Hair Products You'll Love

Having a four day weekend was definitely what the doctor ordered. The weather was so gorgeous, it was making me so anxious for Spring! I am so tired of wearing sweaters and boots - isn’t it funny how as soon as Fall hits we’re all like yay it’s sweater weather! Now that I’ve been wearing these clothes for what seems like too many months, I’m looking forward to tank tops, dresses, and open toed sandals. The cold dry weather has not been so kind to my hair. This winter, more than others, my hair has had so many flyaways and was fairly dry and brittle. I tried SO many hair products and a few of them are definite winners! I’m going to walk you through washing, drying, and styling with products that really make my hair feel nourished and look good.

I’ve been using Redken Color Extend shampoo and conditioner for about three months now and I love the smell of it. It makes my hair shiny and cleanses well, even when my scalp is caked with dry shampoo. I only wash my hair 2-3 times per week so I don’t mind paying a little extra for a good quality shampoo. I would say I go through a bottle every 3-4 months, and even though my hair is fine I have a lot of it.

After I wash and condition my hair I use this hair mask. The coconut oil really helps when my scalp is dry, especially in these winter months. You can get this mask at Target, Walmart, I’ve even gotten it at Ocean State Job Lot! It’s an inexpensive way to get swoon worthy hair. It adds shine and leaves my hair super soft. I use this every time I wash my hair and I use about a palmful amount so I get a few washes out of each package.

After I wash my hair I use one of two products to detangle my hair. My hair is always very snarly after I wash it, no matter what miracle product I use in the shower. My favorite leave in product has been by It’s a 10. This product smells heavenly and comes in a spray bottle, which is my favorite part. It is so easy to spray on and you don’t need to worry about slathering it all over your hands and running your fingers through your hair. My brush runs easily through my hair after I use this product. I got the sample sized bottle and I just ran out. Although I’m not looking forward to dropping $20 on a 4 oz. bottle, it is 100% worth it! If you don’t love a leave in conditioner but you need something to tame your mane before you brush it I have another spray-on detangler favorite. This detangler, which is not necessarily advertised as a detangler, is actually a fabulous detangler. Just a fair warning it does smell like straight up apple cider vinegar, but I actually like the smell. It is 98% plant based and helps to balance the ph in your hair and leave it silky smooth. I loved how my hair looked when I used this and let it air dry.

I use a wet brush to brush my hair and if you haven’t tried this brush yet, you need to! Even if your hair still has tough snags in it, this brush won’t pull or rip your hair out. I got mine at Marshalls, but you can pretty much find them at any drugstore.

I do blow-dry my hair at least twice a week because I wash my hair at night. I don’t like to go to bed with wet hair because when I wake up in the morning my hair is usually still wet - thick hair problems! I hate blow drying my hair. It takes forever, I end up sweating, and twenty minutes later I am cranky and hot. Not fun! Let me preface this by saying I was not in the market for a new hair dryer. If you know my husband Jay you know that he is a deal finder. He never pays full price for anything and will scour the internet looking for the best deal for about 99% of the things he buys. Anyways, my husband showed me this hair dryer that was a deal of the day on Amazon . I read the reviews, I was obviously intrigued by the promise of a short drying time, and just like that, it was here in two days; thanks Prime! Without sounding over dramatic, this hair dryer changed my life. Okay I know that sounded dramatic. You need this hair dryer ladies, it feels like it is salon quality! It is powerful, has numerous heat settings, and dries your hair so quickly.

Most days I straighten my hair with my very old Chi straightener but lately I have been loving curling my hair with this curler. I got mine at Marshalls for a fraction of the price, so check your local TJMaxx or Marshalls before you order it from Ulta. My hair is very fussy when it comes to holding a curl but this curling iron really has the magic touch. I like to spritz my curls with this hair spray when I’ve finished. It holds well without feeling sticky or looking crunchy.

On the days my hair needs a quick refresh I use this dry shampoo. It is SO good! It makes my hair super soft and the best part is it is tinted brown. Often dry shampoo would make my hair look white or leave some kind of residue on my scalp. I highly recommend this dry shampoo, and it is super inexpensive.

Any suggestions on hair products I should try? I’m also looking for a new straightener, what are your favorites?! Stay beautiful! Xo.

