Category: Misc

2018 Wrap Up

On By thehannahhardyIn Check Ins, Misc4 Comments

At the beginning of the year, I posted a list of books I wanted to read and started a “Project Pan” with products I wanted to use up.

Here’s an update on how I did throughout the year…

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^this is what I started with. You can see the original post here.

  1. Tarte Double Duty Beauty Creamy Powder Foundation :: Used this up!
  2. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Light Bronze :: This got hella old so I had to toss it. I did repurchase though. This is one of my favorite bronzers.
  3. Colour Pop No Filter Concealer in Fair 04 :: This shade was too dark so I gave it away. I did repurchase it in my correct shade (Fair 02) and I love it!
  4. MAC Studio Fix Powder :: Used this up
  5. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer :: This was a good shade match, but it didn’t look very good on my dry skin. I gave this away. (Review here)
  6. Colour Pop Super Shock Highlighter in Lunch Money :: This got old and dried out, so I tossed it.
  7. LimeLight by Alcone Botanical Foundation :: Used this up (review here)
  8. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Paaarty :: I’ve used this SO much and I just can’t seem to hit pan. I can see it dwindling down on the sides of the pan though. You can see what I mean here.

I started with 8 products–I used up 3, tossed 2, still working on 1, and gave away 2.

I like the idea of a “Project Pan,” I just think I need to pick better products next time.

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My goals for this was to read 18 books and I came so close! I ended up with only 15. I read some from the list I shared earlier this year and some that weren’t on there. You can see my original list here.

These are the books I read…

  1. And Still She Laughs by Kate Merrick
  2. Skin Deep by Bee Shapiro
  3. The Wizartd of Lies by Diana B. Henriques
  4. Sisters First by Barbara Pierce Bush & Jenna Bush Hager
  5. Until I say Good-Bye by Susan Spencer-Wendel
  6. The Southern Education of Jersey Girl by Jaime Primak Sullivan
  7. Triumph by Carolyn Jessop
  8. My Story by Elizabeth Smart
  9. I Didn’t Come Here to Make Friends by Courtney Robertson
  10. Why Her? by Nicki Koziarz
  11. Of Mess & Moxie by Jen Hatmaker
  12. Seamless by Angie Smith
  13. Love Life Again by Tracie Miles
  14. The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
  15. Sandcastle Kings by Rich Wilkerson Jr

Think I can do 19 books in 2019?!

2018 By the Numbers

  • Reviews :: 77
  • Foundation Fridays :: 28
  • Mascara Mondays :: 18
  • Mask Mondays :: 5
  • Manis :: 72
  • Total Posts :: 147

I love to do these posts at the end of the year so I can see all that I accomplished and how my hard work paid off. It’s motivation for next year!

Holiday Gift Guide 2018

On By thehannahhardyIn Best Of, MiscLeave a comment

The holidays are here and stores are packed with people and gifts. I’m WAY too lazy to make 2394239 gift guides like other bloggers, so I’m going to stick to what I know–beauty. 

I’m going to share the sets and gifts that I think the beauty lover in your life would love and the ones that are worth the money. Also, it’s Christmas, treat yo self if you see something you love 😉 

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A few tips for holiday shopping…

  • Use eBates! I thought it was a scam too, but it’s 100% real. You legit get money back for shopping. 
    • You can use my referral link (not sponsored) 
    • I’ve saved $89 since signing up!
  • Google a coupon code–usually you can find one somewhere
  • A lot of website have pop ups that offer 10-20% your purchase if you sign up for their emails. Sign up, get your coupon, and unsubscribe. BINGO.
  • Put the item in your cart, but don’t check out. Sometimes sites will email you a coupon code if they noticed you left something in your cart.
  • I linked as many products as I could to Nordstrom and I highly recommend shopping for what you can there. They have free shipping on everything and super easy returns. 

Happy Shopping! 

