able to check into our hotel, we waited for the rest of our group to arrive and then headed downstairs for dinner at Beauty and Essex. This restaurant is amazing and is a MUST for me in Vegas (they have a New York location as well). The grilled cheese and tomato soup dumplings are to die for! The restaurant overlooks the massive chandelier in the Cosmopolitan which is a perfect spot for photos.

After dinner we headed over to the high roller ferris wheel at the Linq. Fun fact: this is the tallest observation wheel in the world! We opted for the happy hour option, which means there’s an unlimited bar inside the ferris wheel pod. I highly recommend doing this if you want an amazing view of the strip and surrounding areas. It was a great way to kick off our vacation.

We began our first full day with brunch at Hexx, which is located right outside the Paris resort. The food and drinks were delicious and the staff was very accommodating to our large group of 10 people. After brunch we walked around a bit and snapped some photos in front of the Bellagio. Seeing the fountain show is a must do in Vegas!

dress (similar) | handbag | shoes | sunglasses | necklace | earrings

After exploring we headed back to the pool at our hotel. The view from the boulevard pool at The Cosmopolitan is absolutely stunning! We sipped on berry mojitos and soaked up the sun which was so relaxing. Below is what I wore for the first pool day. My sarong is under $10 and my bikini is under $15.

bikini | sarong | earrings | sunglasses

On Sunday night we ate dinner at TAO, which is one of the best Asian restaurants I’ve ever been to. We ended the night by seeing Magic Mike Live, which is a super fun show if you’re in Vegas with your girl gang. For my nighttime look I went with this metallic jumpsuit that I actually wore to Lady Gaga’s Vegas show back in January. It’s currently on sale for $53 and in stock in all sizes XXS-XL so grab it while you can!

jumpsuit | ring | shoes (similar)

On Monday, one of my friends and I went and grabbed breakfast at Toast Society, an adorable cafe located about 15 minutes off the strip. The toasts were not only pretty, but tasty too. I definitely recommend this place if you’re looking for a lighter meal and love aesthetically pleasing spots.

After breakfast and some shopping, we met back up with the rest of our group at our hotel’s pool. We spent more time tanning, taking photos, and sipping on frose.

swimsuit | hat | sunglasses | earrings

After our pool time, we had a lovely dinner at Mon Ami Gabi, one of my favorite Vegas restaurants. This restaurant is directly across from the Bellagio fountains, and luckily we were seated in a area with a great view. I’ve eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner at this place and it never disappoints! It wouldn’t be Vegas without Cirque du Soliel, so our last night ended with us seeing Michael Jackson One at Mandalay Bay. The show had an interesting plot, but the Michael Jackson music made it enjoyable. For our last night I wore this stunning Alexis dress from Rent The Runway (but I found it on sale for y’all!) and this adorable hair clip that was $10 for a package of two.

dress | hair clips

I had an absolute blast with my friends and this was truly a vacation I will never forget. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Las Vegas!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Packing Tips

Hello loves! Since I am leaving this Saturday for my spring break trip to Las Vegas, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my top packing tips with y’all.

The Gear: Luggage

I received my luggage set as a high school graduation gift, and have gotten so much use out of it over the last 4 years. This set is expensive, but the quality makes it totally worth it. If you’re looking for new luggage, I definitely recommend this line! Even if you’re not going to pick up these pieces but are still in the market for new luggage, I suggest purchasing hard shell luggage because it is less susceptible to damage and will maintain its shape. I also HIGHLY recommend purchasing luggage in a statement color. I love my red luggage because I can easily pick it out at the baggage claim.

The Gear: Packing Cubes

I purchased these before I left to study abroad two summers ago, and now I cannot travel anywhere without them! They keep everything organized and easy to find inside your bag. The zipper on the packing cubes helps to suck out any air, so everything is nice and compressed, which frees up space in your suitcase (which we all need more of, right?!). My favorite way to utilize these is for packing smaller items such as underwear, socks, and swimsuits. Below I’ve linked the exact style that I use, but if you just search for “packing cubes” on Amazon or The Container Store you will find so many more options! For reference, I photographed the small cube below and inside it has 4 swimsuits and a sarong.

Tips: Plan your outfits ahead of time

I find that when I don’t plan every outfit of a trip ahead of time, I end up packing more than I need because I just throw a bunch of pieces into my suitcase and hope I can create a good outfit out of them. Before you leave town, go through your itinerary and plan an outfit for each event on your schedule. Sometimes I will even take photos of the outfits that I plan ahead of time so when I get to my destination I remember how I intended to style each piece in my suitcase.

Tips: How to pack hats

I’m such a hat girl, and I always end up bringing at least one with me when I travel. I’ve found that the best way to pack hats for me is to sit the hat flat in my suitcase then arrange my shoes and toiletries strategically over the brim, then I’ll lay something soft over the top of the hat. I’ve found that this method doesn’t take up a ton of additional room and doesn’t cause the hat’s shape to deform in transit.

Tip: Limit your amount of basics

Save room in your suitcase for your fun statement pieces! Items such as jeans, leggings, and jackets can be worn more than once without being washed. To limit the amount I’m packing I will bring one pair of jeans and 3 different tops to create 3 different looks with just 4 items. Packing versatile pieces and basic will limit the amount your bringing, yet maximize the amount of looks you can create on your vacation.

I hope you found these tips helpful. Let me know what your favorite packing tip is!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Trader Joe's Essentials

Hello loves! By popular demand on Instagram, today I’m sharing a short and sweet post about my favorites items that I always make sure to pick up from Trader Joe’s. My first time at a Trader Joe’s was this summer when I was living in New York City. The thing that surprised me the most about TJ is how affordable the products are! I was under the assumption that the prices would be similar to Whole Foods. Over the last few months I’ve tried a ton of things from TJ, so today I thought it would be fun to share my absolute favorites with y’all!

