Well, the official start to Fall is tomorrow and I have to admit I’m sad.

I miss summer! I miss the loose schedule, the daily swimming, the heat, the sunshine. I know we have many warm days ahead of us here in Raleigh but the start of the school year, and the dip in temperatures, has shifted everyone into a different mode. The schedule is tighter, there is so much to do during the week, and holiday plans and travel are already being discussed.

I mean, Christmas trees are on display at Costco. What is happening!

I’m excited to share that today kicks off the first day of a weekend sale with Shop Bagging Rights. This is a BOGO sale so if you’ve ever wanted one of their very cute totes, now is the time to buy one because you’ll get an additional one for free! Split the cost with your friend and marvel at your savings. See the link below.

Bagging Rights Buy One, Get One sale happening this weekend! Fri 9/22 – Sunday 9/24- Promo code is KATEBOGO

We’re getting the edge of a tropical storm this weekend so it looks like it’ll be rainy and chilly. One of my sons has been asking for cinnamon rolls and apple pie, so I could see one or two of those items being baked this rainy weekend.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Newsies

Rusk Speed Freak Blow Dryer

Camilla Hoops from Miranda Frye – Use code SMALLTHINGS10 will get 10% off and free US shipping

No Kid Hungry – Thank a school hero here!

Striped Top from Boden

Athleta Featherless Parka

Always Effortless Jacket from lululemon

Quilted Bomber Jacket

Cara Suede Potato Shoes

Cute Flats from Boden

Modern Slub Tee from ZSupply

Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans

Chelsea Bootie by Dolce Vita

Suede Platform Sneakers

Siena Flat (similar to Boden flats)

Franco Sarto Slingback Flats

Simple Flats

Larret Wedge Bootie

Fun stuff from Amazon:

Black Tote

Cute Stripe Sweater

Marble Slip-on Sneakers

Cute Date Night Top

Ongoing Promo Codes:

Created Colorful: Use code SMALLTHINGS for 20% off on both color consults and gift consults until the end of October 2023.

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 will get 10% off and free US shipping

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? If it’s not here it may be in last week’s links + small things post.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen.

I’m really not a cardigan gal so finding lightweight jackets to wear in the fall is right up my alley. As you can see, green is the theme of the fall around here!

You’ll notice a denim jacket is at the top of the graphic, I really think a denim jacket works all year round. I also included a few different field jackets, which are timeless, and some warmer options too!

P.S. Not listed above is this quilted bomber jacket that I just found from Madewell. They are currently offering 25% off for the Loyalty Event, now until 9/27.

The post Fall Outerwear first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I love testing out a new hair tool. It’s probably one of my favorite aspects of what I do here on The Small Things. From “first impressions” videos to educational tutorials, I hope my reviews and demonstrations of a hair tool are helpful to you if you’re in the market for something.

As I’m sure you know, there are a lot of blow-dry brushes on the market already and more are rolling out. I recently gave the T3 Airebrush a try and really loved it. It’s different than the Airebrush Duo because it only has one oval-shaped head that is not removable. The Airebrush Duo has a round brush attachment, as well as a paddle brush attachment.

I also recently bought and tested out the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb Straightener + Smoother. This is very similar to the T3 Airebrush but it also includes two sections of a heated comb to run your hair through for smoothing, curling, or straightening.

After sharing that video, my comment section was full of questions asking which tool was better. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison so I’ll break down what the benefits of each tool are so you can make the best decision for yourself and your hair type.

Before I dive in, I just want to remind you that there are always going to be newer, better, more advanced, more customized tools that arrive on the market. That’s just what we do in this society. The arrival of a newer tool does not immediately negate a purchase you made. If a tool works for you, then it’s a win. We are not always going to agree on what makes a perfect hair tool. I read a comment *this morning* from someone saying the Dyson Airstrait is superior and I literally hope to never use that tool on myself again. I did not like it for ME.

If you’re shopping for a hair tool, pay attention to the following things: wattage, temperature, temperature adjustments (if it has that), and material.

The higher the wattage, in a dryer, the stronger the motor. The stronger the motor, the better airflow to dry your hair faster. The highest-wattage blow dryer I’ve ever used is the Rusk Speed Freak at 2000 watts. That dryer is *fast*. It was my favorite dryer to use behind the chair. The Dyson blow dryer has 1600 watts, which is also very powerful.

