Real Outfit Roundup: Feeling (Kind of) Like Fall

It feels kind of like fate to be doing this Real Outfit Roundup on the last day of September. This has been one of the busiest months, but for the most part it didn't feel very hectic or like I was being pulled in too many directions at once. If you follow me on Instagram, then you'll know that I have fully embraced fall-themed fashion. Still no sweaters or jackets, though, since our highs are still in the 80s most days. Although, we did have a week of 70s with morning lows in the 50s!

Anyway, for those of you who are new, every two weeks I share the outfits I wore in real life and what I was doing those days - if I can remember. Mom brain is a real thing, people! I link to the exact or similar items, since I definitely don't wear something new every single day!

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" and weigh about 150 lbs. I typically am size 6 or medium in clothes and wear size 7 shoes.

Shirt (similar) / Pants (similar) / Shoes (similar) / Belt

This was the day I got my hair cut...well, trimmed. But this photo was taken before I went in, I believe. Anyway, I remember thinking that I wanted to feel pumpkin spice-ish, so I pulled out these orange twill pants. I didn't want to overdo it, considering it was still pretty warm, so I went with this off-white lace blouse and the finished the look with my tried-and-true leopard print flats. Literally everything in this picture is at least a year old, except for my belt.

Shirt (similar) / Jeans (similar) / Shoes

I wore this for my husband's birthday. We didn't do much - the highlight being a cookout at his parents' house. I was having some allergy issues so I just wanted to be comfortable. These boyfriend jeans are my newest pair, and they're pretty amazing. My tank is from last year, I think, but I've got several of the same style so I really can't remember.

Dress / Shoes (similar)

I was really excited to get this dress. It's bigger than I expected, and I honestly could have sized down. This is the medium, and I had to tighten the straps as much as they would go. Anyway, the material on this isn't thick or thin, really. It's not see-through, and it's got a semi-liner at the bust. I wish it had pockets, but it doesn't. The color is perfect for fall, but you already know I'll be wearing it year-round! We had a surprise visit from my parents so we took them to our new favorite pizza spot and threw on my old brown sandals to finish it out.

Dress

This dress gets all the heart eyes. It's leopard print but in an unexpected pale pink. The only thing on my calendar for this day, other than work, was gymnastics in the afternoon. I truly don't remember what shoes I ended up wearing for that.

Shirt / Skirt / Shoes (similar)

I really love this skirt...except for the waistband. The elastic kept folding up inside the material, so I fought with it every time I got up. I feel like the waist band might be sewn funny or something since this isn't a problem I've ever had. I'll be keeping it regardless. It has pockets and isn't see-through and comes in several other colors. My t-shirt is the Amazon Essentials brand, and it's pretty good. It's about time to replace it, honestly. The neck is starting to lose its integrity.

Plaid Shirt (similar) / Tank / Leggings / Shoes

This was our first true taste of fall weather, so I had to dress accordingly! I'm not usually one to dress with this much black, but I really wanted to try these $12 faux leather leggings that have such great reviews. Honestly, I'm pretty impressed. They hold everything in nicely and I had no issues with rolling or bunching throughout the day. The issues I had were that they're about two inches too long for me, so I rolled the bottoms under, and they make a weird rubbing sound that I can't describe when you walk (hopefully that'll resolve itself after a run through the washing machine). They're also hot, but all faux leather leggings are, so take that for what it's worth. All in all, not bad for $12, and I'll be wearing them again.

Shirt / Jeans (similar) / Shoes (similar) / Belt

Remember this shirt from my Old Navy try-on post a few weeks ago? It finally cooled off enough to wear it without dying of heat stroke! I had a busier-than-expected work day, but that evening I went to a local production of Annie with a girlfriend so I wanted to be dressed nice. This shirt, while massively oversized, has a really nice drape when front-tucked. I paired it with my dark wash, non-distressed boyfriend jeans and some two-toned flat slides.

Blue Flannel (similar) / T-shirt / Shorts (similar) / Shoes

I spent most of Saturday at the lake with family. It was warm but with a cool-ish breeze, so I went full-out 90s grunge with my favorite distressed denim shorts, a Disney princess graphic tee under a blue plaid long-sleeve button-up, and my blue Converse. This outfit felt so much like me, it almost hurt.

Shirt (similar) / Joggers / Shoes

On Sunday, I just wanted to be comfy, and these camo joggers are by far my most comfortable pair. My sadly no-longer-available flower peace sign t-shirt was a perfect match.

