TGIF! Before we move a step further…are you following CUR on Snapchat (username: erica_lig) and Instagram? As you’re reading this, my intern Sarah and I are jetting down to Mexico for a tropical work-cation, and we’ll be documenting allllll sorts of adventures on both platforms (different schtuff on each!). So…come hang out below the hemisphere with us!

NOW…ICYMI, some revamping has happened behind-the-scenes of CUR. Some series are gone, some series are changed, and some series were added (all under the “Series” tab!). AND, there’s a *buncha* new stuff under the “Shop” tab, including the option to shop my Instagram looks (no account necessary!), a “Book Club” with everything I’ve read and loveloveloved and/or am reading, the “Beauty Counter” stocked with my absolute favorite beauty products, whatever I’ve been wearing/eating/reviewing/talkin’ about on “Snapchat” lately, and an “In My Cart” option for all of the things I’m hovering over the BUY button on… 😉

In my fall reader survey, I got a lot of feedback about liking the idea/content in Links I Love, but it just not being as much of a favorite. SO, I figured I’d make some positive changes for y’all. Now, Links I Love will be Links + Things I Love. I’ll still be sharing 8 clickworthy/readworthy/shareworthy links from around the web, but I’ll ALSO be sharing *five* THINGS I love. I always find myself testing products or just using things like a normal person (HA) and wanting to share it all with YOU…so that’s what we gon’ do. Ya feel?

 

LINKS I LOVE:

 1.) Why you should be using Instagram stories – SUCH a good side-by-side comparison of Insta-Stories to Snapchat. Which team are you on?

2.) Things successful people never do. Steve Jobs NEVER did #7.

3.) The most HEARTWARMING story of two 10-year-olds, two languages, and a beautiful friendship. Seriously restored some of my faith in humanity!

4.) Influencers are the new brands. Here’s why.

5.) 100 life hacks to make things easier. The very first trip is clutch for traveling, just like what Sar and I are doing now… 😉

6.) “That’s enough LulaRoe.” Granted, I’m ALL about supporting fellow small business owners, aspiring bossladies and entrepreneurs. There are just too many LOL moments in this one, folks.

7.) This 5-year-old is THE next American Ninja Warrior. And she’s got the best dad in the world.

8.) Apparently, Khloe Kardashian is very organized. Normally I wouldn’t give a you-know-what about that. But when you see her pantry…and sneaker closet…and shampoo collection…

 

 

THINGS I LOVE:

Essie gel couture nail polish – I had been wanting to try this stuff forevaahhh. Or, since it debuted this year. 😉 As someone with a literal wall of nail polish (I have a problem), I was not sure how I felt about dropping $11 a bottle. It would have to seriously be worth the moolah. And honestly…it is. I’ve got “Model Clicks” (a rich maroon), “Caviar Bar” (a deep navy), and “Sheer Fantasy” (a super light natural/pinkish hue). The polish goes on beautifully and can be done in literally one stroke based on how the brush is shaped (#BlessUp). Everything is topped off with the accompanying top coat, and this. baby. lasts. I’m someone who has to have my nails done *all* the time, and as much as this girl loveloveloves the spa mani/pedi experience, ain’t nobody got time or $$$ for those fancy schmany dip things on the reg. But if you’ve tried that and think it’s worth it, let a sistah know! For busy bees in need of legit staying power, easy application, and gorgeous color, this line is 100% worth it. Also, it removes just like normal nail polish – with acetone! (This sucker is the bomb dot com for nail polish removal + it’s on sale…I’m buying 3).

Ventev portable charger – J bought me one of these for my birthday one year, and then I received one via PR months later…they. are. golden. Ventev chargers are so flat and ridiculously easy to stash in your bag and go. My fave part – they’ve got a LOTTA juice in ’em! I took mine on our honeymoon, and J and I were *both* able to charge our phones from ~20% to full on the flight down to Mexico…and there was still juice left in it!

It Cosmetics brushes – These sparkly bad boys made their debut this holiday season, and I couldn’t love them more. I used to be that person using handmedown makeup brushes from my mom. LOL DON’T BE ME. Now that I’ve experienced the art of a good makeup brush, there’s no turning back, folks. Plus, I finally came to the very necessary realization that you only get one face. Why the heck wouldja put garbage on it?! I am now 100% OK with a little splurge when it comes to *anything* going on my face or skin, because it’s such an important organ that too often gets the short end o’ the stick!

Sparkly mules – Hi, my name is Erica, and I am a sparkle hoarder. Can ya tell? 😉 The second my eyes fell upon these, they were in my cart and on my doorstep – and they are v high on my “Things I Love” list. I know, I know…they’re a bit much. But honestly, they’re just a FUN shoe! They’re clearly party shoes, but I love styling them casually like this, too – a simple tunic + ripped jeans, and they work to dress up an otherwise toned down look. The mule covering over the foot makes them HELLA comfortable, too. #WorthIt, especially since they’re $30 off right now!

Make Up For Ever Ink Liner – I am in lovelovelove with SO much of Make Up For Ever’s product line…this liner is no exception. When you want a strong, bold, sleek and flawless black line, you’ve just gotta go with a liquid liner. The Ink Liner’s tip is like a little felt tipped point – flexible, yet precise. I love having total control over the brush with such a beautiful finish. Works for everything from casual everyday wear paired with mascara and a lip balm, to a glam wing and red pucker for going out!

 

Have you tried any of the things I love before? What things have YOU been loving lately?

Drop some products + links in the comments below! ALSO…let a sistah know how ya feel about the new series update! Do you like this better than the old Links I Love? Is this more helpful + valuable for ya since it’s more in-depth + varied? DO TELL. 🙂

P.S. Make sure you’re on the Snapchat train, cos we’re off to Mexico! (erica_lig)