Discussion | Pride and Prejudice

Hey there!


Can you believe that August has already arrived to an end? As promised, I'm wrapping up the August book club selection Pride and Prejudice today and tomorrow I'll be jumping into a new book (I believe this one will be super exciting!).

I hope that this month was a success to you all whether you chose to participate in the book club or not. I had a great time reading this classic novel and I know that we may or may not all agree on the same topics but it's nice to open up and share our thoughts together. 

Overall there were times when I dozed off reading this book because I wanted Elizabeth to get to the point already! I gotta admit that Mr. Darcy had me on my toes and aggravated me tons because he was always so sly and such a smart alec about the simplest of affairs. Well before I leap into a rant that's building up inside of me while I'm typing away, I do have a few questions for you all on the novel that I'll list below! It's a discussion after all! :)
  1. Who was your favorite character?
  2. What did you first think about the blossoming relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?
  3. Which volume (or chapter) did you enjoy the most?
Stay tuned for September's book club selection to be announced tomorrow!

xox.

krissy

hello Oral Hygiene!

I received this product for review purposes

Goodbye bad breath!


What's the point of looking good if your hygiene reflects otherwise? Exactly! There's no point! At least not a valid one that I can think of. Today I want to focus more on oral hygiene care featuring the one and only hello products!

Above I'll be sharing my thoughts on the hello breathsprays in supermint, pink grapefruit mint, and mojito mint (pictured above from right to left) and ending with the hello mouthwash in mojito mint.   


Now this is a guarantee for "no bad breath" in style! Don't you just hate when you're out and about and maybe you just had to have those super yummy garlic knots at your favorite pizza restaurant (or maybe it's just me) and sadly you end up with that horrible garlic-y breath. Well here is where these awesome hello breathsprays can kick in and save the day. They're perfect for on the go and can slip into your purse so easily that you probably won't even know they're there. Also they're crafted so simply and can I mention super cute! You just pull one of these little guys out of your purse and spray away freely. No stinging or burning so I'm sure they'll become your new best friends! 

The best part of all, they're "naturally friendly", delicious, refreshing, contains no alcohol, no artificial colors and sweeteners. They're also super affordable and available in three great flavors! You can scout these out at stores such as Walgreens, Target, Duane Reade and more!


I'm sure that the majority of us use mouthwash as part of our oral hygiene regime but if you're willing to mix things up a bit and try something new, I highly recommend the hello mouthwash! Above I received the mojito mint to try and it's amazing! Of course I've never had an actual mojito before but I can tell you that this is perfect on the minty level and it still manages to leave a refreshing (not burning) taste in your mouth. The cap is also a great tool for measuring out how much mouthwash you'd like to use.

Just like the breathsprays, this mouthwash is "naturally friendly" and contains no alcohol, no artificial colors and sweeteners. If you're really interested and would love to see all that hello has to offer, visit their website for even more products such as their toothpaste and toothbrush! 

Upgrade your oral hygiene products with hello today!

xox.

krissy

Disclosure: Krissy Deane receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

nüggets of Goodness

I received this product for review purposes

Looking for an intermission? I think I have something you may need!


Introducing nügg

And why no they're not containers of yogurt or anything like that (at least that's what Andrew thought they were without reading). These single-serve face masks are surely what you'll need for a stressful day or any day at all! They'll definitely make you feel as if you just took a trip to the spa without leaving your home. What's possibly better than that? I know I can surely use a bit of luxury with all of the homework that I'm piling up on. nügg offers six variations of the face masks each for different skincare needs. Pictured above (from top to bottom, right to left) there's Hydrating, Exfoliating, Deep CleansingRevitalizingAnti-Aging, and Soothing face masks. Of course I went straight to the soothing pod because of a couple of key words listed on the cover, "calm", "hydrate", and "sensitive".

I literally couldn't believe the wonderful goodness that came out of such a little pod. These masks are sheer and thick enough to cover your entire face wonderfully without feeling gunky. They also get the job done without having to use back up products (besides a moisturizer afterwards in your favor or if you just have that habit like me). Either way, you surely won't be disappointed! The ingredients are also quite simple and mainly natural which is great for those of you out there who may be intolerant to overly chemical based products.

Now my favorite part of all about nügg is the affordability and convenience. You will never guess how much these little pods cost and where you can pick up a couple for yourself! All nügg pods are $2.99 each and are available online on their website (with a minimum purchase of $10) or your local Target (you can check a store locator on their website for the nearest near you!). Now some of you may think that's pricey for just one little pod but I do encourage you to really think about the quality of the product and the fact that you won't need a pod for each day. I would recommend these to be used on a weekly basis as a lavish treat for your skin. Create your own indoor spa in your home today!

Which nügg face mask would you like to try?

xox.

krissy

Disclosure: Krissy Deane receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Music Monday!

