Favorites// Add it To My List

To Download: Seashells (app)
This is a free money-saving app that links to your credit/debit cards and rounds any purchases made on those cards to the nearest whole dollar. It virtually saves your spare change, and then adds a 15% bonus on top of those savings. Redeem your savings at any of their 100+ partner retailers (they give you an e-gift card), or donate your balance to charity through Charity Choice. Easy peasy. 

To Buy: Keep Collective engravable bar
I originally saw this on Christina's IG, but I love it so I'm sharing it here. (And truth be told, I haven't bought it yet since I'm on a bit of a spending freeze for February, but I'll be purchasing tomorrow!) $44 + s/h, and Tiffany donates a percentage to ACLU. How cool is that?! She's also super sweet and helpful. For more info and/or to place your order, contact Tiffany here. 

To Watch: Travelers (Netflix)

It's a sci-fi TV show currently in it's 2nd season about these people from the future who enter people in this time period's bodies right before they die to try and stop worldwide disasters before they happen. There are hundreds of them, and they work in groups on missions. Each group has a leader, a doctor, an engineer, a tactician, and a historian. The most interesting part is that the future people have to resume the peoples' bodies lives that they inhabit. They have to not let wives/husbands realize it's not a different person, take on the same jobs, etc. One guy got into a junkie's body and has to keep up a heroin addiction. It's cray. 

To Eat: Ben & Jerry's Urban Bourbon

It had bourbon caramel swirls, but it's not overwhelming. Kinda like a smoky tatste.... but in ice cream. Deeeeelicious. Oh, I also saw Hostess' Sno Ball and Twinkie flavored ice cream if that's more your jam. 

What should I add to my list?

Three On Thursday: Things Going On In My Life

Quirky Pickings and Lauren started this Tuesday Topics link up in the beginning of January, and I figured since I've been pretty quiet around these parts, I'd fill you in on "Three Things Going On In My Life." 

Work. 
Let's start with the not so fun stuff, eh? For the past 3 months, I've been covering for the telecommunications person at my company as she went out on short term disability (hip surgery). However, she's due back in March. I thought I'd just go back to my old position when she came back, except I was covering for two empty roles in that position, and both of those roles have now been filled. So I have no idea what I'll be doing or if I'll even still have a job in....oh, about 2 weeks. And I have no idea what to do about it, other than update my resume. 

Taxes.
I'm getting my taxes done tonight, and I'm really excited. Is that a weird thing to be excited about? No matter, I'm excited because I know I'm getting a return. Also, as I was gathering my necessary paperwork for the meeting, I realized that I'm able to pay off two student loans in full. Like, right now! BUT I'm going to wait (because ya know, I may be unemployed soon) and pay them off with my return (which I usually put towards a vacation, because priorities). 

Worlds Colliding.
This may just be me, but I always get slightly anxious when my worlds collide. For instance if I'm at happy hour with work friends, and my outside-work-friends join. Does that make sense? I'm worried if they'll like each other and get along. Obviously I want them to, but that doesn't always happen. Anyway, this will likely be happening again soon, and I'm trying not to worry about it. 

What are some things going on in your life right now? 

A Questionnaire and Sh!t Blue Said

I've been all out of sorts lately. So much that I forgot it was Show Us Your Books day even though it's written in my planner *face palm* So instead, in honor of Valentine's Day, I'm sharing some answers about Blue and I followed by a few gems that I remembered to write down recently. Hopefully I'll get my shit together and have a book post later this week. Maybe. 

*The couple that masks together stay together...
that's how it goes, right?*

Who's older? She is

Who was interested first? Probably me but she knew it first. 

More sarcastic? Her, but not by much

Hogs the remote? She does but only because it's her TV and I can't figure out how to use 4 different remotes!

Better driver? Her

Spends the most? She gets a lot of nerd boxes and must have the latest gadgets, so probably her

Smarter? She is... those extra years get her more life experience :)

Did you go to the same school? High school, yes, just at different times.

Who is the most sensitive? Depends on the topic.

