There's Still Time: Black Friday Sales Worth Shopping!

This year, I decided to skip out on going to the mall for my Black Friday shopping just because I didn't have the patience or energy to deal with the crowds. Here are some of my picks and what I ordered during the sale. I'm also sharing some of the clothing items that I already own that are also on sale in case you might be interested.

Ann Taylor

50% Off Everything CODE: GOPINK
DATE: 11/24 to 11/26

• Ruffle Sleeve Sweater (available in 3 colors, petite-sizing $44.75 with code) - cute sweater or layer for workwear or pair it with a skirt for a holiday look.
• Sleeveless Side Tie Tunic Sweater ($34.99 with code) - Great for layering under a thick coat if you want something that doesn't have sleeves, love the side split with ties detail 
• Marled Boat Neck Sweater ($29.99 with code) - A marled sweater is a staple in my closet
• Selita Jeweled Loafers (limited sizing available, $74 with code) - pointy-toe loafers with jeweled embellishments for a more feminine look.

Find out more of my picks after the jump...

5 Ways to Keep Your Skin Soft and Smooth This Winter

Winter is coming, but it doesn’t have to be rough on your skin. Even though our skin may be hiding underneath our winter layers, it doesn’t mean that we have to completely forget about taking care of it.

I’ve teamed up with Kroger to share their Winter Beauty Event, so you can shop and save $20 on your winter beauty essentials by downloading their digital coupons on Kroger.com/beauty. I was excited to see extra savings on my favorite bodycare products, so my skin doesn’t have to rough it out this winter.

Here are five ways on how I keep my skin soft and smooth and my favorite bodycare products for winter season:

1. Use lukewarm water 

During the summer season, I made it a habit to shower in cold water to 1) wake me up in the morning, 2) refresh my skin, and 3) prevent my skin from drying out. Of course, it is easier to shower in cold water in the summer when it’s sweltering hot outside. This winter, as much as it’s nice to take a nice, hot shower after a long day, opt to using lukewarm water to avoid stripping your natural oils away.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017 Early Access Picks

It's that time of the year. The most anticipated sale of the year officially starts today, July 13! Nope, it's not Black Friday in July. I'm talking about the first day of early access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I've covered the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last year, and found major deals on fall/winter clothing. I know some of you might be thinking: "but summer just started, how are you thinking about fall and winter already?" Not to worry, you can still shop some pieces that are summer appropriate that can easily transition to the next season.

What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

If you're not familiar with this sale, it's the one time during the year where Nordstrom offers huge discounts on select newly released or staples items. Instead of marking down the items at the end of the season, they do it in the beginning of the upcoming season. I've purchased most of my fall and winter wardrobe last year during the anniversary (and even did some advanced Christmas shopping). Aside from newly released items, they also bring back popular items from previous #NSale that may have sold out quickly.

Nordstrom card holders get a whole week to shop the sale a week before the public. However, if you're not a Nordstrom card holder, you'll still have time to get your shopping done for two weeks. Although, this is not a finance blog, I still wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is not financially ready for a/another credit card to apply just to get the early access to the sale. Please shop responsibly :).

When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

Early Access - July 13 to July 20
Public Sale - July 21 to August 6

*Prices go back up August 7

Read full post to for my tips and top picks for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale...

Chambray Off the Shoulder Top for Spring

Morrisday the label chambray top (similar here and here) / Joe's Jeans shorts / Quay x Shay sunglasses / Urban Outfitters bandana / Kozha Numbers bag / All Saints fringe boots

When the sun is out, the shoulders come out. I'm currently having the a moment with using the bandana either in place of necklace or choker or layering it with a necklace, especially if I'm wearing an off the shoulder top. I know that Coachella is long gone and done, but I wouldn't mind wearing this when I'm out romping around town.

I like that this off the shoulder top from Morrisday the Label has an elastic band all around to keep the top up especially for me since I'm more on the smaller bust size (president of the itty bitty community). I don't find the elastic uncomfortable while I'm wearing it throughout the day. It also doesn't slide off my chest. It's just the right amount of snug to keep my chest covered.

Empties II: Makeup, Skincare, & Other + Sephora VIB Spring 2017 Sale Recommendations!

The Sephora VIB Spring 2017 sale starts today, April 18, for VIB Rouge members. So what better way for me to make some product recommendations than by sharing some of the empty beauty products that I've used up over the years. These are some of the things that I've tried, tested, and love. These are some of my holy grail beauty products that I've used up to the last drop and have even repurchased the second time.

Sephora has their big sale twice year, and today kicks-off their 2017 Spring VIB sale. Check-out the sale dates below for your current Sephora status (VIB rouge, VIB, or Beauty Insider). Make sure to also check your e-mail or mail for your invitation in case you might want to shop in-stores.

