Just for Fun
May 28, 2020

Life Update: May 2020

You guys, it has been NINE months since I last posted. That is INSANE! Sometimes life just gets so busy; I think that we can all relate.

A lot has happened in the last nine months. I think the biggest news is that I got engaged in December, right before Christmas. Luckily, I decided to get my nails done that morning (something that I never do). I loved that I was able to get my ring from Brilliant Earth, which is a jeweler that sells conflict-free diamonds. So, it was a very Merry Christmas this year. We originally planned for a November wedding this year, but we decided to postpone it a year, due to the current quarantine situation.

Fast forward to March. I normally live in Boston but decided to quarantine with my parents in Cape Cod. I am able to spend time with my dog (who is sadly getting older and older, despite her looking like a little puppy) and parents, save money, and my mom has provided some nutritious cooking! I try to take walks and go on the bike. This has resulted in healthy changes for me (more about that later).

There have been challenges, of course, but I’m very thankful for my health and that of my family and friends. Hopefully, we can all get back to normal in a timely fashion, and it has been wonderful seeing the outpouring of support for those in need during this time.

Health/ Style & Beauty
August 22, 2019

Testing At Home Teeth Whitening with Smile Brilliant

I have had a very cool collaboration in the works! I was THRILLED when Smile Brilliant reached out to me about their teeth whitening system. I am not a coffee drinker, except for Starbucks lattes (#acidreflux), but my teeth really needed some touching up. I am happy to report that Smile Brilliant offers a stress-free, convenient method for anyone on the go! I have personally never used any whitening products in the past.

Before Photo

Here is how Smile Brilliant Works: For $149, you will receive a kit. The kit
contains the ingredients to make molds of your teeth (super easy), and you send them back to the Smile Brilliant lab in the provided envelope. These molds will be used to make trays.  You will receive your trays about a week or two later.

In the original package, I received a whitening gel and a desensitizing gel. It is recommended to use 1/3-1/4 of the whitening syringe provided in your tray. After about 5-7 sessions, I started noticing a difference in the color of my teeth. Suggested sessions for whitening are between 45 minutes to 3 hours. What I love about the Smile Brilliant whitening process, is that it is so convenient and easy! I would wear the trays in on my morning commute. I also used desensitizing gel after, which is suggested for someone with sensitive teeth. I would say at about 10-12 sessions is when I stopped the whitening process.

After Photo #1

After Photo #2

After Photo #3

If you would like a chance to win a Smile Brilliant whitening kit (valued at $149, click here)! Or if you prefer a 15% off coupon, here is a code: busyasabeeblog15


Tooth Whitening Gel


Style & Beauty
July 26, 2019

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As much as I tried to stay away, the deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are just too good. I honestly forgot I had a Nordstrom Rewards card that I got back in 2014, granting me early access to the sale. However, I did not decide to shop it until it opened to the general public last week (I told you that I tried to stay away!). I ordered just a few items from the sale, which I point out, but I had many more pieces in mind. Read on to see all my picks from the sale!

Nordstrom Sale
  1. Lace Midi Dress: I’ve seen quite a few bloggers modeling this dress. It comes in so many colors and is perfect for a summer wedding. I had it in my cart, but forced myself to take it out when I rationalized that I have plenty of other wedding guest dresses.
  2. Knit Midi Skirt: A black skirt is a staple in any professional girl’s closet. This one is at a great price, as it is made by Halogen. It comes in regular sizing as well as petite. Also, I’m a fan of any skirt or dress that has pockets.
  3. Corlina Ankle Strap Sandal: These shoes come in a bunch of colors. I went with nude, because nude heels are a closet staple. Also, I love Vince Camuto, because they are comfortable and a reasonable price. For this reasoning, this was one of the few items from the sale that I purchased.
  4. One in a Million Initial Pendant Necklace: I am very into classic, versatile jewelry (though I do love an occasional statement necklace). This initial necklace is cute and quirky.
Nordstrom Sale 2

5. Single Breasted Plaid Wool Blend Topper: That is quite a mouthful! Any New Englander knows that coats and jackets are worth investing in, because sometimes winter seems to never end. I saw Arielle of Something Navy modeling this coat, and loved it, due to the classic, yet unique pattern.

