This post is sponsored by EltaMD.

Where has the time gone?  Even though it's hard to believe, there is still one month left to enjoy the beach and all those other outdoor summer activities.  I have yet to get to the beach but that doesn't mean I haven't been enjoying the summer.  

I've had some time to collect my summer essentials and I wanted to share some of my favorite seasonal discoveries here on Paint The Town Chic!

5 Summer Essentials For Any Summer Bag

Straw Tote:
I'm cheating a little here, but of course I have to start this list with a summer tote!  The one bag I've had my heart set on was a straw tote.  I wanted a tote that was large enough to fit my essentials but also reasonably priced for a seasonal/trendy item.  I knew Amazon was the place to look.  This bag compliments any summer outfit even if it's not beach bound (I took it on a recent trip to NYC.)  I love that it even has cute pom-poms for a little pop of color.
Shop My Straw Beach Tote

Bathing Suit
I just love retro styles, especially for bathing suits.  This particular high waisted option caught my eye immediately!  A high waisted cut is so flattering, and I was looking for something in that style.  Of course the floral print also caught my eye.  I got my normal size and it fits great!
Shop My Bathing Suit

Sunnies
Is there anything cuter that heart shaped sunglasses?  I'm loving this pair, which is currently under $5!  My pink pair is sold out, but it also comes in a red or black option.
Shop My Heart Sunglasses (in red or black)

Sunscreen
Sun protection is a must all year, but is essential for outdoor summer activities.  EltaMD is a dermatologist recommended brand that offers both suncare and skincare!  I'm loving that this is SPF 50, which offers amazing protection.  It can be applied wet or dry and is water-proof and sweat-proof.    The formula spreads easily, which is so important for sunscreen.  This is fragrance free as well; I don't mind fragrances, but I know this is appealing to many of you!
Shop EltaMD here!

Haircare
Yes, you read that right.  Hair sprays, gels, mousse, it doesn't matter the form, I always like to keep something in my bag to tame frizz. Right now I'm loving Totalee Volumizing Leave-In Spray and the Alterna Caviar Styling Balm, both are perfect for damp or dry hair.

I have some honorable mentions to shoutout, like the cutest beach towel that was included in the summer FabFitFun box.  I'm also carrying my reusable Contigo water bottle everywhere because I love having cold water on hand (and yes, it does keep beverages cold for 24 hours, I've tested it!)  And last but not least, a guilty pleasure beach read.

What are your summer essentials?

This post features samples gifted from various brands.  All opinions shared above are my own.

What's In My Bag - Summer Edition

Collaborations

This post is sponsored by EltaMD.

Where has the time gone?  Even though it's hard to believe, there is still one month left to enjoy the beach and all those other outdoor summer activities.  I have yet to get to the beach but that doesn't mean I haven't been enjoying the summer.  

I've had some time to collect my summer essentials and I wanted to share some of my favorite seasonal discoveries here on Paint The Town Chic!

5 Summer Essentials For Any Summer Bag

Straw Tote:
I'm cheating a little here, but of course I have to start this list with a summer tote!  The one bag I've had my heart set on was a straw tote.  I wanted a tote that was large enough to fit my essentials but also reasonably priced for a seasonal/trendy item.  I knew Amazon was the place to look.  This bag compliments any summer outfit even if it's not beach bound (I took it on a recent trip to NYC.)  I love that it even has cute pom-poms for a little pop of color.
Shop My Straw Beach Tote

Bathing Suit
I just love retro styles, especially for bathing suits.  This particular high waisted option caught my eye immediately!  A high waisted cut is so flattering, and I was looking for something in that style.  Of course the floral print also caught my eye.  I got my normal size and it fits great!
Shop My Bathing Suit

Sunnies
Is there anything cuter that heart shaped sunglasses?  I'm loving this pair, which is currently under $5!  My pink pair is sold out, but it also comes in a red or black option.
Shop My Heart Sunglasses (in red or black)

Sunscreen
Sun protection is a must all year, but is essential for outdoor summer activities.  EltaMD is a dermatologist recommended brand that offers both suncare and skincare!  I'm loving that this is SPF 50, which offers amazing protection.  It can be applied wet or dry and is water-proof and sweat-proof.    The formula spreads easily, which is so important for sunscreen.  This is fragrance free as well; I don't mind fragrances, but I know this is appealing to many of you!
Shop EltaMD here!

