LUXE LIFE // SMALL BUDGET - Page 2 of 17 -

What I Read: October 2023

October 31, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

I was on a roll with reading this month, finishing 9 books! I really leaned into fiction, reading only two non-fiction books:

-Hollow Heathens by Nicole Fiorina
-Rootbound by Tarah Dewitt
-Cat Tale by Craig Pittman
-A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing
-The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
-Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
-Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
-Pumpkin Spice Scare by Molly Maple
-The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

As you can see, the book choices are really all over the place. I had two holiday-esque books, romance, fantasy, and a memoir throw in there as well.

Let’s get into the reviews!

The Best 3 Beauty Products Sold at Trader Joe’s

October 3, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

You all know I love Trader Joe’s beauty products (and their affordable prices!) and am continually trying out what TJ rolls out, so I wanted to do a recap with my top three favorites from over the past few years.

These are all products that I’ve bought multiple times and are currently part of my beauty routine. I hope you like them as much as I do!

What I Read: September 2023

October 3, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

Since I’ve been on a big fantasy kick lately, I tried to force myself to read a few other books outside of that genre this month, including a horror novel in the spirit of fall.

I ended up reading six books in total for September:
-The Guest by Emma Cline
-Trail of the Lost by Andrea Lankford
-The Troop by Nick Cutter
-The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
-King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
-Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl

Let’s get into the reviews!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Dr.G Brightening Peeling Gel

September 19, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

I’ve been meaning to get around to this post for so long, so I’m excited to finally talk about Dr.G Brightening Peeling Gel!

I received the peeling gel as a birthday gift from my mom over a year ago and while I was initially disturbed by what felt like my skin falling off, I’m now obsessed and love how it leaves my skin feeling so clean and refreshed.

Let’s dive in!

REVIEW: Is MasterClass Worth It?

September 13, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

I’m a bit of a nerd.

I always have to be learning something new, whether that’s taking an actual class, listening to a new podcast, enjoying TED Talks, or reading a good book. Otherwise, I feel stagnant.

So, when MasterClass came to my attention a few years ago, I immediately wanted to try it. Especially, as they are able to get such impressive speakers that are at the top of their various fields. However, I always found the price tag to be a bit of a deterrent (about $120 for an annual membership). With so much free content out there, I had a hard time committing to a subscription.

But when I received a gift membership to MasterClass for Christmas, I dove in!

REVIEW: SuperBeets Sport Powder

September 6, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

This is going to sound a little weird, but I’ve had an interest in beets for a while.

I’ve heard random claims here and there that beets/beet juice can help with endurance, which as a runner, immediately grabbed my interest. However, besides occasionally adding beets to a salad, I’ve never taken any further action to study the claims or start incorporating beets into my fitness routine. That changed this weekend. (At least sort of. More on that ahead!)

I recently watched the documentary, The Game Changers on Netflix, and was reminded again about the claims surrounding beets and beet juice, so when I spotted a sample package of SuperBeets Sport at the store, it felt like a sign to give it a try.

What I Read: August 2023

September 2, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

To say this year has been flying by would be an understatement.

I remember looking forward to summer one moment and now I find myself already thinking about the holiday season and enjoying pumpkin spice lattes. Time is so weird.

In August, my reading picked back up from the slower July and my trend of leaning toward fantasy continued.

August’s reads included:
-The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
-King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
-Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair
-The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis
-Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
-Your Money Or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joseph Dominguez
-Cultish by Amanda Montell

Now for the reviews!

2023 Fall Bucket List (Fun, Seasonal Activities!)

August 18, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

Yes, it’s August 18th.

Yes, it’s about 100 degrees outside.

Yes, I brought out my fall candles and decorations already.

If my house smells like fall and looks like fall, I can pretend it is fall. At least, until I open the door to go outside.

I don’t know if it’s been the extremely hot summer or what, but I find myself looking forward to fall more than in past years. This morning I went for walk very early and with the wind, it actually felt a little cooler. Not the crisp air of fall, but it had that sort of special feel to it. It got me thinking about all of the fall activities I want to enjoy this year, so I decided it’s time for another fall bucket list!

Reflections On My Trip Through (Parts of) France

August 11, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

Now, that the jetlag has finally cleared, I’m ready to tackle this post.

I had the most incredible opportunity to travel to France this summer with time in both Lyon and Marseilles. I loved it all- the food, the people, the buildings, the fields, fresh lavender everywhere. All of it. As I had a lot of travel time to think and no phone service (more on that below), I realized this trip, like all good trips, provided me with new perspectives on life. I wanted to write this post, mostly for myself, so I don’t forget as I settle back into the daily grind, but hopefully it gets you thinking too!

What I Read: July 2023

August 4, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

Despite my intentions to read some beach-y, fun summer books… that didn’t happen.

In fact, my reading seemed to slow way down this month. In part, because I was traveling and exhausted. But I did also tackle a 784-page book, so that likely played a role.

I still seem to be continuing my trend this year toward non-fiction and fantasy with July’s reads including:
-A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
-A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
-The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
-Ragdoll by Daniel Cole
-Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt

Now for the reviews!