review: when it looks better on the model online

Yesterday was a day where a bunch of packages showed up at once, so I figured we could do a quick review - it was this or a last minute gift guide, and I figured you guys knew where to run to go grab last minute presents! ;)

my favorite products from the drug store

Over the years, I've definitely started the lean towards using more expensive make-up and skin care products, but there are still a ton of items I will only purchase from the drug store or Target. Below are my ten staples, ones where I don't even like the more expensive versions. I'd love to hear more about what your favorite drug store staples are!

ONE // After trying dozens of lotions, this is the only one I've found that really helps with dry winter skin. I buy the giant bottle, and it lasts for everrrrrr
TWO // I use this about once a week, focusing on the rougher patches. I love the smell!
THREE // My favorite shampoo. Even though it doesn't have sulfates, it lathers really well. Plus some versions smell like rosemary, which is a bonus if you love the Aveda shampoo smell but hate the price.
FOUR // Growing up in a German household, this was our magic cream. Dry face? Use it. Bad cuticles? This will help. Rough elbows? Use it every night. It's magic. 
FIVE // I'm very lazy when it comes to shaving (one of the few benefits of being a blondie!), but this makes it easy and quick. It's just so much easier than messing with shaving creams and so on.
SIX // One of the staples in my purse - I've been using the same stick since first year of med school. A necessity, especially when you're breaking in new shoes. You just rub it on the parts of your foot that rub your shoes the wrong way, and it prevents your shoes from tearing up your feet. It's seriously a life saver.
SEVEN // My absolute favorite nail polishes are from Essie, both the original formula and now the gel formulas. Their color section is vast, the formula stays forever, and for $8 a bottle, I think the formula is very comparable, if not better, than the $20 bottles.
EIGHT // I've been using this since high school, and leaves your hair moisturized and bouncy without weighing it down. Bonus is that it's super cheap (and smells amazing). 
NINE // I've been obsessed with this for years, and it's the only drug store lip balm I'll use. It actually relieves your lips of being dry and cracked rather than just putting a waxy surface on top of your lips - highly recommend this, I keep one in my car, purse, and bedside table!
TEN // My favorite multi-purpose item! I use it mostly in my shoes when I wear flats because it prevents your feet from sweating and making yours shoes sticky and smelly. I also use this when I travel as a dry shampoo (a trick I learned from Bri!), and it works very well for that purpose too. I buy the little bottles (usually only a dollar) as they travel and handle easier.

poncho sweaters are the best type of sweaters

I realized yesterday that when I linked to the times I have worn this sweater on my blog, I've only worn it once on here! Which is crazy, because in real life (which I'm too lazy to document on the daily), I wear this sweater all the time. I love that it's warm without being constricting, and that it's flattering but still allows you to eat as many Christmas cookies as you want. It's the best. 

Other things that are the best? My new watch. Daniel Wellington has always been my go for timeless watches, and over the years, I've grown quite the collection. Their newest collection is the black faced collection, which I think is a great twist on their classic white faced watches. I've had several people ask me about the quality of the watches and I truly think they are some of the best out there - I've had several of their watches for years that I wear constantly, and they look as great, if not better, than the day I got them. I've teamed up with DW again this year to offer you 15% off their full collection of watches. Use code FRANZISKA15, which is good until January 31st! If you buy a watch + cuff combo, you'll get an additonal 10% off. 

Sweater: Nordstrom [similar]

Tee: Loft 

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact - get 15% off w/ code FRANZISKA15]

Pants: Express [exact on sale]

Boots: Stuart Weitzman c/o Shopbop [save | exact]

My sweater is from last year, and no longer available, but below are six very similar styles. My favorite is the one I just ordered yesterday - I got it in the tan cobblestone color, and can't wait to wear it all winter long. 

one | two | three

four (40% off!) | five | six

top three [12.18.2016]

this year's gift guides: for medical students, for stationery lovers, and for the iphone obsessed

medicine

• A study done on kidney models has shown that riding roller coasters helped pass the kidney stones in the model kidneys. Obviously, the fact that it was done on models and not real humans doesn't make it the best study, but it was inspired by actual people claiming that the ride helped them pass their own kidney stones. 
• Echolalia: unsolicited repetition of words made originally by another person. It is often seen in children with autism. 
• Spontaneous regression of melanoma (the worst type of skin cancer) is extremely rare (there are only 76 documented cases), that some believe is due to immune responses. 

