Tuesday, August 30, 2016

beauty tuesday: essie gel couture review

essie gel couture review

I've always enjoyed doing my own nails. Back in the days of heavy nail art, I used to even share my weekly manicures on here! I used to spend so much time, trying to come up with cute combinations and making sure my nails look picture perfect. To be honest, while some of those designs seem a bit ridiculous and over the top now, I can truly say I do miss glitter accent nails! Come on, you have to admit they are pretty darn cute.

Growing up, I was only ever allowed to wear super neutral nail polish colors (no "slutty red" around my parents' house!). I basically rebelled once I moved out and wore black nail polish for years, but those pale pastel colors are now definitely my staple nail polish. You'll hardly ever catch me with a color other than light pink or white on my nails! I like the way they look, but I also think it looks more professional.

I had a pretty good method of applying polish that really made my manicures last almost an entire week without chipping. I started with Orly's bonder base coat, then 2-3 layers of almost exclusively Essie polishes (my favorites are minimalistic, go ginza, and peak show), and then 2 layers of Seche Vite. Like I said, I could go about 5-7 days without a single chip, which I think was pretty great for a non gel manicure!

As an obvious Essie enthusiast, I was pretty excited when they launched their new Gel Couture line, which promises a gel-like manicure you use at home, without any lights, that should last up to 14 days.  I've had a few gel manicures over the years, and I have mixed feelings about them. On the pros list is that they obviously don't chip, and look amazing for at least a week. On the con side, which is longer, is that you have to pay someone else to do your nails, it costs more money, the outgrowth doesn't look great, and it's a pain in the ass to remove. I've also tried various top coats at home that promise to be like a gel manicure, and have never been impressed. So an at home system that promises the longevity of a salon gel manicure with the convenience of an at home manicure was something I very much wanted in my nail painting life.

So off to Target I went to buy the sheer nude pink of Fairy Tailor (around $11) plus the top coat (another $11), although apparently some colors come in a kit for $18 (my store just didn't have that option). You have to use the specific Gel Couture polish with the top coat for it to work (a bit more about that in a bit). After trimming and filing my nails, and fixing my cuticles, I applied a base coat, then applied three coats of the color polish, and then two coats of the top coat.

essie gel couture brush comparison

One of the biggest differences you'll notice between regular Essie polish and the Gel Couture line is that the brush is much larger. I initially didn't think I'd like the broader brush, but with a just a slight adjustment of my normal technique, it really does make the whole process much quicker. I've read several other reviews that were initially surprised by the broader brush, but quickly learned to love it.

essie fairy tailor; essie gel couture line before and after; essie gel couture review

the results! If you follow along on instagram or snapchat, I was giving a few updates throughout my time wearing the polish. I am very impressed by this system. For the first seven days, my nails look absolutely perfect, like I had just painted them. Around day 7, I noticed that my nails showed a bit of growth, which is expected. Around day 9-10, I noticed that the tips were just slightly worn - something I only noticed because I was looking very closely, but it wasn't something you could see from more than two feet away. The picture above is from day 12, where you can see it shows just a little bit of peeling around the edges. This is different than the little cracks I often get with regular pastel polish (I hate those little cracks!). Day 13 is the day I got my first chip, and is the day I removed the polish. It came off easily with my preferred non-acetone remover.

Obviously, I love this system because it did exactly what it promised! The polish stayed put, it didn't crack or chip, and it give me almost a full two weeks of perfect nails.

Initially, my biggest complaint was going to be that they don't have a white color, which is my preferred summer shade, but it turns out they do make one, my Target just didn't carry that color (it's called pre-show jitters, you can see a swatch of it here). If you have a large nail polish collection, and you like a variety of colors on your hands throughout the month, the Gel Couture line may not be for you since you have to use their color (there are currently 42 colors to pick from) and their top coat to get the lasting effects. But if you are like me in the sense that you have 2-3 colors you always use, you don't mind or even prefer doing your own nails, you like your nails to look fresh, and you don't want to mess with your nails more then 2-3 times a month, then the Essie Couture line is exactly what you've been looking for. For the cost of one salon gel manicure, you can get months worth of manicures at home. I'm very pleased, and will continue to explore their line of colors, with the hopes that they expand it in the next few months!

Monday, August 29, 2016

august budget

Coach City bag via eBay: $60
Lucky tee: originally $50, on sale for $30
Loft dress: originally $70, on sale for $35
Banana Republic cardigan: originally $88, on sale for $45
(not pictured) Anthro blouse: originally $48, on sale for $30
(not pictured) Old Navy blouse: $33, on sale for $16 + rewards = $0

August budget: $200

Quarterly budget: $500 + $100 left over - $200 in August = $400 left for for September and October

This month was a bit more spendy, in large part due to my new bag! Years and years ago, I bought a vintage Coach bag on Etsy, and it is to this day my favorite and most used bag. I always wanted a cognac version, and have looked for one on and off for a while now. I finally found one on eBay that was in good condition, from a reputable seller, and under my $75 cap, so here she is! Other favorite items this month definitely include my wrap cardigan - I've worn in once a week since receiving it, largely in part due to the freezing temperatures of the clinics I work in. 