The T3 Airebrush Duo AND the T3 Airebrush have 900 Watts. It’s not going to be the strongest airflow you’ve ever felt. You will absolutely need to dry your hair to about 80% dry, whether by air drying or blowing dry.

The Airebrush Duo has 5 heat settings, 3 speed settings, a volume burst option, and a cool shot. It has two different brush head attachments. You can get a variety of results with this tool. This would be a nice option for someone with fine, delicate, or hair prone to damage thanks to the wide variety of heat options. The brush attachments are ceramic coated to encourage a smooth finished result.

The new Airebrush has 3 heat settings and 2 speed settings, as well as a cool shot. The oval-shaped brush with a ceramic surface encourages smooth hair with less frizz. You will likely have an easier time getting a big, bouncy blowout-like finish with this tool thanks to the oval shape. This would be great for medium to fine hair, healthy or damaged. If your hair is really thick, you may find that it takes you a long time to dry.

The Shark SmoothStyle is also 900 watts, the same as both T3 tools. This tool has the same shape head as the T3 Airebrush but also has two sections of a fixed heated comb to run through your hair after you’ve finished drying it. You cannot turn the heated comb section on while you are drying, it is a different mode.

This tool would be a great option for someone who really needs extra heat smoothing to reduce frizz. You can also get a nice flip in the hair if you hold the tool vertically (see here). The heated comb is a fixed 420 degrees, which is toasty. You will want to keep an eye on your hair and make sure to use a heat protector. This tool also has ceramic-coated plates, which is a great feature of these blow-dry brushes.

SO WHICH ONE IS THE BEST?!

Again, they all have different features, so it isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison.

The Shark SmoothStyle is the lowest price, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for you. We’ve all seen or experienced the damage from the cheap 1st edition of the Revlon One-Step (before they adjusted the heat settings). The T3 Airebrush Duo is nice for anyone who wants to have a curled end from a round brush or a smooth, straight finish from the paddle brush. And the newer T3 Airebrush, with the oval attachment, is a plain and simple, straightforward blow-dry brush.

With practice, you would get a great result from any 3 of these tools, you just have to decide what you want that result to be in order to make an informed decision.

Ultimately, look at the wattage, the material (like “ceramic coated”), and the temperature options when you’re shopping.

Personally, a blow-dry brush, no matter how perfect, will never fully replace a curling iron and flat iron for me. I like to have styling options by using those tools. I’m really happy with the T3 Airbrush with the oval shape. I also got a great result with the Shark SmoothStyle and liked that I could put a little bend in my ends with the same tool.

Assess your hair, and your ideal result, and use the information you have about the tools to make the right purchase for you!

Want more blow-dry brush information? You’ll love this.

The post Which Blow Dry Brush is Right for Me? first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Well, I had a consult for tattoo removal today and I’m going to do it!

I have two small tattoos, one on my ankle and one on my toe, that I’ve been tired of for years and years. I’m finally ready to start the long process of getting them removed. The technician told me to expect it to take about 6-10 sessions, spaced out about every 2 months. The actual procedure itself is very fast, but there is no numbing and it feels similar to bacon grease getting splattered on you. I’m dreading the first session but I’m motivated to get these tattoos off my body!

Did you have a good week? I can barely handle all the holiday decor that is out in stores already. It’s like the shelves are mixed with halloween candy and Christmas trees.

I shared a ponytail tip on Instagram, click here to watch, and have a cream eyeshadow demo coming to YouTube next week!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Target lounge pants

Target 90’s straight jeans

Neon sweater tank

White Sweatshirt

Flats from Target

Jeans I love that are. not. cheap.

Rain jacket

Fun wide-leg jeans

$19 Amazon workout tank

Yellowface book by R. F. Kuang

Army green Amazon jacket

Mr. Christmas Santa Ornament

New Shark tool

Daisy Jones and the Six book

Gimme Beauty hair ties

@averdemexican_cary

Things that caught my eye at Madewell this week (use code JUSTFORYOU for an additional 15% off of the Loyalty Sale until 9/15)

Tote

Earrings

Boots

Oversized Bomber Jacket

Satin Skirt

Green Ankle Boots

Flats

Button Up Shirt

Mid-Rise Stovepipe Jean

Kick Out Crop Jean

Cashmere Sweater

Perfect Vintage Jean

Ongoing Promo Codes:

Created Colorful: Use code SMALLTHINGS for 20% off on both color consults and gift consults until the end of October 2023.

