SOCIAL MEDIA

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Vacation // February 2018



Hi All! 
As you're reading this I'm either on my way to Nashville or already there! I'd mentioned before that Kyle & I were headed on a trip for my February Break- we were deciding between a beach or somewhere completely different, I think you can tell which one we chose! We are so excited to be spending the week here as neither of us has been to Nashville.

Some things we have planned //

* On Valentines Day Kyle gave me tickets to a show at the Grand Ole Opry- I'm so excited! On the lineup for the show is Easton Corbin- we both love country music so I can't wait to see him perform.

* Country Music Hall of Fame- I'm not sure you can go to Nashville and not go here. My mom said it's crazy to see Elvis's belongings in person. I think it will be a lot of fun and very interesting! 

* Biscuit Love- I've heard so many people rave about this brunch spot that I have to check it out for myself! It looks so delicious. 

* We're really looking forward to exploring all the little shops around downtown. I love finding unique items & I think Nashville will be the perfect place to do so. 

*  We don't go out much here in Vermont as there's really no place to go so we're planning on going to a lot of the bars! I'm pretty excited about this- I've heard there's always great live shows. 

Have you ever been to Nashville? If you have I'd love to hear some of your recommendations! I can't wait to share all the things we do with you.

XO,
Nicholle 
Thursday, February 22, 2018

Thursday Thoughts


What I did this week //

* Packed! I usually pack weeks in advance for trips but for some reason, I just didn't feel like it this time! I bought some new clothes for this trip that I haven't worn yet so I just needed to pack bottoms and shoes and such. I also ordered the cutest backpack for this trip! I can't wait to wear it, I think it will be perfect for exploring a new place.

* I sold some items  on my Poshmark account ! If you haven't used Poshmark it's an easy way to sell your used clothing/accessories. You snap a picture of the item, add the sizing and brand info, pick a price and post it! Then people are able to purchase your items by putting offers in. You can either accept, deny, or counter people’s offers on your items. Once you sell an item you are provided a pre-paid shipping label and all you have to do is pack the item up and drop it off at the post office! The funds from your sale can be deposited directly into your bank account!

* Listened to some Podcasts. I've really been enjoying the 'Super Soul Sunday' podcasts which are with Oprah. They're each generally under 30 minutes and are a great positive thing to listen to. I've been trying hard to remain positive and put good vibes out there and doing things like listening to podcasts and journaling has helped me a lot. 

What I'm doing this weekend // 


* Kyle and I leave this weekend for our vacation! I'm so excited and can't wait to share all about our trip with you. The place we are going to is full of life, isn't cold (probably in the 60's), and has so much great food and entertainment! Any ideas where we are headed!? I'll share where we are over on my Instagram this weekend! 

What are you up to this weekend?
XO,
Nicholle 
Tuesday, February 20, 2018

What's In My Bag

Hi All!
I love seeing what other people carry in their bags so I thought I'd share what I have in my bag on a day to day basis. These are the items that are always with me, whether I'm going to work or running errands. If I switch bags I take all of these things with me! I usually have them all in a little-zippered pouch within my large tote which helps to easily move them from bag to bag. 




The first items I always carry are my beauty items. I have my favorite NYX liner as well as my everyday nude lipstick by L'oreal. I also like to carry a freshly scented perfume. You never know when you're going to need a little spritz! Of course, I also need hand cream! This little L'occtaine one is a perfect size! I can't tell you how many times I reach for my lotion in the cold winter months. Don't forget the hair clip and hair ties! Have you ever been without a hair tie and really needed one?! It feels like the world is ending! I always have at least one in my bag.


These next items are must-haves! You always need tissues and lip balm, the thought of not having my lip balm freaks me out and makes my lips feel dry! Always carry lip balm! Also, you should always have something to clean your hands with whether that be sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer- especially with this crazy flu season we're having. 



If you have a camera/take pictures I highly suggest you purchase one of these card readers, they are so handy! I keep mine in my bag so if we're out and about I'm able to immediately import pictures onto either my phone or iPad instead of waiting to upload them to my computer. The other tech item I love is my wireless headphones . These are under $50 and great quality. I use them to listen to podcasts or to wear when I workout.


