LUXE LIFE // SMALL BUDGET - Page 5 of 19 -

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.

What I’m Into: June 2023

June 13, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 1 comment

I don’t know if it’s decompressing from the busy spring or what, but the last month or so, I’ve been completely unmotivated. I know what I should do and even what I want to do, but I can’t seem to make myself take the steps. Is anyone else feeling this way- burnt out despite being less busy?

So, I’ve been trying to take it easy on myself and do more fun and new things until the feeling passes. That’s where this list of my latest obsessions comes in!

Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bars with Probiotics

REVIEW: Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bar with Probiotics

June 6, 2023 luxelifesmallbudget Comments 4 comments

After my experience with the Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Sweet Cream Protein Powder with Probiotics, I was a bit hesitant to try out the new line of Blogilates Sculpt & Debloat Protein Bars with Probiotics that recently hit the shelves at Target. But as a fan of Cassey Ho, Blogilates, and Popflex, I decided to give the Sculpt & Debloat brand another try. And as you’ll see, I’m glad I did! (Please note: I’m not a nutritionist, doctor, or any…