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? If it’s not here it may be in last week’s links + small things post.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I’m definitely the type of person that takes a minute to warm up to some trends, and there are some trends that I completely disregard altogether. I’d rather feel comfortable in my outfit than feel like I’m on the cutting edge of trends, you know?

I’ve added a few new denim styles into my wardrobe this fall that still feel like “me” but are very much on trend.

I like that the kick flare, when at the right inseam length for my leg length, still feels like a casual option. Any time that I could grab my perfect vintage style jeans from the closet, I can now also grab the kick flare or Demi boot and get the same type of look.

I really love the J.Crew Slim Demi Boot, the Madewell Kick Flare. A similar style can be found here at Loft!

For a more straight fit, I love the Stovepipe style from Madewell. It’s a more narrow fit than the 90’s straight, for example, but doesn’t feel as snug as a skinny jean can feel. It’s easy to wear with flats, sneakers, or ankle boots. A similar style can be found here at Walmart! And these slim straight jeans from J.Crew look great too!

I’ll be sharing what kind of shoes I wear with these denim styles soon, follow along on Instagram to catch it first!

Did you see my blog post about the 3 things I look for when shopping for jeans?

The post 2 Easy Denim Styles to Try This Fall first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

My mom has been making this veggie dip for my whole life. It’s one of those things that she usually has in the fridge and she’ll often make a batch of it to bring to Raleigh when she visits!

Dill Dip

2/3 cup of mayonnaise

1/3 cup of sour cream

1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

10 drops tabasco

1 tbsp dried parsley

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp accent – sub in a little salt + a little garlic powder if you don’t want to use accent

1 tsp of seasoned salt

1 tsp of dill weed + extra to shake on top of the dip after it’s mixed

Mix together and store in the refrigerator. Tastes best after 24 hours!

The post Dill Dip first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I love mixing budget and high end things together in a single outfit. Above I’m wearing some extremely cute new flats from Boden , a pair of jeans from J.Crew that I love(normandy wash), a sweater tank from Target, and a bag and jacket from Amazon.

Fashion can sometimes feel confusing, especially lately, but I find that if I really stick close to what I feel comfortable wearing. . .what I feel like myself in, I’m happiest. I see all the metallic silver lug sole boots and I just know that those aren’t for me, you know?

This weekend, we have a busy Saturday paired with a more chill Sunday. I think we may order calzones for dinner from a nearby Italian restaurant, and maybe do a little closet clean out in the playroom. Riveting stuff over here!

September is focused around denim and I hope you caught my reel about Fray Check. You can watch it here.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Neon Sweater Tank from Target

Floral mug from Corkcicle – one of my favs!

Army green jacket

@oshathaikitchenandsushi

Merit eye shadow in shade “Studio”

Raw Denim Hem Saver Fray Check

Athleta Whisper Parka

Madewell Kick Flare Denim

Vince Sneakers

Madewell Flats

Handbag Strap for $10

Madewell Sydney Cut Out Tote -absolutely adorable!

@maysonthelabel new line by @fashionjackson

Walmart Fashion Items:

Mockneck Sweater

Mid-Rise Straight Leg Jean

Utility Dress

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? If it’s not here it may be in last week’s links + small things post.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

There are a few things I pay close attention to when I’m shopping for jeans so I can find the best fit! If you’re doing any jeans shopping soon, I recommend you look at these things.

One. the inseam.

The inseam matters so much. If there is one thing you do for yourself to help simplify your denim shopping, it’s measuring your own leg to know what leg length you have and what jeans will fit your own body best. To find your inseam, measure from the top of your inner thigh all the way down to the floor to know the full length. From there, you can measure an ideal “ankle” length and then you will know what to look for while you shop, depending on your desired denim type.

Two. the fabric/material.

I always look at the materials that make up the denim I’m looking at. If they’re 100% cotton, I know they’ll be rigid with no stretch. If they have a bit of elastane in them, they’ll have some give.

Sometimes the same style of jeans will have different material makeup from wash to wash. The black denim version of the Madewell Kick Out Crop jeans is 95% cotton, 3% Polyester and 2% elastane. These have a fair bit of stretch!

