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What to Pack for a Beach Vacation with a Toddler
Going to the beach with a toddler can be daunting but being prepared definitely helps. We are fortunate to have a beach 2 hours away, so we love to do a day trip or weekend trip. So after a few trips, I made this list to help yall out with some things I love bringing for my toddler.
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Things to Do in Nashville, TN
Nashville has everything you need for a fun vacation and more! There is fantastic food, shopping, music, and our hotel had the most relaxing rooftop pool. It's a medium-sized city that offers so much! It should honestly be on everyone's MUST-VISIT list. We visited Nashville in May 2022 and had a blast! I already can't wait to plan my next visit.
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Small Business Holiday Gift Guide
Here are my favs from small local businesses mostly in Raleigh and the surrounding areas! Let’s support our local neighbors and buy local this holiday season! To access the link for each item, simply download the attached PDF & tap each photo to open up the appropriate URL. Happy shopping!! Businesses Listed Include: Kenda Kist Jewelry Hey Maeve Arc Society Boutique The Clean Bar Shop Bofemme
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Sephora Spring Sale Favorites
Its that time of year again and something to look forward to while staying at home! The Sephora Spring Sale is here to save the day… woohoo! Here are the list of dates and codes needed for the sale: 4/14 to 5/1 VIB Rouge Members save 20% with code: SPRINGSAVE 4/21 to 4/29 VIB Members save 15% with code: SPRINGSAVE 4/23 to 4/27 Beauty Insiders save 10% with code: SPRINGSAVE * sign up to be a beauty insider and save 10% on your order* Here are my absolute favorite makeup products that I have used down to the end!
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DIY: Removing Acrylics at Home
Here is the IGTV tutorial video and step descriptions below! Hope you enjoy! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Desiree ✨ (@modernvanitystyle) on Mar 28, 2020 at 1:11pm PDT Items You’ll Need 100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover with Acetone Cotton Balls Nail File Metal Nail Scraper Precut Aluminum foil (large enough to cover tip of finger) Step 1 Cut down acrylic if nails are long. File down top coat and nail polish. Nails should only have acrylic visible. Step 2 Clean hands and get the dust off. Step 3-5 One by one dip each finger (start with thumbs) in acetone, dip cotton ball in nail…
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Tips for Dealing with Negative Body Image during Quarantine
Social media has its good moments and its bad. Now more than ever we are playing the comparison game and we are all guilty of it. The truth is we are on our phones a lot! It seems like everyone has turned in to a fitness blogger, offering diet and workout tips because gaining weight is the worst thing that can happen during a pandemic… (eye roll) But still, you may be feeling pressure to work out, eat less in order to keep yourself from gaining weight. I know for certain that the memes do not help… the before/after quarantine, the ridiculous tips saying to try on your jeans…
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Chic Soul Try-On Haul Spring/Summer
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Desiree ✨ (@modernvanitystyle) on Apr 4, 2020 at 1:38pm PDT Here are the links from my IGTV video for you to shop for all the super cute items from Chic Soul! Shop the Brighten My Day dress here! Shop the By the Boardwalk Maxi Dress here! Shop the Your Number One Romper in Ash Brown here! Shop the Your Number One Romper in Sage here! Shop the Party in the Back Dress here! Shop the Dream Date Maxi Dress here! Shop my other looks by heading over to my LikeToKnow.it Page! Be sure to leave a Comment Below!
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Tips to Keep Your Sanity During COVID-19
In a matter of a week, our lives have been turned upside down. We went from our regular schedules to “social distancing.” From dinner dates with friends to homecooked meals alone. Everything we knew changed. Staying at home should be goals for anyone (right?!) It’s time to work on those outstanding projects, and visions you didn’t think you had time for. But the truth is this rapid change to our lives is overwhelming. And the same happy go lucky person might be swamped with emotions they haven’t felt in a while. So I am here to let you know that if you’re not handling this well… you’re not alone and…
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A Better Night Sleep with Big Fig Mattress
Big Fig Matress was kind enough to send me a mattress for my home for review. All opinions are genuine and my own. Getting regular, 8 hours of sleep has always been so difficult for me. I am up all night tossing and turning, trying to count sheep or how many bottles of beer on the wall in order to doze off. In my lifetime, I’ve tried sound machines, essential oils, weighted blankets and I was still waking up exhausted. I realized the problem was my mattress! My mattress was purchased in college, at a wholesale store for a decent discounted price. I was not prioritizing comfort or longevity. Since…
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How I Protect My Skin from the Sun with Alba Botanica
I remember when I use to butter up my body with oil, find the perfect sunny seat at the pool and bake for hours… HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED! This post is sponsored by Alba Botanica but all opinions about the products are honest and my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support Modern Vanity Style! XO, Desiree My goal used to be to get as tan as possible. Now I wear a sun hat, find some shade and I swapped suntan oil for a solid SPF. As I’ve learned more about different types of skin protection, I started to value not only a great product for me and my…
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How I cleared my Skin with Acne Treatments
People who knew me when my skin was at its worst always ask how did I clear my adult acne so fast. Now let me be honest, my skin is far from perfect but it is SO much better than it was before. I have little to no active cystic acne pimples. I used to have big, dark pimples all over my cheeks, chin and forehead. Every time I thought one was gone, another 4 popped up in different spots. After the pimples were gone, they left dark scars in their place, which honestly might have been worse than the pimple itself. I had gone to a regular dermatologist and…
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How I Stay Fresh & Confident All Day
This post is sponsored by Summer’s Eve®, but all opinions and/or content is my own. Springtime is here! The change of weather is synonymous with spring cleaning, starting the warmer months out with good habits, maybe even a new lighter hair-do, overall setting yourself up for a fresh beginning. Setting up these new habits should also coincide with your feminine hygiene routine. I can even attest that I have hurried down the feminine hygiene aisle, not wanting anyone to see me… and then when someone turns down the same aisle, I’ll turn around pretending to look at the vitamins. There is this misconception that using feminine hygiene washes means that…
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10 Tricks for Reducing Anxiety
(This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure about affiliate links here.) This month is Mental Health Awareness month and is really near and dear to my heart because for the last 5 years I have learned how to cope with my anxiety. Here’s the back story… I lived most of my adult life thinking it was normal to feel like I was breathing through a straw and feeling my heart race for no reason. I thought it was normal to worry about something I said or did years ago or simply not go out because I overly worried about what I was going to wear, who I was going…
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My Experience with Vampire Facial!
