Lately

Leather Handbag// Cashmere Wrap

Cutest new bag from the FV team. They gave me a discount code, SYDNEYC17 for 17% off. It saves around $68. It's beautifully made and looks SO much like the Loro Piana Bale bag but 1/9 of the cost. 

I hope you're all enjoying your week! It's been very busy over here since I am currently en route to visit my sister in Charlotte! My mom and sister are going down for a relaxing little girls weekend and I'm really looking forward to it! Therefore, I've been trying to cram as much work as possible in ahead of time so I don't have to do too much work while I am away! 

We have been enjoying hints of spring here! March 1st, it snowed so my hopes were crushed a little, but this week has been absolutely beautiful! 

I've been spending the last month or so doing a little spring cleaning and cleaning out some of our kitchen cabinets and then ordering a handful of basic items we needed to replace like a small sheet pan, basic ramekins, berry colanders, and an ice cream scoop!

Striped shirt// Raffia Belt// Turquoise Necklace// Clover Necklace (similar option)

Wearing: I've been into color lately. I mean, I am always in to color, but especially right now. We are getting hints at spring with the weather and I am living for it!! 

Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

Eating: Mini crunchwraps just launched at Taco Bell and I couldn't get there faster to try them. If you are new here, I love Taco Bell. The crunchwrap is my favorite thing on the menu, and this latest version comes with two in an order that are about the size of a silver dollar pancake. The inside contains cheese, a spicy creamy sauce, pico de Gallo, and steak strips. It was delicious. I think the regular crunchwrap is a 10/10 and I'd give this a 9.8/10. 

Eating: These might be my favorite chips of all time. This Boulder Canyon brand is so good all around, but these two flavors are my top favorites. They are SO crunchy. I love the flavors of both of these! I find them at Whole Foods. 

Drinking: We had this great cabernet the other night when we were over at my parents' house for 'steak night'. If they don't have plans for the night, they always cook steaks on Saturdays. My dad makes the best steak. I really enjoyed this. I couldn't believe it was 13 years old. It had a really good dusty, earthy flavor. My mom calls it 'dusty book' wine, haha! 

Sale: My EBY code was renewed for March so you can still use code SYDNEYCFS15 for 15% off and free shipping but I don't think it'll be renewed for April, just as a heads up! Also the Dermstore sale is still going strong! There is a code on their site to use but my code will save you a few extra $$ more depending on what you're ordering! 

Watching: I am watching so many things right now, I can't keep them all straight! I love to binge-watch a good show, but waiting each week for episodes is not my thing because I don't have much time for TV during the week and would rather watch several episodes in a row on the weekends. Anyone else?! Anyway, I started the Night Agent on Netflix. I saw the first season and am enjoying the second season. This is a show you can binge because it is all out! I started Love is Blind but got bored. There are so many episodes in the pods it fell flat for me and was just too much to keep up with at the moment. Right now, we are all caught up on severance and it's SO GOOD. I think it might be the best show in the history of TV. I'm on the edge of my seat. Also on the edge of my seat for Paradise (Hulu). We are not caught up on that, we haven't had time! We are also not caught up on White Lotus but loving it so far. I also have Summer House and Southern Charm, behind on both but love them. Oh, and The Pitt on HBO. I am also not caught up on that, but enjoying it. SO much good TV that I'm likely forgetting something that I am watching. It is crazy after going so long where there was seemingly nothing to watch. 

Speaker

Listening: Bose sent me this speaker and I am loving it. My dad has been a Bose fan since I was a child. We always had that Bose alarm clock speaker with the CD player in it and speakers for our living room and even for our computer when computers had separate speakers so I always think of him when I see anything Bose! He always brings a mini speaker like this one on vacations, and even just day things like picnics. The other week, we went skiing, and he brought the speaker to listen to music while we had an apres-ski cocktail at the ski lockers. Anyway, I was so blown away by the sound on this little thing I brought it over to my parents' house this weekend for them to check it out. My mom and dad were both amazed by it. The sound is SO crisp and clear. My dad said 'it's like sitting in the front row of a concert.' Anyway, I love it and would highly recommend it. I am also mentioning this because it would make a *great* Father's Day gift. They have a few different sizes to choose from.

Listening: I have been loving George Benson and Christopher Cross, and many of you told me that's called 'Yacht Rock'. I've heard of Yacht Rock as there is a Sirius radio station with that title, but every time I'd put the channel on, I wouldn't like what was playing. Some of it can lean cheesy, in my opinion. I love the Doobie Brothers; they are considered 'yacht rock,' which I had no idea.  Anyway, I made my own Yacht Rock playlist and am sharing it with all of you. It has a nice, happy but relaxing vibe. 

