SOCIAL MEDIA

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

What's Up Wednesday

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I am not going to lie, I didn't have anything planned to write about today, so I thought I would participate in What's Up Wednesday again. I don't share many weekend updates, so this is a way of documenting our lives over the last month.

Anyways, onto this month's What's Up Wednesday...What's Up Wednesday
WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...
Sunday: Stuffed Shells with a Caesar Salad
Monday: Coconut Lime Shrimp with Brown Rice
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes Baked Sweet Potatoes
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and a Loaded Salad
Thursday: Trader Joes Orange Chicken and Fried Rice
Friday: I have a facial, so we will be having take-out
Saturday: We will be in Graeagle, so whatever my MIL is making.

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT... Camping, the Rib Cook-off, football games, the Reno Balloon Races, and basically everything we have missed out on the last year. We are finally getting to do some of these things and it feels amazing.

WHAT I'M LOVING... I am loving my new Maelove skincare line. I know I sound like a broken record, but when you find a good skincare line that isn't expensive, you talk about it. 

Maelove bundle

Maelove The Glow Maker

Maelove The Sun Protector

I am also loving my Tory Burch sandals. I got them in yesterday and wore them around the house all evening. I know these will be a staple in my closet. And you can still get an extra 25% off of all sale items with the code EXTRA. These are still under $90.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO... The girls graduated Kindergarten, we had a work family bbq (Rory's work), we went to Graeagle (which I will get to blogging about sometime), went to a baseball game, we went to the rodeo, we went to the beach twice and the girls started their golf lessons again. It has been a busy month!
Graduation

Graduation Dinner

Company BBQ

Graeagle



Aces baseball game


Rodeo




Father's Day

Lake Tahoe

Golf Lessons

WHAT I'M DREADING... This Summer heat won't let up. It has been in the high 90s to low 100s.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON... Lots of work stuff.

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT... A few days in Graeagle, a family bbq and my birthday is coming up. Am I excited about another year older? No, but I do love celebrating my birthday with some great dinners!

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING... I am currently reading Every Last Fear which will make 4 books that I read in June. I am almost done with it and then will start whatever becomes available in my que.

As for tv, I have been watching A Million Little Things, Million Dollar Listing New York, Top Chef, Masterchef, The Good Girls, Working Moms, The Bold Type and a bit of Botched.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO... XM/Sirius radio. Now that I am back in the office, my coworker streams this all day and I enjoy it while I work work work.

WHAT I'M WEARING... I am finally wearing a bunch of J Crew clothes that I purchased at the beginning of quarantine last year. I bought several work tops and dresses, and they are finally getting some use. I have been wearing a lot of dresses to work since it is in the high 90s to low 100s. It is just too hot for pants most days. 

On the weekend, I am wearing lots of shorts, skirts and dresses. These two skirts are on repeat.
WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND... Friday I have a facial that I am really looking forward to. Saturday we are going to Graeagle to celebrate the 4th of July for a few days.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH... July brings tons of beach days, the 4th of July, a family BBQ, and the hottest month in Nevada. 

WHAT ELSE IS NEW... Nothing much. I have a few things in the works that I can't wait to share with you all.
Monday, June 28, 2021

Maelove Skincare

I was gifted the below products in exchange for this post.  All opinions expressed in this post are mine alone. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Sparkles and Lattes.

For the five weeks I have been using a new to me skincare line, Maelove. When Maelove reached out to me to try some products from them, I immediately went to their website to check out who they were, what they offer and if it would be something that I was interested in. 

I loved the idea that they were a luxury skincare line without the luxurious cost. Each item ranges in price from $18.95 to $74.95. And the higher end only has a couple products in that price range. And you can bundle items for an even better discount (Serum Trio, Cream Trio, Fade Scars-Spots Kit, and the Clean Skin Kit).

I received six products to try and I have used them all. I will break down a bit about each and then tell you what were my favorites.

