Add It To My List: June

I'm a bit late, but better late than never, right? I'm off from work this week and still trying to find a "schedule" that works for me. As I work on that, here are a few things that I've been buying or trying and loving lately and I think you should too! (Also, I'm having some major formatting issues over here, so if things look wonky, I apologize. Not really sure what's going on.)

Caffeine Molecule Necklace (and others)

Sweetest Roses Jewelry $10

This was originally shared by Christina, but I like it so much that I'm sharing it as well! I like Caffeine, but there's also Seratonin, Dopamine, and atoms, and they're only $10 each! I'll probably be getting a few as gifts as well!

T-Fal 5 Qt. Nonstick, Dishwasher Safe Jumbo Cooker Saute Pan with Glass Lid

You know you're getting older when you strat getting overly excited about cookware, but you guys, this thing is awesome. I mentioned once before that I got the Budget Bytes cookbook, and I love that she offers a lot of one-pot/pan recipes, except I didn't have an adequate one-pan to use. They were either too big or too small so instead of buying a new pan, I let the cookbook gather dust until Alyssa mentioned a new one that she described as "life-changing," Enter this pan, which is a little heavy but durable, non-stick, and actually cooks everything evenly. And for less than $20! I think I may just find my way back into my kitchen after all!

Amazon Deal of the Day- $18

Cremo Moustrizing Shaving Cream

This was originally shared by Stephanie. I jumped right on it because I've been getting pretty bad razor burn lately. This is suppose to help with that, along with actually making hair less prickly when it's growing back in. And it's cruelty-free. As per usual, she was right! This stuff is amazing, and smells delicious. My legs feel softer in general post-shower, and there's no more razor burn!

Amazon $8

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater

I've been trying to master a skincare routine lately, and finally caved and purchased a 4 oz. bottle of this much raved about spray. And now I get the hype. It's super refreshing, doesn't mess up my makeup, and helps with my combo/dry skin. I will be purchasing the full size for sure!

Amazon Add-On Item $7

Poshmark- This isn't really news, but I've been using Poshmark a lot more since my closet cleanout last month. I've been able to sell or trade quite a few things, and am adding to my online closet almost daily, so be sure to check it out! Link in sidebar!

Victoria Secret Good Vibes sling
This was one of my recent purchases from Poshmark. I think it was only $5 and it came new with tags. It fits 6 cans and/or whatever you want to put in it (I used mine to also bring sub sandwiches to a boating event last weekend), it's insulated, waterproof, lightweight and easy to transport. Perfect for just about any outing!

Linen Bermuda shorts

I originally purchased a few pairs of linen Bermuda shorts when I was traveling to India because regualr shorts were too short. I love them, and have been living in them this season. I'm not a fan of short shorts (because, shaving...ugh), so these are a great length and I love the lightweight material.

Banana Republic Factory- $24

The Handmaid's Tale- Hulu

I think I've mentioned this one before, but that was anticipatory because I wanted to finish the book first. I just started watching this last week, and OH MY. I'm only on episode 3, and while it has strayed from the book in some ways (explaining and developing new storylines that weren't part of the original), I'm loving it. I do have a question though, so if you are watching it let me know so we can discuss!

Essex Basic Storage Bench

I love this thing. I actually bought it in March I think? but I hadn't found a good use for it until recently. I use it to store all my bulky sweaters/winter stuff (instead of storing them in luggage, as I was doing before). It's perfect and I love having an extra spot to sit as well.

Target- $72

Micro-Fiber Chenille Dusting Slippers

I may have mentioned that I'm pretty lazy about cleaning, so I ordered these immediately when I saw a friend using them. I have hardwood floors, and I kind of hate sweeping. I just feel like it just raises all the dust up, so I Swiffer more than anything, but these guys let me clean as I'm just walking around like normal. They're micro-fiber so they trap dust and dirt, and they're washable. (Though at only $7 a pair, I wouldn't mind just buying more.)

Amazon- $7

What else should I be adding to my list? 

Share it with Bre and Lauren!

Spring Goals Recap// Summer Bucket List

I'm so excited that summer is finally here! Summer is by far my favorite season- longer, sunny warm days, al fresco dining, BBQs, beach days, and an overall sense of freedom! Before I get into what I want to do this summer, let's review my Spring Goals.

Spring Goals

Visit the Bronx  or Central Park Zoo- Fail.

Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge- Check!

Visit the Botanical Gardens- Fail.

