Fourth Wing

Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.62 stars

Story themes: fantasy, romance, dragons, magic

Synopsis: Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail faces an unexpected shift from her destined life in the Scribe Quadrant to the rigorous world of aspiring dragon riders in Navarre. Despite her physical frailty making her an easy target among competitive cadets vying for dragon bonds, Violet must navigate a dangerous landscape where survival is contingent on alliances and wit. Amidst the escalating external threats and suspicions of concealed truths, she grapples with the treacherous dynamics at Basgiath War College, where hidden motives lurk behind every relationship, compelling her to adapt swiftly or face dire consequences, for in this world, graduation or death are the only exit paths.

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Book Lovers

Emily Henry

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads rating: 4.15 stars

Story themes: second chances, family dynamics, books

Synopsis: Dive into a captivating story where Nora, a cynical author, and her former best friend, Zach, are forced to reunite to write a book together, unraveling the complexities of their past friendship and rekindling a new connection amidst the backdrop of literary escapades.

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Remarkably Bright Creatures

Shelby Van Pelt

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.07 stars

Story Themes: self-discovery, friendship, life transitions

Synopsis: Tova Sullivan, grappling with the disappearance of her son decades ago, finds solace in her job at Sowell Bay Aquarium. Her unlikely bond with the enigmatic Marcellus, a reclusive giant Pacific octopus, becomes a pivotal link in uncovering the mysteries surrounding her son’s vanishing. As Marcellus, with his astute intelligence, becomes determined to help Tova by unraveling the truth of that fateful night, their unusual friendship becomes a beacon of hope in her quest for closure before time runs out.

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Just For Summer

Abby Jimenez

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads rating: 4.83 stars

Story Themes: love, family, second chances

Synopsis: Justin and Emma devise a plan to counter their supposed relationship curses by dating and breaking up. However, as they engage in this unconventional arrangement, unexpected challenges arise when Emma’s family issues and Justin’s unexpected responsibilities as a guardian interfere. Amidst these hurdles, they find themselves developing genuine emotions, questioning if perhaps their connection goes beyond breaking a curse, hinting at the possibility that fate might have truly united them.

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Throne of Glass

Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4.19

Themes: magic, survival, betrayal, strength

Synopsis: Celaena Sardothien, an assassin, is summoned to compete against deadly adversaries for her freedom in a competition held by the king. As she battles to win, mysterious deaths among the contestants unveil a sinister force within the castle, forcing Celaena to shift her focus from securing her liberty to confronting a malevolent threat that jeopardizes the kingdom’s existence.

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Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.39

Story themes: nature, isolation, prejudice, survival

Synopsis: Follows Kya, a young woman who grows up isolated in the marshes, learning about life from nature itself. As she seeks human connection, her interactions with two young men from town change her world—until a devastating event alters everything. Delia Owens crafts a poignant tale blending a captivating ode to nature, a profound coming-of-age narrative, and a haunting mystery. The novel delves into the impact of isolation on human behavior while intertwining the clues to a mystery within the rich, vivid landscape and wildlife.

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The Many Lives of Mama Love

Lara Love Hardin

Genre: Memoir, Inspirational

Goodreads rating: 4.47

Story themes: motherhood, resilience, faith

Synopsis: This candid memoir detail’s the author’s descent from a seemingly perfect suburban life into addiction, crime, and incarceration, followed by her remarkable resurgence as a successful ghostwriter. Through her raw and humorous narrative, she exposes the harsh realities of jail, its peculiar social hierarchy, and her transformative journey towards redemption, navigating post-release challenges, forgiveness, and the pursuit of self-worth despite societal barriers. Her story poignantly reflects the struggle to move past one’s mistakes in a system that often hinders rehabilitation and second chances.

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The Midnight Library

Matt Haig

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4

Story themes: regrets, choices, alternate lives

Synopsis: Join Nora Seed on a transformative journey through the Midnight Library, a place between life and death, where she explores alternate lives, confronting regrets, and discovering the boundless possibilities that shape our existence.

