A Day in the Life....

I'm always intrigued by other people's routines. I've been back at Valentino for a month and a half now and am back into my little routine. Sure there are some things I miss from when I was unemployed or in school-- easy to take trips home, Spring Softball Thursdays in the park (ugh. I miss these the most right now with this amazing week of weather we just last week in NYC) and strangely enough reading lists for class telling me what novel to read next. However, there are definitely positives such as my bank account being happy, a normal schedule, somethings to work towards, and really on my way to becoming a real adult.

What does a daily day look like for me? Here's a peak into my weekday routine.

7:30AM

Time to wake up! I know most people hit the snooze button, but I'm not one of them. My phone charges in the kitchen, so if I want the annoying sound to go away, I have to get up. I check Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Instagram, email, etc. for a few minutes. I eat breakfast normally while watching a few minutes of a TV show or just read a little bit. 

7:50AM

I start my real getting ready. I head into the bathroom to start my makeup. I don't wear much, but it still has to be done. I take my hair out of my bun (if it's not straight or curled with an iron) which I put it up in the night before. If need be, such as a rainy day, I put a little more product in my hair to make sure it stays tamed. 

8:10AM

I check the weather on my phone so I know what to wear. I typically walk to work unless it is raining (or snowing). We have a more relaxed dress code in my department since we're on a different floor than most of the office. But you still have to be fashion forward and I have to think about what shoes I will wear that day both for my walk and at work. 

8:30AM

I leave my apartment to either walk to take the subway to work. I'm lucky that I have the option to walk and it saves me a good amount of money. At Marie Claire, I had a weekly unlimited subway pass plus sometimes took cabs home. Not exactly economical. But walking gives me a bit of exercise before sitting all day and some fresh air.

8:45-9:00AM

I arrive to work anywhere between this time because a variety of factors: tourists walking, lights, other people, and elevators. I'm on the top floor of my elevator bank, so more likely than not we will be making at least 3 stops before my floor in the morning. 

1:00-1:30PM

I typically wait a little to go and get lunch in hopes that it will be a little less crowded. We are lucky to have some great options around my office, but I try to spend less than $10 a day. If it's later in the week, I try to go grab lunch with a girl I used to intern with, otherwise I just get it and come back to my desk. 

6:30PM

I typically leave work about 6:30PM and start my walk home. Sometimes I treat myself to Schmackary's or Pinkberry on my walk home if it's been a tough or long day. It's hard having so many good food options on my way from work. On the way to work, most are closed! I sometimes go out to dinner with a friend, former coworker, my sister or cousin. I eat out two or three times a week for dinner just because the weekends are normally "me" time. I feel like it's almost harder to get together on the weekend than during the week. 

8:00PM 

I am usually home and have eaten by this point. I'll catch up on social media, youtube, and BuzzFeed. All very important things in life. I have a few TV shows I watch regularly thanks to Slingbox, the network website, or DirectTV, so I'll catch up on those or read part of a book. I like to relax and rewind and not have to think very much. 

9:30PM

I take my shower at night and love to take a 20 minute or so shower every day. I listen to Spotify and sing as if I'm on a Broadway stage. After getting out, I comb out my hair, put some product in it, and put it up in a bun for sleeping. I make sure I have removed all makeup and put on moisturizers and night creams. If I'm going to do a mask, I'll do it now.

10:30PM 

I double lock my apartment door unless my sister is out and start getting ready for bed. I put my phone in the charger (it's normally close to dead) and set my alarm for the next day. I climb into bed and typically read for a few minutes and catch up on the daily happenings with my sister, if she happens to be going to bed around the same time. I like to try and go to bed around 11pm beuse I like my sleep and getting a full night in. I can't function like some people can on 4 hours of sleep. 

March Favorites

Why did March seem to go by even quicker than February? Perhaps it was because I was working again, had family in town, and became obsessed with finding the perfect little bowl for my kitchen. I have been hired on officially at Valentino and am beyond thrilled. I am excited that it is happening now after having wanted to work for the company for so long. I have a few new favorites for March and am already finding new April favorites -- even though we're only a few days into it. It's finally getting warmer, so it's time to break out the spring clothes and come out of hibernation. 

I have a few less products this month just because I've been so busy. But trust me, these are great ones. They might be on the pricey side, but I feel like you get what you pay for with things like shoes and cosmetics. 

 Bioderma

Ok, there is only one place that I could find that sells this in the US. Luckily, it was a 15 minute walk from my apartment. I cringed at the price ($20 for this tiny bottle), but I am obsessed. I have been using it all month and haven't used much. It doesn't dry out my skin and has no scent. It takes all my makeup off easily. I can understand why this is a cult favorite. I tried to get my mom to try it while she was here, but she always forgot and used makeup removing wipes. It's probably more economical because the makeup wipes aren't cheap. You go through a pack a month for just under $10 for something from the drug store. When I finish this, I'm totally investing in the big bottle. I'm not sure how I feel about buying it on Amazon, but I might have to take that route since they are a bit cheaper than The London Pharmacy.  Anyone in France want to ship this to me in NYC?

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

So far I've only been using a sample of this, but I plan on investing in the full size sooner than later. I've been using it after using my amazing Bioderma and my skin hasn't felt smoother or looked better. I swear my makeup is applying easier. This is an oil that you just need a few drops of - the sample lasted me about a week. It seems greasy when you put it on, but it fully absorbs by morning. My dry patches by my nose are totally gone. It has great reviews, so it seems like I'm not the only one obsessed with this product.

 Chanel Sky Line

I tried Fix Beauty Bar for the first time with my sister a few weekends ago -- it's a great concept. I probably wouldn't go back for a blow out (I much prefer Dry Bar for that experience), but their wall of nail polish makes me want to go every week. Everything from the typical Essie and OPI to Chanel, Nars, Butter London, and even two of the new Marc Jacobs colors. I made the tough decision and decided on Sky Line (the other choice was Chanel Jade, which looks gorgeous but it was just after St. Patrick's Day so I didn't want green). This color is so unique-- it's blue but purple. It's so pretty, so I was upset when my nails started chipping. I will definitely go back because I can't afford all the Chanel nail polish I want at their prices! 

Valentino Noir Rockstud 65MM Pump

It's no secret I love my Rockstud pumps. They are so comfortable (no, seriously) and unique. I had gotten this pair in September and hadn't worn them much at Marie Claire. I typically wore my poudre, which are an amazing nude. But now that I'm back, I find myself grabbing my Noirs first. We wear a lot of black and white, so these just look a little more polished. Plus, I love the ruthenium studs, they are gorgeous in person. I love the 65mm high because they are easy to walk in, but I feel like I now need to invest in a 100mm. Hmm... decisions on what to get next... 

This was a super short post of favorites, but considering most of them are expensive items, I can't afford to have these favorites every month! What were some of your favorite things from March? Any must haves in fashion or beauty I need to try in April?