The Crohnically Blonde Podcast- The Skinny on Our Botox Experience (+ How It Improved My TMJ)3/12/2018
Our new podcast is live here on iTunes and we are super pumped about it. This is a fun and lighter episode than we have be doing recently. Diane is preparing for a trip, we talk about some things that we are loving, and we talk about our experiences with botox (+fillers).
We mentioned a few weeks ago that we were going to experiment with some injectables and report back. By now we've had time to let them sink in and share the details on our experiences. Not only do we talk about how to use botox in a preventative way we also talk about how it can fix medical issues. I've had horrible TMJ for as long as I can remember so I went for it and got some needles to the masseter muscle in hopes it would bring me some relief. We are sharing ALL of the details so give it a listen. Obviously we are not medical professionals so before your choose to do anything please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. If you live in Maryland and need referrals or want to know where we went specifically/who we saw drop us a message and we will give you the scoop. ​xx
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My hair and I spent many years fighting with each other.
My natural locks are a mousey dirty blonde/light brown and was super thin and scraggly for the longest time. And by that I mean up until like last year. I cycled through extensions and treatment products for almost a decade before I realized my body's effed up way of absorbing my nutrients (thanks anorexia + Crohn's!) was what was causing my hair to just literally not grow the way I wanted it to. This is a whole other post in and of itself but once my Crohn's got way more under control miraculously my hair started thriving for the first time I could ever remember. Over the past 6 months or so I have been experimenting with styling products and tools to style my newly healthier hair and have been getting used to a life of styling my natural hair not just with extensions! I have done a couple other posts about my haircare favorites before and don't get me wrong, all of those products are great and a lot of them are still in rotation in my routine. Here is the thing though, trying new beauty products is pretty much my hobby so I am always finding new sh*t that I am obsessed with.... hence the title of these posts. I'm going to give ya'll a short rundown on why I love each of the products and you can click the link to purchase them via Amazon. Yup, extra bonus here, all of these products you can easily get 'primed' to your home so you literally do not have to leave your sofa. If you're into the products I usually share (these included) make sure to check out my Amazon Influencer Shop where you can see all of my favorite things in a variety of different categories. There are a ton of haircare, skincare, and makeup products I love along with other things like books, office supplies, an even selfie lights. Okay now let's do this thing....
I am a hairspray brat. I remember when I was little my mom used to spray hairspray while I was talking to her and it would get in my face/mouth and I would LOSE my shit. I've always been weird about how it smells, how sticky it is, and how impossible it makes restyling your hair without washing it. The thing is, when you have hair on the thinner side you need a decent amount of spray to keep any curls in tact but the formula cant be too heavy that it makes weighs your hair down.
I recently had the chance to try this product for free thanks to Influenster and I was a huge fan. This blog post is not sponsored by them so just putting that out there. I actually like this stuff. The hold is great like to the point where I had my hair curled during the outrageous Northeast windstorm and it kept my curls in tact. The formula isn't super sticky and it actually gives your hair a pretty but non greasy shine. This stuff is perfect for the girl who hates washing her hair because it holds well but you can easily brush your hair and restyle without dealing with yucky buildup or a crunchy feel. ​
There isn't much to say about this stuff besides it is a lifesaver. To be honest, I don't even know all 25 things this stuff does but I can gladly tell you what I use it for. I put it in after I wash my hair as a leave in conditioner. It helps to detangle and moisturize my hair as well as helping to manage frizziness and as a heat protectant.
It is super easy to use and a little goes a long way. It is totally not heavy at all and doesn't leave any kind of residue. ​
Drybar products are my JAM. Literally I have never used something from them that I haven't fallen in love with. A little goes a long way with this sea salt spray. I love putting it in wet hair if I don't have time to dry it because it will leave my usual stick straight hair with a bit of texture. I love spraying this in with a tiny bit of hairspray after doing some tousled curls. It gives your hair a sexy, undone looks and looks like you aren't trying too hard. Usually to look like you aren't trying you have to put a lot of effort in but seriously, not with this stuff. It is also great to throw in your beach bag on vacations. Also, I'm a huge fan of this for second (and even third) day hair to amp it up a bit. The delicious smell doesn't hurt either.
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If you haven't gotten the theme here, I just really don't like washing my hair. Don't judge me. I know at least 80% of ya'll reading this only wash yours 2-3 times per week whether you want to admit it or not.
Dry shampoo is my best friend. I actually joke at work that our team runs on dry shampoo. Why? Because we are all boss ass babes that have a lot more important things to do than wash our hair everyday. Just. Saying. I've tried almost every type of dry shampoo on the market. Expensive, cheap, spray, powder, you name it and I've tried it. My tried and true favorite always is Batiste. It is reasonably priced, gets the job done, and I always order this 3-pack from Amazon because that is how quickly I go through it. ​
I have been through my fair share of curling irons but I have never found one that is as easy to use and totally efficient as this one it. Matt got this for my for Valentine's Day last month after I had been obsessing over it when I got my hair done at Drybar. Best husband award.