Visit the High-line- Fail. 

Go to a concert- Check! John Mayer and Train

Check out a new city- Check! 

Go on vacation- Fail. 

Get my spring shearing/haircut- Check!

Spring clean my apartment- Check!

Fix screen on patio door- Fail. Moving to summer list. 

Oof. Only 5/10. 
There was only one I had actually planned but didn't happen, which was visiting the High-Line with my mom. We were going to go as part of her Mother's Day but on that day she didn't feel like going, so we went to the South Street Seaport instead. The others I just didn't get to because it was raining or snowing all damn season. 

However, I did a lot of other stuff that wasn't on this list. I went to a NY Rangers (hockey) game, 2 food truck/brew festivals, checked out several new-to-me restaurants, won some $$ in a spontaneous trip to a casino, and went to a live showing of Young Frankenstein. So overall, it was a successful season! Moving on... 

Summer Bucket List

Go Camping/river tubing

Go to the beach at least 3 times

Attend at least 2 concerts (tickets purchased!)

Participate in Erin's 7.0 Book Challenge (7/1-10/31)

Visit the Meadowlands State Fair

Check out Brew at the Zoo

Attend a Phillies game
Go sailing
Complete at least 5 goals from my 101 list 

Attend at least one food festival

Watch fireworks
Complete the 30-Day De-Clutter Challenge

Linking up with Penny  and...

Did I miss anything? What's on your summer bucket list? 

Show Us Your Books: May

It's SUYB day, and though I didn't read many, I had a lot of feelings about the ones I got through! Let's jump right in shall we?

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry- Gabrielle Zevin: 5 Stars
Read if you like reading, books, romance and second chances
free Amazon Prime Reading

I picked this up because so many of you (SYUB folks) read and recommended it, so I'm not going into details about it. I very rarely give 5 stars, but this book completely deserves it. I loved everything about it- the books, the bookstore, the romance, the descriptions and writing style, and especially the characters. I  related to something in almost all of them and some of them very much surprised me.

Flat-Out Love (Flat-Out Love #1)- Jessica Park: 4 Stars
Read if you like YA, romance
free Amazon Prime Reading

I admit I picked this up because of the cover, and I'm glad I did. A cute, quick, albeit rather predictable love story. I loved all the characters, including Finn, but especially Celeste and all of her little quirks. I also really enjoyed the writing style and inclusion of IMs, emails, and FB status updates. I didn't realize this was a series until later, but I'm compelled to read the others. 

The Handmaid's Tale- Margaret Atwood: 2 Stars
Read if you like classics, science fiction/dystopia, feminism, books to TV series
free Amazon Prime Reading

I motored through this novel and had SO MANY FEELINGS! I wanted to discuss with everyone who has ever read this. So why only 2 stars, you may ask? Because that ENDING. UGH. I was disappointed in the ambiguity of the ending. There were too many questions left unanswered. I am waiting until the TV series is over so I can binge watch it. 

And that's it! Somewhat related, Erin's Book Challenge 7.0 starts July 1st. Last time I got thorough a little over half of it, but I'm going to try again. Come back Thursday to see what books I'm picking!

What have you been reading lately? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana! 

Summer Staples

Today I'm joining in Girl Chat to talk about my summer beach bag staples! It's been pretty cool and crappy here lately (as of yesterday I was still wearing my North Face!), but summer is my favorite season and I'm trying to get in the spirit, especially with it officially starting in just 2 weeks!  Here are my top 10 for a successful beach day!

Beach Bag Essentials by lildesiqua featuring a picnic cooler

1. Sunglasses- I buy cheap ones because I'm forever losing or breaking them.

2. Sunscreen- I'm really bad at putting on sunscreen because I very rarely burn (once, maybe?). I try to put on at least 15, especially when I know I'm going to be out in the sun all day. I also make sure my makeup has SPF in it, but I hardly wear makeup in the summer!

3. Towel/blanket/chair- Honestly I like sitting more than laying out, but I also bring a towel in case I actually go in the water. This chair is perfect because it's low to the ground (also good for concerts), and has a strap so it's easy to carry.

4. Deodorant- I sweat like a man. I know it and hate it, but at least I've learned how to control it.

5. Book/Kindle- Though I won't do it when I'm with a group of people and socializing, I do love reading on the beach and in summer in general.

6. Portable music player- I love this one from SunnyLife. You connect it to your phone/iPod inside to protect it from the heat/sand/water. Smart!

