Five Friday Favorites | 12 | Netflix Recs, Jane Austen, Clean Deodorant and More

Welcome back to this week's Five Friday Favorites! I am sharing a few of my favorite things!

1.          Top Gun- If you haven’t seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for? One of the best on screen movies I’ve seen in forever. I saw it two weekends ago and it was great! I cried throughout the whole movie because I never knew what was going to happen. I’ve never seen the first one, so you don’t have to watch it to enjoy the second one, but I heard the second one is even better if you saw the first one. Just something to consider. Check your local movie theaters to see if it’s still playing in your area (it probably is!)

2.          NASCAR- “If you ain’t first, you’re last!” I had a really great time last Saturday at the Pocono Raceway! It was a really fun experience.

3.          Persuasion- Jane Austen is my favorite author. I fell in love with Pride and Prejudice in high school when we read it in English class, and I never looked back. I ended up majoring in English after falling in love with more British literature my freshman and sophomore years at Wake Forest. On a whim, I turned on Persuasion on Netflix, last weekend and immediately fell in love. The story is beautiful, as are all of Jane Austen’s love stories. I don’t think I ever read Persuasion, but I am going to have to. The scenery, the costumes and the men in this movie are all beautiful. 

4.          Wide brim straw hat- I bought a wide brim straw hat while I was in Mexico. I wore it two weekends ago to Governor’s Island and again this past weekend at the racetrack. I have so many straw hats. I have one that is too nice to wear to the beach, and I have floppier straw hats for sunscreen and sand days. I think a straw hat with a black band looks so chic in the summer! I love wearing mine with a dress or skirt and tee.

5.          Native Deodorant in Lavender and Rose- Aluminum free, clean, natural and the best smelling deodorant ever! Rated excellent by Yuka with a score of 100/100!

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T&P's Top 10 of the Week | No. 18 | Summer Accessories: Nude Heels, Rattan Pumps and Straw Bags

T&P's Top 10 of the Week | No. 18 | Summer Accessories: Nude Heels, Rattan Pumps and Straw Bags

Sharing some of my favorite nude and natural summer accessories (summer is not even close to being over!!!!)

Linked below (contains affiliate links):

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What to Wear to a NASCAR Race at Pocono Raceway

I went to my first NASCAR race this weekend.

The company I am working for this summer sponsors a car, so the interns got to go to Pocono Raceway to cheer on our team!

Weather wise, it wasn’t a great weekend to be standing in direct sunlight, in the 105-degree weather sun, but it was such a cool experience.

Our car came in 11th place overall. He started in seat 8 and made it all the way up to 1st place for a while.

Sadly, there were many car crashes. One car even flipped over and slid right in front of our hospitality suite.

We actually had a really great set up. The hospitality suite was a double decker trailer with bathrooms, AC, food, beverages, and a rooftop right behind the pit lane. 

I spent the whole day in my hat, sunglasses, sneakers and short flowy skirt. This was a work event, so I was a bit dressed up. My coworkers were all in nice shorts or skirts and our company t-shirt. I accessorized with a wide brim hat, aviators, and gold jewelry. Most spectators were in jean shorts and t-shirts. I chugged water all day and tried to stay in the shade. The hat and sunglasses were key. So, were the sneakers. I also used a clear crossbody bag. Pro tip: put things you don’t want the world to see (ex: tampons) in a dust bag and then stick the dust bag in your clear bag. You can see more photos and videos on my Instagram.

It was a really cool experience. Being right behind the pit lane and near the checkered line was super cool. Seeing the pit crews work their magic in 30 seconds was incredible.

I’m so glad I got to go! 

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Five Friday Favorites | 11 | Shopbop Discount Code

1.          English Factory- A new brand I just discovered on Shopbop (The Shopbop website is 15% off with the code LTK15, it ends 8/18). Personally, I find department stores or websites that sell a ton of brands, overwhelming, so I prefer to just shop directly from a brand, but I found English Factory through Shopbop, and was going to purchase a dress when I discovered that Shopbop is owned by Amazon. Amazon Prime Day was last week, so I made a purchase from English Factory, and I can’t wait to share the under $100 dress with you. The quality is really nice, and the dress is very well made.