This tool is super easy to use. It heats up to 440 degrees almost instantly so it is great for when you are rushed in the mornings. The barrel rotates to it is ergonomically friendly and ensures you have a smooth curl every time. The 1.25 inch is great for my length of hair and perfect for curling my extensions as well. It definitely is an investment but I have learned over the years that in my opinion it is definitely worth investing in quality hair tools because they DO make such a different. ​
This T3 dryer is another great investment in the hair tool category. It is so light weight and dries my hair insanely quickly. Another one that makes rushed morning before work 10x easier. It also isn't super loud so you won't wake your entire house up at 6am. The speedy drying time is the thing that will forever sell me on T3 dryers because part of the reason I hate washing my hair is because I hate the time it takes to style afterwards. This has undoubtedly cut down my drying time at least in half. 15 extra minutes that I can sleep in on a Monday morning? Sign. Me. Up.
I hope you all enjoy the products I mentioned and they help to make your hair styling experience a lot more efficient and hopefully more fun! Make sure to check out my Amazon Influencer Page to shop my other favorite items and drop me a message/comment with any recommendations you have! I am always looking for new things to try! xx First off, if you haven't read my post from last week on Sprouts, STOP AND GO NOW. Seriously, if you live in the Ellicott City/Baltimore/ surrounding area this news is a life changer. Sprouts is opening their first Maryland location in Ellicott City and they have just about everything you could ask for when it comes to catering to dietary restrictions, trying to eat healthy, or just putting delicious food on the table for your family. Oh, and its ALL super cost effective and in one place. Very efficient. I am already a fan. As if I wasn't already excited enough about Sprouts coming to the area they totally HOOKED IT UP and sent me some delicious (all gluten free) Sprouts brand products to try. Can I just say…. They pretty much read my mind/taste buds/ stalked my Instagram or they are just super lucky and got it right with all of my favorite things. Not only did they send me some tried and try essentials: dijon mustard, almond butter, olive oil cooking spray, honey; but they also sent me some delicious snacks to try that were right up my alley. A few of my favorites were: Chocolate Coconut Rolls - They're a great gluten free sweet treat that’s light and easy to pack as a snack for work or on the go. I also am a real big coconut advocate so that played a lot into my love for these. Organic Popcorn with Himalayan Sea Salt and Coconut Oil- Popcorn is one of those things that once I start eating I literally cannot stop. Like it is a problem. Its one of my favorite snacks and sometimes the only way to keep myself awake during a movie. Not kidding with that one. This stuff actually has a movie theater popcorn taste without all of the butter and stomach aches. Organic Ghost Pepper Salsa- I love spicy things, I love Mexican food. I love salsa of any and all types. When I was in Key West years ago I insisted on going to a hot sauce tasting so I could try ghost pepper sauce. Very spicy. And I loved it. This salsa is probably one of the best salsas I have tasted and definitely the best one I've had not in a restaurant. It isn't so spicy that it burns your mouth but it has a great kick at the end that. I cannot wait to try this on taco salads to add some heat and I will most definitely be serving this at my next game night. On top of the staples and yummy new snacks they sent me some of the Sprouts body wash and hand soap to try. They are both lavender scented which is super calming. Both are non drying and even my husband approved. This last product is a MUST HAVE in my household. I literally use it for everything so when I got a new jar I danced around my kitchen. Seriously. COCONUT OIL. Not only do I use it every time I cook, I also use it as part of my daily beauty routine. This is a whole other post in and of itself but I use it for wiping off my makeup, moisturizing my skin, and cleaning/moisturizing my lash extensions. I always like to have a jar in the kitchen and on my makeup table 24/7. This needs to be your first purchase when you walk into Sprouts if you aren't on the coconut oil train yet. Then the Ghost Pepper Salsa…. Let me go on the record here and say, you will find no shortage of Sprouts Brand products (there are over 2,000 different kinds) and they are always adding new items to try. The best part is they have a ton of options that are natural and organic, as well as gluten free, vegan, and non- GMO.