The blue jean, raw hem version of the same style of jeans fits completely differently. It’s made up of 99% cotton and 1% spandex high stretch denim. This is going to be a more rigid fit than the black style of these jeans.

Three. the whiskering/color

Generally, whiskering that hits at the widest part of your hips or legs will draw attention to that area. In the same way, a light fade down the center of the jeans can add visual width. For a slimming style, go for a dark wash with minimal whiskering. I typically look for a medium wash with minimal whiskering, or a light wash with no whiskering.

Distressing, like holes in the knees or texture at the hem, is a personal preference. I learned recently that I don’t love jeans with holes in the knees or a lot of distressing after I tried on 22 pairs of jeans in my closet.

I hope these tips help you in your denim shopping! You can find my favorite jeans on my LTK profile, just search “jeans” in the search box.

And if it’s still in the 90s where you are and you’re still looking for shorts, see my favorite denim here.

The post 3 Essential Things I Look At When Jeans Shopping first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

For better or for worse, I’m good at compartmentalizing. I can put things in boxes in my head and store them far away while I get on with my daily life. Whether it be little or big, it’s something that has both served me and probably prevented me from working through things, if I’m honest.

One of the small things I compartmentalized was dealing with some of the closets and spaces in my home that need attention. For years I’ve told myself that I will deal with them when the kids are all in elementary school. And that day has come. It’s time to clean out closets, drawers, and more.

And you know what? Because I waited until I had the time to spend on those projects, I feel ready to take them on. Honestly, I’m excited.

This was the first week that all the kids were in school and they are all doing well. The older the boys get, the more homework they have so we’re sorting out the right time to knock that out after school. We have hockey practice one night a week but otherwise don’t have any other commitments and I’m grateful for that. The kids have time to play outside, play together, and we are typically all together in the evenings which I love.

I’m able to start my work day a bit earlier and it has been great from a productivity front. The quiet house helps me stay focused so I can work more efficiently. I’m able to wrap up the day at 3:00ish without feeling like I have a laundry list of work tasks that I didn’t finish. The mental space that this additional time has given me has been an unexpected gift.

We had a dip in temperatures last week and the mornings don’t have quite the level of humidity. It’s the first shift toward fall. We’re still in the high 80’s during the day, which I love, but cooler mornings and less humidity are welcome changes.

It’s hard to believe that it’s the first of September already, isn’t it?

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Ooni Pizza Oven

Function of Beauty

Florence’s Coffee Cake

Spanx tank

Align leggings

Eva Birks

Shokz headphones

Spotify Playlist: alone in the kitchen

Peach Crumble

Pretzel Chicken Fingers

Walmart Wide Leg Jeans

Created Colorful

Velvet Sammie Sweater

Long Sweater Blazer

Copper Metallic Shoe

Kitten Heel Ankle Boot

$26 Stripe Button Down

Patrick Droney music

Lululemon cropped rain jacket

Comfy pants

Merit cream to powder eye shadows

@aliandreeamakeup

Amazon Fashion Finds:

Woven Crossbody Bag

Oversized Sweater

Shoes that would be perfect with black leggings

Patent Rain Boots

Sweatshirt with side zips

Metallic Woven Tote

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? If it’s not here it may be in last week’s links + small things post.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

WELL, we did it. We had one day of all the kids being in school together! The rest of the week was different but next week kicks off the typical 5 day of the week schedule for the kids. They are so happy with their teachers and I’m grateful that they are going into this year with excitement!

Last weekend, my two friends and our kids headed down to my parents empty house in South Carolina. We had a few days together with our 9 kids to play at the beach, swim in the pool, fish off the dock, and just enjoy the relaxed pace of the low country. It was a very fun trip and a perfect way to wrap up a great summer.

While I’m happy about the routine and the extra morning work hours I’ll have now, it still doesn’t quite feel real that summer has come to a close.

I’ve shared some really cute fall fashion finds on Instagram Stories this week, as well as a new hair tutorial so be sure to follow along there for more!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Allbirds Treerunner Shoes – SO comfy

Ella Open Sweater Blazer

Bomber Jacket

Madewell Kickout Crop

Madewell 90’s Straight Jean – I really love the shape of these.

Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean

Amazon Woven Tote – I love this bag so much!

@estheticsbysheila – The best facials and lash lifts in the area. And microblading!

Straw covers for Stanley cup

Mandoline

Favorite Eye Masks

$30 Dress from Target

Yellowface book – next on my list for book club!

Current Foundation Sale at Sephora:

Armani Luminous Silk

Lancome Teint Idol Ultra Wear

Este Lauder Doublewear Stay in Place

Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

My makeup taste has changed so much in the last 15 years or so. I used to be all about the matte finish, full coverage makeup with black eyeliner and a barely-there brow. Now I’m preferring a lighter coverage base with a more defined brow and much softer eyeliner.

And I’m loving a little glow in my makeup as well.

I picked up some new products at Sephora recently and am going to highlight a few favorites here. Sephora is my go-to spot for all things beauty because I earn points on each purchase as a Rouge member of their Beauty Insider Program. It’s totally free to sign up and you earn perks, rewards, and more. Click here to sign up.

Okay, onto the makeup!

I’ve been mixing in the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops with my SPF, foundation or just worn on its own, and really love that it adds a hint of bronze to my face. So when I saw the new D-Golide drops for adding radiance, I bought it right away.

It’s super thin, like a serum consistency, and does a beautiful job of adding radiance without being overly glittery. It’s similar to the Illuminating Primer I love to use by Laura Mercier.

I grabbed the Benefit Fan Fest Mascara and love how well it fans out my lashes. This is not a heavy, wet mascara so I find it easy to apply, and also that it keeps my lashes lifted.

I’ve been having a love affair with Kosas this summer and had to try their new tiny eyebrow pencil. The Kosas Brow Pop Nano Ultra-Fine Detailing + Feathering Eyebrow Pencil is the tiniest pencil I’ve ever used and allows me total control with every single stroke as I fill in my brows. I love how natural it looks.

For added radiance, Kosas The Sun Show Glowy Warmth Talc-Free Baked Bronzer is on repeat because it adds color and a little bit of glow. And the pop of color comes through with, perhaps, my favorite blush of all time: Patrick Ta Blush Duo in She’s That Girl. It’s just the prettiest pink!

Historically I’ve loved wearing the shade “Liv it Up” in the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick, but I recently grabbed the shade “Kidmans Kiss” and find it to be a very easy-to-wear peachy pink. I love it for the end of summer, and also think it’ll look beautiful in the spring! And for those that want an extra glossy look, finish with Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in “Glass Slipper”.

For all of these products, I grab my favorite Sephora brushes. This brush roll is essential! If you think it is too many brushes for your preference, just grab the Pro Foundation Brush, the Bronzer Brush, and the Blush Brush. You’ll use them so often that it’s worth getting a high-quality brush. Mine have lasted me for years!

I always love trying new products, and this round-up includes some amazing new arrivals to Sephora. Click here to shop!

One. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Matte Eye Shadow in “Au Natural”

Two. Kosas Brow Pop Nano Ultra-Fine Detailing + Feathering Eyebrow Pencil

Three. Sephora Collection Ready to Roll Brush Set

Four. Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo

Five. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

Six. Kosas The Sun Show Glowy Warmth Talc-Free Baked Bronzer

Seven. Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Medium to Full Coverage Crease Proof Serum Concealer

Eight. Benefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara

Nine. Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in “Glass Slipper”

Ten. Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Illuminating Drops with 5% Niacinamide

Eleven. CLINIQUE Bottom Lash Mascara

Twelve. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes

Thirteen. tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette

Fourteen. Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner

This post is sponsored by Sephora.

The post Hang onto the Summer Glow with these New Makeup Products from Sephora first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Happy Friday! It’s our final weekend home before the start of the school year. We have very few plans this weekend so I hope to spend a lot of time in the pool!

I recently finished the book Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid and I just can’t stop thinking about it. I miss the characters. I miss the story.

Many people have recommended Daisy Jones and the Six as my next read, since it’s from the same author, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. I tried reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, also by the same author, and could not get into it. I think I’ll try listening to Daisy Jones on audible?

I was supposed to have a poolside photo shoot this week, during which we were going to make some pizzas in the Ooni, but we got rained out. I’m anxious to spend more time perfecting my outdoor pizza making.