Like I mentioned yesterday, I did put in an order to Gap (including an embroidered blouse and longer popover), so if I keep either, I'll include them in next month's budget. I'm also considering buying this June & Hudson dress - it's been in my cart for weeks, and I just think it's so beautiful! My birthday is also in September - I save up money throughout the year to buy myself a present (you can read more about my strategy for buying designer goods on a budget here). At the top of my wishlist is Gucci's crossbody bag. I have wanted one of these bags for at least three years now, but the price tag is obviously absurd, so I've been stalking secondhand sites. No luck yet, but that's currently my plan for this year's birthday!

I'm excited to hear about your purchases this month! Feel free to add your link below, and as always, please link back to this post so your readers can discover other budgeting bloggers!

Sunday, August 28, 2016

top three [08.28.2016]

are we noticing a trend? [ one | two | three ]

medicine
  • The smallest muscle in the body is the stapedius - it is just over one millimeter long! (it's a muscle in your ear)
  • The diuretic Lasix is named because it's effects last six hours. 
  • Patients who have Naegeli-Francheschetti-Jadassohn syndrome don't have fingerprints due to ectodermal dysplasia. 

on the internet
  • I really enjoyed reading Adina's style transformation post. I think it's so interesting to look back and see how your own style has evolved over the years, and I loved how she reflected on the stages of her life and body, and how that affected her clothing choices. 
  • Jenn's blog is one of the blogs I've read the longest, and I'm thrilled she's also starting a weekly/monthly update post. Only thing I'm bummed about is that she didn't like the new Essie polishes (my own review coming Tuesday, but spoiler, I love them).
  • Oh, just five new skincare products I need to add to my wish list. My skin care thanks you, Lauren, but my wallet does not ;)

spotted
  • I've never been that interested in off the shoulder sleeves and dresses, but then I saw this simple black version from Charles Henry and am rethinking my stance. Cute, right? 
  • Every fall, I'm on the lookout for a soft jacket/cardigan combo, but never have found just what I'm looking for - it either doesn't fit, or it's too itchy. I'm very tempted by Old Navy's version though as the cotton/polyester combo shouldn't be as scratchy as those wool versions.
  • One of my favorite purses is back again this year! I have the cognac version and love it. 

ask me anything
  • I've recently scored an interview invite at a medical school! But now I'm freaking out about what to wear to an interview. I grew up in Portland, OR where professionalism is kind of an anomaly, so I don't have much reference for what to wear. Do you have any suggestions? Do I need to wear a pants suit? Or can I do fitted, knee-length sheath dress with a blazer? Do they have to be matching in color? Please help!
    • My personal preference for interview outfits is a pant suit in either a grey or black set with a nice blouse underneath. I think the big things to look for are that it the suit fits you well (like the pant hem is the correct length and that the blazer isn't ridiculously oversized), and that the colors/fabric of the blazer with the dress/pants match. I personally don't like wearing a dress/skirt because you will have to wear pantyhose, and I just wouldn't want to deal with that, but if you feel more comfortable in a dress and a blazer, then go for it! You should feel comfortable, but look professional, and you will in either combination. I will be writing a post in the future about the search for my suit for residency interviews, but right now I'm considering either this suit from The Limited or this pants + blazer combo from Ann Taylor - both come in talls, which means I can order the pants longer and have them hemmed to where I want them to be, and that the blazer will be long enough on my arms (typically regular sized tops are too short on me). Hemming of pants is not expensive, so that's the one big tailoring item I'd recommend, as it can look sloppy to have pants dragging on the ground. Good luck on your interview - you're going to kill it!
  • You've mentioned on several posts that you struggle with acne. I've read your reviews on different products that your dermatologist has suggested and your success. Unfortunately, many of the same creams haven't worked for me (late 20's too, I thought I was done with acne!). What are your thoughts on Accutane? Have you ever considered it? 
    • I personally have very little (ie. no) experience with Accutane as I've managed to get my acne under control with topicals, but as I understand it, it should be used as a last resort for your acne. If you've used topical and oral antibiotics, and other prescription creams such as tretinoin, and you haven't seen your acne clear up, it may be a good idea to talk to your dermatologist about considering going on Accutane. I know several people who went on Accutane and had amazing results, but there are definite side effects that need to be considered, as I'm sure you already know, about it severely drying out your skin, and the fact that you can absolutely not get pregnant during your time on Accutane. Like I said, I have no experience with it personally, but if I personally had such bad acne that topicals weren't working for me, I'd talk to my doctor about the possibility. Joyce has a post on her thoughts on treating adult acne, and as a dermatology resident, I would trust her advice more than a fourth year medical student going into obstetrics and gynecology ;)
  • You recently mentioned keeping your German Citizenship, so I was wondering whether you ever considered attending Medical School in Germany? 
    • I didn't really consider it, to be honest! By the time I decided I wanted to go to medical school, I was more than half done with my college degree, and as you know, in Germany, you don't go to undergrad first, you directly enter medical school from high school, and go for six years versus the four we go for here (because the first few years of medical school in Germany include a lot of the courses we take in undergrad here). In addition, my German isn't perfect, so for me, adding the language stress on top of the med school stress didn't sound appealing. Plus I already had a life in the US that I didn't want to give up - I had a boyfriend at the time, I had two dogs, my whole life was here! Lastly, it is more difficult for foreign trained doctors to get into a residency spot in the US, so that was another hurdle I didn't want to overcome, knowing that I'd want to come back to the US to practice.  For those of you who don't know, my younger sister actually did go to Germany for medical school, but she was in a different situation, as she only did one year of college here, and really loved living in Germany (we both spent a year there as teenagers). So for her, it was a great situation where she got to go back to Germany, be near our extended family, and complete her degree in six years with no debt. But for me, there were certain aspects of that life that I didn't want, which is why I stayed here! 