Where do you eat out most as a couple? Taco Bell! Just kidding (kind of)... probably Casa Guiseppe's, our fave BYOB Italian restaurant. 

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Key West.

Who does the cooking? She does.

Who is more social? Me.

Who steals the covers? She does! 

Where was your first date? I didn't know it was a date but I guess a local bar. The one where I DID know it was a date was Tero's, a Portuguese restaurant. 

Who's better with the computers? She is.

Who picks where you go to dinner? Goes both ways, but she's usually more decisive.

Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both wear pants! Haha

Who eats more sweets? She does, I don't really like sweets.

______________________________________

Blue: I want an owl.
Me: Like, as a pet?
Blue: No I dunno. Just, around here.
Me: Well you already have neighborhood cats, dogs, birds, and wolves.
Blue: It's a coyote. They're like, the ghetto version of a wolf. And yeah, but there should be a neighborhood owl. They're just so cool.

Regarding breakfast sandwiches...
Blue: It's good hot, it's more egg-y.
Me: I didn't get mine hot. We got them to go.
Blue: You could get it hot, you just gotta talk dirty to it.

Regarding this pen...

Blue: He looks dead.
Me: Well yeah, it's Jesus
Blue: That's not Jesus, it's Obi-Wan Kenobi from the earlier Star Wars.
Me: It looks like Jesus.
Blue: Jesus doesn't have a light saber...
Me: MY Jesus has a light saber.


Watching Jim Gaffigan: " I don't know my wife's phone number..."
Blue: I don't know your phone number *tries a few times*
Me: I don't know yours either.
Blue: It doesn't matter, you wouldn't answer anyway since you don't answer unknown numbers. I could be in prison or dying in a hospital and I'd just tell wait until 8am and call the number that texts me calling me a sugar plum.


In the case of an emergency...
Blue: I could be like "Dani get up, our house is on fire" and you'd be like "Iz you suuuuure?"
Me: Yes.
Blue: And then you'd wait a while and start asking questions. "Do you smell smoke? Is it spreading? Wake me when you smell smoke or it's spreading...."At which point I'd just hog-tie you, throw you over my shoulder, grab the cat and go to warm up the car.

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Do you celebrate or consider it a "Hallmark holiday"? 

Small Goals: February

First, a quick update on January goals:  I was fairly good about powering down by 10pm, but didn't get a whole lot of reading done. And while I remembered to "do it now" at work, my personal email box is overflowing. Sigh. A work in progress I suppose. Basically the only thing that I really did was track spending and reassess the budget.

Spending:

Amazon: $47.97

Brunch with friends: $12

Lunch with coworkers @ Ruth Chris Steakhouse (Restaurant Week pre-fix): $25
Other lunch out with coworkers: $20

Groceries #1: $60.56

Groceries #2: $41.38

Date Night dinner @ Restaurant Week (pre-fix): $129.67

Train/O.A.R/Natasha Bedingfield concert tickets (4): $278

Big Brew Festival tickets (2- via Groupon): $94

Uber: $13.56

wine (5): ~$50

Dinner/drinks with friend: $35

TJ Maxx (all paid with gift cards, so doesn't count): $33

Girl Scout Cookies (4): $17
Superbowl Boxes: $30
Whiskey tasting event (2): $20
Michael's: $15 (planner & small package of stickers)
Anniversary & Valentines Day gifts: undisclosed because she reads this. 

Notes: Lots of dining out, but I really like going out to eat and Restaurant Week only happens twice a year, so not too mad about it. There were a lot of other expenses this month that only happen once a year if that (Girl Scout cookies, Superbowl boxes, concert tickets). Amazon was all stuff that could have been avoided but that I wanted: that CND nail polish that Steph recommended, earbuds because mine break ~every 3-4 months, 2 Christmas presents (on clearance), and a microwavable soup mug for work. 

February Small Goals

• continue working on "Do It Now." 

• Read 2 books. I'm halfway done with one, and if I don't really get on this, there's no way I'll finish the reading challenge.

• recreate/re-establish evening schedule. I used to have one, but with winter and my desire to hibernate, I've completely just go home and eat and lay under a bunch of blankets. I need to get back into a routine. 

