Gretch Runs

Happy Tuesday everyone!  It's my favorite time of the week, when I get to link up with Show and Tell Tuesdays .  Today's topic is a fun one..we're all sharing what's in our bags! I'm going to be talking about what's in my work bag every single day.  Sometimes I'll bring more things, but these are my essentials.  I hope you enjoy taking a peek in my bag! - Liebeskind Black Purse  : I bought this purse years ago as a splurge, and it is still in amazing shape.  I love how basic this is but love the attention to detail.  It's a perfect size for me and I love using it as my work bag! - REI RFID Travel Wallet : This wallet is perfect if you want something lightweight that is perfect for traveling.  I love this little guy! - Bullet Journal and Pens : I always have to have these by my side!  The size of the notebook is perfect to throw in a bag, and these pens are my new favorite.  They look really cool and I love how sm...

Today I'm bringing back Wednesday Reviews to talk about a little makeup set from Sephora.  Around the holidays (and occasionally throughout the rest of the year), Sephora sells sets of makeup they call "Sephora Favorites".  These are available at different price points with different themes.  There are Sephora Favorite eyeliners, mascaras, perfumes and more !  I always love getting these because it's a huge value, and you get to try tons of different brands and products. Earlier this week I stopped by Sephora in JCPenney and noticed a new Favorites kit- the Perfect 10.  This set is only available at the Sephora in JcP location, and had ten various products in a cute gold pouch for $49.  I think this set would be perfect for a Christmas present, so I wanted to do a quick review before it's sold out.  Let's see how the products stack up! Starting with the color cosmetics: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick Magenta Matte ($20) :  Be Legendary Li...

Who else is ready and excited for the fall? As much as I love summer, I'm just about ready for some cooler temperatures.  It was a very hot summer in Pittsburgh (and most other cities) so I'm excited to bring out my jackets and sweaters.  I've always loved fall fashion and fall foods-pumpkin EVERYTHING- so I can't wait for the seasons to change! Today I'll be sharing what's on my fall wish list in three categories- what I would wear on a fall date, some cozy items, and some athletic gear.  I hope you enjoy, and make sure to check out my other wish lists if you missed them ( spring and summer !) Fall Date  Denim Popover Dress - Madewell   I love anything denim, and fell in love with this dress at Madewell.  It doesn't look like anything special in the picture on hanging up, but one of the employees was wearing it and I fell in love.  It would be perfect for so many occasions, so I had to grab it before it was sold out!  (Oth...

Happy Wednesday friends! I'll be doing my normal Wednesday Review today with a bit of a twist. Last week, I received my Allure Beauty Thrills box (bought with my own money) and wanted to review it. The box comes out quarterly and is stuffed full of tons of products. The value on this box is insane (over $200 worth for around $50...what!?) so I knew I wanted to pick it up and share reviews of everything!   I'll be reviewing this box in three parts so that each post isn't too long.  Today we'll start out with makeup, and in the next two weeks I'll also review the skincare and hair products.  I hope you enjoy! Nails Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Nail Enamel and Top Coat : This formula is amazing!  I have two other shades of the Gel Envy polish, so I was excited to add another color to my collection.  This shade (Beginner's Luck) looks like mother of pearl on the nails and is perfect for an elegant, classy manicure.  The polish stayed on my fingers...

Happy Wednesday, and welcome back to another Wednesday Reviews post!  I've been skipping these for the past few weeks in favor of #WIAW, but today I wanted to do a quick review of a recent Sephora purchase- the Lash Stash to Go! I absolutely love buying gift sets in the Sephora Favorites collection.  These are collections of different products that are usually in a trial size.  There are so many fun sets to try, which you can check out here .  I especially love the sets that they come out with around the holidays!  They make terrific gifts, or a special treat for yourself.  A few months ago, I purchased the Lash Stash to Go kit, which contained 5 mini mascaras along with a voucher for a full-sized mascara of your choice.  It's a fantastic deal, and I love trying out new products with no risk! I'll briefly talk about each mascara, and then let you know which one I'll be picking up in full size! blinc Mascara Amplified Full Size Price - ...