 

Dollar Shave Club Review

On By thehannahhardyIn Misc, Reviews, Skincare1 Comment

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What is it?
—A monthly subscription service i.e. Birchbox, Ipsy, etc.
–Starter set is $5, each additional month is $9
–Can cancel any time and change delivery frequency
—Starter set includes razor handle, 4 blades, and shave kit products. After that, you receive 4 new blades each month for $9 (1 blade per week)
–100% money back guarantee

What I received in my starter kit:
–Razor handle
—4 blades (the Executive)
—Prep scrub
—Shave butter
—Post shave dew

Thoughts 
–This is targeted towards men, but I prefer to use men’s razors because I get a closer, smoother shave
–I like the scrub, didn’t like the shave butter, and the post shave dew was nothing special
–This is the BEST RAZOR EVER and I’ve tried so many different ones. I think the scrub + razor gave me the smoothest legs!
–I don’t think you need to use one blade a week though, I think that’s a little wasteful. However, I don’t shave my legs every day. #lazy #single
–I will definitely repurchase blades and would consider buying the Prep Scrub.

Note
—Billie is the same concept, aimed at women. Their starter kit is $9 and comes with the handle, razor holder, and 2 blades. It’s $9 each month for 2 blades. You can adjust, skip, or cancel anytime.
–I personally think the Dollar Shave Club is better deal and though I haven’t tried Billie, I would think quality is on par.

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Night Routine

On By thehannahhardyIn About Me, MiscLeave a comment

I don’t know about y’all, but I love to watch routine videos on YouTube and read them on other blogs. Maybe I’m nosey, but I think it’s interesting to see/read what other people do with their time. Of course, no night or day is every the same, but here’s my typical night routine.

I currently commute 45ish minutes to work each day so by the time I get home, I’m over doing a whole lot of things. I like to unwind and not think too much.

FYI: This post is picture heavy

11.) Take Windsor outside. –I live at home so Windsor spends most of his day at Grandma’s Day Care so he doesn’t always need to go out as soon as a I get home, just depends!

22.) Unready–The first thing I do is take off all of my jewelry. I don’t know why, but as soon as I get home and in for the night, I immediately take off my jewelry. I keep my daily jewels in this ash try that was my grandpa’s. It’s where he put his extra change every day and it always stayed in the same spot so when I see it, I think of him and it makes me happy!

33.) Bath time–Fun fact: I HATE showers. I never take them. We have lived in our house for 9 years and I don’t think I’ve ever taken a shower here. Plus, this bath tub is so big and perfect so showers are a definite no.

44.) Skincare–The full routine: makeup remover, cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, and facial oil.

55.) Makeup–While I wait for my different skincare steps to absorb, I head to my other vanity and set out any makeup that I want to use the next day or that I need to test out.

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6.) PJs–I have a few sets of cute pjs, but I prefer big, old t-shirts and soft pants. I love comfy clothes and PJs.

77.) Blog Work–I write posts, edit posts, or edit pictures if I need to. If not, I’ll watch YouTube or go downstairs and watch TV with my parents.

88.) Devotion–I know lots of people start their day with a devotion and quiet time with the Lord, but I like to end my day with it. I love and highly recommend the Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies. {a new one is starting today and I’m so excited for it}

99.) Final pre-bedtime chores–I can be so forgetful and forget to charge my Apple Watch each night so I’ve started charging it on my vanity so it’s right in my face as I brush my teeth. I also take out my contacts and put my glasses on. I can’t sleep in my contacts and I get so mad when I forget and get in bed, only to have to get back up and remove them. #lazy

1010.) Outfit–I always make sure to have my outfit picked out for the next day. I am that person who opens the closet door and sees so many clothes but still has nothing to wear. To combat that and help save time in the mornings, I try to plan my outfits for the week and hang them on this bar.

1111.) Reading–I try to read on iPad or an from an actual book each night. Honestly, that doesn’t always happen though. Sometimes I just end up playing on my phone. I need to be better about putting down the phone and picking up my book!

1212.) Lights out! 

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Fall 2018

On By thehannahhardyIn MiscLeave a comment

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It’s the second most wonderful time of the year. The first being this sale in the spring. Y’all I live for 21 Days of Beauty and I make a plan for shopping because I have no life and nothing else to do with my time, clearly.

All jokes aside, this is a great time to try new things and stock up on some favorites at HALF OFF.

The sale starts Sept 2 and ends Sept 22. I’m going to post and link each day’s deals, the Hot Buys, what I’m buying, and what I recommend. This post is going to be a long one so brace yourself.

All beauty steals ship free for Platinum and Diamond members.