I'm bringing booty back


I can't believe I've already finished my first day of classes. I'm not as nervous as I thought I would have been and I'm glad that I've finally met some of my professors and was introduced to my classroom and classmates. So far the campus life is not scary at all. It's only the beginning and I really wish that I can make more friends soon. I love having a social life and maybe I'm coming off as a bit weird to people because of that. I also do apologize about the slow blogging life that I've been having lately. Don't worry, I will try to post as often as I can before the homework starts piling up.

Now onto music Monday! I chose this song mainly for the catchy beat. It's been stuck in my head as all songs seem to always get stuck in my head. It's also a fun tune to play on a Monday. Surprisingly I'm having a great Monday and everything is going on smoothly. Hopefully everyday is like this for the rest of this week. Hopefully.

Have a great Monday!

xox.

krissy

And the winner is...

Congratulations Francesca! You're the lucky winner to receive a $75 H&M Giftcard and a 3 Month Birchbox subscription. Be sure to check your email to confirm and accept your prize.

xox.

krissy

#QOTD


That's what matters the most!

xox.

krissy

Pennie Post - August 2014

I received this product for review purposes

Monthly mailing stationary goodies? Yes please!


Introducing Pennie Post

This monthly subscription service is not your ordinary. It's all about wonderful stationary such as thank you notes, birthday cards, postcards, or just simple little notes to say hi. Pennie Post subscribers will receive three stationary items each month that's designed just for subscribers. Every month new items will be introduced so don't worry, there will be fun variety!


Included in every subscription is an informational card (pictured above) about what's featured in your Pennie Post. This month's collection is "Seeing Stripes".


Above is the "Deconstructed Floral Lines Card and Matching Envelope". This card is constructed so elegantly that I just couldn't believe it. This is definitely not your typical go to Hallmark card. I love the pattern and appreciate that all the cards are blank so that I can inscribe my own messages and thoughts.


Above is the "Rainbow Herringbone Thank You Note With Label" and a "Rainbow Herringbone Enclosure". I think these cards fall more on the fun side because of the vibrant colors. The card itself is mint on one side with a rainbow herringbone border and decked out completely in rainbow herringbone on the backside. All of the cards are made from the same great quality and I'm really loving the wraparound address labels. 


The last piece of stationary included the subscription is the "Overlapping Stripes Happy Birthday Card" pictured above. I can assure you that I don't believe I've ever given out a birthday card that looked like this. It's so simple yet sophisticated and classic that I'll surely want to mail this beauty to someone with an upcoming birthday. 

Overall I had fun with these beautiful cards and will definitely end up using them in the near future. The Pennie Post subscription is one that will be really handy to have for special occasions. Trust me, these are better than drugstore cards. The quality is amazing and the cards are constructed perfectly. The subscription prices varies by length of time. You can choose a 1 month subscription for $11, 3 months for $33, 6 months for $60, and 12 months for $110. The longer you're in, the better your deal is!

What do you think about Pennie Post?

xox.

krissy

Disclosure: Krissy Deane receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Bold, Bolder, Boldest!

Who knew that a date can start right at your grocery store?

Well it sure can with the all new Chili's at Home frozen meals!

Bellisio Foods is collaborating with Chili's Grill & Bar to bring a line of frozen single-serve entrees and multi-serve meals made for adventurous taste buds on a flavor mission. Recently, Andrew and I made a trip to our local Walmart where we found some of the goodies. I've never been to a Chili's restaurant before so we thought it'd be a cool idea having our own Chili's themed goodness right in our own comfort at home. There wasn't a huge variety to choose from at the moment at our local Walmart but we did find ones that we can enjoy and at about $3 per single-serve entree, we couldn't resist!


Pictured above I ended up purchasing the Pepper Jack Mac 'n' Cheese since I'm a vegetarian and this was the only entree that didn't include a meat serving. I'm not the biggest fan of macaroni and cheese but I do like pepper jack cheese as it's one of my favorites. Sadly since there is only one option for veggie lovers it's not as intriguing.


I was happy that the serving size was enough for me to feel satisfied. Chili's has a rate factor of bold, bolder, and boldest and this entree fell under the 'bolder' taste. I love that there were green and red peppers mixed in with this mac and cheese to give it some variety besides just pasta and cheese. I'm a girl who loves a kick when it comes to my food so I needed to add some hot sauce to my meal.


Pictured above Andrew decided to try the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl. His meal also had a rate of "bolder" so I allowed him to do the judging for his entree as I took notes and noticed that the first thing he did was sniffed it. I thought that was kind of funny since he's a picky eater like I am. He thought it smelled a lot like a cantina bowl which I guess is not a bad sign. 


