Always Remember..

A little end of the week inspiration. Happy Friday everyone!

❤ Nichole ❤

VIIcode Eye Mask Review

About a month ago I was contacted by VIIcode to review their Oxygen Eye Masks. I was excited when I read about the product I was going to be receiving as it was said to help dark circles, under eye bags, puffiness and wrinkles. My eyes have a combination of bags & puffiness at times, especially with my allergies and I have been in search for a good eye cream/treatment. 

6 masks come in a box which is about 3 weeks of treatment since you can use it 2 to 3 times a week. I was recommended to use it twice a week and that is the regiment I went with. The packaging is really easy to open and application of the masks was a piece of cake. Each night it literally took me less than 5 minutes to do after I washed my face. I think one of the things I liked most about these masks is they are intended to be worn while you sleep aka perfect for a busy lifestyle! 

I really did like these masks. I noticed a decrease in the puffiness of my eyes and the bags becoming less visible. Every morning that I took off the masks my eyes felt energized and refreshed. Unfortunately these are a little out of my price range for regular use, but I can see myself purchasing them once or twice a year and giving my eyes a little treat!

Thank you to VIIcode for reaching out to me and giving me the chance to work with you!

❤ Nichole ❤

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from VIIcode. 

I am not being paid to write this post and all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

MIMM #28 {Easter Weekend}

I hope you all had a great Easter! Make sure to keep all the good memories from this weekend in the forefront of your mind this week. It's always rough getting back into the swing of things after a holiday!

Friday: 

The work day went by smoothly with no complaints. After work I had a hair appointment, but was mostly excited for what was to come once that was finished up! Billy came over and we kicked off Easter weekend by coloring Easter eggs. No matter how old I get I will always enjoy stuff like that!

Saturday:

Started off early heading down to Ann Arbor for the University of Michigan Spring Football Game. It turned out to be a gorgeous morning and afternoon which was exciting because Friday was all sorts of gloomy and rainy. We sat at the game with our family friend's who son is the punter for the team. 

Around 2 o'clock we were leaving the Big House making the trip over to Auburn Hills for the Pistons Game. This season we have been doing a lot of themed nights that have been a lot of fun and Saturday was Star Wars night. It was a great game, full of action and the Pistons won!

Photo by: Brian Sevald

Photo by: Brian Sevald

Sunday:

Happy Easter! Our Easter morning began with playing music at church, breakfast with some members of the choir and then back to play at the second service. Our family tradition has been for years to play music at Christmas and Easter. We headed home after the second service and I was excited to give my parents and Billy their Easter surprises. I sent my brothers down to Chicago with my mom last week!

Billy's aunt invited us over for dinner at 4 so after relaxing we recharged and headed over to her house. 

We stayed there for a couple hours catching up. Once everyone was wrapped up  and heading out we were then on our way to the movies. We went to see "Do You Believe" figuring it was a good choice of a way to end Easter Sunday. Well, I'd have to say our idea was on point. The movie was incredible. 

How was your Easter weekend?!

❤ Nichole ❤

Linking up with Katie!

Friday Favorites #24: Week of 4/3/15

Hey everybody! I want to first apologize for missing my midweek post this week. I had every intention to post, even had the idea drafted in my mind, but after a couple rough nights of sleep I found myself beyond exhausted and needing to catch up on that loss of sleep. Now I'm feeling caught up and back on track. How were all of your weeks?? I personally can't believe it's already April! 

Before I get on with FF's of this week I wanted to take a second and wish you all an early Happy Easter! 

Protein Smoothies + New Protein:

I love smoothies in the morning because they are quick and healthy. I picked up this new brand (to me) of protein at Walgreens over the weekend and it's one of the best I've had. I've been enjoying the chocolate, strawberry, banana combination the most lately!

New Glasses:

On Wednesday I got the call that my new glasses came in! They are bigger then any frame I've ever had and they are a way different frame then I've ever had, but I'm a fan!

Easter Shopping:

My friend Kayla and I went on our second annual Easter shopping basket shopping trip yesterday. Last year we went out and had a great time picking out presents for our families so of course it was a must to again this year too! We made a night of it starting with dinner at Panera.

Facebook Attack:

My brother and a couple of his friends blew up my Facebook last night by going though and commenting on a whole bunch of photos. By time they were done I counted a total of 104 notifications I received. I couldn't get annoyed because they were absolutely hysterical! 

Essential Oils:

My teammate and friend Lindsey knew I was having some trouble sleeping so she brought me some essential oils to practice for me to try. The peppermint for headaches and the Lavender to help relax me for sleep. I've tried them both a couple times and I would have to say I'm impressed how these work!