on the internet

• My girl Laura got married a few weeks ago - I loved reading all about why they chose to do their wedding the way they did. It sounds romantic, intimate, and exactly what they wanted to do. I can't wait to see the pictures!
• Mili rounds up a beginners guide to K beauty brands - most found at places like Ulta, Nordstrom, Target, and Wal-Mart. I've used several of these brands, and completely agree with her assessment!
• I love this look on Laura - and again, I already have several of those pieces so I can be a total copycat! 

spotted

• OMG, you guys. I just found the blouse I'm going to wear to NYE this year - we are having a little party at our house, and this sequin tee (under $40!!!) is definitely going to be mine. 
• I'm going to Miami in January, and think a fun swingy dress (that's easily tied at the waist) would be a fun addition in my suitcase. 
• My dark poncho top from last year is one of my favorites, and I've been looking for a similar one in a lighter tan color...and I finally found it! I like this style because it has actual sleeves and is a bit more flattering than a full on poncho. 

ask me anything [you can ask questions here]

• I'm currently in undergrad, considering a career in medicine and thinking getting a very small, very meaningful tattoo (literally so small it looks almost like a mole if you aren't close up enough). I really want it on the inside of my wrist, but I know that tattoos can be looked down upon in the medical field. If it's that tiny, do you think it will be okay?
• I definitely think that won't be a problem, as long as it's something you know you'll want forever. I had a small wrist tattoo for most of medical school - the nice thing about wrist tattoos is that they are easily covered up by watches! I got my tattoo when I was 18 though, and by the time I was 28, I realized that it was something I no longer loved and it no longer meant anything to me, so I've been undergoing tattoo laser removal (I'm almost done with the process, and will be writing a post about that in the future!). If it's something you love and it's small, it's no big deal!
• After working as an engineer for a long time, I'm going back to school to with my final destination being a nurse anesthetist. At 36 years old, I sometimes get discouraged and feel like I'm doing this way late in the game...what is your advice to someone who is older?
• I definitely can understand your hesitation about being an older student when you compare yourself to the early twenties students you see otherwise. I like to think of it as you have one life, and it's a pretty long life, so you should do the thing that you think will make you the most happy. 36 is not old at all! You have many decades ahead of you, and so wouldn't you want to spend that time you will be working doing something you always wanted to do, rather than always looking back and wondering "what if?". I also think it's helps to not just compare yourself to others in life situations - I've said before that I'm one of the only non-married people in my high school class, so of course when I compare myself, as being unmarried without children, without a permanent home, yeah, that's hard. But I'm working towards something that makes me happy and fulfilled, and that's all that matters in the end! 
• Any advice on fun Christmas sweaters? Bonus if they ship quickly!
• This is definitely a time where Amazon will be your best friend! They have a ton of cute options now, all with Prime shipping. If you're looking for a classic Christmas sweater, here are several different styles (although I love the one with all the little reindeer faces!). There's the option of having just a giant reindeer on your chest (hey, for under $10, not so bad!). If you want a slightly more subdued reindeer, this sweater looks adorable layered over a collared shirt. There's also the option of getting patterned leggings instead and wearing a solid colored tunic over top! And if all else fails, here are several DIY (NSFW) options that would definitely be a crowd pleaser ;)  

on franish

• on the blog: an update on my current skin care routine
• on the instagram: my lips are winter ready
• on the twitter: thoughts while watching TLC shows...

notable sales

• J.Crew Factory: 50-60% off everything
• If you have a fancier NYE planned than I do, I would highly recommend checking out this metallic v-neck dress - it is seriously gorgeous!
• Or, you can wear that sequin top mentioned above with chic black pants and these amazing block heels. I wish I wore heels more because I'd get them immediately!
• For work: a simple black and white blouse made special by the tuxedo style. 
• Loft: 50% off everything (YAY!)
• Alright, we all know this split top white blouse is already in my cart, but can you blame me?! It's beautiful and goes with everything. 
• If you like the look of the J.Crew Regent blazer but the price is too steep, Loft has a very similar style for less. 
• If this medallion top were made in tall sizing, I would buy one in every color. I have a feeling it would be too boxy otherwise, but it's so pretty!
• Madewell: 25% off your entire order 
• I've been wearing my grey riverside sweater all fall, and now I see they have the same style in a black/white version that is majorly on sale and I am so so tempted! 
• Other tempting items - this mock turtleneck sweater. It's not typically my style (it's way more 'cool girl' than I am) but I also kind of love it? 
• Their buffalo plaid skirt is also pretty darn cute - and because it's not super Christmas-y, you can wear it all fall and winter long!
• Shopbop sale section picks: a few awesome DvF pieces, rag & bone has lots of jeans + jackets on major sale, and tons of booties on sale. need a last minute gift? Try one of these scarves from Club Monaco! 