In his words, the meal sort of had a disappearing taste with a hint of spice. For that reason, the taste was boldly complimented with sriracha hot chili sauce. Without any kind of extra spice, the original taste was slightly bland but surprisingly good for a microwave dinner. He would recommend this to any Chili's lovers out there as this can compete. If you're not feeling the restaurant scene but still want a "bold new taste", you should surely give these products a try!

Overall I think these meals are something you can eat on lazy day where you just want to sit back and enjoy a great meal without all of the hard work of planning and time. These will be great to have in college especially for our budget. They're available at major retailers worldwide including Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Food Lion, H-E-B, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Schnucks, and many more!
What would you pair your Chili's At Home frozen meal with?

xox.

krissy

*This post is sponsored by Bellisio Foods*

Monday + Music

I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist


This is the week where my summer ends slowly. I'll be moving into my college dorm very soon and classes start next Monday! I can't believe it. I'm a bit excited for the new experience but I'm also a bit nervous in being in a new environment. Don't worry, my blogging will also travel with me but I'm not sure how often I'll be able to post for you guys since college life will keep me pretty busy. Either way, I'll always be around and I'll definitely try to enjoy my last week of complete freedom!

For this music Monday I really wanted to share this song as it has been stuck in my head recently. Today was my first time watching the actual music video for it and I can admit that I thought it was very interesting. I wish I had dance moves like that haha!

Enjoy and have a great Monday! :)

xox.

krissy

EXTRA EXTRA! Calling All College Students! III


If you've had a chance to read the tips/rant I posted a few days ago about college, you've probably already come to your senses that college is not cheap! Don't worry, I'm also agreeing with you. Today I would like to focus more on college textbooks since that topic seems to fall under the "why are they so expensive?!" category. 

As an incoming freshman I'm definitely agreeing that textbooks are pretty pricey. Maybe a bit too pricey for their own good. Most of the books that you end up purchasing for a semester may not be used more than twice if you're lucky. So why charge your student account with over $1000 worth of books per semester? Please don't! There are options out there that need to be discovered and I'll gladly introduce you to one of them today. 

One word (or maybe three): CampusBookRentals

Renting your textbooks is probably not the first choice that popped into your head when you saw your college textbook list, but I can assure you that it is one that you should think about! CampusBookRentals is a company popularly known for renting textbooks and they also have their even more popular perks. Here's just a few that I'll list below:
  • Save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
  • Free shipping both ways
  • You can highlight in your rental textbook
  • Flexible renting periods
  • CampusBookRentals donates to Operation Smile with each textbook rented
Now, does your college campus bookstore do all of that and possibly more? If so, please let me know what school you attend so I can possibly request a transfer (joking!). You can even find many more perks on their website. Honestly I'm kicking myself in the butt for not knowing about CampusBookRentals sooner! Not only are their textbooks relatively cheap to rent, you'll also be donating to a wonderful cause in the process.

But wait, the best part of all is their new program, RentBack!

I hope I clarified that renting textbooks can surely save you a lot of money. However, with RentBack, you can save yourself even more money. This program is a new initiative that allows you to rent the textbooks you own to other students! If you ended up like me and purchased most of your books new or used, you'll have the opportunity to make use of them (after you're finished using them of course). Is that not the greatest idea ever? You'll have the chance to double the amount of money you spent on your textbook originally than reselling them back to a retailer or local and you'll be helping another student in need for that textbook! Believe it or not, I've listed a video below about the program for you all to learn more.


I really hope I was able to save some wallets and tears out there when it comes to your required textbooks list! Remember, there are other options out there other than your college campus bookstore. And if you were already lured in by them, there is always next semester. Make good choices!

xox.

krissy

*This post is sponsored by CampusBookRentals*

Ipsy - August 2014


You're probably wondering why I'm posting late tonight and yes it's a bit unusual for me too but I recently arrived home from doing a bit of school supply shopping and guess what showed up in my mailbox? Ipsy! This month I was totally psyched mostly because my glam room was revealed to me earlier than expected and I just couldn't wait for my glam bag to show up. I love that the bag sort of mimics a pencil case which is great since school is almost in session! It's also no surprise that this month's theme is "Beauty Schooled". Check it out!


Now this is what I'm talking about! So far I don't spot a product that I'll be disappointed with. Sadly this is not one of my much pricier glam bags but I still did receive over $30 worth of products so I won't nag about it since the subscription only costs $10! I also did receive a full size item so I'm super happy about that for sure.


Free Your Mane Reviving Spray 
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner
Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

First up is the hairspray. I love anything for my hair as it's great to try out new products. This is a pretty decent size that I can travel around with. I've never heard of this brand before but I love the mellow smell this hairspray gives my hair. This is something I can definitely see myself purchasing in the long run since it's inexpensive.