Lip Sync Battle:

My dad and I caught the premiere of Lip Sync Battle by accident last night. I heard about this a couple weeks ago, however I didn't know when it was airing and forgot to look into it. I'm glad we literally stumbled upon it. Oh my goodness, so funny and entertaining. I can't wait to see more!

Source

What are your faves this week?

What is your favorite protein?

Are you already for Easter?

Have you used essential oils?

❤ Nichole ❤

Friday Favorites with Heather!

MIMM #27 {Calm, Cool & Collected}

This weekend for me was all about some much needed rest as well as catch-up! I was a little slack on the pictures to recap, but hey, sometimes less is more right? Linking up with Katie over at Healthy Diva Life!

Friday:

Okay, so Friday was a weird day! When I left for work it was snowing and when I left work to head home the snow was gone and there was sunshine. Michigan weather is something else! When I got home from work I decided to just sit and unwind. Coco agreed that that was a good choice!

Around 6:30 my dad and I headed to meet Billy to grab dinner before going to see Get Hard. While waiting for the movie to start, we were talking about how we hoped this wasn't one of those movies where they already showed all the funny parts in the commercials. That it was not! I do suggest watching a trailer before just jumping in the car per my recommendation, however, as it is rated R so you'll want to make sure it's a movie you'd find funny and would like to see.

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Saturday:

Was a day full of errands aka a day of catching up on all those tasks that have been put off for a while. My dad and I headed out about 11 to a consignment store to drop off some of the items from my spring clean last week. Billy met us there so that we could take as many items as possible. The 3 of us then headed to grab some lunch. After lunch Billy and I separated so my dad could head home to get things prepared for a business trip and he and I continued on with errands until about 4.

When we got to the point we felt we were done, we headed back to his grandpa's house to hang out for a little while. It hit me that I hadn't taken many pictures of Daisy since she's grown so big - also I haven't introduced Daisy on here yet! Daisy is Billy's puppy that he got back in October. She doesn't look like much of a pup anymore, but she won't even be 1 until September! 

His grandpa went and picked up salads from Wendy's for dinner. He brought back 3 different ones and I ended up choosing the Apple Pecan Chicken. I had forgotten how good their salads were!

Sunday:

With next week being Easter and our last game the following Sunday today was this season's last Sunday practice. We still have lots ahead of us though. There are 5 games between Tuesday and April 12th (last game). Our practice today was with D-Town and Mob Squad for a combined routine.

I headed home once practice finished up and Billy headed over once he was done at the gym. When he left I did some things around the house; finished up the last couple of loads of laundry and vacuumed. 

 

My weekend was the perfect amount of relaxation and productivity. 

What did yours consist of??

❤ Nichole ❤

Friday Favorites #23: Week of 3/27/15

Happy Friday-yay! I hope you all have had a wonderful week and are excited for the weekend ahead! Just a little while longer and you're there. But I have an idea of how we can make that time go by faster. What is it you ask? Sharing our favorites from the week to take our minds off the hours that separate us from the weekend! Alright, I know...that was cheesy, but it's Friday, so I'm gonna say it's acceptable. :)

DIY Plate:

My work has this program called "Pay It Forward" where we recognize those in our community who give selflessly of themselves by honoring them with an award and a free hour massage to take some time for themselves. I was trying to brainstorm some fun and unique ways to create an award to go with the massage certificate when I came across the giving plate on Pinterest. I have seen different "sharpie" creations for quite some time, but I had never given one a try. I couldn't believe how easy it was! 

Dresses & Tights:

Have been my go to this week. The temperatures have dipped back down some here, but not enough to have to break out the winter gear again. Although to tell you the truth experiencing lower temperatures or not I have always enjoyed pairing dresses with tights! 

Thinking Out Loud, By: Ed Sheeran:

This song should of shown up on a Friday favorites post a longggg time ago and probably multiple times at that. I love the song in generally and the dancer in me is completely obsessed with the music video.

A&W Root Beet:

I decided to drive thru A&W earlier this week because it is one of those food places that I rarely have and it sounded good to switch things up. I also ordered their signature root beer for my beverage and it made me wish I had it more often - it has such great flavor!

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Lush Bath Bomb:

Over the weekend my friend Kayla gave me a surprise that she had had for me. My first lush bath bomb! We had been talking a couple weeks prior and it had come up in conversation that I had never used one before, but was always intrigued by them. She got me the cutest little caterpillar! I used half of the little guy last night and just wow. It smelled absolutely incredible and left my skin feeling so soft!

This Quote:

Came up on my quote app this week and it was just a perfect reminder that life is all about perspective. Our lives get busy and it can become easy to lose sight one what really matters. We get caught up in the things happening around us and forget to realize that we hold the power of how things affect us. Or at least I know I do at times and I'm always thankful for a nice reality check reminder. 

Have you ever made a DIY with sharpies? 