6. Bias Cut A-Line Skirt: I had my eye on a few different midi skirts in the sale, and decided to purchase this one, mostly due to the reasonable price (it is also made by Halogen). It comes in a few different colors, but I went with the burgundy, so that I could wear this into the fall.

7. Wide Leg Crop Pants: This was the third item that I purchased! I always have a hard time finding summery pants. It comes in two colors, but I went with the floral (gotta get those floral prints in while you can).

So there you have it! I purchased items #3, #6 and #7. I loved so many items in the sale, but these ones made the most practical sense to me. Did you shop the sale? What did you get?

Style & Beauty
June 10, 2019

Gift Jord Watches for Any Timeless Occasion

Jord

I have been on the hunt for a new classy watch for a while. So when Jord Wood Watches reached out, I was thrilled. After I submitted my wrist size (Jord does this for all orders) I chose the Sier Arcadia watch, made out of rose gold and white marble. The watch features an interchangeable gold mesh and white leather band. I LOVE that I can wear this watch to the gym, work and anywhere else.

Jord is an awesome company, offering both women’s and men’s watches. With Father’s Day around the corner, a watch would make a great gift for Dad. Another idea? It is wedding season, how about watches for the happy couple!? Most watch backplates can even be engraved/personalized for a personal touch. Got an Apple watch? No problem-Jord offers Apple watch bands. I love how Jord offers a one-year warranty and no-hassle free shipping/exchange worldwide!

I am hosting a special $100 gift code to Jord Wood Watches. The contest will run until 6/16/2019 11:59 PM and you must redeem your code within a month of receiving it. No purchase necessary. Even if you don’t win, you can receive a 10% off gift code! With all the special occasions coming up, now is the perfect time to gift a Jord watch (even to yourself!). Follow https://www.jordwatches.com/g/busyasabee to enter!

Wooden Wrist Watch
Just for Fun
March 28, 2019

Basic Invite-Unlimited Options

Happy almost-Friday! One of the reasons that I started this blog was to celebrate all occasions in life! What better way than a party, right? Basic Invite is an awesome company, offering all sorts of answers to your party and stationary needs.

One way to celebrate milestones in your life? Graduation! When I was in both high school and college, I was very lucky in that my parents celebrated these momentous occasions. Do you know anybody graduating this year? Now is the perfect time to plan their celebration!

Basic Invite features pretty graduation invitations, including graduation trunk party invitations and high school graduation invitations. In case you are wondering, a graduation trunk party means sending a college freshman off with all of their necessities!

Not only does Basic Invite feature pretty graduation invitations, but also stationery and business cards! What differentiates this company from others is almost unlimited colors, custom samples, 40 different colors in envelopes, a unique address capturing service and foil invites (rose gold is my favorite)!

I can’t wait to celebrate life’s festivities with Basic Invite. Right now is the perfect time to do so, too, with their 15% off discount code: 15FF51.

Thank you to Basic Invite for sponsoring this post!

Just for Fun
March 21, 2019

Three Things I am Looking Forward to

Happy Spring! Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings. I realize it’s been a while since my last post, and I wanted to share three things that I am looking forward to right now!


  1. I’ve written about the awesome work that the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation does, and this Sunday, March 24, marks the second STRIKE for Vanessa event. I went last year, and I was overwhelmed by the crowd that came out. This year’s self-defense/women’s empowerment event will once again be celebrity self-defense expert, Avital Zeisler, of the Soteria Method. RSVP here!
  2. Recently, Smile Brilliant reached out and I am lucky enough to be able to try out their teeth whitening trays. Currently, my trays are being made in the lab and I cannot wait to share the process and results with you all!
  3. Where all my Boston bloggers at!? Recently, I have really enjoyed getting to know other Boston Bloggers through Bloggers Live Boston. If you aren’t a member and are a New England blogger, I highly suggest investing in a monthly membership (it’s only $5 a month). Not only does their website feature a wealth of information, but also awesome meet-ups with other bloggers! I am looking forward to their Allsaints event March 29!