Wanting: I just ordered this casual dress, this dressier dress, and this gorgeous skirt! This is a beautiful lightweight, neutral cardigan. Another great dress in this print. I hope they make a tablecloth in this print, it's very Brunschwig and Fils Ikat Kilim. This is the cutest little cordless lamp! For my fellow bow lovers, how cute is this bag?! An adorable sun hat under $50. I love the shape of these little glass bowls! Love these neutral slide sandals and they're under $100! This pink button down is currently in my cart! I just ordered all of the colors of this long sleeve tee. I think it could be really good. I love when something is labeled 'heavy weight' because usually that just means 'actual good quality'. HM has so many good things right now. These chic pants for a tropical vacation are so fun, and I love this open-back dress. I want to get this basic tank to go with a few skirts for spring. Zella, Nordstrom's in-house brand, has a line called 'ultra soft' which is likely to compete with Varley's dream fabric! This little linen dress is adorable, affordable, and could be worn as a coverup, too! The most perfect one piece swimsuit!!!

I've been wearing this pretty gold cuff lately, it's a nice budget-friendly alternative to the Tiffany bone cuff. Code LAYER20 may still work for 20% off.

Pittsburgh: Lately, I have not been able to get enough of Pizzaoilo Primo and, specifically, their Pizza Bianco! It's so flavorful! 

Pittsburgh: So excited to hear about this new pizza restaurant opening in place of Bado's on Beverly! 

Cuticle Oil

Amazon Rec: The best cuticle oil saving my hands right now! Just had to re-order this stain spray because I ran out. It's the BEST for getting stains out. It's marketed as a spray for messy children, but as a messy adult, I can confirm this is a savior! I use it on clothing, carpet, upholstery, and even drapes. There hasn't been a stain that this spray could not get out... even dog pee! 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Hand Soap + Lotion Gift Set (or just the handsoap)

Smelling: This is the most gorgeous and best smelling hand soap I've ever smelled. The brand sent me this gift set. The lotion is wonderful, too, but I think the hand soap seems more 'useful'. The glass pumps are huge and unique, and they have gorgeous designs. The scent is 'sea salt, maritime pine, and cypress.' If they made this in a perfume, I would wear it daily. My husband is sensitive to scents and he loves this one. This brand is fancy and pricey, but I will say they don't have any toxic chemicals in them, and this hand soap has ingredients that treat your hands like skincare would. This is the kind of hand soap you'd see at a luxury hotel like a St. Regis, high-end restaurant, club, or something you'd give as a gift to someone who likes very nice things and you're stumped on what to get them. The only thing that even holds a candle to this is the Hotel Lobby Hand Soap which smells incredible and comes in a stunning glass pump bottle. 

Quoting: 'Be as you wish to seem.' - Socrates // See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Dermstore Sale!

Dermstore is currently having a sale where you can get up to 20% off select brands and products. You can use my discount code SUMMERWIND, which will give you the best discount available and a discount on some brands/products that even the code on the site won't give you. The Dermstore team made me a landing page where a few of my favorites are rounded up!

I have worked with Dermstore in a paid capacity on Instagram (I am so excited about this, as I have been shopping the site for years), and hope to continue working with them. However, this blog post is not a sponsored post!

I will share some of my favorite picks with you all below! Dermstore gave me this code last year and has never had it expire, which is amazing because I use it often! You can use my code even during non-sale periods and still get $$ off at checkout. The code does not work on every single product, but it works on many, and changes what the code works on from time to time. I don't know the specifics or timeline of the changes, but it doesn't work the same 24/7. This is just a heads up! But this particular sale goes through March 13th! 

These products I am recommending are only things I have used myself and would *highly* recommend. I love skincare and love to try products, but at the end of the day, the biggest thing about skincare is being regimented in your routine regardless of the actual product. I was talking to my girlfriend about this the other night, and she asked me if I ever skip skincare or makeup removal, and I said that I literally never skip- no matter what! Consistency is the most important thing you can do to ensure your products work to the best of their ability. 

It's essential to know your skin, too. The same skincare does not work for everybody, and my skincare goals are also likely a bit different than yours! My skin is acne-prone, and I am most focused on hydrating and keeping fine lines as *fine* as possible. My under eyes are my biggest insecurity as I have dark circles, and I feel like that is where I am aging most noticeably! Also, to preface, aging is NORMAL and not a negative. How lucky are we that we get to grow older with every passing day? But I think it's important to do whatever one wants to feel good and confident.

