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Blog Lifestyle

Favorites of 2020

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here.

It’s been forever since I shared a Favorites post. Most of these things aren’t new, but they were favorites for me this year. Check out my 2020 Favorites in Tech, Skincare, Beauty, Crafts & Creativity, and Extras!

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Blog Lifestyle

October Favorites 2019

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This month has been a lot of fun, and I have a few favorites that I wanted to share. Here are my favorites from October:

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September Favorites 2019

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here.

It’s been so long since I’ve done a favorites post! It’s so crazy that it’s fall time and we’re basically in 2020. I thought it would be cool to share my favorites, so here’s everything I’ve been loving this month:

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Blog Lifestyle

2018 Favorites | Beauty & Lifestyle

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here.

It’s time for my 2018 favorites! Most of these are things I’ve shared throughout the year, but I just love seeing these types of posts and sharing the things I’ve been loving. Here are my beauty and lifestyle favorites from 2018:

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Blog Lifestyle

March Favorites 2018

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It’s been a little while since I’ve done a favorites post and there is a lot I’ve been loving this month and this year. Here’s a look at all my favorites for March 2018:

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Blog Lifestyle

2017 Summer Favorites | Beauty & Lifestyle

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It’s favorites time! Now that it’s officially summer and things are heating up, I wanted to share some of the things I have been loving for summer and just in general lately.

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Blog Lifestyle

2016 Favorites Mega Post

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The year is almost over so I’ve put together a round up of my 2016 favorites! I’ve loved so many things this year and I’ve split them up into Beauty, Entertainment, and Lifestyle!

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What’s on my iPhone | Photo Editing, Fitness + More

What's on my iPhone MuffinChanel blog photo editing fitness and more

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

It seems like the phone is the one accessory we never leave the house without. It’s a camera, a calendar, fitness tracker, social media outlet, and of course helps us keep in touch with our friends and family. We use our phones everyday for tons of things, so I thought I’d share some of what’s on my iPhone with you.

Photo Editing

Diptic – Make a quick and easy collage with this app. With lots of free templates to choose from and customization options, this is my go-to for any Instagram collage. You can even adjust the borders’ thickness, shape, texture, and color.

ColorSplash – This app makes it easy to add a splash of color to a black & white photo or vice versa. You start with a color photo and then you can hand-draw the black & white filter, leaving something specific in color so that object really stands out.

LINE camera – The auto-enhance option on LINE is really good, especially for selfies. It corrects the lighting, smoothes imperfections, and can make your eyes look bigger. They have a lot of fun “stickers” to choose from too that make this app super fun.

PixlrExpress+ – I use pixlr to edit photos on my blog, so when I saw that there was an app for iPhone, I knew I wanted to try it. I use this for most of my phone-editing. Lots of filters and fonts for text overlays and powerful basic editing features. Plus, I really love how I can resize the image to keep its full size and clarity. I hate when a great picture end up looking pixilated because the app compressed it — not with PixlrExpress+!

Bokehful – The best app for adding bokeh! Not just a filter or overlay, Bokehful lets you kind of control the placement (puts a bokeh near where you tap; not exactly on the spot). You can also choose the color/color palette and shapes of the bokeh.

A Beautiful Mess – I got this app for free from Sephora and  it’s pretty cool. You can add text, doodles, and borders and choose from a few filters. It’s pretty basic. There are some upgrades that I haven’t tried, but the free content seem sufficient for a quick edit.

Social Media

Twitter – I like the official app for Twitter on the iPhone. It’s clean and simple; gets the job done.

Instagram – It’s fun to go through different Instagram feeds and see everyone’s pictures. I never really use the filters in Insta; instead, I’ll upload after using some of the apps I mentioned ^.

WordPress – I mostly just check comments from the WordPress app. It’s a little tricky for me to try to blog from the app, but I have before. It’s good in a pinch!

Health & Fitness

MyFitnessPal – This app is great for monitoring your food intake and calorie goals. There is a huge library of foods you can select and you can chat with your friends so everyone stays motivated. I have it linked with my Fitbit, so MFP automatically keeps track of my activity too!

Nike+ Running – I’ve been slacking on my running goals lately….big time. But I still love the Nike+ Running app for tracking my runs. The Nike Coach update is great and helps you reach your goals without having to think too much into it.

Nike Training – I just recently downloaded this app, but it seems cool so far. Great for a Cross-Training day or its own program — I like how there are lots of sessions you can choose from. It’s like a guided workout with videos so you can see what each move is supposed to look like.

