friday //

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This week has been a wild one. Work is crazy, school started back up...and I haven't had time to get much else done. 

My birthday was on Tuesday, but a part from a few nice gifts from my co-workers and some lovely birthday messages from friends and family, there wasn't much celebrating. Aaron was out of town for work and we had celebrated last Saturday. He took me out for a lovely date night, complete with dinner and a Star Wars in IMAX 3-D, which I had been dying to see. 

I have managed to pull myself away from the crazy for a few minutes to share some of my recent favorites (and not-so-favorites) with all of you!

// I am always in search of good moisturizers. I have such dry skin, and they are truly a beauty must-have, for both day and night. I came across this list of top rated moisturizers and was happy to see a couple of things. First of all, this team did a lot of research behind these products before deciding to label them "the best" - you can see all their criteria in the article. Secondly, the majority of those listed are from cruelty-free companies - Dermalogica, bareMinerals, Juice Beauty, and Sunday Riley! I'm interested to try some out, especially since most are moderately priced!

// I've ordered our Save the Dates! They are from Minted...and this isn't a picture of the one I chose, because I want to reveal them in their own post. I am SO excited for them to arrive and finally send them out! 

// Thanks to Instagram, I stumbled upon an adorable Etsy business called Double Dobes Barkery. As you probably already know, I have two dobermans, so I was instantly drawn to this account due to the name. Then, I saw that they sell handmade dog treats that are all natural with limited (real) ingredients. I was so excited, I immediately ordered two types - and bonus - they will stamp your fur baby's name on the treats too! My dogs LOVE the them and every time I go to the cupboard, they come running, thinking they are going to get one ;)

// Now for a not-so-favorite...my favorite actor passed away on Thursday. When I found out, I nearly broken down in tears while sitting in my office at work. Alan Rickman was not only talented, he represented a huge part of my childhood by flawlessly bringing my all-time favorite literary character to life. It's amazing how someone you don't personally know can affect you so much, and I am truly heartbroken to see him go. 

// Another wedding-related item! I ordered a custom-made flower crown from the super talented Stevi Sherman for our upcoming engagement pictures. I can't wait to see what she creates for me. Her work is beautiful and very fairly priced...check out her Etsy site "Missstevimarie" :)