at home

• We were a few months behind, but in the last week, CR and I have watched the first season of Westworld and OMG. It was so good, I couldn't stop thinking about it! I downloaded the music, I started listening to podcasts about it (Decoding Westworld), and have already restarted watching the season from the beginning. Apparently season two doesn't come out until 2018?! 
• I'm finally almost done with my Christmas shopping. I feel some years I'm so excited about the presents I'm giving, and other times, I find it so hard to shop for my closest friends and family members. This was one of those years where I really struggled!  Anyone else? 
• Poor Baer got into some garbage earlier this week, and now he's been a miserable wreck - throwing up, not eating, just wanting to cuddle all night and day. He's still going to the bathroom and drinking a bit here and there, so he's doing okay, but I hope my boy gets better soon. That'll teach them for playing around in garbage though! 

gift guide for medical students

It's time for my favorite gift guide this year - the medical student gift guide! I have done one of these the past few years (here and here), and while in the past I made ones for the part of school I was in, I tried to be a bit more all inclusive of all medical students (although this year's version does include a few more things that future fourth year students will use a ton). Some are practical and some are more fun!

ONE || Joyce recommended this, and I love them! You can personalize the little figure and put their future doctor title on it. I may have already ordered a few as gifts for friends, but had to get one for myself too ;)

TWO || Vera the Uterus is my little white coat side kick, and I am obsessed with her. Get one for the future uterus/heart/kidney specialist. I've given several of these away, to other students, people who just matched, and even a few of my favorite attendings!

THREE || CR got me this, and I have used it every day for the past six months. Between living in dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and traveling for interviews, this will get a ton of use!

FOUR || and I got this for CR - any upcoming fourth year will definitely need a way to transport their interview suits!

FIVE || for the student who lives somewhere cold and wants to be comfy & warm while studying (I love mine!)

SIX || the alternative to those stiff white coats - they'll live in it all winter long (and those heavily AC-ed summers). 

SEVEN || I've used mine almost every day of my clinical rotations. It folds up to fit in white coat pockets! You can also get it stamped with a name - I got one of these for my sister last Christmas.

EIGHT || for your future favorite obgyn or midwife (I love this one!)

NINE || a name tag for stethoscopes - love the leather versus the other plastic versions out there

TEN || either for long study sessions or for lots of flight travel, any student will get a ton of use out of a pair of noise canceling headphones. 

ELEVEN || my favorite USB stick - makes for a great stocking stuffer too!

TWELVE || just found this print the other. I plan on getting CR one some day for his future office!

THIRTEEN || keeps drinks cold for an entire day - I have one, and ice cubes stay solid for 24 hours! Get it monogrammed to keep it separate from all the others found in hospital. 

Other items that aren't as fun to buy but just as practical:

• Starbucks gift card
• An iPass/Easy Pass - I drove to all my interviews this year, and using my iPass has saved me so much time! 
• Pandora One (gets rid of distracting commercials!)
• A massage gift card
• A cleaning service that comes once a month
• Amazon prime + gift card

beauty tuesday: updated skincare routine

A couple of weeks ago, a reader asked about starting a night time skin care routine. After answering, I've had several other people ask me for what my current skin care routine is, and since I last did that post in February, here's an update! As you can see, many parts of my routine are still the same, but I've stopped using a few products for one reason or another, and added a few new ones in. I'm finally over the flakiness that the tretinoin cream caused, and I have a more control