As I experiment more with these products I will share some more of my favorites and recipes but for now you can find recipes and tips at SproutsBrand.com. So I know I started this post talking about how not only great but also affordable Sprouts is. I have got you covered on even more deals so you have literally no excuse not to try all of the deliciousness that they have to offer. First off, the Grand Opening deals at Sprouts Ellicott City are going to be out of control. On March 14th (opening day) the first 200 shoppers to checkout will receive 20% off of their total purchase, every 15th shopper will receive a coupon book, plus there will be samples and free reusable bag available to all shoppers! If you can't make it in for the Grand Opening you still have time to save during the opening weekend. On Saturday (3/17) the first 200 customers to checkout will receive coupons for five free deli items. On Sunday (3/18) upon checkout, every 15th customer will receive $5 off their next purchase of $15 or more. The Grand Opening isn't the only time you can save, which I am super thankful for since I probably will be there at least twice a week. More than a third of the store is rumored to be on promotion at any given time so you are already set up for budget success. Three of the ways that I will be keeping up with promotions are: Sprouts Mobile App - With the app you can clip coupons on your phone and easily scan your custom barcode during checkout to apply them. Deals of the Month- You can access this flyer easily online. It highlights all of the 2,000 plus products that are on sale so you can proactively plan your grocery list/ meals for the week based on what deals are going on before you get to the store! Weekly E-Circular- You can subscribe to this online to hear about the weekly deals and sign up for the eNewsletter to be the first to hear about special sales and promotions going on at the Ellicott City location. If were being honest, usually specialty food stores are not cost effective so the fact that Sprouts actually focuses on providing these great savings is so refreshing. No matter what your budget is, everyone deserves to be able to eat good quality food that promotes a healthy lifestyle. I am so excited for Sprouts to open in my area so I can continue trying their products and sharing my favorite finds with ya'll. I also have the pleasure of checking out the new location for their Grand Opening Party next week so I will be sharing all of the details and giving you the inside scoop. If you are in an area where you are lucky enough to already have a Sprouts, let me know all of your favorite things and things I should try. If not, let me know which of the products I mentioned you are looking forward to trying. xx
If you know me you know I love anything that can add texture to a look. Let me tell you, my house is full of faux fur, chunky knits, reclaimed wood, marble… you name the texture and I’m mixing it into my home decor or, of course, my wardrobe. I love a good classic piece in a unique texture to add some dimension to a look. I also love the fact that throwing in new accessories to an outfit you’ve worn before can totally revamp it. Each season I usually focus on a few trends I am loving and stock up on accessories that update my look. For spring, I have already gotten a head start and developed a new obsession. Wood watches.
When JORD reached out suggesting a partnership to promote their wood watches I was sold immediately after checking out their pieces. They sent me the Fieldcrest watch in a beautiful maple color. It’s a sleek, light wood with silver metal elements. It arrived in the mail right before my trip to Charleston so I was super excited to style it with some of my vacation looks.
Can we just talk about how perfect the packaging is though for a second?
My watch arrived in a beautifully made wood box complete with a little drawer for storing extra links/tools. This serves not only as a super cute delivery method but it looks great on my dresser. I’ve been wearing this watch all over the place for the past couple of weeks and can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten. Not only does the watch look great on its own but also layered with other bracelets. My favorite combo has been pairing it with a chunky sweater and my marble bead bracelet… allll of the texture.
My favorite thing about my new watch is the versatility. I’m a busy lady so I need pieces that can transition easily from the office, to a networking event, to dinner with my girlfriends. Luckily this watch can be paired with just about any outfit. For the office it adds some fun texture to my usual attire. My favorite way to wear it to work is with an all black outfit, nude heels and a top knot (it really stands out against the all black and the nude heels bring out the gorgeous color). For weekends I’ve been all about a chunky sweater with a fun stack of bracelets alongside my watch.
Whether you’re slaving away at your laptop or sipping rose all night (are both…. usually me), JORD watches have got you covered. They have so many sleek and classy wood styles in different stains and with different metal options. While I was perusing their website I got lost down the rabbit hole of all of the cool men’s styles they offer too. Take notes and you’ll thank me next time you need a gift for your husband…. Another option they offer are Apple Watch bands which I have already mentally noted as the next gift I am getting Matt.
Lucky for us, JORD is offering an EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY to Chronically Blonde readers. The winner will be announced on March 11, 2018 and will receive a $100 gift card to use on a purchase from JORD. Also, just for entering you will receive a code for 10% off of your first purchase!