Shirt (similar) / Jeans (similar) / Shoes (similar) / Belt

Monday ended up being nothing like what I planned. Alexis woke up with a horrible cough, so we ended up at the pediatrician's office. I pulled this short-sleeved sweater that I've had forever on because it's really comfy and grabbed my new favorite jeans (that I maybe have been wearing for the past week). The outfit felt like an understated nod to the season while still being appropriate for the weather.

Shirt / Jeans (similar) / Shoes (similar) / Belt

My peach-and-cream striped short-sleeve sweater inspired me to pull this vertical peach-striped short-sleeve camp-style shirt down for Tuesday. Who knew that peach would work so perfectly for fall? I always kind of associate it with Spring, but I'm really digging it for autumn these days.

Anyway, that's it for this edition of Real Outfit Roundup. I hope you all get some inspiration for your fall OOTDs!

*This post contains affiliate links.

19 Books I Just Added to My TBR List

Do you guys judge books by their covers? I certainly do. I mean, the cover is the first thing you see. If it's not eye-catching, then it's a waste. Seriously, there's nothing worse than a great cover hiding a terrible story.

Anyway, whenever I get into a reading slump, or when I've read something particularly mind-blowing and can't move on to something already in my TBR list, I start browsing. Which is why my TBR list is so out of control. These are the newest titles to catch my attention and get me excited about reading.

Wild Open Hearts by Kathryn Nolan - This is the third book in the Bluewater Billionaires series, which I've just realized is written by different authors. I've enjoyed this series so far, and I'm excited to see what happens with Luna, the CEO of a vegan makeup company.

Daughter of a Thousand Years by Amalia Carosella - This is the story of two women, one living in AD 1000 and the other in 2016. Both are faced with following their faith or their rather famous families. 

Curse of Stone by Veronica Shade - Madison is a witch. After accidentally killing her boyfriend, a feat thought to be impossible, she enrolls in an academy to get some training. Already a year behind her classmates, she's got a lot to overcome. Then, a witch turns up dead and starts to haunt Madison.

The Darkest Flower by Kristin Wright - Lawyer, Allison Barton, has been hired by the president of the PTA after she's accused of trying to poison her fellow friend and PTA member.

Helen of Sparta by Amalia Carosella - I'm pretty excited for this one. It's tale of what might have happened with Helen before Paris took her to Troy and started the whole Trojan Horse thing with Achilles.

Shadow Witch by Kim Richardson - After her boyfriend of five years breaks up with her, Tessa moves back to Hollow Cove and into a life of magic. She joins the family business: protecting the town from anything that wants to harm it. When people start dying and demons show up, it's up to Tessa to take care of it.

The Bennet Women by Eden Appiah-Kubi - In this modern twist on Pride and Prejudice, engineering student EJ finds herself paired up with the arrogant, Will, her friend Jamie's boyfriend's best friend.

Life, Unscheduled by Kristin Rockaway - Nicole is married to her job and doesn't have time for a social life or romance. Then her best friend gets engaged and asks her to be the maid of honor, so Nicole decides to meticulously plan out the next six months of her life down to the number of hours she'll sleep each night. What could possibly go wrong?

The Call by Maggie M. Lily - Matilda, a self-employed strategic consultant in the liquor industry, has landed the opportunity to build a new brand of beer for Trellis Industries. Then, she meets Jake Trellis, her would-be foul-mouthed Prince Charming, but is Matilda ready to join the Trellis clan?

Cry Wolf by  Romy Lockhart - Maggie O'Brien is a liar. She wouldn't know the truth if it bit her. But one day she saw something truly terrible. By the time the police arrived, the body was gone and no one believed her. Fast forward ten years, and Maggie's moved back to town. Not much has changed - she's still lying - except for the three strangers who've taken an interest in her.

Magic Destiny by Kate Gellar - One day, Abby's a typical college student. The next, her mom dies and she finds out she's descended from a powerful witch line, something her mother never mentioned. Now, Abby can sense things others can't. Luckily, four guardians might have the answers she needs.

The Fire Prophecy by Megan Linski & Alicia Rades - After discovering she can control fire, Sophia must attend a magical school to learn to control her element and bond with a familiar. She's entered into the Elemental Cup with a water elemental. In a world intent on pulling them apart because of their opposite elements, they'll have to work together to survive.

Smile Like You Mean It by Willow Hadley - After the death of her father, Charlotte's relationship with  her mother drastically changes. After a traumatic incident instigated by her mother, Charlotte is arrested and taken to juvie. A year later, Charlotte is released and goes to live with an uncle she didn't know she had. There, she meets Sebastian and his friends, and the group forms a unique bond.

