Andie Ibanez

Daniel finally finished up his OB/GYN rotation and came home! The hospital was 2 hours away so I only got to see him on weekends. It wasn't ideal but we knew what we were signing up for when we accepted Duke's offer. He'll be home for a month and then he leaves for Asheville, which is why I'll be going home to Utah for the whole month of March!

To celebrate Daniel's return, we decided to treat ourselves to a nicer restaurant. Thanks to Triangle Restaurant Week, we were able to do so at an amazing price. Daniel really wanted to try Fairview Dining Room.

I was just there with a few of my girlfriends a few days prior but I was more than happy to go again! There were plenty of things on the menu that I really wanted to try.

The FairviewDining Room is located at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club.
Can we talk about how pretty this place is?

We did a little bit of shopping afterwards. Daniel got some fun stuff but I didn't actually get anything because I'm at a point where I have so much clothes that I haven't even warn yet, I couldn't justify getting anything until I clean out and organize my closet. Give me a few days and I'll be back in business;)

Saturday's OOTD - simple and dressy.

This lace skirt from J.Crew is one of my favorite pieces of clothes I own. It can dress up pretty much any top and its so girly!

Here are some similar styles

My earrings are from the Etsy shop, Wild Grae. Her button earrings are so cute and affordable! Check out her shop, here.

I got these nude pumps from Forever21 a few years ago. They are the comfiest heels I own and they pretty much go with any outfit.

I got mine from Banana Republic on sale. Here are some similar styles.

Winter. Some people love it, some hate it. I don't mind the cold weather as long as I'm not actually cold. That makes perfect sense, right?

I'm from the desert where summers are super hot and dry. I love the dry heat. I'm currently living in the south where summers are hot and humid. As much as I love the south east, I'm not a huge fan of that part.

Now winter is another story. In Utah we get a lot of snow and winter lasts forever!! It often feels like we only have two seasons. But I shouldn't complain because Utah is so beautiful in the winter. Their plowing is on point compared to other places. For example, right now North Carolina is pretty much shut down. Schools and many workplaces are closed. Even most fast-food joints are closed. Many main roads haven't been plowed yet (including ours) and everyone is staying home. NC doesn't have the resources that Utah does (plows, etc) so its completely understandable. The snow is also more like ice instead of the powder we get in the west. So even though we only have a few inches in NC right now, its better safe than sorry.

Regardless of what winter looks like where you're from, staying warm and cozy is a must!

Here are some of my cold weather essentials

Tea

I'm not really a tea snob, I just don't like it very strong. My favorite is Chamomile and Yerba Mate. I pretty much stick to herbal tea. If you're a tea lover, check out these adorable tea rest. Brb, buying one now.

If tea is not your thing, there is always hot chocolate. Yummy!

Cozy Socks

These socks though. I must admit that I got three different pairs similar to these ones - a kitty and a fox. They're from Target and were $1!!! You would've gotten 3 pairs too!

Here are some styles that I love. Isn't it weird the older you get the more excited you are about socks?

Fluffy Robe

Robes are life, especially fluffy ones! The robe I have is so bomb because its warm, fluffy, pink and has a hood - oh AND pockets! Whaaaa?

Here are a few I have my eyes on...

The "Right" Blanket

Everyone has their personal preference. I like heavy blankets (think Mexican blankets) or fluffy blankets, aka microplush throws. You also can't go wrong with a nice fleece blanket. Really its just whatever works for you!

Check out these bad boys!

A Hobby/Craft

I've gotten into crocheting lately. Coloring books are also a perfect indoor activity! I recently did a post about grown-up coloring books - check it out here.

I'm a fan of DIY projects so if you're looking for some inspiration, here are a few DIYs Marie and I put together:

6 Super Easy Banners & Garlands to Try

5 Super Easy DIYs to Try in August

DIY Canvas Photo

Fall Art for the Babes

Gold Canvas DIY

A Treat

Its ok to have a treat! Just like with everything else, in moderation. My favorite cold weather treats are warm cookies and cold milk. Oh and popcorn!

Makeover

If you want to be proactive while indoors, why not give yourself (or your closet) a makeover?! I actually enjoy going through and organizing my closet. I usually find gems that I totally forgot about! Why not use this time to upgrade your closet to a mobile closet? Check out my post about how to do just that, here. You can also use my dear friend Melissa as inspiration! We went through her closet and spilled all the details, here.

And what about your face? I love practicing new makeup techniques and trying out new products. Here are some of my new and old favorites!

