Livin' on Tulsa Time | 5 Favorite Things about Tulsa

Hello loves,

Today I thought I'd throw in a post about my 5 favorite things about Tulsa, Oklahoma. I took a road trip with my friend, Kristin, last month and absolutely fell in love with the city.

1. Ida Red
This adorable little store stole my heart. They have everything you never knew you wanted - but absolutely needed. I would recommend checking out their collection of Dr. Pepper merchandise. Also, follow them on Instagram. You won't regret it.

2. Dwelling Spaces
A quaint boutique located on  - Dwelling spaces has clothing, knick knacks, and GREAT lattes. Not to mention, the barista was SO nice.

3. The Food
Taco Bueno. Oklahoma Joe's. Yokozuna. Caz's Chowhouse. Chimera. If you need one reason to go visit Tulsa, go for the food.

4. The Art and Culture
I could write novels on this. We were lucky enough to be in Tulsa during Mayfest and Hop Jam. There was amazing music, great food and beer, and not to mention the cool murals throughout the city.

5. The People
Within one day of being in Tulsa, Kristin and I could not believe how nice and genuine all of the local people were.  She and I made so many friends and got an inside look at the city. Everyone wanted to chat with us and give us advice about what places we needed to see. It was so lovely.

Have you ever been to Tulsa? What are your favorite things about the city? What do I need to do next time?  Let me know in the comments below.

With love,

Traci J

2014 Favorites

Hello loves,

Can you believe that another year has come and gone?! It's about to be 2015 - and I just can't wrap my mind around it. While I sit here attempting to mentally adjust to the new year - I have compiled a list of my 2014 favorites!  Here you will find the beast beauty products, favorite fashion items, and other random 2014 favorites of mine.

Enjoy :)

Beauty

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

This is a product that I could not have survived 2014 without!  Covergirl 2 in 1 Foundation, you were my go to base. My sunshine on a rainy day, if you will.  When my skin was dehydrated and cranky from too many hours in the airport - you helped me put on a happy face.  When I had only slept for 3 hours - you rejuvenated me.  And God forbid, if I had a blemish (or 12) you were there to hide the redness.  Thanks, Outlast. Thanks.

Dove Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

New to me in November of 2014, this shampoo and conditioner duo helped bring life to my ombre without weighing it down.  My hair is longer than ever - and also more dry - finding a treatment that adds enough moisture without weighing it down - is downright impossible... That is until I saw Ingrid Nilsen recommend Dove Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner in this video.  As soon as I purchased them, I was hooked!

Angled Brush from ELF

My beautiful little angled brush.  How I adore you.  I've had this guy for a couple years now, but only recently realized how much he means to me.  Each and every morning he helps me fill in my brows - which is no easy task.  Sometimes, they are beautifully groomed - recently waxed, plucked, and all together maintained - but more often than not they are two fuzzy caterpillars atop my brow bone.  This CRAZY affordable brush allows me to precisely and naturally fill in those bad boys. Stay classy, angle brush. 

Fashion

T Shirt Dress
(Similar)

I bought this dress from Target in July, and first featured it in this post. It is so comfy - and versatile.  You can dress it up with heals and a blazer - or down with sandals and a ponytail. This grey t shirt dress has taken me through many long flights - and never once wrinkled. I was even wearing it when I met Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco, at LAX. For that alone - I thank you, t shirt dress. 

Black Faux Leather Jacket
(Similar)

Coincidentally, this faux leather jacket goes great with the dress I just mentioned.  I swear, I have the hardest time finding jackets that fit my petite frame.  So, when I found this one at Marshall's early in 2014 - I snatched it up.  The cute floral panels give a hint of femininity to this sassy jacket. Every girl needs a good leather (or pleather) jacket to bring out their sass.

Francesca's Necklace

I have received SO many compliments on this necklace.  I picked it up on Black Friday - and it is truly the best necklace ever.  It goes with everything.  The whit acrylic jewels and rhinestone accents add a hint of glamour to any outfit.  I like to layer it with cozy, oversized sweaters. 

Noms

Sea Salted Dried Okra

Now I know that this does not sound all that appealing. But I'm telling you - this is the snack that got me through 2014.  It's crunchy, salty, and good for you!  Instead of reaching for potato chips or some other unhealthy snack after student teaching - I grabbed a handful of these instead. Try it. I promise it's delicious. 

Panera Bread

Mmmm. Panera.  Living on the road has me going out to  eat A LOT.  Whenever someone wants to have a meeting over a meal - I always suggest Panera.  They have so many choices that I never have to have the same thing twice.  My favorites have been the Autumn Squash Soup and the Roasted Turkey and Avocado Panini.  Plus, I'm  absolutely obsessed with Panera's green tea. 

