lucky bandit | RVA based lifestyle blog

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

thrift haul // books

Lately, I've been doing pretty good with the whole "for the LOVE OF GOD stop buying BOOKS" thing. Honestly, being a member of huge library system really helps. Instead of spending a dollar or two on books, I can just open up the library system's app and see if they have a copy.

That said, clearly, my willpower was on vacation today when I went thrifting. But that's okay, we all make mistakes. I hadn't intended to even look at the books, but my best friend and thrifting partner wasn't with me so I mosied on over and picked up Burnt Toast by Teri Hatcher first, because I've been watching Desperate Housewives lately. I've really been getting into sci-fi lately, so I snagged At Winter's End, which has many pages and very tiny font. I love a good thriller, so The Missing Girl was a random selection and The Plague Dogs, which sounds depressing, has been on my to-read list for a while now. I feel the need to explain Dark Places by Gillian Flynn a little. I absolutely did not like Gone Girl and I was not afraid to tell it. I thought it was written well but it was highly infuriating. However, I try not to let one book ruin my opinion of an author, so I picked this one up.

I'm only 24 books into my 50 of the reading challenge, so I really need to start chugging away on some of these.

These are all non-affiliate links from Thriftbooks, but if you'd like a discount just click here* and we both get one!


Katelyn Carter's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (currently-reading shelf)
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Tuesday, November 21, 2017

true food kitchen // mosaic district

Earlier this month, Jess and I had a girls' night and decided to try out True Food Kitchen in the Mosaic District. Since she's dairy free and I eat vegan, it was a great spot for both of us. It was a chilly night, but they had a great looking patio and the interior and atmosphere were great, though a tad crowded. True Food has a great philosophy about food and a rotating seasonal menu that we're going to be sure to check out.

I ordered the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl and Jess had the Butternut Squash Pizza. Everything tasted fresh and both dishes were delicious. My bowl was filling and had a great mix of veggies. I'm not a huge avocado fan (gasp) but it went really well with everything else. It was a really pleasant meal and I'll definitely be returning!

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Tuesday, October 24, 2017

link love


I love American Eagle's entire Tennessee Volunteers line*.

Show your support for wildlife folks in Texas working diligently to help save bats from White-nose Syndrome.

I'd like to try this fall brussels sprouts quinoa salad.

Here's an interesting article about banana flavoring.

Guys!! There's a vegan loaf recipe generator.

I just discovered Blackbird Cosmetics and I really want to try the Dog Days and Atlas eyeshadows.

Ahh! Cookbook Village!! What! I'm eyeing this Hot and Spicy and Meatless cookbook.



Linda Xu
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Monday, October 23, 2017

jason // sea fresh strengthening toothpaste

I started using more natural toothpastes a few years ago and except for the occasional sample I somehow still receive, I've stuck with them. A while back I picked up Jason's Power Smile Gel Toothpaste and liked it, so when I started running low I went back to Marshall's and found this little tube of Sea Fresh Strengthening Toothpaste.

The great thing about Jason toothpastes? They promise no sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, no preservatives, no artificial colors, no artificial sweeteners, no saccharin, no propylene glycol, no gluten. Holy moly. Not only do they not have all of those nasties, they're cruelty free and vegan!

Now onto the actual review:

I've been enjoying this toothpaste. Not like brouhaha partying enjoy, but I like the consistency and taste. It's got a tiny smidge of stickiness, but I think it helps it feels like it's working, and as a paste compared to a gel it foams and cleans a little better.

A problem I've had with more natural toothpastes in the past is that I don't feel my mouth is fresh enough. This one though? Minty fresh!

I think I'm going to keep this as my go to toothpaste. You can try it yourself on Amazon, iHerb*, and VeganEssentials.



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Friday, October 20, 2017

mini e.l.f. haul

Last week I took advantage of e.l.f.'s one day offering of free shipping and picked up the Moisturizing Foundation Stick in Ivory and the All Over Cover Stick in Apricot Beige. I've been growing more bored with my cream foundations, so I thought I'd try something new.
This was my first time trying a stick foundation and I have to say I expected it to be a lot drier. This foundation spread well, is buildable, and clearly has moisturizing tendencies. The cover stick was creamy and I think it'll work well on my undereyes.

Have you tried anything from e.l.f. lately? If not, join the Beauty Squad and use this  $5 coupon*!

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