Good luck! Can’t wait to see which style is YOUR favorite xx. Living in Baltimore, we have the advantage of be driving distance to so many cool day trip or long weekend destinations, one of my favorites being the Big Apple. My short stint living in NYC mad me realize two things, 1. that I could never actually live there long term, and 2. that New York is still one of my favorite cities ever. While I am more of a suburban girl as far as living arrangements, the appeal of NYC never faded when it came to visiting and experiencing all of the life that that city has. For the past few years my mom, sister, and I have made it a tradition to visit New York at least once a year during the holidays. I try and visit more often because it is home to some of my favorite stores, restaurants and other hidden gems to visit but that doesn’t always fit in with my schedule. I always know that I can look forward to a long weekend around the holidays where I can not only enjoy time with my mom and Amanda but also indulge in some of my all time favorite places to eat and drink! I wanted to put together my list of favorite spots to eat and drink from our most recent visit so that you can enjoy NYC how we did next time you go. My picks are based on food, drinks, and definitely atmosphere. One of my favorite things about visiting another city’s restaurants is experiencing new atmospheres, and let me tell you, New York has quite the array of ambiance. I hope you guys try some (or all) of the places on this list because, I promise, you will not regret it! I made sure all of the places are dietary restriction friendly and accommodating so that you can relax and feel taken care of! Make sure to drop me a message and let me know where you have tried from this list and where your favorite New York City spots are! I can’t wait! xx DOS CAMINOS 373 Park Ave S. This is one of my all time favorite Mexican food places. I love any place with good guacamole, tacos, and tequila and Dos Caminos does not disappoint in any category. It has been a tradition for years that every time we visit the city we have to go to Dos Caminos. We usually go to the Park Ave. location which has a fun atmosphere as well. As far as good goes— the salsas are to die for and are delivered to your table ASAP. Aka a hungry girl’s dream. I usually forgo my usual tequila/ soda water/ extra lime combo and splurge to try one or two of the margaritas on the cocktail list. I definitely recommend getting the fresh guacamole because in all of my guacamole sampling I’ve only found one place that I think gives them a run for their money. At this point I'm pretty full but leaving without trying their tacos would be a travesty. Even ordering an order for the table (they come with three) is perfect because you get a little taste of the deliciousness. I’ve tried quite a few of their tacos over the years but my tried and true are the fish tacos. For everyone with food allergies they are seriously accommodating and will make sure you are taken care of. This makes dinner infinitely more enjoyable when you know you can trust the kitchen and relax. No lie, I’m going to dream about their guac tonight. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar 230 5th Ave. My mom and sister came across this rooftop bar when they were visiting the city two years ago. I hadn’t been before so this year my mom insisted we go so that I could check it out. After taking an elevator to the top of the skyscraper you walk out onto a heated rooftop deck, complete with heated igloos to stay warm in! We were there during the holiday season so there was Christmas music blaring, fake snow falling, and a view of the Empire State Building lit in red and green. I can’t imagine this is a place where locals frequent but that means more room for me to bask in the holiday cheer. I’ve always been so anti “touristy stuff” because I was scarred from a long semester of working in retail in Herald Square. This place really changed my mind though. My mom who loves anything holiday and anything themed was completely living her best life. They have a variety of delicious beverages, most of them hot which is needed when you are at the top of a building in the dead of winter. The spiked hot chocolate was mouth watering but I stuck with a white beach Bellini. I definitely recommend checking this place out if you are visiting and if you are a local and haven’t been I recommend it to. There is something to be said about playing tourist in your own city! THE FLYING COCK 497 3rd Ave. This was a really, really good brunch spot. Pitchers of bottomless mimosas and Bellinis were flowing, the food was amazing, and the music/atmosphere was upbeat. This place is definitely worth a visit but you have to get there and get in line prior to opening to ensure you get a table, especially if you have a large party (they don’t take reservations). Depending on the day the wait time varies but I would recommend getting there at least a sold 10-15 minutes before opening. The music is fun and the servers are great and so friendly. They make sure to keep your drinks constantly full which is a big accomplishment for a busy, bottomless brunch spot. The menu has a variety of options from classic egg dishes, to salads to burgers, to breakfast sandwiches, and some more unique picks as well. I am in love with the baked eggs in tomato sauce which is something I’ve made many times at home but never found one at a restaurant that I really like. Well, I found it. PIETRO NOLITA 174 Elizabeth St. To be honest, before I visited this place I thought it was just an Instagram fad. I mean, what 90’s girl doesn’t love a place that feels like a real live Barbie Dream House but was it really more than that? It is. The cozy environment with limited seating makes Pietro Nolita feel wildly exclusive and the all pink decor makes you feel like you are in a dream world. We stopped by here for drinks and were not disappointed. We sat at the bar and tried a few cocktails that were as pink as they were delicious (very pink, very delicious). My favorite was the Voiletta which was lavender vodka mixed with elderflower, lemon, and honey. This is definitely a place to grab cocktails or brunch with your girls. With the husband? Not so much. Matt thought the drink were good but the overpowering pink and lack of draft beers had him wishing he was back at The Flying Cock (ample beer there!). My sister, mom, and I absolutely adored it though. DŌ 550 LaGuardia Pl. Usually I am not a dessert lover. Every now and then I will go for a creme brûlée or gluten free chocolate lava cake, but I am usually craving something salty instead. The raw cookie dough craze has been something I had pretty much ignored due to the lack of gluten free option and just overall lack or interest but when I hear about Do I actually really wanted to give it a try. They have gluten free options which are surprisingly delicious and a line that runs out of the door that boosts their credibility to those passing by. I got a small gluten free chocolate chip scoop and couldn’t even finish because of how filling and rich it was. Definitely yummy and worth a taste but I recommend splitting with someone because they give you quite a decent amount. WHILE WE WERE YOUNG 183 W. 10th St. I love this place. LOVE LOVE LOVE. The decor makes me wish my whole home looked like the inside of this restaurant and the drinks were so freaking delicious. While We Were Young, like Pietro Nolita, has a small but exclusive seating area. The booths are blush colored velour and the tables are a clean white marble which, like I said is the dream of what I want my home to be. The bar is very cutely decorated and the bartenders were insanely friendly which made this a pleasant place to pop in to grab a few cocktails before our trip home. I became seriously obsessed with their ‘Too Good For You’ drink. It is tequila, kale, lime, agave, and cucumber. I also had them add chili to it, extra chili if we’re being honest, to make it spicy. I felt like I was drinking a refreshing kale juice spiked with a bit of iced tequila. The other drinks that I sampled were just as delicious, not too sugary, and had unique ingredients mixed in. This place just screams Sunday Funday spot for either you and your girls or even a date (Matt’s verdict was the pink here was a lot more manageable).