Maelove bundle


Now I have been using the same cleanser on my skin for years. So when this came, I was excited to try it and see if it compared to my current cleanser. And guess what? It is even better. What I like the best about it is the minty feeling and smell. 

I pump one pump into my hands every morning in the shower, rub them together and massage into my face and neck. The cleanser suds up and awakens my skin each morning. I loved it so much that I even took it on vacation with me to Graeagle.

It doesn't leave my skin feeling gritty or dry. And it sets me up for The Glow Maker, the sunscreen and the eye cream.
Now I normally use this in the shower in the morning and in the sink in the evening.

Maelove Stargaze Enhanced Retinol

I think I was most excited about this product because I haven't used retinol in a long time. Too long. And this one is gentle for newer users like me, but still gives you a good dose of retinol. At first, I read that you should use this every other night to every three nights. And then as you get used to it, you can use it nightly. Once you use this bottle up and your skin has adjusted to it, you can move onto the Moonlight Retinal Super Serum.

I didn't feel any irritation, sensitivity or dryness from using this retinol. It goes on smoothly and my skin soaked it right now. After a month of use, I saw that my my face was dark sun spots were lessened, my pores were smaller and my skin looked brighter and more even.
Maelove Stargaze Enhanced Retinol


Many years ago, Missy gifted me a vitamin C serum and I used it all up and then never bought more. That was a huge mistake. So when I tried The Glow Maker, I was impressed. It combines vitamin c, vitamin e, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid. Which basically means that it leaves your skin feeling soft, tight and very hydrated. 

This serum has been a lifesaver as the Summer sun and heat have been drying my skin out. It makes my skin glow. I used this every morning after I get out of the shower. I let it sit on my skin while I brush my teeth and blow dry my hair.

I didn't know the benefits of vitamin c and what it could really do for my skin. If you are like me or you just want to learn more, you can visit this guide. It taught me a lot about skincare and vitamin c.
Maelove The Glow Maker


After using the Glow Maker, I turn to the eye cream. Now that I am back in the office full time, I find that I have more dark circles and puffiness under my eyes. I have been using the eye cream and I have noticed a huge change. My under eyes don't look as puffy and the dark circles are very diminished. I love that it contains coffee and gives my eyes a more rested look.

Now this is a gel consistency. It has a yellowish color and I wasn't sure if it would blend in well, but it did. And a little goes a long way. So even though it is only 0.5 ounces, it will last a long time. The picture below is after about 2 weeks of use.
Maelove Eye Enhancer


I have used many different brands of face sunscreen, but I am always changing it up. And if I am being honest, it is only in the last two years that I wear face sunscreen every single day. I wear it on my bare skin or under my makeup. Even during quarantine I put it on my face. I am so nervous about skin damage to my face and my body.

This sunscreen has spf 30 in it and it is a mineral sunscreen. So much better for your skin and body. It is very light, goes on smoothly and blends into your face very well. It can be used as a face primer too, which means you don't have to add another primer to your morning routine. A little goes a long way.

I also brought this to Graeagle and used it daily and my husband used it too. He loves it so much and asked me to order him one.
Maelove The Sun Protector


This is the most expensive product on the website, but I feel like it is justified. It has 31 botanicals in it and took a lot of research to make this face oil. 

I was worried it would make my face too oily, so I have been using it at night. And a little goes a long way, so when you break the cost down over months and months (I barely made a dent in the bottle), it is very affordable. 

This face oil smells really good. Heavenly.

I use this ever night as my last step in my face cleansing routine.

So what did I think of Maelove products?

I loved them. I was skeptical that I wouldn't love them as much as my tried and true products, but I have been so happy with my results. I love the way my face feels each day. I love that the products are suitable for sensitive skin and the ingredients that they use in their products are the best quality.

What was my favorite product?

This is tough as I really loved them all, but I would go with The Glow Maker. Though the Cleanser is a close second. But really any of the products I received are amazing.

Thank you Maelove for sponsoring this post.  
Friday, June 25, 2021

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Happy Friday all!