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Tom Lake

Ann Patchett

Genre:  Fiction, Short Stories

Goodreads rating: 4.12

Story themes: interconnected lives, human connections, community

Synopsis: “Tom Lake” delves into Lara’s past romance with Peter Duke, a once-ordinary man turned famous actor, revealing the intensity of their youthful love and its lingering impact on her life. As Lara recounts this tale to her daughters amid a family orchard gathering, the novel explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the complexities of life, interweaving past and present to reflect on happiness amidst life’s turmoil and the different paths individuals traverse before parenthood.

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The Daily Stoic

Ryan Holiday

Genre: Non-Fiction, Philosophy

Goodreads rating: 4.36

Story themes: stoic philosophy, self-improvement, mindfulness

Synopsis: Offering a year’s worth of timeless wisdom, this daily devotional by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman draws upon the teachings of Stoic philosophers, providing insightful meditations and practical exercises to cultivate resilience and inner strength.

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Every Summer After

Carley Fortune

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Goodreads rating: 4.23

Story themes: family secrets, friendships, summer memories

Synopsis: Join Persephone Fraser’s return to Barry’s Bay, as she revisits her past and reunites with Sam Florek, the man she once deeply loved. As they confront unresolved feelings during a weekend overshadowed by a funeral, the novel unfolds over six years, exploring the evolution of their relationship, the impact of past mistakes, and the enduring question of whether their love can withstand the weight of their shared history. With a nostalgic lens, the story delves into pivotal moments that shape their lives, emphasizing the profound effects of choices and the complexities of love.

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None of This is True

Lisa Jewell

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Goodreads rating: 4.01

Story themes: secrets, friendships, suspense

Synopsis: Brace yourself for a thrilling ride as Lisa Jewell intricately weaves the lives of four friends, revealing shocking secrets and hidden truths, leading to a gripping conclusion that challenges everything they thought they knew.

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You with a View

Jessica Joyce

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Goodreads rating: 4.19

Story themes: love, mistaken identity, humor

Synopsis: Follow Noelle Shepard’s quest to uncover her grandmother’s hidden love story after discovering old photos and letters. When her viral TikTok video connects her with her grandmother’s former love, Paul, Noelle eagerly agrees to join him on the delayed honeymoon road-trip they never had. Complications arise when Theo, Noelle’s high-school rival and Paul’s grandson, accompanies them. Which leads to unexpected sparks and tension during their two-week journey. However, close quarters and shared moments ignite romantic possibilities.

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The Unmaking of June Farrow

Adrienne Young

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4.24

Story themes: adventure, resilience, self-discovery

Synopsis: June Farrow is determined to break her family’s enduring curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and confront the town’s mysterious past. As June grapples with peculiar occurrences and uncovers cryptic clues following her grandmother’s death, she embarks on a perilous journey through a mysterious door, intertwining the fate of her lineage and her heart in an epic tale of romance, mystery, and the inexplicable. Adrienne Young crafts a captivating narrative weaving together elements of love, enigma, and the extraordinary, promising a story of unforgettable proportions.

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Divine Rivals

Rebecca Ross

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Goodreads rating: 4.27

Story themes:  magic, rivalry, romance

Synopsis: Two young rival journalists, Iris and Roman, discover a magical bond that intertwines their fates amid a war among gods. As the gods engage in conflict after centuries of dormancy, Iris seeks to support her family while vying for a columnist position. Through exchanged letters with Roman, they form a connection that transcends rivalry, guiding them into the heart of battle. Love becomes a powerful force in their quest for family, humanity’s fate, and each other.

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Which books will you be adding to your shelf for 2024? If you’re looking for even more inspiration to grow your personal library, check out our list of 15 Binge-Worthy Books for Your Reading Line-up!

