What I'm loving lately

This week has been a hot mess -- literally and figuratively -- but now it's Thursday, it's finally cooling down, and the nice man at Starbucks gave me my iced coffee for free this morning so I'm quite happy about life.

Some other things I've been loving lately:

Garnier B.B. Cream: I have no idea how I lived without this -- or any B.B. Cream -- for so long. It makes my skin look flawless and dewy and smells so good! I know I'm constantly raving about my drugstore beauty finds (and calling everything my favorite) but this stuff is legit. It really is a miracle worker. 

Overdressed: I've read so many phenomenal books already this summer -- including Wild and Bloom -- and now I'm working my way through Overdressed. It's all about the high cost of cheap fashion and how we're buying -- and wasting -- more clothing than ever ... and how it's all crap. It's fascinating and has made me look at my closet -- and my shopping habits -- in a whole new way. 

The Bar Method: I've mentioned it before but I'm obsessed with The Bar Method. So obsessed that I've been waking up at 5:30 a.m. on most weekdays to squeeze in a run and a class before work. I've been six times in the past week and I already see some definition in my abs (YES!!!). It's a beautiful space, everyone is so nice, and class just flies by! Plus, it totally works.

Jam Jar: To be fair, I've loved this forever (aka as 2 years) but it's been especially amazing in the heat wave. I'm not a red wine person but this Sweet Shiraz -- which you chill (that's key!) -- is so sweet and wonderful that I choose it over dessert (crazy, right?!). Oh and it's only $10. 

Downton Abbey: I know I'm so late on this but OMG amazing. My favorite post-work activity is pouring a class of Jam Jar, locking myself in my air conditioned bedroom with Jack, and laying on our bed watching episode after episode on the computer (which we have temporarily moved from our oven-of-an-office into the bedroom). 

Drugstore beauty, part 2

A few months back, I did a post about my favorite drugstore beauty products. Since then, I've discovered a few more fantastic gems that don't break the bank.

(From left to right)

• John Frieda, Hair Foam ($11.99):  In general, the new breed of foam hair color has completely changed my life. I've been coloring my hair for years now (for the record, yes I'm a natural blonde but I'm not THIS blonde!) and while I was decent with the old school bottles, this simplifies things like whoa. And the John Frieda brand (in extra light blonde) is my current favorite -- if only because the post-color conditioner is amazing.
• UO Nail Polish in Hot Tub ($5 or 2 for $8): Ok fine this isn't from a drugstore but it's $5 at UO and it's seriously the best neon pink. It's a bit matte so I recommend a topcoat to finish it off.
• NYC 16H Lipstain in Rock on Ruby ($4.49): I love red lipstick but it's challenging to wear during the day when you have a gazillion meetings and lunches. This lipstain makes me looks super cool and I don't have to reapply all day long (though it doesn't actually last a full 16 hours -- more like five or six, which I still think is plenty). 
• Dove Style + Care Flexible Hold Hairspray ($4.89): Hair spray is my jam. I wear it everyday -- even when I don't really need it. (I may have a slight addiction). This Dove spray gives me fabulous volume without stickiness.
• Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo ($3.49): If you haven't heard about this rockin' dry shampoo (and its fantastic smell) -- you must be living under a rock. Because it really is the greatest thing ever for refreshing day-old, dreary hair (and oily roots).
• Maybelline Foam Dream Nude Foundation ($10.99): I've heard mixed reviews about this foam foundation but I'm a huge fan. It offers sheer coverage -- more than a tinted moisturizer but less than a typical foundation -- and blends nicely with my skin tone.