I hope you are well and getting ready to put out your fall decorations! I’m so excited for the fall season this year because I really need that boost of serotonin! The weather is still hot and muggy in Oklahoma but here’s to hoping it changes soon, ha!
I made five new wallpapers this year to fit the spooky theme and hopefully get you in the mood for Jack-o-lanterns and candy corn!
Hey, Boo!
These two spooky friends are ready to say “hey!” when you check your phone!
I Need Coffee…like right now
Because coffee waits for no one, especially in college! PSL with Chai, anyone?
It’s Just a Little Hocus Pocus
When you awake from your 300 year dirt nap, this cute wallpaper will be there to greet you!
I Put a Spell on You
For the withes out there, this is for you, you magical thing.
Hedgie + Pumpkings
This lil guy has my heart.
These wallpapers are formatted in 828 x 1792 px to fit most iPhones, specifically the iPhone 11. They can be sized down to fit most screens!
Happy fall, y’all! Go get a cup of coffee and get your spooky season on!
There’s nothing better than coming home from work and cozying up to good movies! This month I had a lot of down time before I changed jobs and I definitely did my fair share of streaming on different platforms! This is my list of what I streamed this month and my recommendations for you!
Practical Magic
Hello, this is one of my favorite comfort movies! I found it on HBO Max and it put me in the mood for fall weather and fluffy blankets! Sandy B and Nicole Kidman star in this 1998 classic that spreads the love on the bond of sisterhood with a healthy pinch of witchy magic. It also brings an important awareness to being careful at what spells you cast and what type of witchcraft you are practicing. I love this movie anytime during the year!
Beetlejuice
Say his name three times and he shall appear! Hulu currently has this Tim Burton film ready for your enjoyment! Once again, another spooky film has made my favorites list. Any Burton film is a good one but I have always loved Beetlejuice the most. The humor, the prosthetics, the music, chef’s kiss!
Harry Potter collection
When I’m in the mood for a movie I’ve seen before that I can put in the background, I always watch Harry Potter! You can find the collection on HBO Max and Peacock while it lasts! I subscribe to both streaming services but I mostly watch it on Peacock! If you haven’t seen any of the HP movies, you need to at least see them once!
Leap Year
Leap Year has been on my list of go-to romantic comedies ever since I saw it years ago! Amy Adams and Matthew Goode star in this heartfelt film that makes my heart pitter patter. Peacock has this streaming now! Go pop a bag of popcorn and grab your best blanket!
Jaws
Dun-dun-dun-dun-dundundudndun…iconic, right? The full Jaws film collection is streaming now on Peacock for subscribers! The first film is my personal favorite by far! I remember the first time I saw our VHS tape, I was terrified! The boat scene where the head pops out made my soul leave my body! I think that was my first “scary” film experience growing up! If you’re a fan of the classics, it’s a perfect time to plan a movie night with the fam!
Pretty Woman
Believe it or not, Peacock isn’t sponsoring this post (but they totally can! My email is linked *wink), they just have a lot of great movies and shows (here’s to The Office fans!). Pretty Woman is kind of intense and pulls on my heart too much..but the piano scene! Woof! It definitely rose my expectations! Funny story- kind of- when I was around 11 or 12, my mom and I went to a flea market and I saw a VHS of Pretty Woman and I asked my mom if we could get it. She said no, of course, and the woman running the booth told my mom it would teach me what NOT to do. Little did that woman know I would be an accountant (briefly), ehehe. Anyway, Pretty Woman is fantastic and you should go see it!
Twilight saga
Yes, I am one of those people who started streaming it as soon as it dropped on Netflix! I was heartbroken with Amazon dropped it and it could only be rented but Netflix came in to save the day! It’s no surprise that as soon as it released, the movies shot to the top 10 movies on the platform in the US. We all missed the cringey and, honestly, problematic love triangle of Edward, Bella, and Jacob.
That’s it, y’all! That’s what I streamed this month! If you’re looking for a good film, or series, to spend your weekend watching, check these out!
One of my favorite things about Oklahoma City is the constant variety of restaurants and quick bites! If I’m in the mood for any type of food or dessert, I know I’m going to be able to find a delicious place in the matter of a few minutes! I put together a short list of my favorite places to eat in OKC if you are a local or visitor wanting a yummy bite!