I use to carry a giant wallet around but it became way too heavy and I wasn't reaching for the items in it. I downsized to just a card holder & I love it! I can easily grab it out of my bag to run into the coffee shop or gas station without hauling my huge bag around. I also always have a pen with me. You never know when you might need one and using other peoples pens is a no-no- think of all the germs on a pen at the bank! Ew! 

What items do you carry in your bag? Let me know!
XO,
Nicholle 

*This post contains affiliate links, thank you for supporting Nicholle Sophia 
Sunday, February 18, 2018

At Home // February 2018

Hi All & Happy Sunday!
I thought it would be fun to share some snaps from my home. I've shared a few of the rooms before but I don't think I've ever shown pictures of the dining room. If you're wondering no we didn't choose that green color, it was that way when we moved in, we just haven't gotten around to painting it! The other photographs are from my office/closet space. If you have any questions about where items are from just let me know! 


The dining room hasn't been clean since before THANKSGIVING- not even kidding. We've had gift wrap, cookie platters, and decorations scattered about. This weekend I decided this room needed to get back into order and I'm so happy it's finally clean! I like to have breakfast in here on the weekends because it's so Sunny. I've had to find decor items that will match this oh so lovely green wall color and I think these floral place mats are perfect- they have me dreaming of warm spring days! 


My office may look clean right now but I can promise you it's not always that clean, 95% of the time there are clothes in a pile on the furry stool and my makeup is scattered all over the vanity. I spend a lot of time in this room so I love how much natural light it has. It's a very bright happy space that I truly enjoy being in. It's nice to have a spot that's girly and all mine! 

What's your favorite room in your home?
XO,
Nicholle 


Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Thursday Thoughts



Happy Thursday!
 I feel like this week has been so crazy! I've been going to bed so much later than usual because I've had so much to do every day! I've been trying to keep to my workout routine regardless of all the things I've had going on which seems to be helping me keep my sanity. I definitely suggest trying to stick to your normal routines as much as possible as it helps to keep your life somewhat in order.

Things I did this week //

* Valentines Day! I'm not sure anyone is more excited for Valentine's day than First Graders. It was a crazy few days leading up to Valentines as the kids were just SO excited. I received so many sweet cards it made the day extra special. As I mentioned before Kyle & I keep it pretty simple for Valentine's Day. This year Kyle prepared bacon wrapped filet, stuffed salmon, asparagus, wild rice, AND chocolate cake! So delicious & I love getting to have a quiet night at home. We went out one year for Valentines Day and it was CRAZY! The service was terrible the food took forever and it was so noisy- I learned my lesson not to go out on this holiday!

* Completed ALL of my laundry!! Which was a goal of mine last weekend so I'm happy to report it is all done, it did take a while though! Does anyone else greatly dislike having to put clothes away!? I avoid it at all costs.

* Increased my speed on the treadmill, which you're probably thinking 'who cares', but for me, this was a big step. When I started working out back in December I was so out of breath on the treadmill and could barely fast walk without becoming fatigued. Now I have so much energy on the treadmill and I'm able to run without feeling out of breath or weak. Push through the difficult phase of working out- I promise it gets better! I'm to the point now where I enjoy working out every day and am bummed if I miss a day. 

Things I'm doing this weekend // 

* Saturday Mani - I'm thinking I want a nice nude color but I'm worried it will make my hands look even paler! I always like to find a fun design or color on Pinterest prior to going. Let me know what your favorite nail colors are!

* Baby Shower- I can't believe I'm at the age where I'm attending baby showers! I feel old! One of my coworker's daughters is having a baby this spring and her shower is on Saturday. I got the most adorable little baby clothes for a gift and these sweet little velvet shoes. Baby girl clothes are seriously the cutest! I had a hard time not buying the whole store. 

* Beginning to pack for our vacation! Kyle and I leave next weekend for our trip so I need to get packing! I'm freaking out a little bit about all of the illnesses going around and the germs at the airport! How do you stay healthy while traveling!? I'd love to hear any tips!

