1. An obvious choice for number one this month is the continuation into my favorite season. This time of year is always so special to me - it's a refresh both mentally and physically. I often thrive and feel more inspired during September & October. The days start getting richer in color, leaves start falling all around you and there's a lovely crispness to the air. Just divine! 

That being said, is anyone else devastated that it's the shortest season? I often think of this L.M. Montgomery quote - "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." to remind myself to just simply savor every single day. Moving into my new house has literally changed how I view the seasons, and I have to pinch myself everyday because I get to appreciate the beauty that is literally outside my door. 


2. You deserve a handshake! The Great British Baking Show has started last month and I am so looking forward to seeing Alison Hammond as a new host. Is anyone else tuning in? I can't wait to see Pastry & Bread Week! 


3. Someone go to Seattle with me! 😭 Well, I guess only if you also like Animal Crossing - that's quite important. I just heard that Animal Crossing and the Seattle Aquarium have teamed up with Nintendo and are doing an ADORABLE, interactive partnership about the game. It's a unique experience just for this location. You can interact with characters from the game, as well as an scavenger hunt that is similar to the one in-game. I'm crossing my fingers they go on a tour or something, because this is an actual dream! 


4. Last but not least - we love a piece of fashion that is fun, protest-worthy and for a good cause! You get all three with this lovely Reproductive System Sweater from Rachel A. , which is back in demand in this emerald color. How gorgeous?! There's something powerful in wearing your uterus on your chest, lol. 

What are you things for the month? Let me know in the comments below.


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Always,
Mostly Lisa

enjoy this curated playlist for all the vibes this summer! we all know it's flying by already, so I wanted to share songs that are upbeat and reflect the craziness of everything happening around me right now. you can find this playlist here. ☀️


About three months ago I came across an Instagram ad for Jonathan Van Ness's hair brand - JVN Hair - and just so happened to click on it for more information. Honestly, I didn't really think about purchasing anything at that moment but I knew I was looking for something new to add to my haircare routine. I eventually clicked out of the ad and moved on from there. Cut to a week later and little did I know this influenced me so much that when I saw it was available as a sample to add to my Sephora order, it was added immediately.


After the samples of the Volumizing line were done - I literally squeezed the last of the product out - I realized this was visibly showing me improvement and I needed to take the next step and try it out in full-size. Slowly but surely I was able to see better volume, shine, and fewer dead ends after each wash. I wasn't necessarily looking to start a new routine, but this has become something I can easily take control of, as life around me has been absolutely chaotic lately. I started an Instagram highlight that you can view here if you want to take a look at how far I've come! 


So what have been the results? After my first haircut in over two years, it's feeling fresh and rejuvenated! Unfortunately, I was given the diagnosis of a dry scalp. The news comes out of left field, truly. Sadness has ensued, but I think I found a resolution! Keeping it in the JVN hair family, I've just added in the nourishing oil they have.


The hunt for a shampoo that will help with adding volume and strength is one I've been on for a while. Lo and behold, this Embody Volumizing product has lived up to my shampoo expectations! Such a unique smell, and gorgeous recyclable packaging. A decent amount is given for the bottle and sizing. I highly recommend bundling products together to get a discount!



Love the cohesion of the smell between the shampoo and conditioner! 3-4 pumps are well distributed, so a little goes a long way. Consistency is also key with conditioners, and this formula is smooth and buttery. Makes it feel higher quality.



This product was recommended right before I checked out and my eyes were instantly drawn to the 'air dry' phrase, so I knew I had to try it! Kudos to the web team for this placement, right?! A few drops onto the fingertips, then apply to the ends and move up to the roots. The smell is so good too! Compliments the shampoo and conditioner really well. 

Please keep your fingers crossed for me! I'm hoping it'll be just what I need. I put all the product links below, so let me know what your favorite JVN product is in the comments!


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Always,
Mostly Lisa

“Fragrance is everything: it is the relationship between you and your mind, you and other people, you and this world. It is the life that you lead in your head. It is the life that you lead in the ways your skin feels. It is everything.” ― C. JoyBell C.

Isn't scent amazing? It can pinpoint a memory just by one inhale, makes you feel emotions you may be unprepared for - good or bad - and can bring you places you can only dream of! Luckily, any reminiscing I have when certain fragrances enter the air is almost always brimming with positive memories. The more prevalent ones include watching my mom do her makeup before work every morning, unique Avon perfume bottles, and the absolutely decadent scent called 'Pleasures' by Estée Lauder were staples on her wardrobe. 


My mom's vanity was a place I absolutely loved to stand in front of as a kid while admiring all her makeup, skincare, and other tiny trinkets she kept her jewelry in. Once I found the recognizable bottle from Estée Lauder though, my interest was always piqued. I would sneak a couple spritzes and sprays, making sure to remember her tips on hitting the inside of my wrists and the sides of my neck. These were the "places to smell the best." I took this with me into adulthood, and it still applies today. 


'Pleasures' is an innately floral smell, so it makes sense that floral, citrusy, and muskier scents are some of my favorites every season.  I cannot thank my mom enough for introducing floral scents so early on in my life, since they are my go-to's also as an adult. Feminine, flirty, and sexy - applying these type of scents are my favorite part of my beauty routine, just like my mom! So little to no surprise here, spring is also my second favorite time of year, and since we're now in this new season, I wanted to share some of my favorite scents that I've had in my routine for years.

Zara Peony Eau de Parfum

Bright and delicate eau de parfum. The scent of peony mixes the flavor of sun-bathed pear and black currant with the softness of an elegant floral bouquet.


A delicious, floral scent envelops the room. This intoxicating perfume from Zara was introduced to me just a few weeks ago and has instantly become my daily scent. My partner made a comment stating that he loved coming home and having it smell like me - so this one is for sure staying! 



Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum

With a scent built around the Gardenia flower, the joyful floral signature has been admired since the dawn of time and said to be used in elixirs and magic potions. Taking cues from its believed mystical power, the gorgeous White Gardenia note is blended with solar Jasmine Grandiflorum Absolute. 

Ever find a scent that makes you smile immediately upon wearing it? Well, Gucci has done it for me. One spritz of this and you'll be forced to smile, it is that inviting and uplifting. Just DIVINE!


Carolina Herrera Good Girl Parfum

The sweet, breathtaking, and alluring qualities of Jasmine, bring Good Girl a bright of femininity. The Good Girl's mysterious side is expressed with richly fragrant Cocoa, an exciting Tonka while Almond and Coffee bring notes of bold vibrancy.


I absolutely adore the notes for this perfume! "She Is: Provocative & Unapologetic. Ocassion: Night" Inspired and made for women - this scent is so unique and pleasurable to wear. I know every time I put it on, a more confident version of myself comes out and I feel like I can conquer anything! 



Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne

The sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, patchouli and woods. Luscious and golden.


This scent is highly associated with fall for me, but it's slowly become a year-round staple. It's so refreshing, and light and really brings out a more feminine, divine energy than I've ever experienced with any other perfume.




YSL Mon Paris Eau De Parfum 

Inspired by Paris, this sensuous, romantic perfume reflects the intense passion found in the city of love. An unforgettable whirlwind journey to Paris, the feminine and floral perfume embodies desire and seduces the senses.


Oh my, this has become a go-to perfume for me for the last 5 years. I tend to get this scent only in the travel size, as it lasts such a long time since a little goes a long way! Every. single. time I wear this, I get compliments. I highly, highly recommend getting a sample and trying this fragrance out. 



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Always,
Mostly Lisa