local haunts: Hyperion Espresso // fxbg

I love coffee. Plain and simple. I'm also a huge advocate of supporting local coffee shops. One of my favorites? Hyperion Espresso in Downtown Fredericksburg. They brew a fantastic dark roast, and they have almost any flavor syrup you could want.

During the summer, I typically stick with their smoothies or Italian sodas. Mango smoothie, peach Italian soda. ♥ You can't go wrong with the black tea, either. I recently tried their seasonal pomegranate black tea. Yum.



I don't normally have a lot of time to hang out there, but they have loads of space for working on your laptop and hanging out with friends. When you buy a drink, just grab the wifi password from the register. The building that houses Hyperion is pretty gorgeous on the inside, too, so there's none of that stale decor you'll find at other coffee shops.

The baristas have always been friendly, so if you're not sure what to order off their extensive menu, just ask!

So if you're in the area, stop by! You won't be disappointed.


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empties #5

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser // I got a Clarisonic Mia for Christmas that I love. This is the cleanser that came with it. My skin felt clean after using it, but it was pretty drying and not cruelty free, so I won't be getting it again.

ban Shower Fresh deodorant // This worked pretty well when I first got it a while back with a coupon. Towards the end of the tube it stopped working as well. I don't know if it was my skin that adapted or the product, but either way ban isn't cruelty free, so I won't be repurchasing.

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Restoring Conditioner // This was another freebie from couponing. This conditioner works great, but L'Oreal isn't cruelty free, sadly.

Pacifica Glow Baby Youthful Face Scrub // cruelty free and vegan // I got this in a little trial four pack of Pacifica's facial products (Thanks, Mumma!). I've mentioned before that I like pretty strong facial scrubs - I like to feel them working. This scrub does just that. I'd definitely purchase this again.

Vegan True Melatonin 3mg // cruelty free and vegan // Vegan True's melatonin worked pretty well. I didn't wake up groggy but it helped me sleep. This is on my iHerb to order list. (And if you use the code TNZ430 you'll get $5 off your order and I'll get $5!)

Julep Glycolic Hand Scrub // cruelty free // I really liked this little sample of hand scrub. One use and I really could tell a difference! And there's still time to get the Summer Brights 6-Piece Beauty Gift!



These next products are all products I won't be repurchasing, as they aren't cruelty free, sadly.

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Shampoo // Another couponing purchase from forever ago. I don't know what exactly this shampoo was supposed to do, but it didn't do it.

Almay Oil Free Eye Makeup Removed Pads // I got these free with coupons and this is the last of the batch. They worked well on eye makeup, but left a weird residue that I always felt I needed to wash off.

Rodan + Fields Micro-Dermabrasion Paste // cruelty free // I like tough exfoliators. This felt like I was rubbing glass on my face.

White Barn Eucalyptus Mint mini candle // This smelled nice and for such a small candle it burned for a long time. I got this as a stocking stuffer and really liked it.

Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner // Another cheap coupon find. I enjoyed this conditioner, but Tresemme isn't cruelty free.

What products have you used lately?

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link love

Here's six reasons why you think your foundation sucks.

Check out this crazy underwater river in Mexico.

The sad, sexist ballad of salad.

I work in a candy store and get asked "Do you have Kinder Eggs?" all the time. They're illegal here. The very bottom of this article gives a simple reason to why we can't carry them.

There's now a color thesaurus!

I am one of those chronically late people.

Tucker is a super chewer - I mean, Hardcore Chewer Kongs last twenty minutes in our house. But West Paw has the Tux Toy and it's lasted since April. A GOD SEND in the dog toy world.

Ladies, stop calling yourselves 'girls'. We are WOMEN, not children.

An otter tape dispenser! So cute.

23 things all binge readers can identify with.

Here are 30 must read articles if you're thinking of going minimalist.

These booties are so cute.

Fall is coming! I love a good blanket scarf.

This comic from Awkward Yeti defines me as a shopper.



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downtown shenanigans & an outfit

Thursday, I met up with Jess in Downtown Frederickburg and we had a delicious lunch and strolled around despite the depressing heat. Our first stop was Hyperion, where I tried their seasonal pomegranate iced black tea. So tasty. If you're in the area, definitely stop in for a drink.

I don't eat out a lot downtown even though I work down there. I normally grab takeout or delivery from certain places that are super close. It was nice to be able to sit down and eat somewhere new! We had an amazing lunch at Vivify. Of course I had falafel.

And as typical bloggers do, we found a nice wall and snapped some outfit photos. This was more of a "I know it's going to be hot so try to find something cute but cool" outfit, but I think it worked out pretty well, haha.

skirt: similar // shoes: similar // tank: exact // bag: similar // sunglasses: similar

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an all black everything wishlist

I've always worn way too much black and grey. So why not an all black post to celebrate the upcoming season change?

Voluspa Apricot & Aprilia Candle // I've wanted a Voluspa candle since I worked at Francesca's waaaay back in the day.

American Needle Yankees Hat // It's time for another Yankees hat.

Tarte Tarteist Lash Paint // Mascara has always been my favorite beauty product. I've been eyeing this one for a while!

Kendra Scott Elton Bracelet in Black Druzy // Since getting my hands on a piece of Kendra, I love them! I think the Elton in all black would work nicely for fall.

Sbicca Chord Fold Over Bootie // I've gotten pretty obsessed with booties, but I don't have a black pair. These vegan suede foldovers are perfect.

LunatiCK Cosmetics High Definition Microfinish Pressed Powder // I still haven't picked up their pallette yet, but I'm working on it. I've been through a couple pressed powders that I wasn't happy with, so why not pick up one that looks cool and has great reviews?

How are you gearing up for fall?


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