LINK-END ROUND-UP: February 21, 2020

Stained Couture’s weekly series, Link-End Round-Up, features interesting reads I read from around the internet this week.

LINK-END ROUND-UP: February 21, 2020 | STAINED COUTURE

It’s Friday! This week has been hectic. So much so, I had to take a personal day on Wednesday. I used that much needed off day to get in a little self-care of getting my nails done. However, I also got some business taken care of, which included getting my taxes done. Since I don’t have kids, I really don’t get that much back from taxes. So, I’m usually just trying to lay low while everyone is out enjoying their tax refund.

Speaking of laying low, those are my plans for the weekend. For the past couple of weeks, I haven’t been as consistent with my hustles. I’ve just been so disrespectful to my planner, but that’s just my energy. I know all about the “grind” of side hustles and hobbies, but I don’t force anything. For the past couple of years, I’ve been focusing in on me – learning about me. One thing I learned about me is to not force me out my comfort zone.

Listen, I know it’s beneficial for you to step out of your comfort zone, but you don’t have to every single time. For me, I give myself the option to not do something. Don’t get it twisted, the Libra in me over analyzes the results of me not doing something, before I make the decision. In the end, if I don’t feel like doing it and don’t mind the repercussions, I won’t do it.

Let me move on. Anyway, I will be laying low this weekend and focusing on my mental state. I feel great mentally, emotionally, and even physically, but I know this bliss won’t last forever. Therefore, I want to prepare my spirit for when a shift does happen. A shift always happens. So, here’s to a great weekend of peace and maybe a couple of glasses of wine.

LINK-END ROUND-UP: February 21, 2020

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather
Comment

What’s In My Amazon Cart #1

I’m not one of those people that orders from Amazon all the time – unless I need it ASAP and can’t find it locally. Instead, I’m one of those people that will sporadically add products to their Amazon cart and then BOOM – place the order. Doing it this way allows me to a.) Do one big shipment and B.) Confirm that I actually want the product. Yes, I frequently curate my cart, which usually happens when I add a new item.

What's In My Amazon Cart #1 | STAINED COUTURE

The first thing in my Amazon cart that I definitely plan to buy are these wet face wipes. Sounds weird, but wait for it. The face wipes are Ursa Major Essential face wipes, which are not your typical face wipes. I’m sure when most people think of face wipes, they think of the ones that help you clean your face. However, these face wipes are made with bamboo and cleanse, exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate your skin. Plus, they are individually wrapped face wipes, which makes them great for on-the-go cleansing. Personally, I’m planning to keep a few in the fridge to use first thing in the morning. I hear this will give an instant feel of ice rolling my face. Exciting.

My current skincare product obsession is hydrating toners. The older I get, the more my skin craves hydration. Actually, no matter if your skin is normal, dry, oily, or combination – you should consider adding a hydrating toner. For the past month, I’ve been using a rosewater toner, which is hydrating, but I’m ready to upgrade to this PCA Hydrating toner. The price is a little steep for a toner, but the recommendations and reviews make it seem like a deal.

The next product in my cart is an interesting one and the latest thing I’ve added. My weight has been fluctuating for the last couple of years, which has caused me to lose some elasticity on my face. The main area where this has been annoying me is my double chin area. The area is not as full as it used to be (Thank God.), but it’s sagging. Some of my favorite everyday gracefully aging lifestyle bloggers on IG have been talking about these chin lift pads(?) and I want in. Courtney Kerr of Kerrently.com shared one that gave her great results, but it’s sold out. However, I did find these double chin reducers that slim the face from another brand. The reviews are good, so it’s in my cart. Please note that these face masks are a temporary fix, which makes them ideal to use before special events and/or photo ops.

Finally, these sunglasses have been patiently waiting for me to pull the trigger and it’s almost time. Actually, these are another recommendation from Courtney, because she said these are a legit dupe for Celine shades. Since buying a pair of $400 sunglasses doesn’t fit in my financial goals for this year, these dupes are at the top of my list. They come in different colors, but all black is my vibe.

Do you let products accumulate in your Amazon cart or do you instantly order products?

