Five Things Friday

Essie Eternal Optimist: I have been loving pinky nudes for months and this color is one of my absolute favorites!  It is the perfect barely there color in some lights but in others its a really pretty pink.  I love how it goes with my skin tone and looks classy.  

Monogrammed Short Sleeve Athletic Tee: I received this from Shop Ellie Belle and am in love!!  It is so soft and comfy.  I have worn it to work, run errands and just for lazy days at home.  It is my new favorite shirt.  That monogram is adorable and I love the sporty stripe detail.  

e.l.f. Matte Lip Color in Natural: I have been looking for a good matte lipstick that didn't dry out my lips for so long.  I finally discovered one I love.  The e.l.f. lip colors are matte so they are more drying and will show some lines in your lips but they feel nice and smooth, have great staying power and I love the color of this one.  The shade Natural is a really nice your lips but better nude color.  

Tartelette In Bloom Palette: I recently made a Tarte order and picked up this guy.  I have been admiring it for so long I decided it was time it came home with me.  I have the first palette and use it all the time.  This one has matte shades and shimmer shades so it is a nice mix of options.  Of course the pigment, blending and product is great as it is from Tarte.  It also smells really nice...

Snapchat: I'm so behind on this one but Snapchat is really fun!  I love playing with all the filters and following everyone's stories.  It is such an easy way to keep up with people and to share fun things in your life.  If I'm being honest playing with the filters and sending the funny ones to my husband and sisters is my new hobby.    

Gym Must-Haves

I recently started going to the gym...yep that's right.  My husband has been going for years and since he uses the University gym I was able to get a discount to join.  I've actually been enjoying it.  Right now I just use the elliptical and cardio machines but I'm hoping to start some weights soon.  Here are my gym must-haves:

Vera Bradley Tech Case: This is an old retired pattern (Cambridge I think??) but this tiny case is perfect for holding my gym card, headphones, chapstick, keys and whatever else I need to throw in .

Monogrammed Water Bottle: You have to have water when you workout and it helps if it's in a cute bottle!

Nike Tennis Shoes: I picked these tennis shoes up at the outlet for a Disney trip and I love them!  They are super light and keep my feet comfy.

Earphones: I like to watch YouTube videos or TV shows on my phone while I workout so earphones are a must!  These are great because they wrap around your ear and stay in place, even when you're working hard.

Chapstick: My lips get so dry, so I always carry chapstick.  Dry lips are not stopping my workout.

Champion Workout Headband: These are my favorite headbands for a workout.  They have a silicone lining so they stay put and keep your hair in place.

Physiclo Compresion Leggings: These leggings were sent to me to review and I love them!  They are a little hard to get on, they are supposed to be tight (make sure you check out the sizing befoe you buy!!).  The compression is supposed to let you work harder, burn more calories and just get more out of your workout.  I definitely feel like they help my stamina and help to last through my workout.

As a gym newbie I would love to know what your essentials are?

Beach Bag Essentials

My husband and I are going on a cruise at the end of the month and I couldn't be more excited!  I have never been on a cruise or to the Bahamas and I can't wait!!  In preparation for this I have gathered my beach bag essentials: 

Monogrammed Canvas Tote: You need a bag to hold everything in so it might as well be a cute one!  This one zips and is machine washable so it's perfect for tossing all your stuff in sandy or not.

Sunscreen: As a ginger my skin is constantly being burned by the sun, so 30 SPF and up is my BFF.  But seriously pale or not get yourself some sunscreen, cancer isn't a good look for anyone.

Swimsuit: If you're going to the beach you need a swimsuit.  One piece, two piece, whatever you wear make sure it fits you well and makes you feel great!

Hair ties: Sand, wind and salty air can result in great texture but also some serious mess.  I always have hair ties in my bag to throw up my hair when it is getting a little out of control.

Chapstick: Sunburn doesn't just happen on your skin it can also damage your lips.  Make sure you have a chapstick with sunscreen!

Towel Clips: These little guys I picked up on eBay and are awesome!  They are for clipping your towels onto your beach chair so they don't blow away, also for staking your claim on your perfect spot.  These guys are cheap and super easy to throw in a bag.

Book: I love reading on the beach, the sound of the waves, warm sun and no worries.  I always save my best books for reading on vacation, I think it makes it a little more special.  Mary Kay Andrews is one of my favorites and I can't wait to start this one!

Sunnies: This is a no-brainer, if you are going to be out in the sun you have to protect your eyes!  These are one of my favorites I picked up at Ross for less than $5!  I don't buy expensive sunglasses since they always end up broken or lost.

Hat: I love throwing on a hat and sunnies for a relaxed beach day.  This is one of my favorites to rep my home state.  Hats are also great for a no-makeup, messy hair coverup.  

Brush: Like I said before the beach can give your hair great texture but it can also give it some great tangles.  A brush is a must-have for taming those major tangles.

Tumbler: I always get super thirsty at the beach so I love to carry a cute cup!  This one from Ellie Belle has my monogram and holds a lot of water!  Use coupon code "erinssharings" for $2 off drinkware!  

What I read in April

The Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro: This was just a so-so read.  Easy, chick lit that is good for the summer.  It is a British author so the language can be a little harsh but story line was good.  It follows a secret group of men whose job is to flirt with women.  They have been hired by their husbands, boyfriends, etc. to boost their confidence by flirting.  It was an interesting idea and neat to see how the stories connected.  If you are looking for an easy read check it out. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: This book was one of the best books I have read in a long time.  It may be in my top books ever.  Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors and this might be her best yet.  It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of two sisters and their lives in France during World War II.   It is a story about the women in the war and what they went through, events that have rarely been told. This was a book I couldn't stop reading but one I never wanted to end.  It tells of the resilience of the human sprit and the strength of a woman's courage.  This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish, leaving you longing to return to the pages.

Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger: Yet another basic chick book.  This one is by the author that wrote The Devil Wears Prada.  It was good but not great.  A little predictable but easy, light read.  It's about a girl who gets a new job and is suddenly pulled into the tabloid spotlight, but is it what she wants?  Cheesy yes but not bad for a quick summer read.

What have you been reading this month?