2.          Pinterest- My favorite place to be inspired. I love pinning about home decor and of course, outfits.

3.          En Saison- Another new brand that is oh so cute! I am kind of over the smocking trend. But I think puff sleeves are here to stay. So, I am all for puff sleeves minus the smocking and En Saison, does that perfectly. Peep my newest T&P Top 10 to see some beautiful puff sleeve dresses, one even from En Saison. 

4.          White work pants from J.Crew- I was on the prowl for this pair of white pants. They were out of stock for the longest time, rightfully so, because of how great they are! They have the perfect amount of stretch and are the perfect shade of white. They remind me of my favorite work pants from Banana Republic (the Avery) that are discontinued. So, if you can get your hands on these, do it! I’m going to order all the colors. I wear a 6, tall. Also, they are super high waisted and come up past my belly button.

5.          Fairfax and Favor Tan Croc Cross Body Bag- I was gifted this beautiful bag all the way from England. I love it. It’s so classic and I love the leather and metal strap. I also love the texture. Definitely check this brand out for classic pieces.

 

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T&P's Top 10 of the Week | No. 17 | Pink Dresses, Puff Sleeve Dresses, Floral Dresses, Maxi Dresses, White Eyelet dresses

T&P's Top 10 of the Week | No. 17 | Pink Dresses, Puff Sleeve Dresses, Floral Dresses, Maxi Dresses, White Eyelet dresses

When I share these top 10 fashion finds every week, I am pretty much going online shopping for you guys, picking out things I think you may like. Which means I am also going online shopping for myself, which is a dangerous thing for me and my wallet.

These dresses are all adorable and I want them, but my wallet nor overflowing closet will not allow it.

But if your wallet and closet does allow for some new pieces, shop below (contains affiliate links):

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How I Switched to Clean Makeup and Why: Ilia Beauty Review

Sharing my NEW (mostly) clean makeup routine! And it looks just as good, maybe even better than my old makeup look. 

I have been using the @yuka_app for a while now and I sadly (but fortunately) found out that all my makeup products (that I have been using consistently for at least 5 years) have harmful ingredients that are causing infertility and cancer. So, I quickly did some research and switched out most of my face products.

A French non-profit runs Yuka and shares what chemicals are in household and beauty products. All you must do is download the free app, open up the app and scan a barcode on whatever beauty or household product you are curious about and if the app knows the product/it has been submitted, the ingredients will pop up. You can click on the ingredients and get a plain-non-scientific explanation of what the ingredient is and what health risks are associated with it. The app also gives you the scientific sources it uses to gather this information.

 

Here is a breakdown of what products I was using (and still love) but decided to switch because of their toxic chemicals. I am also sharing my thoughts on the new products that I have been using for over two months now (contains affiliate links):

Foundation:

-Old: Lancôme Tient Idole Ultra Wear foundation

         -Why the switch: This foundation has BHT which is hazardous. BHT has demonstrated endocrine disruptive effects, according to the Yuka app.

-New: Ilia True Skin Tint Serum Foundation

         -Why the switch: On the Yuka app, this foundation is rated excellent with a 90/100 score because all the ingredients have either low or no health risks.

         -Thoughts: This foundation is very light weight, and very thin in consistency. I was skeptical at first that it wouldn’t cover the discoloration on my face, but all I need is one pump, with a damp beauty blender and it covers everything up.

Under eyes:

-Not changing: Tarte CC Under-eye Color Corrector

         -On Yuka this is given a poor score with 43/100 because this product has some ingredients linked to a moderate risk of cancer. But sadly, I have really dark under eye circles and this is the ONLY thing that works to cover them up. If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know.

-Old: YSL Touche Éclat

         -Why the switch: A blogger I follow (I forget who) uses a different app than Yuka, and she said that on that app, Touche Éclat is very hazardous.

-New: Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer

         -Why: Rated Excellent by Yuka.

         -Thoughts: I bought this concealer in a lighter shade than my foundation, so it has a brightening effect, just like the YSL concealer does. This concealer is a thicker consistency than the foundation and feels really nice on my skin. I like the applicator and the glass bottle. It doesn’t crease. I put two to three dots under my eyes after I use the CC corrector and then I set with powder.

Setting powder:

-Old: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

         -Why the switch: This powder is rating 13/100 by Yuka because it has Proplparaben and Butylparaben which are both hazardous endocrine disrupters. I was so sad to see that this product is toxic, because it gives the best blurring effect.