on franish
  • on the blog: ever wanted to know what my eyes looks like up close? ;)
  • on the insta: don't you love when you can find cute places for drinks? 
  • on the twitter: seriously still waiting on those new emojis!!

notable sales

at home
  • I started my second family medicine rotation this week. The doctor I'm with has summer hours, which is awesome because I get a bit more free time! Goals for these months of easier rotations include cooking more and working out, both of which happen for the most part (except the other day where I played Sims all day...oops!). 
  • It was all about friends this weekend. On Friday I went up to Cleveland to get drinks and dinner with one of my best friends from college who recently moved to Ohio, yesterday we got dinner with CR's former roommate, and today I'm spending the day with my best friend in med school. I love having people around, even if it's only temporarily (our lives and places we are living change monthly, so it's nice when those months line up!) 
  • I'm taking CR on a secret trip this weekend (those of you who follow along on snapchat already know!). We both have a three day weekend luckily, so we are getting out of here! I can't wait :)

Thursday, August 25, 2016

wrapped

Banana Republic - Merino Wool Wrap Cardigan
This is one of my favorite outfits I've worn in recent months - it's so simple, but I love every part of it, from the most comfortable flats I own (which are also the most inexpensive pair I own...) to my new wrap sweater to the uber-flattering blouse underneath. The cardigan is from Banana Republic, and while I've shied away from cardigans the past few years (I always find them to sit wrong on me for one reason or another), I think I may have to reconsider my stance. This one is definitely a unique take as it's not as versatile, but I just think it's so pretty. I really am considering getting the red version if it goes on even more sale - wouldn't it look great in the cooler months? Yep, I've basically convinced myself I need it now.

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Sweater: Banana Republic [exact]
Blouse: Anthropologie [exact]
Pants: The Limited [exact]
Bag: Mulberry [similar | exact]
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact]
fall work out fit
Merino Wool Wrap Cardigan
Banana Republic currently has a "Now and Later" sale, for pieces you can wear now and later in the cooler weather. Below are my favorites - it's not secret that I already have the polka dot dress in my basket!
one | two | three | four






Tuesday, August 23, 2016

beauty tuesday: how too faced's better than sex compares to bobbi brown's eye opening mascara

bobbi brown eye opening mascara versus too faced better than sex

As a blondie with really light eyelashes, I've always been very self conscious about how different I look without mascara on. I have longer eyelashes, but without some product on there, you can't even tell I have any! I think if you polled all light eyelashed ladies, 95% of us would say that if we could only wear one type of make-up, we would choose mascara.

Therefore, for as long as I can remember I have had an obsession with eyelashes and mascara. My parents were slow to let me wear make-up (the agony of being the first born!), but I have very clear memories of being in seventh grade and sneakily wearing clear mascara, thinking it would help with those blond eyelashes. It obviously didn't do anything, but since I started wearing eye makeup in high school, I've been obsessed with making my eyelashes darker, longer, and as prominent as possible. I've done it all - eye lash tinting (did nothing), Latisse (lengthened but didn't darken), eye lash extensions (hated that you can't properly wash your face and the $$$), as well as try just about every mascara on the market. It wasn't until I tried the Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara that I was truly loyal to an eyelash product for almost three years. Then a couple of weeks ago, I heard about Bobbi Brown's Eye Opening Mascara, and was finally tempted enough away from my holy grail mascara to give it a try. Thanks to Sephora's amazing return policy, I really didn't have anything to lose. Now that I've sufficiently had time to give it a try, I wanted to show you guys how they compare.

bobbi brown eye opening mascara review
Brush & Formula: Both have fairly large brushes, but the Bobbi Brown wand is definitely bigger - the first time I used it, I was a bit overwhelmed just by how large it actually is! They do say that you should use a mascara brush that has the shape of the eyelashes you want. So for me, I want as thick and voluminous lashes as possible, so those are the kind of brushes I look for. The formula of the BTS mascara is definitely wetter, especially at first. I actually didn't really like the first week or two of use just because the formula was too wet, and not buildable enough for my liking. The nice thing is that one tube lasted me about 3-4 months. The BB mascara, on the other hand, definitely starts at that perfect buildable formulation, which I really like. I also think it takes fewer coats to really build up to the look I want - I could get away with even just one coat over a primer, but I prefer to do two, just because bigger is better in my book! Time will tell how long one tube lasts though, and at $7 more expensive, I hope it lasts just as long! 