Next up is the one and only "pores no more". I've been hearing and seeing a lot of hype about this product all over the blogger and fashion world. It's no surprise that such a great product is made by the famous Dr. Brandt. Even though it's mainly used as a foundation primer, I think I'll be using it as a base below my moisturizer, especially around my t-zone. Those pores sure can get ugly!

The lip balm wasn't necessarily a huge surprise for me since I usually consider a lip balm to be just a lip balm. I think I'm slightly wrong about this one though. Not only is this an organic lip balm, it's also an anti-aging lip conditioner and boy does this smell sweet! I'm glad to be introduced to yet another brand that I can already see myself indulging in. 

Now you all know that I love my mascara. Seriously, I can't live without it! And what's better than a deluxe sized mascara by a popular brand in your glam bag month after month? I surely can't think of anything. I've never tried this specific one before and the brush is quite the fluffy type so I'm not so sure if it'll work for me just yet. I still won't hesitate to enjoy it while it lasts!

Lastly is the eye pencil. I'm not your typically kohl kind of girl as I've finally transitioned from pencil to liquid. I gotta admit that this is a dark one which I don't mind at all. However I do mind that the size is so itty bitty. Depending on how careful I am, I can probably get quite a couple of uses out of this but I really do wish the size was slightly larger. However it's still a great product from another brand that I've never heard about.

Overall I love the new brands that I've discovered through Ipsy this month. I'm still proud to be a glam bag subscriber and I really hope I don't lose touch with this subscription anytime soon. It was such a great month and I hope next month can be even better, if that's even possible! :)

xox.

krissy

#QOTD


(via Etsy)

Always remember! 

Happy Friday to all! :)

xox.

krissy

Brand Spotlight: zeroUV

I hope everyone is having a fine Thursday!


Today I decided to do yet another brand spotlight post featuring a new favorite company of mine, zeroUV. I stumbled upon zeroUV a few weeks ago by complete accident. I honestly can't remember how I ended up on their website but I do know that I was intrigued by their products and by most of all, their prices!

zeroUV offers both women and men a unique collection of really cool sunglasses that are not only awesome but protective for your eyes on a bright sunny day and reasonably priced! Pictured above I decided to purchase the Oversize Baroque Swirl Arm Flower Floral sunnies. For only $10.95 AND free shipping I couldn't pass up such a great deal! I was instantly drawn to this pair mainly because of the decorative flowers. They reminded me so much of something I've recently saw in a fashion magazine and I just had to have them!

My only downfall is that the shipping was quite slow for my order. It shipped from California since the beginning of August and even though where I live in Colorado is not so far away, I felt as if I was waiting an eternity to receive my sunglasses. Sadly when they did arrive and I carefully took it out of the packaging two of my flowers broke. I'm assuming my sunnies were treated a bit roughly in transit but I'm grateful that the zeroUV customer service team is awesome and I'll be receiving a new pair soon after I return these!

I do recommend checking out zeroUV's website as I'm sure you'll find a new pair of sunnies that you'll grow to love! 

xox.

krissy

Candy Club - August 2014

I received this product for review purposes

Bringing the candy store to your door!


Introducing Candy Club! The premier candy of the month club that delivers premium, amazingly delicious, and a carefully curated selection of candy to your door ever month. Now this can be a subscription box that you may have been having a sweet tooth for!


There are four plans to choose from to get started with Candy Club. Each box has a $60 retail value! The subscription options are either month-to-month for $29.99 per month (you save 50%), 3 months for $24.99 per month (you save 58%), 6 months for $22.99 per month (you save 62%), or 12 months for $19.99 per month (you save 67%). Sadly Candy Club is not available outside of the U.S. and there is also an additional shipping charge of $5 for shipments going to Alaska or Hawaii.


Now without further ado, I'll be reviewing this month's box. I hope your taste buds are ready!


Ok, so first off, I believe I'm in heaven! I received (from left to right) Sour Power Wild Cherry Belts, Gimbal's Sour Gourmet Jelly Beans, and Haribo Gummi Techno Bears. These candies are packed into Candy Club's signature containers that can hold up to three pounds! Now that's surely a lot of delicious candy! 


Next up is a splash of all time favorites that can vary in each box. I received a splash of Sweet's Salt Water Taffy which taste and even smells a lot like cotton candy it's unbelievable! This was definitely my overall favorite piece of candy in this month's box and the amount was also very generous (there are 26 pieces if you didn't already count!). And as a special bonus treat I received Butterfields Peach Buds. I absolutely love that Candy Club introduces timeless classics and contemporary favorites. Yum!


Now some of us may not want to get carried away eating all of this candy. I'll surely be sharing my box with my family and friends as there's more than enough! Pictured above is a nutrition facts sheet that's doubled sided with the name and description of each candy received in the box. This is a great way of distributing the candy and making sure you know your intake since the packaging does not have labels (besides the bonus).

