Best of Beauty: 2017

We're already about a month into the new year, and I've been thinking a lot about all the new products I tested and tried in 2017. While I have some long-time favorites that I continue to re-purchase again and again, I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing when it comes to beauty products. Since I'm picky about what I choose to splurge on (especially without knowing if I'll even like it!), I typically trial new products by purchasing travel sizes, cashing in my Sephora points for a sample size, or even just buying a knock-off drugstore version for a cheaper price. And again, since I'm picky, it takes a lot to WOW me. So most of the time, I'm not super impressed by the hottest new beauty product (I'm thinking I should do a post about what popular items I wouldn't purchase again?), but every now and then I do find some winners! Today I'm sharing five of the best beauty products I tried in 2017, that I definitely plan to purchase again and again.

A Look Back at 2017

Happy new year, friends! 2017 was an amazing year for me, filled with tons of new experiences and exciting adventures, and I'm forever grateful. Before jumping into 2018 with my long list of goals and resolutions, I felt the need to pause and look back on all the wonderful things the past year had to offer and share my favorite moments of 2017. I also wanted to take a minute to thank you all for your love and support. I started this blog on a whim, as something to do in my spare time. I never really planned on sharing it with anyone and even when I did, I certainly never thought anyone would read it. So, thank you. Thank you for reading, following, and supporting this blog, and in turn supporting me. You guys are awesome and I wish you nothing but the best in 2018!

My Favorite Fall Treat: Pumpkin Roll

I'm so excited to share this recipe with you guys because it's been one of my favorite holiday desserts for years. My Nanny has made pumpkin roll every Thanksgiving and Christmas for as long as I can remember, and every year I can't get enough! It's SO good! Plus, now that I've started making it myself, I can happily tell you that this recipe is super easy. Trust me on this: if I can make it, you can too. Pumpkin roll is the perfect treat for fall and will definitely be a huge hit at any party or get-together. Just don't forget to make an extra roll to keep all to yourself!

Date Night with Tacos & Tequila

Thank goodness it's Friday!! I'm currently running off of very little sleep and quite a lot of coffee thanks to the craziness of this week, and I still have to make it through a laryngectomy conference today before I can finally relax and enjoy the weekend. I'm so close! Anyway, in my tiny moment of spare time I thought I'd share a quick post with you guys about what I wore last Saturday for date night. James & I went to The Flying Iguana in Neptune Beach and enjoyed the BEST tacos and drinks. We love it there! As far as my outfit, if you haven't already noticed I'm definitely a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, but I thought I'd dress it up slightly with heels and a neckline detail. 

Looks I Love: Fall Fashion Trends

Although it might not feel like it in Florida, fall is officially here! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will begin to change soon, so I can enjoy hot pumpkin spice lattes and attending football games without burning to a crisp. But, in the meantime I wanted to share some of my favorite fall trends with you guys. I might not be able to wear some of them yet, but hopefully you can!

My Favorite Instagram Accounts

Surprise surprise, I haven't been too active with my posts lately. Whoops! Am I the worst blogger ever? Possibly. But oh well. I'm in the middle of summer finals right now so things are a bit crazy, but after Thursday I'll be enjoying 3 wonderful weeks off. HOORAY! In the meantime, I thought I would share some of my favorite bloggers & Instagram accounts with you guys. These bloggers are all so lovely and their posts are always the prettiest AND most inspiring. They make my eyes and heart happy when scrolling through my Instagram. Check them out!

A Weekend in Asheville, NC

This weekend we celebrated our one year anniversary in Asheville, NC. While our trip may have been short, we had the best time eating, drinking, and exploring our way through this colorful, hip city. With art on every corner, murals on every wall, and gorgeous mountain views everywhere you turn, Asheville definitely takes sight-seeing to a whole new level. We could have easily spent our entire weekend just snapping pictures of street art and visiting all the studios in the River Arts District. Asheville is also known for it's awesome culinary scene, which some call Foodtopia. The city is full of local dive bars, killer food trucks, and several award winning restaurants. And of course, let's not forget the beer! Named Beer City in 2009, Asheville has more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the United States. Beer, art, and mountain views? It's like this city was made for us.