Nordstrom Anniversary sale amazingness!

Friends, are you ready for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale today? I'm sure you've heard all the buzz leading up to it (since this sale is pretty legendary)... I'm so excited to browse through all the new fall items marked down up to 33% between now and 8/3. I don't have an extensive fall wishlist right now, but if I see any cute jackets, rain boots, or riding boots, I will probably do some damage -- after all, free shipping, free returns always makes a girl want to pounce first, think later! Here are some fun links from the sale...

Voluspa candle trio | Frye riding boots | Dogeared necklace | Rebecca Minkoff crossbody bag | Bobbi Brown 'Nude on Nude' color set | Trouve leather moto jacket | Philosophy 'Amazing Grace' set | Longchamp expandable tote | Michael Kors watch | Kate Spade New York sunglasses | BP Wrap belted bootie | NARS 'Dolce Vita' lip & nail set | Halogen calf hair pump | Smashbox 'Studio Pro' brush set

 

(Top Instagram image via here)

summer highlights... I can't believe it's July already!

Is it just me or is summer passing by way too quickly? I have so many things I want to do this summer, like watch films outdoors, go biking in Governor's island and hiking upstate, the list goes on... but it's also important to remember (and appreciate) the fun things that have already happened this summer. So here are five of my summer highlights from the past two months...

...An amazing July 4th long weekend in New Kent, Virginia with friends. We stayed over at a beautiful river house on the Pamunkey river and spent plenty of time floating in the river, driving a golf cart around farm fields, star gazing, drinking Crabbies ginger beer (my new favorite summer drink), and exploring Colonial Williamsburg. Such a great four days enjoying nature and great people. (Thank you Sarah for hosting!)

...Adventuring in Brooklyn with my mom, sister, and Ben. We spent a full Saturday exploring Smorgasburg (in Williamsburg), Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the greenmarket in Park Slope, and bits of Chinatown. My favorite part was devouring pizzas at Julianne's and then ambling across the Brooklyn Bridge.

... Nashville trip to visit Emily in May. I love, LOVE Nashville and how green and lush everything looked. It was so fun to experience both classy Nash and Nash Vegas (honky tonk Broadway, I'm looking at you.) Thanks so much for hosting, Emily.

...Shakespeare in the Park with Ben - my first time! We saw Much Ado About Nothing, which was more hilarious than I expected. So much fun. Watching a play in Central Park while drinking a beer... couldn't ask for a better experience.

...Weekends visiting my family in Philly and friends in neighborhood cities, like D.C. for Anna's masters graduation from GWU. Thank you, amazing parents for cooking up lobster and all my favorites whenever I come home. Thank you Anna, for being one of my oldest and dearest friends.

What are some of the highlights in your summer so far? Remember to take it easy and enjoy life as it comes!

a sweet pair of board shorts

Ben and I are heading on a trip with friends to Virginia for a July 4th long weekend tubing, BBQ-ing adventure, and he just informed me that he bought these new board shorts.... let's just say, Helen Hearts approved! Way to go, B.

Shorts via AMBSN

Anthropologie tag sale!

Yippee!! Anthropologie's summer tag sale is here with 800+ products up to 50% off in markdowns! I love shopping Anthro for home goods and clothes (when they're on sale... you know how pricey things can get!). What's on your tag sale wishlist?

balance: is it possible?

Balance. This is something that is constantly on my mind, especially as I get older. I am already wrestling and reflecting a lot on it-- and I don't even have a family of my own yet! Just thinking about how long it's been since I've posted on this blog makes me cringe a little - I'm going to be better, I promise! ;)

Only after I started dating Ben did I realize how hard it is to maintain balance when you're in a relationship. I think it's true when people say being single means being productive without even intentionally doing so! You have the precious time to invest so much in your own learning, meet new people constantly and deepen your friendships. I loved being single, and I love being in a relationship, though balancing is certainly a learning process. Spending time with Ben is my priority, but we both never want to be that couple who disappears into their own world, lost in each other while neglecting other relationships.

Also, I love my "doing me" time: taking long podcast-listening walks, reading in bookstores, and working out. Even running errands like grocery shopping or giving myself a manicure at home feel relaxing and irreplaceable. My Saturday morning runs across the Williamsburg bridge are sacrosanct too, yet I haven't gone in two weeks. Ah, balance!