SKINCARE

Skincare Set My #1 Pick in the sale and best deal!

One of my favorite skincare products of all time and a product I purchase over and over again is the Obagi Vitamin C 20% serum. I have been using it for years. It's fantastic at lessening acne scarring or any discoloration. It makes my pores look smoother and I even think it keeps acne away. They have different strengths, so you may want a lower percentage if you have sensitive skin, but I prefer the 20%! One bottle lasts me around 4-6 months. 

The vitamin C serum has gone up and up in price over the years (but what hasn't?!) so I always try to snag it when it goes on sale. Full price it is $150. It's currently on sale with my code for $120! BUT WAIT! This Skincare Set contains a full-size Obagi Vitamin C 20% serum and *ten* other products. Seven out of the eleven products are full-size. The kit is worth over $500 but sold at the full price of $150. With my code you get this for $120. It's a no-brainer that if you order the vitamin C serum, order this kit for so many other goodies to try out!

Some more skincare recs....

- These undereye patch gels that I use weekly and is a gift that I love to give! They feel so good on my undereyes, depuff, and lessen fine lines in one use. 

- This face cleanser looks like on of those popular 'greens' drink but it's actually the best face cleanser. I try new things but always come back to this cleanser. My husband loves it, too. It has a mild but refreshing scent and cleans so well without stripping my skin. 

- I apply this lip balm every night before bed. It is so sticky that it stays on, sometimes, through to the next morning. My lips are hydrated and noticeably plumper. This is a constant repurchase for me. It's a splurge for lip balm, but I don't think there is anything else like this. 

- I'm just about to finish this luxurious, rich face cream. I use it nightly and this jar has lasted me about 7 months. It's thick and very hydrating. 

- I think of this spray sunscreen as a 'treat'. It's pricier than something like a drugstore spray and I'm sure they both work in a similar way. However, this is reef compliant, water resistant, and paraben and oxybenzone-free. Not only that, but it smells SO good. It smells like a tropical vacation where you have a pina colada in your hand. I also love the vintage-style branding.

- This face sunscreen is dimethicone-free. I try to avoid that ingredient as it can make me breakout. Sometimes it is unavoidable, but this sunscreen never makes me break out and works on its own and sits well under makeup! 

-The retinal I'm currently using and it does not irritate my skin or make it flake or make it overly dry. It works without any of the annoying side effects of other retinol. 

MAKEUP

- This lip gloss/balm/stick is a favorite, especially in the shade 'poppy' which is a vibrant coral shade that is perfect for daily wear. Just $20!

- The most beautiful lip oil that feels so good on the lips! I have both Karolina and Lily. Karolina is more of an everyday light pink and is not super pigmented. Lily is my favorite and is fairly pigmented with a coral-y red color. 

- The prettiest powder bronzer (in sundown deep) and blush (in rosecliff). I love that these powders are gradient in shade so that in the winter, I can use the lighter shades and use the darker in the summer months. I also use the left side of each of the products on my eyes as eyeshadow! The powder blends so beautifully and never looks dry or cakey. 

- I swip this tinted brow gel on daily. It's tinted but not overly pigmented and the brush is small so it's easy to move through the brows. This stuff is like glue and keeps my brows in place all day! One tube lasts me a year or more. 

HAIR

- I recently got this long barrel curling iron. I've used a t3 curling iron for many years and love the brand. I don't know how it's taken me this long to try a longer barrel. It has been such a game changer for me because I have long, thick hair. It's not THAT much longer than a regular barrel but just enough that all of my hair wraps around the entirety of the barrel so that everything is evenly heated and nothing is overlapping! 

- This is t3's version of the air wrap and I've been using it since December. It has a round brush attachment, two curling attachments, and a hair dryer attachment. It comes with a really pretty faux leather carrying bag for all of it, too. The quality is incredible. I love using it- it gives my hair SO much volume, sometimes more volume than I even want, ha! The only thing is that it takes a LONG time to do my hair start to finish with this. It's solely because I have a lot of thick hair. My hair needs high heat and holds so much moisture and not a lot of hair fits on the curler at one time so it's just a lot more effort than a regular blow dryer and curling iron. It's worth it when I have the time and/or what my hair to look its best! 

Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Skincare Review: ZIIP Microcurrent Device

ZIIP Microcurrent Device

Use code WINDZIIP for 10% off and WINDGEL for 10% off gel. These codes are stackable!

I originally posted this in October and am updating this post with before and after photos and an updated review! 