A Movie or Show

There is nothing wrong with binge watching from time to time. Some of my favorite series to re-watch from time to time include: The Office, Parks & Rec., The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, you get the picture.

Daniel and I just finished binge watching Making a Murder and I am convinced I now have my law degree! That show though!! I can't even start right now. Moving on.... A few of our favorite movies to watch are the Star Wars movies, the Lord of the Rings movies, the Harry Potter movies, again you get the picture. I'm also pretty obsessed with Pride & Prejudice. I've watched it twice in the last week - its on Netflix!

Optional:

A warm cuddly puppy or baby.

Or both if you're lucky.

Stay warm and cozy!

Xo - Andie

I've always known about Star Wars. I mean how could you not? I have to admit, I wasn't a huge devoted fan until I started dating a tall, handsome nerd (who I later married). He made me watch all of the movies with him and was so excited to teach me about all the alien species and planets, etc. From there, I was hooked!

Flash forward a few years and our mutual love of Star Wars is almost as great as our love for each other - almost;)

If you've ever been to our house, you know that its filled with Star Wars Legos. Daniel and I have too many Star Wars shirts to count. Even our little Yorkie, Milo, has a Darth Vader costume and squad of Bounty Hunter friends (toys).

We have been in total Star Wars heaven since The Force Awakens came out. Star Wars is EVERYWHERE and we absolutely love it. The new movie gives us more galaxies, species and ships to explore. We've loved learning about the new characters - although the movie doesn't give much info. Thats why we got the visual guide. Its a must have for any Star Wars fan! You can get it here.

Here are a few Star Wars things you may need in your life:

Chewie Onesie? Too adorable! Oh and its over 60% online! Get it here.

Can we talk about these shirts for a second? So cute and none of them are over $15!

If you want to go for something more simple...

Get it here.

Get it here.

And when you want to get down with your dark side.

Get it here.

Get it here.

Get it here.

For the littles in your life. For $3.99?! Why wouldn't you?!

These!! Brb, dying. Get them here.

Gym bag anyone? Get it here.

Drink from one of your favorite droids!

Get it here.

And for the men (or women). Lots of my Star Wars shirts are actually from the men's section. Sometimes the boys get cooler designs. But I prefer the fit of a women's size.

Long time no see babes!!

It has been AGES since I contributed and I'm terribly sorry about that!! Too many vacays and too much excitement! Luckily, that means I've had many weeks to think on a few of my absolute FAVORITE products as of lately!! Is it just me, or is life even better when you have a few staple products that you are just loving. Here are a few things that I personally have fallen in love with throughout the past few weeks.

1. Nioxin Hair System

I first found this while I was working at the salon a few years ago. A co-worker and hairstylist suggested it as I was complaining about my slow hair growth. Its meant to be a super cleansing shampoo+conditioner which provides your hair to grow in optimum conditions. My hair defiinitely grew, although I don't know if it was anything insanely quick. With that said, you're probably wondering why I'm still so obsessed... This system gets your hair SO clean. With most shampoo+conditioning systems I can go a 2 days before I start feeling the grease, but with Nioxin I can go at least 3-4 before the grease really sets in. Its insane how clean this gets your scalp (not to mention the amazing smell and feeling after you wash out your conditioner). They sell Nioxin at Ulta, and if you keep track of their sales, you'll be able to find it for a good price. There is a number system to go along with the different stages of Nioxin, anyone at Ulta can help you figure out which system you need. I've always gone with a 3.
Get it here.

2. Tomas Airbrush Spray

I've been on the search for a natural looking, not too dark self-tanning spray. I recently found this airbrush spray and I have used it after every shower since!! I use it before I put on my makeup to give myself a touch color. Over the past year or so, I've become super sun cognizant, which results in me being ULTRA white. This airbrush spray looks awesome and so far I have only been using it on my face and neck. It washes off each time you get in the shower, which I love because I don't have to worry about build-up or becoming SUPER dark from adding layer over layer and not recognizing how dark it has become. I love it!! I purchased mine at Sally's Beauty Supply, although you can also purchase it from their website or amazon.
Get it here.

3. Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner

Get it here.

Hope you give one of these amazing products a chance!!

Xoxo, Marie

This is my bestie, Daniel.

He just turned 27!

(He's also my hubby)

He is in his final year of PA School at Duke. He's the smartest person I know. He's also the most humble person I know. He is not an attention seeker. He is a giver and not a taker. He is pretty close to perfect in my book.