So here's the question... How can I continue to lean in and invest meaningfully into my friendships, my family, my work, my relationship, and my personal time and do them well? Is it even possible? Do you agree with the saying, "You can have anything but not everything"? One thing I'm working on now is to stop trying to control my performance and just go with the flow. When I have the perfectionist mentality of being everywhere with everyone, I can quickly begin to see my day as a long list of to-do's and my friends as a thing to check off, done! (How sad is that.) Not good for anyone. What are your thoughts on balance? Is it possible?

(Yoga photo via here)

helen loves: edition #11 featuring my makeup essentials

Since I haven't done a Helen Loves column in quite a long time, I thought it'd be fun to chat about makeup this time! I've worked in the beauty industry my entire career, but honestly only in the past year have I started really getting into makeup. My new beauty philosophy is to find my "holy grail" products that are worth the investment, instead of buying a ton of cheaper alternatives but not really being happy with them. From drugstore beauty to prestige products, here are the essential products in my makeup bag. Feel free to comment below and share your favorite makeup products!

Foundation:
I use Makeup Forever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade 120 almost every day. It's pricey, but so worth it -- the shade matches my skin perfectly (they have 26 shades in total, so you can't go wrong!). The liquid blends in and "disappears" on my skin, taking any imperfections with it. I also like Maybelline Liquid Mousse foundation in 3.5. I'm also eyeing the Makeup Forever HD concealer -- I've actually never used concealer before, so I'm excited to try.

Powders:
To set my foundation, I use Dermablend's Loose Setting powder in cool beige. This has really helped make my makeup stay put, since I tend to have oily skin that sucks up any makeup within a couple of hours. I also recently learned how to contour (thanks to this video)... it's fun to emphasize certain features, like cheekbones, and actually feel like I know what I'm doing! I use Urban Decay's Naked Flushed palette's bronzer and highlighter.

Brush set:
My friend Liz introduced me to Sigma  (their brushes are comparable to Mac's brushes) and I am so glad that I took her advice and purchased the Sigma Travel Kit! The travel set is an especially great deal (all the brushes you need!) and comes in a cute travel-ready leather container. I have the coral set and it's gorgeous.

Blushes:
I use Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes all the time (my favorites are Exposed- a nice nude/bronze shade and Blissful - a warm peach shade). I also was a sucker and recently bought the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Ethereal Glow (a cool pink), although I'm thinking of swapping it out to Radiant Magenta. I really do believe I get a little bit of extra "glow" -- I'm a sucker.

Eyeshadow:
OBSESSED with my Naked 3 palette from Urban Decay. Obsessed. From light mauves to pink gold shadows, I literally use this collection of shadows every day --I mix and match and layer different shades according to my mood and always find the overall look very natural and "me" instead of like a crazy raccoon. I also have the original Naked palette, which I find has more metallic neutrals and colors and is more suitable for evening.

Eyelash Curler and Mascara:
I've tried the "famous" eyelash curlers like Shiseido's and Kevyn Aucoin's, but I still like my Revlon Cushion-Grip Eyelash Curler the best-- it requires less grip and feels so comfortable (I know, shocking term to describe an eyelash curler!). I swear by two mascaras: Urban Decay's Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara and Lancome's L'Extrême Waterproof' Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara.Waterproof formulas are my go-to because they stay put all day and hold curl better than non-waterproof formulas -- really important for someone who has short, straight Asian eyelashes!

Lipstick:
I have a ton of lipsticks, but my favorite daily wear lipstick is Too Faced La Creme.... I love how creamy, light and non-scented Too Faced formulas are. My favorite daily wear pink/nude lipstick is Spice Spice Baby. I'm also addicted to Baby Lips lip balm (Cherry is my favorite).

Extras/Touch Ups:
Sometimes, if I'm feeling super fancy, I'll use an additional highlighter above my brow, on the insides of my eyes, and cheekbones, to add some extra pow. I like using this Jane Iredale eye highlighter pencil and this Borghese shimmer makeup for that added highlight. I also have combination skin, which means my T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin) tend to get oily throughout the day, so I carry Tatcha blotting papers with me to get rid of any excess shine.

