(base photo credit)

Hi friends! I’d like to introduce a new series that I want to bring to Sequins & Things once or twice a month, if y’all like it. I’m constantly trying out new products, trying on new clothes, reading lots of online articles, watching funny videos, shopping for new home decor items and always willing to share my insight with you so I thought this would be a fun way to bring you my FIVE favorites in FIVE different categories every week, depending on what has caught my eye.

So, for example, today I’m going to share:

the FIVE beauty products that have impressed me this week

the FIVE latest purchases that I loooove and can’t wait to style

the FIVE links I either thought were helpful, funny or inspiring this week

the FIVE sale items I’ve got my eye on

the FIVE dating tips for those who are committed and single, men AND women

These items have really impressed me this week. I grabbed this WET Brush (#4) not too long ago after my friend in Denver mentioned to me how much she loved hers. Y’all … it’s a game changer. I don’t know about you but when I towel dry my hair, I get a full arm workout. My hair holds so much water so I have to go all out [or my hair will drip forevvverrr] and it looks like a crazy, tangled mess afterwards. Well, it’s finally met its match with the WET Brush (#4) without any harm done to my scalp. Highly recommend. Then, I spray my Damage Control by Aveda (#2) to protect it against the heat of my blow dryer and styling tools. I ran out of my favorite MAC eyeliner (#3) this week and am waiting on the replacement to come in the mail. It’s making me miss it so I wanted to share it with you all. HEADS UP: I only use it for my waterline. It stays all day! Smashbox primer (#1) is another one of my holy grail beauty products, and so is their BB Cream when I don’t want to put on a full face of makeup. It’s great for just a quick fresh face! And this Bobbi Brown highlighter (#5) … beyond amazing. You need it if you like a pretty glow on your cheeks 🙂

I’m starting to shop for warmer weather items and recently purchased these sandals [these similar ones are back again this year!], this coverup, and this fun multi-colored towel for my birthday trip to Miami later this month. I like to plan ahead … sometimes. This fun floral dress I thought would be cute for Easter. Hey, it’s not too early to start thinking about that! It’s really, really pretty in person. I can’t wait to wear it. I’m planning on wearing this dusty pink dress [under $75!] to church on Sunday for Valentine’s Day.

LINK #1 HERE
My amazing friend, Whitney, over at Blonde Atlas, wrote a great article for all of us single gals! It’s featured on The Everygirl and called How To Embrace Your Time Being Single. You have to read it! It’s so good, and I hope you can see why she is a dear friend of mine.
LINK #2 HERE
When I was in Europe last month, I suffered from some serious jet lag when I arrived in London. Coming home was much easier but I recently came across this REALLY helpful article that gives you all the information you need on how to tackle jet lag. It really is a beast and I will definitely be a little more prepared for my next trip abroad because of Laura’s tips. [Article: 20 Ways To Precent and Minimize Jet Lag]
LINK #3 HERE
I don’t know about y’all but, every year, I look forward to the Super Bowl Half-Time Show. Sometimes I’m disappointed. Hmm. Okay. MOST of the time, I’m disappointed. BUT I continue to hold on to hope that it’ll blow me away, like 2001’s performance [never gets old!] and, sometimes, like this year, I’m completely entertained. The entire time. Now, ladies … let’s not get political … because I know there’s been some controversy over certain individuals, their particular performance and its underlying meaning [which was totally news to me … I had no idea! Didn’t catch on to any of it which, if you know me, you’re not surprised] but, when we’re judging based on sole entertainment value … I definitely think Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Beyonce did an amazing job! And … how about that Bronco’s win??
LINK #4 HERE
I get a lot of emails about blogging. There is a lot of interest in this industry right now and, with that, a lot of questions. From time to time, I get emails about photography and, the truth is, I’m not the best resource to answer those. I’ve always been fortunate enough to have someone who is an expert in that arena that I can contract that part of blogging out to [looking at you, Miguel!]. But, as a blogger who runs a business, I think it’s important to at least know about the different elements that make up your business. Miguel teaches me a lot, especially when it comes to shooting in manual mode. That’s right … no shooting in Automatic for this girl. If you don’t have a Miguel to help you understand how to use your DSLR camera, I found THIS article about aperture that explains this important photography term very well. I also recommend reading the one on ISO, too, if you have a strong interest in starting your own blog.
LINK #5 HERE
For any moms out there … this link is for you! I pinned this image the other day and thought it was so wonderful! I can’t wait to be a mom someday and, although I can imagine it has its challenges that wear on your patience, I hope to always speak positivity over my children so that they know how loved and valued they are. I especially love #65.

In lieu of the holiday we have coming up this Sunday, I thought it’d be fun to share a few dating tips for anyone, no matter if you’re single or in a committed relationship.

 If you are in a relationship, be sure to learn their love language, and make an effort to speak theirs. Sometimes this won’t come naturally but, the truth is we all show and receive love so differently and it could be a major game changer if you start speaking the love language that your significant other appreciates receiving.
If you’re single, be open to new experiences, including blind dates and online dating. Believe me … I know it’s uncomfortable but, you never know, right?
If you’re single, grab another girlfriend and go somewhere you don’t usually think to go for Happy Hour. My roommate and I are both single and we went to dinner last night at a really nice restaurant in Jacksonville Beach that we, kind of, always forget about. They have such a great bar area and we said, as we were leaving, that we should totally head there after work one day. Again, you never know who you could meet! It might not lead to love [right away] but you could end up meeting someone who is good friend or connection to have later on.
If you are in a relationship, remember that feelings are fleeting so choose your battles wisely and always take a minute to think about the situation before reacting. Remember, ladies … men don’t want to be with someone who is ridiculously nitpicky, getting mad about the every little thing. And, remember, gentlemen … a woman wants to feel safe in her relationship, so don’t fly off the handle in a fit of rage. Reel it in and decide whether it’s worth discussing. If it is, sit down, face each other and talk it out.
If you’re single, try your best to remember that IT’S OKAY and it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Believe it or not, this season is one you might miss one day so, enjoy it. Embrace it, like Whitney says! Get to know yourself really well and, most importantly, love yourself. Go DO everything that you want to do [i.e. travel, start a blog, change careers … hello, it’s me]! Make it a time that is fun to look back on … not miserable. He will come along one day. He will. But have fun and be patient in the mean time! 🙂

I know this post was a little different than normal and, with that, I hope you liked it! Please leave any and all feedback below, and don’t forget to ask me your questions for my upcoming Birthday Q&A! Love y’all! Have a great weekend! xo.