Healthy Snickerdoodle Recipe Review

I have a terrible sweet tooth, and it gets the best of me on most days. I need to keep healthier treats on hand to reach for when the munchies kick in. I've been following Cortney Toliver on Instagram for probably the past year or so. She posts on a variety of topics include modest fashion and living a healthy lifestyle. She often shares her healthy recipes on her Instagram stories, and the other day she shared this healthy snickerdoodle recipe!

I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand, so I decided to take a stab at making these cookies this evening! They're incredibly easy to make, and while they definitely aren't as good as the sugar-laden real deal, they make a fabulous healthier alternative! You'll only need a few staple ingredients to whip these cookies up in 5 minutes or less. In no time, you'll be enjoying some delicious healthy snickerdoodles as an evening snack.

While I definitely burnt the bottom of mine, I found these to be delicious! I actually think if I made them again, I'd swap out the maple syrup for honey and the coconut sugar for monk fruit sweetener.

If you give Courtney's healthier snickerdoodles a try, let me know what you think!

XOXO,

Emily

My Evening Routine | cariPRO Electric Toothbrush

Do you look forward to your evening routine? I don't always love taking off my makeup or brushing my teeth, but it has to be done, so why not make it a bit more enjoyable? I've established an evening routine that is both quick and effective, and it takes very little time at the end of a tiring day. My most recent addition to my evening routine is my cariPro Electric Toothbrush by SmileBrilliant, and I am so excited to share my love for this fancy toothbrush with you today!

The perfect start to an evening routine is brushing your teeth. Now here's the deal... I hate going to the dentist, and I get so anxious to find out if I'm gonna hear the dreaded "cavity" while sitting under those bright lights. We all know it's best to brush our teeth twice a day, and religiously doing this step before bed is vital to your teeth and gum health! In the past, I've mainly only used a standard toothbrush, and I tend to be a really hard brusher. Having an electric toothbrush that does the work for me is perfect for my sensitive teeth.

I absolutely love that this toothbrush has so many different settings. Each brushing mode is designed to operate for two minutes, with brief pauses between every 30-second burst. That brief pause tells you to move to a different quadrant of the mouth!  I typically run mine on the sensitive setting for nightly brushing. Whether you want to ensure you're taking measures to whiten your teeth or you just want to keep your gums healthy, the cariPRO Electric Toothbrush has you covered. Whiter teeth can bring you much confidence, so this is the perfect step to take each day!

Want to know the best part of all? It's quite affordable compared to other electric toothbrushes on the market, and once you have the toothbrush, you can just purchase the replacement heads! My friends at SmileBrilliant are giving a cariPRO Electric Toothbrush away to one of YOU! Just visit this link to enter, and be sure t use the code everydayemilyblogtb20 for 20% off a cariPRO toothbrush! I cant to see who wins!

Back to the evening routine...

I don't always diffuse essential oils before bed, but when I do, I LOVE it. I love diffusing my Young Living lavender oil throughout the night, but I recently, ran out and need to order more. I've been using my peppermint oil instead, and I also enjoy that scent!

I typically use makeup wipes to take off my eye makeup. I currently am using these Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes, but I typically purchase the Walmart brand to save money. I find that makeup wipes are really effective at taking my mascara and eyeliner off before I go in with micellar water!

I love applying this Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water to a cotton round to remove any makeup I might have left on my face. I will say that I don't wear foundation or makeup that might require a little bit more to remove, so if you only wear a light amount of makeup each day, this is such an easy way to remove!

We all know skincare is important, but the truth is, I'm not going to apply 59 steps on a daily basis. I have regularly been using both the night cream and the eye cream from ACURE the past month, and I've really enjoyed them! ACURE is a better-for-your-skin brand, and both are quite affordable and the night cream is nice and moisturizing without feeling super sticky on my skin.

Last, but not least, I like to apply this Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask before bed. It smells delicious, and it seriously moisturizes my lips!

That's all for my easy evening routine, and don't forget to enter the giveaway to win your very own cariPRO toothbrush! I know you will love it as much as I do!

XOXO,

Emily electric toothbrush reviews

Wishlist Wednesday

Hope you're having a great Wednesday. I know I'm sure happy it's the middle of the week!