Do you use lush bath bombs? If so, which are your favorites?

What favorites do you have this week?

❤ Nichole ❤

Linking up with Heather!

#XOVoxBox :: Influenster Review

I always get excited when I see an email come through from Influenster with a survey attached with the opportunity of a Vox Box! The latest survey I filled out was for the XO Vox Box, which I was lucky enough to receive. I had never tried any of the products that were inside the box and I couldn't wait to dive in!

What Was Inside!

John Frieda Beach Blonde Collection ($9.99) :: When I saw I had received the beach blonde set from John Frieda I couldn't of been happier, especially about the sea salt spray. I've quickly fallen in love with Garnier Fructis' Beach Spray so I'm intrigued to try the John Frieda and compare the two. 

John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7 Day Volume In-Shower Treatment ($9.99) :: I will always accept a chance to add a little volume to my hair! My hair seems relatively thick, but it is mostly just a lot of little strands which do lack volume. I'm waiting to give this one for a couple weeks when life slows a little that way I can really see how much volume is added.

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream ($10.00) :: After the winter we have had you can assume that this went directly into my purse, because it did! I have a difficult time with the skin around my nail beds and I personally have noticed the skin becoming softer. The one thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the residue left after rubbing the cream in, but for better feeling hands I'll take it!

Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen ($14.99) :: I'm not able to use at home white strips because my teeth are too sensitive and for days after with every breath I take they hurt. I've used the whitening pen a couple times already and haven't noticed any sensitivity...score! 

Colgate Optic White Express White 3 oz. Toothpaste ($3.99-$4.99) :: I've never noticed too much of a difference from whitening toothpastes over the years, but I plan to use this as directed for 4 weeks at minimum and hope to notice a whiter smile. If it does you'll definitely see this show up in a Friday Favorites post because I've been in search of a good whitening toothpaste for some time now. 

Tide Pods Plus Febreze ($4.99-$14.99) :: I have noticed these in the store since the summer time and always wondered how well they would work, but never took the step into purchasing them. I wasn't sure if it made sense price + value wise to make the switch. Now I have the chance to find out!

Thanks Influenster for an awesome box!

Questions of the Day:

1) Which of these products have you used before?

2) Are there any that you haven't, but would like to?

❤ Nichole ❤

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. 

I am not being paid by Influenster to write this post, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

MIMM #26 {I Will Survive}

Happy Monday!! Whose ready to conquer another week?? It's ours for the taking so lets make the most of it! Now, the majority of you are probably wondering where in the world did that title come from for today's post. Well, if you happened to see Instagram on Saturday afternoon, then you may understand its meaning, if not we will get there! But before we get there we must first highlight Friday!

Friday:

So I'm not sure how I totally missed mentioning the official first day of spring in my Friday post, however I made sure to rock out some spring colors at work. Friday's are casual day. 

Our front desk girl brought in a box of assorted donuts after lunch, which definitely made for a perfect afternoon pick me. The one I grabbed was cinnamon apple. Mhmm!

After work I headed home and while I was waiting for Billy to come over I did a few loads of laundry and watched Scandal (thanks Heather for the show suggestion!). Instead going out for dinner like we had originally talked Billy suggested he stop by the store and we make something. It was delicious! 

We planned to watch a movie, but rather decided to go downtown and meet our friends Alex and Kayla. We ended up running into some other friends too and the spontaneous night turned to be full of laughs!

Saturday:

Was a lazy morning, accompanied by doing a few things around the house, taking a nap. Before long it was time to get ready because it was game day! Before heading down to the Palace Billy came and picked me up so we could head out to say hi to his Grandpa. Oh hey there mules! 

I had been looking forward to Saturday's game for quite some time because we were performing halftime with Gloria Gaynor. Back in 2005 I performed at halftime with Ms. Gaynor during the Hula Bowl and it was unbelievably surreal to be performing with her again 10 years later. The song she sang was "I Will Survive" which now is the moment today's title makes sense! Lol.

The whole night was 70s themed! 

My parents, Billy, our friend Kyle and I headed to Applebee's after the game for a quick bite to eat. I've been to Applebee's a million billion times it feels, but Saturday night was the first time I really paid attention to the front of the menu I guess. I didn't ever realize they said "celebrate every day."  

Meet goofball Kyle on the left and goofball Billy on the right.

Sunday:

Had me headed back down to the Palace for practice, followed by rehearsal for fashion show where members of the entertainment teams are repping Piston's merchandise prior to Tuesday's game. 

Around 3:30 I was headed home. I took some time to relax an unwind from the day, then decided to dive into cleaning out my 'bottoms' - pants & skirts - closet. And of course Coco wanted to help!

What was the best part of your weekend?

What are you looking forward to this week?

❤ Nichole ❤

Linking up for MIMM with Katie!