Echoes by A.M. Caplan - Hannah thinks she's losing her mind when the man she ran over and killed simply vanish. She searches exhaustively until she finds him alive and well. She learns he's part of an ancient race of immortals, but so is his deranged sister who murders everyone who learns their secret.

The Moonfire Bride by Sylvia Mercedes - When Valera is taken by the fae, she finds herself the unwilling bride of a fae lord. He claims he won't harm her and vows to return her home after a year and one day so long as she never looks upon his face.

Hooked by Emily McIntire - If you couldn't guess by the title, this is a Peter Pan retelling from the point of view of Captain Hook. I'm excited for this one!

Sand and Stars by Olivia Hart - Maelera is taken from her village by Marcellus, the winged warrior prince who's turned killing into an art form. He says Maelera's visions are the key to finding the hidden Elven kingdoms his father has vowed to conquer, but she has vowed to protect them with her life.

Before Time Runs Out by Amy Matayo - In danger of having to repeat her final semester, Bree creates her own Ghost Club. It's a club that blames ghosts for unsolved crimes - the same type of club founded by Charles Dickens 200 years ago. What she doesn't expect is to find an original copy of one of Dickens' works and be transplanted into Dickens's ghost club meeting in the late 1800s. But she's not the only one who's managed to time travel and is now stuck.

Rogue Ethereal series by Annie Anderson - Max has died 100 times in 100 different ways, usually at the hands of the humans she's tried to save. When a pregnant young woman finds her way into Max's tattoo shop with a demon on her tail, things go from bad to worse. Being a centuries-old witch isn't going to help.

Brytn Smile Teeth-Whitening Review

When it comes to my teeth, I'm pretty on top of my game. I brush and floss regularly, visit my dentist twice a year, and can pinpoint when anything changes.

Not too long ago, I noticed that my smile wasn't quite as bright as it used to be. So I started using a whitening toothpaste. Little did I know, over time whitening toothpastes can weaken your teeth's enamel and cause sensitivity. And, boy, were my teeth super sensitive, but I was also having the ordeal with getting that one tooth crowned so I attributed the new sensitivity to my multiple visits to the dentist chair.

At any rate, I changed toothpastes and started using Sensodyne. So, I've gotten that pesky sensitivity back under control, but I really didn't want to stop my whitening journey. That's why when Brytn Smile reached out about their teeth-whitening kit, I was fully on board to give it a try.

I got their starter set, which includes everything you see in the picture above: blue and red light whitening device, three whitening pens (black), and one extra strength whitening pen (white). Also included, but not pictured, was a shade scale (which I promptly lost - oops) and a battery charger (just the cord, but it's a standard usb size so you can use your phone charger thing).

Before this, the only teeth-whitening products I've tried were the Crest white strips, which I didn't like, and the Colgate whitening toothpaste that's supposed to erase up to 10 years worth of stains, which worked but led to extreme sensitivity after prolonged use.

I have been using the Brytn Smile teeth-whitening starter kit for about a month now, maybe a little more. I do not use it every day, although I suppose you could. I don't want to tempt fate into bringing that sensitivity back, y'all. I don't think I could survive another round of that. So a few times a week is it for me, but the results are still pretty amazing.

I hope you can tell from these pictures, which are not enhanced in any way, that my teeth are definitely looking brighter. I do still have some stains on my canines, but it's much better than it was before. Even my husband has commented on it.

Since using Brytn Smile's teeth-whitening kit, I feel more confident with my smile. I'm more likely to smile in my selfies. I'm not worried that my daily coffee and soft drink intake is doing irreparable damage to my pearly whites.

If you're looking for a whiter smile, give Brytn Smile a try! Use my code Mommy25 to get 25% off your order.

Monday Motivation

I can't believe it's the last week of September! Man, last week was rough with a capital R. It was one of those weeks where everything that could go wrong, did. I had multiple missed deadlines, one of my interviews completely backed out on me on the last day, and I sprained my wrist so I couldn't do yoga to keep me even-keeled.

But that week is over and I'm ready for a much better stretch of days, even if my wrist still isn't 100 percent better (hence this week's words of wisdom).

Last week wasn't all bad. I got a good review from my dermatologist appointment and had a fun girls night watching a local kids' drama group perform Annie on Friday. There was some excitement this weekend, but that's not my story to tell so that's all I can share with you guys.

I don't really have much going this week. The magazine's website will be my main focus, though I'll also be working on planning ahead for the rest of the year. The holiday season kind of puts a rush on things since everyone's schedules tend to get busier.