Today I just wanted to quickly share a few goodies that are currently on my wishlist! What's on yours?

XOXO,

Emily

Friday Introductions

Third Floor North Photography

Hey there! I'm Emily, and you're reading the blog I created a few years ago out of desperate need for a creative outlet. It's slowly turned into something I truly enjoy doing, and I hope you'll be stop by often and say hello!

Some of the posts you'll see floating around Instagram on Fridays are the "Friday Introductions" posts. I decided to write today's blog using some of the questions from the YouTube "Get to Know Me Tag" as my Friday introduction! So whether you've been reading this blog since day 1 or you just stumbled upon this page, I hope I can introduce you to the ever-so-clutzy, Sweedish Fish loving, everyday girl behind my photos and words.

1. Where did you grow up?  - I was born in Missouri, and my parents lived across the state border in Illinois! When I was 5, we moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and when I was 10, we moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, both for my Dad's job! I moved down to South Carolina for college, and I now call it home! 
2. What is the earliest memory you have? - Ha! I have THE worst memory, so honestly, I can't answer this because I have no idea. 
3. What would you do with the money if you won the lottery? - If I can give a selfish answer, I'd probably travel all of the time! 
4. What could you have done to make today more productive? Exercised. I really need to do that more. 
5. If you had to wear one item forever, what would it be? Vests. If you know, you know. 
6. What show do you wish could come back from your childhood? I was a HUGE Disney Channel fan growing up, so Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place... the list could go on and on.
7. What song do you not know the lyrics of but you like to sing anyways? Bailando Spanish Version. It's basically my jam, though I obviously don't know all of the words since it's in Spanish. It's also probs inappropriate, but ignorance is bliss, right? 
8. If you could have one talent what would it be?  I wish I could sing really well! 
9. What is a weird food combination that you do? My husband thinks my Subway order is disgusting, so probably that - 6inch on Italian Herb and Cheese bread, tuna, American cheese, pickles, a LOT of black olives, vinegar and salt and pepper. It's been my favorite since I was a kid.
10. Would you rather eat or drink your calories? Eat. Unfortunately, I'm a terrible snacker. 
11. If you had to choose, how would you want to get famous? I think it would be nice to be a famous Influencer mainly because you don't have to deal with all of the ickiness that comes along with being Hollywood famous! 
12. Which Languages do you speak? Well, obviously I speak English. I also minored in Spanish in college so I can partially speak Spanish though I'm not fluent. 
13. Which languages do you wish you could speak? I wish I were fluent in Spanish, but I also wish I could speak French! 
14. What country do you wish you were from? I'm proud to be an American, but England. I just want a cute accent.
15. If you had a time machine would you rather go back in time or into the future? This is a hard one! Probably back in time, because if I saw the future, I would never be patient if I had to come back to the present and knew what the future held.
16. Pet Koala or Pet Panda? Neither. Pet dog, duh! 
17. What is your usual bedtime? 11pm! 
18. What is an irrational fear you had as a child? I was convinced I was going to get kidnapped. I also had a stint with an irrational fear of men... So that's good...
19. Have you ever conquered a fear of yours? I'm sure I've killed a bug before, so yeah.
20. What is something silly you believed as a child? I convinced myself that people lived in the attic on the third floor of our house. I was spooked to go up there and look back into the dark. 
21. What did you want to be when you were a kid? A teacher! My uncle was the principal of my school, and he gave me old desks, I had a chalkboard, a lesson plan book, and textbooks and curriculums that I would play with. It was the best! 
22. If the kid version of you were to meet you now, how would they react? Honestly, not because I think I'm that great, but the kid version of me probably would have wanted to be just like me. As a kid, I always wanted to be JUST like the older women in my life, and I would pretend to be them. I guess I really looked up to them! 
23. What is your favorite fictional world? Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. Does that count? 
24. Which teacher left the most impact on your life? My 4th grade teacher Mrs. Rivera. She taught me the power of repetition to help me learn and develop in topics that weren't always easy.
25. What was the last movie you watched? Crazy Rich Asians, and I thought it was pretty good!  

Well, that was fun! I hope these questions helped you to get to know me a little better. Until next time! 

