Thursday, August 31, 2017

Lately 8/31/2017

Holy cow. How in the world did we get to the end of August already?! I say this every time, but wow does time fly by. 2018 will here before we know it. YIKES! But, I'm not going to lie, I'm very excited for the fall season to be upon us (even thought it doesn't technically start until 9/22). I have so many fun travels and weekend adventures planned and I can't wait to share them all with you!

This long holiday weekend, I'm going to one of my very favorite Pittsburgh restaurants... in which I've had this reservation for months because, apparently, that's what you need to do in Pittsburgh nowadays. I'm also so excited my friend Eugenia is coming home from NYC for the weekend and her parent's are hosting my family and another one of our BFF's Dana/Ava/Mia and their family for a pool party/cook out! I'm also hoping it's nice enough to have one last pool day at the club, too. As much as I am excitedly anticipating fall, I will definitely miss the carefree-ness that summer brings (and the great tan).

But seriously, bring on cozy sweaters, football, hot coffee, Barbour jackets, pumpkin everything, and gorgeous foliage.



Eating: This one is super self explanatory, but it was SO easy and required absolutely no cooking. I made a chicken caesar salad. All you need is a bag of romaine lettuce, a rotisserie chicken, asiago/parmesan cheese, and caesar dressing. Mix everything together and voila. A quick lunch or dinner in under 5 minutes. My favorite caesar dressing is Ken's brand. 


Drinking: I've been enjoying Truly Sparkling water, which has just 1 gram of sugar. It's refreshing and light and perfect to keep stocked in the fridge for an impromptu get together! Check out this link to see where you can find a stockist near you!

Reading: So many articles floating around the web about Whole Food's lowering their prices. I went on Monday and really did notice my bill was slightly lower than usual. This price change is due to Amazon acquiring WF. Also, Prime Members will start getting perks, too! I'm very excited about this change. I love Whole Foods but I don't love their prices.

Reading II: I love GOOP, don't get me wrong. I've found some pretty amazing products and I especially love the GOOP skincare line. However, this article hilariously rounds up some of the more ridiculous things that have come from Gwynnie. 

Watching: I just re-watched Stranger Things in its entirety to get ready for season 2! There is still 2 months to go (October 27th!), but I had forgotten about a lot in the series. If you haven't binged this one yet, I definitely recommend it!

Listening: Embedding September's Playlist because it's already so good! I LOVE Quinn XCII... I cannot stop playing his music, but specifically his new song, Always Been You, is on repeat 24/7. I think this playlist is the best of 2017 so far! 


Sale-ing: There are a ton of amazing sales since it is a holiday weekend. I will do a full roundup for Saturday shopping, but I thought I'd highlight a few things. Mark and Graham is having a huge sale and my absolute favorite leather weekend is included. It's super high quality and is my go-to as a carry-on bag or road trip bag!
I've been frequently checking out the Club Monaco site, hoping they would release new items soon. As luck would have it, they just released a ton of new pieces that are gorgeous! Right now, they are offering 20%-30% off your total depending on how much you spend. 


Wanting: So many new arrivals everywhere you turn! Tons of stuff on my radar, so definitely scroll through to check it out!

Wanting II:
 You guys know how obsessed I am with Dior's lip glow balm, but it's super pricey. I just found out, It Cosmetics makes something super similar for $9 less! I'm really interested in trying it out- has anyone else used this product?

Pittsburgh-ing: The Duquesne University School of Law student body is dedicating their annual 5k and dog walk (Saturday September 23rd, 9am) in memory of Katie Westbrook, whose dream at age 13 was to become a lawyer. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, which took her life at age 15, just before she was to receive an honorary degree from Duquesne University School of Law.  Although Katie was never able to fulfill her dream of becoming an attorney, they honor her memory and dream to become a Duquesne lawyer through the SBA Centennial Endowed Fund, which provides scholarships to current law students and helps them realize their dreams of becoming attorneys.  Last year's race raised $5,000.00 with the proceeds benefitting the SBA Centennial Endowed Scholarship Fund.  If you are interested donating to the cause or donating a silent auction item, please contact Robin Connors at connorsr@duq.edu or 412-396-6186. Or just head out to the race to support the cause!