7. Hair ties/hat- You know those commercials or pictures where the woman is standing on the shore, wind blowing freely through her long hair? That's not real life, at least not for me. My hair likes to get all up in my face with any passing breeze. I carry extra hair ties or those claw clips for this reason. Hats come in handy too, but I don't really look good in them.

8. Water- I like freezing a reusable bottle to take with me, that way it stays cool longer. I may have to invest in one of those Yeti stainless steel jug things everyone is talking about though.

9. Snacks- To keep from getting hangry, and for sharing. Because sharing is caring.

10. Bottle opener- Because it's always good to be prepared, especially if you're bringing along a cooler bag :)

What are some of your summer staples? 

Currently: June

Reading: I took a break to read a few other books, but back on track with This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper.

Listening to: new Hanson- I was Born. Loving their new grown up sound! Also, Malibu- Miley Cyrus. Love the vibe and her voice. 

Planning: days off. I just realized last week that I have 7 days to use up this month before I lose them on June 30th. My boss's last day is this Friday though, so I'm trying to put in my time off before then, which is proving to be difficult since others in my department have days off scheduled/conferences/etc. 


Wishing: to add a few key items to add to my wardrobe. I need new jeans, flats, and a khaki mid-length trench coat. 

Watching: a lot of Netflix. Finished Master of None S2 (meh. It was okay), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (started out strong, but lost me after Titus' single), and anticipating OITNB coming back on Friday! Blue also just signed up for the Netflix DVD plan so we could watch more of the new releases. So far we've watched Sing!, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Split. We've been hitting the theater too...Wonder Woman was AWESOME! As was Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (love the music in that one!). Not gonna lie, I have a tiny obsession with Baby Groot. He's so cute!

Hoping: that the sun will come out and I can stop wearing my North Face in June! 

Learning: I just signed up for an Intro to Voice-Overs seminar later this month and I'm excited to check it out! I've been asked to do voice-overs for a lot of training videos and tutorials at work so I'm hoping to learn some new tricks. 

Browsing: Poshmark. (You can peek my closet here!) I recently did a complete overhaul on my closet and instead of donating everything I'm trying to sell some pieces, but people are being mad stingy on there. They are offering me half of my asking price or to trade. I don't want to trade- I'm trying to get rid of clothes, not add random crap! Do you guys have any tips for online selling? 

Going: I wish I could say I was going on vacation, but that's just not in the cards until maybe December. Sigh. I'm going to see Train with Natasha Bedingfield and O.A.R. on Friday and U2 later this month though! 


What's currently going on with you? 

Linking up with Anne and Erin. 

What's New With Me: May

I really can't fully comprehend that it's June right now, but here we are. And I'm linking up with Kristen and Gretch with my monthly recap, mostly in pictures. Not pictured: my boss just put in two weeks notice, I'm redoing my resume and I'm really f*ckin worried about the state of my job. Also, Blue is leaving her job of 19 years and starting in a completely different field which I'm super excited about. We may get to commute together which makes me a little giddy. Now... back to what all happened in May!

Food truck and craft beer festival in Kearny, NJ.
One of Blue's friends was a vendor and I got some super pretty earrings from her :) 

Bought a desk (finally)! Mentioned it here. #goals

Hit another goal by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge with Alyssa, David, and Blue.
I was sad I forgot a lock, but there was a $300 fine so probably best that I didn't have one.

Saw Young Frankenstein followed by a talk with Mel Brooks!

"Firework" Oreos, huevos ranchero, shrimps, and Eggslut.
(Yes, that's really what it's called and it was delicious!)

Mother's Day celebration included cutting 8" of hair...

...and doing a mini photo shoot with my new 'do because my mom loves taking pictures.
We also went out for lunch and watched Snatched.

Last Saturday was spent at Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
They also had a poutine food truck on premises which was pretty dang tasty.
We followed that up with a trip to The Sands Bethlehem where I won $200 on an Ellen penny slot machine. 

Sunday we did a North Jersey hot dog tour. I'd never been to any of these places, but the famous Rutt's Hut (since 1928- Home of the "Ripper")  was by far my favorite. It's a no frills spot that won't give you chili cheese dogs or even "all the way" so I tried what the cashier recommended- cup of chili and sweet relish. It was bomb. 

I kinda dropped out of the blog world for the second half of May, but hoping to get back in to the swing of things. So tell me friends- what did I miss? What's new with you?