The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen
Lord have mercy! The pizza is to die for and the drinks are always refreshing! My top two favorite slices are the Samwise (a heavenly blend of thinly sliced roasted potatoes, cream cheese, balsamic reduction, and caramelized onions!) and the Sweetness (a classic pineapple and ham pizza that is the best blend of sweet and savory! The rooftop is my favorite spot to eat when the weather is nice because Hall’s has the best view of the city! The service is also a 10/10!
2. Fassler’s Hall
My heart (and stomach) belongs to Fassler’s- an American-German eatery with a huge selection of wines and spirits in the heart of OKC! The deck here also has an incredible view of downtown OKC and never disappoints! For the kiddos, there is a spot outside for games and corn hole, and for the adults and big kids, there is a bowling alley downstairs. My favorite order is the Haus Salad (feta, veggies, and mustard vinaigrette) and an order of Duck Fries (fried in duck fat and golden to perfection!) with two sides of the garlic aioli and BBQ sauce. Fassler Hall has been my go-to spot with my sister and we always have a good time!
3. Cafe Disco
This one is for my Office fans! Cafe Disco is located in downtown OKC and serves the tastiest macarons and craft coffee in the city! This summer, they created a macaron ice cream sandwich that I had the pleasure of trying before it launched and wow, let me tell you! I have been craving one for days! I tried the caramel ice cream sandwich and it sweet and nummy! They are big so you can absolutely share with someone or eat it yourself, like I did! Plus the Office memorabilia floating around the store is fun to find! The lemon and pistachio macarons are my personal favorites.
4. Aurora
Calling all breakfast and brunch lovers! Aurora in OKC’s Plaza District is home to the most delicious French toast I have ever eaten! The environment is chill, relaxed, and cozy, and the staff is always welcoming and friendly, even on the busiest days. I love going here with my girlfriends before a shopping trip! The hardest part is trying to figure out what to order! The breakfast sammies on biscuits are huge and so satisfying! Aurora is the perfect place for Sundays with the girls!
5. The Collective: Kitchens and Cocktails
What’s better than a collection of restaurants that offer a taste of everything? Exactly! The Collective in Midtown OKC offers a host of dining options for every mood and craving! My pick is Phill Me Up cheesesteak and all of the mouthwatering goodness they dish up! In addition to Phill Me Up, there is Okie Pokie (poke bowls that are delicious!), Press Waffle Co. (it’s all in the name!), The Fried Taco (tacos!), Shaka(Hawaiin cuisine), Conley Coffee Co., Big Buns Bakery, and Edie’s Grill! The Collective is definitely the spot to be on a Friday night for dinner with friends!
If you’re in the mood for delicious food, OKC always has a place to go! Stay tuned for more OKC hot spots and digs!
A new year always brings hopes for new beginnings and making resolutions. I don’t see making resolutions as a tacky thing because I feel like people are always wanting to grow and try to better themselves, and a new year is great motivation for healthy goals! Mine are centered around self care and learning how to love myself more than I ever have. A few of my posts this year have already been about self care and some fun little tips on how to improve, so I will have those linked in this post too!
Drinking More Water
I know right? How original! I don’t drink enough water daily and it definitely shows in my skin and overall how I feel. I get the majority of my water intake through coffee and even though I would like for it to count, I don’t think it does, haha. I have a few cute reusable water bottles to wash and then I’m carrying water with me everywhere I go!
Getting More Sleep
I do not get enough sleep! The majority of Americans don’t either, especially with the state of our country. I know I am worried about current events and it works its way into my sleeping schedule. Burning candles, diffusing oils, and wearing a sleep mask are things that help me sleep better at night! Make sure to blow out candles before you go to bed! For more tips on how to get a better night sleep, check out my latest post here!
Protecting My Peace
What does this mean? To me it means that I am protecting myself from things that are going to take away from my energy. This could be putting a barrier in a relationship for things that drain my energy or turning off the news when I begin to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to step back from the news when it takes over your emotions! If my family starts to stress me out or I begin to feel irritated, that’s a sign for me to distance myself and regroup my emotions so I don’t do/say something I don’t mean and that I will regret. Part of protecting my peace is also letting things go when I can. I like to consider the 48 Hour Rule when it comes to being angry. I take 48 hours to try to let things go and if I am still upset after that time has passed, I calmly approach the situation and have a conversation about my emotions.
