The A-List

"The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us." - Ashley Montagu

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately! It's wonderful to see the beautiful new blooms in our neighborhood. Since the weather has been so lovely, we have been spending time grilling and getting some new plants for the yard. We cannot wait to enjoy the weather some more this upcoming season!

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from the past week.

Beautiful blooms that we were amazed by during our stroll in the neighborhood.

Beautiful blooms that we were amazed by during our stroll in the neighborhood.

Stunning bouquet of white roses on our dining room table.

Stunning bouquet of white roses on our dining room table.

Waffles and bacon for breakfast on a wonderful Sunday morning.

Waffles and bacon for breakfast on a wonderful Sunday morning.

New coffee table book and an amazingly scented candle.

New coffee table book and an amazingly scented candle.

Dinner for two, and a delicious red wine from Rosemont Vineyards to pair with our meal.

Dinner for two, and a delicious red wine from Rosemont Vineyards to pair with our meal.

Lemon pepper shrimp, garlic and herb broccolini.

Lemon pepper shrimp, garlic and herb broccolini.

The A-List

"We do not remember days, we remember moments." - Cesare Pavese

Today, I'm sharing some of my absolute favorite moments over the past several weeks! It is so nice to sit back and reminisce over wonderful memories. Always, stop and appreciate the positive and sweet moments.

One of my favorite candles from LIT Brooklyn.

One of my favorite candles from LIT Brooklyn.

Enjoying a mimosa during brunch with family at Bay Local.

Enjoying a mimosa during brunch with family at Bay Local.

Wine and flowers from Trader Joe's.

Wine and flowers from Trader Joe's.

My new sunglasses from Tiffany & Co. that I cannot wait to wear soon.

My new sunglasses from Tiffany & Co. that I cannot wait to wear soon.

Seeing Kid Fury & Fury during The Read Live in Washington D.C.

Seeing Kid Fury & Fury during The Read Live in Washington D.C.

The most yummy fried oyster appetizer at Mannino's Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, VA.

The most yummy fried oyster appetizer at Mannino's Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach, VA.

What are some of your memorable moments?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Body Basics

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn

You only get one body, so it's key to make sure you are using quality products. I love to pamper myself, and finding great products that help me do so. It is absolutely so important to take care of your body!

Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite body care items!

  1. Body Brush - A few months ago I bought this amazing body brush! It gently exfoliates and boosts circulation, keeping the system in great condition. I love this brush so much, and it works great with all skin types. Tip: Personally, I like to use the brush before hopping into the shower!
  2. Sugar Body Scrub - This scrub is heaven, and a great alternative if you do not want to use a body brush. The scrub is infused with coconut and almond oils. It's perfect because the scrub exfoliates your skin while nourishing it at the same time!
  3. Firming Body Emulsion - I absolutely love this lotion! During Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale last year I decided to try this product, and really enjoyed it!  The formula is enriched with shea butter and natural oils. My skin is super sensitive and I love the way this feels! 
  4. Cleansing Towelettes - These beautifully scented and gentle towelettes are great to use! They are infused with essential oils and smell amazing. I carry the towelettes everywhere, they are great for on the go!
  5. Facial Sponge - I love these exfoliating sponges! They are perfect to use with my cleanser. The sponge is very gentle and easy to use. Tip: Swap out your sponge every 30 days.

What are some of your favorite body care supplies?

XO, Analise

Beauty Sleep

"Sleep is the best meditation." - Dalai Lama
 

Who doesn't love to catch some zzzz's?! A good night's sleep is something I take very seriously. Personally, I try to aim for 8 to 9 hours of rest each evening. I'm a morning person, typically I wake up around 5:30 AM. Going to bed early works absolute best for me.

When G and I purchased our home, the master bedroom was one of the first rooms we designed together. We went to many stores to find the perfect pieces for our space. Yet, Wayfair is one of our favorite places to purchase home decor! 

Having a peaceful and comfortable bedroom really helps me get my ultimate beauty sleep. Today, I'll be sharing how we made our bedroom cozy to get the best rest possible!