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration

Dresses 1|2|3|4 ⤖ Clutch 1|2 ⤖ Pumps 1|2 ⤖ Jewelry 1|2|3

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I thought it would be fun to share some outfit inspiration. Jay and I always celebrate Valentine’s Day the weekend after because restaurants are SO busy on the actual day. We enjoy it much more and most places are a lot less crowded. Last year we made reservations at The Republic in Bloomfield and the food was to die for! I accidently made the reservations at The Republic in Hartford but the hostess was kind enough, I think she felt bad for me, and let us have the next available table. My favorite thing there is the bacon wrapped dates stuffed with cream cheese - so delicious. This year we made reservations for a couple’s massage and I really want to try a new restaurant for dinner. I love getting dressed up and going to new places, who doesn’t? Answer: my husband. He would be so content getting take out and cuddling up at home and watching a movie. Most nights I would agree, but there’s something special about getting all dolled up and going out on a date.

Jay and I have been making it a point to go on a date night at least once a month. Life gets so busy, and weekends especially, that we often forget the importance of dating. Even though we are happily married, it’s nice to go out and just talk and reconnect without the distraction of things to do around the house. When we first started dating I was home from my freshman year of college and that’s when our relationship really started to grow. We would sit outside in the hot summer air, under the stars and we could talk for hours just getting to know each other. There was something so romantic about it. Many of you who know me know that I am rather shy when I first meet someone but with Jay, I felt like I could be myself instantly. His sense of humor, his charm, and his attentiveness set me at ease. I specifically remember the moment I knew he was the one. I was having a family birthday celebration and of course everyone wanted to meet Jay. He was the boy next door, my first serious love, and older than me- ooo scandalous! (I kid, he's only 3 years older than me). Jay seemed to fit right in with all my friends and family, he was the center of attention and making everyone laugh. In the middle of all the laughing and joking I knew right then that I would spend the rest of my life with this man. He still makes me laugh every single day and I do not take that for granted. Jay is my biggest supporter and would do absolutely anything to make me happy. I am so fortunate to have met a man like him, I truly am blessed. So needless to say, I’m really looking forward to our next date night which happens to be for Valentine’s Day!

I found the most adorable and affordable dresses, heels, jewels, and clutches for Valentine’s Day, or any date night. Even if you’re going out with your gal friends these outfits will make you feel like a million bucks without breaking the bank. I think I am going to order the black off the shoulder dress and the Sam Edelman heels. I have been wanting leopard pumps for a while now and this is the perfect excuse to order them! What are you wearing for Valentine’s Day? Do you have any special celebrations with your spouse? Stay beautiful. Xo.

Sneakers under $100

As you know one of my biggest goals this year is to live a healthier lifestyle. My husband and I joined the gym in our town and I couldn’t be happier with that decision. I decided to vamp up my workout clothing, and with that I of course had to purchase some new sneakers! Sneakers can be really expensive, like OMG expensive. I try to get my sneakers at Kohls when I can because they always have great sales. I’ve also found a few pairs at TJMaxx, but that is always a hit or miss kind of store. I’ve rounded up several sneaker options under $100 to help you look cute and feel good while you workout.

I’m usually drawn to Nike sneakers because they are so lightweight and come in a variety of colors and styles. I want these because you can’t go wrong with a black sneaker and I LOVE these. The color on these are so different, almost effervescent in person. I have two pairs of Nike sneakers that I love but are pretty old so I couldn't find a link to them. I was walking in Kohls one day and I saw the most gorgeous pink sneakers. I was instantly drawn to them and had to have them right then and there - the drama, I know! To my surprise they were not Nike but Adidas! The last time I wore Adidas sneakers they were flat bottoms and had a shell toe, anyone remember rocking those in middle school? These are much different and have become quite popular. What I love most about these sneakers are the inner soles. They are made out of cloud foam, and yes it is as good as it sounds. It feels like you’re walking on clouds, they are seriously the most comfortable sneakers I own. I also have them in grey and blue, which is why they are my favorites. I love the stretch that this shoe has and feels really supportive when I exercise. The sneakers seem to bend with my foot and stretch when necessary. I’m having a hard time justifying not buying them in every color, they are that good! I highly recommend these! I recently found these and decided that I absolutely want need them. I guess you could say I have a slight obsession with Adidas sneakers now.

What are your favorite sneakers to exercise in? I’d love to know what I need to add to my shoe collection, and I’m sure my husband would love that too hehe. Stay healthy! Xo.