I can’t believe we’re already a full month into 2022. Where the hell has time gone? I feel like I blinked and Janaury flew past us and we’re now going into February! I mean, technically, that’s exactly what happened. Time just flew past us. I’m going to walk you through the highs and lows of the first month of the new year. Let’s start with the “new year, new me” cliche category…

Beauty & Self-Care

1. OLEHENRIKSEN Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer – the Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer is (as described on its website) a daily moisturizer, packed with peptides, collagen and hyaluronic acid, that’s clinically tested to instantly double hydration, boost elasticity and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while also reinforcing your moisture barrier. I will tell you that in just FIVE days of using this moisturizer, I noticed a significant change on my skin. It was smooth, hydrated, and just WOW. I knew that it was going to be different the first time I opened the bottle. After being influenced by Jenna Rennert (@itsjennarennert on Instagram), I knew I had to buy this product. It was sold out online, both on their website and at Sephora online, and I happened to be at the mall that day so I went into Sephora. As soon as I walked in, I saw the display and grabbed the last one. Boy am I glad that I did! Even with a thick, whip cream like, texture it was so soft, that I knew it would be something I loved. Boy was Jenna, and I, right. This product is my latest obsession, and for good reason.
2. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo/Conditioner (Liter, 33.8 fl. oz) – before Christmas, I bought the Oribe #OribeObsessed Hair Set which brought a small size of this shampoo and conditioner and I became hooked. I had already been using the Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color, the Run Through Detangling Shampoo, and the Shampoo/Conditioner for Beautiful Color…but the minute I tried this set, I knew I needed more so when I got a gift card for Nordstrom AND I saw the Liter sizes on sale I jumped at the opportunity (NGL, they Liter’s are hidden in my closet until I finish the 8 oz size, but I’m hooked). I bought it at Nordstrom, which has since sold out so here’s the link to the set at the Dermstore.
3. GUERLAIN Mad Eyes Waterproof Mascara Long-Wearing & Volumizing – I bought this mascara because I can’t stop consuming anything and everything Guerlain beauty. While I was working at Disney, I discovered I got 40% off during the Christmas/Holiday season at the store in France at Epcot, and I started buying their mascara and perfumes. When I left Disney, I discovered their skincare line and if you follow me on Instagram, you know I love their serums and oils. Something I always loved, as well, is their mascara. So knowing I had a wedding coming up, and wanting to try some new mascaras, I went back to my favorite brand and bought a new version I hadn’t tried yet. If you know me, you also know that I love to layer and mix up mascaras depending on my mood.
4. Yves Saint Laurent The Curler Lengthening and Curling Mascara – That mix and match thing, is the reason I bought this mascara as well! Definitely loving the lengthening and how well it does with the other mascaras I own. Best of all, is the curviture of the wand, I’m obsessed and hooked. Definitely going to be getting more of this in the future.

Fashion

January was a month full of trial-and-error, but it was also a month of firsts (pun semi intended). I discovered, ala Remi Bader, that Free People had CURVY sizes! I was so excited, I ordered jeans to try…and became obsessed with them. I also bought a bunch of other shit that I really didn’t need but I absolutely love. So here we go!