I'm also starting to work on my blog calendar for the next month. I was hoping to have a FabFitFun unboxing for you soon, but it's been sitting in a shipping warehouse for awhile so I'm not sure when I'll actually have it in hand...or if it'll ever actually arrive. I just got a refund for a pair of boots I ordered nearly two months ago that were being shipped via the same company but didn't move for a month. I'm pretty disappointed in that.

Anyway, let me know if there's anything you'd like to see, and I'll do my best to make it happen!

4 Lipsticks for Fall

I have a weakness for lipstick...even though most days I forget to reapply it. Mom life, am I right?

Lipstick is truly the one place I feel adventurous when it comes to makeup. I like my lip to be bold without looking like I'm auditioning for clown school. I have this memory from childhood of a redheaded woman who wore bright, fire-engine red lipstick and how garish it always looked, and to this day that memory guides me in my lipstick choice.

To be fair, I don't really color-code my makeup for the seasons, so although I've named this post 4 Lipsticks for Fall, and these are all great fall options, I will wear them year-round, maybe with the exception of the last one I'm sharing because it may be too brown.

Mellow Cosmetics Nude Creamy Matte Lipstick

Have you guys tried Mellow yet? They just might be my favorite lipstick brand. And this is, hands down, my favorite nude lipstick EVER. Most nude lipsticks on me are either too pink, too brown, or make my lips disappear altogether. This lipstick gives me just enough color so that my lips are actually apparent on my face without looking like I'm trying super hard. This is honestly the lipstick I wear 90 percent of the time.

NYX Ripe Berry Butter Lipstick

I got this in one of my ipsy bags several years ago. As you can tell from the tube, this is a well-loved lipstick. It can usually be found in the catch-all tray on my desk so that I'm always prepared for a video call or Zoom meeting. This shade is the perfect blend of red and purple. What I love about this lipstick is how smooth it is, which I guess is why it's called butter lipstick.

Milani Color Statement Black Cherry Lipstick

When I describe this lipstick to other people, I pull out a really dated reference. Remember in the movie The Little Giants when Becky, the tomboy who plays football, tries makeup for the first time and gets caught by her dad, so she lies and tells him she's just eaten a cherry Tootsie Pop? That's the color this lipstick is, and it's so perfect. Also, I don't know how they do it, but Milani's lipsticks smell so dang good. I think I might be addicted to that smell.

Milani Color Statement Honey Rose Lipstick

Originally this post was going to just showcase three shades, but then I picked up this one from the drugstore last week, and I couldn't not include it. It's such a nice understated brown. It's not quite nude but it's also not dark enough to feel too earthy for my skin tone.

What's your go-to lipstick shade?

My Fitness Journey + an Honest Review of Starving Spirits

I'm not going to lie, friends. This is a really difficult post to write. Talking about how truly out of shape and weak I got last year makes me feel all kinds of vulnerable. It also really highlights the fact that I'm now firmly in my mid-30s where getting back into shape is infinitely harder than it used to be.

I had a hysterectomy last year. My decision came after more than year of suffering (You can read more about it here). Even before I headed into the OR, my health and physical fitness had taken a pretty big hit. Then add in a months-long recovery from having major surgery, and all the physicality I had prided myself on keeping honed was basically non-existent. I had no stamina, strength, or flexibility anymore.

In case you didn't know, it takes an entire year to fully recover from a hysterectomy.

As soon as I was able, I started walking - the only exercise my doctor said was safe for me to do. I started with what amounted to maybe a quarter of a mile, and it was brutal. I eventually worked up to being able to jog a full mile, but although my stamina had greatly improved I needed more.

At the beginning of the year, I took on a health coach as a client with the magazine. When she asked if I'd like to try a complimentary session with her, I jumped at the opportunity. That 30 minute class was was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but when I walked out of her studio I felt so much better.

Not long after that, about mid-March, I started seeing Valerie twice a week for one-on-one yoga sessions. But if I'm being honest, calling what happens in the 60 minutes we spend together just "yoga" feels limiting. It's breathing and refocusing and strength training and physical therapy and flexibility and cardio all rolled into one.

It's been about six months, maybe longer since I don't remember the actual date we started, and the changes in my body are astounding. I've lost about two inches in my waist, I've dropped an entire dress/pant size, my stamina is up, my flexibility is rebounding, and - probably the best feeling of all - I have muscles, y'all.