Style & Beauty
February 14, 2019

My favorite Make-up Items of the moment

Make-up of the moment

Happy Valentine’s Day! I am currently in Key West on vacation as I write this post. I know, it’s been awhile. Let’s talk beauty: I’m not a big make-up girl; most days I go without much make-up, if any at all. However, when I do wear make-up, I love to have fun with it. I wanted to share my favorite make-up items of you of the moment!

  1. bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in “Fair”: This is a product that should be in every girl’s make-up bag! Instead of applying heavy, goopy foundation to your face, this is a good basic alternative for everyday use. If you fall asleep with it on, not the end of the world. Better yet, I am big of SPF use, and this features SPF 15 coverage. With 30 different colors, you are bound to find one that matches your skin tone.
  2. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: I am always on the mission for a good winged eyeliner look (channeling my inner Lauren Conrad) and this product is exactly what you need for the look! At $20 a piece, it really holds up to its reputation (it is a winner of Allure’s Reader Choice Award). It features a water-proof fine tip that allows you to create that perfect cat eye (still working on perfecting mine).
  3. Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling and Lifting Mascara: I am a sucker for Benefit products; I just love the packaging! I tried this product pretty soon after it came out. I have always been a fan of Diorshow, but I find this product curls my lashes a bit more. I also have fallen asleep with this on and I don’t wake up with goopy eyes.
  4. Benefit Hoola Lite Matte Bronzer: I told you I love Benefit! This product was on my Christmas Wish List, and luckily Santa delivered. I have always been a fan of booth Hoola and Dallas bronzers from Benefit, but they were a little too dark for my fair skin tone. Hoola Lite is Hoola’s “lighter twin!” I like to use this bronzer all over my face for just a little extra color.
  5. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Cruella”: I finally found a good red lip! I am so excited! I have struggled with finding a dark enough red lip for years. I got a Sephora gift card for Christmas, and picked this one out. It is great for an evening red lip.

So that rounds out my favorite make-up items of the moment! What are some of your favorite make-up items that you can’t live without?

Style & Beauty
January 10, 2019

02M Oxygen Eye Mask

I was delighted when VII Code (pronounced “v too code”) recently reached out to me and sent me their 02M Oxygen Eye Mask for Dark Circles. I had never heard of the company before and always love to try out new beauty products. Plus, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to practice more self-care on a regular basis.

Each packet comes with 6 treatments. They can be worn overnight up to 8 hours overnight. The eye masks are overall very comfortable and super sticky, so they stay on to your face without a problem. Just peel and stick them under your eyes. I personally can’t sleep with anything on my face at night, so I opted to wear the eye mask around the apartment instead for 2-4 hour periods. Treatments can be worn 3 times per week.

Overall, the product really smoothed out, hydrated and brightened my skin. I don’t struggle too much with dark circles (luckily), so I can’t speak to that. I would definitely recommend this product for smoother and brighter skin. VII Code also offers free shipping! What is better than relaxing while wearing an eye mask while binge-watching your favorite TV show (for me, it’s the Real Housewives)?! What ways to you like to take care of yourself?

Thank you so much for VII Code for sponsoring this post!

Just for Fun/ Style & Beauty
December 22, 2018

My 2018 Christmas List

Did anyone else feel bombarded by gift guides this year? Don’t get me wrong, they are a great post idea, but I felt like there were more than them than usual this year! In lieu of a gift guide, I decided to share my Christmas list with you this year. And honestly, I meant to do it earlier, but couldn’t get my act together!

