June Favorites

I can’t believe we’re almost half way through June! It’s been a whirlwind month and I don’t expect the craziness to stop anytime soon. Between amazing blog opportunities and work things have been nonstop! In order to unwind and relax tonight, I’m putting my list of blog topics (Seattle and San Fran restaurant reviews, UPLIFT studios review, and more!)  on the back burner and going with one of my favorite things to do: favorites!

One of my favorite posts to write are ones that share some of my favorite things with you guys. The format is light on text and heavy on what we term, “SARA” in my company. Everything is something that you can share and reapply whether it’s an item to purchase, a website to try out, or a restaurant to add to your list.

So without further adieu, here are the things I’m loving now!

Calvin Klein Dress, Ruffled Asymmetrical Sheath: Every time I wear this dress I receive no less than 10 compliments during the day. I am no fashionista but I know that ruffles and peplum styles are in this season and this answers both without going overboard. While the dress comes in both black and cobalt blue, I’d challenge you to choose the bright color. For $89.98 the dress is an amazing deal when you consider that you can throw a blazer over it for work or pair it with beautiful accessories and strappy heels for a gala or wedding. Keep an eye out on the website for coupon codes, One Day Sales, or Friends and Family specials so you can snag it on sale!

ASAP Utilities  Okay, nerd alert here, but this is the coolest thing since sliced bread if you spend hours a day on Excel! I only discovered the plug-in this week during an Excel training and already I’ve used it multiple times even without a formal training or journey through the instruction and help section. It basically allows you to do things in Excel that were once tedious and complicated in a faster, more efficient manner. Even better, you can download a FREE trial to see if it’s worth investing you or your company’s money.

Garnier BB Cream Okay, I could burn in hell for this one considering that I work within a division of P&G Beauty, but this product has changed my life. I get ready within a 15-20 minute time period each morning beginning as soon as I step out of the steamy shower. I’ve battled with moisturizers in the past which leave my face too moist for makeup to adhere, leave a residue or melt off as soon as I apply it due to the bathroom humidity or locker room heat.  This product has in fact replaced my old moisturizer and my foundation. It provides the perfect amount of coverage for me while also evening my skin tone, moisturizing and dulling the post workout redness. I add a little bit of powder and bronzer/blush over it but nothing more. It seems to help keep my powder in place and my face looking fresh longer. My one word of warning is that a little bit goes a long way due to the thickness of the product. I bought my tube at CVS over a month ago and have barely made a dent in it! It comes in too color variants, fair to medium and medium to dark. Due to the fact that I tan easily in the summer months due to running outside I went with the medium to dark. I ended up buying the lighter one to use during weeks and periods when I’m not fresh from the beach. For only $8.99-$11.99 a tube, it is affordable enough to keep in my makeup bag!

Victoria’s Secret Ruffle Slip Okay, if you happen to be my in-laws, brother, or father reading this post, please skip to another post or just click the x button in your upper right hand corner. All joking aside, I can’t write a favorite things post without giving a shout out to my new pajamas. As background, Bo and I have been together for 8.5 years and married for 2.5. In all those years, he’s seen me primarily in a rotation of 3 pairs of 15 years old Jockey boxers paired with a race or sorority t-shirt. It isn’t exactly the sexiest of sleep clothing but damn they are comfortable. I’ve never been one to really give into the idea of sleeping in a sexy little Victoria Secret number because I have no desire to have a piece of fabric giving me a wedgie while I sleep or itchy material keeping me awake. Enter this lovely number which is the answer to all my prayers. It is comfortable due to the soft cotton material and it comes in lots of beautiful colors both in their stores and on the website. My collection has gone from one to four in just three months and I’ve never paid more than the sale price, $29.50, which isn’t horrible considering it brings together the best of both worlds: comfortable and cute.

Challenged Athletes Foundation Every now and then we are touched by a cause that ignites our passion to serve or donate our time and money. Last night, thanks to Team Refuel, I was able to attend the Challenged Athletes Foundation Gala and spend the evening celebrating the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the many people they support, serve, and help each year. While some of the Real Housewives of NYC may have made an appearance, the real stars were the people who fight through their adversity each day to not only push themselves harder but to help others who are affected in a like manner. If you haven’t read the story of these women and men I hope you’ll take time to click through and gain some inspiration from their stories. I know that running 4.5 miles in Central Park yesterday morning on tired legs was a hundred times easier due to the inspiration of Sarah and her journey. In fact, I was so inspired by last night’s event that I’m working with CAF and Team Refuel to put together a team of volunteers/cheerleaders at Mile 17 of the 2012 Ironman US Championships in NYC where there will be athletes of all shapes and sizes competing.  If you’re interested, let me know via comments!

Sarah Reinersten

Scout Bassett

Anthony Robles

What things are you loving this June?