Lately

I could not get over the vibrancy and lushness of all of the plants and foliage in Naples! Absolutely gorgeous! 

I cannot believe we have reached April! Although April's weather can be questionable at times, I feel like we have officially made it through the worst of the worst weather-wise, and what a relief! I am so excited to see buds, leaves, and greenery starting to pop up! Over the years, I have developed a love for gardening and planting things. I am not good at it, but it truly makes me so happy! I can't wait to clean everything up and plant some new things! It also brings me great joy that it seems our peach tree made it through the crazy winter!!! We randomly bought a peach tree on clearance at Home Depot a few years ago. We assumed it was for our zone, but realized it was not! Somehow, this peach tree has absolutely flourished. It's huge now. I cannot get over it. We haven't gotten it to grow fruit, but my fingers are crossed this is the year! 

I just got back from Florida yesterday. I had the best time. Our family friend invited my mom and me down for the week, and I loved Naples! It was so nice that our family friend knows everything about the area, as she has been coming for years, so she showed us so many great places to eat, drink, shop, and relax! We had the best time. 

My mom is a champ for getting home and immediately going into Easter prep mode, as my parents host Easter every year. We always have a ham dinner on Easter with lots of family and friends, which is always so nice! I am so looking forward to it! 

Next week, my husband and I head to San Francisco to visit my sister and brother-in-law! I am so excited. It's my birthday trip, as my birthday falls right when we return home. So fun. We did Newport, RI last year for my birthday, and I have really enjoyed traveling for the occasion... the best gift!

I have a truly packed calendar through May. I love being busy, but I also love downtime, and I always need a good recharge. I feel a little frazzled this week, just getting home from Florida and turning around and leaving again next week! All great things, though, this is definitely not a complaint! 

I still owe you all a 30a travel guide, and I'll do one for Naples, too! 

Shirt// Linen Pants// Bag// Earrings

Cardigan// Jeans// Hat// Sneakers// Tote// Roller Carry-on

Lounge Set// Sneakers

Wearing: I got all of my outfits uploaded to ShopMy so you can see everything I wore in Florida! I will share more here and there on my website, too, but there are many outfits! Here are two of my travel outfits and one I wore to lunch one day! 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

Eating: One of my favorite salads ever is from Colangelo's in Pittsburgh. It has an incredible white balsamic dressing. I replicated it at home using this white balsamic I found at Whole Foods, and it's wonderful! It's a little sweeter than dark balsamic, so a little goes a long way. I add olive oil, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. It's so simple and fresh-tasting. 

Drinking: This carrot margarita recipe sounds unique and interesting. It would be fun to serve this on Easter! 

Sale: Shopbop is having their 20% off spring sale with code SPRING20, and today is the last day! 

20% off Baublebar personalized jewelry this week only! 

Watching: Have you all seen the Summer House drama going on?! I haven't seen the latest episode, I am behind on TV! I don't watch a ton of reality TV, but Summer House is one I have watched since it premiered many years ago. On my flight, I watched The Housemaid, a movie based on the novel, and it was good! Maybe not the best movie I have seen, but well done and kept my attention the entire length! 

Loving: This water bottle is SO good. As much as I love my Stanley, this puts it to shame when it comes to traveling. It has a handle, holds a lot, isn't overly heavy, has a straw, doesn't spill, and truly keeps water cold. I left it in the car for hours in the Florida heat. It was hot to the touch on the exterior, and yet the water inside was ice cold. I have not had an insulated water bottle work so well to chill drinks! 

