Samantha Smith

Daily 5 – 5/15/19

The links in this post are affiliate codes and I will receive a small commission if you purchase through them!

This Garden Floral Tie Top is gorgeous! It’s on sale for $19.99 | Get it here

This is a great deal for these St. Tropez items! $38.96| Get it here

These sandals are gorgeous! They’re on sale for an additional 30% off with code save30. They come in 3 colors too! | Get them here

This dress is GORGEOUS!! So fun if you have a special event coming up! | Get it here

This hat is too cute to pass up if you’ve got a little boy. | Get it here

I’ve decided to try at least once a week to post a try-on! Not only for the blog, but to get some ideas for myself! I stopped at kohl’s and found a few really good items! The shorts are probably some of my favorite things!

Forgive that my shoes may not match each outfit. But it was better than standing barefoot for all the photos.

I thought that this purple T-shirt dress was SO comfortable! It was so soft, and had I thought to grab one, I think it would pair so well with a denim jacket. A denim shirt would look great tied around the waist with it as well. Another option would be a swimsuit cover up! The fit is TTS, I got my normal small.

This blue and white striped shirt was also another really comfortable top. It’s a part of the Lauren Conrad line and has the most adorable tie on the back. I paired it with my dark pants but it would also look amazing with white jeans, shorts, or regular denim. Just toss your hair up in a messy bun and show off that cute bow detail! Also TTS, wearing a small. As you can see it’s not a fitted top. I could have probably sized up to a medium and it would have been great with leggings.

It’s not easy to get a good picture of your back. (Or I just haven’t made it as a blogger yet.) You can also get a closer look at the detail in the pattern as well.

This white tee was totally not a necessity, but I’m a sucker for a burnout tee. Both the tee and the shorts are the Rock & Republic brand. It worked so well with this pair of denim shorts! The distressing has red, white, and blue behind it, so if you need an outfit for July 4th, you’re welcome! Shorts are TTS. I’m wearing a 6. When in doubt I almost always size up in shorts.

Same tee paired with quite possibly my favorite shorts I’ve ever worn! Clearly the color is what attracted me, and the fit was perfect. They are stretchy and comfortable, yet they have the structured appearance I like in shorts. The zipper is functional. Also, TTS. Wearing a 6.

This blue button front sleeveless shirt was so soft. It’s from the Rock & Republic line, which is probably my second favorite line at Kohl’s. They do have a lot of edgier pieces which I really like! This shirt was a thick material but not so thick that it was uncomfortable. It was really nice and looked great with these Lauren Conrad white skinny jeans.

This peach top, also from the Lauren Conrad line, was so pretty. Unfortunately, there was only one in the store I could find, and it had a huge snag on the front (behind my arm) I was so sad I couldn’t take it home with me. Also TTS, wearing a small.

This floral top is from the Lauren Conrad line as well. Her stuff is absolutely gorgeous, and my go to when I’m shopping at Kohl’s. These are the same white pants as linked above. This top is just absolutely stunning! It’s so light and flows so well. I just can’t believe how much I am LOVING this sleeve. If you’d told me two years ago I’d be into this trend, I would have laughed in your face and told you you’re crazy. This top is also TTS, I’m wearing a small.

Daily 5 – 5/14/19

The following links are affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use them.

This shirt from Jane is gorgeous! It comes in 29 different colors and is only $12.99! Get it here

These shoes are so trendy right now! They come in these three colors for $39.99 Get them here

This dress from Goodnight Macaroon is gorgeous! I’m actually waiting for mine to arrive! Get it here

This shirt from Janie and Jack is adorable if you’ve got a little guy! It’s currently on sale for $32.99 and you can get an additional 15% off with code FLAMINGO. Get it here

Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes are some of my favorites! They last so long on the skin! Get this deal on QVC for only $30, You get Dollfaced and Exposed! Get it here

Current Favorite Things -May 2019

I don’t know what it is about these kinds of posts, but I am absolutely addicted to seeing what other people are loving. Maybe it’s the possibility of trying new things. Or maybe it’s sharing a love for something with someone, and having something to talk about. Perhaps I can learn about how something could work better for me if I try it in a different way. Regardless, I find myself watching countless favorites videos and reading blog post after blog post where people talk about their favorite stuff.

