Wake me up before I go go

Being a blogger and always juggling a hectic schedule, there are two thing I rely on more than anything, especially to wake up, it’s COFFEE and music! This magical caffeinated drink is a morning (and afternoon) must-have and if I could have it hand-delivered to my bed everyday I would. But I found the next best thing!

Mr.Coffee 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker – My boyfriend ordered this off Amazon for $27 and it’s like the greatest thing to ever happen to me. You can program it to brew coffee at a certain time so when my alarm goes off, so does my coffee! You can also just kit the button and make it instantly but the timer feature has taken the coffee machine from my kitchen to my night stand. There are more sophisticated versions I linked to above, but minus being a little loud when it brews — which really doesn’t bother me since I’m trying to wake up anyways, it’s changed my life. And I’m a dark roast Lavazza girl, Intenso and Perfetto are my jam. I love a dark roast but don’t like to feel shaky or anxious and it’s perfect. There are a lot of great coffee brands out there but this is one I always find myself going back to. I used to be an ambassador for them and it’s just one of those brands I always go back to. While I’m geeking out on coffee, I also recently discovered TFees Straws.  True coffee and tea addict know that staining, enamel erosion, and discoloration are only a few of the issues that can arise from our beloved beverages. TFees’ patented heat safe & completely BPA, BPS & estrogenic-free reusable drinking straws, that come in three convenient sizes help to protect teeth without having to worry about harmful toxins or chemicals. Plus they can be cleaned by simply throwing them in the dishwasher.

This Weekend! The Makeup Show NYC

This weekend, May 7-8th, kicks off the NYC Makeup Show, which for those who don’t know, is the holy grail of beauty brands and makeup professionals. The Makeup Show is the largest pro makeup event in the United States and teaches event goers techniques straight off the NYFW runways as well as giving them the opportunity to mingle with talented artists and shop their favorite pro brands (at a super discounted price, might I add). It’s also a time for star brands to unveil their latest collections and products for the first time ever. Like MAKE UP FOR EVER, will preview four products from their new Professional Artistic Collection which aren’t slated to launch until September. They also are offering discounds on some of their most esteemed core products.

The show runs from May 7-8, 9;00 am-6:00 pm at The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street, NYC.

The Makeup Show is open to all professionals working or studying in the beauty and fashion industry. For tickets and to learn more visit: themakeupshow.com/nyc

BITE Launches The Lip Pencil

Bite Beauty has done it again with their latest launch of The Lip Pencil. I’m addicted to lip liners so this launch I’m especially excited for, although I am one to use their Matte Cream Lip Crayon to line my lips for a thicket edge. These of course offer more precision but much like their other lippies is super pigmented and the perfect addition to the line. Featuring 28 new shades, The Lip Pencil collection offers precise coverage with their super sharpened tip (just make sure to own a good sharpener!) and are easy to blend for a no-mess application.

Road Trip to Joshua Tree in the Volvo XC60

California was one big road trip for me starting in Los Angeles to Palm Springs for Coachella with stops in Pioneer Town and Joshua Tree, two must-dos if you’re in the Palm Springs area before taking a tour of Orange County. I’m not a light packer when it comes to music festivals and being on the road for three weeks didn’t help… that, coupled with James’ stuff, a compact car was unrealistic.

Fortunately we partnered with Volvo to try out the 2017 Volvo XC60, which we basically lived out of. We had the T6 AWD Inscription trim – it drove like a dream, so much that at one point I looked down at the speedometer and found myself pushing 90, when I felt like I was going maybe 60. It’s incredible how quiet it is, smooth and solid feeling no matter what speed you’re going.

It was one of the most comfortable rides through Joshua Tree and the timing could not have been better. With all the rain they’ve been experiencing there were wild flowers blooming that hadn’t budded in decades. With so many colors, it was beautiful! We stopped to climb the rocks, walk some trails, stroll through the cactus garden, and even met a snake along the way. Enjoy the drive with us in the video above, More on the car and photo gallery below!