Shop my favorites in one stop:
Every time I post a fav product, I’ll add it here.
XOXO,
Erika
Shop my Favorites
Must-See TV to Binge Watch in January 2018
Anyone else trying to escape the frigid temps and cold by snuggling on your sofa with snacks and binging on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon Prime?
Yea, me too.
There’s nothing better than starting a series or movie knowing it’s gonna be a good one. No wasted time (or snacks!).
I keep a running list in the notes section of my phone listing any recommendations I come across. That way I don’t waste precious time reading through the blurbs online, trying to find something good to watch, only to start it and realize it’s actually terrible.
So, to save that from happening to you, I’m sharing 5 absolutely binge-worthy movies and series you can add to your to-watch list now.
I won’t waste your time re-writing the info already included in the descriptions linked, but I will give you the lowdown on why these are must-sees.
OMG. This is the most addictive, unpredictable and absolutely delicious series out there right now. Warning: there are plenty of graphic parts, but only when they are necessary to further the storyline. No unneeded goriness here. The actors are top-notch (hello, Kevin Bacon) and there are so many plot twists you’ll have to make yourself stop watching to eat and sleep, haha. Trust me on this one: put it at the very top of your list.
I’ve always been a sucker for British history. Period pieces are my favorite; to read and to watch. I didn’t know who Jenna Coleman was before I started watching this (where have I been?), but now I’m a forever fan. And the accents… love. Plus, it’s history so you can be completely guilt-free while you put off the piles of laundry you still need to do.
3. THE HANDMAIDEN’S TALE (HULU)
This is a heavy one, but so good. The Handmaiden’s Tale takes the world we know today, and realistically portrays a terrifying shift that is stunningly convincing. I mean, you’ll shudder at these people’s reality.
Elisabeth Moss plays Offred, the main character, and she is stellar in this role. You’ll be sucked into her world just to see her fight tooth and nail to climb out of it. Plus, even if this series wasn’t spellbinding, it would be well worth your time to see Alexis Bledel play Emily. Your mind will be blown. She nailed it in a way I didn’t think was possible. Go ahead and put this on your list pronto.
4. MANHUNT: UNABOMBER (NETFLIX)
Okay, I didn’t think I would like this one. Honestly, my husband picked it to watch and I was convinced I’d just have to grin and bear it. Boy was I wrong!!
It sucked me right in. This movie really gives you a look into why someone so twisted ended up that way. And, it’ll kinda freak you out how easily he blended into his community. Nobody suspected him at all.
The acting is great, and I love the way the plot alternates between past and present, giving you insight into the bomber’s motives.
5. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (AMAZON PRIME)
I’d watch this one just for the 50’s wardrobe, but I don’t have to because watching “Midge” take a journey from picture-perfect housewife into stand up comedian is worthy all on it’s own. Unlike the heavy hitters above, this is the one to watch if you’re in the mood for feel-good entertainment. It’s funny, dramatic and completely binge-worthy. Add it, you’ll be glad you did.
Alright, I feel confident you’ll find something on this list you’ll rave about. No wasted binge-time for you! Watch em, and tell me what you think 🙂
XOXO,
Erika
Amazon Favorites
Here’s a round-up of all my Amazon favorites (updated as I find them). Refer here to shop them all in one place.
Friday Favorites (Jan 12th)
Yes, these are so 90’s, but they are also the miracle of hair gems when it comes to keeping 2 day, or even 3 & 4 day curls alive.
You’ll wake up with voluminous roots and nearly perfect curls. You can then use Large Tooth Detangle Comb Shampoo Wide Teeth Comb Hair Salon Shampoo Comb Unbreakable 9 1/2″ (Black & *Free Bonus Comb*)
Okay, now that you don’t have to waste time re-curling your hair, you can enjoy a nice cup of Twinings Herbal Tea, Winter Spice, 20 Count
Add two of these La Perruche White Sugar Cubes, 1 Pound 10.5 Ounce
For some reason, I cannot find sugar cubes at the grocery stores near me, so I turned to amazon, and of course they delivered. These hold their shape in the box, taste divine and last forever. We’ve been using them pretty regularly since they arrived 4 months ago and we’re barely halfway through the box.
For more of my everyday favorites check back next Friday 🙂
XOXO,
Erika
Shampoo & Conditioner
These two products are liquid gold if you have dry, processed hair (because what blonde-with-help doesn’t?). I have tried a wide variety of the shampoos and conditioners that Ulta has to offer, and none of them hold a candle to the Loreal expert line. Before Amazon, these could only be purchased from Loreal professionals (i.e. purchased from a salon). Now, anyone can order from Amazon at 1/3 of the price. The fact I don’t have to leave my house is an extra bonus. I order, and two days later, it’s on my doorstep. I have heard that it’s better to purchase these products from a reputable salon, but I’ve bought from both, and have found them equivalent, so far.
After just one use of this duo, I can see an immediate and drastic difference in my hair. The texture becomes super silky to the touch, there’s less frizz from humidity, and it’s shinier.
If your hair has a tendency to veer towards the oiler side, you may find this combination too hydrating. Luckily, the Loreal expert line offers a range of formulas for all hair types. I have found many of these on Amazon as well. Click the links below to shop the exact ones I use.
XOXO,
Erika
A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living
I love this girl. If you don’t already follow her on Instagram, go do that now. You won’t regret it. Her posts are filled with life and organizational tips, product recommendations, and adorable (yet real life) pics of her kids. It’s an overall aesthetically pleasing feed that’ll brighten and enlighten your day.
Then, get this book.