Application & Wear: I've had several readers tell me this, so I know I'm not the only one, but I could never get the BTS mascara to not smudge along my lower lash line when I was applying it. I don't know if it's because of the hourglass shape of the wand or what, but it got to the point where I tested out a smaller wanded mascara from Clinique just to see if that helped (it did, but I hated having to add another step). Several people also said that the BTS mascara flaked off really bad for them. I personally never had that issue, but I also always used an eyelash primer first. Now with the Bobbi Brown mascara, I don't have that issue with lower lash smudging, so I really think it's the brush from the Too Faced Mascara that caused that problem. With the Bobbi Brown mascara, I'm still using the primer, so I haven't had any issues with flaking with that formulation either. Both are easily removed with my Glossier cleanser (it's too hot in the house to currently use my preferred method of make-up removal, coconut oil). 

bobbi brown eye opening mascara
Appearance: I think these pictures really do portray the brush = eyelashes theory - the Better Than Sex eyelashes are a bit sparser, thinner and fluttery, while the Eye Opening eyelashes are thicker, longer, and slightly crowded. For me, especially since I wear glasses daily, I really prefer it this way. Ideally, I want someone to think that my eyelashes are fake (is that such a small request or what). Up close, it looks a bit strange (kind of like spider legs...) but behind glasses that make my eyes appear smaller, I really like how the Bobbi Brown Eye Opening mascara looks. My eyelashes just appear longer, thicker, and darker, and really do open up my eyes. Am I completely converted from three years of loyalty for Too Faced's Better Than Sex? ...I think so. I'm definitely going to continue to use the Bobbi Brown Eye Opener mascara, and hope it holds up as well as it does now!

Have you used either of these great mascaras? Do you have your own holy grail mascara you want to share?! While I really like the ones I've found, I'm definitely opening to trying others. 



Sunday, August 21, 2016

top three [08.21.2016]

my favorite summer shoes for.sure.

medicine
  • Hemochromatosis is a disease where too much iron accumulates in the body, leading to organ toxicity. Symptoms include liver disease, diabetes, and the skin actually turning a bronze color. The treatment? Regular phlebotomy sessions! 
  • Blackwater fever is an old term for malaria, as the rapid hemolysis (breaking up of red blood cells)  can lead to such a high amount of hemoglobin in the blood that the urine turns black (after being filtered by the kidney). 
  • One of the harder things about transitioning from book learning years to the clinical years is learning the brand names for medications. I love learning the background for brand names though. For example, Xarelto is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that is a factor Xa inhibitor (Xa is a factor in the coagulation cascade that helps your blood to clot). Xarelto = Xa inhibitor. 

on the internet

spotted
  • My go-to work outfit is always black ankle pants and a simple top, so I'm constantly looking for work-appropriate tops to throw on and go. ASOS's grey ruffled top is so darn cute and versatile (and I love that they have free returns if it doesn't work out!). 
  • In the fall, I am all about the utility jackets (I may have two in my closet currently...), but I'd love to add a new color to the rotation. Gap has a really cute version that also comes in red and a cream caramel that looks so pretty! Plus it comes in petites and talls, which is key.
  • After convincing myself I do not need $400+ Chloe scalloped flats, I purchased the Sam Edelman version...and you guys, I have never worn such comfortable shoes in my entire life. I have the pink suede version, but am pretty sure the black leather version is going to happen too. Highly recommend!

ask my anything
  • I am fascinated with everything you share about being in medical school. I always wonder who coordinates all of the schooling? For example how do you know you will be working at X hospital for X amount of days for rotations etc. It seems like a lot to keep organized!
    • It is actually organized from two different sides. On the school side of things we have coordinators who keep track of what rotations we are supposed to be on, making sure we fulfill all of requirements, and so on. Then on the hospital side, there are clinical coordinators who work with the school to make sure we are on the rotation we are supposed to be on. I don't know how they keep it all straight! We actually do very little when it comes to our schedules, except for the few months where we get to go elsewhere. 
  • I'm getting married next year, and I have a year full of showers and get togethers and dinners to look forward to. Instead of buying a bunch of separate outfits/dresses I really want to find a perfect white skirt and pair it with different tops for versatility. Any suggestions?
  • I am preparing for my first year of premed and figuring out my path I have always wondered if you have part time jobs while in medical school or if you work through the school/hospital? Did you work while in college? 
    • Most people do not have jobs while in medical school just because our schedules are so inconsistent from week to week, month to month. We take out loans to pay for all of our expenses. I'm in a bit unique situation in the sense that I have an income from blogging, but I have not had a "real" job since starting medical school. In college, I had several jobs though. I worked in a microbiology lab for three years, I worked as the business manager for the UW Marching Band, I worked in a ticket office for three spring semesters, and I did a ton of nannying. 