Overall I'm extremely pleased with this month's box and I truly believe this will be a great subscription for me to have, especially in college where I'll surely need a sugar boost. I enjoyed everything (I mean, it's hard to dislike anything in this box!) and it'll surely last, especially the ones in the containers. I have to also admit I think I'm getting a bit attached to this box as it almost reminded me of a certain favorite candy bar back home delivered right to my door. 

If you're interested in a subscription, head on over to Candy Club's website to get started on choosing the plan that's right for you. I also have a few discount codes to share with you all that I'll list below! 

1. Receive 35% off your first month's payment by using the code: 35offjs2b01 

2. Receive 35% off a full, one time payment by clicking on this link. Total savings = $10.50 off the 1 month plan, $26.24 off the 3 month plan, $48.28 off the 6 month plan, and $83.96 off the 12 month plan.

P.S. - Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back, but I don't think that'll be necessary! :)

What do you think about Candy Club?

xox.

krissy

Disclosure: Krissy Deane receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Dear Freshmen...


So as most of you may know, I'll be an incoming freshman to Colorado State University - Pueblo this fall and I'm super excited! It's a new journey of my life that I can't wait to go forward with. What I wasn't too fond of however are the overpriced textbooks at the campus bookstore, the endless dorm shopping/packing, and the food (I'm already picturing a hot slice of what was frozen pizza), and that's just to name a few. Now even though I haven't moved in or finished my shopping quite just yet, I figured I'll share some tips with you all that I've learned or even thought up of myself along the way.

1. Textbooks - Use your campus bookstore as your LAST option. Seriously! Expect to faint when you figure out that your Psychology book may cost around $200. This is not a time for splurging just yet! From experience of ordering all my textbooks just recently I have definitely learned to shop around. First I made a list of all my required textbooks at my campus bookstore (the total was over $1200 if I was to purchase them all there!). Then by using their ISBN numbers I scouted out other online retailers like Amazon, Chegg, and Barnes & Noble for the exact copies (make sure the ISBN, edition, author/publisher, etc matches). Buying your textbooks used (read the seller's description carefully) is also another great option. Most of your textbooks you'll be lucky if you'll use them more than twice and some classes are only a semester long . You can save up to 90% by buying used or renting! By doing that I narrowed down my total under $350 for my entire semester of books. Sadly about $120 of my total alone was for one book (yes just one!) at my campus bookstore that was published by one of my professors so I couldn't find it elsewhere. Everything else that I purchased was either used, rented, and some even new for such a low cost! The best part yet, you might even want to consider selling your books back to the retailers once you're finished using them. 

2. Shopping - Now I know that shopping can be uber exciting. However your wallet may cry a little during the process, especially if you're going to be moving into a dorm, sorority, fraternity, or apartment. There are so many necessities that you have to purchase. You probably won't be able to keep track of them all. Luckily most schools may have a generic list for you that you can go off of but I wouldn't just narrow it down to just that alone. Go off of your school list for the things you absolutely NEED and shop around to find deals on them. It may be best to wait closer to your deadline because that's usually when back to school specials come around. It's still not a crime to do some shopping a tad earlier but I would recommend to not buy anything at retail price just yet. Also you may want to even purchase most of your needs at inexpensive places such as DormCo, Target, or Walmart. Places like those are usually always having specials and if you're lucky you may even find a coupon or two to save you extra money. Also do not shop excessively! I will be moving into a dorm in less than two weeks and they surely aren't luxurious. Purchasing too many things will just cram up the little space you barely have. Essentials come first! If you're super needy, storage bins/crates will probably be your lifesaver for those extra things you have to have.

3. Food - Yes I do understand that the food is probably much better than the kind you had in High School but it's surely still not a five start restaurant or your favorite home cooked meals on campus. If you're going to be living on campus I can guarantee you will get tired of the cafe food and fast! Now I know I haven't experienced this yet but having friends who have already completed their first year are great for getting the deets on college life. Being a vegetarian is probably going to hit me harder in college since my options will be very limited. However I do have a few ideas that I'd love to share with you all that I think will work out perfect. This year my college has decided to upgrade all of the dorm rooms with microfridges (microwave + refrigerator/freezer in one!) so of course I'll surely be taking advantage of that. I do have to start off with by saying one thing: DO NOT indulge in ramen noodles everyday. Freshman 15 will hit you hard! However if you have the advantage of having a mini refrigerator and microwave already in your room or if you purchased your own, save aside some money and have a mini grocery shopping for yourself. Purchase things that are easy to recreate in your dorm such as necessities for sandwiches, salads, a couple of healthy microwavable meals (my favorites are from Amy's but too many can still be unhealthy), canned goods, boxed snacks, fruits, vegetables, juice, and water (very important!). By doing this you won't have to rely on that slice of pizza you've probably eaten everyday for a week at your cafe. It's nice to switch things up a bit and can save you money on a meal plan!