ONE. This is random, but I saw this on Instagram. Go to Chick-fil-a, order a Cobb Salad and get their ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. Add the ranch all over and then add the buffalo sauce. You will thank me. It is so good and definitely will be on repeat. 

And since my work has one close now (finally), I will be getting this for lunch more often.

Chick-fil-a Cobb Salad with ranch and buffalo sauce

TWO. Last week my coworker brought this book in for a few of us to read. I read it in about 10 to 15 minutes and then she said I could take it home to read to my girls. I did that and then I ordered myself a copy. This book is so cute and is about kindness and love. Do yourself a favor and read it. It is for all ages. 

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse

Have you read it before?

THREE. This was sent around in my twin mom group. I read it and was blown away and then I realized that duh, it is right and weird. Did you know this?

twins

FOUR. This week I got an email saying that Tory Burch was having a major Summer sale. I headed over to see if the Miller Sandals were on sale. Some colors were, but not the ones I really wanted. BUT then I saw that the Mini Miller Sandals were on sale, so I grabbed a pair. I got them in black and got them for $96.75 plus tax. They are normally $178. Use code EXTRA on your purchase.

Tory Burch Mini Miller Sandals

FIVE. Weekly Funnies.






Have a great weekend. I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything.

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Weekend Rewind

It has been awhile since I did a weekend update, and since we had a very busy weekend, I thought I would do one today.

I worked a half day Friday and then got my nails done. Then I picked up the girls, brought them home and then my dad picked them up. They were having an overnight at my parents house which they were sooo excited for.

After the girls left, I caught up on a show and then got ready to go to our friends house to meet up before the Reno Aces game. The Reno Aces are our Triple A baseball team. We headed over to Rory's new office to park, have some pizza and then head into the game. The Aces blew the Isotopes out!

Reno Aces


Fireworks after the game!

After the game, we headed over to the Chapel and enjoyed some cocktails and an evening away from the kids (both us and our friends were kid free for the evening). We got home around 12:45 which was late, but we had a great time out.

We got up at 8 am to get ready because we had my cousin's high school graduation party to attend. He graduated a few weeks ago, and he is off to the Navy at the beginning of July. So we were celebrating those and his birthday. 

I got to see so much family on my mom's side and it just had been way too long. I am so thankful to see some of my great aunts whom I haven't seen in years. 

Around 2:30, we headed back home (we had an hour and a half drive) to get ready for the Rodeo. Rory took a nap, the girls watched a show and I read my book. Then we got ready, went to dinner at a local Mexican place (so good) and then went to the Rodeo. This was the girls first time going and they loved it. They were so concerned with the cows and some of the events. And they LOVED the Rodeo Queen.

It was hot, but it was so much fun!








Yes the girls got some cowgirl hats that they can't wait to wear horseback riding.

We ended our night at 10:30 and the girls were exhausted.

Sunday morning was Father's Day and we got up, got ready and headed to golf for the girls. They are part of this First Tee program here where they have 9 lessons for $65 (total). Such a killer deal and the girls LOVE it.

After golf, we headed to brunch which was out on the river and so beautiful. Rory snapped a photo, but I have yet to get it.

Then after brunch, we headed home, changed, packed our cooler and headed to Lake Tahoe. We went to a new beach (I have been there a few times before) and enjoyed the sunshine and got away from the 100 degree temperatures in Reno.

Round Hill Pines Resort and Beach

Round Hill Pines Resort and Beach



We called my dad while at the beach and he was having a great day himself. Just as we were.

We stayed at the beach until 5 pm and then headed back down into town (not Reno) for dinner at the Union and enjoyed pasta, pizza (the girls), roasted cauliflower and a delicious kale salad.

Then we headed home to take showers, get ready for the week ahead and walk Walter. Oh and give Rory his gift, since we were out of the house most of the day. He loved his pressure washer and asked if I got advice on it from his co-worker, but I thought of it all on my own.

How was your weekend?