links + things
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Well? How was it?

Did you have a nice week?

Mine moved at a steady pace and I finally got to experience an entire week of our new schedule now that school has begun for the kids. The evenings are feeling short, and I’m figuring out the best time to make lunches for the next day is IMMEDIATELY after dinner so I don’t have to clean the kitchen twice!

Merrick shared her experience with laser hair removal here.

Tips for hosting a party!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed: 

Spanx Bike Shorts – these are my favorite bike shorts. I’m planning on wearing these for the sprint triathalon that is coming VERY SOON!

fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting mask – one of my all time favorite face masks.

Osteria G Italian Restaurant – very yummy!

Tillamook Ice Cream Truck

Virtue Healing Oil – I looooove this oil for my dry, distressed ends.

No7 Total Renewal Exfoliator – a fantastic drugstore exfoliator.

Cristo’s Bistro Grandmas Pizza

Urban Decay Naked Lipstick  – one of the best pinks I’ve worn.

Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Jamie Pant from J.Crew Factory -I ended up needing a different size and it looks like the new size will be delivered today!

J.Crew Factory White Popover Top 

Floral Blouse 

Graphic Tees from J.Crew  – easy and casual.

Rothy’s Stripe Bag – so cute!

bumble & bumble Blow Dry Accelerator

Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans, Roadtripper Jeans

 

This week’s discount codes (#partnerships): 

Aera – My code KATE20 will save you 20% on diffusers

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

One-Third Clothing: Kate15 will give you 15% off

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

Spanx: Use code “KateXSpanx” for 10% off plus free shipping!

Beddy’s: Code “SmallThings” saves you 20%!

Questions from Monday’s Q&A Box:

What do you use to clean your makeup brushes? I love this cleanser from Sephora.

Do you read to your kids nightly? Sometimes we read, sometimes we play a card game, and other times we play!

What is your favorite part of your beauty routine? Doing my hair!

Do you take any medication for your migraines? No, just advil or tylenol.

How do you feel about apple cider vinegar for your hair? Not only is the smell extremely off putting to me, but I would wonder if it could be too strong for some hair types.

What do you think of Mary Kay products? I haven’t used them in a very, very long time!

Go to, everyday non-sponsored makeup favorites? I only ever work with brands that I have or would use organically (I wish you could see how many campaigns I turn down monthly!). So, whether it’s sponsored or not–if I tell you it’s my favorite, it’s certainly one of my favorites.

Undergarments: My Favorite Socks, Bras, and Underwear
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I’m about to share a potentially controversial statement:

I’m team “no thong”. I know, I KNOW! But I found the best briefs that are the closest thing to wearing nothing at all.

One.     Two.     Three.     Four.     Five.     Six.     Seven.     Eight.     Nine.     Ten.

From time to time I’ll share my favorite undergarments, from underwear to bras to socks, but I wanted to have a simple spot where I rounded up all of my very favorites. When it comes to underwear, I only have black, white, or taupe in my drawer. And the same holds true for my bras!

I shared two underwear recommendations on the graphic, the Chantelle brand is what I wear every day, and I love the Tommy John Air Mesh brief for working out (or every day…!).

Natori bras are extremely comfortable and fit my body really well, and if you’re interested in exploring some of my other favorite bras you can read this post!

When it comes to athletic socks, I shared my favorite ankle socks for any kind of fitness, from running to strength training, and also included the no-show nylon socks I wear in the cooler months.

If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy a round-up of some crew neck white t-shirts I pitted against each other recently! 

In this post:

A Few Drugstore Makeup Finds!
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I got trapped in a store during a torrential downpour the other day, so I found myself wandering through the cosmetic aisles and left with a pile of new products to try. I shared my first impressions and a quick demo on Instagram Stories, but in case you missed it or would rather have a quick look and few sentences about the products, I wanted to put them all in one place here.

I used a Lancome foundation and an Urban Decay lip color (Naked) in this look due to not having the right color of drugstore foundation, and really disliking the color of the lip products I bought, but the products I’m highlighting below are all drugstore.

One. essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder – has a noticeable smell, albeit not a bad one.

Two. Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara – this is a nice mascara but isn’t my favorite. I wish I would have used Lash Paradise instead.

Three. essence Pure Nude Highlighter – very subtle and easy to apply!

Four. Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Liquid Concealer – reminded me of Nars Creamy Concealer and worked wonderfully under my eyes. It collected a bit in some dry patches on my face and turned a tiny bit yellow by the end of the day.

Five. Covergirl Clean Fresh Creamy Eyeshadow Stick – no creases with this! It wore a bit lighter than what I was hoping for but applied really nicely.

Six. Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Dynamic Mini Palette – really nice pigmented shadows! They crumbled a little bit in the pan but blended nicely on the eye.

Seven. Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink – such a beauty.

Eight. L’Oreal Paris Le Liner Signature Mechanical Eyeliner – fantastic! Zero complaints here.

Nine. L‘Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil – I can’t stop using this. It applies beautifully, has a very fine pointed tip, and lasts all day!

If you’re looking for more makeup recommendations, check out my highlights on Instagram. 

In this post:

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