Nourishing My Body
I don’t eat as well as I should. There, I said it. My goal is to eat better to fuel my body so that I feel my very best. I tend to not eat as much as I should depending on my mood. If I feel fat, I won’t eat as often as I need to. It’s not a healthy habit and I am trying to break it. My body is beautiful at any size and it deserves to be nourished.
What are some of your goals for 2021? Comment down below!
With this crazy year being almost at a close, it’s spurred me (and a lot of others!) to look at the year we had and see where we could use some room for improvement next year. While you may think that setting resolutions for the upcoming year are cliche and redundant, I find a sense of joy in the possibilities of a new beginning! Better self care is one of my resolutions for 2021 and I’ve thrown together some tips that I’ve learned to have a better self care routine!
Keep Skin Care Masks on Hand!
Face masks are one of my favorite ways to keep my skin in decent shape. I picked up a handful of masks a month ago when Ulta had a sale and I’m glad I did! Since Covid started in the US, the mask-ne (acne caused by wearing face masks) has been real and my skin hates me! Keeping skin care masks in my cabinet has been a great way to have a quick spa night and give my skin some help it needs!
Buy Yourself a Nail Kit for Pedis!
Trying to stay home as much as possible and save money are side effects of Covid for sure, and that also means skipping nail appointments. I tend to wear press on nails from Kiss (find my favorites here) but I love getting pedicures! I picked up some supplies while I was at Ulta and my feet have been happy happy since I started using them regularly! To have an amazing pedicure I start with a foot mask then follow up with a file, scrub, and then finally a pair of socks and heel repair lotion. With winter taking a toll on my skin, the heel repair has definitely helped keep them presentable! After my feet are all moisturized, I paint my toes and call it a day!
Get Some Books To Grow Your Mind!
I can’t tell you how many books I have picked up to help me expand my mind, learn how to manifest my dreams, and help grow a healthy mind place for myself. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin is one of my current favorites that I am reading. It helps asks the question “What do I want from life?” and that’s something I ask myself almost every day. The Happiness Project is a fun read that I love to sit down with in coffee shops with. My second read of the moment is Mindfulness: How To Pay Attention The the Present by Wendy Hobson. It presents different ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation. Mindfulness runs the reader through the ABCs of practicing mindfulness.
Find a Good Podcast or Playlist!
One thing that has helped me get through good times and bad is music. There’s a playlist for when I am happy, sad, or need a little boost of confidence. Spotify is my favorite music and podcast app, and it’s free to sign up! I have the Premium membership (ps college students: you can get a discount for Premium!) so I am constantly listening to music while I drive, cook, or take a shower. For podcasts, I love listening to educational shows! Stuff You Missed In History Class, Medical Murders, and TED are my favorite podcasts that I keep in rotation. TED has so many different episodes on topics that range from politics to lifestyle. If you are looking to learn a new language during quarantine, Duolingo has podcasts on Spotify, too!
Binge a New Show!
Sib, find a new show to watch or rewatch a favorite! I was gifted the Sex and the City series so I have been watching that since the holidays. A good chunk of us are still staying home so yes, it is perfectly fine to watch TV! If you are on Netflix, a few of my favorites are The Tudors, Orange Is the New Black, and Big Mouth. There’s a show for everyone and there are plenty of things for your kiddos! I’m trying to use screen time as an additional education source so I have been saving documentary titles as well!
I hope that 2021 brings blessings and joy for you (and me!)! We all could use a little spark in our lives and I wish that we can all start seeing each others smiling faces next year, without masks, but we can only hope. My email is always open if you want to drop a line or reach out!
The title really sums up this post in two words: Life’s Crazy.
It still baffles me how one body can go through so many emotions in one day- confusion, anxiety, sadness, happiness, and so many other feelings. I am this way when there is a big change looming in the future and for me that is moving into my dorm room in 3 days! How many new people will I meet? Will I hate my time at college? Is every single day going to be a struggle? The answer: I truly don’t know. There are so many unknowns and that bothers me. I am scared my friends will forget me and live their lives without me. I”m scared that people I love will realize I’m not worth the effort. I’m scared of being pushed away so far and there is no return.