I just bought this bag on amazon because I’ve used my bright green one so much the summer and I wanted a more neutral shade.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Scamanda podcast

RMS Tinted SPF

Kosas Dreambeam SPF

Better Than Before by Gretchen Ruben

Burn Bootcamp

Blue Linen Dress

Loving this new conditioner

Bell and Evans chicken breast

Gorjana Parker Necklace

Kosas wash of color in “Malibu”

Me and Em dresses:

Black Maxi

Green Maxi

Gauzy Black Maxi with cutaway

Orange Square Neck Dress

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

dae Heat Protection Spray great for day 2

Mandarin Collar Top

JCrew Denim Jacket

Rene Furterer Miracle Spray

White Cotton Dress

Northside Bistro

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

One. It is OKAY to wash your hair every day. IT IS! Shampoo became the enemy a few years ago and since then we’ve been leaning heavily on dry shampoos (which are fine in moderation). But look at what products are super popular now? Scalp-care-focused products. My personal opinion is that the push to skip washing and load up on dry shampoo has landed people in a position where they need to do a bit of damage control on their scalp from years of not properly cleaning it.

Do you have you wash your hair every single day? No, you don’t have to. But pay attention to your own scalp, hair, and life routine. If you can go a day between washing, great! If you can’t? No big deal. Make sure you are caring for your hair, from scalp to ends, and you’ll be in good shape.

Two. Bond-Repair. Don’t get me wrong, bond-repair-focused products are great, but it is not the only option. Sometimes a classic hydrating hair mask is enough! And frankly, moisturizing masks do a better job of making your hair feel soft, strong, and durable, more than bond-repair masks do.

Three. Blowdrying your hair is bad. I was honestly skeptical when I learned that air-drying can actually cause more damage than blowing dry at low/medium heat. As it turns out, the water left on the hair for longer during an air-dry routine can actually disturb the inner part of your hair more than if you were to blow it dry. So load up on a heat protector and blow dry your hair as you see fit!

The post 3 Hair Things People Should Chill Out About first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Happy Weekend! The boys come home today from a few days at camp. Justin was David and Luke’s cabin counselor and I can’t wait to hear how it went! I’ve checked in with Justin a bit on Marco Polo (do you use that app?) and he said everyone is having a great time.

Emily and I have done all the girly things while the boys were out of town, but we miss them! We’re all ready to be back together today.

Are you shopping around for any fall clothes yet? I’m starting to look at denim and some light jackets. Other than that, I’m still fully in summer clothes mode because our temperatures are well into the 90’s.

We have two more empty weekends on the calendar until our final trip of the summer in the middle of August. And then school will start!

I love the poppy red color of this Zella long sleeve tee. I recommend sizing down.

My friend Ashley told me about this deal on QVC for ths RMS tinted SPF I’ve been loving!

I love the lines on this cocoa + purple sweater.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Cablz to hold glasses on

White EVA Birkenstocks

Lululemon Stretch Woven Athletic Shorts

Aerie Shelf Tank Bra

Ponytail Cap

RMS Skin Tint

Kosas Dreambeam

@thelazygenius is so helpful! So is Kendra’s book “The Lazy Genius Way“

Stovepipe Jeans from Madewell

Spironolactone for my skin

Linen Dress

Simple Maxi Dress

Tiered Maxi Dress

Orange Dress

Mixed Fabric Maxi Dress

Athena Razor

Tree Hut Shave Oil

Walmart Sandals

Danford Sunglasses

@halfbakedharvest Southern Style Cajun Chicken Pasta

“Kiss Me I’m Brazilian” by OPI is my new bright nail color

Sweater Tank

Laura Mercier Liquid Highlighter in Champagne Pink

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Best Robe Ever

Best Pre-Shampoo Oil

@JordanCarrollDavid

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

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The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

This black dress has been on repeat all summer long, and I don’t see any end to wearing it in sight! I ordered it back in April and I’ve brought it on multiple trips, wore it on date night, and reach for it on a hot day when I’m working at home.

Other than the classic shape, I love the tie waist and the length of the dress. I feel like maxi dresses are easy to dress up or down, so I get a lot of wear out of them!

One of the other things I noticed about this dress is how easy it is to wear. I can wear a regular bra with it, I don’t need a slip because it isn’t see-through, and it’s lightweight enough to wear even on a 90-degree day.

