I know that my monthly recaps haven't been that exciting because I haven't really done much these past couple months except work! Since I'm working in the office now a lot of my time is eaten up by commuting to work and I never realize how miserable that makes me. By the time I get home I'm just exhausted and don't want to browse the internet (hence why there's mostly TikToks in the Links I Love section) and I don't feel like doing things after work. Since my boyfriend and I are trying to make some big plans for our future we've been on a saving kick so I'm also not spending as much. Which is great for my bank account but not so great when trying to test out products and sharing them with you all. So yes, the past few months have not been glamorous or exciting but isn't that life? Not every month will be great, but it makes you appreciate the days that ARE great!

That being said, I wanted to specifically point out an event that happened mid-September and that was that  my niece turned six months old!! As a millennial parent, my SIL and brother threw her a half birthday that was Elmo/Sesame Street themed (which I'm here for because Elmo and I share the same birthday #facts). My SIL went above and beyond for just a half birthday—I can't wait to see what she does for the years to come. She's so creative and artistic—those photo props were made by her with her circuit machine—meanwhile I can't even draw a straight line. Stassi is soo lucky to have fun and creative parents who make her feel special even on the silly to you not to me celebrations. Enjoy these photos and video from the party and shout out SHYGUY for producing a remix to the "Elmo's World" theme song.

This is such a random blog post but I wanted to document it 😅. Oreos did a collaboration with Pokémon and you can find 16 different Pokémon on the cookies and the rarest of them all is Mew. Well my boyfriend and I got our first pack and found 13 our of the 16 Pokémon INCLUDING MEW! 

I have not been so excited to do a skincare review in a while. I am always testing out new skincare because as you know I have battled with cystic acne my WHOLE life. And I don't know if it's the weather change, the stress of commuiting or what, but my skin has been breaking out pretty bad lately and it seems that the only thing that has been saving me lately are Hero Cosmetic Pimple Patches.

That's when it dawned on me—I wonder if they have facial products like cleansers and toners? Well, DUH, of course they do. I purchased the Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Trio and I've been using it for about two-weeks now so here is my review.

Let's start with the feel of the product. Obviously the packing is super cute and it definitely fits an aesthetic. But it was the feeling of products. I have never felt a skincare line that is soft. Does that even make sense? Everything from the face wash to the gel toner and moisturizer is just soft to the touch and doesn't feel rough on my skin at all.

Okay, so the Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser helps unclogs pores and brightens your skin. The ingredients include glycolic, mandelic acid and willow bark extract. The Balancing Capsule Toner feels like a gel when you put it on. It's not super "watery" as most toners are. It's hydrating and has hyaluronic multi boost, green tea water and witch hazel. Lastly, the Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer is pore-purifying and prebiotic-charged with prebiotic sugar and sage extract. A little goes a long way for these products (seriously, you don't need a lot)!

Then, my mom surprised me the other day saying she bought "some acne medicine" because it was on sale and got me one too. When I saw the box I was like "No way! I JUST bought this line of skincare." What a pleasant coincidence! I have only used this a couple times but the Rescue Balm is for a recently popped pimple that just won't go away! Made with panthenol, vitamins E and beta glucan this is the lotion you put on the blemish when you can't wear a pimple patch. So I wear my pimple patches at night and then when I go to work I can wear this and no one will ever know!

As far as results of my skin, I have noticed that the bigger blemishes have started to go down, but I haven't noticed a huge difference in the smaller/under the skin blemishes that I always battle with. I think once I keep using it I will start to see a difference (or at least I hope so) but as far as skincare products I've been using, this one is definitely at the top of my list!

You guys know the drill—I am showing you the unboxing of my fall Fab Fit Fun box! I've been having a love/hate relationship with these boxes lately. This one was okay, but truthfully it's the electronic toothbrush that I was excited about.

All in all though, I'm proud to be a #FabFitFunAffiliate and happy to share my discount link with all of you today. I'm sharing all of the products I received + new discount codes from this season so you can do your own shopping 😉. Sign up for Fab Fit Fun by clicking this link here for $10 off your first order!

I first saw something about Strands Hair Care on TikTok and I quickly added it to my "to buy" PinTok folder. Just in time too because I ran out of shampoo and conditioner and thought, let's kill two birds with one stone 🤷🏼‍♀️. A blog post review and get some new hair products!

Let's start with the price. I really thought this kit was going to cost $100 minimum but it was so affordable! I did the one-time purchase for $50, or you can start your subscription for $40 and I just Googled "Strands Hair Care Coupon" and I found a 20% off coupon! So for just like $44 I got the whole activation kit!

When this kit came in the mail it was so easy to use. I activated my kit online and went through the instructions which includes giving a sample of my hair, testing my scalp oiliness and choosing the scent I like for my products. I REALLY like the "timeless" scent, but the "escape" scent was a close second. I will say, putting hair in a tiny plastic bag was pretty had 😂 but besides that the kit was so easy to use. Once I sent my activation kit back in the mail I received my shampoo and conditioner.

Here's how it works, this activation kit they test your oil level on the scalp, select your fragrance and a small sample of your hair. Then they'll run test on your hair and provide a comprehensive report and ingredient list optimized for your strands. Then they will send you a formulate shampoo and conditioner based on your hair analysis.

Then your kit comes in the mail! Okay branding gets a 12/10 for me. It's simple, chic and SO CUTE! I mean it literally puts your NAME ON THE BOTTLE! And it comes with pumps! Like the whole packaging and aesthetic—I was here for it. Then because I had to put the pumps in, the minute I opened the bottles the smell just takes over the room. I LOVE the scent I chose. It was definitely my vibe. 

I've only been using the products for about a week or so now and I must say, if you're looking for a whole kit to come to your door each month, the price is worth the product you get. It's not "cheap" of course, but I've recently started to use better products for my hair and this falls into that category. I love my Ouai products but they can get pricey, but the Strands Hair Care is not only formulated for your hair but it's delivered to your doorstep each month. Totally convenient. 

I have really enjoyed using Strands Hair Care and I definitely plan on continuing this service 💁🏼‍♀️.