Project Repat // T-Shirt Blanket

I've been waiting to write a post about my awesome t-shirt blanket! Months ago I bought a Groupon for approximately $67 for a full size (5'x6') t-shirt blanket.  Years ago when I was in college I saw that a friend of mine had one that her grandmother made her and it was absolutely perfect.  I had fallen in love and wanted one ever since.  I never did it because every time I researched online for local people to make one for me the cost exceeded my budget.  Usually at least $200 for the most basic style and definitely ranging in the $300 zone.  Simply too expensive!

Project Repat (the company I bought the Groupon for) is completely affordable and sustainable.  The company is based out of Massachusetts and partners with three different organizations to produce the t-shirt blankets.  One of the partnerships is with a non-profit that provides jobs for people with disabilities! Neat, huh?

How does it work? It's simple, you go to their website and decide what size of blanket you want.  The larger the blanket, the greater the cost and the more t-shirts needed.  The blanket can be as small as a throw made of 9 t-shirts (right now on sale for $70) or as large as a king size bed (8'x8' or 64 t-shirts) and running at $250.  The blankets are made up of 1'x1' squares of  t-shirts on one side and high quality Polar-Tec fleece on the other side.  Oh, and let me add that this is HIGH QUALITY fleece, it's so thick and so warm. You do NOT have to worry about any additional shipping.  Project Repat will send you a kit immediately for you to mail your shirts to them and within 4-6 weeks you'll have a blanket! I was really impressed with the timing of it all.  I'm sure it varies, but the entire process did not take more than 3 weeks for me and I had it shipped from Massachusetts to Texas!

Project Repat also has great customer service, they shoot you an e-mail from an actual person (not one of those automated e-mails you can't respond to) when they receive your shirts.  I e-mailed them to ask if I could have grey fleece (because it wasn't an option online) and they responded immediately saying "of course" and that they would edit my order for me.

The best part about Project Repat and me sharing my blanket with you is that you can use THIS CODE right now to get 15% off your blanket! Take advantage now.

You're welcome!
Happy t-shirt blanket ordering. Feel free to drop me a comment below if you have any additional questions or concerns regarding Project Repat.

Take a peek

I am all about natural beauty and keeping your makeup routine quick with a "less is more" motto.  But, have you ever read those magazines where they show you what certain celebrities carry in their makeup bag?  I always wonder if what they say they carry is true, but regardless of whether it is or not I sure do enjoy seeing those beauty products and what they have to "say" about them.  If I can find one new product to add to my stash I get really excited.  Who doesn't want a new mascara to try or a new shade of blush?! Tonight I am going to share what's in my makeup bag. While I may not be famous I do promise to share some beauty insight and I promise all that you see really is what I carry in my bag.

My makeup routine usually takes me about 5 minutes or less.  If I am dressing up for an evening out or attending a party of some sort it takes me longer to do the eyes.  Even if I keep makeup simple on most days, and even if I like to go naked (just my face) somedays I still love to splurge on good makeup.  I have found that the expensive items I purchase go a loooong way.

Let's begin shall we...

Makeup Bag: Vera Bradley Large in Java Blue $15

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm $45 Department Stores

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - this stuff is incredible.  I know $45 is a lot of money.  I don't buy this myself.  My mom is a huge fan of Clarins products and she has been buying their face products for years.  She therefore gets great deals, gifts, specials, etc.  I inherited this little baby from her.   You slather this on the morning after a rough night (didn't get much sleep for example) and it immediately makes your skin GLOW.  It does not count as a moisturizer and you're not really supposed to rub it in either.  It has definitely saved me when I haven't exactly gotten my beauty rest.  

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer $42 Department Stores or Sephora

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is not my primary source of coverage.  This tube has lasted me about a year, but I do use it sparingly.  It leaves your skin with a dewy finish and has great coverage for simply being a tinted moisturizer.  This is what I use when I want a little more coverage for a party, date, or fancy evening.  Another tinted moisturizer I love is this one from Clinique.  