I styled it with this simple clutch from Amazon and easy-heeled sandals from DSW.

There are plenty of clothing items I’ve purchased this year that weren’t smart buys. I’ve maybe worn these items one time and then slipped them into the back of my closet where they won’t be seen again. I’m always trying to tailor my shopping routine down to smart purchases of items I know I will wear a lot, and this dress was such a hit for me.

Unfortunately, the current sizing available for this dress is very limited, as it’s the end of the season, but I’ve found some other great black dresses below!

This is a similar black dress with a bigger tie for the waist, and it comes in 3 colors. This dress by Doen is very similar with buttons and a tie waist but has skinnier straps. For a budget-friendly option, I love this one from Time and Tru!

P.S. If you’re curious about how I’ve been doing my summer makeup lately, I’ve written about it here.

The post One of my Best Clothing Purchases first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

When it comes to filling in my brows, I like to use a tiny pencil.

I find that I have the most control with a small, twist up pencil, and I love how natural it looks on my light and thin brows. I did get my eyebrows microbladed and I am very happy with the results. I chose to have them microbladed to a light, natural looking brow for the days I’m not wearing makeup. I didn’t want a strong, dark brow on my face when I was otherwise makeup free because that didn’t feel realistic for my face.

The microblading, while light, gives me a perfect shape to fill in with a pencil for a natural looking, fuller brow.

I’m not terribly loyal to one particular brand of eyebrow pencil, but I find myself grabbing any of my skinny twist up pencils more often than any other brow product I have in my vanity.

Below are some brands that I’ve used and love!

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Soft Brown

Elf Ultra Precise Brow Pencil in Taupe

NYX Professional Makeup Vegan Micro Eyebrow Pencil in Ash Blonde

Too Faced Super Fine Brow Detailer in Taupe

RevolutionPro Precise Brow Pencil

Watch a quick demo of how I fill my brows in here!

The post My Favorite Eyebrow Products first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

There’s a whole world of haircare products dedicated to conditioning your hair, and it seems like that category has grown dramatically in the last few years. Between bond repair products, pre-shampoo oils, and more, everyone can find a product that works for your hair!

I alternate between using pre-shampoo oils and deep conditioners, but have you ever wondered which one would be better for you?

Deep Conditioners

pros: easy to use, is applied to freshly shampooed clean hair to maximize product penetration, usually applied in the shower or at a shampoo bowl in the salon so the heat/steam from the water can help soften the hair to allow absorption

cons: requires a hair wash prior to use, can make your hair feel heavy or weighed down, may add time in the shower since they often need about 5-10 minutes to sit on the hair

Pre-Shampoo Oils

pros: designed to be applied directly on dry hair, can easily be worked into a busy routine because it doesn’t add more shower time, often extremely oily so very softening for the hair

cons: can be messy to apply if it’s a spray, may not leave your hair as soft as a deep conditioner would because that depends on the shampoo and conditioner that you follow up with

Both are good, both offer benefits to the hair, but which is right for you?

If your hair is broken, snapping off, dry, colored/lightened, a pre-shampoo treatment is a great way to soften, moisturize, and support the hair prior to going in with shampoo. It’s like putting a nice strong bandaid on the delicate parts to protect them.

If your hair feels weak, dry, lifeless, and looks damaged, try a deep conditioner. Not only does it feel good to work the product through your hair while in the shower, but you can be sure to really coat each and every strand as you work it in.

Between both of these products, either one would be good to work into a routine! As far as frequency goes, it really depends on what your hair condition is. Very damaged hair could benefit from weekly treatments, and otherwise healthy hair could benefit from once-a-month treatments!

My favorite pre-shampoo oil is by Rene Furtuerer. I love that it’s in a spray, but I do find that it can make quite a mess as I spray it in. I drape a towel over my shoulders to try to catch the overspray. And I love any of the deep conditioners listed in this post!

The post Pre-Shampoo Treatment or Deep Conditioner: Which is better? first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Do you have any plans for the weekend? We’re heading to a baseball game tonight and then having a few friends over to swim on Sunday afternoon. We’ve been spending so much time in the water because it’s been so hot here…well it’s been hot everywhere!

Justin and I were going to make pizzas in the Ooni the other night but it just felt too hot to fire up the pizza oven. I still need to practice my pizza making in it so hopefully we’ll find time to do that this week.