What are your plans this weekend!?
XO,
Nicholle 

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Spring Wishlist


We had some beautiful weather a few weekends ago here in Vermont, high 40's and sunny! It had me dreaming of Spring days so I thought I'd put together a post sharing some of the items that are on my Spring wishlist! These are also great items if you're headed on a vacation anytime soon! Kyle & I are going on a trip in a few weeks but the weather where we are headed unfortunately doesn't warrant espadrilles and a straw tote.

As you can tell I'm loving espadrilles- they're so comfortable and the perfect Spring shoe! I'm also hoping to add some more color into my wardrobe this spring as I tend to stick to more neutral and muted tones.To shop any of these items just click the product images at the bottom of the post!

What products are you wanting for spring?
XO,
Nicholle



*This post contains affiliate links, thank you for supporting Nicholle Sophia 
Sunday, February 11, 2018

Everyday Makeup Routine




Hi All!
I've gotten a lot of questions recently on what makeup I wear on a day to day basis. I keep my makeup pretty simple, as a classroom is not really the place for winged eyeliner and glitter eyeshadow, although I'm sure my students would compliment me! I wake up around 5:30 every morning and am dressed and fully ready by 6 each day, this means my makeup routine can't take up much time. On average I can do my makeup in about 10 minutes, if I really needed to I could do it in less time but there's no need to rush. Below I'll share with you the products I use from start to finish to achieve a simple yet put together look. 


FACE // 


Since my makeup is a basic look, I like to focus on evening out my skin and creating a nice radiant finish. To do this I use a few different products, everything except the translucent powder I've been using over a year.

Bare Minerals // Complexion Rescue 
I've been using this product for years now and I can say there is nothing better than this tinted hydrating cream. I use this as my foundation as it has the coverage I like, which is a light coverage. I never like a foundation to be too heavy as I think it looks very unnatural. This one creates a light dewy finish. I apply this just with my hands and rub it in like I would a lotion. In the winter I use the shade Buttercream 03.

IT Cosmetics // Bye Bye Under Eye 
This product creates the perfect illuminated under eye. Sometimes concealers can be drying and cakey when placed on the skin beneath your eye, this one does not crease and helps to brighten any dark or dull looking skin. I apply this after my foundation by putting a little on my middle fingers, warming it up and then dabbing it under my eye. A little goes a long way with this product! I use the shade light during the winter months.

Nars // Soft Matte Complete Concealer 
I've yet to find another concealer that is as full coverage as this one. I use this product to cover up any spots that were not covered by my foundation. This works great to cover any dark spots or pimples. It stays put all day and you don't have to use much. I use the shade vanilla in the winter. It's important to make sure you choose a shade that's close to your skin tone or else you will end up making the spots you are trying to conceal more noticeable.

Maybelline // Fit Me, Matte & Poreless Powder
I use this product two ways. One way I use it is to set areas that I want a little more coverage, for example, my chin area. This provides a nice light additional coverage. Another way I like to use this is on days I'm not using any liquid foundation. I will apply a little concealer and then use this powder to even out my skin. This is a great product for the price and gives you a nice even skin tone.

Laura Mercier // Translucent Setting Powder 
I had been hearing about this product for so long and so many women had raved about it but I just recently tried it out about two months ago. This is a great setting powder. What I love about it is that it doesn't leave a white cast on your face which some of these powders can do. I apply this after all of my foundation and concealer is done. I find it helps to blend all the products together nicely. Make sure you purchase the translucent shade and not the tinted shade.

BLUSH & BRONZER // 


I've mentioned this blush so many times before as it's my favorite blush. I have almost every color in the line and love them all. What I love about this blush is the color payoff and the blendability of the product. Some blushes will get splotchy as you try to blend them. This blush goes on smooth and gives the perfect pop of color! One of my favorite shades is 'Paaarty'. 

Wet n Wild // Bronzer 

I've also mentioned this product before and I've been using it for about 2 years now. When I find something that works I stick to it! This bronzer is under $5 so you can't go wrong! Since I'm on the fair side some bronzers can leave me looking orange which is not cute. This product gives me a subtle sunkissed glow. I use the shade 'Ticket to Brazil'. 


EYES // 


This palette truly is the Ultimate Basics palette. I've brought this palette on many trips and have had all the colors I need. On a day to day basis, I like to buff a light brown or taupe shade into my crease and call it a day. I then will use the darkest shade in the palette with a pencil brush to line my lower lash line. This creates a nice diffused look vs. using a harsh eyeliner. 