The post 15 Books to Help You Reach Your Reading Goal in 2024 first appeared on Inspired By This.

01. Mesh Shower Caddy

A mesh shower caddy is an essential to the college communal bathroom experience. The mesh makes it waterproof, so it’s able to get wet and can be kept on the floor of the communal shower, while still being sanitary. I have had one all my years of college communal bathrooms, and let me tell you, it’s a must.

02. Laundry Basket

This laundry basket (linked above) is perfect for college dorms. You can fold it down to save space and you can take the liner out to take to the laundry room. It’s big enough to hold lots of clothes, which is essential, because what college student has time to do laundry multiple times a week?

03. A Small Fan

Moving back to college at the end of summer months can be toasty (especially in dorms without air conditioning). This fan is perfect because it is powerful, yet nice and small. It’s the perfect size for your dorm room desk, or getting some airflow in your space.  

04. Conair Handheld Steamer

Although this may not seem essential, it totally turned out to be. Everyone in my dorm hall was always asking to borrow my steamer. This handheld steamer was super useful and I am for sure packing it again this year.

05. Memory Foam Mattress Topper

College dorm life is amazing, don’t get me wrong, but the provided mattresses are…. let’s just say, not. This memory foam mattress topper makes all the difference, so it’s definitely an essential item. This linked one also has infused cooling gel to keep you cool at night.

06. Under The Bed Storage

Under the bed storage is very essential in a tiny dorm room. Being able to put clothes for the opposite season under your bed to save some room helps a ton. 

07. Shoe Hanging Shelf

A shelf to hang your shoes in your closet is another space saving hack for the dorm room. A place to have shoes organized is more essential than one might think. If closet space is at its minimum, you can also get a shoe organizer for the back of the door.  Here is a shoe hanging shelf for the back of the door!

08. Desk Lamp

This desk lamp is perfect for dorm rooms. It has built in chargers and storage for desk supplies, which is the perfect trio to have easily accessible at your desk.

09. Coffee Maker

Coffee as a college student… a necessity. This Nespresso is amazing and can help you save so much money on Starbucks. This can even be sharable with a roommate, so split the cost and enjoy! 

10. Brita Water Filter

A Brita is another dorm essential. Being able to fill up water in your dorm before leaving for the day with filtered water is totally underestimated.

11. Slippers 

Slippers are something I have definitely found are essential for dorm life. From being able to walk to common areas or to brush your teeth in the bathroom without putting shoes on in the morning is the best feeling!

12. Bath Towel Set

A bath towel set is another necessity. Most bath towel sets include two of each towel. My suggestion would be to bring only one of each and leave the others at home to switch out halfway through the year. 

13. Command Hooks 

This variety pack of command hooks will come in handy on move in day when you are trying to set everything up without damaging the walls.

14. Three Tier Rolling Cart

This cart helped me store so much stuff in my dorm room and doubled as a night side table. Definitely an essential for storage in a dorm room.

15. Airpods

If you don’t already own airpods you’re going to want to get them before moving away to college. With working on school work, living with roommates, and just walking the campus airpods, are a must. If you need new podcasts to listen to, here are some of our favorites!

16. Earplugs

Sometimes, when sharing a room with a roommate, you never know what you’re going to get. A snorer, sleep talker, or someone who is loud getting ready in the morning. So, getting some earplugs for sleeping is another must. 

17. Long Phone Charger Cord

A long charging cord is essential to living in a dorm. You never know where the nearest outlet is, so having a long and fast charging cord is another must have item for college students.

18. Clothes Hangers

Hangers are an essential that we still sometimes forget to bring. Bringing some extra hangers will help with the moving process and keep things off the floor.

19. Bedding

Some good and comfy dorm bedding is a must. You will need one good set of sheets and a duvet. I would recommend buying the duvet insert and then a cover so you can wash it easier and just keep switching out the cover throughout your college years.