Sept 2
—Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer, $17
—Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Cloud Cream Cleanser & Hyaluronic Cloud Serum, $14-32.50
—Lime Crime Venus Eyeshadow Palettes, $19 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 3
—Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner, $11
—Proactiv 3-Step Acne System, $25
—Philosophy Time In A Bottle Serum, $38 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Lancome Visionnaire Eye Cream, $32.50 <ONLINE ONLY & PLATINUM PERK>

Sept 4
—Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter, $20.50
—Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser, $7.50
—Butter London Glazen Lip Glaze, $9.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Eyeko Mascaras, $9.50-15 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 5
—Benefit Hoola & Hoola Lite Bronzer, $15
—Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, $7.50
—Juice Beauty Illuminating Primer, $18 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Kopari Save Face Oil, $22 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 6
—Tarte Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint, $10
—Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture, $37.50
–-beautyblender Solid Cleanser, $8 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Pur Masks, $13-14.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 7
—Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara, $12.50
—Pericone MD Cold Plasma Products, $42.50-79.50
—Clinique Blended Face Powder & Brush, $13.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 8
—Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer Pencil, $11
—Philosophy Purity Clay Mask, 7.50
—Ofra Select Highlighters, $14.50-16 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 9
—Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finish Powder, $11
—It Brushes for Ulta Velvet Luxe Brushes, $12-27
—Exuviance Select Age Reverse, $39-39.50
—Select MAC Girl Palettes, $19.75 <ONLINE ONLY & PLATINUM PERK>

Sept 10
—Stila One Step Primer, $18
—Estee Lauder Day Wear Creme SPF 15. $17
—Flesh All Highlighters, $9-14 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Beauty by POPSUGAR All Lip Products, $9-12 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 11
—Buxom Plumpline Lip Liner, $9
—Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Primer. $12.75
—Mally Beauty Mallywood Collection, $10-18 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Algenist POWER Recharging Night Pressed Serum, $47.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 12
—Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme, $14
—Dermablend Original Setting Powder, $13.50
—Lorac Mascaras, $12 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion, $15 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 13
—Smashbox Pore Minimizing Primer, $19.50
—Clairsonic Cleansing Brush Heads, $13.50-16
—Velour Lashes, $7-14.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 14
—It Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil, $12
—Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, $19
—Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipsticks, $9 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 15
—Tartes Light, Camera, Lashes and Lash Paint Mascara, $11
–Benefit Brow Wax, FREE with $50 Benefit purchase
—Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum, $22.50
—CoverFx Perfect Setting Powder, $17.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Skyn Iceland Pure Cloud Cream, $27.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 16
—Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette, $24.50
—Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar, $19.50
—Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil, $12 <ONLINE ONLY & PLATINUM PERK>

Sept 17
—Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector, $19
—First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, $10
—Laura Geller Liquid Foundations, $16.50-19 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—StriVectin Dual Response Serum, $39.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 18
—Tarte Busy Gal Brows Tinted Brow Gel, $9
—SeroVital hgh Dietary Supplement, $49.50
—NudeStix Concealer Stick, $12 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Cargo All Lip Products, $8-12 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 19
—MAC Extreme Dimensions Mascara, $12
—Juice Beauty Skincare Kit, $20-26
—Discover Skincare Brands, 50% *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 20
—CoverFx Glitter Drops & Custom Enhancer Drops, $21-22
—Origins Morning Must Haves, $12
—It Cosmetics Brushes for Ulta #110, $12 *(ONLINE ONLY)*
—Exuviance Performing Peel AP25, $38.50 *(ONLINE ONLY)*

Sept 21
—Benefit POREfessional, $16
—Clinique Moisture Surge 72 HR Hydrator 1.0 oz, $9.50
—DermDoctor Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil, $39
—Patchology Eye Gels, $25

Sept 22
—Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, $16
—It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Moisturizing Super Cream, $24
—Buxom Shiny Liquid Lipsticks, $10

HOT BUYS

Hot Buys are available throughout the 21 Days until they sell out. These products are discounted 40% so you’re still getting a good deal even though they aren’t half off. In past years, the Hot Buys have been SO good. I was very disappointed in this years selections and there’s nothing that I plan on purchasing.