Happy New Year to the Crohnically Blonde fam! After the amazing year that 2017 was it is going to be hard to top in 2018 but I like to believe that things just keep getting better. I am starting the year off by refocusing my energy on myself, my family, and my passion (this blog!). I've been reading a ton of great material that has helped to get me back in gear and motivated because honestly I have been in SUCH a funk for the last few weeks of 2017. I always get super deep and into my feelings reflecting and critizising every little thing I could have done better which I know, is not cool, I'm trying to stop. I just have this perfectionist attitude that I can't quit! I've done a lot of reflecting and I've decided to spend January filling my life with relaxation and self love. I know this sounds absolutely nuts because most people spend January kicking their asses into shape at the gym and picking their bodies apart to motivate them to get back in the game. I am not doing that. Yes, I have health and fitness goals that I am trying to reach, I always do in some way or another but I am including that as part of my self love. I'm not beating myself up to reach my goals, I'm teeing it up in my mind as "how can I love myself more?". I am all about this. So I don't know about you, but when I think of myself relaxing I get really stressed out. Weird. I know. I get stressed about all of the things that I could be doing that are productive and all of the successful people who are on the move 24/7 and here I am trying to just watch an hour of The Real Housewives without feeling guilty. I literally have SUCH a problem with this so I have come up with some cool ways to relax while I am productive. Multitasking at its finest. Now, I know this isn't the best advice. Experts or whatever would probably say, you need to spend X amount of time relaxing per week or day or something but I am just doing what works for me so here we are. I find the things that bring me joy and relaxation and I pair them with some type of productive activity so that I not only feel productive while relaxing but it also makes me like to do annoying productive tasks that I am trying to complete. (I promise I also do relax fully but that is usually in the form of a bubble bath where I am literally forced to not do anything else but sit in a bathtub). Here are a few things I like:
These are just a few things that I like to do to relax while still handling the things I have to handle in life. My goal for January is to relax while cleaning my entire house and making a solid plan for the year. Obviously that includes a lot of those tasks above which I am not so thrilled about but I can look forward to it because of the fun/relaxing things I will pair with them. Below I have included links to a few of my favorite things that relate to this post so definitely take a look and let me know what else you do to relax while being productive AF. Happy New Year y'all! Let's make it happen. What I'm Listening To...On Audible: It's Not Okay I'm trying to catch up before Andi Dorfman's new book release. This Bachelor Nation alum is spilling everything and as a reality TV lover this book is everything. So entertaining while still light enough to multitask while listening. Via Podcast: And That's Why We Drink Ghost stories mixed with true crime mixed with hilarious just about everything... sign me up. One of the hosts also has Crohn's Disease which automatically makes her one of the crew. What I'm Watching ...I'm obsessed. It might be a problem. It is full of drama but if you miss 10 minutes it is easy to pick back up. You can binge watch on demand or via Hulu. It will keep you busy while you clean out your whole house, basement, attic, and garage. Promise. What I'm sitting on...Accupressure Mat (in hot pink of course). Make sure to grab one of these from Amazon. They have the best selection for great prices.
