LUST-HAVE LIST: February 2023

1 February, 2023 Laytee Samida

LUST-HAVE LIST: February 2023 | STAINED COUTURE

Happy February! It’s Black History Month and love month, but it’s also the last full month of winter. When I tell you I’m so over this winter weather; I mean it. Currently, most of the south is starting to defrost from a wintery mix of snow and ice, but real heavy on the ice. This weather came in late Monday and has had us by a chokehold, which is just now starting to release us and melt.

Another thing that came in on Monday was a head cold for ya girl! Usually, I can fight off a cold before it gets bad by medicated early and taking my supplements. Unfortunately, I was all out of head cold medicine and had to endure a night of stuffy nose and sinus pressure. On Wednesday, with the help of my neighbors, I got the 2 inches of snow and ice off my car and skated (literally) to get some medicine. I feel about 85%, but I need one more day of meds and rest.

Honestly, I’m just ready for spring, because winter has kicked my butt. I can’t recall having this many snow days here in Memphis and I’ve lived here my whole life. Therefore, you will see a couple of items in this month’s Lust-Have List that look more for warm weather. So, now you know, but please keep reading to see all the items I’m wanting this month.

LUST-HAVE LIST: February 2023

Fenty Athletics Tee – Rihanna is performing at the Superbowl halftime show this year and she has been some dope merch for it and I want it all. However, I’m starting with this airbrush tee, because it’s going to hit all year.
Straw Market Tote – I intended to get a classic straw tote last spring, but I’m not making that mistake this year. This tote from J. Crew is perfect as a everyday spring and summer tote.
Nike Valentines 2023 – I look forward to the Valentine’s Day collection from Nike every year. I’m eyeing one of the dunks and forces this year, because they are not too girly.
Stila Waterproof Eye Liner – Recently, I’ve gotten into tightlining my eyes again and in need a good waterproof liner. The reviews on this one from Stila make me this could be the one.
Gel Polish Remover – After years of just wearing my natural nails, I recently got acrylic nails. It’s just a temporary thing to help my natural nails grow some. I hate soaking them off and this gel remover also works on acrylic. You apply it like polish, let it sit and bubble up for a few minutes and then gently scrape it off.

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Repair Your Skin Barrier

30 January, 2023 Laytee Samida

Recently, I jacked up my skin barrier by adding a new product to my nightime skincare routine. I literally woke up the next morning with small white bumps all over my skin and slight inflammation. Once I realized what did it, it was time to repair my skin barrier.

Repair Your Skin Barrier Routine | STAINED COUTURE

Keep reading to see how you can repair your skin barrier and protect it with these products.

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LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 20, 2023

20 January, 2023 Laytee Samida

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 20, 2023

LINK-END ROUND-UP: Janaury 20, 2023 | STAINED COUTURE

Hey to another Friday after another short work week! The love/hate relationship I have with short work weeks is insane, especially after a month of being in out of the office. In the end, I do appreciate them. 😊

I finally agreed that I will be renewing my lease for another year. I did think about moving to a new place, but the location is great and I do love my apartment. Plus, the rent prices are still insane in my area and for I want. So, staying put made the best sense and my increase wasn’t that much. Now I know why I’ve rarely see anyone move out despite the cost of our rent.

I don’t know about where you live, but Spring weather has slowly started to show up. My BFF noticed her daffodils were starting to grow in her backyard and I woke up to birds chirping outside my window for the last 2 days. It’s only January, which means it’s too soon and it’s making me nervous about the next couple of months. I’m still going to enjoy this weather, tho!

Last weekend, I definitely took advantage of not having to go to work on Monday. So, this weekend is all about relaxing as much as possible. However, my Eagles are playing their first game of the playoffs this weekend. So, maybe it won’t be as relaxing as I would like, but I’m still excited. Also, I just finished week 1 of my 21 days of no meat of coffee. It was rough for a minute, but I have a bevy of meatless meals that I can make. Also, cheers to Chia lattes for curing my iced coffee cravings.

I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the reads in this week’s Link-End Round-Up!

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 20, 2023

Sunscreen tips and tricks from dermatologists – Allure
This vegetarian 7-layer dip is right up my alley – Bon Appetit
3 thing to do if you’re new strength training for 2023 – SELF
How to dress up a blank wall in 3 steps – Apartment Therapy
How to improve your relationship with money for the new year – The Cut
The perfect Superbowl charcuterie board for your game day party – Maggie James
These blueberry cream cheese muffins look so delicious – OMG Chocolate Desserts

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EMPTIES: December 2022

17 January, 2023 Laytee Samida

EMPTIES: December 2022

EMPTIES: December 2022 | STAINED COUTURE

Welp, I didn’t use up many items in December and they were mostly deluxe sample and travel sizes. However, I do think that they are worth sharing. So, keep reading to see my final take on the products that I used up last month.

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LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 13, 2023

13 January, 2023 Laytee Samida

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 13, 2023

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 13, 2023 | STAINED COUTURE

Happy Friday and the first Friday the 13th of 2023! It’s funny that, as a child, Friday the 13th was such a “spooky” day. However, as an adult, I spend it sipping wine while watching true crime TV. Well, my plans tonight include having dinner and catchng up with 2 friends at Benihana. Still, I may finish the night with a glass of wine. I will raise a glass to those of you participating in Dry January.

I’ve never done Dry January, because I rarely drink. Did you know that Dry January has only been around for 10 years? It was started to help people pay attention to their alcohol consumption. This especially true for those that feel like they drink alor or consumed too much over the holiday season. Not to mention, their are many benefits to Dry January – I shared some links below. 😉

Most people are about to take in the 3-Day MLK weekend and I’m one of them. As usual, I plan to chill this weekend, but there is one thing that I would like to do – get my nails done. It’s been a long time since I got some extensions professionally applied to my nails. Plus, I’ve been wanting a fresh set of french tips, which used to be my go-to nails of choice. However, this was before I discovered gel nail art. Plus, I’m a little scared to see how much the cost due to everything seeming to cost double now. So, wish me luck!

I really hope you all have a great weekend and take some for yourself. Also, please check out the links in this week’s Link-End Round-Up.

LINK-END ROUND-UP: January 13, 2023

What do healthy nails look like? – Byrdie
Why are eggs so expensive right now – SELF
What are the health benefits of Dry January? – Womens Health
Working on how to not be late is something on my to-do list – The Cut
What does it mean when you see your birthday numbers all the times- Bustle
The “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” trailer dropped and I’m all in – Variety
Doing dry January and craving a non-alcoholic Manhattan? Here’s a recipe – Liquor

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