I use this palette and the Urban Decay palette equally. What I like about this palette is that it allows me to create some different looks as it has both matte and shimmer shades. I'm able to create a day look and then easily transition it to night by adding one of the shimmer shades. 

I'm not too picky when it comes to mascara and I usually stick with Covergirl but I decided to try this one out from Ulta and I love it! It makes my lashes look so incredibly long and full- I've gotten so many compliments on them! I also like that this product doesn't get clumpy or make my lashes stick together. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills // Brow Wiz 
This product took me a while to get the hang of. You definitely need to use a light hand while applying this. What I like about this product is that it allows you to create a natural looking brow. I'm able to fill in just the sparse areas vs. with a brow powder where you apply it to the entire brow. I use the shade 'Medium Brown'.

LIPS // 


IT Cosmetics // Je Ne Sais Quoi 
I've been using this product for about two months now and I love it. It's a great mix between a lip balm and a lipstick. The color of the product reacts to your body and changes so it will look a little different on everyone. For me, it gives off a light pink tint which is perfect for everyday wear. 

L'Oreal // Lipstick 
If I'm going to wear a lipstick this is the one I grab. I've been wearing this shade for over 2 years now and I love it. It's my perfect nude shade and gives my lips just the right amount of color. This is a great lipstick to have in your bag as you don't have to think much while applying it- it doesn't require any lip liner! The shade I wear is '370 Jennifers Nude'.





What are your everyday makeup products? I'd love to know!
XO,
Nicholle

*This post contains affiliate links, thank you for supporting Nicholle Sophia 
Thursday, February 8, 2018

Thursday Thoughts


Things I did this week // 

* Snow Day! On Tuesday night my District decided to close all of the schools for the following day (Wednesday) due to the impending storm. I didn't think there was anything better than a Snow Day, BUT a Snow Day that you know about before you even go to bed!? So great! It felt so good to not set my alarm and have a relaxing day. Nothing makes a week go by faster than skipping Wednesday! 

* Got my hair done- Well I'm getting my hair done the day this post goes up! I haven't had my color retouched since October. I've mentioned before that I get my hair Balyaged so I can go quite awhile in between appointments which is actually really nice.

* Made Mashed Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Rosemary. It was SO good. I loved the creaminess of the Goat Cheese Paired with the flavor of the fresh Rosemary. This would make a great substitute for potatoes with a meal!

Things I'm doing this weekend //

* I've got a really busy three weeks coming up starting on Monday so I need to make sure my life is organized! It feels like some months I have nothing going on and other months are crazy! Kyle & I are headed on a trip at the end of this month also! Ahh

* Kyle has an Open House Sunday so I will be spending time at my Parents house. I've gotten some questions about what Kyle does, he's a realtor, so his schedule is pretty busy. It can get a little challenging to spend time together as he will often work both Saturday and Sunday. Luckily he won't be working this Saturday so we get time together!

What are your plans this weekend!? Let me know!
XO,
Nicholle



Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Healthy Snack Ideas


Happy Tuesday! 
If you follow me over on Instagram you know I love to share what I'm cooking and eating, I get so many questions regarding my meals that I thought it would be helpful to share some healthy snack ideas. I don't like to take too much time to food prep so these are all extremely easy and time effective snack ideas.




What are your favorite Healthy Snacks?
XO,
Nicholle 




Sunday, February 4, 2018

Athleisure // New & Now

Hi All & Happy Superbowl Sunday! 
I thought Today would be the perfect time to share with you some Athleisure items I'm eyeing. So many cute items have been released recently. I love to wear pieces like these to run errands, grab a coffee, and hang around home. The nice thing about Athleisure is that it's comfy while still looking stylish and put together. Sometimes I want to wear a 'cute' outfit but don't necessarily want to be all dressed up- Athleisure is the perfect option for those days!



SHOES //





BOTTOMS //






TOPS // 






What are your favorite Athleisure pieces to wear? I'd love to know!
XO,
Nicholle

*This post contains affiliate links, thank you for supporting Nicholle Sophia