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Can you believe out of all these deals, I’m only buying 5 things?! It’s true. These are the only products that grabbed my attention and that I really wanted to try or buy.

  • 9/6—beautyblender Solid Cleanser, $8
    • The BEST brush cleanser ever. Buy it, use it, and thank me later.
  • 9/7—Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara, $12
    • Kathleen Lights has been raving about this mascara and while it’s half price, I’m going to give it a try.
    • I don’t normally buy high end mascaras, but if I ever do, it’s during this sale when they are half off.
    • There’s a waterproof option as well.
  • 9/9—Ulta Moisturizing Foundation Stick, $7
    • This has been on my “to try” list and it’s half off!
  • 9/18—Tarte Busy Gal Brows Tinted Brow Gel, $9
    • Similar to the LOreal Brow Gel that I’ve been using, but doesn’t have the weird bend in the applicator. It’s also the same price so DUH.
  • 9/20—Origins Morning Must Haves, $12
    • I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS SET. I know I love the GinZing Eye Cream and I’m excited to try to the other products in the set. I’ve heard amazing things about the Spot Treatment and I’m almost out of my current one so the timing is just perfect.

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I think that’s everything. Mark your calendars. Get excited. Tell me what you’re buying!

My 2 Cents on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

On By thehannahhardyIn Misc6 Comments

Warning this post contains both truth and sarcasm.

1)  Some of the deals are not that impressive. Yes, saving some money is better than paying full price but we’re not talking about half price Birkins here.

2) A good portion of the clothing and shoes are fall pieces even though the sale happens in the summer. I get you want to buy and showcase what you’ve purchased, but it is 90+ degrees in the South. Wearing a poncho and sandals is ridiculous as is suede OTK boots and shorts. If it wasn’t for this sale, you would never pair such together. Own it. In your caption say, I know shorts and suede OTK don’t go together on a hot July day, but the boots are cute and on sale. I’m much more likely to buy something from your link if you’re honest.

3) Sales such as this sure bring out the greed in folks.

4) You know half these bloggers go buy all this stuff and go do these dressing room try ons and return and/or don’t purchase a dang on thing, they just want to go link stuff so you will swipe/click. They want that engagement!

5) I’ve seen several posts with 5+ bags and the back of an SUV filled to the brim with NSale loot. Even if I had endless funds, I still couldn’t fill up the back of an SUV with stuff. There wasn’t that much stuff I wanted.

6) I think the items included this year were just meh. I got a few things, but overall I was super underwhelmed.

7) The sale went live at 3 am EST and folks set their alarms to be first. Unless Jesus Christ or Christian Louboutin walks into my room, I ain’t getting up at 3 am for no-damn-body. Even then, I’m going to need to see at 3 forms of proper identification.

8) Some of the stuff wasn’t that expensive to start with and some of it is still expensive AF on sale. For example, I bought 2 t-shirts that were $11.90 each. After the sale, they will be $17. Not exactly the deal of the century, I could still buy the shirt at $17. My life has not worsened nor improved over $5.10.

9) While everyone is just losing their mind over this sale, there are still other more pressing matters going on in the world i.e. famine, war, natural disasters, and hopefully some good things too. The world doesn’t stop turning. Also, there are literally thousands of cute dogs on Instagram. How are you so wrapped in up in shopping when there are pup pics to view?!

10) At the end of the day, it’s just stuff. I personally waste money on stupid stuff I do not need on the regular, but I’m trying to better about it. Shopping this sale and using that blogger’s links isn’t going to solve world hunger, part the Red Sea, or end the war. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but I suggest taking a step back before making a purchase. Do you need it? Will you wear it? Do you already have pieces in your closet that it will work with? These are just a few questions to ask yourself.

 Not all bloggers go bonkers over this so I’m not grouping everyone together, it’s just the name of the game. I will say, I did see some great, helpful posts that were straight to the point i.e. here’s what I wanted, here’s what I bought, here’s what I recommend, etc. I’m down for that. Give me some suggestions and send me on my way. Don’t clog up my Instagram for 2+ weeks. I have other things I need to see on my feed, reference #9.