What's missing:
I used to wear eyeliner quite often, but haven't been into it lately-- it feels a little too harsh. Also, my eyeliner always slides right off (raccoon eye alert!), even if I reinforce with an eyeshadow primer and buy a waterproof formula. Any suggestions? Do you prefer liquid or pencil?

PS: Other Helen Loves collections

memorial day = sales galore!

Friends! I have been thinking about how terrible I've been in blogging and definitely have a few posts up my sleeve to publish soon, so stay tuned and apologies for the radio silence on my end! I'm currently home for Memorial Day long weekend, which has been so nice and relaxing. A lot of family time, great food and long hikes in perfect weather. I've also been in quite the shopping mood (thank you, Memorial Day weekend sales!). Here are a few sale links-- only one more day, so check them out before they're gone!

Up to 40% off sale at Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale (+ standard free shipping & returns!)

30% off at J.Crew with code: WEEKEND

20% off at Asos with code: WEBEGRILLIN

40% off regular styles at Gap with code: EVENT

30% off sale styles and 50% off clearance at Theory with code: MEM2014

20-60% off Big Brown Bag sale and designer handbag sale at Bloomingdales 

Get $20 off $125, $40 off $200, $60 off $300, $100 off $400, and $150 off $500 at Athleta. Use code: SUMMER

Get 50% off the entire site over at Old Navy

Get 30% off of Loeffler Randall's spring sale

Get an additional 15% off Beauty Bar's sale section with code: BBSALEONSALE14

(Photo via here)

spring-perfect street style

Ah, spring fashion. I love it. Bright lips and bright details, mixed with cozy, streamlined silhouette and loose layers. Here's some street style inspiration for your spring wardrobe mix. I especially love the floral details and light jackets!

 

 

(Photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

giving thanks: 25th birthday reflections

I'm typing this up on a plane to Nashville right now, after reflecting on the past few months: all of the sweet details and revelations of how much I've grown and how much I've been blessed (and very undeservingly so). This past Monday, I turned 25, an age that I had always looked forward to. When I was in high school, I thought that turning 25 should feel so momentous and climactic. I imagined that I would be an incredibly confident, sophisticated, and unstoppable glamazon-- that's how a quarter of a century is supposed to feel, right? 

It's funny how as I grow older, all of my should's and supposed-to's have been fading away. My timelines and check lists are smoothing over, like bubbles dissolving into water, and all that's left is calm and deep, deep, peace, and something bigger than me and my expectations. It's God, and His wonderful plans. 

Celebrating turning 25 is not just celebrating me-- it's celebrating a milestone of His great works. I spent all of age 24 for the first time truly, vulnerably surrendering my entire life to Him and asking Him to be my Lord over everything: my relationships, my work, and my future. After several stressful years of being my own master, I was done with it. I needed Him to lead. I needed Him to make me the woman He wanted me to be: heart, mind, body, and soul. This daily practice of submission for 365 days made me feel vulnerable, but bold and secure at the same time, because I knew that God was trustworthy and had my best intensions in mind.

Daily submission has turned into openly receiving daily grace, which turned into recognizing His daily works. He's changed my heart and taught me so many lessons along the way. He's blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. It's a miracle that I have such a loving community of friends, from high school to NYU to Redeemer to L'Oreal and Quidsi. It's a miracle that I have my God-loving family. It's a miracle that I have the strongest, most caring boyfriend, Ben, who pushes me back to God and says things like, "I want Jesus to be your #1 dude, not me." (I know: heart-melting.)

Birthdays are fun, but this one was the most gratifying and humbling birthday I've ever experienced. And you know what? I think my high school self would be pleased: in Christ, I am confident, sophisticated, and unstoppable in ways that I could never have imagined. In an emotional blog post from October, I shared how I was reminded that His love is better than life. When I look to Him instead of focusing inwardly, His love is more tangible than ever, and I am so very grateful. 