3 days and I’m moved out. I am excited, I am nervous, but I think I will be okay. Maybe morning yoga at the university’s gym won’t be such a bad idea after all! Life is crazy. There are days where I am filled with happiness and days where I just sit on the floor and cry. Sometimes I think I get too much into my head. Maybe we all do that a little bit.
I hope you are all having a great week and a fabulous summer. Here in Oklahoma we are experiencing another season of uncomfortable heat and it is less than fun to be sure. I’ve been pretty absent here and on my social medias lately. Taking breaks from blogging is never fun and I am the worst at taking them. I always think I stay away for too long and when I do end up coming back to blog, it won’t be worth it. Welcome to the highs and lows of Mimi. So in every aspect, I let myself down when I set goals for the month because I get sidetracked or things happen and my focus goes away.
With college starting up really soon, I know I am not going to be here as much as I used to be or as much as I would like to be. And you know what? That’s okay. It isn’t going to be the end of the world and the universe won’t explode if I don’t have a consistent blogging schedule. I would rather get a degree and work in my passion.
As for mind sets (Because we all could use a super positive mindset where we only build ourselves up!), I am working on mine. I don’t like being confused and right now, I feel majorly confused about everything that is going on in my life. The balance has been knocked out of alignment and that really freaks me out. With major life changes happening, I know that it is normal to feel this way and to want things to be centered again. Going with the flow is not one of my strong suits and I need to work on trusting that everything is going to work out.
One of my favorite songs is “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
It is relaxing and is my go-to song for when I am about to have an anxiety or panic attack. All I have to do is plug in the music and let it flow into my soul.
So in all of the changes going on in my life and through all the confusion, I’m trying to remember that it is going to be okay. Going with the flow is good. My wish for you is that you can go with the flow, too. Let’s all relax and “Rise up this mornin’
Smiled with the risin’ sun.”
I hope you all are having a great week and you had a great weekend. Today’s review is more skincare and I think you will love it. I had never tried serums before and they honestly scared me, but after trying the three serum set from elDivine Beauty. I was sent the retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C kit for free (as usual, disclaimer is below.). Let me start off with a big thank you to the elDivine Beauty team for working with me! Everyone in communication has been incredibly nice and helpful whenever I had questions.
The serum that I used the most is the Hyaluronic acid to help with my dry skin and giving my skin a glow. At night, I would sometimes add the retinol into my routine. The vitamin c serum is great in the mornings for a fresh glow! I did notice that my skin glowed really nicely when I was consistently using the serums and once I stopped using them, my skin dulled a bit. The kit is great if you are looking to add an extra step into your skincare routine and to achieve a healthy glow. Unfortunately, I failed to document my results of before and after, but I guarantee you that my skin was glowing!
All three of the serums came in the elDivine Beauty Anti-Aging and Skin Rejuvenating kit that is $19.99 on Amazon. For the low price point, the serums are very much worth it. You don’t need to break the bank to get a glow!
Thank you to elDivine Beauty and the team for sending me the serum kit! Check out the product link below!
In February, I was contacted by Bolzano Handbags PR about sending me a purse to review for their just recently launched monthly subscription box. Of course, I said yes! The absolutely lovely Leylani was my customer service representative and she is a dream to work with. She made the process so easy!
I was sent the Alisse Messenger bag in brown and let me tell ya, I love it! Generally I am not a fan of messenger style bags because I find that they don’t have enough space to carry around all of the things I need. However, having a messenger bag has really helped me realize what I actually need and I do have enough space.
The purse strap measures 44 inches and it is adjustable so you can get the perfect fit. There’s also a lock and key on the purse so you can keep your wallet, keys, and everything else secure. When the purse is unlocked, just pinch together the buttons on the front and your purse will open. I personally love it for the rodeo and fair seasons that are coming up! I wish I had this purse a few years ago when I was at the Tulsa State Fair!