Last year, my mom visited the McCauley and Dean offices in Pittsburgh and received microcurrent treatment. She was thrilled with the results. I loved her results. They were very subtle, and it looked like she had nothing done. Her cheeks just looked more lifted, and she appeared more youthful all around. It was a speedy, easy, and non-invasive treatment. Since then, I had been seeing microcurrent devices everywhere. 

I actually got my mom a NuFace mini from Dermstore for Mother's Day using my own code, SUMMERWIND, because she loved the in-office results so much. The at-home device is not as strong as an in-office device, but it still works. I must admit, the device lifted my mom's cheeks and gave her a more defined jawline. Though subtle, I fully see a difference in her face; she and her friends do, too. So much so that all of her friends bought microcurrent devices. She began singing its praises, so I became even more intrigued.

When it comes to aging, I take a very you-do-you approach. I hope to age gracefully, but I'm game if there are manageable, relatively inexpensive, and painless ways to slow it down. 

It was serendipitous because shortly after, ZIIP, a microcurrent device brand, reached out this summer to send me one of their devices to try out. They gave me a code, WINDZIIP, for 10% off. 

It's another brand of microcurrent device, and what sets this particular device apart is that it has micro and nanocurrent. 

This all gets a bit scientific, so I recommend reading up about microcurrents in general and researching which device is suitable for you. A microcurrent device is electricity that stimulates your muscles and, in turn, tones them. In layman's terms, it is as if your face went to the gym and did sit-ups. As you age, your muscles become more relaxed, and so the toning helps to keep them buff. Again, it's much more scientific than this, and I implore you to do your own reading! When stimulated, your muscles release a naturally produced chemical that declines as you age. This chemical also helps the muscles to stay more taught. So, while this device works after one use, the key is to keep up with it to see the most beneficial results. 

ZIIP has micro and nano currents, while most devices only have micro. According to ZIIP, the nano is to help results last. 

I've been using ZIIP several times weekly for the last 10 or so months. Consistency is most beneficial, but you can see results after one use. TLDR: I would gladly pay full price for this device, as I love it and have seen a significant positive difference. 

I don't have many wrinkles, but I have fine lines starting to form and a more downward look on my face, as I am obviously not immune to aging.

Before and After (immediately after using the device for the first time)

It is AMAZING at depuffing and refreshing my face. If I don't sleep enough, have a martini, or eat a meal high in salt, my face looks puffy and droopy the following day. This fully resolves that. It depuffs and sculpts my face and even takes that tired look out of my face. That alone, for me, is worth it! If I were getting married, this would be an immediate purchase to use even if just on the morning of my wedding. 

After continued use, my face is significantly lifted. One eye sits a little lower than the other. Naturally, my face isn't perfectly symmetrical, and I find that ZIIP  helps to make my face look more symmetrical.

Taken a year apart

Looking at the photo above, you can see before and after over a year. If that photo doesn't speak a thousand words, I don't know what will! It has sculpted my jaw and lifted my jowl area! It lessened my nasolabial fold (smile lines). I'm so thrilled with the results. I've always been somewhat conscious of my dimpled chin and it has even minimized that which is not something I expected! I've done nothing else to my skin in this period besides my daily skincare routine. When sharing beauty and skincare, I never use any filters. 

As a side note, I'm also blown away by my neck before and after. I look down at my phone every day, as that's part of my job. It is definitely aging my neck faster. The term has been deemed 'tech neck'. I have never used the ZIIP device on my neck, but you can, and it's something I may start doing. But, I wonder if the lift in my jawline helped lift my neck simultaneously? I have no idea. But I've also been using neck cream within the before and after period. I was only using it because I got it in a PR box. To me, neck cream seems 'gimmicky' and I decided to use it because I had it on hand but did not expect it to do anything to my neck. Nothing topical can perform miracles, but this neck cream has worked wonders and totally blew my expectations out of the water. It's pricey, but I plan to purchase another bottle once I finish the one I am using because of the results I've seen.

Back to the ZIIP! The device takes about 10-15 minutes to use. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you are used to it, you can use it while you watch TV or sit in bed. I typically do it while I watch TV. I mostly do it at night, but if I have an event, I do it right before I do my skincare and apply makeup for the freshest results. I do it about four times per week. 

You apply a gel. The devices, both the NuFace and ZIIP, come with gels. The gel is a necessity as you need a conductor. Also, if you don't use the gel, you'll feel the device, and it feels like a zap. It doesn't hurt, but you can feel it, and it's unpleasant and startling! I found this gel on Amazon to be a less costly alternative, and it works well but doesn't have any skincare benefits like the gels from the actual device brands do. The branded gels work better, but they are pricey, depending on what you want to spend. My code WINDGEL gets you 10% off any of the ZIIP gels. 