(Photo via here)

saturday contentment

How's your weekend going? I'm currently sitting on my couch listening to music, eating salad (trying to be healthy!), and looking forward to staying in tonight... isn't it so funny when you reach a stage in life where you're equally happy to be staying in by yourself, reading or watching a movie, as you are going out dancing with your friends? I'm a super extrovert but being by myself continues to give me such contentment -- does that ring true for you as well? For example, today, I jogged into Williamsburg and back, grocery shopped, and made dinner all for myself and by myself-- and it was awesome. Have a lovely Saturday evening, friends.

(Photo of Kate Winslet via here)

currently reading...

What's on your reading list? I'm on the last few pages of Delivering Happiness, Zappos CEO Tony Hseih's book, which had been on my to-read list for a long time - it's really fantastic. I totally relate to Tony's passion to build something that touches peoples' lives and love that he explicitly called this drive a "calling." Also interesting to learn about how Zappo's extremely family-oriented culture came about.

On my to-read list: I just got my pre-order kindle copy of Marina Keegan's posthumous collection of essays and stories called The Opposite of Loneliness. I stumbled upon her site on my Facebook newsfeed and was really saddened by her story -- she passed away in a car accident only 5 days after her graduation from Yale undergrad in 2012; what she left behind are incredibly courageous, moving stories that are compiled in this collection. I read her story "Cold Pastoral" in the New Yorker and really admire how boldly vulnerable her writing is (without being melodramatic). 

Lastly, I'm trying to get started on (again) and complete (hopefully) Tim Keller's Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work, which provides a great perspective of why work is important and a gift from God. Keller is my incredibly wise church pastor and I've read his books before, but since there is SO much great content, I always need the extra push of discipline to get through each book. Here goes!

(Photo via Freshome)

coachella-inspired looks from sole society

In 2012, I bought my first pair of shoes from Sole Society back when they first launched. Since then, Sole Society has partnered with 20+ influencers & bloggers to curate their shoe boutiques and collaborated with Julianne Hough on her own collections. Recently in 2013, they extended into bags and accessories. It's been so delightful watching Sole Society grow into a successful direct to consumer platform, stretching beyond shoes. Here's a peek at their fabulous selection, inspired by Coachella fashion which feels like a mix of Americana and Navajo (in my opinion!). What are your favorite Sole Society picks?

From top left to right: Millie tote, Xela wallet, Tori suede booties, Tali studded crossbody, Preston satchel, Printed infinity scarf, Jada large tote, Mandee lace up heel, Tanya ballet flat, Rose gold bangle

the wanderlust list: my travel to-do's!

I think I'm getting seriously sick... with the travel bug. (Okay, that was cheesy.) If we're ever hanging out and you notice me gazing off into the distance, it's not you, it's me. I've been in such a wanderlusty mood for the past few weeks, my Facebook wall is covered with travel inspiration. I know I've already been really lucky to have gone to San Fran and the Bahamas so far this year, but I think they only whet my appetite for more :) Here's my latest travel to-do list, with a good mix of domestic and international cities -- what's on your list?

My friend Lindsay recently vacationed in Tulum, Mexico with her husband and really loved it. It's a non-touristy beach town that's filled with history like Mayan ruins, cool caves and cennotes, and interesting shops run by local craftsmen. 

Arizona hiking roadtrip idea: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Sedona. My friend Tina and I are currently obsessed with Antelope Canyon at the moment -- the water-formed rocks look like multi-colored waves in different lighting... dreamy.

Ziplining, jungles, and beaches! Costa Rica is high up on my list because it seems like it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and outdoors adventuring.

I've read about Positano, Italy numerous times on my favorite bloggers' sites. They all rave that it's the ultimate family vacation: a small village filled with culture and super kid-friendly, on the Amalfi coast. Keeping this in mind when I have a family of my own one day!

I know a few Californians and New Yorkers who often vacation in Palm Springs or Lake Tahoe. Both places look serene and relaxing. Would be fun to go for a long weekend sometime soon.

The next time I visit Asia, I really hope to go to Thailand (and Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia too if it's a long trip). Delicious food, beautiful beaches, cheap massages, and lots of city life to explore, what's not to love? I especially want to hang out with tiger cubs in the Tiger Temple and shop in the Floating Market (above) in Thailand.

Other cities that I'm itching to go to but don't have the time to find photos of for this blog post :):

Seattle: Amazon HQ, friends are living there, and ultimate hiking/biking trip with beautiful mountainous scenery.