VIB Rouge: April 18 to April 24 (take 15% off)
VIB: April 19 to April 24 (take 15% off)
Beauty Insider: (take 10% off)

The Sephora VIB sale is a great way to shop and stock up on some of your staple beauty items or to replace any of your old ones. It's also a good time to try-out the more expensive skincare products that's been sitting in your shopping cart for awhile.

Below are some of the products that I've mentioned and the time stamp for each category from the video. Share on the comments below what you're planning to buy during the sale!

Chambray Shirt and Leather Outfit

Chambray shirt (use code HAPPYSPRING for 30% off) / J.Crew denim jeans / BlankNYC moto jacket (currently on sale for 35% off!) / Rebecca Minkoff bag / Buckled ankle boots

I've been finding myself wearing this chambray shirt lately especially with paired with a denim bottom. I used to be a little intimidated with the whole denim on denim outfit, but I find myself gravitating to it now especially since Spring as officially begun. This chambray shirt has earned its spot as classic wardrobe staple in my closet as it's one of those pieces that can transition throughout the year (see another denim on denim outfit here).



I've been trying out different styling options for a denim on denim outfit. I've paired this look with a grey coat. This time, I've toughen up the chambray shirt and denim pants with the faux leather moto jacket and some buckled ankle boots.

Full Face Using Drugstore Products ONLY!

Here's a video tutorial of how I did my makeup using drugstore products only for an "everyday" glam look. Who said that you have to spend an arm and a leg to do your makeup and feel glamourous? Drugstore brands have been really amping up the quality of their products, and giving the high-end makeup brands a run for their money.

In the video, I show you step-by-step how to achieve a very simple yet glam look using affordable drugstore products. The look is meant to enhance your features while still some what keeping it natural. It's a very easy makeup tutorial without doing too much.

February Favorites 2017 (Fashion & Beauty)

*Click the images to shop my February Favorites*

Here are some of the fashion and beauty products that I've been diggin' lately for the month of February. Find out what my favorite tote and sneakers are when I'm on-the-go and running errands. As well as my favorite skincare product that has helped my skin look its best. Press play to watch the video!

Fashion Favorites

Leith Stripe Shirt / New Balance '574' Sneakers (Big Kids)

• Leith Stripe Shirt - This shirt is one of my staple items in my wardrobe. I've always liked the simple and clean lines of a windowpane print, but I haven't seen one that I liked until I found this shirt. I like the light, crepe material of this fabric that makes it breathable for warmer days. It's also a great layering piece for the cooler months. I've layered this underneath a dress, a crop top, and by itself. It's a very versatile top that can transition throughout the season depending on how you style and layer it. You can wear it to work or when you want to look cute while you're running errands.

Click to read more of my February Favorites...

March 2017 Bullet Journal Setup

Bullet journal supplies: Leuchtturm1917 dot-grid notebook / colorful pens / pastel highligters / dual brush pens / washi tapes

I can't believe we're almost a quarter way done with 2017! With the new month, means it's time to setup my bullet journal. Since March is usually known for St. Patrick's day, I decided that my color theme for the month would be green. Watch the video down below, so you can see how I setup my bullet journal for this month.

What's New in My Bullet Journal?

Brain Dump and To Buy Log: I've recently added a brain dump and to buy log section in my Leuchtturm1917 notebook. I've previously just had a brain dump section in my monthly spread, but I found that some tasks that are not that urgent keeps getting carried over the next month. Instead of writing them down every time as I carry them over while I setup my bullet journal for the month, I've created a space where I can simply jot down any tasks or ideas that needs to be done some time in the future. I just need a place to write it down, so I won't forget. Plenty of times if I don't write things down, it gets lost in my head.

January 2017 Beauty Favorites

Sharing some of my favorite beauty products in my first favorites video for 2017. Here's a quick round-up and and mini review of some of the beauty items that were sent to me by PR. You might have seen me unbox some of these in my unboxing snaps (username: yummiebitez) or Instastories. Find out what I think about these products after I've been trying them out by watching the video!

Click more after the jump...

My 2017 Work Bullet Journal Setup

New year, new bullet journal! I finally caved and decided to get the Leuchtturm1917 dotted notebook for the new year as my new work bullet journal. As I've previously mentioned before, I keep my personal and work bullet journal separate since I don't feel comfortable bringing my thoughts and feelings with me everywhere. I also just want to maintain a level of professionalism in case I need to take down notes during a meeting or class. Not everyone needs to see the doodlings I do on my spare time.

If this is your first time starting a bullet journal, check this video out by Ryder Caroll, inventor of the bullet journal system to get you familiarized with the method. Once the idea has settled, and you're looking to start your own bullet journal, there are plenty of inspirations on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram for bullet journal spreads, ideas, and collections to help you get started.

Watch the video

My Bullet Journal Supplies

This a pretty lengthy post. If you don't want to read this blog post, you can always just watch or listen to the video embedded on this post as I flip through the pages of my bullet journal. But if you want more from me or to pin this post post for some bullet journal inspiration, then keep reading after the jump.