Now I'll surely be sharing more of my experiences along the way so stay tuned! 

xox.

krissy

Music Forever!

I'm stronger than I've been before


I'm a bit speechless today only because I literally maxed out all of my withdrawals from my savings to my credit card. To think they have a limit! Gosh! I've been up super early this morning ordering my textbook, Macbook Pro (I can't believe I dived in and ordered it!), and some necessities for college. It has definitely been a crazy week and it literally just started!

Anyways on to a much better subject. Please tell me you guys have heard this song! I'm slowly becoming an Ariana Grande fan which I guess wouldn't be such a bad thing unless you totally hate her for whatever reason. If so, I'm sorry haha! But how can you not love the tone and the rhythm of this piece. It's so soothing and great or a day like today. I wouldn't consider this one of the happiest of songs but it sure is a catchy one to sing along to. Sadly a music video isn't out yet since it's still pretty new but I recommend to listen to it before you judge!

So I'll be blogging again soon (hopefully tomorrow as I'm quite busy today) but make sure to have an amazing Monday! :)

xox.

krissy

#OOTD

Happy Sunday!


College is in like a week and a half and I'm counting down because I'm sort of really excited! I cannot wait to see my room and decorate it. Just like last Sunday, I still have tons of shopping to catch up on but not as much which is a good thing. Almost all of my necessities have been purchased and I'm hoping to at least be done with all of my shopping by the end of this week. Today I decided on another #OOTD post because it's a relaxed kind of day!

If you guessed that this is another H&M outfit, you totally guessed right. I've literally had an H&M summer haul so there are so many outfits to mix and match that I wanted to share. Above I fell in love with the t-shirt instantly because it reminds me so much of Mean Girls but in a more positive way. The t-shirt is super soft and perfect for a chill day and can be paired with anything.

Next I matched it with a silver faux leather skirt. I actually saw this outfit pieced together this way on an ad with Ashley Benson for H&M Divided a while back. I thought it was too cute so I had to have an exact copy before it was out of stock. What's better than a Sunday funday? Nothing comes to mind, haha. :)

Have a great weekend!

xox.

krissy

#QOTD

(via The Well)

So true! <3

xox.

krissy

#SummerOfGo



If I try to recap my entire summer so far in one word, "relaxed" surely doesn't come to mind. It's almost as if I've completely forgotten how to do such a simple thing. I've been busy with college necessities, blog updates, and daily events that usually come up throughout my day. However, I'm refusing to let my summer end without having at least one breezy moment to myself! I think today just happens to be that day (after I publish this post of course) and I'll even share a few things (pictured above) I look forward to while keeping myself nonchalant.

1. Magazines - I'm sure we all have at least one magazine subscriptions whether it's about fashion, lifestyle, or food. Catching up on a couple of my favorite magazines surely clears my mind from all things busy related and puts me in a great mood for the day!

2. Shopping - My wallet is usually always nearby because I love to shop. Online or in-store, a great sale and a swipe of my credit card makes my day brighter and makes me happier!

3. Manicures/Pedicures - A fresh new mani/pedi is always needed and surely passes time to keep me occupied in my happy place. P.S. - It's almost a sin to have bare nails! 

Now it's your turn!

Have you ever heard of "National Relaxation Day"? Well you can thank me later! Tommy Bahama wants to help you relax this summer by hosting their "Summer of Go" Sweepstakes. It includes weekly giveaways from now until August 18th and a Grand Prize Giveaway on National Relaxation Day weekend August 15th - 18th. This sweepstakes is all about you and your means to relaxation! I've listed the prizes you can win below.

Weekly Prizing:
1. Air Transportation for 2 anywhere Alaska Airlines flies
2. 3 night stay at select Fairmont Hotels and Resorts locations
3. $500 Tommy Bahama Gift Card
4. “Summer of Go” Travel Pack
5. $50 Uber Credit

Grand Prize:
1. Air Transportation for 4 anywhere Alaska Airlines flies
2. 7 night stay for 4 at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii 
3. $1000 Tommy Bahama Gift Card
4. Dinner at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant on Mauna Lani
5. $200 Uber Credit
6. Summer of Go Travel Pack

Think today will be your lucky day? Head on over to Tommy Bahama's landing page and enter for a chance to win. You can enter everyday once per day from now until the 18th of August. Don't miss out! There might be a relaxation day coming up in your future!

How will you enjoy National Relaxation Day?

xox.

krissy

*This post is sponsored by Tommy Bahama #GoRelax*

Brand Spotlight: Skyn Iceland

Hello!