Chicago: Everyone calls it the cleaner, better New York. Could this be true? Also, I really want to understand all the fuss about its deep dish pizza.

Nashville: I am ready for honky donk and music. Plus, Emily lives there. 

Guam: I never thought about Guam until I read this Huff Po article, and now I'm sold. Sounds amazing. (Those sunset pictures are unreal.)

PS: All of my travel pins

PPS: 33 Unbelievable Places To Visit Before You Die. 

(Photos sources: Antelope Canyon here; Costa Rica here; Positano here; Palm Springs here; Thailand here.)

the friend exodus: why is everyone moving away?

Yesterday was the first day of Spring-- although I don't feel it quite yet, I am so relieved. What a long winter it had been! This week was especially rough and bittersweet because Abby told me she was definitely going to be moving back to Philly this summer, after two years of living together. I had been expecting it -- both her boyfriend and her family live in Philly -- but it's always hard when close friends move away, especially my roommate who is like a sister. (Don't leave, Abby!)

While I'm always thrilled for my friends who start new adventures outside of New York, it's hard to adjust to life as usual in the city without having them here. I see things that I'd like to go to and that they would love, but they aren't available. Some of my dearest friends moved away this past year: Neetu to India, Danny to Syracuse, and Emily to Nashville. Other friends will be moving to San Francisco and Miami by end of year. While I love playing the role of cheerleader to their new adventures, I selfishly, wholeheartedly wish that those adventures could be in the city.

Makes me wonder if it's harder to move away to a new city and start a new journey, or is the greater challenge actually in coping with the feeling of being left behind? Would you rather move to a new city and not know a single soul, or would you rather stay where you are while everyone leaves?

(Photo via here)

this kate spade surprise sale...

... Is speaking to me. Up to 65% off select sale items across all categories and wedding themed.  Sarah's wedding is coming up in less than two weeks and I have no clue what I'm wearing. So excited for it! Anyway, the Kate Spade sale is here, and these are some cool things that popped up...

A gold bag

 

A sparkly necklace

A book clutch

8 favorite deborah lippmann nail colors

I don't own a single Deborah Lippman nail polish (mostly because I used to work on Essie when I was at L'Oreal and already own a ton of colors). Some of DL's shades though are super pretty and definitely tempting me to make a purchase. Here are 4 of my favorite party-ready glittery polishes and 4 classic colors. Just 'cause.

Party-ready (left side, top to bottom): 

Happy Birthday, Good Girl Gone Bad, Nefertiti, Let's Go Crazy

Classics (right side, top to bottom): 

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Daytripper, Fashion, Between the Sheets

what are your plans this weekend?

I know it's only Wednesday (hump day), but I'm already really looking forward to my first weekend back in New York in what feels like forever (after SF, Bahamas, and Philly visiting my family). My goal is to be outside as long as possible since the weather is improving (thank goodness!). On weekends, I have a habit of power-walking through Soho, West Village, and East Village while chatting on the phone or listening to a podcast, people watching, and taking photos. I actually just stumbled upon the above photo of a restaurant called Freeman's which I had instagrammed 2 years ago while on such a walk! Isn't it so cute? I love how off the beaten path it is, tucked away in Chrystie St.

I'll also be catching up with my friend and former L'Oreal colleague Adam at brunch, meeting another friend Adam (funny coincidence) for coffee to plot out his career path (which sounds so devious, no?), attending a Crunch workout class, and working on my application to a theology seminar. What's your weekend looking like?

(Top photo via Nicole Franzen, bottom photo of me taken by my friend Danny in Soho)

3 swimsuits that look like art

I'm so ready for summer (and for the beach again). I'm trying to organize a rental home in the Hamptons this summer with 10+ girls, which has been upping my cravings for more swimsuits and sarongs. (And I was just talking about trying to be minimal - urgh!) Currently, I'm really smitten with suits that have beautiful textiles like works of art, which Asos happens to be carrying a ton of inventory of right now! Here are a few of my favorites...

Seekers Floral Halter Bikini Set With Double Strap (Just bought this one!)

