
I’ve been a little preoccupied this May, can you tell? I blinked and it was basically June! I couldn’t let an entire month go by without a single blog post, so here we are! ๐
This was such a special month for a variety reasons. One day soon I’ll delve into all the things (I am due for a Becoming Bella post). Maybe next month, I always have the urge to reflect and open my heart around my birthday…and this past year has definitely been one for the books.
In addition to all the new and exciting things going on in my life, there’s quite an assortment of new and exciting things going on in my closet, my makeup drawers, and everything in between! It’s been a while since I compiled a favorites post, but I’ve found myself using so many fabulous new products that I’ve been anxious to unload them all somewhere.
Everything in this post has made my life easier, better, or happier in some way. I hope one or two of them can do the same for you! ๐
REVLON OVAL ONE STEP HAIR DRYING & VOLUMIZING STYLER. I had been using a small John Frieda hot brush for years, but after seeing everyone and their mother boast about the amazing results this Revlon tool produced, I was curious and succumbed. I am pleased to report that this thing is phenomenal! For those like myself who have zero blow-out skills, this will change your life. It is beyond easy to operate, will give you a salon-quality blow out, and some serious volume when used correctly. The list of benefits is a mile long, but trust! It is worth every single penny. Let me know if you’d like to see a separate post or video exclusively about this, I think it deserves its own shine!

AMAZON SUNDRESS. Amazon is coming through this season! I’ve had to physically pull myself away from the site because it’s honestly a black hole. However, it’s a black hole that I’m growing to LOVE! I want to share an Amazon post with some of my favorite finds soon, but in the meantime…a little more love for this dress! It’s $15, comfortable, flattering, and will be on repeat all Summer long. If you’re in the market, I highly recommend!

BALI BODY TANNING SYSTEM. I am a sucker for self-tanners and I have no shame about it. I like to try them all (currently have 3 systems on my floor waiting to be tested LOL) but this one is a new favorite for sure. The first time I used it I was shocked by how deep, even, and streak-free the tan was! I swear, my mood instantly increased by 40% – a good tan will do that to ya! I plan to share a full demo/tutorial on YouTube hopefully next week, but I had to include it in this post because it is just THAT good. I used the self-tanning mousse in dark & followed up with their moisturizing lotion post-rinse. Stay tuned for more!

NAILPOLISH WALL RACKS. As you know, I have a small at-home office that I’ve been designing. I plan on posting a full office reveal with before & after photos, but I couldn’t help but share a sneak peek on Instagram. This corner of the room is my absolute favorite! Nail polish has always been my thing, and I have so much of it! Instead of keeping tucked away in boxes (and boxes and boxes) I decided to display it. I found these racks on Amazon and after a very long Saturday spent measuring, drilling, and hanging with my Mom… my nail polish wall came to life! If you have a large polish collection that you’d like to display, I’d highly recommend these acrylic shelves.

MOON MAGIC “GRACIOUS” 14K ROSE GOLD OPAL RING. I adore this ring! It is the most beautiful accessory and I cannot stop wearing it. It’s subtle enough for everyday, but still fancy enough to feel like you’re sporting something special. The Moon Magic website is filled with the most beautiful pieces, I love this Opal ring, but the options are endless. If you need a small gift for one of the ladies in your life, I highly recommend!

NCLA BEAUTY NAIL POLISHES. I have to rave about this brand really quickly because they may or may not be my new favorite polish line. I received four colors to try and I’ve fallen in love with these cruelty-free, 100% vegan, 7-free products! The colors, the bottle design, the brushes, the wear, I have too many good things to say, I suggest you try for yourself. Have you tried anything from NCLA Beauty before?

ETERNO LED DEVICE. I am in the middle of a month-long trial using this tool and I have to say, so far, SO good! Wondering what it is, what it does, and what am I hoping to achieve? Take a peek at my latest YouTube video for all the details …
BLISS THAT’S INCREDI-PEEL PADS. I have been savoring this box! I’ve used 3 pads so far and absolutely love the way they make my skin feel. They’re pre-soaked cotton pads that gradually release glycolic acid overnight to target fine lines, discoloration and imperfections for smoother, brighter skin by morning. IMHO, they’re pretty darn great. Get all the benefits of a fancy face mask with ZERO work.

CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED BOOSTERS. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been on an anti-aging, try ALL THE THINGS, skincare product bender lately (this is the last one, I promise)! These boosters are absolutely genius – every esthetician I’ve ever seen has stressed the importance of incorporating Vitamin C and Retinol into my daily routine. For whatever reason, adding these products has always felt like too much work (I’d be good for a week and then get too lazy). However, with these boosters, you simply add a couple of pumps into your favorite morning & evening moisturizer and you’re good to go! It’s too early for me to tell if they’ve made a huge difference, but I love that I’ve found an easy way to receive these benefits without having to extend my routine.

CHERNOBYL. Switching gears, I want to chat about this new HBO show that has me hooked! Growing up, I was always intrigued by the Chernobyl disaster. That sounds dark, but I remember wanting to know more about the nuclear explosion, the abandoned city, and the terrifying repercussions of it all. This show gives you just that…and from the perspective of those who were trying to cover it up and rectify the disaster at the same time. We’re only 4 episodes in, but it’s been a compelling, horrifying, yet fascinating watch. What new shows are you loving lately? I also started Dead to Me on Netflix!

BARTACO. To wrap it all up, I wanted to end on a yummy note. I always enjoy a good Bartaco visit, and my most recent trip was no exception! We sampled this months secret taco (seared scallop) among other treats. I think my favorite Bartaco taco of all time is their pork belly (below). If you haven’t tried it, you MUST! Also, their grilled corn (off the cob), plantains, and mint chip gelato are actually what my dreams are made of. If there’s a Bartaco in your area and you have yet to go, get on it!


I feel like I left so many things out, but this post was getting a little too long. Luckily, there’s always June faves! ๐
I hope you enjoyed, let me know below what you were loving in the month of May! Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO
I know you’ve had quite a year! I’m so happy for how things in your life are going! Being in my mid 50s, I’m all about anything that can improve my skin, and I can’t wait to hear what you think (honest opinion) about the LED device. I’ve been researching them and comparison shopping, and it can get to be a bit overwhelming. So thankful that you are here to try all kinds of products, so I don’t have to. Hehe!
Thank you Connie! It’s been a pretty exciting year! ๐ It’s definitely overwhelming trying to determine what actually works when it comes to anything skincare related – so far I am LOVING the Eterno device. I’ve had so many facials that incorporated some kind of light therapy so it’s nice to be able to use one at home! I don’t notice a huge difference when I look in the mirror, but I’m curious to compare the photos and videos I’ve been taking along the way! Will keep you posted for sure!! ๐
omg, everyone I know has been raving about that blow dryer, and I have to get it! I technically have my own blow dryer, buttt anything to make it easier! Great post Amanada xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
YESSSS! You totally need it! I’m planning to share a video featuring it soon, it’s seriously amazing. Flawless blow out every single time… I would highly recommend! ๐