The purse is made from cowhide, so it is real leather. Bolzano also has handbags that are made from lambskin and cowhide/lambskin combination. If you are thinking about ordering an item from Bolzano but do not want to purchase a purse or wallet that is made from animal skin, they do have options that are fabrics. If you would prefer to shop from a brand that avoids using animal hides, Bolzano isn’t the brand for you, sadly. However, there are a lot of other amazing brands that are cruelty free!
The quality of this purse is so great and it is really sturdy, making it perfect for me! The Alisse messenger bag retails for $148. If you are looking for a well-made purse that will last you for a long time, make sure to check out this style on Bolzano’s website, which is linked above! When you tour their website, there is a chat box that pops up so there is a person to help you if you have any questions.
Thank you so much to the entire Bolzano team for sending me this amazing purse! Make sure to go check out their website and see if they have anything that suits your taste!
If you want to catch up on my previous post click here or scroll down and hit the previous post button! All of my social media links are also above and below, and I love talking with you guys on Instagram and Twitter!
What’s your favorite purse style? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: I was not paid to review this purse or any other products from Bolzano Handbags. All opinions stated are my own and this post contains no affiliate links. Happy reading!
So as many of you may know if you follow me on Twitter, read one of my 2017 Blogmas posts, or the post where I discussed the upcoming year, that opening up on my faith and using Glitz and Glitter as an outlet for that is something that I have wanted to do since I started Glitz and Glitter last year. The fear of backlash held me back and I started caring about what others would think, how my friends who aren’t Christians would see me, and how it might change potential business deals. I am so ashamed to say that.
Romans 12:2 tells us to not conform to the world but “be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” I will be the first to tell you that my faith isn’t a solid one. Every single day, I wake up with doubts and confusion. For the past year, I have had a whole in my heart and soul and deep down I knew what it was but I didn’t want to admit it and go before God and admit that I had lost my faith. I don’t like having to admit that I am wrong and I really hate that God already knew how I truly felt and I kept pushing Him away. Having a group of people around me who would help me grow in my faith, keep me accountable, and be there for me is something that I pray for.
Recently I started listening to a podcast called That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs on Spotify and it truly helped me reconnect with my faith and help me admit that I needed to bring God back into my life again. Today while I was driving into classes, I was listening to the Jesus Calling podcast (also on Spotify, if you are interested!) and one of the guest speakers was Sadie Robertson, a young woman who I wish was my best friend and who I have admired for years. Her testimony made me cry and believe me, trying to drive safely and cry at the same time is not something I recommend! I then found a podcast episode of That Sounds Fun that had Sadie as a guest and I got so excited- two of my favorite people were collaborating on a podcast! Listening to that episode really hit me and I was ready to admit I needed God in my daily life again. That led me onto finding more podcasts (I’m thinking of doing a post on my favorite podcasts! Keep your eyes peeled!) and even more women talking about their faith and how they incorporate reading, devotions, and other things into their daily routines so they are always in a relationship with God and standing firm in their faith. I can’t tell you how much these podcasts have helped me.
Another amazing thing that I am so grateful for is having a friend who is there for me and shares my views on faith. We reconnected recently and I am so glad we did because my eyes are opening again and it is the best feeling to have someone along with you for that journey. Surrounding yourself with a group of people (or even just a few) who are going to be there for you 100% and help you grow in your faith is so essential and I have noticed that I am wanting to have that again. Keeping good influences in your life is so important because they do influence you. There is a verse in 1 Corinthians that says “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.” I believe in this entirely. It has such truth in my life but also in others who I know. Meeting new people is incredible and I love talking to people, but I do think that you should keep your friend circle close to you and have only people who are of a good influence to you.
Being afraid of how my faith and beliefs would change potential friendships and business interactions is not something that I am proud of. If a business deal doesn’t work out due to my faith, there will be others that will work out. If there is a friend in my life who doesn’t like the fact that I choose to love, worship, and trust my life to Jesus Christ, that’s sad and unfortunate but there will be other friends who will be beneficial to my journey. With every season there is something new to learn and meditate on. I am coming into a new season of life with a new outlook and attitude. I am open and that makes me happy. As Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.
I have so many new ideas and topics I am trying to plan to cover in this new area on Glitz and Glitter and I am so excited to share them with you that I am brimming with joy!
I’m going to leave you with one of my favorite verses and I’ll see you all very soon with more!
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Mimi In Motion 