What's in my {travel} bag?

We're packing our bags here in a week or so for a cruise vacation to the Caribbean.  To say I'm excited is an understatement.  In order to help the days pass leading up to our vaca I've created a fashion board of all the things I'd like to stuff in my little bag.  Dreaming of the sun and sand...

beach day by allismea featuring a one piece swimwear

an Evening Out by allismea featuring a stripe dress

hanging around by allismea featuring converse

Hope you're having a great week!
-m

What's in my {hair} bag?

1. Lulu Organics Hair Powder.  This came in my Birchbox about a year ago, and I'm still using the sample.  You only need about a dime sized amount to spruce up day-old hair. Smells so fresh and clean!
2. Biolage Shampoo and Conditioner for color-treated hair.  I've tried many shampoos but this one is my new favorite.  I stock up when Ulta or Beauty Brands has their liter sale.
3. A shower cap.  A must have.
4. Big Sexy Hair Root Pump. Just a little pump or two before blow-drying and my hair has so much more volume!
5. Matrix Hair Oil.  This was a free sample from Beauty Brands and I've used it every day since! I just use about two pumps worth after drying my hair to protect it from the curling/flat iron and to add some shine.
6. Hot Tools 1.5 Inch Curling Iron.  The larger size gives more of a soft wave than a full curl.  Plus, it takes less time in the morning :)

What are your favorite hair products?

-m

What's in my {purse}?

This is most likely nothing new or different, but who knows, maybe one of you will have something genius you keep with you at all times that you would like to share with me?

1. Blue Turnlock Satchel. 

2. Merona Zip Around Wallet.  If you don't have a zip around wallet, you're missing out.  It's the only way I can manage the mountain of receipts in my bag!

3. Iphone.  (case) My NUMBER ONE must have out and about.  How else would I know where to go if I was lost? Or how would I look up coupons at World Market? Yeah...

4. Gum.

5. Meds.

6. Food.

7. Lipsmaker. YUM!

8. Earphones.

What you don't see in that picture that is also in my bag? Lots of random papers/sticky-notes. Most likely some candy. A ton of keys.  Jewelry that I've shed for the day. A back-up pair of shoes/flats. Pens/pencils/highlighters.  Anything else that I'm dragging around with the intention of completing, i.e. books, papers to grade, etc, most of which just takes a field trip from school to Target, the gym and back :)

What's in your purse?

-m

What's in my {grocery} bag?

I've mentioned this before, but I'm one of those people who strives off of a routine.  The less decisions I have to make each day, the less stressed and more controlled I feel.  Therefore, I eat basically the same thing nearly every day.  I may sound like a crazy person, and that's because I am a crazy person.  In the past, I've had issues with a sensitive stomach.  I just don't have time to worry about whether or not I'm going to feel good after or a new meal or not, so I go with what works. I seriously can't imagine my life without Trader Joe's. Most of this stuff I've bragged on before, but they're still my go-to items.

The Basics:

1. Trader Joe's Sprouted 7-grain bread.  I eat this every. single. day. with peanut butter on my way to work.
2. Jif Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter.
3. Fruit and Veggies.
4. Trader Joe's Sesame Honey Almonds.  Being a teacher, it's hard to find time to eat during the day.  I keep these stashed in my desk and grab a handful when I'm starting to get hungry. Yum!
5. Cilantro and Jalapeno Hummus.  This is my lunch staple because its just so dang easy.  I stash my lunch bag with this, veggies and crackers and I'm good for the week.
6. Trader Joe's Fiberful Fruit Leather.  I keep these in my purse to try to keep my from grabbing something nasty when I'm in desperate need for food.  I've also used these as fuel during my long runs.
7. Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage.  This comes in about 400 flavors.  Although I haven't tried them all, I haven't tried one I didn't like.  Cook this up with pasta or rice and veggies and its the quickest most simple and delicious dinner eva.
8. Trader Joe's Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip. Afternoon snack.
9. Trader Joe's Veggie and Flaxseed Tortilla Chips.  The vessel for said dip.
10. Blue Bunny Frozen Yogurt- Vanilla Bean.  Eaten with mini-chocolate chips.

Obviously, these are not the ONLY things I eat.  Pizza? Love.  Beer and wine? Yes and yes. And what else is in my desk at work? Hershey's kisses.  Cookies and creme, candy cane, AND dark chocolate.  My vice, obv.

What can't you live without in your grocery bag?

-m

What's in my {makeup} bag?

Continuing with the "in my bag" series, here's a look into my favorite cosemetics of the moment.  Feel free to share yours, too! I have a Sephora gift card burning in my pocket... oh the possiblities!

1. Philosophy purity made simple Facial Cleanser $10 {black friday deal!}
2. moisturizer/primer up&up $13 {this is the olay version, but i buy up&up}
3. smashbox foundation $42
4. sonia kashunk concealer $8
5. physician's formula bronzer $8
6. nars blush $28
7. naked 2 palette $50
8. buxom mascara $10 {black friday deal!}
9. brow wax/powder $3
10. stila lip glaze $25

Have a good one!

-m

What's in my {gym} bag?

Hi guys!  I know, I'm still in shock myself, but here I am sticking with my word and linking up with The Domestic Wannabe for "Move it Monday".

As far as workouts go, this week was not my finest.  With excuse after excuse, and finally a cold that settled in for the weekend, I only managed 3 workouts.  I did get a chance, however, to try out a new class at the gym called Ballet Booty.  As a former dancer, this looked like the least intimidating class on the list.  It lasted about one hour, and consisted of a mix of floor/pilates and barre work.  I didn't sweat much, but I was definitely working out muscles that I haven't in a LONG time.  It felt good, and I'll be back this week.  My plan is to try out Spin Cycle tonight with J.  I'm imagining this class to be like a disco on a bike... we'll see if it lives up to that dream.

Without home decorating to discuss, I'm lacking inspiration for this blog.  Therefore, I've decided to start a "What's in my bag?" series.  I plan to discuss some of my favorite things in my makeup bag, grocery bag, travel bag, etc.  Hopefully I'll hear about some of your favorites, too!

• 1. Ascis GEL Cumulus 14 Running Shoes.  A good shoe is a MUST.
• 2. Target's C9 1/2 Zip Running Top.  This top is the pefect weight for 40-60 degree weather and it comes in a rainbow of fun colors.  It's also long enought that when I raise my arms I'm not flashing anyone, a plus.
• 3. Target's C9 Running Knee Tight.  The drawstring and key pocket make this my go-to pant.
• 4. Camelbak Waterbottle.  I could use about 5 more of these.
• 5. Thorlo Running Socks.  I got mine for TJMaxx for about $6 a pair.
• 6. Iphone Armband and Earphones.  
• 7. Can't workout without the MapmyRun app running on my phone to tell me my pace, distance, and calories burned.  

What's in your gym bag that you can't live without?

-m