One day at 22, I noticed my skin starting to break out more than normal. I am not sure what caused it but suddenly I was suffering from HORRIBLE cystic acne. Most of the cystic pimples were on my cheeks and chin. They left behind deep, noticeable scars and dark pigmentation that remind me every day how bad my skin once was. I became hopeless and thought that with time, hopefully, they would fade. But when I went to Apex Medical Skin and Aesthetics, I was overjoyed to find out that microneedling could help improve the appearance of deep scars, and coupled with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), I would even…
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The Perfect Curvy Girl Lace Dress
(This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure about affiliate links here.) Tis’ the season!… probably not the one you’re thinking about BUT instead we are talking Easter, Spring/Summer Parties & Wedding Season! If you’re like me then you’re not too excited about dress shopping. It’s either dresses fit me too tight on my chest or don’t go over my rear! The whole thing is really quite a struggle, but I am here to show you my foolproof favorite dress from Jessica London! And you’re in luck because everything on their site is 50% off with code JLBApril50. Styled For Easter For Easter, I typically go to church with family…
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My First New York Fashion Week
How I got there It was late January, I was deep in the Pinterest cave, looking up fashion inspiration when I realized New York Fashion Week was right around the corner. I wondered if I should even try to go, I have only been blogging for a year and my following isn’t that big… but I wondered to myself, if I don’t try would I be missing out on an opportunity? I had always believed that you get more opportunities by trying new things. I mean, the worst case would be that I don’t get invited and then I just work harder for next time. So I sat down, did…
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10 Ways to Create a Happier You in 2019
1. Set aside time every week for special ‘ME’ time. Whether it be an hour to read a book, having a bubble bath or watching your favorite movie. That special time alone will reset your clock and allow for mental clarity. 2. Go to sleep when you feel tired. Do not try to fight rest because it will back up and have a longer negative impact on your productivity. You may get sleepy at 7:30 one night and going to bed that early is what your body needs. This will help stabilize your mood and increase your daily productivity. 3. At the end of each night journal 3 things you’re…
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Christmas Card 2018 Photoshoot
Its the most wonderful time of year! This is my husband and I’s first photo shoot for a Christmas card. The year before we used a photo we had taken on a recent trip to NYC. Personally, I love sending snail mail because it’s so special and sometimes as adults you lose everyday communication with people but sending a Christmas card reminds them that you still care about them and often times reopens conversation with them! It’s a simple gesture that can mean so much. I knew I wanted my outfit to be fabulous so I was super excited about getting the perfect dress from MGC boutique in Apex and…
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Perfect Gifts for Any Man
(This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure about affiliate links here.) My husband and I are going on 10 years of being together. Through the years, I have learned a bit about men’s taste in shopping. And basically the short of it is… if it comes in black or blacked out the better! I comprised this list with my husbands help. Some of these items are things he already has and loves ( like the OAC City watch), and some are things he’d like to have (i guess that was my hint hint) The issue I hear most women complain out during the holidays is what to get the…
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Fool Proof Gift Guide for Her
(This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure about affiliate links here.) For this Fool Proof Holiday Gift Guide for her, I comprised all of my favorite items. I tried to focus on things that don’t require perfect sizing and that are less likely to get returned (haha)… I mean who doesn’t love leggings?! So ladies, make it easy for your other half and just share this link with him when he asks for your Christmas list and then act surprised when you open it! 1. Kenda Kist- Holiday Rectangle Drop Necklace (Free shipping with code MODERNVANITYSTYLE) 2. Kenda Kist- Holiday Rectangle Drop Earring(Free shipping with code MODERNVANITYSTYLE) 3. Kenda…
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Garnier Micellar Water Review
(This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure about affiliate links here.) Recently I was sent Garnier Micellar Water to review as well as the Garnier Rose Soothing Facial Mist. Although I was provided these products, my review is completely honest. I pride myself on sharing only the best products with my readers! I am a very heavy makeup user. I love my high coverage foundation, eyeliner, bronzer, eyebrow cream…. I wear it all!!! When wearing a lot of makeup, the biggest problem is removing it all at the end of the day. I’ve always had to cleanse my face multiple times because I still had makeup left behind in…
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NYC- College Fashion Week