on franish
  • on the blog: the real concrete things I've done to improve my blog over the years
  • on the instagram: all the feels after another great rotation 
  • on the twitter: but like, is it worth moving to SF for? maybe...

notable sales

at home
  • You guys know I'm obsessed with sheet masks, and after falling down a reddit rabbit hole about k-beauty, I just ordered a ton from Memebox. If you haven't purchased from them before, you can sign up here and receive 20% off your entire order if you spend more than $25. Do I have at least 20 masks headed my way? ....maybe. 
  • Yesterday we spent the day at a state park with our favorite couple (hey girl heyyy). It was so nice to just be out near the water, eating lots of delicious food, and catching up! We are all so far from our families that we really hold on to each other tight!
  • I have finished my first month of family medicine, and am starting a new one next month with another doctor. I'm interested to see how different the two practices are, and the differences between a younger attending and a family medicine program director. It should be a good month!

Friday, August 19, 2016

real tips & tricks for growing and improving your blog


I think the most common question bloggers receive is "how do I grow my own blog?", and to be honest, that's a really difficult question to answer just because there isn't any one thing that bloggers are doing to grow their "brand" (don't you hate that phrase? me too). You'll get answers like "be consistent", "connect with your audience",  or "improve your site", but those are fairly vague and hard to implement. I've been blogging for over four years now, and while I never had a time where my blog really blew up, I've been growing very steadily over these years. I make more than a full time salary by blogging on the side, and have found certain things that have really improved my blog all around. Here are the things I've learned and implemented along the way.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

make it work

casual white dress A couple of months ago, I did a mini review on snapchat about a dress I bought from Loft. There are certain things I loved about it - the color, the lace, the front of the dress. But there were things I didn't like - the elastic waist band hit me at a weird spot, and then weird mini sleeves were not my favorite. So I decided I was going to return it.

Well, a few days after I that, we left for Philadelphia to take our board exam, and while we were there, a friend went through some personal things and needed a place to stay, so we offered her our "spare" bedroom, which is really just a tiny room that only fits a bed, and it's also the room that has the closet with my clothes in. So when we returned from Philly that Sunday, I had 45 minutes to both clean up the room enough for our friend to stay in, and for me to pack to move away for a month. So I did what any adult would do, and stuffed everything, including the Loft bag with that dress in it, under the bed. And then I promptly forgot about it.

Well, last week when I started do a bit of cleaning, I found that bag again, with the dress in it, along with a receipt saying that the return by day had passed. So since I could no longer return the dress, I just made it work for me! I took out the elastic waist band, cut off the mini sleeves, and sewed a pleat in the back to bring the fabric together. And you know what? I really really like the dress now - it still has all the parts I loved about it without the things I didn't like. Now it's just a pretty summer dress, customized to me ;)

loft pueblo dress
Jack Rogers 'Lauren' Sandal
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Dress: Loft [similar below]
Belt: Gap [similar]
Shoes: Jack Rogers [exact]
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My little DIY dress is obviously no longer available, so below are four options that are (and they're all under $100)! And while I was looking for white dresses, I ran across this beautiful wrap dress from June & Hudson - I have literally no where to wear this, but isn't it so darn pretty?




beauty tuesday: empties review (to repurchase or not to repurchase?)



I love beauty and skincare review posts, but I love "empties" review posts even more because I think to fully judge if a product is good or not, you really need to use the product for some time. I also think the sign of a product being good or not is 1. getting through the whole tube and 2. if you are willing to repurchase it. So therefore, I'm hoping to do one of these posts every few months so please let me know what you think!

Living Proof's Dry Shampoo: This is actually my second bottle of this dry shampoo. My initial impression when I purchased this a few months ago was that it was good, but I didn't really notice much of a difference between it and other dry shampoos I've used (...and I've used a ton!). I slowly noticed that my hair was staying grease-free longer and that I could go longer between shampoos, so when my first bottle was empty, I repurchased a second. Now that my second bottle is empty, I already have the third waiting. The Living Proof dry shampoo is on the more expensive side for sure, but I have found it to be very much worth it. I plan on doing a more thorough review in the next few weeks. Highly recommend!