1. Free People CRVY Fever Pitch Boyfriend Jeans – I love Free People so the minute, potentially even seconds, after I found out they had curvy anything I ordered a pair. The first pair, these, were a hit. The second pair, even with two sizes, ordered were not…but again, trial-and-error right?
2. GOLDEN GOOSE Midstar Sneaker – I am obsessed with Golden Goose sneakers. For the most part I wear them for everything, or at least I try to. I have three pairs of the Low Top Superstar styles, but I had been dying for a Midstar pair so once the bonus I was awarded with my GEM came in…I bought a pair (NGL, still waiting for my sister to even realize I bought another pair LOL)
3. SKIMS Rib Pajamas – before Christmas, I bought my first SKIMS anything. I started with a bralette and the Rib Pajamas (caramel)…since then, I’ve bought so many bralettes I’m pretty sure I’ll stop wearing bras all together. I also bought my second pair of the Rib Pajamas (in black), which I am currently wearing, and I am so obssessed with. They’re really the softest, most comfortable, pair of pajamas. I love them so much.
4. SKIMS Fits Everybody Assorted 5-Pack Full Briefs & Fits Everybody Assorted 5-Pack Thongs – I had been experimenting with sizing since Black Friday, but I finally found two styles that I know my true size in so I ordered these two, exclusive to Nordstrom, sets and I haven’t looked back since. I will not lie, I was skeptical when I first bought ANYTHING SKIMS but since then I’ve been converted. Which now means, I have more SKIMS than I originally wanted to buy and admit to owning (LOL)
5. SKIMS Core Control Briefs – Since I had a wedding this past month, I knew I needed some shapewear…rather than buying a pair of SPANX, I went with giving SKIMS another chance. I will say these briefs are damn good, my only complaint is that when you go to the bathroom you have to take the whole thing off which can get complicated (especially in a dress).
6. SKIMS Fits Everybody Bandeau Bralette – Again, for the wedding, I needed a strapless bra and since I was already on the SKIMS bandwagong, I bought this one. I didn’t end up using it, but I’m glad I kept it because it’s the most comfortable strapless bra I have. Definitely threw out the old one I had that I hated with a passion.
7. SKIMS Stretch Cotton Triangle Bralette – I bought two more of this bralette, and two more mesh, in the month of January and I don’t regret a minute of it.
8. Dreamy Moments Pink Maxi Dress – Aria Rose is a local boutique in Miami that I frequently shop at. I bought this gorgeous Maxi Dress that I can’t wait to pick up, among other recent purchases.
9. Love Spell Knit Cardigan – Another Aria Rose purchase I can’t wait to pick up is this carigan, especially with Valentine’s around the corner.
10. Pretty Girl Blush Tunic Dress – Another Aria Rose purchase, this one I already picked up and will be wearing this week! I love the oversized, off the shoulder, longsleeved style of the dress. Totally my vobe.
11. On Rotation Denim Top – Also from Aria Rose, this beauty is oversized and denim inspired. I wore it the day of the wedding to get my makeup done, you know since it’s button-down, so I wouldn’t ruin my face getting ready after. I can’t wait to wear it again.
12. EXski Winter Neck Gaiter Warmer, Soft Fleece Face Mask Scarf for Cold Weather Skiing Cycling Outdoor Sports 2 Packed – This one hasn’t arrived yet, but it will get here in the next day or so. I bought this for my upcoming ski trip. This year we are going to Tahoe, and given that the gaiter I bought last year wasn’t very comfortable (despite being super cute) I wanted to give these a chance. I’ll definietly report back.
13. Original Turtle Fur Fleece – The Turtle’s Neck, Heavyweight Neck Warmer – Another Tahoe purchase. This too is a gaiter of sorts, but we’ll see which I end up keeping.
14. MCTi Ski Gloves,Winter Waterproof Snowboard Snow 3M Thinsulate Warm Touchscreen Cold Weather Women Gloves Wrist Leashes – My ski gloves last year weren’t the best, so I wanted to give another pair the chance. These match the pants I ordered, which I will add here shortly.
15. MCTi Glove Liner Touch Screen Lightweight for Winter Running Texting – Another fail last year was not having liners for my gloves, these had good reviews so I’m intrigued to see if I like them.
16. Arctix Womens Snow Sports Insulated Cargo Pants – I bought these last year for Utah in black, and I liked them so much I bought a second pair (and in PINK). Very excite4d about these.

Miscellaneous Crap

1. Shinery Radiance Towelettes, Jewelry Cleaning Cloth Wipe with No Rinse Required for On The Go, One Pack of 10 – Another influenced by Jenna purchase, but modified. Jenna posted about this jewlery cleaner called Shinery, but I went an extra step and bought the wipes instead of the lotion. Can’t wait to try these on my Yurman’s, god knows they need them.
2. Clear Sticky Notes Transparent Self-Sticky Notes Repeatable Paste PET 500 Sheets (3” x 2”) – I saw someone post a Reels on IG about these clear sticky notes and I couldn’t not buy them (ignore the double negative, because that’s how much I needed them). I can’t wait for them to arrive because HOLY CRAP these are going to be game changer when I do notes from class.
3. Amazon Basics Vacuum Compression Storage Bags with Hand Pump – Large, 5-Pac – I used a space saver last year when we went to Utah, but it broke, so I ordered more. These come with a hand pump which will also be game changer because we don’t have a vaccum at this house. Don’t even get me started on that.
4. Packing Cubes for Travel, 8Pcs Travel Cubes Set Foldable Suitcase Organizer Lightweight Luggage Storage Bag (Blue) – going to New York I stuffed my packing cubes so much that I’m pretty sure I broke them, so I ordered these. My little sister being the pain in the ass she is, decided I’m not going to throw away the ones I broke so she’s keeping them. I’m excited to try these since I saw several influencers link them. I absolutely love using packing cubes.

Lastly, let’s get Iinto the photo a day challenge I am determined to do. I came up with this on New Years, it was my version of the write a good thing about your day and put it in a jar challenge….I’ll never remember to write things down, but I love to take pictures (even of stupid shit). So here’s some of the pictures from January!

January Photo Dump