Favorite Beauty/Skincare:

I truly believed that I would never find a face cleanser to replace my Philosophy Purity. It was the only one I’d found that could literally melt off all of my makeup, other than a cleansing balm. That was until I tried the Tula Purifying Face Cleanser I received in my FabFitFun box. You guys! This stuff is AMAZING. It smells so good and it cleans my face so well at the end of the day. (It takes off a full face of makeup in a snap!) I absolutely cannot wait to get more of their products and test them out!

This has been said probably an infinite number of times by literally every beauty blogger/YouTuber/social media influencer, but here I am to tell you one more time. The Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer is SO GOOD. I have a LOT of makeup and no matter what, I keep going back to this bronzer. Not only does it smell amazing, but it gives me the most natural looking sunkissed, bronzed skin.

I am probably one of the most “oh you don’t have to spend a ton of money on makeup, together drugstore has amazing options” people you’ll ever meet. But! Let me tell you that I will NEVER find a mascara that I love as much as the It Cosmetics Superhero. I literally on a daily basis get asked what mascara I’m using or if I have eyelash extensions. Hands down. The. Best. Mascara. Ever. It is worth its weight in gold.

I have thin hair. Fine, thin, lifeless hair. So I am forever searching for and trying products that will help volumize my hair without drying it out and/or weighing it down. I think my search is over. This Living Proof full dry volume blast is so good, you guys.

I was skeptical about these at first but I’m seriously becoming a huge fan the more I use them! These Impress Nails are amazing! They come in so many styles and they LAST! In fact, they’re actually pretty hard to remove! Which is a good thing!

Mom Favorites:

As a mom of two toddling boys, I like to think I know a thing or two about what’s helpful for a mom. I’m no pro, as most days I’m totally winging it, but I like to pretend I’m a full grown adult and know what I’m talking about.

Obviously the top of this list is coffee because how can you even think about momming without it. We have an A-MAZING Ninja Coffee Bar that I’m quite certain I couldn’t live without. You can make any size cup or carafe. You can make a classic brew, rich brew, or specialty brew. It has a milk frother. This machine has no flaws.

I’ve also been loving the Salted Cream Cold Foam Coldbrew from Starbucks. Do yourself a favor and try one! You will not be disappointed.

I work full time as a teacher and have two toddlers which means I have so little time for meal prep. I love cooking but sometimes I need some help with the shopping. Home Chef makes it easy and everything is delicious!! You can get $30 off by using this link. I can’t recommend them enough!

I absolutely love this Harmon/Kardon Allure Smart Speaker. It’s powered by Alexa and it’s portable! I can grab it and take it down to the basement with the boys and listen to music.

These Munchkin 360 cups are a favorite of both my boys. They are super easy to clean and relatively mess free (I have yet to find a sippy cup that is 100% spill proof) If you have NBA players for children and they chuck their cups off of the table, these do spill a little bit upon impact. But otherwise they’re great!They’re dishwasher safe too! Bonus!

We just got this Radio Flyer Wagon as a gift for Weston’s first birthday and it is AWESOME! The boys both love it and so do I! Win win!

Clothing Favorites:

If you’ve been following me for a minute, you know I’m obsessing over Old Navy. I can’t get enough!

These jeans and this rainbow sweatshirt are at the top of my favorites list. The sweatshirt is so comfortable! I can’t get over it. I added it to my cart multiple times before I tried it on in store and I couldn’t go home without it.

Another top I’m absolutely in love with is this one.

This top from amazon is so good! And so affordable! I have it in two colors because I couldn’t resist!

These target booties are the best!!! They’re comfortable, so adorable, and affordable!

What are some of your favorite things? I’d love to hear!

Weston’s Mr. ONEderful Party

It’s been a whirlwind of a year and I’m still sitting here trying to figure out how my little peanut is already a whole year old. Sawyer’s first year flew by in what seemed like the blink of an eye, but I swear Weston’s only lasted a half a second. I went back and fourth on what theme we would do and I just couldn’t get away from the “Mr. One-derful” theme. So many people asked what it was, if it was a character he liked from a cartoon or something… And if it is, I have no idea… I have Pinterest to thank for any ideas I came up with. Also, a huge shoutout to my mom for the cake and most of the cookies (I helped a little bit, but I wouldn’t say I was all that helpful), and our amazing friends for helping set up and clean up!!