Smelling: Who has a favorite fall candle that they love? I don't like anything sweet or vanilla/etc. and don't like anything too strong. I typically find my candles at Homegoods (I've shared a bunch of finds in the past), but haven't seen any great ones as of late. Recommend your favorite in the comments below! 

Traveling: I'm headed to New Hampshire in two weeks with some blogger friends. I've never been, so I'm very excited. We are flying up there and then renting a car to explore the state. Any recs?!
Loving: I've recently started a new skin care regimen in the last month. I kid you not, my skin has never looked better. I'm going to continue a week or two more before I share just to make sure it's all good, and then I'll spill all the details, but I saw that Colleen Rothschild is having a labor day sale and you can get 20% off using code LABORDAY. I got their cleanser, eye cream, and salicylic acid . While I love all of the products so far (they are all very gentle), I love love love the salicylic acid. It's the best I've ever used (and I've tried SO many salicylic acid products). This was is like a gel cream and you actually put it all over your face (not a spot treatment). It feels moisturizing, never dries out my skin, and is keeping breakouts at bay. It's a MUST!

Quoting: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”- Mr. Rogers// See more of my favorites, here

8 comments:

azamelis said...

What part of New Hampshire?

Anonymous said...

I'm obsessed witb the "Autumn" scent from Bath and Body Works. I have an aversion to any "sweet" smells- vanilla candles are my hell. The •Autumn" candle isn't sweet at all. Somehow smells like apple cider, fresh, crisp air, leaves, and coziness. I bought three last year and am just getting to the last inch or two of the final one! My husband likes the smell, too. The scent throw is pretty good on the candle, eapexially in an apartment.

Usually I go for more "manly" scents like wood fire or musk. However, if I am trying to cover up kitchen smells, I love the Mrs Meyers cabdles. They are terrific for that! I always light a couple in the kitchen after making something tasty-yet-stinky-for-a-700asq-foot-apt (yes, this is a food category).

Ellen | A Pop of Pink said...

I'm going to Pittsburgh this weekend, and I can't wait! I've missed it. If the restaurant you're heading to this weekend is delicious, let me know! I'll be out to the city several more times this fall and would love some place new to try.

Ellen | A Pop of Pink

TLA said...

Henri Bendel Signature Candles are wonderful! They are all white and come in a frosted glass jar with an unobtrusive 'Henri Bendel New York' printed near the bottom, so they are discreet and blend with any decor. My favorites for fall are the Fig and the Sandalwood, but I noticed a Champagne scent that you might like no matter the season! I've never tried the Chai, but I think that might be the next one I try, as I love chai made with pumpkin soymilk in the autumn. http://www.henribendel.com/us/gifts/gifts-for-the-home/home-fragrance/signature-candles/

Megan said...

My favorite fall candle is William Sonoma's Spiced Chestnut. I sometimes burn it through the winter I love it so much!

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/essential-oils-boxed-candle-spiced-chestnut/?pkey=e%7Cspiced%2Bchestnut%2Bcandle%7C2%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH

Sydney Carver Snyder said...

You guys are all amazing with your candle recommendations, thank you SO much! I just smelled Pottery Barn's fall candle and I am loving that one, too! Going to have to check out all of your recommendations :)

And Anonymous- thanks SO much for the Mrs. Meyers suggestion, too! I totally know what you mean about food stinking up an apartment- it happens to me all the time, I hardly ever cook bacon because of this! Totally going to track some down! xo

azamelis, I am not sure which parts yet, we haven't received out itinerary yet, but will let you all know once I know!

Laura Baker Busic said...

Like a lot of ladies, I am ALL ABOUT CANDLES, especially in the fall! I my mom always burns "Autumn in the Park" from Yankee Candle in her house and I really like it, it's fresh and apple-y. I also love one from Target's Signature Soy collection called Harvest, it's warm and a little spicy-sweet without being overwhelming at all.

tdickinson said...

I've spent summers in NH near Bristol at my boyfriend's family's lake house. It is lovely in the summer! Honestly, there's not a ton to do, but we've been to the SImon Pearce HQ in nearby Vermont and also love the Merrimack Premium Outlets, which has a Barbour outlet!

 

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