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My Cosmic Monochromatic Look
Who said monochromatic has to be boring?! After my trip to New York City, I was inspired to take my glam to the next level. Bright eye shadows and lips are on trend and nothing is easier than using the same color from eyes to lips. This post is sponsored by Almay to show you how easy you can achieve a mesmerizing monochromatic look. My inspiration was PINK, my favorite color! All of the products can be found at your local Ulta or online, which is super convenient and the whole line is affordable! Prices ranging from $ 6.99-$14.99 Here is a list of what I used: Almay Limited Edition…
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A Self-Care Night with Palmer’s
What is a better way to reward a long, hard day at work than escaping into a hot shower and pampering yourself?…. ummmm absolutely nothing! Self care is such an important part of life but is often times overlooked by most woman. But the reality is, how can we take care of others if we do not take care of ourselves first. Taking the time to pamper yourself should be a priority, not make you feel guilty for spending some time on yourself. And a night of pampering doesn’t mean you have to break the bank by going to a spa. I partnered with Palmer’s to share some of my…
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Morning Routine Checklist
I’ve been there one too many times. Hitting my alarm clock for the 5th time… knowing I will run late and convincing myself that 15 more minutes of sleep will actually make a difference. Last month I decided enough is enough. I want to be a morning person and I need to try my hardest do to that. I created a nightly and morning checklist that will not only have you ready for the day but you will also get your exercise out-of-the-way, first thing in the morning! So why is it important to start your morning off right? 1. You are more productive in the day. Your morning basically…
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My Skincare Routine
Skincare was not something stressed very much when I was growing up. I didn’t know about toners, face masks, cremes, oils… really anything. But it wasn’t such a big deal, because I didn’t break out that bad. So when I broke out and had the worst acne of my life at 23, I freaked out! It started off with little bumps on my face, then it morphed into large, dark pimples, all over my cheeks, chin and forehead. It came at the worse possible timing. I was newly engaged, and preparing for my upcoming wedding. I didn’t want to go to the dermatologist, because I heard their medicine makes your…
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Why Every Girl Boss Needs Shapermint
I have always been a fan of shapewear for special events, but never for everyday wear. I was use to the compressed, short of breath, waist crushing shapewear that makes you think you look three sizes smaller. So naturally, I never wanted to submit myself to wearing it, especially when I know everyone could tell how uncomfortable I was. The constant tugs to give yourself a breath of air… and don’t even get me started about using the bathroom in these! Thank goodness Shapermint was kind enough to send me 3 different types of shapewear to review and holy cow… they completely changed my life! Their shapewear is so comfortable,…
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Why I Decided to Love My Body Today & Not Wait Until Tomorrow
For some reason when the weather gets warmer, the sun is shining down, it’s that time to switch the sweater in the closet for tanks, linens, shorts AND bathing suits… the confidence of a woman is at an all time low. Now I speak from experience. I HATE this time of year. The chub-rub, heat sweats, and the feeling that my body is not good enough for shorts, tanks or swimsuits. I know I am not alone. I hear women complain about this on a daily basis. I hear the phrase “working on my summer bod.” As if their current body is not good enough for a the new season.…
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Some of my Ulta Favorites
I recently went to Ulta and bought several things I loved, so I figured I'd share some of my favorite products with you.
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Travel Guide: Asheville, NC
For my 25th my husband and family took me for a special weekend getaway to Asheville, North Carolina. This was the start of my 25 Things to Do at 25 bucket list. If you’ve never been, it’s the perfect mixture of beautiful, calm, relaxing mountains and a fun, artsy, vibrant city. From hiking to the abundance of breweries and boutiques, this is the perfect city for a weekend getaway. Where we stayed: We stayed at the gorgeous Cambria Hotel & Suites in downtown Asheville. It was important for us to be walking distance to everything, so we didn’t have to UBER or try to find parking within the city. Our…
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25 Things To Do When Your 25
Cheers to making 25 the best year ever! Here’s how you can do just that… 1. Clean out your closet and start fresh 2. Create a new “adult” wardrobe 3. Buy yourself something luxurious 4. Design a special “me time” place in your home 5. Embrace your body type and love every inch of it 6. Get rid of negative vibes in your life 7. Grow closer to your family and important friends 8. Send some snail mail to the people you love 9. Learn to cook your favorite restaurant meal My quick go-to app spread for a dinner party 10. Plan a special dinner party for the important people…