20. Planner/ Calendar

A calendar is another must have to stay organizer in all of the craziness college brings. Your life will be so much easier when you coordinate your homework, classes, breaks, and social plans. Having a planner on your desk will definitely help you stay organized amongst the chaos.

21. Shower Shoes

Shower shoes are ESSENTIAL. As much as the colleges try to keep the showers clean, you are sharing with a lot of people, so definitely make sure you buy some shower shoes.

22. Mini Fridge

This is another necessity that can also be split amongst roommates. Cafeteria hours don’t always work in your favor, so having a mini fridge is helpful to having some of your favorite snacks and beverages on hand. 

23. Decor decor decor

Some good decorations are what makes a dorm room feel like home. Jump on pinterest or tiktok and scroll for some good decor inspiration.

College move in time can be emotional, stressful, and scary. So I hope this list was able to help you relieve some of that stress. College can be a hard adjustment, trust me. But, it is also some of the best years of your life, so soak it in and enjoy all the moments!

The post 23 College Dorm Essentials For 2023 first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via Skin Cancer Foundation

Thinkbaby Sunscreen

Think company has so many options when it comes to sunscreen and overall body products. From sprays, to lotions, to facial sticks, their sunscreen line has you and your family covered for the whole summer! A few reasons why it’s a favorite around here : organic & mineral based, BPA & paraben free, non-aerosol, non-oily/greasy feel and perfect for sensitive skin. Side note : the sunscreen sticks are incredibly handy for your littles face and arms when you need a quick on-the-go application!

They also have a line, Thinksport, with tons of different options as well! This line is broad as it not only has different sunscreen options, but also bubble bath, several different body washes, shampoos, and after sport lotion. You can’t go wrong with the Think brand.

Supergoop!

Adults need sunscreen just as much as the kids do and this brand is our go to! Supergoop! is a best selling SPF for all skin types, tones and routines. Not only do they have a variety of choices for sunscreens, but they also have a full line of skin care products which include : daily moisturizer, mineral eye cream, CC cream, (make up setting) mineral oil/mist, among others! It’s safe to say that this brand has it going on when it comes to skincare.

Kiss My Face Self Tanning Mousse

This streak free tanning mousse is perfect for those wanting a little extra natural looking color. What’s even better is that you can apply it several times for an even darker tan. Its vegan, cruelty free, and our favorite part – it has no synthetic fragrances. It hydrates skin for a smoother looking, sun-kissed radiance. Check out the next one for the ultimate duo!

Kiss My Face Self Tanning Drops

This is a great addition to the self tanning mousse above. Mix this with your favorite moisturizer for a custom glow for any season or event. It’s a win-win duo for us!

MyChelle Tinted Sunscreen

This sunshield SPF 30 facial sunscreen is a product you can use everyday, leaving your face looking flawless AND protected! It’s the perfect addition to your make up routine as it doubles as a sheer foundation or makeup primer with a matte looking finish.

Bambo Nature

Another winner for us is the Bambo Nature line. We love that they have a full skin care line including body/hair wash, bath oil, body lotion, and of course, sunscreens. They pride themselves on 0% perfume and color which is pretty amazing! They’re entire line is vegan, highly certified dermatologically tested as well as water resistant. Check out this brand for well protected, silky soft skin.

Beautycounter Sunscreen

These Beautycounter ‘countersun’ sunscreens have raving reviews! We love everything that this brand stands for. Again, they offer so much more than just sunscreen products, which is amazing. They have a wide range of different sunscreen types and sizing depending on your needs. With ultra moisturizing cocoa butter infused formula among other clean ingredients, you can’t go wrong with Beautycounter’s sunscreen line.

We hope you feel inspired to check out some of our favorite (clean) sunscreens and self tanning lotions! If you’re looking for 3 no heat summer dinner recipes, check these out!

The post Our Favorite (Clean) Sunscreens and Self Tanning Lotions first appeared on Inspired By This.

