INSTACHIC VOL 5

It's been a while since I've done an Instagram roundup, but don't we always say that when this time comes?! I'm sure by now you've heard about the new Like To Know it App, but in case you haven't I wanted to share the awesome update! You can now shop my Instagrams, Snapchats, Instagram stories, tweets, and Pins by liking the Instagram photo or taking a screen shot. Instead of waiting on an email or logging into their website, you can now shop all of your faves inside the app. It's great to finally have everything in one place!

* top - limited stock * jeggings * heels * bag: outlet / similar * lipstick *

This look will be on the blog next week but I wanted to post it here because after being sold out I found a small restocked here! I'm sure it will go fast. I also think if you're crafty (unlike me) you can add tulle to your sleeve yourself! I absolutely love the pop of pink with these fun heels, but I need to work on my walking skills in these tall things.

* mirror * Chanel book * dotted planner * pineapple * zebra *

A shot from my office tour. Can you tell I love pink + white + gold??  I don't think that will ever change. I will also forever love organizing and office supplies. As a kid, I would walk a mile to CVS just to buy a new notebook because I wanted to be cool and journal like Harriet the Spy. No joke.

* top * jeans (I got mine at the Saks outlet) * similar sandals * these blocked sandals would be cute! *

You'll soon be overloaded by this blush top because I've taken so many pictures for upcoming posts in it! But I'm not complaining because I'm completely obsessed with it. If you have broader shoulders, I'd recommend sizing up (I'm wearing a medium). It also comes in white, black, and red.

This bow has been such a fun little accessory added into my wardrobe. I recently pinned it onto the back of my shirt in this outfit post, and have also added it to the waistband of a skirt. This picture was from my post about preventing split ends.

* bar cart * ice bucket * rose *

All the gold polka dots and pink details make this one of my favorite Instagrams. See more in my Valentines Day bar cart post. 

 * sweater * jeans * tank * keds *

I love the color of this sweater and I know I will get a lot of wear out of it because I can wear it during the week and weekend! It runs large, so order a size down. I'm sure you'll see it featured on #ChicAllWeek here soon.

* bow dress * bag * 

 I posted a full review of this bag in this post and also shared a youtube video of what I keep inside it.

This dress is on sale here for $25 and it's definitely a versatile piece you can wear throughout the year! Full post here.

I'm a big fan of the classic watches from Daniel Wellington (c/o). Have y'all seen their new collection of mesh bands?! I've worn mine non-stop since I got it last week, I die for their rose gold! I'll post a better picture of it on my Instagram Friday, but as the next best option you can see Kendal Jenner wearing it until 😜. You can use code STRAWBERRYCHIC for %15 your total purchase.

* top * jeans * bag * earrings *

 This post is actually one of my most liked Instagram pictures which is funny because it's actually one of the only pictures of me standing this direction because I call it my "bad side". I always feel insecure standing in this direction, but I guess that goes to show you how silly our insecurities can be sometimes. I love the color and cut of this sweater. You can see the full post here.

* bow clips * Chanel book * case * planner *

My friend and I went to the ATL market and met the owner of The Casery. He let us pick out a new phone case and I went with this cacti print. Tim proposed in Arizona so it always reminds me of that trip :)

* * *

Anyone else on major struggle bus with this time change? I thought Monday was bad, but I guess I stayed up too late and Tuesday morning was even worse! At least it's still light outside when I get out of work.

Also, I'm in the process of researching designers to give my blog a facelift, do you have one you recommend?




xo Amanda John 

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February Favorites and Fails

Hey Friends! I can't believe I'm already back with a monthly round-up of monthly favorites. In today's post, I'm sharing my favorites, my fails, and products I've used up in the month of February. Read my January Favorites + Fails here if you want to see what I loved last month.  These Favorites and Fails will go under my "life" category if you ever want to find them in the future! 

