Kylee's Korner

I am a former model and current mother who loves the beauty and fashion industry and seeks the best products and value to keep myself current. I blog to share my thoughts, expertise and research with those who follow me. Those who read my blog gain insight into fashion, save money and avoid frustrations on the products they purchase.

  • Hi there! I am Kylee, a former model and current mother who loves the beauty and fashion industry and seeks the best products and value to keep myself current. I blog to share my thoughts, expertise and research with those who follow me. Those who read my blog gain insight into fashion, save money and avoid frustrations on the products they purchase. Learn more about me here!

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Keeping Your Mind And Heart At Peace

I have spoken before on my struggles with anxiety and depression. This can be a difficult conversation for many people to have, especially since there is a stigma on mental health and it is a very personal topic. However, I believe that we not only help each other when we have the courage to be honest about our fears and concerns, but also help ourselves.  I have found over the years that it is therapeutic to be able to share my feelings with those around me. In doing so, I am hoping that I can help relate to others and give them the courage to share their situation with someone. The world is going through a very unusual pandemic that has swept panic and concern that is heard and felt around the world. I know that everyone has been dealing with the situation differently. I have also had people reach out to me seeking advice on how they can manage their stress during such an unprecedented time. I have developed different coping methods that have helped me deal with my anxiety and stay calm during a chaotic time. Hopefully one of these tips will help you get through your day with a calmer mind and heart. Hang in there- we are all in this together!

Coloring

Did you know that they make coloring books for adults? It may sound silly to some people, but I have found it to be a really soothing activity that allows me to focus on something other then my worries while letting out a bit of creative juice!

Move Around

If you are finding yourself feeling overly anxious, try to move your body around. Getting in a workout, going for a walk or dancing  to music can be the perfect distraction!

Take Deep Breaths

Taking deep breaths can be a quick way to calm yourself. There are a lot of apps or videos that you can watch that will do specific breathing exercises with you, too. If you don’t feel like plugging into technology at that moment, try to find a quiet space, close your eyes and slowly count to 10 until you feel calmer.

Dab Yourself With Oil

A lot of people use essential oils for many different things. I love that it’s a natural remedy that can help fix something that is bothering you. Lavender oil has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety. Dab a bit on your wrists and take in a deep breath of the scent. They also make sprays that can be used on your pillow at night time.

Talk To Someone

Having someone that you feel you can open up to during a stressful moment can also be helpful. Not only can it be a simple distraction to have a conversation about something unrelated to your own thoughts, but it can also help to bounce how you are feeling off of them, too. Try to open up to someone and see if talking the problem out helps you feel more at ease.

Try Distracting Yourself

If moving around is not distracting enough, try to find something else that will distract you. You can start to organize a room, clean, watch a funny tv show, listen to music or start a project around the house that you have been putting off. If you get your mind focused on something else, you can usually feel some of the tension start to leave.

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Affordable Makeup With Rave Reviews

Any lady who wears makeup knows that there are so many choices when choosing what is going to work best for your skin, desired look and budget. There is an overwhelming amount of makeup brands and products to choose from. I love dabbling with makeup and I have definitely invested in some pallets and brands that have hit my piggy bank hard. However, I have always been someone who has never been defined by labels or brands. I am always on the hunt for a bargain and like using things that are affordable, without sacrificing on quality. I have been reading up on reviews and trying out new products that have a loyal following and are super budget friendly. I also feel less guilty about spending money on something I’ve never tried before if it is more affordable. I don’t always like to take a risk on high dollar makeup or skincare products, to later find out they caused a bad reaction with my skin or just wasn’t I was looking for. I have put together my favorite finds so far this year. Let me know if you have a chance to try out any and what you think of them! I hope you love them as much as I do.

NYX Microbrow Pencil

I have been really impressed with this brow pencil that I found at Target for under $10! It comes in eight different shades and is double ended with a pencil and spoolie that allows you to comb out your brows and achieve a more natural look.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

I think I have tried just about every mascara that has ever been made. I think taking time to make your eyelashes pop can make your entire face look put together. I have been loving this voluminous mascara from L’Oreal. It’s under $9 and even comes in a brown shade for when you are going for a more natural and subtle makeup look.

Tinted Chapstick

Some days I want to add a pop of color to my lips, without making them look overdone. I just discovered this tinted chapstick and I think it is amazing! It gives a soft neutral pink tint to your lips, while moisturizing them! You are getting two lip tasks completed for the price of one!

Morphe Artistry Palette

This eyeshadow pallet from Morphe is one of my favorite finds. You get 35 eyeshadow colors for only $25!! You can not beat that price! I love all of the neutral colors that are included. Plus you get a variety of mattes and shimmers to choose from. This is a no brainier go to pallet to keep on hand!

Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil

This might be the most affordable eye liner I have ever found, coming in at under $2.50! I was a bit skeptical because the price was so low, but the reviews are incredible. This pencil gets over 500 5 star reviews at Ulta and is offered in three different shades.

Ardell Eyelash Wispies

As I mentioned before, I love a full and voluminous lash look. These false lashes from Target are super affordable, get great reviews and are perfect for a natural look.

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation

Foundation can be one product that is tricky to find and hard to fall in love with. I find once I like something, I usually stick with it for years. I have been hearing a lot about this Revlon photo ready foundation that can be found at Ulta for under $11. There are days when I want to look put together to run out quickly, but don’t want to waste some of my more expensive makeup for a quick trip. I feel like this would be a great foundation to try, especially with all of the amazing reviews I have read about it.

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

I have always been a fan of Neutrogena products. I was excited to find this primer on Amazon. It helps create a smooth surface to apply makeup to and helps reduce the amount of oil and shine your face shows throughout the day.

Milani Bronzing Powder

Target for the win again! I love adding a little bit of bronzing powder to my face, especially in the winter months. This powder from Milani comes in three shades, is under $9 and gets almost perfect reviews across the board! It is also loved by well known influencers and is long lasting throughout the day.

Ulta Full Coverage Concealer 

Ulta has a lot of makeup and tools that they have produced themselves. This full coverage liquid concealer has been one of my favorite Ulta brand finds. It is full coverage, suitable for all skin types and has aloe vera in it that can help reduce redness and inflammation.

 

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Boosting Your Energy Without Caffeine

As a mom of three (soon to be four) little ones, I need to have a lot of energy during the day to keep up. There never seems to be a dull moment in our house and I am always running after someone, doing household chores or playing with my kids. I know a lot of people’s go to on keeping up with their busy life and kids is caffeine, especially coffee! I can see the appeal and I love the smell of coffee brewing. However, I personally do not drink caffeine. Mind blown, right? Most mama’s I know thrive on those hot (who are we kidding- lukewarm on a good day) mugs of tastiness every morning and I understand why. Caffeine can keep you going and give you that extra boost when you feel your feet dragging. Since, I choose to live a caffeine free lifestyle , I am always on the hunt for things that will give me a natural boost of energy. I am not superwomen disguised in leggings- I too need that energy boost whenever I can get it. Check out some of my favorite ways I boost my energy throughout the day without the use of caffeine. Maybe you can add one of these to your routine and keep yourself energized to the max!

 

Exercise

Making sure your body gets enough activity during the day can play a huge role in how you feel and how much energy you have. It can be hard to make yourself workout on days you are feeling extra sluggish, but try to push yourself. By going on a 15 minute walk, doing some light stretching or even climbing up and down your stairs a few times, you are getting your heart rate up. This will help give you a natural mood boost and feel more refreshed when you are done.

Eat More Protein 

Having a diet that consists of lots of healthy protein is key to providing your body with the fuel it needs. Protein takes longer to break down during the day than eating foods that are high in fat. This means you are giving yourself something that provides a longer lasting energy source. Try some new recipes off of Pinterest to see what protein sources are your favorite or look into adding a protein powder to your shake or drinks during the day.

Take a Power Nap

We are often led to believe that taking a nap throughout the day is considered being lazy or unproductive. However, there have been many studies that show how good a short power nap can be to your health. On the days that you feel yourself really dragging, let your body give into what it is craving and catch some zzz’s for a little while. As long as you don’t oversleep during your naps, you should wake up feeling more rested and with an extra pep to your step to finish out your day!

Drink a Glass of Water

I know a glass of water does not sound as appealing as your latte or mocha. However, if you are not intaking enough water throughout the day, your body can become dehydrated which can result in you feeling sluggish. Make sure you are staying hydrated all day long. It not only helps your energy levels, but can also help with weight loss! If plain water is not for you, check out my blog here that  I wrote on 7 water infusions that will naturally boost your energy!

Add Superfoods to Your Diet

Just like adding protein filled foods to your diet is beneficial, so is adding what experts call superfoods. Superfoods are known to be packed with healthy nutrition that help support the immune system, your stamina, mental healthy and energy. Some of my favorites that I like to add into my diet throughout the day are blueberries, avocado, salmon and oats!

Take Your Vitamins

I feel like as a parent I am always mindful of my kids taking their vitamins every day. However, this is definitely an area that I need to practice what I preach. I am trying to make sure I am getting better at taking vitamins every day. It is so important to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients that it needs and a multivitamin is the perfect way to accomplish that. When your body isn’t being deprived of key nutrients, you naturally feel better and have more energy!