Fitbit – The Fitbit app helps me track the number of steps I have for the day, my sleep cycle, and my ranking among my friends. It’s great to not have to log into a computer to sync up my stats.

Let me know what some of your favorite apps are; I’d love to try out some new ones!

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Blog Lifestyle

Top 10 – October Favorites

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

  • Oliver

oliver 1968 muffinchanelI love this movie and not just because I like musicals. This 1968 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist is fun while touching on serious issues. If you haven’t seen the movie or read the book, I definitely recommend it. This used to be on Netflix, but they’ve taken it down since 🙁

  • Philip Glass

muffinchanel october favorites philip glass days and nights big sur californiaEarlier this month, we saw Philip Glass play at the Days and Nights Festival in Big Sur, California. It was a beautiful day and the festival was so much fun. If you aren’t familiar with Philip Glass, check out some of his solo piano HERE and HERE.

  • Josie Maran – Whipped Argan Oil

muffinchanel josie maran whipped argon oil best ever yay dry skinYou already know how amazing this has been for me! Of course I had to make it one of my October favorites 🙂

  • Josie Maran – 100% Pure Argan Oil

muffinchanel october favorites josie maran argan oilSo excited about this. Review HERE, but you can use this organic oil for so many things! It’s amazing and it is perfect for all skin types! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Historically, Argan oil has been used to treat acne, stretch marks and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis!

  • Benefit – The POREfessional

muffinchanel october favorites the professional primer benefit cosmeticsI first got a sample of this with one of my Sephora purchases and I loved it. I recently picked up the full sized version, and I got a great deal! I use this on top of moisturizer but underneath foundation. It give a smooth canvas to apply your makeup and it reduced the appearance of pores — it’s gives an airbrushed effect.

  • Sephora by OPI – French Manicure Gel Nails

october favorites sephora by opi gel french muffinchanel

I love the classic look of a French manicure; it looks great with everything. This kit from Sephora is a great value with 2 full sized gel polishes, a detailing brush, and nail decals for just $29. I’ve only had this on my nails for 3 days, but the gel formula is amazing and will last up to two weeks. Super easy to apply and several colors to choose from in-store and online.

  • Pretty Little Liars

muffinchanel pllThis show makes me think of fall. I had a Netflix marathon last year in October and tried to keep up on the most recent season online. With the most recent Halloween special, I’m excited all over again to solve more of the mystery! Are you watching? Do you think Ezra is A?

  • GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD mask

muffinchanel october favorites glamglow glam glow face mud supermud tingling exfoliate clearing hollywood californiaI got this mask in a set in my last Sephora haul. I have used it twice and there is a full review HERE, but so far I really like it.

muffinchanel the plant organic cafe october favorites vegetarian lentils avocado beets mushrooms fries mixed greensmuffinchanel the plant organic cafe october favorites vegetarian lentils avocado beets mushrooms fries mixed greens 2This organic, vegetarian “burger” was awesome. With avocado and white cheddar, the lentils, mushrooms, beets, cashews & bulgar wheat pattie was delicious. It was served with a side of mixed greens, roasted potatoes, and pickles. Yum!

  • Watt’s Up – Benefit

october favorites watt's up benefit muffinchanelThis is my go-to highlighter for that gorgeous winter glow. I like the way the product glides on and it blends very easily with your fingers. The highlight is natural looking, but you can definitely see it. Perfect for holiday party time or year round.

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Blog Lifestyle

Top 10 – June Favorites

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1. Breaking Bad (Streaming on Netflix)

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 breaking badThis show is about meth. Basically, a high school chemistry teacher and his former student start making meth in New Mexico so that he can make money for his family before he becomes too ill with cancer. I’m just starting season 3 and the drug theme reminds me of the show, Weeds, but this show is slightly more hardcore.

2.  B-12 Vitamins

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 raw b 12 vitamins b12

I love my B-12 vitamins. Good for your metabolism, mental & physical energy, central nervous system health, and optimal digestion, these pills help me feel more energized and balanced.

3. Fitbit Flex

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 fitbit flexYou all know how difficult it has been to find one of these fitness wristbands. I’ve been loving mine and all the data it’s tracking for me. From steps taken to sleep patterns — this wristband tracks it all discreetly and comfortably. See the complete review HERE.

4. The Killers – Battle Born

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 killers battle bornThis is my favorite album from The Killers and I’ve been listening to it on repeat all month long. See my posts from the concert in San Francisco HERE.

5. Sharpie Felt Tip Pens

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 sharpie felt pensI love the way these write. No frills, no guessing, no bleeding; just crisp black ink gliding across you paper.