Kosas

Picture via Kosas

Kosas is all about revealing, expressing, and feeling comfortable in your skin. It’s good makeup (not no makeup) that’s quick, easy, that you can’t mess up. It’s also clinically proven to actually make your skin better, even when it’s bare. It’s so that you can have more ‘good skin’ days and look like your favorite self every single day!

Ilia

Picture via Ilia

Ilia’s daily essentials are designed to instantly revive your look. It all comes back to vibrancy, vivid washes of color, and a fuss-free philosophy. Their products have a focus on making your skin look and feel alive! With many of their products being multi-use, for easy application on-the-go, you can make it up or make it down. Ilia always makes it simple.

Merit

Picture via Merit

Merit believes in products that leave your skin looking better after wearing them. Each product has skin-loving ingredients in their formulas, such as, plant-based squalane, vitamin B5 and antioxidants. Merit’s collaboration with Biba de Sousa, a longtime Hollywood-favorite esthetician, allowed them to eliminate another 73 ingredients that are potentially acne-triggering!

Beautycounter

Picture via Beautycounter

One by one, Beautycounter is leading a movement to a future where all beauty is clean beauty. They are powered by people with their collective mission—to get safer products into the hands of everyone. Their motto for creating clean beauty products that truly perform while holding ourselves to unparalleled standards of safety is—formulate, advocate, & educate. Why? Because to Beautycounter, beauty should be good for you.

Maybe you’ve heard of some of these brands before, and some are new to you! We share our favorites with you regularly, so that you don’t have to waste your time doing tons of research and wonder, ‘is this worth the hype?’. Clearly, we are huge advocates for all things clean living, but have you ever heard of using ingredients you already have that can do wonders for your skin AND hair! You have to check out this blog post and get back to us if you try any!

The post Our Top Clean Beauty Brands first appeared on Inspired By This.

Coloring

This is a hobby some of us haven’t thought about doing since we were younger. But have you ever wondered why we could sit for hours and color as kids? Because it is fun and relaxing! Coloring actually has the ability to relax the fear center of your brain. It induces the same state as meditation, by reducing any thoughts or stress in your mind. Being able to focus on something you are creating, is a soothing way to relieve restlessness. Find a fun coloring book with pictures that bring you joy and find some bright colors and get to coloring!

Image via Pinterest

A Night Routine

Enabling any routine that makes you happy, can be one of the most relaxing things you can do. When you devote time and energy to yourself, you are taking care of your overall well being. By the end of the day, all you really want is to wind down and relax. Creating a night time routine is a great hobby to establish for yourself. It allows you to put aside all that happened during the day and devote time to caring for body and mind. We recommend a hot shower, healthy skin care routine, and journaling before bed, to help you get a good night’s rest!

Image via Pinterest

Baking

There is nothing more rewarding than taking the time to create something, than getting to eat it! Baking is a great way to relax and destress. It allows you to take a break from whatever is going on in your day or life. The best part about baking is that it doesn’t have to be done alone! This hobby allows you to spend quality time with a loved one, or to share what you create with them. Of course, we can’t forget to mention, you get to enjoy a sweet treat at the end of it all… so put on those mittens and get to baking!

Image via Pinterest

Walking

Another very easy and beneficial way to destress is taking a walk, especially in the crisp morning or evening. Not only is this a great way to connect with nature, but it allows you to move your body and release those endorphins from your body! Make it a goal to walk outside at least 3 times a week and see how you feel after each one. This is another activity that you can do solo or with a partner. You could even put your headphones on, or call a loved one – both of which will make you walk further than you expected. Give it a try!

Image via Insider

Hobbies are a form of self care and self love, don’t overestimate them. Take the time to plan one for yourself in the next few days. It’s time for you to do something fun, you absolutely deserve it! Are you looking for a little more intense self care? Check out our recommendations for a full body workout!