XOXO,

Emily

L'Oreal Lip Stain

Third Floor North Photography

A surefire way to make me feel better about the way I look is to throw on some lipstick. I'm not sure why lip products have magical powers to make me look pulled together instantly, but hey, I'll take it. They bring life and color to my otherwise pale skin. It's important to try out different lip products to find what shades and tones works for you. I pretty much know now that I will like anything mauve/berry and even some orangey-brown tones for fall and winter. I'm not too particular with the formula of my lip products - I like regular and liquid lipsticks alike, as long as they don't flake on my lips.

I picked up this L'Oreal Rouge Signature Matte Colored Ink liquid lip product in the shade "I Explore" a few weeks ago at Ulta, and I have really been enjoying this product. I've been keeping it in my purse to throw on when I'm on my way to work. I find that it's very easy to apply, has a great color payoff, and lasts for a good bit on my lips. I will say that it doesn't dry down immediately, so that is something to keep in mind if you're wanting a stain that doesn't rub off on your drinking cups.

Third Floor North Photography

All of that to say, if you've been wanting to up your look or style recently, a really inexpensive way to do that is to try a new lip color, and I highly recommend this one from L'Oreal!

XOXO,

Emily

Favorite Jewelry Pieces

I love a good piece of jewelry. It doesn't have to be anything expensive, but I just love being able to accessorize an otherwise simple outfit with something that adds a little personality and charm. My jewelry collection is comprised of a pretty decent combination of both bold, statement pieces and more simple, dainty pieces. I love supporting local and small business makers through my purchases as well. My husband and family members will often give me jewelry as gifts, and it's pretty much one of my favorite things.

 I'm quite girly, and I've always maintained a very feminine style, but over the years, I've shifted to a fairly simple wardrobe that I like to accessorize with jewelry. I'm so excited to share all of my favorite jewelry pieces with you today, and the brands and makers behind them! I hope this inspires you to create a jewelry collection that is versatile and truly fits your personality and style! I also want to thank my sweet friend Ashley from Third Floor North Photography for all of the photography in this post!

Let's just jump right in!

1. Spectrum Rainfall Earrings

• If I had to pick a favorite out of all of my jewelry pieces, I would probably pick these. My mom got me the Spectrum Rainfall Earrings for Christmas this year, and I've already worn them numerous times! They go with everything, and I especially like to wear them when I have my hair pulled up as they're delicate and very interesting. I highly recommend purchasing these. Also if you've never heard of Spectrum before, just go look at their website. I promise that you'll want one of everything! 

• Another of my favorite jewelry pieces is this gold and blush pearl ring you can see in this picture. It was my mom's ring, but she gave it to me, and I believe she got the pearl out of an oyster in Hawaii years ago and had it made into a ring. It's so special that it was hers, and it's perfectly dainty!

2. Tortoise Shell Hoop Earrings

• My sister-in-law got me these tortoise shell earrings for Christmas from Amazon, and I absolutely love them! If you wanted to get a little funky with your style, you could try pattern mixing and wear these earrings with a different patterned shirt like I did with this black and white plaid top. For $10, I say everyone needs a pair! In case you're curious, I don't find these to be too heavy and they don't irritate my ears. 

3. Lily Noelle Jewelry Leather Cuff

• I have had several pieces from Lily Noelle over the years, and I truly love Heidi's unique and high-quality pieces. My mom gave me this leather cuff a few years ago, and I've worn it SO many times. It's the perfect casual bracelet that looks great with a variety of outfits. 

4. JORD Cassia Watch 

• You can read all about this watch in my post from November, but I love wood watches from JORD. It stacks really well with gold or beaded bracelets (see below), and it has such a classy but casual look. I love wearing this unique piece! 

5. Paper Bead Bracelets Handmade in Haiti

• My friend Hillary was selling these paper bead bracelets a few months ago to help out her cousin with an upcoming adoption. I picked up a black and white bracelet, and I absolutely love wearing pieces that tell such a beautiful story. Hillary gifted me a blush bracelet that I had my eye on for Christmas, and I love wearing the two stacked together. To read more about these special pieces and what they mean and who they support, click here. 