• Get taxes done (scheduled for 2/23). I was so happy when I received a reminder text that I had an appointment. 2016 Dani was obviously planning ahead! 

• 21 Bags in 21 Days. Steph and Steph both recently did 30 Bags in 30 Days (in which you get rid of 30 bags of "stuff" in 30 days) but that seemed like a lot. And I didn't start on the 1st, I'm starting today. Wish me luck!

• No Spend February. (Started 2/4 because I wanted concert tickets that went on sale Friday. Moving along...) My rules are no "excess" purchases (Amazon and TJ Maxx, to name a few), and certainly not buying clothes/shoes/accessories. I've already purchased Valentine's Day gifts. But I'm taking a page from Michael's blog and giving myself some other allowances for this. 
• Allowances:
• 2 happy hours (one already scheduled)
• 3 dinners out
• 3 lunches out/purchased

What are some of your goals this month? 

Linking up with Writes Like a Girl. 

Currently: February

Reading: Two Across- Jeff Bartsch For Erin's Book Challenge 6.0 

Watching: all my old faves that are back from mid-season break- Top Chef All Stars, Nashville, Blind Spot, This Is Us, Grey's Anatomy. Also, I went to see Hidden Figures and it totally deserves all the awards and nominations. SO GOOD. I still kind of want to see La La Land, and definitely Lion. On Netflix, Jim Gaffigan's "Cinco" (really funny), Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Living? (ugh, don't waste your time). In the queue: Santa Clarita Diet (starring Drew Barrymore, available 2/3) and Chewing Gum (per Bre's rec). 

Listening to: John Mayer Moving On and Getting Over. On repeat. 

Burning: a $2 candle from TJ Maxx that smells like cigars (below).

Planning: a fun night out with a friend who's visiting from out of town on Friday. Hoping to head out to NYC Restaurant Week! 

Packing: lunches! Finally getting back in the habit of bringing my lunches from home. 

Jonesing: for some green tea ice cream and a vacation. 

Texting: Blue randomness throughout the day.

Wearing: my winter uniform of sweaters and jeans (or sweaters and work pants M-Th). And 

Hearting: my new combat boots which I am (quite unexpectedly) in love with. My mom picked them up randomly thinking I wouldn't like them, but they are so light and comfortable and now I wear them with everything! And this print. It was on clearance for $1, how could I not?! 

What's currently new with you?

Linking up with Anne, Erin, Kristin, Kristen and Gretch.

Favorite Make-Up Products

For the last year or so, I have been on a quest to find my "holy grail" in make-up and skincare products. While I'm still working on creating and retaining a proper skincare routine, I have found some of my favorite make-up stuffs and I'm excited to share it on Lauren and Bre's new link-up! Add it To My List will be a monthly installment of recommendations on anything you want- button below to see others' recommendations! Now on to the cosmetics!

[sorry for crappy photo]

Old Faves

Urban Decay Naked (original)- every color I could possibly need and lasts forever. 

Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion- obviously the best, tried and true. A little bit packs a punch.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil- I received a set as a Christmas present and never looked back. It's a little hard to remove, which is just a testament for how well it stays on for the long haul. 

Maybelline Define-A-Lash- It would be hard to convince me that any brand is better than Maybelline for mascara. This one is my fave because it doesn't clump and makes my lashes look super long. I strive for length more than volume. 

MAC blush in Flirt and Tease [discontinued]- I stocked up on this on Ebay when I found out it got discontinued, as it is one of the few shades that looks good on me without being overwhelming. 

Smashbox Lash DNA [discontinued]- volume and length for dayssss, but it did get a bit clumpy. It was fine if I used one of those eyelash separator things. 

New Additions

Burt's Bees lipstick in Scarlet Soaked: I love the color and creamy texture. It's also quite moisturizing, but tends to bleed. Works well with...