xx It is finally Fall! One of my favorite times of year is that sweet spot when summer is just leaving the air but the harsh chill of colder months hasn't set in yet. I have the best Fall memories from growing up. Saturdays were spent doing different seasonal activities, whether it was visiting a pumpkin patch or raking leaves to jump in at my grandparents' house. Sundays were spent with the windows open, football on all day, and always were full of yummy game day food. In my college years I would love sitting out on campus, with a hot latte just checking out the beautiful trees that were changing color and getting excited for all of the new opportunity of the new school year. Now I look at Fall as the ultimate time to get family and friends together. Everyone is back from their summer vacations and are winding down back into their routines. Everyone appreciates a get together a little more when it feels like something exciting to look forward to at the end of their week instead of an added event to jam into their summer schedule. Some of my favorite activities for Fall are football Sundays, outdoor wine tastings, and craft nights to make seasonal decorations. I love anything that lets me be outside and enjoy this perfect weather while I can. One of my all time favorite things about Fall is shopping for it. I love layering cozy pieces and one of my favorite places to get them is Marleylilly. I recently just got a TON of stuff from the site and I feel pretty sure that I have something to wear for just about every Fall event. I may be just a little more obsessed this year because I have an excuse to put my soon to be new monogram on everything. I won't lie, the site can be an overwhelming endless abyss that can swallow you and spit you out a few hundred dollars later (in a good way of course), but I wanted to try and make this easy for you all. I have rounded up my favorite Fall pieces from Marleylilly along with where I would wear them and included the links below. One of my favorite things about Marleylilly is that they have such cute stuff that is actually affordable for those of us that are trying to stay on budget (aka plan a wedding hellllp). Enjoy my roundup, share with your friends, and happy shopping! (: MONOGRAMMED DUCK BOOTSThese things are all the rage with "basic" college girls everywhere. I'm not going to deny the fact that I am pretty basic but these boots really are so convenient for my lifestyle. They are perfect for taking the dogs out for walks even in damp weather, for frequenting the hiking trail near our house, and just to simply throw on with leggings while running errands at Target on the weekend. These boots come with two additional toppers that you can attach to the boots to change up your look or just wear them by themselves! MONOGRAMMED ENAMEL EARRINGSI love these as a staple to wear with everyday outfits. Whether you are pairing them with a blazer and dress or jeans and a puffer vest, they are sure to provide a classy, put together touch and really "make" the look. They also come in a variety of different colors so stock up. MONOGRAMMED QUILTED PULLOVER TUNICThe plaid detailing on this one totally stole my heart. I love this pullover for just about any Fall activity. I'm thinking a pumpkin patch, sipping some apple cider. Sign. Me. Up. This also pairs perfectly with either jeans or leggings so you can dress it up or down. MONOGRAMMED GREEK KEY PONCHOI LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece so much. It is cozy, it is chic, and it has quickly become a staple in my closet. I love this for a wine tasting, a girls night, or for traveling. I actually really think this piece is perfect for traveling because it is so comfortable and blanket like. I am getting sleepy just thinking of curling up in this. Every time I've worn this I've gotten so many complements and people asking me where to get it. I swear this thing is like the Traveling Pants (please tell me you got that reference) but it looks good on everyone and makes you feel like a chic but comfortable monogram lover. MONOGRAMMED LOAFERSLoafers are one of my favorite things. They are kind of "grandma chic" in the best way. They are comfortable, they are stylish, and from Marleylilly... they are monogrammed. If you haven't caught on yet, everything that I am really into is both comfortable and chic. These monogrammed loafers are so classy and perfect for the Fall weather. I would tell you exactly where I would wear these but the answer is literally everywhere. I haven't purchased them yet because they are brand spankin' new, but you better believe I am taking advantage of the shoe sale and these will be at my house in less than a week. MONOGRAMMED GLOVESPretty gloves will always have a special place in my heart. My grandmother had a beautiful collection of them and I used to love trying them on when I was little. Now in my adult years I like to slip on a pair of classy gloves to instantly make me feel like a regal lady. I love the plaid print on these because they can add a fun and unexpected twist to a routine Fall outfit. MONOGRAMMED FALL T-SHIRTThis shirt describes all of my favorite things this season. I love this for movie nights with your S.O. or for tailgates or football outings. This shirt is so comfy but still so cute, you really can't go wrong. MONOGRAMMED JEWELRY TRAYIt is never too early to start thinking of adorable holiday gifts! As soon as I saw these cute jewelry trays I knew they were going to be at the top of my gifts to give this year. They are so cute, functional, and a great way to personalize a gift without being corny or over the top. I may have to pick one up for myself too....
Make sure to like, share, and spread the word about CrohnicallyBlonde.com! Also, please DM me on Instagram or comment on my most recent post to tell me what Marleylilly items you are loving right now and where you would wear them for Fall! If you guys haven't noticed I've really embraced Instagram Stories after a long while of shying away from anything following the Snapchat model. I never jumped on board to Snap bandwagon just because to me it honestly just seemed like a whole lot of work and set up for little to no ROI. Let me explain.... you have to make a conscious effort to make sure you are promoting yet another user name on another platform for your brand, you have to make sure you are keeping up adding brands you are going to promote on both Instagram and Snapchat, and it just was another app that I had to deal with. Sounds high maintenance but I also just couldn't get into the whole sharing every little thing in my life until I realized there was actually value I could add by doing so. I still don't share everything but I do get to share quick tips on products, funny things about my dogs, and give people a look at what my non curated life looks like. Not only does this leave my Instagram feed freed up but it also has helped me to connect with readers/followers of CB in a whole new way. I just love it now. I like that Instagram is already something that I utilize on the regular so adding a new feature is easily integrated into my social media habits. I love that I can just tag brands that I already love without having to go find and follow on another site and I love