6.  Garland and Pendant Hand Embroidered Necklace

• I saw this necklace years ago and my sweet mom got it for me for Christmas a few years ago. If you haven't caught on yet, I love jewelry, and my mom loves giving it to me for gifts. This necklace is handmade and completely beautiful. It goes with so many styles, and there's truly nothing like it. Definitely check out Garland and Pendant's Etsy shop! 

7.  Spartina Say Y'all Necklace

• Back in the spring, my thoughtful husband surprised me with this dainty gold necklace. I love that it represents the south, a place I now call home, but mostly I just love that Kyle went to the store, picked this out, and surprised me out of the blue with something special. 

8.  Personalized & Monogrammed

• Monograms are my signature item. You don't have to know me long to find out I love anything personalized. At any given time, I'm most likely within a few feet of something with my initials on it! It's a bit much, I know, but it's been my thing for so long now, I won't ever go back. My friend gave me this monogrammed necklace, and while I don't know where it's from, you can just Google monogram necklaces and find a million different styles and brands to purchase from. I also love this monogrammed ring that my mom got me a few years back. Again, I'm not sure where it's from, but you can easily find similar styles! Last but not least, I have this sweet bar necklace that I had engraved with our wedding date in Roman Numerals, and I love the meaning behind this piece. You can grab this from Handpicked for less than $50!  

That wraps up all of my favorite jewelry pieces for now. I have many more pieces that I absolutely love and will plan to share with you in a later post! I hope you're inspired to build a jewelry collection that you love, and focus on finding pieces that are versatile and timeless! 

XOXO, 

Emily 

Business Casual | Work Style

Whether you work in a casual environment or one that you have to dress up for, curating a stylish and quality wardrobe for work is important. I personally work in a fairly casual environment where jeans are acceptable on a daily basis, but by nature, I'm one to prefer dressing up a bit. I've long been an advocate for purchasing high-quality pieces if it's something I plan to wear on "the reg" such as jeans or everyday shoes. I like to combine my basics with trendier pieces or thrifted tops that I picked up for just a few bucks. In my opinion, it's easier for a top to go out of style than a pair of pants, so choose wisely where you spend your money!

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite outlets of late including some affordable pieces to build a versatile wardrobe for work. These black jeans are my new favorite!  They're comfortable, flattering, and there's just something about black denim that adds a touch of class. I had heard great things about the Madewell Roadtripper jeans from other bloggers, and I had been wanting to give them a try for a while now. Before Christmas, they were offering $30 off their jeans, making the Roadtrippers just $45! I of course finally snatched them up, and I am really pleased with how they fit. For reference, I am 5'9", and I am in the "tall" size. I read in the comments to size down a size or two, but I found that my true size was most flattering and comfortable, and I don't really want to be wearing skin-tight jeans to work. If you've never owned a pair of Madewell denim, I highly encourage you to try these out.

P.S. If you donate any pair of old denim (doesn't matter the brand), and drop it off at one of their stores, they will give you $20 off a pair of new denim! They then turn your old denim into housing insulation for organizations like Habitat for Humanity! How cool is that?

Back to the outfit... I paired the black denim with this plaid top from Loft outlet. It's only $17.99 right now on their website, so I definitely recommend snatching it up!  I've also been throwing this Banana Republic Factory vest (similar) over my dress tops lately, and it's such a versatile piece!

For a good while, I was not much of an earring wearer, but lately, I've really been into bold earrings. My mom got these beautiful gold statement earrings from Baublebar for me for Christmas, and I love how sassy they are! For trendy accessories like this, I'd recommend checking out Walmart. I've found that they have really cute statement earrings!

Last but not least, these blush flats by Vince Camuto are so perfect for the spring! They add a nice touch of color to an otherwise neutral outfit, and they would look cute with either dresses or pants!

When you're curating your work wardrobe, I suggest keeping these few things in mind:

• Focus on combining investment pieces with more affordable, trendy items or thrifted pieces! 
• Add a touch of color and personality with either your shoes or jewelry. 
• Wear what you feel comfortable and confident in! If you're not comfortable, you won't feel confident, so be sure to focus on those two things when picking out pieces for your work style! 

A special thanks to my friend Ashley over at Third Floor North Photography for capturing these photos for today's post! While she's a fabulous blogger photographer, she also captures weddings, families, and portraits, so be sure to check out her website and follow her on Instagram! 

XOXO, 

Emily