LUXE LIFE // SMALL BUDGET - Page 3 of 18 -

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!

What are SMARTER goals? (With Examples!)

July 19, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

I was hesitant to write this post.

I don’t want to say that I was traumatized as that’s probably a bit dramatic, but having to complete SMART goals each year for a previous job did… leave a bad taste in my mouth. Can anyone else relate??

Considering that the SMART framework is an effective way to set achievable goals, it’s obviously very disappointing to feel this way about the process. So, when I heard about SMARTER goals while listening to the audio version of Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt, I wanted to give the whole process another chance.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Trader Joe’s Watermelon Overnight Face Mask

July 11, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 0 Comment

Whether it’s pumpkin products in the fall or watermelon products in the summer, I always have to try out the latest seasonal offerings- especially at Trader Joe’s!

I first found the Trader Joe’s Watermelon Overnight Face Mask back in October 2021, used the whole jar, and then promptly forgot about it. But during a recent shopping trip, I saw the familiar light pink container on the shelf next to the other beauty products and immediately grabbed it.

It’s as good as I remembered!

What I Read: June 2023

July 1, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

I have a confession.

Summer is only just officially in full swing… and yet, I find myself already opening my fall candles and smelling them. I love that time of the year, but I’m trying to get myself to embrace the season I’m in more. Maybe, I’ll actually read some summer/beachy books in July!

As for June’s reads, I’m continuing to read a lot of non-fiction (which is a bit surprising) and fantasy:
-A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
-Ledge by Stacey McEwan
-To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
-The Good Life by Marc. S Schulz and Robert J. Waldinger
-Mastering Plot Twists by Jane K. Cleland
-How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White
-Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Now for the reviews!

Decluttering and Organizing and Cleaning, Oh My!

June 21, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

Ever since I started writing down my New Year’s resolutions, I like to pause during the month of June and reflect: What were my goals? What progress have I made? How do I need to pivot in the remaining six months of the year?

I’ll be honest, this year’s goals are not going well. Due to my leg injury, my running goals have been on hold. My idea to try something new every month has fallen apart. And I haven’t really put any serious effort to my goal of making my home a haven. Since this is something that’s within my control, I think this is where I want to focus my energy for the remainder of 2023.