Of course, for Sawyer’s party I made my own high chair banner, but for the cost of this one from Amazon, I couldn’t even justify attempting to make my own. I also got this bib and crown (which has many different color options) from Amazon as well.

All my hard work taking those monthly photos pays off every time I look at this spread. 🙂

We always rent this room for our parties and this brick wall is an excellent place to put a table in front of. The CELEBRATE banner was from the Pat Catans, the “EAT MORE CAKE” sign was from the Target Dollar Spot (or whatever they’re calling it these days.)

I did my best to get a good photo of the poster, but the glares were just fighting with me. Shout out to a great friend, Megan, for making and printing this poster for me!!

No, my mom didn’t run out of room on the cake.. WESTO is one of Wes’s nicknames.

The cookies are by no means perfect (because I was helping make them lol) But they came out pretty good for a couple of rookies!

The tables were simple Circles cut from glitter cardstock, glass jars with balloon weights and a balloon attached Very cute and cost about $5 per table, including the table cloth.

Overall, the party was a huge success! Hopefully you enjoyed and got some ideas for your own party! I am by no means a professional party planner (or photographer, clearly), but I feel like everything came together really well!

Thank you, from my family to you!

Old Navy Try-On

I decided to stop at Old Navy and spend my SuperCash today after school and I found some seriously good stuff! I thought I’d share some of it with you guys! I think Old Navy is absolutely killing it right now! For reference and sizing, I’m about 5’4″ and around 130 lbs. I’m pretty consistently a size 4 in pants at old navy and a small in tops.

First up is this simple outfit. The pants are GREAT and true to size! I got my normal size 4 and they work perfectly! They don’t stretch out throughout the day at all. I think I need them in every color! I actually already own these pants and the t-shirt is mine as well, but you can find similar options here.

Jacket |Pants

I decided to switch out my top for this striped shirt and it paired so well with these pants! I can’t wait to see what else I can pair it with at home!

I couldn’t find the shirt in stock online, but they do have a pink version here which I saw in store and love equally as much. Check your local store to see if they have it in stock!! It’s worth it!

I’m literally obsessed with these jeans!! They might be my new favorites! And I’ve been drooling over this sweatshirt for a while as well. I sized up to a medium for a slightly more oversized fit!

Jeans | Shirt

I switched out those jeans for these ones which I also LOVE! But were on clearance, and out of stock online! Seriously, check your Old Navy, because these are so good! And mine had quite a few pairs!! (Item number 339617) however, they are similar to the first pair, so if you can’t find them you’ll probably be fine buying the first ones.

I am so upset that this shirt was too small for me! It’s on sale for $8 and I’ve been obsessing over it for a month, just never bought it! My store had one, this xs, in stock and I should have just snagged it but I didn’t, and now I’m kicking myself. Seriously, check your Old Navy! Lesson learned. I’d rather have buyer’s remorse and return something than not get it and miss out…

Jeans | Also shown below.

Shirt

What are you loving from Old Navy right now? I’d love to hear your faves!

Also, what other stores would you like to see some items from?

Closet Staple: Black Maxi Dress

I think it’s important to have items in your closet that are unique and eyecatching, but its also really important to have items that can be worn in many ways! One item I can’t live without, especially during the spring and summer is a maxi dress. I absolutely love ALL maxi dresses… patterns, solids, short sleeve, tank top, long sleeve. I don’t discriminate against any maxi dress. But you absolutely can never go wrong with a solid black maxi dress!

Another bonus, the dress you’re about to see fits me great now and fit me just as well at 9 months pregnant. As if you needed another reason to love maxi dresses?!

I actually have 3 different black maxi dresses. No shame here. We won’t go into details about how many maxi dresses I have overall. Let’s stay focused here.

When you’re working with such a basic piece you really have a lot of freedom. A simple accessory swap can change the whole outfit in a matter of seconds! Throw on a scarf or a belt and your outfit has a whole new vibe.

One of my absolute favorite ways to style a maxi, any maxi, is to pair it with a jean jacket, a pair of cute sandals, and some jewelry.

Yep. Little Wes is trying to make an appearance. #momlife

I also really LOVE to pair my solid black maxis with my camo jacket. I just can’t get enough camo!