Vanicream: I mentioned this cream a few months ago in my post about my experiences with tretinoin cream. The Vanicream was recommended to me by my dermatologist for the period of time where my skin was super  dry from the tretinoin cream. I found this moisturizer to be helpful - it's very thick, it's specifically made for senstive skin, and free of dyes, lanolin, fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde - so at its core, it is just a really simple thick moisturizer. Now that my skin is pretty much used to the tretinoin cream, I won't be repurchasing the moisturizer just because I don't really need it anymore! I do recommend it for those of you with very dry and sensitive skin, and can see myself repurchasing this in the winter if my skin acts up again. At around $8 for 4 oz, it's not a huge commitment.

Kiehl's Heat Protection Smoothing Cream: If you've read any of my hair posts, you know that I'm obsessed with this cream. I've been using it for years and years (at least five), and have gone through probably more than a dozen bottles. I love it for several reasons: it protects your hair from styling tool's heat, it's almost like a leave in conditioner in the sense that it detangles your hair, and it definitely helps with the frizziness. The $17 tube lasts me about 5-6 months... I already have my next one waiting.

Belif's Moisturizing Bomb: When I was in NYC last October, I stopped by Grace's apartment, and she sent me home with a ton of PR products she's received but hadn't used. One of them was Belif's moisturizer, and as soon as I finished that jar, I purchased my own. I very rarely repurchase moisturizers because I'm always looking for a better one, but I've been so pleased with this product that this is another one I already have the next jar waiting. It's made for drier skin, and it definitely delivers on the moisturizing side without leaving you greasy or sticky. I haven't had any issues with dryness since I started using this moisturizer, so if you've been looking for something for your dry skin, I highly recommend this one as well!

Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara: I've been using this product for years now - my mom gave me a tube for my birthday three years ago, and I haven't used a different mascara since! Once I started using it with the Urban Decay primer, I was pretty much hooked...until now. I wish I could remember which blogger recommended trying out this Bobbi Brown mascara (to give them credit), but either way, when my last tube of the BTS mascara was getting to the end, I ordered both the Too Faced mascara and the Bobbi Brown mascara - worst thing that happens is that I hated the Bobbi Brown mascara and just returned it. Turns out, I really really like it. One of my biggest issues with the BTS mascara is that it was always just a bit too wet for the first few weeks of use. The Bobbi Brown mascara is a bit on the drier side (not dry, just drier than the BTS mascara), so it looks good from the first use, and builds up the eyelashes beautifully. Overall, while I am still a fan of the Better than Sex mascara, I'm going to take a break from it and use the Bobbi Brown mascara for a while. I also plan on doing a more thorough comparison in a few weeks!

Sunday, August 14, 2016

top three [08.14.2016]

oh that baby white coat life (all via instagram)

medicine
  • Patella alta is the term for an abnormally high riding patella (or knee cap). The clinical sign for this is called a camel's sign, because it can look like two humps on the leg
  • Phagophagia: a form of the disorder pica where there is a compulsive consumption of ice or iced beverages. This can sometimes be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
  • Amyloid deposition in the tongue can cause the tongue to become so big it becomes scalloped because it grows against the ridges of teeth. 

on the internet

spotted
  • Gap currently has the cutest blouses and tops. My favorite is their eyelet tank - wear it now alone with denim jeans (or a cute skirt), and then layer in under a cardigan or blazer in the fall. 
  • If I did more traveling, I would be all about Kate Spade's newest cross body bag. That blush color is so freaking pretty. 
  • I've seen this swing top from Old Navy on three separate bloggers recently, so I finally ordered one for myself as well (it comes in tall, so I hope it won't be too boxy on me!). 

ask me anything

  • I'm getting ready to apply for residency this fall and was wondering if you have any suggestions for interview bags that are good quality but affordable. I'm hoping to spend less than $150 and I'd prefer a black or tan tote-size bag. Something cute but not too flashy for interviews. 
    • First of all, best of luck these next few months - I'm already ready for it all to be over! Okay, so for totes, here are a few I've found. Express has a pretty great option that I think is cool because of the separate compartments. Aldo also has a classic tote that comes in both tan and black, depending on which way you are leaning. If there's a more expensive style of bag you are looking for, I really have had amazing luck with eBay in the past. That's how I got my Mulberry bag for 1/5 of the original price (that's the bag I'll be using for interviews). 
  • What camera & camera settings do you use for your OOTD photos?
  • I recently got my first big girl job (WHOOP!!) and now get paid monthly. I have never been paid this way and am having some issues adjusting to this schedule. Any budgeting tips/resources for monthly paychecks?
    • This is somewhat similar to how my finances work now, except I get all of my money in a large chunks twice a year. The biggest thing I've found to work for me is having a bunch of different savings accounts (my bank lets me have as many as I want), somewhat like the "envelope method". So what I do is calculate what my monthly bills will be (rent, car payment, phone payment, insurance, and a rough estimate for utilities), and put that money into my "bills" account. This is always the first step, which ensures you don't run out of money to pay your bills. The second account is the flexible savings account. From this, I automatically transfer $150 every two weeks into my checking account. This money covers all my non-bills expenses, so my groceries, my gas, and any money I need throughout the week. The rest of the money goes into a "do not touch" savings account, which is really in cases of emergency. I also have several other long term savings accounts, but those don't really apply to this situation. I hope that helps a little bit!