Pictured Above

Orange Chicken - an easy and delicious dinner!

Plantain Chips - my all-time favorite snack from TJ … I’ll buy 3 bags at a time

Cauliflower Gnocchi - a healthier pasta alternative … cook in oil NOT water

Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers - I eat these with just a bit of mayo and no bun SO GOOD

Cauliflower Crust cheese Pizza - my newest favorite from TJ … taste just like thin crust pizza

Not Pictured Above

Guacamole Made with Greek Yogurt - great when paired with TJ quinoa tortilla chips

Dark Chocolate Powerberries - for when I allow myself to buy a dessert

Everything Bagels - the best at-home bagels I’ve ever tried

Let me know if you want me to incorporate more posts like this into my lifestyle page!

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing

Las Vegas Recap: Lady Gaga Slayed My Existence & More

Hello loves! The past weekend I was in Las Vegas to see Lady Gaga’s residency shows. In case you’re not up to speed with Gaga news, her Las Vegas residency is comprised of two shows: Enigma, a pop show celebrating all of her hit songs that’s she’s released over the last 10 year, and Jazz and Piano engagements in which she covers songs from the Great American Songbook, along with performing jazz renditions of some of her biggest songs. I’m so glad I was fortunate enough to see both performances because both shows were absolutely incredible. Like my other trip recap posts that I’ve written in the past, I’m sharing everything I did and what I wore while I was in Las Vegas. Enjoy!

My dad and I stayed at the Luxor, which if you’ve been to Vegas it’s the one that’s shaped like a pyramid with a sphinx sculpture in front. It’s further down the strip which meant a little more walking and taxis, but since it’s not centrally located it was never packed in the lobby or casino which was a plus. The room was really nice as well!

We flew out of Dallas at 6:30am on Saturday, so with the time change we arrived at our hotel at 8am, so we had a full day to do things before the first Gaga show that night. We ate breakfast at Bouchon in the Venetian, which I definitely recommend. I got the smoked salmon benedict and a pain au chocolat (aka a chocolate croissant), and both were delish. After breakfast we did a bit of shopping and gambling before heading back to the room for a quick nap to fuel up for the night. I had been awake since 1:30am Vegas time to catch my flight so this nap was ESSENTIAL. For a late lunch I grabbed some pasta at Eataly, which is located in the Park MGM. Eataly was one of my favorite place in NYC this summer and I’m so glad they opened a Las Vegas location.  (p.s. my leopard top that I wore on this day is under $25)

On Saturday night for Enigma I had to be at the theater over an hour before the show started because my ticket was for the general admission pit area. I’m SO glad I was in the standing room only area because I was able to be so close to Gaga (aka the QUEEN). The highlight of the show for me was that she sang my all time favorite song of hers: You and I, and I was right against the stage when she did so.

If you’ve never been to a Gaga show before, many people come dressed in elaborate Gaga themed costumes. While this is fun, I decided to keep it simple and go with a metallic jumpsuit with a classic ready lip and sparkly accessories. I drew inspiration from old Hollywood glamour and the makeup that Lady Gaga normally wears on the red carpet. I found the pearl bobby pins for $2.99 at my local Sam Moon (SIDE NOTE: I didn’t know until writing this post that Sam Moon is only a Texas thing??) and the lipstick is my all time favorite red: Russian Red by MAC.

On Sunday morning we started off the day with breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi inside the Paris resort. Both my dad and I had both been to this restaurant for lunch and dinner, but we had never eaten the breakfast before … and it didn’t disappoint! I highly recommend adding a side of bacon to your dish if you love thick cut bacon that has a great flavor. The mimosa with grapefruit juice was fantastic as well. After breakfast we walked over to the Fashion Show mall so I could go to a couple of stores. I definitely recommend checking out the Forever 21 here. It’s two floors, extremely organized, and I always find high quality pieces that I can’t find at my Forever 21 in Texas. I also stopped in the Topshop store, because we don’t have an actual Topshop brick and mortar where I live. I also found two great pieces here, so the trip to the Fashion Show Mall was a success!

Sunday night we ate dinner at Catch, which is located inside the Aria. I have seen so many people post about this restaurant in LA and NYC that I knew I had to check out the Vegas location while I was there. The crispy shrimp and crispy brussel sprouts were both fantastic and I would order them again. If you like Aperol and grapefruit, I also recommend sipping on the grapefruit spritz. Just be warned, our waiter told us that the dishes are made for sharing and each person should order 2-4 dishes, but my dad and I ordered 4 dishes total and a dessert (Hit Me cake pictured below) and we were plenty full after.

Sunday was the opening night of Gaga’s jazz and piano shows, which was super exciting because no one knew what to expect. With Enigma I had avoided looking at the setlist beforehand, but saw photos of the set and costumes online, so it was awesome to go into the jazz and piano show completely blind. This performance was unlike any Lady Gaga show I had ever been to and I HIGHLY recommend getting a ticket if you’re going to be in Vegas within the next year (I would go a second time). My favorite parts of the show were her jazz rendition of Paparazzi, and her grand finale which was the iconic Frank Sinatra song: New York, New York. The actual dress I wore is sold out but I was able to find a similar one for under $50.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my weekend in Vegas! This weekend really just reminded me of how ICONIC Lady Gaga is, and I’m so grateful that my dad was able to make this all happen. Let me know what post you want to see next.

Slap on some lipstick and smile

Channing