Lifestyle

Father’s Day Gifts Under $30

by Late By Lattes9 Comments on Father’s Day Gifts Under $30
Father’s Day Gifts Under $30

I’m a terrible gifter. I play it safe and just go for gift cards. I mean, who DOESN’T like money you can spend on your own, right? Well, it was brought to my attention that gifting isn’t just about being materialistic, but also plays a little sentimental part—you know, the whole “it’s the ‘thought’ that counts?” Well, I was told that I wasn’t really giving any “thought” with a gift card.

OK.

Father’s Day is just around the corner. What do you get a man who already has everything?

So, in a way, I get it. It IS the thought that counts for gifting, and most likely a practical one too–a dad who loves to BBQ, but doesn’t have all the tools to do it. How about father who is the fixer-upper, but hates lugging around his heavy tool chest? It’s the little things and gestures that count. Dads are men of very few words, and the subtle cues that you pick up can really make his day.

Here are some gifting ideas to help a dad out without breaking the bank.

Stainless Steel Grill Set: $26.99

Not only does it look sleek and minimalistic, this SS grill set is a great way to organize, convenient storage, and easy to carry all his tools for a successful cookout! This is the perfect gift for a Father’s Day BBQ!

Multi-Functional Backpack: $29.98

This is for the traveling, outdoorsy dads out there! This multi-functional backpack fits a 17″ laptop, USB built-in charging cable and a headphone jack that’s easily accessible for the on-the-go dad.

CROSS Pens: $15.39

These pens are actually my favorite to gift, for both men and women. They are stylish, sleek, and its ergonomic designs makes it easy to write. This style of pen can range from $15-1k, but no matter the price, the quality is perfection and would be a great addition in your dad’s office space.

Indoor Grill: $27.80

Raining on Father’s Day? The night calls for a quick and quiet dinner, but still want that smoke-house taste? No problem—indoor grill! Get those beautiful grill marks, no mess, easy clean with non-stick surface, and still get that sizzling sound. Even better, it’s also a griddle!

RFID Blocking, Low-profile Wallet: $27.98

This is for the minimalist, simple, and practical dad. The original RIDGE Carbon Fiber wallet can cost easily over $50, but this knock-off is a great low-end. Made of quality material, this carbon fiber wallet blocks RFID readers, low-profile and easily slips in the pocket—because you know, dads don’t have purses. This is also beautifully packaged, great for gifting!

Beer Chill Sticks: $14.99

Don’t mess with a dad and his beer! These beer chill sticks are 100% FDA compliant, BPA free, dishwasher safe and easy to clean! Clean and put it back in the freezer. Beer and BBQ go hand in hand, literally. While dad smokes up the meat, help him keep his beer chilled during the hot summer BBQ days with the fam!

Multi-tool Kit: $19.74

You can always count on dad to do the little fixes around the house. Help a dad out with this multi-tool kit, compact, light-weight with stainless steel construction. With its 10-tool set, it is a convenient piece for a handy-man. No need to lug a huge tool box for minor fixes!

Shop away for this father’s day! I hope these options fit the everyday lifestyle for the man of the house.

 

Lifestyle

Tips to save BIG On Christmas Shopping

by Late By Lattes19 Comments on Tips to save BIG On Christmas Shopping
Tips to save BIG On Christmas Shopping

As much as I love Christmas, there’s always the ever-looming-Christmas shopping situation. Although spending more than expected is inevitable–even if you think you’re getting a good deal on sales–it always feels good to know you can still save a few dollars. Here is how I shopped for Christmas that saved me a few hundred dollars.

  1. ONLINE SHOPPING: Black Friday, Doorbusters, sound like great deals, but from my experience, I don’t save much. First, there’s the hustle and bustle, and you’ll be lucky if you got what you wanted. I always find myself opting for the cheap knock-off that’s supposedly “marked down.” I love online shopping because you can really plan your shopping and shop smart by easily comparing prices at different stores with the click of a button.
  2. CASH BACK SITES: One word. EBATES. Ebates is my GO-TO for shopping online. I never shop online without going through Ebates first. Their cashback percentages vary every day, but every cent counts and WILL count especially during the Holiday shopping season. Here are my top stores to shop on ebates with pretty good cashback percentages:
    1. Macy’s
    2. JC Penny
    3. Amazon
    4. Groupon
    5. Ulta
      Now these sites are my everyday go-to online shopping for clothes and miscellaneous items because their cashback steadily stays around 5%. However, during the Holidays, cashback on other stores tend to raise their percentages significantly, so KEEP A LOOK OUT! Macy’s and JC Penny have gone up to 12-15% cashback, so I jump on that pretty quick.

      TIPS:
      FOR EACH STORE, SEE IF YOU CAN GET CASHBACK ON GIFT CARDS—E-CARDS ARE EASY TO SEND, FAST, AND NO SHIPPING!

      TRAVELING? THERE ARE BOOKING SITES FOR FLIGHTS AND HOTELS! 
      EXPEDIA, HOTELS.COM, BOOKING.COM, AND MANY MORE!