in the morning

1. Glossier cleanser: I use this first thing in the morning in combination with the sponge below. It's a very gentle cleanser, the bottle lasts a long time (I just ordered my second bottle finally), and I even use it to remove my make up on nights I'm feeling lazy and wore less make-up during the day. 
2. Cleansing sponge: I've had the same sponge for about two years now, and still use the same one. It has made such a difference in removing flaky skin, especially during the winter. 
3. Paula's Choice perfecting liquid: Another mainstay in my skincare routine. I'll stop using it for a few days because I get lazy, and all of a sudden have like four new break outs. It is a bit drying so I only use it on my problem areas, but it has made such a difference for me. 
4. First Aid Beauty hydrating serum: To combat the dryness, I started using this serum last winter, and it's been a life saver. I tried cutting back on it this summer too, but again, came right back to using it because it is so effective.  
5. Paula's Choice sunscreen: I used to never use daily sunscreen, but having read enough about skin cancer and just the vain prevention of wrinkles has made me start using sunscreen. I really like this sunscreen particularly because it's not thick and oily like typical sunscreens - it's a very fluid sunscreen that doesn't leave a film or anything on the skin. 
6. Belif moisturizer: Another mainstay in my current routine - I'm on my third or fourth jar now!

in the evening

1. Micellar water: I reviewed this a few weeks ago, but like I said, it easily removes all eye makeup and is super gentle (it basically feels just like water!). I use it with cotton pads. 
2. Paula's Choice cleanser: Another favorite! It's gentle, removes remaining make-up, and doesn't dry out my skin. I'm on my third bottle of this, and am about to order a fourth!
3. Retin A Micro: Probably the biggest game changer in my skincare routine over the past year. It's a prescription cream that I use every other night. It has decreased my acne, reduced hyper-pigmentation, and has overall made a big difference in my skin. Highly recommend if over the counter creams and cleansers aren't making as big of a difference as you would like. 
4. Vanicream: This was recommended to me by my dermatologist to help with the dryness and flaking caused by the tretinoin cream. I didn't believe it made me much of a difference until I ran out of it a few months ago, and the dry flakiness came back. Now I slather this on at night, and when I wake up, my skin is so soft (and not dry!).
5. Glossier balm.com: I use this for the rougher skin I get around my nose (mostly during the winter when I'm blowing my nose all the time). It soothes the irritation and heals the chapped skin. 

as needed

1. Kiehl's acne treatment: I've had this same little tube for a few years now (it's probably actually time to get a replacement) but I use it when I feel a break out coming on. I don't think it makes a huge difference one way or the other, and I don't particularly think that this salicylic acid spot treatment is much different than others, but I like it, and it's what I've been using. 
2. Kaplan's lip mask: I mentioned this on instagram yesterday, but the combination of a weekly lip mask + daily lip balm has made a big difference for my lips. I tend to have pretty dry lips no matter what else I've done, and this has helped, especially now that winter weather is officially here.  
3. Glamglow face mask: I use this about once every two weeks to help with the flakiness of my skin. It's definitely drying, so I don't leave it on much longer than necessary, but it has been one of the only things I've found that helps with removing flakes.
4. Ren mask: I stumbled upon this while looking through mask reviews, and people seem to really like it! I've used it twice, and plan on doing a full review soon, but it's basically a gentler mask that helps "restore radiance". 
5. Memebox sheet masks: After mentioning how much I liked the Sephora face masks a few months ago, several readers recommended checking out Memebox for cheaper masks. I put in a big order, and have been using various ones ever since! The masks run $1-$3, so even if I put one on and don't end up liking it, I don't feel like I wasted a ton of money on something I don't like. 

top three [12.11.2016]

a sparkly necklace for all the seasons!

medicine

• The most common cause of acute liver failure is acetaminophen overdose - make sure you only take the recommended doses!
• Did you guys see that the average life expectancy in the US has decreased for the first time in over two decades? 
• Egophony is caused by an enhanced transmission of high frequency sounds across fluid, like liquid in the lungs. When a person says E, but have a lung condition like pneumonia, it may sound like an A sound when listening with a stethoscope. 

on the internet

• Grace's gift guide for "the person who hated 2016" is probably my favorite gift guide of the year. I'll take one of each, please!
• The best part about this outfit is that I already own almost all of those pieces! #copycat
• I'm obsessed with Allie in this ballgown!

spotted

• I have wanted to try faux leather leggings for a few years now, but have always been a bit too hesitant to actually buy a pair. Maybe a pair from Hue for under $50 will be the ones that convince me to try? 
• Festive duck boots?! So freaking cute. 
• I'm convinced that I need this tunic sweater - pair it with a striped tee and cognac accessories for a comfy colder weather outfit. 
• PS. My favorite favorite pair of pants are currently 70% (!!!) off - I'm ordering two pairs! They are just over $20 each, and since I've worn mine to death, it's time to get replacement pairs. 

