New Apartment

Remember how we recently moved into a new apartment and I haven't shown you guys any pictures yet? I'm sticking to my guns and not posting a full home tour until we have it just the way we want it, but I have decided to give you the smallest of peeks.

Exterior

Downtown View

Post Move (a big mess, awful dining chairs, bare walls... but hey, we had coffee)

Huge Master Bedroom (this room will get art, a rug, new drapes, and a seating arrangement eventually)

Turret Windows

Bathroom Subway Tiles and Mint Walls

The Small Things: a pair of copper candlestick holders, a built-in wardrobe original to the house, a geometric gold vase, antique door knobs, beautiful windows, matching vintage mirrors, and a thrifted entry mirror.

Pink Passion

Before I finished my degree and started a professional career in interior design, I worked at a high-end makeup and skincare boutique for four years. I got quite comfortable with an expensive regimen, one that was hard to maintain once my employee discount was history. As my arsenal of product from this job disappears, I am searching out less expensive options that still hold high quality and integrity.

This may be the least amount of money I have ever spent on makeup. Does it can get any cheaper than $3 blush? I purchased e.l.f.'s Pink Passion, the brightest pink, and have often seen it compared to NARS Desire. I love a bright pink blush for summer, and the color is much more saturated than I expected for such a low cost rouge. I'm thinking about adding the Candid Coral hue to my collection next time I'm at the store, as well! Ultimately, I am really impressed with the e.l.f. brand. If you're on a budget, this is your blush.

*e.l.f. has no idea who I am. This review is simply my opinion.

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Summer Peplum

I know, I am late to the peplum party. I have never especially liked a peplum shape on myself, but yesterday while shopping for necessities, Target's sale racks convinced me otherwise. I picked up these two gems (at less than $20 for both, how could I not?) with future summery date nights in mind. These effortless tops will be perfect to pair with denim and flirty heels.

Do you hate Peplum? Do you love it? Are you over it? I'm just getting on board, so please, let me have my moment.


Linking up with Random Wednesday

Doers

Friday was deemed my day. My handsome boyfriend gifted me with a pretty pair of gold summer wedges from Nordstrom, and we saw The Great Gatsby, which was fantastic. So we made Saturday his day with a trip to home depot, target practice, and a pair of new shoes.

Saturday night we went to the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, and it was phenomenal. Student tickets are only $11 each, so if you still have your student ID (I may have kept mine for instances such as this), this is a thrifty way to support the arts and fill seats that would have otherwise been empty.

In lieu of gifts this year, my sister and I put together a Mother's Day brunch, complete with many mimosas, for a couple of the leading ladies in our lives.

After making the rounds to our parent's houses on Sunday, we took a walk down our street to Giant Oak Park. It is a small park, home to a giant Burr Oak tree that is believed to be at least 300 years old. The branches span 100 feet, and the trunk is 13 feet in diameter. I love having a beautiful little park within walking distance from our front door.

This is the first glimpse of our new apartment on the blog! A small one, but a peek nonetheless. Art is going up this week/weekend so you will see pictures very soon, friends. I scored these printed beauties at TJ Maxx on Saturday morning. Cynthia Rowley pants for $25? I'll take them!

I hope you all have a fab Tuesday! My sister and her boyfriend are in town for a couple of days, and I am looking forward to grilling scallops and steaks tonight at our parent's house!