      JOIN EBATES NOW! IT’S FREE. NOTHING TO LOOSE, ONLY TO GAIN!
      CLICK BELOW TO JOIN AND YOUR FIRST $10 CASHBACK!
      Ebates Coupons and Cash Back
Monthly Favorites, November Favorites

November Favorites

by Late By LattesLeave a Comment on November Favorites
November Favorites

Winter is coming, so that means it is time to bundle up! Here are some of my favorite cover-ups under $50!

MIDIS
I love midi skirts because they still give off that flirty vibe while still being warm and comfortable. I’m big into the pleated/flowy and leather midis—appropriate for this fall/winter season.

 

DRESSES
Like Summer dresses, Fall dresses are just as fun to wear. Again, I like to keep it conservative because it is more comfortable during the cold weather. Also, a lot of holiday parties are coming up with family reunions and meeting-the-parents, so keeping it dressy and classy is usually the way to go. Here are my favorite styles—from casual to dressy. Most of these styles look great with a statement belt, so I’ve linked some of my favorites as well.

 

 

BOOTIES
Boots and OTK boots sounds like it should be the weather appropriate shoes, but booties are my favorite because you can style it with so many outfits. My favorite way to style my booties are with long, flowy midi skirts/dresses.

 

WHITE BOOTIES
These are huge during this fall season because it stands out with the monochromatic darker tones of fall.

 

I hope this gave you an idea on some key items for this holiday season. I’ll be doing a post on Thanksgiving outfits for different dinner events and also a Christmas outfit mood board. Stay tuned!

-T

 

 

 

Beauty, Lifestyle

Castor Oil and Hair Growth

by Late By Lattes4 Comments on Castor Oil and Hair Growth
Castor Oil and Hair Growth

Hair—short or long, straight or curly–it has always reflected the cultural zeitgeist. Over the centuries, hair has depicted status and also presented as a fashion statement. Whatever we do with our hair, it’s something that we manage, whether it be for fashion or health.

We’ve all heard the craze with castor oil and its beauty benefits. What exactly does it do?

 

castor-oil

What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil (Ricinus communis) is composed of Ricinoleic acid, 18 fatty acids–including omega 6 and 9, vitamin E, and other minerals, all of which which are essential beauty ingredients.

Why cold-pressed?
There are actually different methods to extract castor oil from its seed, but the cold-pressed method is more beneficial to achieve healthy hair. The oil is extracted with no heat, which preserves a lot of nutrients in the seeds. You will know it is organically cold-pressed due to the pale yellow color of the oil.

How does it help with hair growth?
There are a number of factors that ensures health hair growth, with the most important is the health of your scalp–healthy scalp means a healthy environment for your hair. The ricinoleic acid and fatty acids improves circulation in scalp. Castor oil also naturally moisturizes and conditions hair. Another added benefit of castor oil is that it has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can helps fight scalp problems like folliculities, dandruff, and scalp infections.

Now, will it INDUCE hair growth? No. It doesn’t have any effect on the actual growth in the follicle, but it will HELP hair grow longer and thicker because hair will be less prone to breakage and prevent premature shedding.

Live Fraîche
I have naturally very fine hair, so I put a lot of mascara. Although mascara enhances your eyelashes, it can also dehydrate and affect the health of your eyelashes, especially when removing–which can easily strip your lashes.

I’ve tried other eyelash serums, and they were messy. I’m assuming cold-pressed castor oil have all the same benefits, no matter the brand due to the process of extracting, but what I love about Live Fraîche eye lash serum is its packaging–chic, no mess, and easy to use. Since castor oil helps moisturize and condition my eyelashes, mascara also applies a lot smoother and cleaner on the lashes. When I remove my mascara with make up remover, it doesn’t feel like it’s too aggressive because the mascara comes off easily–which is great because I don’t feel like i’m pulling lashes.

Live Fraîche eye lash serum is “certified organic” with the USDA Organic seal, so you know it is truly 100% cold-pressed organic castor oil. 

You can use my code 20BYTrish for a 20% discount on their eyelash serum and other products!

 

SOURCES

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908398/
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/castor-oil-hair-growth#1

 

Fashion, Lifestyle

BOMBER JACKET STYLES

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BOMBER JACKET STYLES

The bomber jacket–an effortless outerwear style. It is a popular transition piece during a time of awkward transition phase from fall-winter when you’re stuck in deciding if you should wear something light or heavy.

The bomber jacket (or varsity/flight jacket) was a military flight jacket that was used in WWI when pilots were required to wear something durable and warm. Now it has become a popular trend for both men and women. Here are some ways to style your bomber jacket.

SHOP MY FAVORITE BOMBER STYLES

 

 

 

SHOP MY OUTFIT

VERSATILE GREEN

The popular green bomber jacket goes well with everything–can’t decide what to wear? Throw on the army greens and some avi’s and you’re set! This look can “un-basic” a basic outfit.

 

 

POSH AND SPORTY SPICE

There are some days where you want to wear that cute dress, but it looks way too formal for casual wear. Sporty that posh look with a bomber!

 

 

MAKE A STATEMENT

Embroidered bomber jackets can add a pop of color to any neutral outfit.

 

 

OVERSIZE IT UP

Nothing screams a bold statement like, “I’m cold AF.”

 

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 10: Model Stella Lucia exits the Chanel show at Grand Palais in a MA1 bomber jacket on Day 8 of Paris Fashion Week FW15 on March 10, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Melodie Jeng/Getty Images)