Medicine & Manicures

Five on Friday + Giveaway


Friday, we meet again! I’ll be hanging solo this weekend since Ryan left me to go to San Deigo for a bachelor party. Totally jealous!! So as for me, I’m taking this weekend to hang out with the girls and study for my ortho exam that’s quickly approaching on Thursday. I’ve kinda been slacking on that so I gotta make up for lost time! Anyways, I’m linking with Amanda, April & Karli for today’s five on Friday. Here’s what I was up to this week…





1 // Bachelor Tuesdays




Yes, I watch on Tuesdays because 1) I like skipping the commercials and 2) the show gets over way too late on Monday’s. Now I feel like an old lady haha. Lately, we’ve been getting together with our friends Chase & Whitney and making yummy dinners. This week it was steak, rosemary potatoes, and proscuitto-wrapped asparagus (my specialty!!). These guys get extra fiancé points for watching this show with us- but I gotta say, their commentary is pretty funny! And can I just say I hate that they always leave you hanging before the rose ceremonies, but at least this season is keeping me entertained. I can’t wait to see all the guys’ reactions when Kaitlyn tells them about her and Nick “talking on the couch.” 






2 // Wedding menu tasting




One of mine & Ryan’s favorite pastimes is trying out new foods so as you could guess, this was a pretty fun event for us! For our wedding, we decided to go with a station setup so we got to try a wide variety of food and it was all SO delicious. Not to mention a great free mid-week meal. And the cake tasting? That’s already on the books for July and I can’t wait to dig into some desserts 🙂




3 // 24 Hours in Third Ward




So sometime between starting the blog and now, I’ve become a freelance writer! Who would’ve thought?? I occasionally write for a local magazine called Charlotte Happenings (you can find it at various magazine stands around town) and this month’s feature talks about all the things to do in a little neighborhood in uptown Charlotte called third ward. Check it out here! 




4 // Wedding Monograms




I was reading Mary’s post about wedding monograms which got me super excited for my [upcoming] new initials. I was holding out on monogramming things since I knew I’d be getting engaged soon but now I cannot wait to get tons of stuff with my new initials. Crossing my fingers for a new Moon & Lola gold necklace *hint hint* since my version isn’t so gold anymore. 



5 // Blogiversary Giveaway




In case you missed it, Wednesday was the 2nd birthday for this blog of mine (time flies!) and I’ve teamed up with some other blogger babes to giveaway a super cute Kate Spade watch. I mean, how stinkin cute is that martini glass?? You can enter until next Tuesday… good luck!


I hope everyone has a great weekend… can you believe it’s almost July?!? 







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Blogiversary + Kate Spade Giveaway!

Today’s quite a special day for me in the blog world. It has been two years since I first started this journey of blogging and now I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I originally started Medicine & Manicures as a way to document my adventures in PA school. Of course, the first year of my physician assistant program was very eventful and I loved sharing all of my experiences, but the blog has also evolved to be so much more.

I can take a break from studying medicine and write about my favorite fashion finds. I can write about my travel recaps or wedding plans. I can read about marriage advice or get a few laughs in from a compilation of eCards. Through this blogging community, I have made friendships both online and in real life. Some of the big things I’ve learned are:
one
Blogging is a serious commitment. It takes a lot of time y’all… seriously. Sometimes I struggle with the life/PA school/relationship/blogging balance and it can be tough, but always rewarding in the end! 
two
The blog world is a super fun, tight-knit community that empowers women and let’s us take our hobbies and interests to a new level. Whether you blog for fun or hope to make it your full-time job, the opportunities are endless.
three
You always have room to improve and the learning process just keeps on going. I try to learn new things all the time and always work on improving my blog content.
The past two years have been both fun and challenging- I’ve learned a lot and still have so much to experience. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has ever stopped by my blog, left a comment, or turned an online relationship into a “real life” friendship- it truly means so much to me! 