The post At Home Hobbies to Destress first appeared on Inspired By This.

A Good Night’s Rest

Did you know that 7-9 hours is the recommended healthy amount of sleep for adults? A lot of people don’t consider the quantity and quality of their sleep to be a contributing factor of their mornings, but it is! Sleep is an important part of your health and wellness. It gives you energy, a clear mind, and even contributes to your internal well being. You may need to encourage a little self discipline for an earlier bedtime, or cozy up your bed to make this happen, but you will certainly thank yourself once you’ve developed good habits!

Image via Pinterest

Invest in a Quality Alarm Clock

When you think of an alarm clock, you think of a loud ringing in the morning, right? Well what if we told you there is a better option to waking up peacefully! The Hatch alarm clock is a popular smart sound machine alarm clock. Some of the features include calming guided meditations to help you fall asleep, over 25 sounds for a peaceful wake-up call, and more than 20 light options to mimic the morning’s sunrise. Investing in a quality alarm clock that has settings to fit your personalized needs is easily accessible and highly reccomended!

Image via Pinterest

No Phones or Screens

We can all admit that when we wake up, we reach right for our phones. We feel the need to check up on our internet world, or catch up on any messages we may have missed while we were asleep. Checking our phones first thing can cause stress and anxiety. Our mornings set the tone for our day. If we read a message, email, or see a post that sparks an unhappy emotion, we will carry it with us the whole morning and it will disrupt our mood for the day. Instead of reaching for your phone, pick up a book, devotional, or your kindle to wake up your brain in a positive way, first thing!

Image via Pinterest

Morning Movement

Movement is a crucial key to a good morning. After being asleep for the recommended 7-9 hours (wink wink), you’ll definitely want to get a little movement in before you get your day up and running. For some people, this may be a morning walk, an early pilates class, or rolling out your yoga mat for some light stretching. Movement looks different for everyone and any form is valid! You do what feels best for you.

Image via Pinterest

Filling Breakfast

Food is energy! It powers your brain all day long. A good morning is fueled by a filling breakfast. Let yourself recharge by starting your day a healthy, nutrient dense meal. It’s important to replenish the nutrients lost while you were asleep. This will allow you to have a more energetic morning. Whether you look to pinterest for health meal options, or you run to your local coffee shop for an oat latte + breakfast sandwich, a fulfilling breakfast is a must for the big day ahead!

Image via Pinterest

We know a lot of people start their day with a hot drink of some sort, so we want to share some healthy additions to your morning cup of goodness with you!

The post 5 Habits to Enable a Good Morning first appeared on Inspired By This.

Foundation

I swear by this ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint foundation. It has SPF 40 and has a nice dewy finish. It also has active skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acids for moisture and niacinamide for smoothing and evening texture and tone.

Concealer

Add this Kosas Revealer Creamy & Brightening Concealer + Daytime Eye Cream to your cart ASAP! It’s a concealer, spot treatment, and eye cream all in one. We’re all about a good “two birds, one stone” makeup situation!

Highlighter

Trust me when I say the Westman Atelier Lit Up Glow Highlighter Stick is about to be a repeat purchase. I prefer my highlighters to add a subtle shimmer, rather than a real “sparkle”. This one is the perfect finish!

Bronzer

Personally, I prefer cream bronzers because I feel like I can really control the amount of product. This MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer is a new fave. It gives the perfect amount of color for that sun-kissed look we’re all aiming for.

Blush

Like I said, we love a multipurpose product. This MILK MAKEUP Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick is a must-have for a quick morning makeup routine. The shades are all truly great for every skin tone. The mango butter and apricot oil help hydrate your skin and blend the formula in seamlessly – yes please!

Mascara

If you’ve spent 5 minutes on TikTok, browsing through clean makeup videos, chances are you’ve seen people talk about the ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara. This one is a cult favorite for beauty content creators everywhere, and for good reason! I’ve repurchased this multiple times and while I’ve tried several other clean mascaras, I just keep coming back to this one.