While we are talking about jackets.. why not throw in this white one too?

My white denim jacket is old but you can find a similar one linked below.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a denim vest.

This vest is from The Limited and several years old.

Then we have cargo vests. Another closet staple! (I have more than what’s pictured here. Don’t judge.)

You can also dress it up a bit with a cargo vest and some booties instead of sandals.

Here is the exact maxi I’m wearing – I’m 5’4” and can easily wear flats with it. So, if you’re much taller than me you may not love this one!

Here is a cute one from Amazon – it has a rounded hem on the bottom so it won’t look bad if you’re taller!

Here is a tank style at Kohl’s – this seems to be the average maxi cut.

White denim jacket Here

Here is a great denim jacket

Cargo vest Here

Denim vest Here

Favorite Affordable Denim

I have absolutely no problem splurging on a high quality item, if I can justify the purchase and it’s not completely outrageous. (I love a good designer handbag, but I’m talking like Coach… not Louis Vuitton – although I would graciously accept a Neverfull if someone felt like gifting me one.) However, I don’t think it’s an absolute necessity to spend a fortune on some things, like denim. I have so many affordable pairs that fit me so well! So, why would I spend hundreds of dollars on something I don’t absolutely need. I’d rather have a few extra Starbucks runs! I honestly try to keep my denim purchases below $50. But I will go higher if I feel they are truly worth it.

I’ve seen several of my favorite bloggers talking about Old Navy recently, and I’ve been IMPRESSED. I’ve never had any problems with Old Navy, in fact, there was a time that it was one of my go-to shopping spots. But more recently, I’d kind of gotten away from it. I’m telling you, they’ve got good stuff and it’s so affordable!

For YEARS, the only place I would buy denim was American Eagle. Like, I literally wouldn’t even try on denim anywhere else because they were that good. I feel like either I was going through a weird phase, or they were, because there was a period of time that I just really couldn’t find jeans I loved there. It was actually devastating because I was a loyal customer. Fast forward to now, and I’m back on the American Eagle train. I’ve gotten a few new pairs recently and I can’t get enough. (I’ve got two more coming this week!)

Like I said, the price is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. If something looks or feels cheap, I’m out. I want the look and feel of high end without that high end price tag. I like my jeans to stay the same size all day. Isn’t it the worst when your jeans fit amazingly in the morning and by the end of the day they’re falling off?!

This pair from Old Navy is a perfect pair for work. I’m a teacher, so as much as I love a good pair of distressed denim, it’s better to save those for the weekend. This pair has just the slightest distressing at the ankle and they look so good! They are high rise, which is great!Disclaimer: The picture on the website does not do these jeans justice.

Find them here.

Another amazing pair from Old Navy! These are more distressed, but seriously SO CUTE! Again, I feel like these are so much better on and in person than they are on the model online. C’mon Old Navy, you’ve got to get better pictures!

Find them here.

These American Eagle jeans are perfect! They’re not distressed at all, so they’re great for casual Friday at work, but they’re still so cute, and comfy! They’re super high waisted and the button fly adds a nice touch!

Find them here.

This pair of is my all time favorite pair of distressed denim, unfortunately (but not really) I’ve lost some weight and they’re too big on me now. They kind of fit like a boyfriend jean, which honestly isn’t that bad. I’m debating whether or not to buy a new pair or just keep the ones I have. (YMI isn’t a brand I hear a lot of people talking about, but their stuff is good!! They make skinny “jeans” in just about every color that are PERFECT for work!)

I purchased mine from Jules and James Boutique, but you can find them here.

This pair of Lauren Conrad jeans from Kohl’s are another great staple. They have no distressing and are a darker color (also available in lighter shades) so they look great dressed up or down! A perfect mid rise pair of denim.

Find them here.

Lastly, is this super cute and comfy pair from Walmart. I never in a million years would have thought to even look at Walmart, until one of my favorite bloggers talked about these. I couldn’t pass them up for the price! They’re great quality too! A slightly lower rise, but by no means would they fit in the category of low rise.

Find them here.

I’m always on the hunt for good budget denim! What are some of your favorites?

Briogeo

Everything in this post is my honest opinion. All of these products were purchased by me.