Haircare
Yes, you read that right.  Hair sprays, gels, mousse, it doesn't matter the form, I always like to keep something in my bag to tame frizz. Right now I'm loving Totalee Volumizing Leave-In Spray and the Alterna Caviar Styling Balm, both are perfect for damp or dry hair.

I have some honorable mentions to shoutout, like the cutest beach towel that was included in the summer FabFitFun box.  I'm also carrying my reusable Contigo water bottle everywhere because I love having cold water on hand (and yes, it does keep beverages cold for 24 hours, I've tested it!)  And last but not least, a guilty pleasure beach read.

What are your summer essentials?

This post features samples gifted from various brands.  All opinions shared above are my own.

Read more

July 24, 2018

My new favorite thing is customization.  It's something that's common for things like food and drink but now the beauty industry has been picking up on it more and more.

But let's take a moment to talk hair.  No two people have the same exact hair type, which is why customized products are the way to go.  I recently learned about Formulate, a new service that engineers the perfect haircare duo based on your hair type, location and lifestyle!  Keep scrolling to enter a giveaway to be the first to try Formulate!

This brief video gives an overview of how Formulate works!

To create your formulas, you take an extensive quiz which questions you on everything from hair color and type, scalp, current haircare routine, and what you're looking for with your hair products.  The quiz was definitely eye opening.  I didn't realize so many factors can affect your beauty routine.  I even got a snapshot of my hometown and how that affects my hair.

This is a snapshot of some of my hair concerns and the scent that I chose for my formulas.

Hopefully you're just as excited as I am about Formulate.  Now I'm excited to share TWO offers with you.  The first is a giveaway to be the first to try Formulate and receive your own customized shampoo and conditioner duo!

Enter the giveaway here!

The next is a unique code that gives you access to purchase your own formulations right now.  Since this service is new, it is not open to the public quite yet.  This code also includes inclusion into the Founding Customers group where you receive future discounts, first trials and co-creation opportunities (like helping pick out new scents!)  Send me an email at paintthetownchic @ gmail.com or DM me on Insta for a code, first come first served!

I cannot wait to receive and try my customized shampoo and conditioner.  I'll be sharing more once I get it.

I have collaborated with Formulate to bring this review and giveaway to you.  All opinions shared above are my own.

Introducing Formulate - The New Way To Customize Haircare + Giveaway

Beauty

My new favorite thing is customization.  It's something that's common for things like food and drink but now the beauty industry has been picking up on it more and more.

But let's take a moment to talk hair.  No two people have the same exact hair type, which is why customized products are the way to go.  I recently learned about Formulate, a new service that engineers the perfect haircare duo based on your hair type, location and lifestyle!  Keep scrolling to enter a giveaway to be the first to try Formulate!

This brief video gives an overview of how Formulate works!

To create your formulas, you take an extensive quiz which questions you on everything from hair color and type, scalp, current haircare routine, and what you're looking for with your hair products.  The quiz was definitely eye opening.  I didn't realize so many factors can affect your beauty routine.  I even got a snapshot of my hometown and how that affects my hair.

This is a snapshot of some of my hair concerns and the scent that I chose for my formulas.

Hopefully you're just as excited as I am about Formulate.  Now I'm excited to share TWO offers with you.  The first is a giveaway to be the first to try Formulate and receive your own customized shampoo and conditioner duo!

Enter the giveaway here!

The next is a unique code that gives you access to purchase your own formulations right now.  Since this service is new, it is not open to the public quite yet.  This code also includes inclusion into the Founding Customers group where you receive future discounts, first trials and co-creation opportunities (like helping pick out new scents!)  Send me an email at paintthetownchic @ gmail.com or DM me on Insta for a code, first come first served!

I cannot wait to receive and try my customized shampoo and conditioner.  I'll be sharing more once I get it.

I have collaborated with Formulate to bring this review and giveaway to you.  All opinions shared above are my own.

Read more

July 19, 2018

As a foodie, one of my favorite things to do is try new restaurants whenever I can.  And right now I'm all about the full experience, not just food - and the Opry City Stage definitely offers a taste of the south from the moment you step into the venue.  I recently stopped by with my sister to check out this hidden gem.