Counter-clockwise from Tartan shirt:

  1. J.Crew Curvy Slim Stretch Perfect Shirt in Stewart Tartan: Nothing says the holidays like plaid/tartan. I love this shirt for Christmas dinner! It comes in tall sizes, too! If Santa delivers, I plan on styling this top with these leggings from Sloane and Ivy (remember use code “Caras” to get your first Girl Gang box styling fee waived!)
  2. I have wanted this book for a long time, and decided to wait until Christmas to ask for it. Truth be told, I already bought it for myself because I found it at TJ Maxx for a great price. It makes a great coffee table display and I can’t wait to dig in!
  3. I recently saw these on Oh So Lovingly’s insta and knew I had to have them (I mean, c’mon, they have bees on them!). I am always on the hunt for cozy flats. Get them here. 
  4. I have been in need of a bronzer for a while now, and I love Benefit Cosmetics. I have used the “Hoola” and “Dallas” bronzers in the past, but found them a bit dark for my skin complexion. I was delighted to see that there is now a “Hoola Lite” in a lighter shade. 
  5. I have had my makeup bag for longer than I would like to admit. This make-up bag from Scout comes in a bunch of colors/patterns. It also seems big enough for all of my items! It is on sale right now, and for an extra $12 you can monogram it. 
  6. I was eying Michelle Obama’s book tour, but the prices were a bit steep! From what I hear, this book is supposed to be awesome. Great, because one of my New Year’s resolutions is to read more. 
  7. In addition to my bronzer, I could use a bit of a make-up overhaul. I recently spotted this Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in “Tahitan Sunset” on one of Leigha’s instastories, and I absolutely love the shade! It would make a great stocking stuffer!

Now that we are into the weekend, I am really into the Christmas spirit! I plan on traveling tomorrow to spend time with family and look forward to watching as many Christmas movies as possible (my fav is Jim Carrey’s “The Grinch”). What are your plans for Christmas this year?

Style & Beauty
December 9, 2018

Sloane & Ivy: #GIRLGANG BOX

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is a little over two weeks away! I will soon share what is on my wish list, but I wanted to share an exciting potential gift for any young woman in your life! 

One of my favorite local businesses, Sloane & Ivy recently launched the #GirlGang box. Here’s how it works:

  1. Take this quiz to figure out which #GIRLGANG babe you are! According to the quiz, I am a Trendsetter babe!
  2. Select how often you would like to receive the #GIRLGANG box at the end of the quiz. I selected seasonally. Be sure to enter “CaraS” as your promo/referral code to waive your first styling fee!
  3. You have 7 days to try on the items in your box! If you want to exchange something, just email Kate & Kate, and they will be happy to exchange it for you! If you aren’t feeling any particular items in your box, just send them back with the PRE-PAID shipping label! HASSLE-FREE! 
  4. You will only be charged for the items that you keep. Ten percent of the proceeds from the box will go towards the Flying Kites School Network! This was a selling point for me-I love companies that give back!

I received six items in my box, including this belt bag, this Tanzanite sterling silver necklace, this fun leopard scarf (pictured below; I am loving the leopard trend right now), a cozy long-sleeve tee, the Arlington Top and a blouse version of this top. I ended up keeping the scarf! 

All of the clothing lines that the Kate’s use fall under at least one of the 4 categories: Women-Owned, Made in North America, Eco-Sustainable or Gives Back to Charity. 

There are plenty of subscription boxes out there to choose from, but what really convinced me to order the #GirlGang box is a) The fact that the first styling fee is waived b) I am a regular Sloane & Ivy customer. I know Kate & Kate are carefully curating my box, and it isn’t determined by some algorithm c) the return shipping label makes this hassle-free and d) Ten percent of the proceeds go back to charity!

For the month of December, Sloane & Ivy is offering free shipping! Just be sure to order by December 17 for UPS and December 20 for USPS to ensure Christmas delivery!

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