  1. Bedroom Set. Having a room that is comfortable was very important to G and I. We immediately went on the hunt for a style that embodied our personalities. After weeks of searching, we decided on a set that was lovely, and met our minimalist style. Fast forward a few years later, and we couldn't be happier with how our space looks!
  2. Faux Fur Throw. It was a complete surprise how much I would love this item! My faux fur throw is something I absolutely adore. This item goes with me in almost every room of our home. It is absolutely soft and cozy. It's perfect for those cold winter nights and helps me fall asleep fast!
  3. Sheets. Having the right thread count is important. I bought several different sheet sets to see what worked best for us. The softer the better! We love sheets that stay cool and soft throughout the night.
  4. Body Pillow. I had a spinal fusion over a decade ago. Having a body pillow is an absolute must! This pillow is lovely, and provides the proper support and balance for my spine. I recommend this item to anyone who needs that perfect alignment while sleeping.
  5. Candles. Aromatherapy is something I take very seriously. In our master bedroom, I have several candles to ease me into a good night's rest. The wonderful fragrance fills our room, and helps me relax before bedtime. They are absolutely helpful in easing me into a perfect slumber.
  6. Mattress. This is a biggie! G and I tried out several mattresses, and visited many stores to figure out the exact type we needed. We ensured our new mattress felt comfortable. It's essential to take the time in researching which mattress is best for your body type. 
  7. Pillows. This is major as well. We change out our pillows every 6 months. Swapping out these items, and keeping them fresh is very important. This process will ensure that your pillows will not flatten over time or harbor any unwanted bacteria. 
  8. Lighting. Having the proper lighting in your bedroom really helps! In the evening before bed, I'll read or catch up on a few items for the blog. Whether you choose overhead lighting, or a nice lamp on your nightstand, pick the option that works best for your nighttime routine.
  9. Duvet Cover Set. I absolutely adore our duvet cover set! I love adding several layers of blankets within our bedding. Our duvet set is ideal and much needed. 

What ways do you make your bedroom cozy and optimal for the perfect sleep?

XO, Analise

 

Photos: Courtesy of Wayfair

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It's Really Lit

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." - Eleanor Roosevelt 

I am really into candles - in fact maybe a tad bit obsessed. There is literally a candle in each room of my house, and I'm not ashamed of it. When we first moved into our home, G saw how many candles I put around the house, and he was a tad bit frightened. What can I say, candles are my thing!? Today I'm breaking down my top five favorite candles, and where you can buy them! ** Hint: these are also AMAZING gifts for anyone who loves a great candle :)

  1. LIT Brooklyn - Hands down this is one of my favorite candles in my collection. I've purchased several of these candles, and the quality is bar none! Not only are the candles amazing, but the customer service is extremely stellar. These candles will forever be in my stockpile! ** Bonus, not only is this company owned by a fantastic woman, but it's black owned! Fave Candle: 1989 (because, duh that's the year I was born in!)
  2. Diptyque - I love this brand and the quality of their candles. They smell amazing and are amazing. My best friend Alisha, bought me this candle as a birthday present one year, and it is my ultimate favorite. Fave Candle: Roses
  3. Voluspa - I stumbled upon these candles while I was creating gift baskets for my bridal party. These candles are amazing, and honestly I'm a fan of almost every scent! I found these candles in a local shop in Downtown Norfolk, as well as a major retailer. I'm very much a fan of this brand and their unique scents! Fave Candle: Crisp Champagne
  4. Bath & Body Works - Their partnership with White Barn is bar none. I absolutely love all of their scents. It also doesn't hurt that B&BW has amazing coupons and deals! The holiday scents are G's absolute favorite. He loves when the house smells like baked goods, even when I haven't made cookies in months! Fave Candle: Eucalyptus Mint
  5. Rewined - Last, but certainly not least ... this candle is a winner in my book. The glass holding these beautifully scented candles, are indeed wine bottles! All of their candles literally smell like an amazing glass of wine. I stumbled upon these candles at a winery, and bought several of them immediately. Then, I found them at a large retail store near my home and was hooked! I absolutely love these candles! Fave Candle: Rosé

What are some of your favorite candles?

XO, Analise