Eyeliner

Let’s be real: the only thing I care about when it comes to eyeliner is “is it smudge-proof?” The Kulfi Underlined Kajal Clean Waterproof Long-Wear Eyeliner is a winner! I love that they offer classic black and brown shades, along with a few colorful options for when I’m feeling bold.

Brows

I, and I cannot emphasize this enough, am a brow gel girl. If you’re anything like me, you want a brow gel that is volumizing, stays in place, and doesn’t get all over the place when you apply it. Check, check, and check! This Kosas Air Brow Tinted Clean Volumizing Eyebrow Gel rivals…you know…THAT brow gel that we all know and love.

Lipstick

I bought this Freck Beauty MAKEOUT CLUB Soft Blur Lipstick on a whim after a very convincing pitch from a saleswoman at my local Sephora. And I have to tell you, she was totally right. I’m convinced these colors would work on anyone, and also perfect for everyday wear.

Lip Gloss

Y’all, there’s a reason bareMinerals has been around a long time – they just know what they’re doing! Their Mineralist Lip Gloss Balm is one of my go-to to clean makeup products stashed in my purse for touch-ups while I’m out and about. It’s super hydrating, vegan (!), and, perhaps most importantly, is NOT sticky. I’d call that a win!

With Valentine’s day around the corner, be sure to check out our blog post for a bright red Valentine’s day make up tutorial!

The post Our Top Clean Makeup Products first appeared on Inspired By This.

01. Every Summer After

This debut book by Carley Fortune is for all our girlies that love friends-to-lovers book tropes, and are obsessed with the idea of summer romances. This sweet summer love story is all about second chances between two best friends that haven’t seen each other in twelve years. It’s an easy must-read that tugs on all the heartstrings!

02. November 9th

It’s quite clear that our girl Colleen Hoover is the leader of the romantic book trend. While it’s hard to choose our favorites from her, November 9th is definitely up there. It’s a fun read with riveting plot twists and a compelling love story. Fallon and Ben have a different approach when it comes to falling in love, and only meet on November 9th each year. This is definitely a book that will distract you from the outside world and make for a restful evening!

03. Malibu Rising

Malibu Rising is all about family, love, and one epic party. The story takes place one night in Malibu in the 1980s. As a reader, you’ll meet the Riva family and all of their own unique stories taking place. The family members this night will have to choose between what they will keep from the people who made them, and what they will leave behind.

04. All Your Perfects

All Your Perfects is another Colleen Hoover classic, and definitely a must-read book. This story focuses on Graham and Quinn, whose love story starts out perfectly. The love and chemistry between the two of them are unbreakable. However, flash forward seven years and the trials that come with marriage are tearing the two of them apart. This novel shows the reader how one seemingly perfect couple works through the challenges that life throws at us, and how love can conquer anything.

05. It Happened One Summer

It Happened One Summer is a contemporary romance about socialite Piper Bellinger reeling after a fall from grace. Following some bad choices, Piper finds herself stuck for the summer in the small town where she was born, where she might find more than she bargained for. It’s a classic story of a big-city girl who finds love in her hometown, and we couldn’t be more here for it!

06. Love & Other Words

Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new pediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, and keep her head down and heart tucked away.

But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother…only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her. It’s a must-read for those looking for an emotional story about love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

The post Our Editors’ Must-Read Book List For A Restful Evening first appeared on Inspired By This.

Image via @taramilktea

Silk Hair Tie

There’s been a large handful of times where we’re forced to get off the plane and head out somewhere with no time to swing into the hotel to freshen up. Queue: silk hair ties. These allow you to fully do your hair pre-flight, tie your hair back during the flight, and let it down looking as perfectly put together as it did when you put it up. A win-win, these cause far less damage than your classic hair elastic.