From top to bottom: Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush $20
Mary Kay Cheek Brush $10
Bare Escentuals Flawless Face Brush $28
Bare Escentuals Angled Face Brush (Price Unavailable)
Laura Mercier Mini Fan Feather Brush Approximately $30
Bare Escentuals Mini Kabuki Brush (Price Unavailable)

Important thing to note: I did not pay full price for ANY of these brushes.  Now, I love my makeup brushes.  They are my babies.  I take care of them, I wash them, and they are well worth their expensive prices. All of my Bare Escentuals brushes I got in special kits or free samples.  I got my Laura Mercier brush as a free sample and I got my Mary Kay brush in a cheap set.  If you are familiar with the Bare Minerals makeup process you should know how all of those brushes work.  I essentially use those for my mineral makeup and concealer.  My Mary Kay brush is specifically for my blush and it has a nice angle for the cheekbones.  My Laura Mercier and mini kabuki brushes I use for translucent powder when I want to give my face a final glow.  They are light, and feathery!  If you don't own makeup brushes or don't know what's a good way to start I would say some essentials are 1) a good foundation or powder brush (depending on which you use), 2) a good concealer brush, and 3) a blush brush.  Real hair brushes are the way to go, especially with any mineral makeup.  

Covergirl Lash Blast Length mascara in brown $8; Tarte Eyelash Curler $16;
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black $4

Mascara is probably the item I use the most, and it is also my favorite.  I usually have at least two mascaras in my bag with one of them being the Great Lash.  I like to alternate my second mascara and I usually like to keep it cheap and under $10.  I'm not impressed with Covergirl Lash Blast, the brush is nice and good for separating the lashes, but it doesn't make my eyelashes look any longer than they already are.  Maybelline Great Lash is a classic, and my lashes always feel full and voluminous afterward.  I am also a fan of a good curler, I don't mind splurging on a curler because they last me so long.  I've had this Tarte one for at least two years (note the breakage on the right handle).  My favorite is the Shu Uemora but sadly Sephora stopped carrying it.  Other pricey mascaras I love (but rarely buy) are Diorshow, Benefit BADgal Lashes, and Clinique High Impact mascaras.   

The Body Shop's Satsuma Body Butter $18 

The Body Shop's Satsuma Body Butter is my favorite thing in the whole world right now.  I got lather this one all day long and not get sick of it.  The smell is so fresh and clean, the citrus wakes you up and people can smell me from a mile away.  I lather this stuff on right after I shower and it is really moisturizing.  I just bought a new one today since I am almost out of this one.  The new scent I got is the coconut because it is for Normal/Dry skin.  I cannot get enough of this butt-ah and I promise you won't either, go get yourself some.  The tiny purse size butters run for $5 or you can get a sampler of 6 for $30.  You won't regret it! 

Laura Mercier's Universal Invisible Loose Setting Powder $34

Laura Mercier Universal Invisible Loose Setting Powder is a great finishing translucent powder.  I got this mini version as a free sample! I have had it for about 6 months and still haven't run out.  A little goes a long way.  I'm not sure if I would actually purchase this for myself after I finish my sample, but I can definitely see why people like it.  

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment $6 

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment This stuff is fabulous! It contains Salicylic Acid which dries out acne pimples and kills bacteria.  It doesn't over dry your skin and you can feel the burn immediately after applying.  

Clockwise from top: Bare Minerals READY Veil $22
Bare Minerals Original foundation $27
Bare Minerals All Over Face Color $19

Bare Escentuals Makeup I've been using this stuff for about 5 years now and it's what I stick to.  It can be as light as you want it to be or apply a little more for heavier coverage.  I hate to use the word heavy though because this stuff never feels that way.  It is creamy and light on your skin.  Also has great SPF! I also have the concealer, but you can always use your concealer brush in the original foundation an it will work just the same! Flawless natural looking makeup. It also goes a long way because I usually buy about two foundations a year.  I recommend getting yourself a starter kit if you are new to Bare Escentuals because it is way cheaper and you get brushes in the set! 