Wanting: Saw this adorable terry dress in the store and have been thinking about it ever since! The most beautiful spring/summer tablecloth! This hydrangea tabletop collection is right up my alley! This top is much more than I would typically spend on a white top, but wow, do I love it. This is such a cute gingham jacket! The bandana trend continues to capture my attention, and this silk one is beautiful and subtle. This white linen dress is calling my name! I've been so into ikat lately, and this skirt is calling my name! This is an adorable swimsuit cover-up. This is such a pretty tablecloth for outdoor dining! I wore this dress last year on my birthday trip and it is still one of my very favorite dresses! It's now back in the prettiest chartreuse color! A cute and classic, but still interesting white dress! These pants are such a good La Ligne look for less! This sunscreen set is such a good deal and contains one of my all-time favorite spray sunscreens! My fave eye patches have a new type that is 'extra' depuffing and cooling. I am definitely ordering these to try! My code SUMMERWIND should work on these! I saw this dress while I was in Naples and fell in love with it! It's even better in person! Crazy pricey olive oil that I just know I would LOVE. I love elastic waist shorts that you can just throw on with a tee in the summertime and these are so fun. This dress has Samantha Stevens written all over it! I love the 3D look of this cocktail dress. The brand 'Mother' makes this sweater and it's embroidered with the brand name. I'm thinking this could be such a cute Mother's Day gift for the martini loving mom! These dainty diamond and gold earrings are under $100 and perfect for daily wear. The cutest cardigan for a golf-lover. Added this cardigan to my cart because it's the perfect spring layer! Heading on vacation? These earrings are SO fun! Love this as a swimsuit coverup! Lots of good J.Crew new arrivals, I'm loving: this chartreuse dress, this pink dress, and this swimsuit. Just saw these sandals in the store and they're so much better than they look online! They're more of a cream and have a croc-style texture. This quilted jacket is perfect. No notes. A fun take on a flag sweater. 

Pittsburgh: The NFL Draft is coming to Pittsburgh April 23rd- 25th. Have any of you gone to the draft before? My husband and I are excited to (hopefully) go! It's free entry, you sign up with the NFL One Pass app, and show up (whenever you want), so we are wondering if we will be able to get in, or if it may be too crowded. I honestly have *no* idea about how this is all going to go down here in our city, but I'm more excited to just see the hustle and bustle of our city during this period! What a cool opportunity for our city. So thankful for the many people here in Pittsburgh who have been working around the clock for months, even years, to show off our city in the best light! 

Amazon Rec: I soooo badly miss incandescent light bulbs. Lighting affects me so much and I have not found a single lightbulb that replicates an incandescent bulb perfectly. I have been using these, which are good, but kind of expensive for a lightbulb. Most recently, I found these, which are the same, but cost a lot less, so I've been pleased with them. Neither of the bulbs I mentioned flicker (which is sooooooo important to me). Again, they are not perfect, but they're the best I've found in this forever search! 

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!

Smelling: Very curious about this candle as it sounds like a dead ringer for one of my fave candles, Nest's Cedar Leaf and Lavender. This is a fraction of the price, though! 

Quoting: 'An inch of movement is better than a mile of intentions.' // 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). 

Beachwear I Love

Swimsuit (use code SYDNEY15)// Matching Sarong

Similar Linen Coverup// Hat

Similar Linen Coverup// Necklaces (use code SYDNEY20)// Swimsuit // Hat

I know it’s not quite swimsuit season yet, but after two trips to Florida in the past few months, I’ve found myself browsing more than usual. I’m not someone who spends hours at the pool or beach, but I do love being outside, just with a bit more coverage and a little less sun. Most of my tan comes from long walks in the warmer months anyway.

Lately, I’ve realized how few swimsuits in my closet I actually love. Too many are ill-fitting, stretched out, or just past their prime. I'm overdue for a refresh wth both suits and coverups. There are so many chic options out right now, so I thought I’d share a few that have caught my eye.

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

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 2024. I am providing an update at the bottom of this post with a new before and after. 

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. 

2026 Update!

I’m still absolutely loving my Ziip device. It remains one of my all-time favorite skincare tools, and I would replace it immediately if anything ever happened to it. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I get a lot of questions about it, so I wanted to answer the one I’m asked most often:

If you could only choose one device: red light mask or microcurrent, which would you pick and why?