on franish

notable sales

at home

  • I've been receiving the Popsugar Must Have box for a few months now to try out, and it's been so fun to receive a box of presents every month. This month's box featured the cutest little swan coozie holder, which we put into good use this weekend! If you'd like to try a box for yourself, you can use the code SHOP5 to receive $5 off the first one!
  • We are in Rochester this weekend for CR's brother's wedding. They are getting married today, and we are all so excited! It's going to be gorgeous (and it looks like the weather is going to cooperate, thankfully!).
  • I would normally have something to say here, but it's 1:30 AM as I'm finishing this post, so....goodnight!

top three [08.14.2016]

oh that baby white coat life (all via instagram)

medicine
  • Patella alta is the term for an abnormally high riding patella (or knee cap). The clinical sign for this is called a camel's sign, because it can look like two humps on the leg
  • Phagophagia: a form of the disorder pica where there is a compulsive consumption of ice or iced beverages. This can sometimes be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
  • Amyloid deposition in the tongue can cause the tongue to become so big it becomes scalloped because it grows against the ridges of teeth. 

on the internet

spotted
  • Gap currently has the cutest blouses and tops. My favorite is their eyelet tank - wear it now alone with denim jeans (or a cute skirt), and then layer in under a cardigan or blazer in the fall. 
  • If I did more traveling, I would be all about Kate Spade's newest cross body bag. That blush color is so freaking pretty. 
  • I've seen this swing top from Old Navy on three separate bloggers recently, so I finally ordered one for myself as well (it comes in tall, so I hope it won't be too boxy on me!). 

ask me anything

  • I'm getting ready to apply for residency this fall and was wondering if you have any suggestions for interview bags that are good quality but affordable. I'm hoping to spend less than $150 and I'd prefer a black or tan tote-size bag. Something cute but not too flashy for interviews. 
    • First of all, best of luck these next few months - I'm already ready for it all to be over! Okay, so for totes, here are a few I've found. Express has a pretty great option that I think is cool because of the separate compartments. Aldo also has a classic tote that comes in both tan and black, depending on which way you are leaning. If there's a more expensive style of bag you are looking for, I really have had amazing luck with eBay in the past. That's how I got my Mulberry bag for 1/5 of the original price (that's the bag I'll be using for interviews). 
  • What camera & camera settings do you use for your OOTD photos?
  • I recently got my first big girl job (WHOOP!!) and now get paid monthly. I have never been paid this way and am having some issues adjusting to this schedule. Any budgeting tips/resources for monthly paychecks?
    • This is somewhat similar to how my finances work now, except I get all of my money in a large chunks twice a year. The biggest thing I've found to work for me is having a bunch of different savings accounts (my bank lets me have as many as I want), somewhat like the "envelope method". So what I do is calculate what my monthly bills will be (rent, car payment, phone payment, insurance, and a rough estimate for utilities), and put that money into my "bills" account. This is always the first step, which ensures you don't run out of money to pay your bills. The second account is the flexible savings account. From this, I automatically transfer $150 every two weeks into my checking account. This money covers all my non-bills expenses, so my groceries, my gas, and any money I need throughout the week. The rest of the money goes into a "do not touch" savings account, which is really in cases of emergency. I also have several other long term savings accounts, but those don't really apply to this situation. I hope that helps a little bit!


on franish

notable sales

at home

  • I've been receiving the Popsugar Must Have box for a few months now to try out, and it's been so fun to receive a box of presents every month. This month's box featured the cutest little swan coozie holder, which we put into good use this weekend! If you'd like to try a box for yourself, you can use the code SHOP5 to receive $5 off the first one!
  • We are in Rochester this weekend for CR's brother's wedding. They are getting married today, and we are all so excited! It's going to be gorgeous (and it looks like the weather is going to cooperate, thankfully!).
  • I would normally have something to say here, but it's 1:30 AM as I'm finishing this post, so....goodnight!

Thursday, August 11, 2016

my secret wardrobe staple: fancy t-shirts

DSC04583picture 2 Somedays I'm all about playing around in my closet. Trying shirts under dresses, layering as many things as possible, figuring out what tops go best with what pencil skirts....and other days, I just want to throw on a tee shirt and go. 

The tee I'm wearing here is from Gap, and sadly no longer available, but it has quickly become one of my most worn items in my closet. It's comfortable, it goes with a ton of the items in my closet, it can be worn to multiple occasions (I've worn it to work, on a date, and to my high school reunion), and it's CR's favorite color, so that's a plus too ;) I have several go-to "fancy" tees like this for the summer time, and they are the only reason I get through these months! They're kind of my secret wardrobe staple. 
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Tee: Gap
Pants: The Limited [exact]
Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]
Bag: Mulberry [save | exact]
Watch: c/o Larsson & Jennings [exact]
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Below are a few more "your favorite tee, but for work" options I found. I kind of LOVE that scalloped tee from Topshop - how cute would it look under a blazer later in the fall?!