I remember when we first met. I was 19 and I walked into one of the student government offices (we were both really involved in student leadership in college) and I saw him sitting in a chair. The first thing I noticed about him were his rosy cheeks. He had just turned 22 and I thought he was the cutest guy ever. We've almost been married for 4 years and my life with him is a dream come true.

Like I mentioned before, he never brings attention to himself and he is the most selfless person I know. Which is one of the reasons I love celebrating him. Ever since we started dating I've thrown him big parties with either family or friends. Everybody loves Daniel so everyone comes! But this year I decided to go in a different direction. When I was thinking of what kind of party to throw him, a quote from Leslie Knope crept into my mind:

"Why would I throw Ron Swanson an Ann Perkins party?"

So I changed courses.

Daniel is currently on an OB/GYN rotation in a city a few hours away. He comes home on weekends. This weekend he came home on Saturday Morning and would need to leave by Monday. His Birthday is on Sunday January 17th so a birthday weekend celebration was in order! I wanted to do exactly what I thought he would want to do. This was essentially a test to see how well I knew my spouse. So I came up with this itinerary:

These are all activities that Daniel loves. But I also know he likes surprises so I purposefully left out a few details on this itinerary - and a few extra secret presents!

We don't eat out very often so whenever we do, its a real treat. I figured for his Birthday weekend we could totally do the opposite and indulge!

Star Wars. Need I say more? We've already seen Force Awakens a few times but I was 100% sure he would want to see it again on his birthday.

He loves his friends so a birthday weekend wouldn't be complete without a friend surprise! I had arranged for some of our friends to meet at Daniel's favorite Greek restaurant 15 minutes before we got there.

He loves Barnes & Noble. We usually don't buy anything when we go so I knew how much he would enjoy picking out any book - and a treat from the cafe!

Hiking is one of his favorite past times. Naturally I had to include a family hike!

Family snuggles are also a no brainer. I mean look at this face....

Of course we also had a little birthday cake and sang to Daniel.

I definitely had a lot of fun planning the perfect "Daniel Weekend." However the best part was just being able to celebrate him (and with him) all weekend!

HBD, mi amor!

I love finding new makeup that works for me. Especially when its affordable! Here are a few new products that I have totally fallen in love with and some older favorites!

NYX Matte Lip Cream
I'm picky when it comes to lipstick. One day while I was roaming through Sephora for fun (we all do it) I tried a few lip creams that I loved. I usually stick to regular lipstick or tinted lip balm but I just loved the way these lip creams looked. I'm also always on a constant hunt to find a good matte color. The only problem is I usually can't justify spending $30+ on one thing of lipstick. So I looked up different matte lip creams and ran into NYX and all their wonderful colors! After trying a million of them I fell in love with Abu Dhabi, Vancouver, London, Istanbul and pretty much every single one. They are also super affordable! Its so worth trying a color or two. I'm sure you'll love them! You can get my absolute fave (and go to) here for $6!

NYX Wonder Stick

Old favorites

Baby Lips

I love the way my lips feel and look with Baby Lips. I like to give my lips (and myself) a rest from liners and lipstick every once in a while and this tinted lip balm is so bomb! I have way too many colors but my favorite is definitely the deep red/purple. You can get my favorite color here on sale!!

Wet N Wild Lipstick

Smile Sciences Teeth Whitening Kit

All this lipstick talk and we haven't mentioned teeth at all! I love my whitening kit from Smile Sciences! It gives me confidence to flash my smile everywhere I go. You can use the code "ANDIE" to get a crazy discount on one of their awesome teeth whitening kits. When I say crazy discount I mean like 90% off crazy. Check it out here.

Juicy Couture Perfume

Coconut Oil

Ok, I swear I've been preaching this for ever now. I blogged about my obsession with it a few months ago. Check it out here and then go buy a jar! You can get it at most grocery stores.

Its always fun trying out new products, especially when they are affordable! If you haven't tried one of the products I listed, give them a chance and let me know what you think!

XO - Andie

Maybe don't google that actual phrase. It may come back with some interesting results. But really they're great! They're just coloring books geared towards grown-ups! They've been around for a few years but really got popular these last few months. I got one for Christmas from my parents - and I feel kind of bad because I've been teasing a few family members about them and now I'm the one who is totally in love! Its a fantastic stress reliever as well as a way to take your eyes off of the screen.

This is the one I have.

Its called The Time Garden by Daria Song

Here are a few more I've had my eye on. Even if you don't color them, they are still so beautiful and interesting to look at. The prices are great too! Just click on the title:) Thank you, Amazon!

Fill-Me-In