Once the gel is applied, you glide the device upward on your face. I think of my face as three separate quadrants: left, right, and forehead, and work the device around that way. There is an app you can download that will teach you! It buzzes each time you do another sweep, so you know you are not holding it to your face for too long. It seems more intimidating and complicated than it is. It's SO quick and easy. It becomes second nature, just like learning how to curl your hair becomes quick and easy eventually.

It's easy to incorporate into my routine. I wouldn't stick to it if it wasn't quick and easy and didn't deliver enough noticeable results. I noticed immediate results after the first use, but after 6 weeks, there were more lasting results, and now, after nearly a year of consistent use, I see very noticeable and lasting results. 

This device is not for everyone, but I have found it to be an incredible addition to my skincare regimen and arsenal. I travel with this device, and I would immediately order a new one if it broke or I misplaced it. My mom tried my ZIIP device to compare to her NuFace, and we think they are similar, but the ZIIP feels more powerful. You can't go wrong with either device, but if it were me and I was considering price, quality, results, etc. I'd splurge for the ZIIP. 

While the ZIIP was gifted to me, this post is not sponsored. I am so pleased with this product and enjoy using it every single week. 

Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Heinz Hall + Pittsburgh Symphony

Black Feather Dress// Similar Black Suede Pumps

Red Bag// Pearl Earrings

This past weekend, we headed downtown for dinner and a show! This past fall, I bought a subscription to our local Pittsburgh Symphony and it was indeed one of the best things I've done! My husband and I have enjoyed going together. We've seen quite a few shows already and have one more in our subscription to look forward to, and then I look forward to renewing it again for more shows! 

This weekend, the Pops programming was focused on Pixar, where they played a bunch of different scores from all of the Pixar movies. Seeing the musicians transition quickly from one style to the next was fantastic and showcased the symphony's range and talent. For example, The Incredibles was jazzy and brass heavy, UP has a distinct sound, and Nemo is strings heavy. Nemo Egg is one of my favorite scores (from Finding Nemo) and it was so cool to see it played live. You'll have to listen to that particular song, but the song is so full, and the entire symphony playing it made it sound even fuller and better. It sounded so good I almost shed a tear! The concert felt like sitting in on a soundtrack recording for a movie.

I have nothing but fabulous things to say about the Pittsburgh Symphony. Knowing we have such talent here makes me proud to be a Pittsburgher. Their programming is diverse, and there is something for every audience, from children to avid classical music fans, and even people who may think they don't care for the symphony. Plus, Heinz Hall is a crown jewel! It's so stunning. Each time I visit, I always notice something new. The marble, the aged copper 'awnings', the columns, the mouldings and trim are all spectacular and it's true that they just don't make 'em like this anymore! 

I'd be first in line at Yo Yo Ma this summer, but the show falls on my husband's birthday, and he is not an avid cellist fan so I'll give him a pass. Someday! I know they've done a John Williams tribute before, but I'd love for them to do that again!!! John Williams is one of my favorite contemporary movie composers. Thinking far ahead, I am SO excited that they are doing Appalachian Spring in 2026. I will definitely be at that show! If you go on the first Friday of a show, they usually do a chat after the show with the conductor. I love that. 

We always make a night out of it by grabbing a delicious dinner beforehand. This weekend, we chose Meat and Potatoes. I hadn't been in many years, and it was just as good as always! We ordered tuna tartare and steak frites. 

My only gripe about going to the Symphony is that growing up, I was taught that you dress up for a show like the symphony or a musical or play. I look forward to getting dressed for events like these. I know the world has become extraordinarily casual, but it always shocks me to go to the symphony and see many people in sweatpants. It's likely worse in Pittsburgh as our city has always been known to wear things like Steelers jerseys to a May wedding. I have no control over how others dress and quite frankly, it's none of my business; everyone is entitled to dress however they please. I also think a lack of dress code at the symphony makes it seem less intimidating and more welcoming, which is good. I understand not everyone likes dressing up. In fact, I may be in the minority who prefer to dress up! Me complaining does nothing, but I know many of you feel similarly! 

I wore this fun black dress with feathered sleeves. It's simple and classic but the sleeves make it fun and unique. It comes in many colors and runs true to size. It's a great length for those on the taller side. I'm 5'6" and feel it's long enough considering it is a 'mini' dress! Those a few inches taller than me could wear this without it being too short.  The code YOURULE should work on this for 20% off! I was likely the most dressed up person there, but I genuinely do not care!