Minkpink Spring Break Bustier Bikini (Top and Bottom)

Seekers Red Floral Bikini Set 

5 in-transit thoughts

I was just telling Abby my roommate that I wish I had several hours after work to decompress, read silly Buzzfeed articles, catch up on my Facebook newsfeed and just... relax. Reconcile the random thoughts in my head from throughout the day (I call them 'in-transit' thoughts because they float around and then are gone before I get a chance to contemplate more or write them down). That's why I thought I'd just write them here before bedtime (and maybe stumble upon this blog post sometime in the distant future and think back about myself, 'What a baby I was!' That would be pretty cool.).

- Two contradictions: I'm trying to be more minimal in life -- give away clothes I haven't worn in a year to my sister, own less things, etc. -- and yet I am totally hooked on Pinterest, which is all about excess everything. It's like... I need to go on Pinterest and pin pretty things to my boards to unwind before bedtime. What a goof.

- For the Bahamas, I was still putting all of my sample-size toiletries in ziplock bags for my flight carry on and felt like something was amiss. Why haven't I bought a real-person plane bag? I just ordered this Stephanie Johnson yellow jumbo zip bag and am abnormally excited to pack for my next trip in style, for once.

- My internal dialogue lately has been unnecessarily dramatic: "I really want babies. I love babies!!!" "No, you can't have babies, you're not even married and you have too many things on your bucket list to do!" "But I'm really good with them. Get on with it already, have a baby." "No. You're not having babies until age thirty." "Ugh, fine. But don't wait to long...." Seriously, estrogen is such a nuisance sometimes. I sincerely hope this is every mid-twenties woman's inner turmoil so I'm not the crazy one.

- Yesterday I went to Art Bar in the West Village for late evening drinks with some girlfriends and loved the ambiance of the back living room-- very 1940s velour couches/fireplace chic. Need to visit again soon.

- My friends Sarah and Evan are getting married on March 30 and I'm beyond excited. Abby and I are both thinking first: What am I going to wear? Second: What does this mean we're old now? And lastly: Holy crap, Sarah's going to be a married woman!!! I 'm so excited. I'm totally going to finagle the microphone and give a rowdy, tipsy toast because I love that girl.

(Photo via here)

beach getaway: the bahamas

Only two months ago, I vowed to take more trips in 2014, so it was very fortuitous that I was able to make a pretty last minute visit to the Bahamas for a "Spring Break" of sorts. New York has had the worst winter (from Snowstorm Hercules to Titan - that's 13 snowstorms!) of my 7 years of living here, so naturally my friends and I were itching to get away. We found a great deal on CheapCarribbean.com for a 4-night, 5 day stay at the Melia Nassau resort and booked it immediately. What resulted was one of the laziest and most relaxing vacations I've ever had :) Here are some photos taken from my iphone (edited on VSCO Cam and Instagram).

 

One of the biggest luxuries was just taking in the sun. Growing up my family never went on beach vacations -my parents were more into historical, cultural trips (Colonial Williamsburg, for example); in fact, my first ever resort experience was in 2011 in Puerto Rico. I love the easygoing nature of the resort life, but don't think I can do it for more than a couple of days since I get antsy. But it was so, so nice to lay on the beach reading, nap by the pool, chill out in the Jacuzzi, and take lots of piña colada & strawberry daiquiri breaks. 

Some trip highlights include enjoying local cuisine at Andros Fish Fry, Poop Deck, and Bahama Grill. We mostly ate grilled seafood and lots of conch -- which I had never had before. I think I ate my own weight in conch salad, conch soup, conch fritters, etc. Oh, and grouper fish too. We also went out with some of the other guests at night to check out the local bars and clubs, including Aura at the Atlantis, Via Restaurant & Bar, and Señor Frog's (touristy, but so fun). 

I think my all-time top three Bahamas moments were taking a long walk down East Cable Beach (approximately a mile) during sunset; getting an evening tour of the magnificent aquarium in the Atlantis from new friends from our resort; and of course meeting some of the guests at the Melia and hearing their stories: a telecomm entrepreneur from Ohio, a musician who is the nephew of Sydney Poitier, a group of guys from Fort Worth, Texas on a bachelor party trip, etc. And of course, hanging out with everyone in our group: Liz, Abby, Sarah, Irina, and Kris. Lucky to have shared this experience with you guys! xoxo