There are so many great ideas to make your life more simplified and less hectic. My favorite, and one I’ve recently put into action, is to donate your current towels (all those mis-matched, stained up ones) and order inexpensive all-white towel sets from Walmart or Target. I ordered these when they were on sale, and got two sets for $25 including shipping. I wash them twice a week and add either bleach or oxyclean to the load to keep them fresh and clean. The best part: I never have a 4-foot high mound of stinky towels to wash. Plus, my linen closet looks so much neater and more organized now.
My other favorite tip from the book: wash a small load of clothes daily, no matter what the colors. She recommends adding a ColorCatcher sheet to the load to prevent color bleeding. I have to admit, I was leery of this, but I gave it a try (even including reds in the loads) and I’ve had no problems. This is now part of my daily routine and has really made laundry a little less overwhelming for me.
Trust me. You need this book in your life.
Not a big reader? Order the audible version. I listened to this book while cooking and cleaning and really enjoyed it. The narration is good and it allows you to accomplish other things at the same time. Win-win.
XOXO,
Erika
THE CRIMSON BOND SERIES
When twenty two year old, Brooke Ashcroft, moves from her small town to the city after landing a job at a successful marketing agency, the last thing she expects is to unknowingly meet her boss- gorgeous mogul vampire, Alex Chase, in a bar on her very first night. The immediate intensity between them goes beyond anything she’s experienced and she soon finds out that there is a reason she can’t seem to think straight when he’s around- a fiercely powerful bond that is both extremely rare and deeply feared in the vampire world. With their bond complete, Brooke and Alex would threaten the stability of the Regency, a group of the most ancient vampires in existence, and one headed up by none other than her own deadbeat vampire father. When the Regency kidnaps her in an attempt to prevent the bond from taking place, Brooke must trust Alex with not only her eternal existence, but her already battered heart.
Let’s face it. Life with Alex Chase is all it’s cracked up to be… and more.
Being pursued by vampires and a slayer all intent on ending your existence… not so much.
After a whirlwind courtship that has Brooke bonded and married to one of the most powerful vampires in existence, she’s ready to settle down to a normal life.
But, unfortunately, between Brooke’s newly acquired ability to see visions foreshadowing the future, and dealing with the Regency, Lucien, and an ex with a secret; normal is the last thing her life returns to.
And just when it seems things can’t get anymore complicated, Brooke and Alex face something that threatens the strength of their trust in each other and tests the boundaries of their love forever.
For Brooke, spending an eternity with gorgeous mogul vampire Alex Chase has been like living in a dream. Beautiful twin daughters, a fabulous circle of friends and a doting husband who also happens to be a steamy hot vampire… what’s not to love?
However, when the regal and conniving Ophelia reenters the picture followed by the dreaded foreshadowing visions, Brooke knows her happy ending is coming to a screeching halt.
Life becomes even more precarious when a plot to expose the vampire race puts their twin daughters, Lola and Leighton, at risk. Brooke and Alex will stop at nothing to destroy those responsible for disrupting their lives and gain back the peaceful happiness of the past six years; but for Brooke, that may mean betraying the one person she never thought she would —Alex.
With love and life hanging in the balance, the stakes have never been higher. And this time, Brooke and Alex risk losing everything important to them —including their endless love.
ETHAN’S STORY, the tantalizing 4th book in the bestselling Vampire Romance Series, THE CRIMSON BOND.
Ethan Rettings has devastating good looks, a healthy appetite for women, and a hearty scorn of commitment. He is just the type of man Gabrielle Van Treese has spent her life avoiding.
Unfortunately for Gabrielle, Ethan has no intention of letting her deter him. On the brink of discovering her own paranormal journey, the last thing Brielle needs is a gorgeous and arrogant mogul vampire sweeping into her quiet world and turning it upside down.
With unexpected darkness descending, and obstacles from their pasts coming back to haunt them, both Ethan and Gabrielle find themselves in a battle for their very existence. What neither one expects, is the voracious lengths they will go to fight for eternal love…
Eyeliner
I don’t always use eyeliner, but when I do, I have two kinds I alternate between depending on the look I want. For winged liner, I’ve settled on this affordable option in jet black. I’ve tried multiple brands at different cost points, but I always come back to this one. And, it’s $2. I love it.
If I just want to make my lash line pop, I use this no-tug waterproof gel liner in black. It’s long wearing, doesn’t smudge and makes my lashes appear thicker than they really are (because irl they are scanty).
XOXO,
Erika
Mascara
My lashes need all the boost they can get (but what girl doesn’t want that?). I’m kinda choosy when it comes to mascaras, but this one has had me hooked for the past 6 months. I apply two coats of Hello Lashes 5 in 1 mascara, and that’s plenty. I love that the wand keeps my lashes fanned out prettily, and doesn’t clump them into spikes.
If I really want to pile on the wow-factor, I’ll add one coat of this mascara on top of the two base coats of this. And wha-laa, no need for fake lashes. You’re welcome.
XOXO,
Erika
Face Cream
I wear the Miracle Worker moisturizer morning (under makeup) and night (before bed). It’s thick and creamy but absorbs into the skin like a dream. I’ve noticed my face is not only much smoother after two months of using, but my fine lines are a lot less noticeable. Plus, that glow! I’ve had three different people ask me what I’m using to keep my skin so smooth and glow-y.
The price of this is $60, which is pricey in my book, but well worth it (I mean, it’s your skin!) I’m going to share how I validate the expense:
Before, I was using a drugstore anti-aging cream by ROC. It was great, but not nearly as good as this one, and it was $25 a tube. One tube lasted me one, maybe one-and-a-half, months.
This cream lasts 3 months. Broken down, that’s $20 a month for a much more luxurious and effective skin care product. Give it a try, you won’t regret it. Promise.
XOXO,
Erika