I’ve been using this shaving oil and it is delightful. I also love the vanilla smell!

This green petite Moyen bag is calling my name.

I’m obsessed with this blazer.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Green Zella Jacket

Wrist scrunchies when cleansing face

SodaBox.love

One of my favorite 2023 swimsuits in bright pink

Garden Sprayer

Nutrafol

Our Place Pan

Silk hair tie

Malibu treatment for hair colored from chlorine

Under eye color corrector

My favorite blush for years

Laura Mercier Caviar Cream Eyeshadow stick in Au Natural

Eyeshadow in Soft Brown

Best Spanx tank – don’t forget to code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping

Slip-on shoes

Lake Pajamas robe

Amika Dream Routine

Ponytail cap – I wear mine so often!

Serasana in Holly Springs

White Dahlia Massage and Facials

Summer clutch from Amazon

Woven bag in a super fun color

Striped pouch

Green sunglasses

Crossbody bag

Barbie pink workout top

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

@everydayreading

Malibu Barbie Funboy Float

Kosas Dream Beam sunscreen

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops

elf Halo Glow

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint

My go-to’s for business casual looks:

@lifewithjazz

@hannahstemme

@nenaevans

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Loopy Cases: smallthings10 will save you 10%.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Well, I’m back at my bootcamp classes! I started going to bootcamp when Luke was young and went for a few years. It was such a great work out and the time of the classes worked well with my schedule. Then, after Emily was born in 2018, it got harder and harder to work into the routine. I ended up quitting bootcamp and bought a Peloton bike in January 2020. You can read about my experience with Peloton here!

Over the 4th of July week in Wisconsin, I was running with Justin and telling him I was feeling a bit bored…and unmotivated when it came to working out. I love how I feel when I’m on a consistent rhythm, but it had been awhile since I was excited about what I was doing. He asked if I had ever considered going back to bootcamp and honestly, until his question, I hadn’t really thought about it.

I gave it thought that week and decided to do the week free trial when we got back home. I went with my friend, and saw lots of old friends there too, and I was quickly reminded about how much I loved that work out.

Not only is it fast-paced, but it’s a seriously great work out for a 45 minute class. I love the accountability and not having to make decisions on what to do! I just show up and follow along with what the trainer says.

Here is what I’ve been wearing to bootcamp:

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven.

I prefer to work out in leggings, but will sometimes wear shorts. A fitted tank is best for the different styles of workouts that we do, and I always wear my On Cloud Cloudswift sneakers!

The post What I Wear to Bootcamp first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Happy friday! We are sticking around for the weekend and I’ve got a list of tasks I want to compete and a list of fun too! The school start date is looming so I want to make sure I jam as much as possible into this last month or so of summer!

Speaking of summer, I’ve found the perfect products to smell like a luxury tropical resort!

The Ouai St. Barts Body Cleanser is absolutely divine. If they made it into a perfume, I would buy it so fast. It has notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose and more.

For perfume, though, I’ve enjoyed the Ellis Brooklyn Sand fragrance. It’s subtle but smells like vanilla, coconut, and the beach.

The Lux Unfiltered body cream, not the tanning cream, is the nicest Santal scent. It lingers all day and keeps my skip very moisturized!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Bombas Socks

Ideal Summer Body Wash

Kosas Moisturizing Lip Balm in Malibu or Baby Rose

Kosas Setting and Smoothing Powder

Bobbi Brown Pressed Powder

Pureology Leave-In Spray

It’s a Ten Miracle Leave in

Dip Brow Gel in Soft Brown

Quay Sunglasses

Green Target Sunglasses

Sheer Olive Green Sunglasses

Ailsa from @HappyGoCurly jewelry line with ABLE

Santal Scented Body Lotion

Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Kenra Volume Mist

Kosas SPF is a favorite!

Kosas Bronzer in Beachy and Waves

Bondi Boost Volume and Texture Treatment

Bumble & bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Leave-In

Shani Darden is celebrating 10 years of Retinol Reform!

Hat by Janessa Leone

Best Cheese Grater

JCrew Stripe Tee

@EverydayReading has great Kindle advice

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Bagging Rights: KATE10 gives you 10% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Loopy Cases: smallthings10 will save you 10%.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.