February Favorites 

Beauty Favorites

BareMinerals Original Foundation

This month I've switched from liquid foundation back to an old classic. Ever since getting back from my honeymoon my skin has not been it's best, but at least it behaved leading up to the wedding! I wanted to try switching foundations to something lighter on the skin, and I remember their tagline saying "so good you can sleep in it". I had an old container in the light shade, but it was too yellow for me. I also didn't care for the original brush I still had in the back on my makeup storage because it felt scratchy compared to my other brushes. I found this kit on the Sephora website and thought it was the perfect solution. Both the makeup and brush have made it to my favorites list! The brush is so soft and I love to buff in the product, plus its rose gold.

Salley Hanses Miracle Gel in shade Little Peony

This color was love at first site in the Target aisle. Light/ white pink polishes are my go-to almost year round, and this is my favorite formula for home manicures. Essie Fiji has never worked for me because it always streaks, but this formula is so thick and easy to apply! The top coat is also my favorite, but it will give you bubbles in your polish if you use too much of it. It also dries really fast!

BareMinerals Matte Lipstick in Slay

This is the newest product to make my favorites but I did want to mention it for the girls who haven't fallen in love with liquid lipsticks (like me!). I always found liquid lipsticks to be way too drying and intense for every day. I'm a chapstick / lipgloss girl at heart. But when I tried this it actually feels way lighter on the lips and I love the color (Slay). I recommend swatching them next time you're at the beauty counter!

Loreal Lash Primer + Dior Overcurl Mascara

This was a favorite last month, so I'll probably stop mentioning it in upcoming favorites. Unless you see a new combo, assume this is still a favorite! I've been using this combo since last spring. I've never been one to splurge on mascaras, but after trying the Dior Overcurl mascara my mom and I have been hooked ever since! The primer is also better than three other's I've tried in Sephora.

O.R.G Skincare Mineral Peel Face 

I received this product in my Editors Box from Fab Fit Fun (I purchased the box out of my own curiosity). This was my favorite product included in the box. You spray it on and let it sit for 5 seconds, then as you rub your skin you will start to feel your skin ball up! Sounds gross, but I love it in the morning before applying makeup. I also like to use it on my dry lips.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

 This little sample was included in an Ulta order and I've been loving it to treat my dry lips! I have a few others that just feel like vaseline,  but this product really feels like it does something to my lips when I apply it. It has more of a wavy texture. 

Lifestyle Favorites

Endless Rose Top

I'm slightly embarrassed by how much you're going to see this top here in the next few weeks. I pre-shot a lot of photos for future posts (not fashion related) and never switched tops! But, I'm ok with it because I just love the top. It's probably my favorite purchase for the upcoming season, I'm tempted to buy it in white as well. I recommend sizing up if you have broader shoulders like I do, I purchased a small and a medium and returned the small.

See this top styled here

Kate Spade Rose Gold Case

Tim spoiled me with a new MacBook on my birthday and I've been on the lookout for a case that wasn't boring and/or masculine. My patience paid off because I found this metallic rose gold case this month. It's actually designed for a Microsoft pro, but my computer has plenty of room inside. This hard case is also tempting me, but I'll probably just go with this case alone for now.

Nike Juvenate 

For Valentines Day Tim gifted me these new Nike's and they're way more comfortable that I was expecting. They're very flexible and they barely feel like anything on top of your feet. I've been totally accepting the athleisure trend and wearing them with jeans (and even to work ;) as much as I can. I always have to size up a half size in Nikes, and these were no exception. I've sent the link to four people at work, so they're definitely a hit!

Sugarfina Candy

On my birthday I decided to treat myself to this Cheer's box and ever since these boxes have been my guilty pleasure. I recently bought 3 valentines boxes while they were offering buy 2 get 1 free and have been snacking on them all weekend! My favorites are the champagne and bubbly bears, I even had them at my wedding while we were getting ready.

Sugar Paper Pocket Planner

I could include everything from Sugar Paper + Target on my favorites, they just speak to my little organization heart. When I found this little planner in store, I somehow justified a second planner for 2017 because my other planner was too big to carry with me everywhere. I still take it to work, but this one is always with me to jot down appointments and reminders.  Some other things I love from their line: this scalloped business card holder and this file organizer. 