Neuro Water

One of my coworkers introduced Neuro Water to me this July. Neuro water is a line of enhanced flavored waters.  They have water to help you sleep, give you energy, and even reduce stress.  I love the Tangerine Dreams for sleep (it has melatonin) and puts me to sleep with only half a bottle.  I really like the Bliss one as well - it is said to reduce stress. 

Music
Don't forget to follow me on Spotify!

Panic! At The Disco

This past summer - Miss Jackson - was my JAM, and I have a history of indulging in Panic!  However, until I randomly ran into Brendon (the lead singer of Panic! at the Disco) at LAX - I hadn't listened to the rest of Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die yet - and OMG!  This album (and really all of their music) is amazing!!!  My top 3 off of their latest album are:

1. Colar Full

2. This is Gospel

3. The End of All Things

Ed Sheeran

Oh, Ed. You're just darling.  He took the world by storm during 2014 - and was the soundtrack to most of my wait time in airports throughout the year (and my before bed playlist).  X was phenomenal.  My top 3 are:

1. Nina

2. I See Fire

3. Photograph

The 1975

Do I even need to talk about my love affair with The 1975?  I first heard about them from Ingrid Nilsen - over a year and a half ago - and I'm still infatuated/obsessed/CRAZY about them. I have no more words, so let's just jump into my top 3 picks.

1. Medicine

2. Sex

3. The City

Whew! I'm tired just listing out everything from 2014. What a year!  I'm interested in knowing what your favorite things from 2014 are!  Let me know in the comments below.  Did we share any favorites?

Happy New Year everyone!

XOXO,

Traci J

April Favorites 2014

Welcome back!

It's time for a favorites post once again.  This month has been all about embracing springtime and my own personal style.  

This Month's Favorites:

Dove Nutrium Moisture Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Wash - Pistachio Cream with Magnolia

Carolina Bay Floral Shift Dress

Betty Who

Amerie High Waisted Disco Pants

Herbal Essences Naked Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

Pistachio Cream with Magnolia Body Wash

I ran out of Clean on Me by Soap and Glory and wasn't near a Sephora, so I ran to target to pick up some spring - scented body wash.  The pistachio is a richer scent - reminiscent of winter, but the magnolia brightens it up making it wonderfully light!  I've always been a fan of Dove body washes - they are super hydrating and make the entire shower smell SO GREAT.

Lace Shift Dress 

This classic style dress is from Francesca's. The floral lace makes the dark blue dress feel super feminine and springy.  I styled this dress with a mint green and gold necklace for a recent sorority function and received loads of compliments on it!

Betty Who

I'll admit it - I have wholeheartedly jumped on the Betty Who bandwagon.  If you are on it as well - then I don't need to explain.  If you're not... then you NEED TO BE.  Her music is so fun and upbeat - I cannot resist the urge to dance around whenever her songs come on.  

Listen to my favorite song of hers at the moment "High Society."

High Waisted Disco Pants

These leggings are hands down the most amazing leggings I have ever owned.  They are super shiny and come up to about my belly button - and they just look so chic (as chic as leggings can be).  I've styled these with loose fitting tanks and t - shirts and tucking them into the waist band.  Since they are high waisted they also look cute with crop tops and bandeaus. Oh, and I purchased these from Boohoo.

Naked Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

Herbal Essences products are always hit or miss for me.  Sometimes I really like them, other times they disappoint me beyond belief. The new Naked Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are definitely a hit!  The scent is absolutely amazing.  It is mint and herbal infused - I can't describe it - it's just so great.  I cannot stop smelling my hair after I wash it.  In addition to the lovely smell, my hair feels insanely clean and moisturized.  My bleached ends can be really dry and tangled, but this conditioners smooths it all out.  Plus it's silicone,  paraben, and dye free - which is something I can get behind!  

That's it for what I've been in love with this April.  What have you been into? Let me know in the comments.

With love,

Traci J

March 2014 Favorites

Hooray! It's time for a favorites post!  

This month I have been anxiously awaiting springtime (it's only 36 degrees right now in Wisconsin) - so I have been surrounding myself with things that make me feel like it's warm and springy outside!

Let's just dive right into it, shall we?

This March I have been loving...