Hosted by:




Medicine & Manicures







The lovely co-hosts:



The New Mrs. // Katie Elizabeth // Life on Myers // Girl Meets Bow




 Champagne & Suburbs // Meet at the Barre // Sequins & Seabreezes 


 






Sell Eat Love // Home of Malones // Davis Duo // Playdates & Prescriptions







As a blogger, I am so thankful for all of my readers and I have teamed up with some lovely ladies to bring you a giveaway for an accessory you’re sure to love this summer- a Kate Spade leather strap watch! The giveaway will go through next Tuesday, June 30th so check out some new blogs, get those entries in, and I’ll announce the winner next Wednesday. Cheers to another successful year for Medicine & Manicures and last but not least, happy humpday!



a Rafflecopter giveaway









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Current Beauty Favorites

Happy Monday, y’all! The weekend went by in a flash (as usual) but I am excited that we’ve hit the summer season… and it certainly feels like it. Yesterday’s high was 99! Today I’m linking up with Biana & Meghan and talking about some of my current beauty favorites for summer.
one // two // three // four // five // six // seven

Coral is a great color for the summertime and this Clinique long last lipstick in “runway coral” has been my go-to this season. I love how a little bit of lipstick instantly makes me feel more put together.

I have recently been using the precleanser at night. Yes, you read that right. It’s the cleanser before the cleanser. I thought it was weird, but my esthetician recommended it since I’m prone to blackheads. First of all, if smells ah-mazing… very spa-like. It’s very oily and you put it on your face dry, rub it in, then add a little water and it makes a slight white foam. I do think my face has felt cleaner since using it and I’ve had a few less blackheads- so it’s a winner in my book!
I got this as a sample from an online Nordstom order (aren’t those the best?) and am contemplating buying the mini spray bottle. This scent has been around for quite a while and it always makes me think of summer- the perfect mix of fruity and floral!

Wei Purifying Mud Mask

I first discovered this mask in a Birchbox and have been a fan ever since! It smells amazing, is super creamy, and doesn’t harden on your face. I also love that it comes with a brush for better application and you can get 2 uses out of one pod. 

Anastasia Waterproof Topcoat

I used this when I was on vacation and it held up like a champ! I’m not usually one to wear mascara to the beach, but I wanted a little something on my lashes when we were out and about all day. This is a thin coat that you apply over your favorite mascara to make it waterproof… genius!
Alright, so I had been using a Philosophy powder for y e a r s and they recently changed the applicator and I read a bunch of bad reviews so… I was in search of a new powder. I wanted something with light coverage to go over my BB cream and I decided to go with the Bare Minerals BareSkin veil. I’ve only had it for a week but it has been great so far- it gives my skin a nice airbrushed look! 
Essie Summer Mini 4-pack

Ok soooo to say I’m obsessed with these colors would be an understatement. Essie hit the nail on the head with these summer colors. You may have seen “Chillato” (the pale green) on my nails on my Instagram this weekend. I currently have the blue color on my toes and love love love all of the colors. I always go for the mini 4-packs because I tend to get burnt out on colors and love the variety! 

What are your summer must-have beauty products??


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Father's Day Finds Under $50

Happy Monday, friends- I hope everyone had a great weekend! Can you believe we are halfway through June?! Father’s Day is just under a week away so I decided to put together some last-minute gifts for dad. They are all $50 or less and won’t break the bank!



tile item finder (everyone could use one of these!) // tie set // fitbit zip // grilling thermometer fork
gingham dress shirt // golf cart cuff links // ball return putting mat
I’m not gonna lie, the Tile Item Finder may be my favorite item on the list- I kind of want one for myself! You place the sticky little square on things you tend to misplace like car keys, remote, cell phone. If you can’t find it, your iPhone tracks the tile via bluetooth. How cool is that??
Lots of dads like to golf so help them practice their putting with a portable putting mat that returns balls when they get them in the cup. This is a fun and unique gift not to mention it’s only 40 bucks! And who wouldn’t love these golf cart cuff links, they’re unique and would be a great conversation starter.
For the fit dad (or one who’s working to get more fit), opt for a Fitbit Zip. Instead of wearing a band around your wrist, this one fits in your pocket or on a belt.
If he loves to grill out, opt for a fancy fork thermometer and if all else fails, get him a new shirt or tie for work because let’s be honest, most men hate to shop! So whether it’s a fun new gadget, a gift card to Lowe’s, or just a sweet card, don’t forget to show your pops some love next week 🙂
Linking with Biana & Meghan.