February Fails / What I returned 

Tarte Shape Tape

I'm bummed this didn't work out for me because I haven't stopped hearing about it! The coverage was ideal, but the fragrance is what made this a fail for me. I even got a random clogged pore under my eye and I blame the chemicals in the product. I should have referenced my girl Paula before purchasing to save me the trouble.

Lush Surplice Tee

Other than the color I really have no positive things to say about this tee. It felt scratchy and was thin, the cut was way too low in the bust and too cropped at the waist, and the wrap didn't lay like it does in the model photo. I definitely returned.

Products I used up in February / What I repurchased

Tula Day and Night Moisturizer

This moisturizer lasted longer than I expected, and I did repurchase it while they had a promotion for a free cleanser with purchase. It's light on the skin and has kept my skin balanced through the winter months. You can read about my skincare routine here. My only complaint about this line is that it has a slight "grandma" scent, but I'll take that over a synthetic fragrance any day!

Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo

I've repurchase my 5th bottle of this stuff and I'm not even done with my 4th! Tim always picks them up for me at this work because it gets a slight employee discount on it. It's definitely the best I have tried, and I've tried a lot! If you want me to do a review on the dry shampoo products I've tried, just let me know.

Donna Karen Deodorant

This lasted much longer than my regular drugstore deodorant, which is good since it was like triple the price ;) I repurchased it during the fall Sephora VIB sale only because Tim would actually compliment on how I smell when wearing it. Now that he know's it's from a department store, he no longer likes to encourage that behavior ;)

 Loreal Voluminous Primer

This primer beats three other's I have tried from Sephora. I only use it on the weekends, because ain't no body got time for mascara primer before work. Already repurchased!

Olly Vitamins

These were really easy to remember to take every morning because they were like candy, which is good if you really struggle with vitamins. I didn't repurchase however because I didn't like the first two ingredients - high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

It Cosmetics CC cream

This is the second tube of this I've gone through. I didn't repurchase for reasons I will share in my upcoming review!

Mac Brush Cleanser

This is such an old product in my beauty cabinet, which shows how often I clean my makeup brushes.. ouch! But really, I use something else to deep clean my brushes. This cleanser is good for quick clean ups if you're using the same brush to blend eyeshadow colors or blush. I don't love the strong alcohol smell, so I don't plan on repurchasing. I will Back to Mac it, though!

What I'm looking forward to in March?

• Celebrating Maw Maw's (my grandmothers) 90th birthday
• St. Patricks Day in Savannah with my girlfriends
• Friends wedding
• Spring weather and fashion

Have any favorites I should know about? Leave them in the comments below! I would also love to hear about something you're excited for in March.

xo Amanda John 

Office Tour

Today I'm very excited to finally share my office space with you! Since Tim and I found this little townhome to rent I've been dreaming up this post for y'all. It's a three bedroom, so we each have our own little space in it. His space is of course for gaming, and mine is where I get to spend my time blogging. The very first weekend I was in the home I went to Ikea for office furniture. I mean we didn't even have a mattress yet #priorities

When you first walk into the room, I have a clothing rack to keep new purchases and organize outfits to style so they don't get lost in my closet. I didn't need a fancy clothing rack, so I opted for this cheap one from Ikea ($12). Just like my closet, the pieces are organized by color to be appealing to the eye. 

When I'm prepping for shoots, I like to put complete outfits together and hang all the accessories going with them so I don't leave anything out. Of course, even if you're not a blogger you can benefit from a clothing rack. Use your's for extra storage and inspiration to avoid wearing the same outfit over and over. It also helps me get ready faster because I can easily find all my favorite pieces. 

I still have a little holiday sparkle on my clothing rack, because the pieces are too pretty to be hidden in my dark closet! You can see I'm ready to transition into spring with lighter whites and pinks. I'm loving tops with feminine details on the sleeve including ruffles, peplums, and cut outs.  I've linked as many tops as I could at the end of the post!