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather
Comment Shopping Chronicles

eSTYLIST: Galentine’s Day 2020

Since my love life is lowkey complicated, I’m not doing much for Valentine’s Day. I have some plans to meet a couple of friends for apps and drinks after work tomorrow as mini Galentine’s Day 2020. Actually, I want to do something different, too. So, I’m going to throw some other options for us to do after drinks. I lowkey want to go to Dave & Busters, because I’m pretty sure that’s going to be one of the least romantic spots in the world. So, it sounds perfect. Wish me luck.

eSTYLIST: Galentine's Day 2020 | STAINED COUTURE

You can switch the belt bag for a clutch or the belt bag for a clutch. No matter what, you can make this look work for whatever plans you have. I decided to not add jewelry, because the look is already “busy”. However, you can complete the look with a simple pair or hoops of statement jewelry. Wear whatever you love, because – in the end – it is the day of love.

Keep reading to get all the details on this sporty look for a fun and casual Galentine’s Day Night Out. Also, feel free to share what plans you have for Valentine’s Day this year.

eSTYLIST: Galentine’s Day 2020

  • Adidas 90s logo sweater – Legit fell in love with this sweater, which influenced this post to be more sporty than girly.
  • Faux Leather Leggings – I feel like a pair of leather or faux leather leggings are needed in every wardrobe. Plus, you can dress them up casual and chic, if needed.
  • Herschel Supply Red Belt Bag – If you’re going to be sporty, a belt bag is a must. This one from Herschel Supply is awesome.
  • Valentine’s Day Ultraboost 20 – I’m one of those people that don’t like to mix and match logos. So, I’m so glad that adidas has a V-Day shoe and it matches the sweater. Win, win.
Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather
Comment Series

Gifts To Give Yourself for Valentine’s Day

Many years ago, an older lady gave a piece of advice regarding Valentine’s Day. She told me to buy myself something every Valentine’s Day – rather I’m single or not. Now, it’s rarely anything super extravagant,  but I have spoiled myself a couple of times. Although I’m one of those people that could care less about Valentine’s Day, I still try to do something special for me. I think of it as self-care, plus it helps remove the feeling of expecting someone to give you an amazing gift. It’s okay to look for gifts to give yourself.

Gifts To Give Yourself for Valentines's Day | STAINED COUTURE

I mean, you can still want it, but what if you give yourself something first? *shrugs* Anyway, keep reading to see 5 gifts to give yourself for Valentine’s Day. However, these are also amazing gifts to receive. So, feel free to send this post to drop a few hints to someone special.

Continue Reading

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather
Comment Life

LINK-END ROUND-UP: February 7, 2020

Stained Couture’s weekly series, Link-End Round-Up, features interesting reads I read from around the internet this week.

LINK-END ROUND-UP: February 07, 2020

Happy Friday, folks! So, how did the first week of February 2020 treat you? Mine? A blur, but nothing too bad. Well, it did rain most of the week and had the nerve to be freezing cold for a few. Oh, and speaking of freezing – it snowed last night. I mean, it was just a dusty, but I could’ve done without it.

Other than stupid weather and me having to get my other headlight replaced (I got the other one replaced in NYE), this week was decent. After much deliberation and procrastination, I finally started on a passion project. It’s in the very early stages, but I’m enjoying the process. It’s something I work on after work, on the phone, and while laying in bed. Nothing provocative, but it helps me deal with my anxiety and interact with like-minded people. Confused? Well, I might talk about it soon, which will hopefully encourage you to find a passion project or hobby.

This weekend, I want to get some organizing done this weekend. I really need to go to Ikea to pick up some of their wooden hangers, because I’m running out of hangers. Last year, I decided that I wanted all the hangers in my closet to look the same – clean and wooden. I settled in on the ones from Ikea, because they were simple and affordable. I’ve been trying to phase out the plastic ones in my closet, because I’m too old to have a closet with hangers that you can buy 100 of for $5.

In the meantime, please read some of my favorite articles I read this past week. The one about “stashing” made ghosting seem decent, but it also made me seem cold. I’ve stashed someone before and I plan to spend some time this weekend figuring out how to not do it again. Have a great weekend!

LINK-END ROUND-UP: February 7, 2020

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblrinstagramby feather
Comment Series