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Skirt the Rules

Happy Friday!! I’m welcoming the weekend with open arms and am pretty excited about June 12th in particular. As of today, my PA school graduation is officially 6 months away!!! Ohh yea- the countdown is ON! Anyways, today I’m sharing the outfit that I wore on my date night with Ryan last Sunday.

If you didn’t already know, this is my favorite skirt… ever!! (Last seen here). I love it because it’s unique and super feminine. I always get a lot of questions about it and sadly it just sold out…again… but luckily Revolve Clothing can send you a notification if your size comes back in stock. So far, that is the only online store that I’ve found that sells it so if you spot it somewhere else, let a girl know!

With the skirt being a statement piece, it’s best to pair it with a solid top. I got this flutter sleeve top from The Limited a while ago mostly to wear as a work top, but it’s just as cute to wear on the weekends and I love it tucked into a skirt. And this necklace? It’s been one of my best purchases from Rocks Box– I wear it all the freakin time and the delicate layers seriously go with everything!

I’m in love with the shape & fit of these fit and flare ruffle skirts so I’ve rounded up some similar styles!

Anyone have exciting plans this weekend? Ryan and I are heading to my hometown of Marion tomorrow to hang out with some friends, family, and I’ll be attending a friend’s bridal shower! Hope y’all have a fabulous Friday 🙂

Linking with Amanda, Karli, and April. 




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Wedding Wednesday: Learning Calligraphy


Alright y’all, we’re getting fancy over here.





I have been doing lots of wedding planning this month- gotta take advantage of my time in Charlotte– and decided I would take on a fun, new project. I know the saying is that “the invitation sets the tone for your wedding” and is obviously the first thing the guests will see (other than the save-the-date, of course!). Now, I love some pretty paper goods don’t get me wrong, but I don’t plan on breaking the bank on invitations. Most of them get thrown away or stored in a box somewhere, right? So to create my personal first impression, I’ve decided to learn… calligraphy! 




Yes, the envelope will probably get thrown away too, but I love pretty handwriting and I think it really gives a special touch to the overall presentation of the invitation. Plus, I may even write out my own escort cards or table numbers… we’ll just have to see how it goes!





Professional calligraphy can be upwards of $2 per envelope. Ummm… no thank you!





I’ve always had pretty good handwriting so I’m excited to take on this challenging and super tedious task! Obvisouly this isn’t just something that I’m doing for the wedding, but something I can use throughout life to add a little something special to my snail mail.






I looked at several starter kits and decided to go with “The Lettered Bride” kit from Ashley Lurcott. It includes a pen holder, 2 nibs (the metal pointy things that you write with), ink, an instruction booklet, and practice paper. I’ve only practiced twice so far, but I think I’m doing alright for a first timer. One thing I have encountered is that if you put too much pressure on your pen while doing an upstroke, it tends to just splatter all over the place. 




The kit came with an instruction booklet, but I also wanted to take a class to get some detailed instruction. My friend Logan, being the awesome MOH that she is, found Scarlet + Gold on Instagram and saw that they have FREE online calligraphy webinars a few times a year! Yes, please!! I’ll be doing mine next Sunday so hopefully I’ll learn some good techniques and tips to keep me from messing up. All I know is, when it comes time for invites, extra envelopes are a must!! 





Has anyone ever tried calligraphy? Did your invitations turn out nicely or was it a complete nightmare? I’d love to hear your stories 🙂







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