ask me anything

• Do you have any suggestions on what to wear to a white coat ceremony? I have a number of tattoos on my right upper arm, so I'm always looking for three-quarter sleeve length dresses. I'm open to patterns and color since the white coat is, well, white. I'm also hoping to get double duty out of this dress to wear during rotations when the time comes.
• I'm so excited for you! I ended wearing pants and a blouse to my own white coat ceremony (babies!), but looking back, I wish I had worn a dress too. If I were to do it again, I'd love to wear Ann Taylor's pleated dress. I think it's gorgeous, and you could definitely wear it on rotations too! Other options, depending on what time of the year your ceremony is, is a blue and white faux wrap dress, a striped t-shirt dress, or a tweed fit and flare (perfect for if your ceremony is during the colder months! Pair it with black tights and booties). In the more inexpensive category, Amazon has several options: one with a belt in belt, a cute fit and flare, and a shorter sleeved version.  If you're looking for something special, but something you'll also wear for years, Equipment makes several beautiful long sleeved dresses. 
• Please link where you got all your ornaments asap! I gotta order some custom ones!
• We have two different types of ornaments on our tree - ones others have gifted us, and the ones we get each year for what big events happened that year. Our personalized scrubs ornament is from Etsy and the female doctor/male doctors are from Amazon. Last's years map ornament is one we made on Zazzle (with the heart being where we currently live in Ohio!) and this year's is a ring ornament. I love the idea of adding a new special ornament every year, so over the years, we can look back at the years together, and eventually, our kids can experience it with us too! 
• What type/brand of hangers do you use? I'm looking to makeover my closet!
• I actually won 100 hangers from Hangers.com years ago, on Alterations Needed! I like that I'm limited to 100 hangers - it causes me to constantly evaluate what I'm keeping and adding to my closet. I also feel like I can see my clothes a bit better than if I used thinner hangers. Since my closet is fairly small, it would almost make more sense to have the thinner ones, but this has worked well for me for the past four years!

on franish

• on the blog: you'll want to enter this giveaway!
• on the instagram: finding new activities in new cities!
• on the pinterest: can't wait to recreate!

notable sales

• Anthropologie: 30% off all clothing
• I don't really understand off the shoulder sweaters (what's the point?) but I do think it's a cute look - this cowlneck sweater gives you a similar like while actually keeping you covered up. 
• I'm majorly crushing on their pointelle sweater - it's definitely on the way pricey side, but it just looks so comfortable!
• The embroidery details on this swing dress are gorgeous! 
• Jonathan Adler: 25% off all gifts (one of my favorite places to buy gifts!)
• I just got my mom the Mr. & Mrs. vase for her birthday - I love that it's either a minimalistic vase or one with a bit of personality, depending on what way you face it!
• For your friend with all the best jewels: a dish that catches all her favorite items in a chic way. 
• My favorite candle ever! I smell it every time I got in a JA store. 
• Loft: 40% off everything
• Go for this amazing funnel coat in a bright red - it's the perfect way to cheer you up in a crowd of black coats!
• Looking for a quick and easy holiday outfit? Pair their plaid blouse with a black pencil skirt or skinny jeans, and red shoes, and you're ready to go!
• I initially wasn't drawn to this floral top, but now I can't help but thinking it would be such an easy piece to wear with black dress pants and look automatically put together. 
• Shopbop's sale section picks: Sorel has several pairs at reduced prices, Free People's sale section is pretty amazing right now (I love that striped tee shirt dress!), and Stuart Weitzman has both boots and sandals on sale!

at home

• I'm half done with my emergency medicine rotation blocks, and I've honestly really enjoyed it so far! I can definitely see the appeal of this speciality, and I like the idea of practicing in all realms of medicine, but I'm definitely most excited with any ObGyn cases come in, so I know that's still the right place for me! Working in an area with a lot of Amish communities has also brought in a ton of interesting pathologies that I don't think you'd see elsewhere. 
• CR and I are on the last month of living apart, but now he will only be an hour away from me, so we can get middle of the week dinners, and he'll be home on the weekends again. We are getting so close to being done with this - we've been living apart since June!
• We are all geared up for the holidays around here, in our own little ways. CR put up our outside lights yesterday (my favorite - icicle lights!), our little fake Christmas tree has our few personalized ornaments on it, and I may have purchased a holiday pillow too (it's so cute!). I think next weekend we are going to make cookies from scratch - any one have any recipes they'd like to share?!