Tuesday, August 9, 2016

beauty tuesday: ole henriksen power peel review


I have gotten two facials in my life, and both times, my skin felt amazing afterwards. Unfortunately, I can't really afford to get a facial too regularly, so I try to make up my own routines at home. My own mini facial routine is typically Glam Glow's mud mask, followed by a sheet mask, and then possibly a sleep-in mask as well (I currently am using Origin's, and really enjoy it!).

Recently, I ran across Ole Henriksen's Power Peel while perusing Sephora's skincare section, as one does. The reviews were amazing - brighter skin, smaller pores, more evenly toned - the list went on and on. I really liked the idea of the "facial at home" aspect, so I ordered a two pack to try out.

what it is:

It's basically three masks, laid out for you to follow in order. The first is an almond scrub, the second is a lemon peel, and the third is a calming chamomile mask.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

top three [08.07.2016]

my J.Crew rhinestone shell may be the most versatile item in my wardrobe


medicine
  • Splenules are basically accessary spleens, and are not completely uncommon.
  • A significant amount of people have a fused fifth toe - they have two joints instead of three!
  • Phlegmon: spreading of inflammation with a formation of pus that can lead to a palpable mass on exam. An example is diverticulitis.
(big thanks to my girlfriends for providing me with such good medical facts this week!)

on the internet

spotted

ask my anything
  • What is your snapchat name?
    • You can find me at @fhasselhof. It's mostly just snaps of my dogs with occasional clothing reviews and discussions about medicine (but really mostly my dogs...). How are we feeling about snapchat versus insta stories? I think I'm going to stick mostly with snapchat for the casual stuff - the animals, what we are up to, and so on. I think I'll use insta stories less often, and then really only to share more "insta worthy" things like outfits and maybe sharing newly posted blog posts (since I rarely actually instagram those). How are you guys feeling about this new social media change? I feel everyone is losing their minds!
  • I wear the same size as you and I am having trouble finding a pair of white jeans that are flattering. Any suggestions? 
    • Yes! I absolutely love my Articles of Society jeans - they are a bit more form fitting, which I think is necessary when it comes to white (or really any) jeans. I find they run true to size, and are currently 40% off!
  • Is CR what you actually call him, or is it just the name you use for him on your blog to maintain some privacy?
    • That's just his blogging nickname :) He's very anti-internet in the sense that he has no social media, so I felt it was only fair to keep him pretty much off the blog as well.  He says there will be certain situations where he's willing to be on the blog/social media though ;)

on franish

notable sales
  • Anthropologie: extra 25% off sale items
    • From the front, this skirted tee is pretty generic looking...the beauty is in the back!
    • I'm going to order their peplum tank - I think it would be a nice dressier version of a v-neck tee shirt, and could be worn under everything. 
    • Have a wedding to go to next weekend, and still don't know what to wear (...like me?). There's always this beautiful lace periwinkle dress!
  • Banana Republic: 40% off everything (50% if you use your BR card)
  • Nordstrom: last day of the Anniversary sale!
    • I'm trying to upgrade my sad bra collection (I have 3 of the same ones, and just rotate them), so I finally caved and ordered a Chantelle Intimates bra since the sale was so good on it. I'll let you guys know how it goes...although there will be no review post ;)
    • I'm still so tempted by the Nars blush palette. Do I need it? Nooooo. Do I want it? Yesssss. 
    • How amazing are these Puma sneakers? Ugh, if I didn't need to wear fluid proof shoes for work, I would be all.about.them. 

at home
  • I finally got my hair done again this week, and I feel like a brand new person. Isn't it interesting how a few highlights and an inch off your hair can change everything? In an attempt to keep my hair as healthy as possible though, I've been using Aveda's conditioning treatment around my hairline (where I have a lot of breakage) and on the ends of my hair every time I wash it. I used it a bottle of it in college and it made such a difference, so fingers crossed it still works just as well!
  • From now until January, either CR or I will be not at home as one of us will be doing away rotations. Luckily for all but two of those months, we are within 1.5 hours of home, so we can still see each other on the weekends (most of the time). Between work, blogging, and working out, I'll hopefully be able to keep myself busy but I'm really not looking forward to being separated that much, and definitely not looking forward to sleeping alone :(
  • So because of that, we made sure to have a really great weekend. On Friday, we went to a state park nearby, went on a picnic, and then took the dogs to the best dog park we have ever been to (it had a designated swimming area!), and then watched the Opening Ceremonies. On Saturday, we watched more Olympics, and then went to Pittsburgh for dinner and a Pirates game. Today is all about....more Olympics :)