Located in the midst of Times Square, the Opry City Stage is the first venue of its kind outside of Nashville, offering live country music performances and serving up the most delicious Southern dishes!

Opry City Stage offers 4 levels of entertainment, starting with the gift shop on the main entrance.  The restaurant and stage are located on the top levels!

Of course I had checked out the menu before stopping by and was excited to pick out some items to sample, starting with a cocktail of course, I definitely recommend the Hibiscus Margarita.

I always love picking out appetizers, and yes, I am partial to carbs.  I knew I had to start with the Biscuit Basket with Cinnamon Honey Butter and they were just as amazing as I thought they would be.

The Buffalo Cauliflower had a little kick and was so good as well.

For dinner my sister and I tried the Shrimp and Grits and the Chicken & Waffles!  As a lover of anything spicy, the hot chicken was perfection and paired perfectly with the waffles.  I don't eat grits often, but they were good too (as a staple Southern dish, we had to try it.) We ate the chicken too quickly to get a photo!

No meal is complete without dessert and we tried the Chocolate Rocky Road Pudding.  It was light and rich at the same time, the perfect blend!

The service was great and everyone was really nice, which added to the dining experience.

The night I went, the band on stage was The Nashville Attitude.  They are a staple at the venue and they were amazing.  The band even made visits to the audience in between sets and they were really nice.

The venue truly celebrates the magic of the Grand Ole Opry.  It features one of a kind decor and memorabilia throughout the venue and even live streams performances from Nashville in between live musical performances.  Nashville has been on my list of places to go, but even more so after visiting the Opry City Stage.

This is such a fun spot to go to with a group of friends, especially for happy hour!  The food was amazing and so was the entertainment.  Whether you're a visitor or New Yorker, I highly recommend giving Opry City Stage a visit!

Thank you to the Opry City Stage for the complimentary dining experience.  All opinions shared here are my own.

NYC Hidden Gems: Opry City Stage

Food

As a foodie, one of my favorite things to do is try new restaurants whenever I can.  And right now I'm all about the full experience, not just food - and the Opry City Stage definitely offers a taste of the south from the moment you step into the venue.  I recently stopped by with my sister to check out this hidden gem.

Located in the midst of Times Square, the Opry City Stage is the first venue of its kind outside of Nashville, offering live country music performances and serving up the most delicious Southern dishes!

Opry City Stage offers 4 levels of entertainment, starting with the gift shop on the main entrance.  The restaurant and stage are located on the top levels!

Of course I had checked out the menu before stopping by and was excited to pick out some items to sample, starting with a cocktail of course, I definitely recommend the Hibiscus Margarita.

I always love picking out appetizers, and yes, I am partial to carbs.  I knew I had to start with the Biscuit Basket with Cinnamon Honey Butter and they were just as amazing as I thought they would be.

The Buffalo Cauliflower had a little kick and was so good as well.

For dinner my sister and I tried the Shrimp and Grits and the Chicken & Waffles!  As a lover of anything spicy, the hot chicken was perfection and paired perfectly with the waffles.  I don't eat grits often, but they were good too (as a staple Southern dish, we had to try it.) We ate the chicken too quickly to get a photo!

No meal is complete without dessert and we tried the Chocolate Rocky Road Pudding.  It was light and rich at the same time, the perfect blend!

The service was great and everyone was really nice, which added to the dining experience.

The night I went, the band on stage was The Nashville Attitude.  They are a staple at the venue and they were amazing.  The band even made visits to the audience in between sets and they were really nice.

The venue truly celebrates the magic of the Grand Ole Opry.  It features one of a kind decor and memorabilia throughout the venue and even live streams performances from Nashville in between live musical performances.  Nashville has been on my list of places to go, but even more so after visiting the Opry City Stage.

This is such a fun spot to go to with a group of friends, especially for happy hour!  The food was amazing and so was the entertainment.  Whether you're a visitor or New Yorker, I highly recommend giving Opry City Stage a visit!

Thank you to the Opry City Stage for the complimentary dining experience.  All opinions shared here are my own.

Read more

July 15, 2018