NYX Wonder Pencil: I forgot where I heard about this one, but it's supposed to conceal blemishes, stop lipstick from bleeding and fading, and brighten eyes if used as an eyeliner on the waterline. I've never used it as a concealer, but it's great used as a neutral lip and eye liner. It stays put throughout the day without drying out your lips which was a huge deal for me because I love creamier lipsticks. 

Covergirl Queen Collection Stay Luscious lipstick in Passion: I received this in an Influenster box and was skeptical that the bright color was too bright. I don't wear a lot of lipstick and when I do, I tend to stick to more subdued shades but this pink-red would work well on just about any skin tone. It's not sticky and stays on well through multiple cups of coffee or wine, you pick. 

NYX Studio Effect Photo-Loving Primer: I've never used a primer before, so I wanted to start with a clear one that was inexpensive but also had solid reviews. (Also, Jill recommended it on Steph's blog, so I knew it had to be good.) 

Rimmel soft kohl eyeliner: Goes on smoothly, and stays there. What more do you really need from an eyeliner? I always keep this in my bag for on the go touch ups. 

Smith's Rosebud Salve: I don't know what took me so long to try this stuff, especially since I love the smell of roses, but I love it. It actually acts more like a lip treatment for me especially in winter when my lips tend to crack and chap fairly often. And a small tin lasts for a really, really long time.

Sephora Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer: I love the gel-to-powder formula and the sponge-tip applicator because it makes it easier to apply without going overboard.  It's lightweight, blends well, and covers and brightens dark under eye circles. And they have a large selection of shades to match any skin tone.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (not pictured): I hardly ever wear foundation because I don't like the idea of covering my entire face with something and I feel like I'm wearing a mask. Also I feel like it gets on everything, and since I don't wear it often, I'm always touching my face when it's on. But if I do wear it, I like the shades and feel of this one. It also blends easily.

Favorite Dupes:
E.L.F. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer- Picked this up because I didn't want to pay for the UD one. It doesn't work as well, but a solid back up for $2. 

E.L.F. Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Peach Please- I forgot my coveted Naked palette when I headed to VA for a wedding. For reference, the colors are comparable to Virgin, Toasted, and Dark Horse from the Naked palette. (Website says online only, but it's available in just about any drugstore.)

What are some of your tried and true make up favorites? 

Three on Thursday

Stealing a page from Steph's blog, here are three things I'm loving/recommendations I'm making this week: 

1. Team Adidas Originals Men's Adi Racer Low Goodyear Sz 6 Driving Black Shoes (Rare). Yes, you read that correctly; technically, they're men's sneakers. But they are awesome. I bought these bad boys on Ebay *as new* for $40 after my old faves crapped out on me and they no longer make them. (Similar here.) I may get these for summer, but since they're on Amazon there's no rush.

 

2.  Town House Flatbread Crisps in Tomato, Basil, and Mozzerella. Purchased these on a whim, could not stop eating them. Typically I'm not a snacker, so that's definitely saying something. Also, I just figured out that I'm more into savory than sweets. 

3. Create 365's Happy Planner Mini. Several years ago, I had a planner that I loved and bought it every year for about 5 years, at which point they unceremoniously discontinued them. I loved them because they came in every color imaginable, had a faux leather cover, and included a subway map which was super helpful since I was working in NYC at the time and am directionally challenged. (Edit: Ok, apparently they started selling them again, but now they're goatskin and come in only 2 colors. Lame.) Then I went the full-blogger route and purchased the Paper Plum Design Planners for two years. Though I liked it the sturdy cover, personalization, pockets, and allthespace, I found it was too big and heavy to carry around on my commute, so I often just left it at work. Not so helpful. I think I first heard of these on Donna's blog, and upon seeing it in person, purchased it immediately. I love it. It's small enough to carry with me everywhere and has enough space to jot down everything I need (including meal plans/food diary, post ideas and some financial stuff). I chose the horizontal layout but they have vertical one as well if that's more your style. The best part? You can add to it as needed! Want to add a finance or fitness tracker? They have inserts for them, and online tutorials for how to make your own! Also, right now they're only $10 (and there's a 40% off coupon on the Michael's website.) Double win! 

What are some things you're loving lately? 
Linking up with Kristin!