Hi everyone!  Today I'll be doing another review of products that I've used up..AKA my trash is getting full.  If you want to see my first post in this series, check it out here ! I'll also be joining Jess's first Try This Thursday linkup (I'll be talking about a bunch of products that I've tried, so hopefully it works??)  as well as Amanda for Thinking Out Loud! P.S. It's your last day to enter my giveway for a free facial!!   All you have to do is comment on last Friday's post and I'll choose a winner tonight at midnight! Makeup L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray : best setting spray ever.  The mist is really fine, and it holds my makeup all day (even in the humidity and heat).  It also makes my skin look dewy and glowy without looking greasy.  Amazing! Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked : perfect everyday lipstick.  Slight rosy color and really moisturizing.  I love the packaging as well- really sleek an...

Hi everyone! Today I'm joining a new linkup for the first time: Show and Tell Tuesdays with Momfessionals !  Andrea has so many fun topics, and I had to join in this week.  The topic is Beauty Routines!  If you'll remember, I previously shared my everyday makeup routine , as well as my day to night makeup . My routine is still more or less the same, so today I'll be sharing my current favorite makeup products.  I have been trying to use up all my products and haven't been shopping much, so I have a lot to say about what I currently have! P.S. Don't forget to enter my very first giveaway here !  All you have to do is comment on that post telling me why you need to be pampered, and you can win a free facial ! Face Urban Decay Naked Skin (shade 3.5) : Amazing coverage, but extremely light weight.  My everyday foundation in the summer! Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation (shade 810-Classic Ivory) : higher coverage, and really buildable if...

Happy Thursday!  Isn't this week flying by? Today I'm linking up with Anne in her monthly Pin to Present series (and Amanda for Thinking out Loud!).  I usually try out a recipe I found on Pinterest, but today I decided to switch it up a bit and test out some beauty hacks.  There are so many tips and tricks out there, and everything promises beautiful results in just minutes.  If I can re-vamp my beauty and hair routine and save time, I'm all in!  Today I'm testing out four pins- two for hair and two for makeup.  Keep reading to see if the pins were a yay or a big fat NAY! Hair The first pin I found promised a 1-minute longer, fuller ponytail.  The images made it look simple: just divide your hair in half horizontally and put each into a ponytail.  Easy, right? It turns out that this pin works!  I loved how the two pony tails made my hair look longer and gave it a nice layered look.  Next time I'll try this with curly ha...

Hi everyone!  Today I'll be kicking off "Travel Week" with one of the most boring parts of traveling- packing.  I hate to pack and always put it off until the last possible moment (usually the night before).  Although it's not a lot of fun, it's a really important step, and something I've been working on perfecting the last few years!  This was actually my fourth trip out of the country, so I've learned a few lessons along the way.  I always keep my luggage minimal and only have one carry-on with me.  If you're like me and like to travel light, hopefully my tips will help! Tops I always bring neutral t-shirts when I'm traveling.  This way, I can mix and match with any bottoms I bring, as well as switch it up with a scarf or statement necklace.  I also make sure to bring a rain-proof jacket and a cardigan.  Weather in Europe can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to bring layering options!   To save space in my suit...

Hi everyone!  Happy Tuesday to you all.  If you're anything like me, you love to finish up products.  It's so satisfying to completely use up something, and then be able to try new things!  I love seeing reviews on YouTube of empty products.  Once you use up something, you can really tell if you actually like the product or not, so those reviews are really helpful. Today I'll be sharing short reviews of products I used up recently.  This is going to be a series (probably once a month or every other month) so you can see what I use up regularly!  I hope that you enjoy! Face/Body Products   1. Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion in Brazilian Nut.   My all-time favorite lotion.  It's extremely moisturizing and smells AMAZING.  I've probably gone through 5 tubes of this and will keep buying it. 2.  Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads. These pads made my skin feel really smooth ...