NARS Orgasm Blush $28

NARS Orgasm Blush an ode to the best blush in the entire world! The name of this shade is orgasm and it is their most popular because it looks great on basically any skin tone.  It is a peachy-gold shimmery shade that's perfect to wear alone or with foundation.  Since I discovered this color five years ago I have not gone back to any other blush.  This blush will usually last me anywhere from a year to a year and half, more if you baby it ;).  If anyone has found a similar shade in blush please let me know because I'd love to compare.  

Mary Kay Concealer in Beige1 $10
Bare Minerals Multi-Tasking Concealer in Summer Bisque $18

Concealer is an essential in my make up bag, even though I don't use it the creamy kind regularly.  My Mary Kay concealer is AWESOME, it has incredible coverage and is the perfect concealer to treat blemishes, dark circles, red spots, sun damage, etc.  I save it for emergencies and for special occasions.  The Mary Kay concealer was also in the O Magazine hall of fame!  The Bare Minerals concealer is also great and better for every day, but I wouldn't buy it regularly.  I received this one in a starter kit and even though it's awesome it is unnecessary for my minimal concealer needs.  

Carmex $3
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Mini Perfume (Price unavailable)
Tweezerman Mini Tweezers $13
Oral-B Satin Floss $4

Miscellaneous Items like Carmex are ideals for girls like me who never wear lipstick or even lipgloss.  I do however like to make sure my lips are moisturized and kissable! My current fragrance is Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh which is perfect for summertime with it's sweet and soft floral scent.  I love to floss and even though I don't need to tweeze my eyebrows much I keep them on hand because you never know.  

Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Aspen Summit $12
MAC Eyeshadow in Creme Brulee $15
Mary Kay Eyeshadow Brush $10
Almay Intense i-Color for Hazel $6
Sharpener $.50
Estee Lauder 'Pure Color' Eyeliner $20

Eye Stuff As you can see, I don't really buy many eyeshadows or eyeliners.  This is because I have BIG eyes and if I play them up too much I look really made up.  I save these dramatic looks or the use of eyeliner for the weekends or date nights.  I do love a good cat eye these days.  Most people can't believe I only use one eyeliner or that I've had the same eyeliner for at least two years now.  Look how tiny it is?  This eyeliner is perfect, it's creamy, it's rich, it doesn't smudge easily.  It was also a free gift because my mom buys lots of Estee Lauder lipsticks and eyeshadows.  My eyeshadows are neutral, the Aspen Summit color I use as a highlighter along the inner lids and below the brow.  My Creme Brulee is an all over color and my Almay Trio is for smoking up my eyes.  Done. 

Tokidoki Arte Palette in Lion Pappa $10 

Recent Purchase happened today because I decided I needed more eyeshadows.  I fell in love with this neutral palette by Tokidoki.  It also comes with a blush in a golden peach color.  The blush isn't NARS Orgasm, but it looks promising.  I'm excited to wear these colors on Saturday night for my cousin's wedding.

Phew, that was a lot of beauty in one sitting.  I hope you enjoyed looking through my makeup bag.  Let me know if you have any questions regarding any products.  

What's your favorite item in your makeup bag?  

Le petit déjeuner

Happy Saturday everyone!

Just sipping on a green monster smoothie post-spinning.  I didn't originally have plans to work out today, but my nephew decided he wanted pizza last night and, well, the rest is history.  I decided a morning of cardio was just what I needed to lessen the late night pizza guilt :)
My quads were killing me so I didn't do a great job with the sprints, but nevertheless I made a great healthy decision and walked off the soreness on an incline for fifteen minutes afterward.  It is mornings like this when all that motivation talked about here really comes in handy!