You'll notice I didn't mention my weight. That's because I didn't set out to lose any, and I'm pretty sure I haven't. In fact, I've probably gained a little because muscle outweighs fat.

Get a free consultation with Valerie here.

Exercising, in any way, is infinitely more enjoyable when you're comfortable, right? So finding the best leggings and sports bras is just part of the deal. I get my workout gear from a variety of places at all difference price points. When Starving Spirits reached out to me about giving their workout sets a try, I said what the heck and signed up.

I started out with three sets, one of which is no longer available unfortunately.

Yellow Tie-Dye Two Piece Set

Purple Two-Piece Shorts Set

Burn-Orange Three-Piece Set (no longer available)

I'm impressed with the quality. All three sets are incredibly soft. In fact, they're the softest leggings and sports bras I own. As such, they're insanely comfortable, and I wore the yellow set for an entire day (with a sweatshirt over the sports bra, of course).

The only issue I have is that the waist bands come up a bit too high on me, but that's a short-person issue that I have with most leggings. It's not enough of an issue for me to not buy more.

Price wise, they're comparable to Fabletics or Lululemon.

*This post is not sponsored and does not contain affiliate links. However, I am a brand ambassador for Starving Spirits, and as such receive a discount when I shop. This post contains my honest, unedited opinions.

10 Low-Cost Activities To Do as a Family This Fall

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The temps are getting lower, the humidity isn't on full blast, and the world is starting to fade into bursts of gold, orange, and deep red.

This is the perfect time of year to go on a family adventure, and I've put together a list of ten activities that are free or nearly free.

Visit a U-Pick Farm or Farmers Market - Apple picking isn't really a thing where I live, but there are plenty of u-pick farms, and many of our farmers markets have started adding fall seasons. It's a great way to add some fall produce to your table and get out of the house for a couple hours.

Have a Fall/Halloween Movie Marathon - Did you catch my movie list for October? That's a good place to start, especially if you're not into scary movies like me. And of course Freeform's got you covered with their 31 Nights of Halloween (see the full schedule here).

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt - Turn your next walk through the neighborhood or visit to a local park into a fun game. There are tons of free printables online or you can make up your own!

Visit a Pumpkin Patch/Sunflower Patch/Corn Maze - Nothing says fall more than pumpkins, sunflowers, and corn mazes. Grab your camera and head to your local patch for an afternoon of fun.

Make Fall Treats - Even if you're not much of a baker (like me), you can still have fun. Check out these 10 yummy ideas.

Go Camping - Camping in the fall is my favorite. You can build a fire, roast marshmallows, and not worry as much about mosquitoes.

Decorate a Pumpkin - Is it even fall if you don't decorate a pumpkin? This year, we're entering our library's Book Character Pumpkin Contest.

Have a Spooky Story Competition - Pop some popcorn, lower the lights, grab your flashlights, and go 'round the circle telling spooky tales. The best one wins! Bragging rights or a treat of some kind - your choice.

Host a BYOS (Bring Your Own Soup) Party - Invite your family, neighbors, coworkers, etc. to a dinner party and have them each bring their best soup to share. You can even turn it into a competition. This is something I fully intend to do this year.

Make a Fall Craft - Whether you DIY or hit up one of your local art studios for some guided instruction, a little creativity goes a long way.

What's something you're looking forward to doing with your family this fall?

How to Get Your Reading Groove Back

If we lived in a perfect world, reading slumps wouldn't exist. But this world is a flawed place and reading slumps are a fact of life. They can last days, weeks, months, and even years.

I found myself in the mother of all reading slumps several years ago. It had gotten so bad that I started to question if I needed to give up my self-proclaimed title of bookworm. Thankfully, I pulled myself out of it before it got to that point, and today I'm going to share with you seven ways to get your reading groove back.

1. Set Goals - It doesn't matter if they're monthly or weekly or even yearly, having a goal to meet will give you a sense of accomplishment when you meet it.

It is important to make sure that your goal is reasonable. When I first set out to start reading again, I was so out of practice that my goal for an entire year was just to read one new book per month...and there were some months I didn't meet that goal.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable - What's the point of having a goal if you don't have a way to measure your progress? For me, back when I set that goal of one book per month for a year, I held myself accountable by writing a review of whatever I read each month. Obviously there are other ways you can keep on top of your reading goals. You can try a reading planner like this beautiful one on Etsy or set up a TBR list on Goodreads.

3. Schedule Time for Reading - This one is HUGE, especially for busy moms. When I intentionally made reading a part of my day, it stopped feeling like time taken away from something else I should've been doing.

