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True or False: Hair Edition

It didn’t take long before these cropped black jeans started to become a favorite choice from my closet. I have shared a few different ways to style them on Instagram so be sure to follow along over there!

How was your week? I am so happy that it’s Friday and my mind is focused on celebrating Luke’s birthday in one week! My boys are close in age (14 months apart) so with David’s birthday in December and then Christmas shortly thereafter, Luke can sometimes feel snubbed BUT I’m glad that his birthday is in February so we can make him feel special early on in the year! He has a lot of specific requests (like the exact breakfast he desires, very specific gifts, etc.) and I hope he has a wonderful birthday next week.

I loved reading Caralyn’s post about her confidence journey. She’s someone I’ve truly loved following on Instagram and getting to know. Remember when I got properly fitted for a bra last year? She was a huge reason why I did that!

Just added this sports bra into the mix and love how comfortable it is. I wouldn’t choose it for a HIIT or Bootcamp class that involves a lot of motion, but it’s great for cycling or lifting weights.

NARS, the maker of one of my all-time favorite blushes, released a cream blush in a pot. I bought “Darling” and “Orgasm”. Both are beautiful on the skin!

My team and I launched a new e-mail contact as a way to best serve questions that come in from readers/followers. If you have questions about anything that you cannot find using my search box on the site, you can e-mail us at CONNECT@thesmallthingsblog.com ! I really hope this is helpful for those of you that have questions. I’ve mentioned on IG stories several times, but I thought it’s worth mentioning again, that sending a DM on Instagram is the worst way to get ahold of me. E-mail is best as it does not get buried immediately by newer requests. That said, in an effort to set boundaries with my work hours, I will do my best to reply to as many e-mails as I can but I cannot guarantee a reply directly.

Items Mentioned on IG stories:

Naked 2 Basics Palette – check my IG highlights for a tutorial!

Black cropped Denim Pants from LOFT

Halogen Cashmere Sweater (beige)

Sam Edelman sling-back pumps

Headspace app for meditation

T3Micro Convertible Collection – one of my most used curling irons!

amkia Got Grit dry texture paste

lounge bralette

NARS cream blush 

Caviar Leave-in Overnight serum – essential for repairing really distressed hair!

Lou and Grey soft blend sweatpants

“We Were the Lucky Ones” book by Georgia Hunter – last month’s book in the Small Loves Book Club on Facebook

Waffle hooded sweatshirt – such a great, classic fit and I love the waffle texture!

Londontown Kur Restorative Nail Cream – This is the most nourishing nail/cuticle/hand cream I’ve ever used!

Setting Powders: Hourglass ambient lighting powder, Laura Mercier translucent glow setting powder, Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless powder, Laura Mercier Candleglow sheer perfecting powder, ELF loose setting powder

Maybelline Sky High Mascara from TikTok

lululemon align leggings – nothing comes close to the comfort of these!

Boxwood Spiral Tree – just added two of these to my front porch.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash

Tory Burch Crossbody bag

Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo mist – My favorite for recovering really sweaty hair if I don’t have time to wash.

 

This week’s sponsored discounts:

The HOMER app – Try it free for 30 days with my link here!

 

Q&A from Monday’s Question Box on Instagram Stories:

In what order should I apply skincare products? Generally thinnest to thickest!

Is it normal to lose hair when you brush your hair? Typically yes, and everyone loses a different amount. If you notice an uptick in the amount of fallout, check in on your diet, hair products, etc.

Is there an eye cream that really works for under-eye bags? It’s hard to counteract bags with a topical product BUT what would work best is assessing any bloating or puff-inducing foods and see if that affects your eye bags, otherwise look for a cooling under-eye tool like a roller!

Have you tried magnetic lashes? No!

What eyebrow serum are you using? I‘ve been using Grande Cosmetics lash and brow serum for a few months!

What are your thoughts on Artis brushes? I have a few and they are very luxurious. I think I’m just old-fashioned and like the traditional handle.

Any opinions on Monat? None as I haven’t tried it!

 

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Astrid says · 02.05.21

I just have to say I LOVE the new format of Friday Links & Loves- since I’m not on IG anymore, I miss all all your daily recommendations- it’s great to have a synopsis of your week every Friday! Thank you!

Reply
Kate says · 02.07.21

I’m so happy to hear this!

Reply
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 02.06.21

Thank you for the links, Kate. Have a great weekend! ❤️✨

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

Reply
Danielle says · 02.08.21

I agree – the new format is great! One request/suggestion – in the Q&A section, could you not italicize both the question and your answer? Sometimes it’s hard to decipher where the question ends and your answer begins; if you only italicized one, it might be easier to read. Thanks for all the work you put into your blog and IG! You’re one of my favorite follows and I’ve learned a lot from you over the years!

Reply
Penny says · 02.12.21

Monat has had many complaints of hair loss and current lawsuits against them for these complaints. Not sure why folks are asking opinions on these products right now. Try at your own risk!

Reply