 

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Looking Cute for April Showers

I can’t believe that March is coming to an end tomorrow. I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying some warmer weather with my kiddos and planning some fun things we can do outside together to break up our days at home. However, along with the warmer weather comes April showers. I’ve never minded rain on a day where I don’t have anywhere I need to be. But, when you don’t have the option to stay inside all day, it can be a pain to plan an outfit that you will look cute in while staying dry! Not to mention trying to keep your hair looking good among rain drops can be an impossible task! I have started looking at Spring gear that can help me stay dry while looking fashionable.  Check out some of my favorite finds so far this year!

 

 

Tall Hunter Rain Boots

Hunter rain boots are always in style. They can get a bit pricey, but you can also snag good deals if you wait for sales or keep an eye out at Nordstrom Rack. They come in so many different colors that it can be hard to choose just one. I tend to lean towards a more neutral color that I know will look good with any outfit I throw on for the day!

Short Rain Boots

Short rain boots can make your outfit look super cute, while keeping your tootsies dry. I love these from Target. They are super affordable and come in every neutral color option you would need.

Printed Umbrella

I am in love with this floral printed umbrella from Anthropologie. It comes in three different color options and will add a pretty touch to your outfit. It is also more affordable than other brands!

Water Resistant Hooded Rain Jacket

This is the perfect basic rain jacket to wear during Spring from Nordstrom. It comes with a hood, a zipped up front and is water resistant. Nordstrom also offers free shipping and it is under $65!

Clear Trench Coat

I think clear trench coats are so cute to wear and add a fun look to your outfit of the day. I love this one from Nordstrom Rack that  has added a neon yellow zipper to make it pop!

Handbag Raincoat

As if I needed another reason to love the container store- check out this raincoat…. for your handbag! I hate when I am dressing up for the night and I have to be mindful of which purse I am going to use because of the weather. This raincoat for your handbag will help protect your cherished accessory during your rainy night out!

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Back to Basics

Don’t be confused- basics don’t make you basic. Simple basics are the foundation for building a versatile and functional wardrobe. Even though basics are plain, simple and no frills, they can make any outfit stand out. I think it’s always a great investment to keep your eye out for quality basic staples, because they are one thing that won’t go out of style or need to be purged from your closet down the road.  They can be worn throughout the day for a casual woman on the go look and dressed up during the evening to make you ready for a night out. I don’t think you need to wear flashy colors to stand out either. To me, a bright white shirt or a cute LBD are attention grabbing all on their own. There are a lot of affordable options when shopping for basics; I have included some of my favorites below in case you need some new inspiration. I promise adding these items to your closet will give you so many extra choices when getting ready and take the pressure off of trying to figure out what you are going to wear every day. As they say, less is always more!

Solid Color Tee

I love throwing on a solid color tee with jeans for a casual on the go look. It is also easy to dress them up for a night out with a blazer, cardigan and statement jewelry.

Eyelet Sleeve Top

Pocket V Neck

Little Black Dress

I think the saying every gal should own a LBD is true! A simple black dress can come in hand in a pinch for so many different situations-date night out, a wedding, church, work and the list goes on! Pair it with pumps, sneakers or flip flops to finish off whatever vibe you are going for.

Lace Ruffle Swing Dress

Tie Waist Shirt Dress

Pumps

I love heels for a special occasion. Pumps are always in style and have so many different options when searching for your perfect pair. I have also noticed that wedge pumps are making a comeback this year, which are a lot more comfortable for an all day wear!

Coach Beadchain Pumps

Round Toe Wedge Pumps

Black Pants

How can you go wrong with a pair of black jeans, leggings or slacks? Black pants can be paired with pretty much any color top, including black! Grab yourself a few different styles that can be dressed up or down in several different ways.

Distressed Skinny Jeans

Levi Signature Skinny Jean

Cardigan

Cardigans are a must have staple for my closet. They are the perfect item to grab when the seasons are in transition mode and you want to make sure you will be warm enough throughout the day and evening.

Open Front Long Line Cardigan

Wide Placket Cardigan

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings will never go out of style, IMO. They come in so many different sizes, styles and colors; and can easily dress up the simplest of outfits.

Kendra Scott Small Hoops

3 Large Pair Hoops

Tote Bag

I think every Mom should invest in a big tote bag for herself- I’d be lost without mine! Tote bags can carry all of the things you need when running around and still make you look cute while doing it. I always lean towards a pretty camel or tan color since they look good with anything you wear!

Ralph Lauren Keaton Tote

Sole Society Faux Leather Tote

Jean Jacket

Jean jackets are something else that never seem to go out of style. Every year, I see a ton of new designs come out- a variety of colors, fades, distressing, lengths and more. They are great to pair with leggings while running errands or with a summer dress to keep warm at night.

Distressed Jacket

White Denim Jacket