Other Musings

Like it. Love it. Buying it.

I’m taking a deviation from the norm with this week’s LLB by throwing in a bit of decor. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve just moved into a new apartment, that I will incidentally be leaving in six months, so I’ve got interior design on the brain. Like anyone who’s settling in to a new home, my mind is overloaded with new, fun ways to decorate. However, I have to hold myself back from any major furniture or decor purchases considering I have no idea what my new home will look like in six months. So, I’ve limited my scope to decorative storage items, lamps and other small-scale tchotchkes.

I’ve wanted to redecorate our bedroom for almost a year now, so I thought I’d start by buying some new through pillows, rearranging and re-using some of the furniture we already have and buying some new table lamps. Of course, I decided this without realizing just how expensive lamps can be! I thought I’d share a few of the styles I’m digging – and the budget option that I am ultimately going with.

Like it

This is the little lamp that could. With a minimalist shape and a fun pattern to add some punch, it is a wonderful wallet-friendly option. Yellow and teal is one of my favorite color combinations and the black stripes help keep it from looking too youthful.

Room Essentials Stick Lamp with Flower Print | $21.99

Love it.

I’m a sucker for anything chevron. A pair of these lamps flocking the bed would be gorgeous. However, I don’t have $400 to throw around, so while I pledge my undying love (insert I love lamp joke here), I knew I needed to look for another option.

Robert Abbey Blue and White Stripes Lamp | $187.91

~~Buying~~ Bought it.

The bold pattern of this shade is exactly what I’ve been looking for and is a fraction of the price. I purchased two from Target’s website and am planning on visiting a local store to pick up some bases on the cheap. All in all, I’m hoping to keep the total to less than $100, making a big impact with a little budget.

Threshold Flocked Large Yellow Lampshade | $19.99

My usual go-to for home decor is Homegoods, but I wasn’t fond of the lamp selection when I took a trip there this weekend. I was, however, able to stock up on a great chevron rug, some assorted storage baskets and small accessories. What is your favorite home store?

A Little Valentines Day Love

Happy Valentine’s Day loves! As I’ve already mentioned I know Valentines Day can be quite the polarizing holiday. Sure, the greeting card companies, chocolatiers and florists are all in cahoots to rob us blind in the name of love, but why not embrace a day devoted to appreciating all of the people we love? I also think we shouldn’t limit love with the lens of romance. Love comes in all shapes and sizes. We’re living love stories every day as friends, sisters, mothers, girlfriends, wives. Let’s make sure we tell those love stories with as much appreciation as we do the ones about our prince charming.

In honor of sharing the love, I couldn’t resist a little V-Day crafting. I purchased a few muslin bags, love dovey stamps, colorful inks and pounds of chocolate to create my own customized gift bags.

I purchased all of this craft-making goodness from Paper Source.

Small heart stamp: $5.95 (xo stamp not available online)
Muslin bags (set of 6) :$5.95 | Assorted stamp pads | $5.95 each

BB Squared

I’m always on the search for the next great thing in the world of makeup. BB creams arrived on the scene pretty quickly and now CC creams are pushing their way on the shelves. Before I moved on to the next letter of the alphabet, I wanted to give one more BB cream a try. So, I decided to make one last stop on the BB train and give Bobbi Brown’s version a try.

At $42, Bobbi Brown’s version is a bit pricier than other BB creams I’ve reviewed, but it is so worth it. I’ve found that I use much less of this product than other BB creams. It goes on so smooth and provides the best coverage I’ve seen while still managing to look natural. It moisturizes and protects my skin from even in the harshest, driest winter temps we’ve had so far. It isn’t oily and is virtually odorless, which was my major complaint with other creams. Below, you can see the texture is more moisturizer than makeup.

I apply the cream by hand, no brush necessary, each morning with a touch of bronzer and blush for a natural, dewy look. If you’re looking for a bit more coverage for a night out or just a bad skin day, mix your BB cream with your foundation and apply it with a brush. The BB cream will help keep your skin moisturized while the foundation will you give you more coverage.

With the added bonus of SPF 35, this BB Cream looks good and does good too by protecting your skin from the sun. There are 5 shades available. The Extra Light was too pale even for my Irish skin so be sure to try the different shades on before buying.