Bag Lady

"I'm one of those people who have everything in their purses." - Bethenny Frankel

A purse always completes an outfit, and today I'm sharing a few of my favorite purses! Most importantly, I'm dishing on what I keep in them. Over the years I've started wearing smaller purses, but during the work week, I make sure I'm carrying my essential items to get me through the day! Also, I'm travelling this weekend to Vegas, and always take a bigger bag with me when I'm catching a flight!

Check out the items below that are always in my handbag!

1. Sunglasses. I never leave the house without a pair of shades! These are the perfect item to keep handy at all times.
2. Hair Accessories. It is a must for me to have a hair brush or comb in my bag. Also, hair ties are a must. They are perfect for when I need to tie my hair back at the gym or on the go.
3. Hand Cream. I always keep lotion in my purse. This helps me keep my hands smooth and moisturized when I'm out and about.
4. Lip Balm. This is essential for me! I'm not much of a makeup girl, and don't really wear a lot of lipstick. This lip balm is a lifesaver and I use it all the time!
5. Business Card Holder. I always carry this at networking events. I'm able to keep a few of my own business cards as well as save the ones I receive when meeting new people.
6. Notebook & Pen. I love jotting down notes, and having a notebook and pen to retain important information is really awesome.
7. Card Holder. I've swapped out my larger wallets, for a smaller option - a card case. I never carry cash or change, and really minimize the amount of cards I have. It's much easier, plus I get more room in my bag for other items!
8. Facial Wipes. This is one of my favorite items, especially in the warmer months. Whenever you need a quick refresh, these items are perfect and very gentle on sensitive skin.
9. Bluetooth Headphones. I cannot go anywhere without my headphones! I'm constantly listening to music and podcasts, these are perfect for work, gym, and my walk into the office.
10. Toner. This refreshing rose toner is my absolute favorite. Whenever I need a quick reset, this is my go-to option.

Happy Shopping! What are some key essentials you keep in your bag?

XO, Analise

4th of July Favorites

"Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start." - Anthony Bourdain

The 4th of July is a time where my family I get together to indulge in some amazing food, while listening to great music, enjoying each other's company. Each year we love trying out new recipes. The past few years, we bring the wings - and my family loves us for it!

While, we eat so many different types of dishes, I'm sharing three delicious meals that would be a hit at your cookout. Some are lighter options, and others are the traditional crowd favorites everyone would absolutely love. 

Pan Seared Scallops & Avocado Caprese Salad

Lemon pepper pan seared scallops, bacon crisps, garnished with basil, tomato, mozzarella, avocado, cracked black pepper and balsamic reduction. 

This dish is super light and very yummy. As, I have mentioned before, eating light during the hotter months are absolutely necessary. I love this salad because it is fresh and really good! If you are not a huge scallops fan, substitute it with shrimp! This option is perfect for the anyone who loves a wonderful salad.

Old Bay Chicken Wings

Old Bay Wings, lightly dusted with the amazing seasoning. They are perfect grilled or fried, and super delicious! 

These wings are so delicious, and have the perfect flavor - thanks to the Old Bay Seasoning! You can grill them or throw the wings in the air fryer like I did, and they are super good! Once they are fresh off the grill, dust the chicken wings generously with the seasoning - you'll be so glad you did! 

The Ultimate Spicy Charcoal Grilled Burger

The ultimate burger - this patty is stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and on top of a brioche bun. Also, the toppings include: arugula, honey cured bacon, tomato, and zing sauce.

This burger is my husband's favorite. It's a patty that's stuffed with pepper jack cheese, and grilled over charcoal. I've put it on a bed of arugula, chopped up tomato, and added honey cured bacon on top of the patty. I use a brioche bun, because it's so soft and buttery. Also, the zing sauce added on top gives the burger an extra kick!

What are your favorite things to eat on the 4th of July?

XO, Analise

Workout Playlist

"Exercise is really important to me - it's therapeutic. So if I'm ever feeling tense or stressed or like I'm about to have a meltdown, I'll put on my iPod and head to the gym or out on a bike ride along Lake Michigan with the girls." - Michelle Obama

As, I have gotten older exercise is something that I've taken much more seriously. I try to workout at least 5 days a week with a routine that's perfect for me. My preferred regimen is indoor cycling, strength training, walking, barre, or yoga. I'm constantly modifying my routine so that I am doing a full body workout. Working out is the perfect stress release for me, and helps me start my day on a positive note.

Doing all of these activities, I absolutely need an amazing playlist to keep me motivated. So, today I'm sharing the songs that I love listening to while burning those calories!

A playlist featuring Drake, The Carters, Nas, and others

* Warning - these songs may have explicit language.

Have an amazing workout! Share some of your favorite songs below!

XO, Analise

Face First

"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty." – Coco Chanel

One thing my Grandmother always taught me was to take care of my skin, especially my face. The proper skincare routine is essential, and today I'm sharing mine. I've experimented with a few products over the years, and luckily I've found the perfect regimen for my face.

1. Having a healthy diet is key. I didn't realize it in my teenage years, but what I ate literally determine how healthy my skin was. Once I cut out dairy (well, kinda - cheese is one of my loves), and soda, my face magically cleared. Also, I stopped eating a lot of processed foods, switched up my diet to include more fresh ingredients - this was an absolute lifesaver for my skin.
2. Drink plenty of water. Water is so important, and it's pretty much all that I drink - except for my wine! When I was college and living my best life at my favorite bars, my skin took a nose dive. Alcohol can totally ruin your skin, especially if it's not quality liquor. I have cut out soda and juices completely, and my skin is much better for it.
3. Setup a routine that's best for your skin. Having a consistent skincare routine, helps train your face. I use certain products depending on the season, and time of day. I've found when I constantly switching products my face would freak out. Also, I don't wear makeup at all! I used to wear it quite a bit, and my face typically didn't respond well to it. Now, I may wear a full face of makeup once or twice a year, for a super special event. When I do wear makeup I hire the best makeup artist, Wil Strayhorn - he's top notch and uses the best products!

Cleanse

• The items I use to clean my face is the FOREO LUNA, Noxema, and Philosophy face wash. I was a Clarisonic user for years, but when my MIA died on me, I switched over to the FOREO device, and haven't looked back since. I love the fact that it can go months without being charged, and no longer do I have to purchase replacement heads like the Clarisonic. Also, I use the device with my Purity face wash by Philosophy. I typically use the Philosophy cleanser during the warmer months, and use Noxema during the cooler season. The Noxema cleanser is nice and creamy, and provides extra nourishment to my face when the weather is much more harsh. It provides a deep clean as well, it's been my favorite since I was a teenager!

Moisturize

• Moisturizing is super essential in ensuring your face gets the proper protection it needs. My esthetician recommend Rhonda Allison's Aloe Matte Moisturizer for my sensitive skin, and I absolutely love it. It's lightweight, smells amazing and super gentle. I use this item during the day, and Philosophy's Renewed Hope in a Jar in the evening. It is thicker, and creamy - perfect for my nighttime routine. 

Repair

• In high school and college I dealt with the typical acne that everyone is burdened with. As, I got older, I discovered some amazing items that cleared up those acne scars - thanks to my Mom! Palmer's has been a saving grace, especially their Coconut Oil formula, it helped eliminate my scarring, and has made my face super soft. BioOil has also helped with my blemishes, this formula is a bit more pricey but it really works! I use these serums at nighttime and not during the day, since these products are a bit more oily.

What products do you use to keep your face in tip top shape?

XO, Analise