While I stand by all of this and its truth, this is meant to be funny. I didn’t write it to offend you and 3 generations of your people. No need to get your panties in a knot! And, if you did, I hear Nordstrom has a deal on panties right now 😉

Let’s Get Something Straight

On By thehannahhardyIn About Me, MiscLeave a comment

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It’s ok to not want to get married. It’s ok not be out there chasing every man, praying you will snag one. It’s ok to be perfectly happy on your own.

When I say I’m ok with not getting married and don’t want to, people look at me like I have 8 eyes. Like I have lost my damn mind. WHY? Is it because society says so? Is it because I’m a female and I need someone to take care of me? Because everyone needs someone? Because being alone is frowned up?

Let’s get a few things straight. I’m not chasing anyone who does want to be caught. I don’t want anyone who does want me. I’m 100% ok with being by myself, I actually prefer it and I can take care of my damn self.

I get the standard, “you’ll change your mind,” “you’ll find someone,” “the right person will change your mind,” etc. You know what? All of that could be completely true. I don’t understand why no one says, “okay,” “do what makes you happy,” “good for you,” etc. I always want to follow up with, “and you know that’s ok, right?”

Fun fact about me: I’m VERY introverted. I thrive on quiet time and being alone. Commitment scares me. I’m only 26, almost 27, so I can always grow and change, but as of right now, I don’t see myself getting married nor do I really want to.

I’m not writing all of this to make me feel better or justify my feelings. Quite frankly, I don’t feel compelled to do either. I don’t have to explain/justify my feelings to anyone. I’m writing this to let people know that it’s OK to be different. It’s OK to not do what society deems as “normal” or “correct.” Here’s the thing, if you succumb to these norms, you could end up settling and setting yourself for a lifetime of misery.

I am fine by myself. I like me. I don’t need someone else to complete me. I don’t let being single or spoken for define my worth. I don’t allow anyone or anything to define my worth. I’m human, I have flaws and insecurities like everyone else. I spent years letting the numbers in my bank account, the labels in my closet, my GPA, etc. define my worth and I continued to come up short and feel like I wasn’t enough. I now know that I am enough. I am enough on my own.

Enough is a powerful word. A word that has caused me a lot of pain, anxiety, and battles with depression. I did a lot of soul searching and praying over MANY years before I could finally admit to myself that I was enough. I still fall short and I have days where I constantly have to remind myself over and over again, but I have come such a long way.

I’ve never had a boyfriend or been on date. I’m sure that may shock some, but I’m OK with it. I have standards, values, and morals; just anyone isn’t going to do. In my opinion, no one is better than just anyone.

Oprah used to (may still) have a section in her magazine titled, “What I Know for Sure.” I’m taking a page out of Oprah’s book and sharing a few things that I know for sure.

  1. If you don’t love yourself, it’s going to be really hard for someone else to.
  2. You’ve got to be ok alone.
  3. Don’t settle. You deserve the best. You are better off alone than paired off and unhappy.
  4. Know your worth. Don’t let anyone or anything influence your worth. Don’t place your worth in being married, a mom, a career woman, etc. It’s ok to want all those things, but you need to know that you are enough right now, exactly as you are.

Now I don’t jump out of bed every morning 100% confident in myself and ready to face the day. Sometimes things suck. People suck. Circumstances suck. Sometimes you may feel like the only single person left on the planet. Why can everyone find someone but you? There are reminders that you’re single everywhere you go, whether it’s out in public, at the office, or in my case, the refrigerator. My refrigerator stays full of shower and wedding invites and there’s no plus one to be found.

I get it. It’s hard. Sometimes, I feel it too. However, I’m very fortunate that my friends never make me feel like the odd (wo)man out. Sure, sometimes it would be nice to have a date and not be the 13th wheel, but most times I have just as much fun by myself and I’m not left worrying if my date is having a good time. My friends don’t try to set me up or look down on me or judge me for being single.

I know you’re thinking I’m a marriage hater by now. I promise I’m not. I believe in love. My parents have set a great example. My friends have found some truly amazing guys to spend their lives with. I’ve seen the positive change in my friends when they found their guy. I’m not completely opposed to it, I just don’t think it’s in the cards for me.

If Mr. Right comes strolling in tomorrow and sweeps me off my feet, I will try to keep an open mind and embrace it. If not, I’m good. I’ve got Jesus, my dog, and my Loubs. I’m going to be just fine and you know what else, YOU WILL TOO.

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