-New: Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder

         - Why the switch: I didn’t scan the packaging, but I trusted the Ilia website and the claims: “Talc-Free, vegan, cruelty-free, certified gluten-free.” I also read the ingredients and the two listed above in the Laura Mercier powder were not in this one. The ingredients are: “Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Mica, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract, Silica Silylate, Zinc Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aqua/Water, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Passiflora Incarnata (Passionflower) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Powder*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder, Tocopherol (Vitamin E). *Organic Ingredients.”

         -Thoughts: I have oily skin and I never feel the urge to touch up my makeup throughout the day when I use this powder. I think it locks in shine BETTER than the Laura Mercier power (that’s a bold statement right there, because the Laura Mercier powder is a cult favorite). I put this powder all over my face and under my eyes. My concealers don’t crease, and my foundation lasts all day! You should see my makeup wipe when I go to the gym after work, so much makeup comes off, because the makeup stays on my skin for 10+ hours.

Bronzer/Contour:

-Old: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

         - Why the switch: Rated 42/100 by Yuka. This isn’t the worst rating, but not the best. I thought if I was getting rid of most of my makeup for cleaner options, I might as well switch this one too. 

-New: Ilia Nightlight Bronzing Powder

         - Why the switch: This is another talc-free product. Although it doesn’t smell like chocolate like the Too Faced one, this one is way better for you. The ingredients are: Mica, Zinc Stearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethyl Macadamiate, Tocopherol, Malic Acid. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

         -Thoughts: I got the shade Novelty and it is practically identical in shade and tone to the medium Chocolate Soleil. I love it. It’s beautiful. It lasts all day an it gives me the perfect contour.

 

Blush:

-Not changing: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

         - Why the switch: The rating is 43/100 by Yuka. I love this blush. I have all the different colors because it really lasts on my skin. I feel with a liquid foundation and setting powder it is weird to put a cream or liquid blush on top. I feel like it would mix everything around on my face. Does that make sense? I know Ilia makes a highly rated cream blush that is clean, but I am not interested in cream. If someone has a highly rated (on the Yuka App) powder blush, please let me know.

 

Highlight:

-Old: Becca Champagne Pop (which is now discontinued)

         - Why the switch: On Yuka, the rating is 29/100 with moderate risks of carcinogens and endocrine disrupter. Also, this highlight and brand got discontinued, so this was the perfect time to switch.

-New: Ilia Daylight Highlighting Powder in Decades (soft gold)

         - Why the switch: Again, this is a talc-free product. Yuka ranks it as 90/100.

         -Thoughts: AMAZING, STUNNING, GORGEOUS! The most beautiful gold shimmer EVER! Honestly, I think it’s better than Becca. It also comes in a rose gold shade.

 

Mascara:

-Not changing: Maybelline the Rocket Mascara

         - Why the switch: This is my holy grail makeup product. If I find out this product is getting discontinued, you bet, I will be running to every CVS, Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid and drug store around and buying every single one off the shelves. It’s my favorite. It gives my lashes the best length and volume! The ratings are very bad on Yuka (32/100… yikes). But, I can’t part with it! I guess I will take my chances of getting cancer for this amazing $8 tube. I also can’t justify purchasing $35-45 mascara. Face makeup, yes, because it lasts a whole lot longer than mascara. 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and I hope you learned more about clean beauty products and the ultimate app: Yuka. I really enjoyed writing it for you.

 

Obviously, I am not perfect, nor am I a scientist, so take what you want away from this, but I hope you follow along with me into this cleaner/healthier beauty journey.

 

Here is a link for an Ilia discount: https://fbuy.io/ilia/xc6g3a22 (not sponsored).

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Five Friday Favorites | 10 |

1.          Shirt Dresses- I have been searching for a good shirt dress recently, not sure why, but I’m on a shirt dress kick. I found three really cute ones that I’ve had my eye on. Blue, white, and green. 

2.          Morning walks- I call it my 6 am Hot Girl Walk. If I get up and go straight to work, I feel very rushed and stressed the whole day, so I’ve been dragging myself out of bed extra early to go on a quick 2 mile walk and slowly ease into my mornings. On my walks I listen to podcasts, check my emails, clear my head and mentally prepare myself for the busy workday ahead. I can’t do crazy cardio in the morning when I’m half asleep, it’s not productive. But my Hot Girl Walks make me feel good and helps me wake up.