Perhaps the simplest mindset is to take advantage of "reading windows." You know, like the after school car line or while you're waiting for your kids' practice to end.

4. Read Books You're Actually Interested In - This should go without saying, but once you stop worrying about what other people will think of your book choices, your life as a reader truly begins.

5. Reread An Old Favorite - This is the best way I've found to get through a reading slump. I have a collection of books that I'm constantly rereading. It's kind of like a palate cleanser.

6. Try Something New - A quick way to break out of a rut is to sample a new genre of book or even a new format like an e-reader or audiobook.

7. Join a Book Club/Reading Group - Talking with other people about books is such a great way to get excited about reading. Check with your local library for area book clubs you could join, or join a virtual one like Reese Witherspoon's Book Club. There are also tons of great groups on Facebook you can join to interact with readers who have similar tastes.

I hope these tips help you rekindle your love of reading, and if you're ever in need of a book rec, be sure to check out my monthly reading roundups.

Monday Motivation

Happy Monday, friends! It's been a busy last several days for my family and me. My husband and I celebrated our 9th anniversary, and we celebrated his 36th birthday over the weekend. In between all that I had yoga and a hair appointment, and Alexis had gymnastics. Her grandma (my MIL) came to that so we treated her to pizza at a newer place in town that gets a little adventurous with its toppings. We've been a couple times now and really like the vibe and the food.

This week will *hopefully* be a little less hectic. I've got some deadlines for the magazine, and I feel like I'm finally caught up from our late distribution snafu.

I hope the sun comes back out at some point this week. We've had several days of rain, and that coupled with the start of peanut picking season is aggravating my allergies and sinuses. I'm actually probably going to schedule a visit with my ENT this week. Speaking of doctor's appointments, I've got a few I've been putting off so I'll probably get those scheduled, too.

Speaking of schedules, I've got a decent sized to-do list for today so I'm gonna sign off and get started. I hope you all have a great week!

An Honest Review of Monat Sculpting Taffy

Do you guys ever find a product that instantly changes how you do something? The Monat Restyle Instant Sculpting Taffy is the product I didn't know my hair routine needed.

I've been using Monat since July. I've used the curl cream, which is a really great product, the mousse, which gives great volume, and the gel, which is probably the best gel I've ever used. The curl cream is really the only one I've used consistently, as in after every wash, and I was rotating between pairing it with the mousse or the gel. And my results were great! Seriously, the best hair days I've ever had consistently since deciding to embrace my natural texture.

Then, I was browsing through all the products Monat offers to learn more about them when I came across the sculpting taffy. After reading the description and reviews, I knew I had to try it. And y'all, I'm kinda mad it wasn't part of my first order!

I've used it in conjunction with the curl cream and on its own, and while it doesn't necessarily give me better results than either the mousse or the gel, the taffy stands above them for me.

The best way I can explain the taffy is that it's like a cream and gel combined but without the stickiness or dreaded crunch. It provides all day hold that resists our crazy humidity, and I have less frizz when I use it, especially when combined with the leave-in conditioner and/or the curl cream.

Speaking of hold, it lasts through me sleeping on it and a sweaty workout. And if I do need to restyle, you can use it on dry hair, and it's still not crunchy or sticky. What?!

This is the product of my dreams. Seriously, 10/10 would recommend.

5 Beauty Tools I Use Every Day

Happy Friday, friends! On Fridays, I try to do something fun for you guys. I had originally planned something else, but I needed a little more time to put it together, so I decided to share the five beauty tools I use every. single. day.

Makeup Brushes - I've been using this set for over a year now. They cost less than $10, but perform just as well or better than some more expensive brushes I've used. They're easy to clean - I just use anti-bacterial soap.

Makeup Remover Sponge - This is one of the best things I've ever ordered from Amazon. I use this to keep all of my makeup brushes from gunking up in between cleanings.

Saie Beauty Rounds - I got these in a FabFitFun box, but now they're available at Walmart! These are so much better than a washcloth. I use them with and without facial cleanser, and I also use them to apply toner sometimes.

Makeup Sponges - I literally do not spend much money on these. I mean, they're not something that last indefinitely. I use the tear-drop shaped one the most, but I usually just grab a multi-pack with all different sizes so I'm covered.

Stand Mirror - I can't find the exact one I have (it's pretty old and getting kinda shabby), but I did find a pretty cool one that I'm thinking about buying as a replacement. I like the little tray base and earring hooks. I like being able to get close to the mirror when applying my makeup, but when you're short it's hard to do that with a regular bathroom vanity.