First, I think this is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. They work through completely different mechanisms and deliver different results. Everyone’s skin and goals are different, and ideally, these devices complement each other beautifully. That said, I completely understand the question since both have steep price tags.

If I had to choose just one, I would pick microcurrent, though that’s not to take anything away from red light therapy. I love my red light mask and use it about 4–5 times per week. It’s noticeably improved my skin’s clarity and texture (you can read my  full review of the red light mask here).

The main reason I’d choose microcurrent is that the sculpting and de-puffing benefits are more impactful for my specific concerns. Texture has never been a major issue for me. I’ve always had fairly good skin, and I stay on top of it with topical skincare. While red light takes that a step further, my bigger focus is on subtle sagging from aging and occasional puffiness from things like diet or allergies.

About 6ish uses, in the same exact lighting conditions.

To give you a more tangible example of what I mean by 'lifting' and 'depuffing', I’m typically very consistent with my Ziip and use it several times a week. But this past January, I fell off my routine a bit (it was such a gloomy winter, and I wasn’t leaving the house much). I was probably only using it once or twice a week for a few weeks.

During that time, I started to notice my face looking slightly more lax. Not dramatically so, but enough that I could tell, especially around my jawline and nasolabial folds.

Once I noticed, I got back into a more consistent routine and started using it daily (or every other day at minimum). Within about six uses, my face looked noticeably more lifted and defined again. My jawline appeared more sculpted, my nasolabial folds looked softer, and overall puffiness was reduced.

I also have a naturally dimpled chin, and I’ve found that consistent Ziip use softens that as well, which is a result I personally love. You can even see a subtle lift through my cheeks in the after.

Another question I often get is about the gels. 

Do you use the branded gels, or do you use anything else for conduction? They are pricey! 

I used the Amazon gel, and while it works, it dries down quickly, making it harder to work with. It's much thicker than the Ziip-made gels, which is not ideal. I find I get better results with my device when I use their branded gels, so I used one tube of the Amazon gel and now just buy Ziip gels. The Amazon tube lasts a very long time; it's huge. I love the silver gel, but the regular one works nicely, too, and costs less. Right now, I am using the regular one. The silver gel is 2.7 oz, while the regular is 1.7 oz, so I go through the regular tube faster than the silver one. However, the regular is still a better cost per ounce. 

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). 

Weekend Wish List

Gold Flower Earrings// Blue and White Linen Coverup

Eyelet Lace Top// Raffia Handbag

Jelly Flip Flops// Blurring Setting Powder

Cooler Backpack

Raffia Tote// Sage Green Pants// Striped Swimsui

Some items of note... 

- This Blue and White Linen Coverup is so unique and luckily, on sale! 

- I've long admired these Destree bags. They're so fun. This Raffia Handbag is next level! 

- I think these Sage Green Pants are good Donni look for less! 

- This Cooler Backpack is one of the things I wish I had brought to Florida with me back in February and early March. We received one for our wedding and use it often. It's the perfect size for a picnic or several bottles of wine! 

Travel Dry Shampoo// Celery Bunch Vase// Sandals

Martini Charm// Black Raffia Handbag// Blue Chambray Dress

Red Handbag// Cashmere + Silk Scarf// Scalloped Beach Towel

Scarab Ring// // Quilted Jacket// Green Raffia Tote

Some items of note... 

- Travel Dry Shampoo !!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have never used this dry shampoo, you are missing out. It is the very best. But it comes in a tub that is not travel-friendly. I am so excited to see they made a travel version! 

- I think this  Scarab Ring would look so chic as a pinky ring! 

- An adorable Scalloped Beach Towel and even better, it can be monogrammed! 

- This Cashmere + Silk Scarf is a perfect Hermes look for less! 

- I ordered these Sandals and they are so much cuter than the photos! 

See last week's Weekend Wish List, here!

For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:

- Target Finds

- Discount Code List

- Lately

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

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).