Here's another brand that I thought I'd feature in the spotlight for their amazing eye gels! Skyn Iceland! They're a paraben-free natural skincare brand that is specifically formulated to treat stress related skin conditions. Pictured above is a sample of there one and only "Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels". These award winning eye gels really hits the spot when you're feeling a bit "out of it". They firm, tone, brighten, and reduce the appearance of puffiness and wrinkles in ten minutes or less. The cooling transdermal gel patch relaxes your eyes while the Icelandic glacial water does the rest. 


I also received those little note cards pictured above. On the left is a note card of tips for de-stressing your life. I really need to follow number three more often. My hands seems to always make its way to my face all the time throughout the day. The note card on the right is sort of a funny little quote/story of someone totally stressing out and their skin is taking the fall for it all. You can check out more of their products online on their website if you ever need a solution for a bummed out day!

I hope you all are having a stress-free day. Remember, tomorrow's Friday! :)

xox.

krissy

The Real Science Behind Great Skin

I received this product for review purposes

What's better than an extraordinary brand dedicated for your skin?


I'm thinking one that's actually effective! Introducing Real Chemistry, a brand of efficient scientifically formulated skincare products for all skin types. I would say that a lot of us have that goal that seems nearly impossible for our skin to be "radiant", "flawless", or even "lustrous". It's really hard to actually strive for that goal with generic drugstore brands and sort of impractical to achieve it with daily spa visits. Well there's an option with these products that I would love to introduce to you!



Doesn't the word "peel" sort of make you cringe a bit? Due to my sensitive skin, I've stayed away from peel products as much as possible in the past. As time went on, formulas have been changing and promising better results. It's usually hard to narrow down products that are effective and non-irritating. With Real Chemistry it was surely an easy choice. This peel is really gentle and still manages to work sufficiently with my skin type. It literally takes three minutes (or even less) to use so it won't add a ton of time to your current beauty regime. The best part of all, no irritation, redness, or chemical burning! It removes layers of dead skin and exfoliates. It also can be used weekly or daily depending on your skin type. The cost being $48 for 1.7 fl oz isn't an absurd one compared to most peels from other retailers and I can surely guarantee you that it works (Real Chemistry can too!). And of course, definitely cheaper than the spa for sure!



If you're a bit skeptical about splurging on the peel, Real Chemistry also offers a trial size version for only $5.75. It's only .17 fl oz but I can assure you that you will get at least 2-3 peels out of this little guy and love it!



Serums, moisturizers, balms and anything of that nature is usually my skin's best friend. This serum is very lightweight and sort of has a water-y like texture to it. Once you apply it to your face it almost rubs in like liquid soap but shortly turns invisible. I love the smooth feeling it gives my face and it's great to layer under your normal skincare products such as sunscreen or foundation. Now the price for this one is what I like to consider a bit "overpriced" at $92 for 1.7 fl oz. The directions state to pump 1-3 pumps to your fingertips but instead I pumped one pump into the palm of my hand and it covered my entire face. Now if I continue to only use one pump this can definitely be one of those products where a little goes a long way so you can get your money's worth. 



Now I haven't used a full face mask in quite some time in my beauty regime so this was a slight change for me. However I did enjoy relaxing with this mask on for the recommended 20-30 minutes. The excess serum was also a nice touch for my neck to enjoy too. I used my mask before bed and I noticed a slight enhancement in my complexion the following morning. I gotta admit that this mask made me feel fresh and left my skin silky smooth but I didn't necessarily see any major changes. For a price of $68 for a box of three masks or $25 for a single packet this is a pricey one. I would recommend to splurge if you're the kind who doesn't object to trying new things. The masks are to be used weekly so think of it as a treat for your face!

Overall I enjoyed using these products from Real Chemistry. The brand is still a bit new to me but I'm happy to take part in trying new things as I believe everyone should. Currently Real Chemistry has over 100 boutique retail stores across the U.S. and are sold online on their website, Birchbox, and Open Sky. Don't hesitate to check them out to learn more about their products! 

xox.

krissy

Disclosure: Krissy Deane receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

#QOTD

(via Pinterest)

Heads up!

xox.

krissy

Music + Monday

Wait a minute till you...


The first Monday of August and I've already started it by searching and ordering my textbooks for college. I probably should definitely do a college textbook post for finding ideal prices and not drowning yourself in your college bookstores hefty prices. Gosh those are a complete rip off. Luckily I like to consider myself a smart shopper so I never stick with prices that I think are ridiculous. I believe no one should have to! Also I've noticed that the student employment page has been update which means I can start applying for jobs. The catch is: you must "apply in person". Ugh! And every time I try to get in contact with someone, their voice mail says "I'm away from my desk". Seriously?! College is driving me nuts already!