I purchased the wood hangers from Ikea while I was there because I couldn't beat the $4.99 price tag. The total to put together my clothing rack was only $21 plus tax, so you don't have to spend a lot to put something together! 

You may recognize the white and blush boxes from my holiday photo shoot. They're from the Paper Source + Target holiday collection and I purchased them for storage. Inside, I have winter hats and gloves, along with just random junk that doesn't have a home. To the right, I have my wedding planner, and to the left, I have my wedding reception shoes along with my reception dress and robe. Read about my wedding accessories here, plus there's a video about them!

This is the mirror where I take quick selfies of my outfit, though I haven't been doing that recently because I prefer to have my Instagram husband take them for me ;) The lighting is usually not optimal in this room when I would need to take those pictures (in the morning before work). If you're wondering where the frame is from, it's custom from my family's art gallery. The white rug is a HomeGoods find and I always seem them in there! A little tip - compare a few side by side to get the whitest one. 

I've had this desk all throughout PT school, so it's been through some studying for sure. It's actually larger than it looks in this photo, but I enjoy never running out of desk space. My makeup was previously stored in the left drawers, but I decided I needed the extra space for storage. I found this GLAMbox look-a-like from HomeGoods but I'm still feeling out whether I like the cluttery look of it. Though it does help me see and use different products more frequently! 

I recently purchased this desk calendar to help plan out my posts, but mostly to prevent all my makeup from staining my white desk. It was getting old using a magic eraser every weekend! The vase with our wedding date was a gift from my MOH. It's sad how happy seeing all those perfectly even numbers make me, haha! Am I the only one who had to get married on an even date? Just me??

Also random story- I've been looking for the SanDisk reader in this picture all weekend... grr! My new Macbook doesn't come with any ports (cool, Apple), so I can't upload a new video until I find it. My zebra trinket dish is currently not available online from Francesca's,but I linked the original designer below. 

I always use cute coffee mugs for storage and I'm not really sure why, but it works. I also have my makeup brushes in one. I may do a future post on my makeup collection + storage. Let me know if you'd like to see it! Washi tape is great to always have on hand. I purchased mine from Target and Hobby Lobby, and use it when planning all the time. I also used it in my wedding planner to stick on inspiration and I could switch it out as needed.

This is my little jewelry storage that used to be my Moms. She painted it for me while we were on our honeymoon and I'm obsessed with how it turned out! I've already shot pictures and film for a collection post, so stay tuned :) And yes, that's my wedding dress just hanging on the door still. I need to figure out what to do with it...

Another Ikea purchase that I'm sure you've seen sprayed gold in other office tours. I went the lazy route and decided it was fine white, but I did want to cover the wood base with cheap marble contact paper, which was super easy to do. I had to make two Ikea trips for this bad boy because the first box had a huge dent in the unit, but that's what you get with Ikea. This is definitely the space that changes most in my office because I'm always re-organizing it. 

At the top, I store my framed DPT diploma with my most used clutch. On the right top shelf, I have a tray of smaller perfumes and samples, my vows, some fake florals from Hobby Lobby, and a printed Pinterest quote (shameless plug in - follow me on Pinterest here).

On the second shelf, I have a few wedding items on display including my shoes, the cards from our guests in the clear gold case, and a framed invitation in this pretty frame. 

The second to last shelf is where I've stored a few nail polishes in a cute gold scallop container and my sunglasses inside an acrylic tray I won at Swoozies during a raffle. 

Along the bottom shelf I store clutches and two of the bags I use more frequently. I found the clutch organizer in the office section at HomeGoods, and it was one of those things I've been on the hunt for a while! 

That wraps up today's office tour! I filmed a short video of my office tour and picked out my favorite pieces on my clothing rack. Check out the video on my new Youtube Channel, here!

I will try to link everything I can here, but not everything is still available. If you have a question about a particular piece, let me know in the comments! 

SHOP MY CLOTHING RACK

SHOP MY SHELF AND DECOR DETAILS

SHOP MY DESK DETAILS

xo Amanda John

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