6. Pura Vida Bracelets

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 pura vida braceletsI posted my pack of bracelets a while ago HERE, but I didn’t tell you about the company. Pura Vida Bracelets provides jobs for 30 Costa Rican artisans and it donates 1% back to The Surfrider Foundation through 1% for the Planet. In addition to that, Pura Vida Bracelets also makes special Charity bracelets to support different causes. So, not only can you mix and match these fun bracelets, but you’re also supporting a good cause too.

7. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 urban decay nakedThis palette is my go-to everyday palate. With 12 different neutral, yet shimmery colors, you’re sure to create a beautiful look for day or night. See my complete review HERE

8.  Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 enders game osc

I wanted to read the book before the movie comes out in November. I downloaded it on my phone and finished it in a couple days. Definitely worth the read although slightly disturbing :/

9. Tom Kha Gai Thai Soup with Jasmine Rice

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 thai coconut soup tom kaiIf you like Thai food, you have to try this soup. Make sure you add a little extra spice. This coconut and chicken soup is my absolute favorite! I’ve even found a few recipes online (HERE, HERE, and HERE)so I can make my own. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

10. Nike+ Running App

muffinchanel june favorites 2013 nike runningI’ve told you about this app BEFORE. It’s a great way to track you runs by distance, speed, and pace. Challenge your friends or yourself while listening to your own playlists or feedback from the app. Check out the new Nike Coach Update!

What have you been enjoying this June?

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Blog Health + Beauty

Top 10 Favorites from LUSH

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

10. Pop In The Bath

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

Pop in the Bath is a sweet smelling bubble bar. The come in a few different colors — I’ve seem pink, green, and blue and they all make tons of bubbles. This is one of Lush’s least expensive bubble bars at $7.25 and you can get at least two uses out of a bar this size.

9. Blackberry

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

I love the smell of this bath bomb. I especially like this bomb because it doesn’t have any “surprises” in it. Other bombs will have confetti or rose petals, ect., but this one is pure perfumey goodness. Your water will turn a pretty lavender color and you’ll find that the bomb is slow to dissolve — more time for you to enjoy the fizz!



8. Pink Bath Bomb

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

This super cute little bath bomb only costs $4.95, and is the perfect addition to a bath with a bubble bar. It’s bright pink color and little flowers can brighten up any regular bath. Smells like vanilla, but I notice that the smell doesn’t last that long. I always combine this with a bubble bar.

7. Honey I Washed The Kids

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

I love this soap because it smells exactly like honey! It has a beautiful golden color and a “honeycomb” top layer. I’m not really sure what the honeycomb layer is for since it seems to be made out of a waxy substance — it doesn’t lather. It could be for exfoliating, but it find it a little annoying and tend to select pieces from the store that don’t have that much.

 6. Ocean Salt

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

I love this tropical smelling face/body scrub; it makes me think of summer. The think granules of salt come sprinkled across the top and you stir them in when you get home. It’s a great exfoliant, but be careful not to scrub too hard when using it on your face — it’s very abrasive. I like to use this in the shower as a body scrub.



 5. Grease Lightening

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

This stuff is awesome! If you have any blemishes or clogged pores, use this as a spot treatment. I always see results overnight! The smell is ok and it won’t sting your face.

4. Sex Bomb

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

Of all Lush’s bath bombs, I love the smell of this the most. It smells sweet like rose and jasmine. It fizzes away a little more quickly than I’d like, and it actually leaves a purple ring around my tub, but it’s still one of the best bombs you can buy.

3. Rose Jam

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

These “bubbleroons” are kind of weird. It’s like two halves of a bubble bar with a jelly-like layer in between. I like this Rose Jam one because of the smell, the mountain of bubbles, and the silky feel of the water. It’s also easy to divide with the two sections kind of pressed together.

2. Creamy Candy Bubble Bar

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

I mentioned how I love the smells of all these products, but I really love the smell of this bar. I love the smell so much that I keep buying it even though I don’t get any color pay off or really any bubbles. It does, however, make the water silky smooth and, well, creamy. Creamy Candy is exactly what it says it is — a creamy smooth, candy smelling bar.

1. The Comforter

muffinchanel lush cosmetics favorites best products

The Comforter is my absolute favorite! I seem to say that in every Lush post, but it’s true! If you get to buy one product from Lush, get the Comforter! You won’t regret it. It turns your water bright pink and makes it silky smooth. It’s definitely one of Lush’s more pricey bath products and it makes me really sad because I can remember when it was $9.95 — and I thought that was a lot! It’s $10.95 now, but I still think it’s worth it. Obviously, I ration it with every bath, but a little goes a long way.