3.          Sarah Flint 85 mm Perfect Pumps in sand calf- Just got these new puppies in and I am in LOVE! My favorite pair of Sarah Flint heels are my Perfect Sandals in 85 mm but these might be a close contender for first place! They are so elegant and better yet, comfortable. Use my promo code: SARAHFLINT-BAELIZABETHG for $50 off.

4.          Peloton rides with Cody Rigsby- The best way to get out of a bad mood is to do a Cody ride. He picks the best music and is so funny. He always makes me feel better even if I’m not having a bad day. He puts me in the best mood.

5.          Becco- One of my favorite Italian restaurants in NYC. All you can eat fresh pasta with an appetizer for $30. Bottles of wine are also $35. Check out all my favorite restaurants all around the world on my Steps map! 

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T&P's Top 10 of the Week | No. 16 | Summer Dresses: Floral Print, Ruffles, Maxi Dresses, Wedding Guest Dresses, Shirt Dresses

T&P's Top 10 of the Week | No. 16  | Summer Dresses: Floral Print, Ruffles, Maxi Dresses, Wedding Guest Dresses, Shirt Dresses

Shop my weekly picks for the week below (contains affiliate links):

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The Best Bikinis and our Trip to East Hampton

 

I went on my favorite trip of the year last weekend to East Hampton for the 4th.

It’s always been a girl’s trip but this year Alex replaced our international traveler friend, Giorgia. 

It was such a fun trip. 

On Saturday, Alex and I drove out east to Montauk for lunch at Lunch. We had the famous lobster rolls. You can’t make reservations, but it was a quick wait and even quicker with a drink at the bar.

We stopped for coffee in Montauk at Bluestone Lane coffee before going to Michelle’s house.

Sadly, our favorite restaurant Harbor Bistro closed, but the owner/chef moved to Bostwick’s on the Harbor and brought some of his signature dishes with him. This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so we sat in the car and cracked open a bottle of Whispering Angle Rose. 20 minutes later our table was ready.

The calamari and tuna tostada are my favorites from Harbor Bistro and I’m so glad we were able to have them at Bostwick’s.

 

On Sunday we went to the beach. We got lots of beach time! We even saw dolphins and a WHALE! First time I’ve ever seen both of those aquatic creatures in the Atlantic Ocean. It was definitely a highlight of my weekend. 

While we were at the beach, I surveyed my friends and asked for everyone’s favorite swimsuit brand.

 

The roundup goes as such:

-Abercrombie and Aerie for cute, modern styles with extended sizes

-Frankie’s Bikinis for trendy suits

We celebrated the 4th with a backyard barbecue, the game of categories in the pool, a bon fire, s’mores and fireworks.

 

On Monday we went back to the beach, got tan and had another barbecue.

 

Best weekend with the best people in one of my favorite places! I am already looking forward to next summer.

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Five Friday Favorites | 9 |

1.          Smorgsburg- A weekly food truck/food cart festival with all different types of cuisines. Such a fun date spot or a spot to grab a bite to eat with friends! I really want to go soon. The original location is in Williamsburg, but now they are all over the city and New Jersey. 

2.          Central Park- My favorite place for a picnic in NYC. It’s so peaceful, you forget you are even in NYC.

3.          Lunch- The classic spot for a lobster roll on Long Island. I had my first lobster roll of summer this past weekend in the Hamptons and it was delicious!

4.          East Hampton- I’ve been going to East Hampton every summer with my best friend, Michelle, since middle school. It is always my favorite trip every year. This trip and place are so special to me and hopefully I can keep coming back every summer.

5.          The Summer I Turned Pretty- If you haven’t seen this show yet, PLEASE go watch it on Amazon! I haven’t finished it yet but it’s such a great show. The acting isn’t great, and it’s a little cheesy, but I promise it is good! I feel like I relate to parts of the show because as the title says, I feel like there was a time when I finally realized I was pretty and when boys started to notice me.

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T&P's Top 10 of the Week | No. 15 | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Beauty, Coats, Blazers, Shoes, Boots, Accessories and Sunglasses

Happy Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

I wasn't super impressed from the sale this year and normally don't buy more than one or two things, so I am only going to share a couple of things that I think are good deals and worth purchasing via the N Sale.

Happy shopping!

Shop below (contains affiliate links, thank YOU in advance from purchasing from my links):

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