Probably a year ago, I became hooked on the brand Briogeo. I’d seen it in Sephora and I’d heard numerous Beauty YouTubers rave about it, I’d just never tried it yet. Everyone talked about how amazing their Don’t Despair, Repair! conditioning mask was and with the lightening I’d been doing to my hair, I was in need of a good conditioner.

I’ve got super fine hair… like one step above my almost one year old who’s got about 3 strands of hair (sorry buddy, you got that from me). So, what I need in a conditioner is something that moisturizes the dry parts of my hair without completely weighing it down. Of course, I know not to put it all the way into my roots, but some products still make my hair so heavy I end up having to rewash it within a couple of days. (We can talk about that later.) And volume. I need just about all the help one can receive in the volume department. I just hate how some volumizing products leave my hair feeling sticky and gross through the day.

I browsed around their site, wanting to try everything, but also not wanting to spend a fortune on products I wasn’t entirely sure I’d love. Spoiler alert: I regret waiting as long as I did!!

The biggest perk about Briogeo, their products are so GOOD for your hair. They don’t have any harsh chemicals, parabens, silicones, or sulfates! I’m always looking for things that are good for my hair AND work!

Here are some of the products I’ve tried and LOVED!

Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask

The smell is AMAZING! Conditions without weighing down. AND I can use it every time I wash my hair, which these days happens about once or twice per week. I don’t always use this, because sometimes I use my purple conditioner to help eliminate brassiness in my blonde. Makes my hair so unbelievably soft!

Don’t Despair, Repair! gel-to-oil overnight repair treatment

Same smell as the deep conditioning mask, so AMAZING!! I use this when I notice my hair needing a ton of extra moisture. I apply it when I’m getting ready for bed, the night before washing, and throw my hair up in a bun. It doesn’t stain or leave any marks on my pillow and my hair feels so good after I wash it! It doesn’t have to be used with the deep conditioning mask, but you certainly can.

Don’t Despair, Repair! strength and moisture leave-in mask

Seeing a trend here? Same amazing smell! I spray this in my hair after washing it before I blow dry. Just like its sisters above, it makes my hair so soft without weighing it down or making it feel gross.

Blossom & Bloom ginseng + biotin volumizing spray

This might be my FAVORITE product! I spray it on my roots before I blow dry it and it adds just the right amount of volume! My hair is still soft, but the roots feel a little bit thicker!

Scalp Revival charcoal + tea tree scalp treatment

This is the newest product I’ve tried from Briogeo. And shocker, I love it! They recommend putting it on your scalp after you wash your hair. I did just that and used my other normal products and my hair feels the same! Which is a good thing! You might worry about putting something additional on your scalp because it could potentially affect the way your hair styles. No differences here! I also applied it before bed and left it on my hair overnight as a deeper treatment. So far I would definitely say that my scalp is less itchy than normal! Hopefully this product continues to perform!

Scalp Revival charcoal + coconut oil micro-exfoliating shampoo

I ran out of this and didn’t think it was an absolute must have, so I didn’t have a back up… Big mistake! I don’t use this every wash.. I alternate with my purple shampoo. I do however, use a LOT of dry shampoo and volumizer throughout the week (#momlife) and every once and a while, I need a good deep clean! This stuff is so good! My hair is squeaky clean when I use it!

Scalp Revival charcoal + peppermint oil cooling jelly conditioner

I’ll say, this is probably my least favorite of the bunch. I’m not saying its a bad product, it just isn’t something I’m reaching for. It conditions, but I much prefer to use the Don’t Despair, Repair! I love the peppermint aspect of it! When my hair touches my neck and shoulders it makes them so cold, which to me feels amazing!!

Be Gentle Be Kind matcha + apple replenishing superfood shampoo and Be Gentle Be Kind kale + apple replenishing superfood conditioner

This stuff is so good! It smells so delicious, I could eat it. Its gentle enough for daily washing, which I don’t do or recommend, but if you are an every day hair washer, you can absolutely use this on a daily basis! It leaves my hair super clean and smelling great!

Overall, I can’t say enough good about Briogeo! They are an amazing company that makes amazing products! Everything is great for your hair, does what it’s supposed to do, and smells great while doing it! They have an awesome rewards system too!

Feel free to use my link, here, and get 10% off of your first purchase over $40!