being able to see updates from not only my friends but businesses and bloggers I follow along with. Instagram you did it right. There are a whole lot of other things that I do not like about you right now but I will save that for a different post..... (in case you haven't heard, Google "Instagram algorithm" be prepared for lots of shade). Basically the point of this whole rant is that I've been utilizing stories to share real time updates and finds so I think I have slacked a little on sharing them on here. I DO want to get back to doing that though because I think it really is important to have posts to go back to that round up the top content you are sharing day to day. So, takeaway #1- follow me on Instagram to see real time updates, #2- enjoy this new, updated post of all of my favorite new and now finds that I can't get enough of. xx GREEN PUMPKINSI absolutely LOVE decorating for Fall. That being said, though, I don't like veering from my neutral color scheme and the usual fall colors don't go with my whole "look" I have going on at home. In the past I have been all about the white pumpkin decorating craze that dominates Pinterest but this year I switched things up to green pumpkins! They aren't AS basic as the white pumpkins but still fit my color scheme requirements. I picked up some cute decor for Fall (including green pumpkins, at Hobby Lobby and Target). FARMACY LIP BLOOMI got a sample of this product at Sephora the other day and have been so obsessed ever since. It is super moisturizing, tastes amazing, and adds a perfect finish to your lips if you are going for a natural look (which I pretty much always am). I can't get enough of this stuff and have been recommending it right and left to pretty much every person I meet. You can get it for yourself HERE. You won't regret it. LE PEN PENSI am so OCD about office/school supplies and the pens/pencils that I write with so when I found these I was skeptical at first but soon made a believer. I ordered these bad boys off of Amazon (I have the multi color pack) for writing and color coding my planner and for organizing my notes at work. The thin tips make it so easy to write neatly and the color selection is amazing. You can get them on Amazon and have them at your house in two days. Score. BRUSH ME ORGANIC WHITENING TOOTHPASTEI did a whole Instagram post on this stuff but to give you a quick rundown.... this stuff is a miracle for whitening teeth painlessly. It is made of clay, it is organic, it is pain free, and you can get 30% off of your first order with my code "M30". Click here, you are welcome. UNDERWOOD WINEThis stuff has become my go to. So far I have tried their Pinot Noir and the Rose and both have been heaven for my tastebuds. The wines aren't too sweet and definitely gets you a little buzzed with your first class (or is that just me?). Did I mention that they come in cans? Yup, cans. So they are great for bonfires and other outdoor Fall events. Especially for us gluten free folk who can't drink beer, these are a cool alternative so you don't have to look like the asshole drinking out of a wine class while everyone else has Miller Lite cans. BRAIN DUSTI always see Moon Juice products featured by The Skinny Confidential but haven't been totally sold. The other day I gave in and tried this Brain Powder one morning at work. I was pretty surprised that about 20 minutes after drinking the powder (I mixed it with caffeine free mint tea) I was more alert, awake, and focused. Usually it takes me a couple cups of coffee to get to that point but if this powder can get me amped up that quickly without the negative gastro effects from coffee then I guess it is worth it! Get yours here. GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUDI am always on the hunt for products that will hydrate my skin without making me break out or have a reaction from it. ThirstyMud is heaven for skin transitioning seasons. I put it on for about 20 minutes while I am taking a bubble bath and when I take it off my skin feels plump, moisturized, and so smooth. A little of this stuff goes a long way so you can make the jar last. KONG DOG TOYSCharleston is obsessed with toys that we can stuff treats into and those things will keep him busy for hours. Kong toys are a lifesaver when we are trying to get things done around the house and need Charleston to be occupied. Rhaegar is a little easier to entertain. We put him in front of the window and he can stare for hours. I like to browse the different Kong toys at my local pet store to decide what is best for my boys. There are different ones for different ages and strength of chewers. BLACK BEAN PASTAIt all started with Red Lentil pasta from Trader Joe's and then when I saw this stuff I had to give it a try. This has quickly become a dinner staple in my household especially when I need to whip something up quickly. While I usually opt for zoodles or spaghetti squash for a gluten free pasta alternative, this pasta is a great way to get your carb fix while still packing in protein and keeping gluten free. I usually just make this quickly with a bit of olive oil, garlic salt, and parmesan cheese. Perfect come home late from work week night dinner. BUTTER LONDON WINK EYE PENCILI was going through my makeup to organize it the other day and found an unopened Butter London eye pencil that I got for free a while ago and never had the chance to use. What! So I started using this in Earl Grey and have become kind of addicted to it. I like that it is a softer color than the black I usually use. It blends easily and is long lasting so I don't have to worry about it smudging throughout the day, even when my eyes are watery from allergies. I've used other Butter London products, all of which have been great, so I wasn't surprise when this stuff exceeded my expectations. You can get yours from Ulta.com. MARLEYLILLY MONOGRAMMED BALLET FLATSI am a Tory Burch flats girl through and through. Call me basic, but I love how comfortable and durable they are. I have worn some variation of a Tory Burch flat almost everyday to work for the past year or so. My black flats are on their last leg so I wanted to replace them but try something new. I have been loving monograms lately, especially with my new monogram (I am so corny, I know). When I saw that I could get monogrammed flats from Marleylilly I had to place an order ASAP. I am so picky about my shoes but these definitely are up to my standards. They are cute, comfortable, and unique to you. I can't wait to hear what you guys end up trying or have tried from this list! Also, please feel free to message me any recommendations on new things to try! I am always game for a new product.
xx In light of the recent, devastating hurricane I have teamed up to help promote Knack's efforts to Uplift Houston and give back to the community. There are endless families and individuals that are displaced, waiting in shelters to rebuild their lives, and mourning the loss of what they once called their home. Knack is doing what they can to give back and ease the pain of those suffering. By purchasing one of their three Uplift Houston gift boxes, they will donate an identical box to a hurricane survivor in need or provide a monetary donation of equal value to a shelter.