What are your can't-live-without-em beauty tools?

Real Outfit Roundup: Summer to Fall Style

I'm probably jinxing it, but it hasn't been as hot or as humid the past couple of weeks. Now, don't get me wrong, it's still way too hot for full-out fall style. Coat and jacket weather is still at least a month away! But I've actually been able to wear jeans a few times without dying, and I call that a win.

For those of you who are new around here, every two weeks I round up my daily outfits for you guys (or the ones I remembered to take pictures of, anyway). I try to share what I was doing the day I wore them and links to shop the exact or similar items. If it's something new, I'll give you a little review.

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" and weigh around 150 lbs. I typically wear a medium or size 6 in clothing and size 7 in shoes.

Jumpsuit (similar) / Shoes (similar)

I'll be honest. I'm looking back at my calendar for this day, and there's nothing written down. So I don't know what I did that day. I do remember feeling really excited that this jumpsuit that I bought at the beginning of summer that didn't fit right now fits perfectly. Also, did you miss my post about styling a jumpsuit for cooler weather?

Dress / Shoes / Headband

I wore this on a Saturday. This was the weekend we went shopping for fall decorations. This is probably my favorite dress that I own, which explains why you see it all over my Instagram all the time. I did have to cut the ties off the waist finally since they finally frayed to the point of barely hanging on by a thread. I also decided to throw on a black pearl-encrusted headband and my black flats.

Dress (similar) / Headband / Shoes (not pictured)

This has been one of my most-worn dresses for the past two or three years. All I remember doing on this day is going to eat seafood for lunch. You can't see them, but I wore my new lilac-colored flats. There's a good bit of purple in the dress's pattern so it was an unexpected pop of color. Plus, I wanted to break them in before wearing them to go trick-or-treating as Daphne on Halloween.

Shirt (similar) / Jeans (similar) / Belt / Sneakers (similar)

Looking at my calendar for this day, wow. I was super busy, but I'm pretty sure I didn't leave my house. This darker yellow tank is one that I've hung onto for several years. It's got a pretty laser-cut pattern and is such a good fall color.

Shirt / Jeans (similar) / Shoes

I wore this on one of my distribution days. It started out overcast and a little cool, but quickly warmed up to the upper 80s. Needless to say, I was regretting my decision to wear jeans by the time I was finished. I really love this cropped NASA t-shirt, though. It took me back to fifth grade when we did an extended field trip at Space Camp.

Shirt / Shorts (similar)

Are muscle tees still trending? I honestly don't know, but I'm not regretting adding this Beatles' one to my small collection.

Yoga Outfit

I actually kept this on all day after having a self-led yoga session last weekend. I got this outfit as part of a collaboration with Starving Spirits. I've got two other sets from them and will definitely be buying from them again. These are the softest workout leggings and sports bras I have ever tried, but despite that softness they have a lot of support. Now, because I'm short, the waistband on the leggings come up a little too high on me, so I have to deal with some rolling, but it's minor. Best of all, I wear my normal size in everything, instead of having to size up.

Dress / Vest (similar) / Sneakers (similar)

Remember this dress from my Old Navy try-on post last weekend? Well, I didn't wait long to wear it! This is such a good fall color combo, but the spaghetti straps keep it cool for our extended summers. I added my trusty denim vest to give it a bit more of a fall vibe and decided to go for some subtle print mixing with my leopard sneakers.

Shirt / Jeans / Shoes / Necklace

Another perfect-for-fall color with this smocked peplum. It's so dang flattering, y'all. I will say that because I am smaller up top that some of my bras won't work, but even when it did slip a little there wasn't any cleavage. And these jeans are a great replacement for my other favorite ripped up boyfriends (that I won't be retiring until I absolutely have to). As for my shoes, well - I can't find anything even close, so no link for those.

Shirt / Jeans (similar) / Belt / Shoes

I wore this for our anniversary lunch. As I said in last weekend's try-on post, this shirt is very see-through. I almost did brown accessories, but decided that I wanted to wear my black flats instead. Unfortunately, my shirt is only available in a few sizes so if you want it, better hurry!

13 Books to Read this Fall

The official start of fall is one week away! Are you the type of person who likes to read books to suit the season? If you answered yes, then you're in luck because I've rounded up 13 books to get you through the season. They vary from magical to mysterious and a little bit spooky. Nothing too scary, though, since I'm not a fan.

So grab your pumpkin spice whatever and get ready to cozy up with one of these recommendations!