Cadence Vitamin Holders

Image via @keepyourcadence

We’ve been known to sort out our vitamins + supplements by day into little individual baggies, and then stuff all of those into a larger baggie. However, we always knew there had to be a better (and more chic) way to store these. Insert: the Cadence Capsules. You’re able to build your own system based on your needs and select from their wide range of modern colors + labels. The extra perk is that these can be used to store creams and gels. It really serves as an all-in-one toiletry system! 

Electrolyte Sticks

Are we the only ones that feel like plain water just gets old after a while? In addition to adding a bit of flavor to your standard water (which in turn causes us to drink MORE water), we highly recommend packing and adding electrolyte sticks or packets into your daily rotation while traveling. This aids in extra hydration, which we all know is depleted while traveling. 

Bala Bangles

Image via @bala

Whether your place of destination has a gym as an added amenity or not, we’ve found bringing our Bala hand weights with us is always a must. They add just the perfect amount of comfortable resistance to your 15-minute hotel room workout, morning walk to coffee, or studio class. They also fold up nice and flat for easy packing! 

Antibacterial Wipes

This one may be a given and already included in your purse at all times. However, it’s important to include not only for use on public transportation, airplanes, busses, etc. but the wipes allow for an easy way to clean up (and become germ-free) while out to eat, visiting museums, riding bikes through the city, etc. 

Greens Powder

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When on the go and exploring new places and cities, you may not know what the day holds as far as food and beverage choices. While that’s one of the most fun parts about traveling, we always try to start our day with some sort of fruit and/or vegetable. So, we know we’re getting it in when we can! Greens powders and packets (like Athletic Greens) allow us to conveniently make the right choices! You can also typically buy travel packs of any greens powder at your local health food store. 

The post The 6 Wellness Must-Haves That Change the Travel Game first appeared on Inspired By This.

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1. To Increase Relaxation

The practice of yoga helps ease your body and mind through breathing exercises and meditation that have been proven to help you unwind. Even if yoga might not be your thing, practicing breathwork and meditation can help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night!

2. Strength, Balance & Flexibility

Unlike any other workout, yoga tests your strength, balance, and flexibility all at the same time. You’re working with different muscle groups to see results over time. Flexibility ​​improves mobility, posture, and muscle coordination and reduces the risk of injuries and muscle soreness. Balance stems from your core, and core work is crucial in your day-to-day life.

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3. Back Pain Relief

If you suffer from any back injuries or mobility, yoga can lend you a helping hand. Using props such as a yoga block can help bring the ground closer to you to support your body’s needs. Spinal work can also help train the muscles in your back to prevent future injuries.

4. Helps Brighten Your Mood

Sometimes, nothing feels better than releasing some endorphins when you’re feeling down. In most yoga classes, there is an “intention” or a message to set the tone of each type. Sometimes, this is what you need to hear to start feeling like yourself again. 

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5. Stress Management

Yoga poses are proven to lower stress hormones and may help you release physical blockages like muscle knots, helping release emotions and tension. Some of the best yoga poses for stress are Happy Baby, Child’s pose, and Rag Doll.

6. Join a Community

The beautiful thing about the community in the yoga industry is that everyone has similar goals and mindsets and will support you through your journey. Find a studio that makes you feel right at home. Attending the proper studio can encourage you to get to your mat and be excited about being with the others around you.

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7. Increase Metabolism

If you’re looking for ways to boost your metabolism, breathwork is your best friend! Yoga’s breathing techniques improve one’s oxygen intake and warm up the body, which increases metabolism and blood flow.

8. Enhance Heart Health

The practice of yoga also helps increase circulation and blood flow. This will also lower blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose levels, and heart rate. These lower the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.

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There are countless benefits to the practice of yoga. If you’re new to it, bring a friend with you! Things are always better with a friend! Not only are you giving back to your body, but also your mind and wellbeing.

The post 8 Benefits of Practicing Yoga first appeared on Inspired By This.