I think this is such a cool way to donate and honestly it is such an easy way to make an impact. The boxes range from $81- $136 and not only are you donating but you are also getting a box for yourself. I know that we shouldn't need personal incentives to help our fellow humans who are struggling but this is a great way to take advantage of a special gift and give it to someone special who is close to you. In times like this where people have lost their loved ones and are struggling through serious hardships, it is so important that we take an extra moment to appreciate those close to us. Knack in and of itself is an amazing brand that focuses on lifting up others and conveying how much you care in the perfect way. I love what they are doing for our friends down in Houston so I am urging you to get involved! The link to the boxes is HERE! Let me know which box you choose to send! Crohnically Blonde is sending lots of love and light to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and those who are in the path of Hurricane Irma. xx I've been a little M.I.A. this past week. Mostly because my health hasn't been awesome. I've been super exhausted leading up to my Remicade this past Friday and I've been trying to relax as much as possible. As much as I hate being a hermit and feeling under the weather, it is a good opportunity for me to test out new self care products (skincare, bath products, etc.). Now that I am bouncing back a bit I am excited to share some of the new things I've tried.
My number one new product right now is amazing, hydrating, and only $12 (and can be at your house almost instantly thanks to Amazon Prime). Drugstore brands are revolutionizing their products more and more to compete with the prestige lines of skincare and makeup. Long gone are the days of looking down on skincare products because of their lower price tag. Every time I read a beauty blog or watch a tutorial, there is a heavier mix of prestige and drugstore brand products that when mixed together can create the perfect cocktail of products that are not only amazingly effective but also affordable. I used to blow more money than I care to admit on high end beauty and skincare products but the more new drugstore brand products that I try the more I am swayed to sometimes swing by my local CVS instead of Sephora. This e.l.f. Bubble Mask has been hyped up all over the internet for a while now but I just recently decided to give it a try. To be honest, I was not expecting much and thought it was some crazy thing that middle school girls use for fun. Well, it is kind of amusing but it also does a damn good job of hydrating your skin. I left it on all over my face and neck for about 20 minutes while I was taking a bath. It comes out of the bottle as a clear gel substance but as soon as you rub it on your face it is game time. Tiny bubbles take over and as they pop it creates a soothing, tingling feeling on your skin. When about 20 minutes were up I rinsed the product off of my face and was genuinely surprised at how smooth my skin felt. I looked more youthful, fresh, and rejuvenated. I thought that maybe I was just having a good skin day but the experiment proved to be legit when after a long day at work I brought life back to my sad looking skin. I think this stuff is the real deal. Something I worry about when I shop drugstore brands is that the ingredients may irritate my skin or cause me to break out. This actually is a little bit crazy because often times when you compare products at different price points they have the same or very similar ingredients. It is all about doing your research and also some trial and error. The Bubble Mask didn't cause any irritation to my skin or cause any breakouts which was a huge win. The only negative I can come up with is that it feels kind of weird to leave on for an extended period of time. With some hydrating masks that are more creamy I will actually leave them on my face and neck all night. I know this isn't recommended but, yes, I do it. This mask is more of a 'do while you catch up on your DVRed shows' or 'while you take a bubble bath' kind of thing. Overall, I think this stuff will be a lasting part of my routine going into the winter. For $12, you can't beat the price, and it definitely helped out my tired skin. I suggest you head over to Amazon and order one of these ASAP to add to your self care routine. I'm serious. With colder weather creeping up it is best to be proactive with hydrating and prep your skin in advance instead of waiting for disaster in ensue. I literally do this every year and wake up one day at the end of November wondering why I look like a psycho who hasn't put on moisturizer in 10 years. Don't do that. I also like to think that since I am dehydrated (thanks Crohn's!) pretty much 24/7, quenching my skin's thirst with some yummy products are even more necessary. I can't wait to hear what you guys think once you try this or if you have already tried this! I also would love to hear any recommendations that you have for hydrating products/any must haves going into the chilly months! Be back with some more later this week. xx |
Blonde babe.
Millennial mom. Crohn's crusher. Mental health advocate. Sharing my raw and real journey through motherhood and navigating Crohn’s Disease. CrohnicallyBlonde is a place where I serve up my unfiltered commentary on chronic illness, mental health, pregnancy, and motherhood alongside lighter lifestyle content like beauty product reviews, travel tips, and book recommendations. My hope is that by authentically sharing my story I can help others going through similar situations not feel so alone and maybe even laugh along with me. categories
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