The Starless Sea - This is one of the best books I've ever read. Erin Morgenstern has such a way with words. Her writing is simply beautiful. It is a story inside of a story that meanders in the most whimsical way to tie all of the elements together. Zachary Ezra Rawlins discovers a door to an underground library that was created around Time and Fate, soulmates who are repeatedly torn from each other. Zachary, a man called Dorian, and the mysterious Mirabel are the key to Time and Fate's happy ending.

The Guild Codex: Demonized - This is a spin-off series of Annette Marie's Spellbound series. Robin and her demon, Zylas, don't have a traditional contractor agreement, and they both want out of it. The only way to do that is for them to work together, but along the way they discover a lot of secrets about both of their pasts and the fate of the world.

The Haunting of H.G. Wells - Robert Massello has crafted a ghost story around the no-man's lands of WWI starring none other than famed author H.G. Wells. Acting as a war correspondent, Wells is sent to the front line to investigate the validity of a story circulating about a brigade of angels fighting alongside British troops. While there, Wells discovers a wasteland inhabited by the living, the dead, and those trapped in between. When he returns to London, those souls follow him and help unravel a deadly plot that could change the tide of the war.

Verity - Written by Colleen Hoover, this is a dark romance. A semi-successful author, Lowen, is hired to finish writing a mega successful series after the original author, Verity, is gravely injured and can't continue. Circumstances lead to Lowen moving into Verity's home with her husband and young son. While working in Verity's office, Lowen discovers what appears to be an autobiography, full of terrible family secrets and the answers to a horrible mystery.

A Discovery of Witches - This is the first book in Deborah Harkness's All Souls trilogy. It's the story of Diana Bishop and Matthew de Clairmont, a witch and vampire who fall in love despite the laws against it.

The Coven saga - Chandelle LaVaun has created a world that I very much would like to be a part of. I don't have a good way of summarizing this series without spoiling it, but I'll give you some basics. The Coven is made up of 22 witches, male and female, who represent the Major Arcana of the Tarot. They are the ruling force of the world's witches and the first line of defense against demons trying to invade the world. There are several intermingled series making up this saga, and you have to read them in order. I've linked to the first book.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely - This is the first book of Brigid Kemmerer's Cursebreaker series. Prince Rhen and and his captain of the guard, Grey, have been trapped inside a curse for years, bringing countless girls to Emberfall in the hopes one will fall in love with the prince and break the curse. After hundreds of seasons, it all feels hopeless, but then Grey finds Harper - a girl with cerebral palsy who just doesn't give up.

The Cutthroat - This was the first Isaac Bell mystery (written by Clive Cussler) that I read, and it remains to this day my favorite. After years of terrifying London, Jack the Ripper mysteriously stops killing. Then, in 1911, Bell discovers a series of murders that follow the same pattern as the ripper.

Opium and Absinthe - Lydia Kang is the queen of mystery and suspense. There's a murderer running loose in NYC, staging their crimes to look like vampire attacks. When Tillie's sister, Lucy, becomes one of the victims, she sets out to find the killer.

Ghosts of Gotham - Craig Schaefer left me in open-mouthed shock as he revealed the secrets of this mystery. So as to not spoil those same moments for you, here's why I downloaded the book in the first place: Lionel Page is an investigative reporter known for debunking the supernatural. When he's hired to find and authenticate a lost Edgar Allan Poe manuscript, it should be cut and dried, but when the first body shows up, Lionel realizes he's involved in something far bigger than a manuscript.

Jar of Hearts - Georgina, better known as Geo, has served her time for the part she played in the death of her best friend, Angela. The killer is her ex-boyfriend, Calvin James, better known as the Sweetbay Strangler. Just before Geo is released, victims matching Calvin's methodology start popping up, and Calvin's been on the run for the last five years. Detective Kai Brody knows Geo is the link; he just has to find the connection.

Blindfold - Maggie and her friends sneak into the soon-to-be-torn-down old courthouse to explore the old jail cells. Their adventure goes wrong when Maggie gets locked inside the coal bin and the ceiling collapses during their escape, revealing evidence of a long-forgotten murder. To protect his secret, the killer will have to kill again.

Circus of the Dead series - This series is pretty dark. There's a lot of death and just plain old evilness, but that should probably be expected when you're dealing with voodoo, ghosts, and zombies. Callie is sent to spend the summer with her estranged uncle at the circus where he works. Her first night there, someone tries to kill her. Stuck for at least two weeks, Callie learns more about the island, and it's all bad. Eventually, she strikes a deal with the ringmaster and becomes trapped like everyone else there.