I'd like to take the time to mention to y'all a couple of my favorite healthy foods.  Sometimes we are stuck in a rut and can't figure out what to snack on, or what to have for breakfast.  I typically workout before I have an actual breakfast and so my pre-fuel for my workout typically consists of either 1) an apple, 2) peanut butter toast, or 3) a banana.  I think I'm going to start adding a cup of greek yogurt to that list though, because of the fat burning benefits.  Gotta tackle that belly fat.  When I get hungry between meals and I DO (I take this as a great sign that my metabolism is high and those workouts are paying off), I typically grab some of the Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds.  If you typically don't eat nuts and get thrown off by the fat content, well, don't. Yes, it may seem like a lot of fat for such a small baggie, but remember that nuts are a good fat.  These have minimal sodium (15mg) and are lightly and naturally sweetened by the cocoa powder that covers them.  Almonds help to curb my apetite and make me feel full until my next meal.

YUM! You can also purchase simply roasted with no cocoa.  

Other snacks I might consume are pieces of fruit (apples, cherries, strawberries) or the low sodium tiny V8 vegetable juices.  I like to keep my sodium intake to a minimum considering salt retains water and no one wants to look bloated, especially in the summertime.  I might have one or two V8's a week.  Some say the low sodium ones are not as tasty as the regular sodium, but you get used to the difference in taste.  For breakfast (mmmm best meal ever) I am a huge fan of the Green Monster that I mentioned above.  If you have not tried this before, do NOT be discouraged by the looks of it, I swear it tastes AMAZING.  There is a whole Green Monster cult-like fan club out there, I promise I'm not a part of this (sort of).  There are just so many great benefits to drinking these regularly.  Appearance in skin, energy, and even a decrease in cravings for sweets (SO TRUE).  Check out the Green Monster Movement that I hope inspires you to try it out.  The Green Monster makes a great breakfast on it's own, or a snack.  If you'd like to make one now, here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk of choice (I usually use regular milk or almond milk)
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 handfuls of fresh spinach (you can add more or less)
• Ice cubes (1-4)

Optional Items:

• Greek Yogurt (I find that it makes it creamy and dreamy)
• Chia seeds or flax seeds
• Nut butter (peanut, almond, sunflower seed)
• Berries

Instructions:

Start with the liquid, add milk first, then spinach followed by the banana on top.  Top with ice cubes and blend until smooth (typically about 2 mins).  Serves 1-2 cups.  

Don't be like me and put your ingredients in the correct order ;)

The more spinach, the greener.  The less, the more brownish it will look.  But regardless, it'll be tasty

Another breakfast favorite of mine is something light, but protein-rich.  One that I keep coming back to lately is an egg sandwich on pita bread with goat cheese or salsa and spinach.  I should probably tell you that spinach is one of my favorite foods, I can eat it every day and with almost anything.  My third dream job is to become the next Popeye.  I use a poached egg rather than fried, scrambled, or other cooking methods.  With a poached egg I don't have to use any additional oils and I love how pretty they turn out.  If you'd like to scramble yours and make it just egg white, I'm sure this would work too.  I love yolk, and I like my eggs runny.  I don't eat them every day and therefore I'm not too concerned about eating the yolk.  I use whole wheat pita bread pockets because it is low in calories, low in fat, and it doesn't have the sugar that regular bread contains.  You can replace pita bread with basically any sandwich recipe, it's awesome.  Lastly, goat cheese.  Best cheese ever!!! I seriously adore goat cheese, with almost anything.  If you haven't tried it with eggs you absolutely should go do that right now.  The combination is flawless.  I usually pair this meal with some fruit on the side.  Mmm mmm mm.

This one is missing the spinach because I was out.  Make sure and put some in there,  it makes it look colorful.

In regard to how much I eat, I don't really count calories.  I find that excruciating and because I'm a control freak that probably wouldn't be good for me.  I typically know how many calories my food is and I try to keep the meals lower in calories so that I can truly see the benefits from my workouts.  That doesn't mean I eat less.  I definitely don't, just healthier.  Smaller meals, lower in calories and rich in protein at times to keep me feeling full.  That's enough foodie stuff for today.  I promise I will share more another day.  Feel free to ask me any questions about the food.  Enjoy! 

Did you try the green monster? Love it, hate it, not sure how you feel about it?  What's your favorite healthy breakfast?