Now for music Monday. Has anyone heard this song yet? The audio video hasn't been out for a complete week yet so it's still pretty new. I've heard it on the radio a couple of times and now I'm hooked. It's pretty catchy and upbeat and I love that! Definitely calmed me down a bit after my morning college dilemma. I hope you all are having a great Monday! At least much better than mine. :)

xox.

krissy

#OOTD

First Sunday of August! Woo!


It's such a relaxing day today. College is in less than three weeks and I still have tons of shopping to catch up on. I've already even received my bills for my tuition for the first semester. Gosh! But I won't let that stress me out just yet. Instead I'll make today a stress free day and start off with a simple #OOTD post.

I probably don't even have to tell you that this is yet another outfit from H&M. Yes, I'm sure I have endless H&M outfits but I can't help but love that store! Above I decided to put together a simple patterned tank that's made out of an airy woven fabric so it's lightweight and perfect for a sunny day. The straps are adjustable and the tank sports a slight v-neck cut in the front.

Next are the shorts! Yes, those are actually shorts. They're pleated throughout and made out of slightly sheer fabric (don't worry, they're lined with jersey!) and sport an elasticized waistband. I absolutely love these shorts. They're really loose and comfy and since they're black they can be a pretty classic staple piece to any outfit. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a relaxed Sunday and a comfy outfit!


I also thought that I'd share H&M's new magazine with you all. I received this in the mail a few weeks ago and I cannot wait for this upcoming season!


Check out that cute peplum top on the left. Isn't it absolutely adorable! And only $14.95! I can definitely see a shopping haul in my future. Haha, I'll surely keep you all updated. And have a happy Sunday!

How was your weekend?

xox.

krissy

The Essentials

I received this product for review purposes

Less is really more.


You probably read that a lot around here. As you know, I'm always honest when reviewing products that I'm new to, already love, or later to be new favorites. I absolutely adore companies who really try their best to produce the best for us. One Love Organics happens to be one of them, and it's a pleasure to share that with you all today!

Lately I've been a label scanner. Literally! As I get older, I'm learning more about products and their benefits. I know for sure I wouldn't want something icky on my skin or internally so why purchase products with icky ingredients? Exactly! There's no point.

One Love Organics provides an all natural, chemical free, and organic (where possible) line of essentials for your face, body and hair. Today I would love to introduce a few essentials. Pictured above is the One Love Organics "The Cleansing Sponge", "Easy Does It", "Brand New Day" and "Skin Savior".


First lets start with the "Easy Does It" foaming cleanser (pictured on the left). This cleanser is your definite everyday cleanser. With this, there is no need for having tons of variations of cleansers and soaps. It can be used on your face, body and hair. Even though it is a "foaming cleanser", it's a natural product so don't be disappointed when it's not as foamy and bubbly as most chemically satiated products out there. It has a light lather and smell and works just as good, or in my opinion even better than the ordinary. 

One the right is the "Skin Savior" waterless beauty balm. I don't think I can stress on how good this stuff smells. I literally spent so much time just taking whiffs at it. It has a citrus-y scent that I immediately fell in love with. Of course I was also excited to actually use the product. It can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, hair tamer and basically anything you can think of when it comes to beauty. I decided to use it as a moisturizer after washing my face with the foaming cleanser and by goodness it was amazing! 


Now on the left (pictured above) is the "Brand New Day" microderma scrub & masque. I was bit confused at first on why this scrub came out as a fine and sort of grainy powder. I then read the directions and was shocked. You literally only need teaspoon(s) of this product and water and then you're all set for exfoliation. If you want to mix it up a bit you can even use fresh ingredients such as plain Greek yogurt for a clarifying mask or raw honey for a hydrating mask. Now it does say it can be used every day/morning but I think I'll restrict myself to using this once or twice a week as I don't want to exfoliate too much.

Lastly is "The Cleansing Sponge" (pictured on the right). The sponge type I received is the "bamboo charcoal heart". This sponge is made with 100% pure konjac plant fiber. It doubles its size once wet and is super soft. It's great for exfoliating also and can be used everyday. I paired my sponge with the "Easy Does It" foaming cleanser and it really helps to clean areas such as my t-zone. Once you're finished using the sponge, you rinse it with warm water and hang it up to dry.

Overall, One Love Organics has made my day, and possibly my life! My favorite about this brand is that their products are multi-taskers. And since a little goes a long way, I'll have enough for all of their uses. All of the products are effective for being gentle/natural. If I had to choose a favorite I would say the "Skin Savior" waterless beauty balm. It's flipping amazing. These products are all in "discover" sizes that are featured in their "Essentials To Go" travel kit for $50 (it also comes with a cute cotton canvas cosmetic bag). The cleansing sponge is sold separately for $10 in five variations. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

xox.

krissy

Disclosure: Krissy Deane receives products in order to conduct reviews. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission for payment from in exchange for referrals. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."