1. Graphic sweatshirts... This one is from Forever 21 and says "someday I will be president," a quote from Abraham Lincoln.  Since it is still cold here - I spend my weekends in crew necks and hoodies, and to be quite honest, this one makes me feel like a straight up BOSS when I wear it.  Who doesn't need that in their weekend? No one. We all need it.  (Sadly, this sweatshirt is sold out - but F21 has a great selection of graphic sweatshirts). 
2. Fango Ristorativo Restorative Hydrating Mud for Face & Body by Borghese... Face masks are a must in my skincare routine.  I usually do 2-3 masks per week - depending on the needs of my skin.  Most of the masks I use are on the drying side - because I have combination/oily skin.  However, I have a few dry spots around my nose and chin.  This mask hydrates those areas while minimizing redness.  Not to mention it smells super good!  It has an herbal/mineral-y scent that reminds me of the spa.  I would definitely recommend this mask - especially if you use a lot of drying products and feel like your skin needs some nourishment.
3. Hoola bronzer by Benefit... Hoola has a permanent place in almost any beauty blogger's makeup collection - but only recently found its way into mine.  I am absolutely obsessed!  As a SUPER pale person (a trait which I inherited from my mother, thanks mom), I struggle with finding the right bronzer.  Hoola not only complements my skin tone in just the right way (I use it for contouring), but it is also matte - which I love.  I have a few shimmery bronzers - which I like - but for everyday wear I like to have something matte.  I find that a matte bronzer really goes with any look and obviously gives the most natural effect. My makeup bag will never bee Hoola-less again.
4. Iphone case with cardholder by Lilly Pulitzer... Lilly Pulitzer is the epitome of spring and summer. If you don't know what Lilly is - please click here immediately.  My love for Lilly started with my Lilly Pulitzer agenda and grew into full blown obsession.  When I switched from my Galaxy to an Iphone - I had to ditch my oversized, blinged out case.  I popped into TJ Maxx and found this cute case with a cardholder for only $10!!!  Whenever I look at my phone it makes me think of sunshine and flowers - plus, I always know where my ID is! (Let's hope I never lose my phone - or I won't have a driver's license either).
5. "Feel the Love" by Rudimental... Oh my goodness guys - THIS SONG.  "Feel the Love:" isn't a new song, but it is new to me.  I discovered it a few days ago while perusing the internet - and I instantly fell in love.  Everyday when I come home from teaching I put this song on and it makes me very very very happy.  It's upbeat, soulful, and just all around amazing!  I have started listening to a few other things by Rudimental - and so far I really like what I hear.  Go check them out - maybe you'll find your springtime soundtrack just like I have.
6. Cream Tea nail polish by Butter London... Butter London - what more do I need to say?  This white/cream color is perfect for spring.  Light colors always look fresh and flirty - especially during the spring months. NOTE: this color takes a lot of patience and requires 3+ coats, but it is totally worth it (I'm putting it on my nails once I finish this post)!  If you like cream colored nail polish - pick this up, you won't be sorry!!!

There you have it - my favorites for this month!

I hope you check some of them out - and let me know what you think.  Also, tell me what you have been loving this month in the comments below.

With love,

Traci J

January 2014 Favorites

I cannot believe that January is almost over - wasn't it just Christmas?! Sheesh.

Here are some of my most loved products for the past month:

Clean on Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel by Soap and Glory
I first heard about this shower gel  WAY back in Missglamorazzi's February Favorites 2012 video, and I have no idea why it took me so long to go pick this up.  It is seriously AMAZING.  I have been using this regularly in the shower since I bought it.  The scent is the usual Soap and Glory scent - kind of citrusy, kind of floraly, and really really clean.  It lathers up so well and doesn't over dry my skin.  I am definitely OBSESSED.

Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Violet Ray by NYX
This lipstick has probably been on my lips for at least half of this month.  The dark purple color is perfect for winter and it is super buildable.  It does stick to some of the dry spots on my lips - but it isn't too hard to work with.  The color is just TOO good.

Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Kirstie Ankle Boot with Mini Studs from Target
So this is more of a pseudo-January favorite... since I just picked these up this past Sunday.  However, I am in love with these booties!!! I picked them up for only $13 on clearance at Target.  I wore them for my first day of student teaching and my feet were not sore at all - and they looked so cute.  I may not have had them for much of January - but they are for sure one of my favorite January purchases.

High Intensity Hand Cream by Bliss
This hand cream was the first product that came in my QVC beauty advent calendar this winter - and I have been loving it.  I keep it in my purse and use it after I wash my hands when I'm out running errands or at work.  It keeps my hands nice and moisturized and it smells very clean.  It does leave a bit of a greasy residue for a few minutes - but it subsides pretty quickly.

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso by Stila
Oh my goodness this lipstick.  It is the ultimate red lipstick - and it stays on SO WELL.  I wore it on New Year's and received so many compliments while I was out.  If you are looking for a true red, long wear lipstick I absolutely recommend this product.

Eyestudio Color Pearls Marbelized Eye Shadow in Persuasive Plum by Maybelline
I bought this eye shadow as an impulse buy when I was at Ulta.  They had buy one get one for 50% off on Maybelline products - and I had purchased something... I can't remember what... so that's concerning...but anyways, I figured I should grab something else.  I had never been drawn to the marbelized eye shadow but I really liked the tan/pink swirl.  Oh my gosh am I glad I bought this!  The colors go well together or separately - and the marbelized side just makes my eyes look so bright!  I can't get over it. I am in love.

There you have it. My January favorites.  What have you been loving this month?  Let me know in the comments below.

With love,

Traci J