Home Teeth Whitening for Coffee Addicts - Smile Brilliant

Hello everyone!
Hope you are having a great week so far, and hope it is a positive and peaceful one!
Today I wanted to share with you a review of a home teeth whitening kit that I've done and tested, with great results! I am a coffee addict, as every grad student is, and my teeth have gotten super stained. I used to drink only one cup of coffee a day but as I am in my 6th and final year, I have upped it to 2-3 cups a day...so you can only imagine the consequences on my teeth! So if your question is, does coffee stain your teeth, the answer is a big resounding YES. As a blogger and one who likes to take photos and selfies, yellow teeth can be a turn off. I was noticing my teeth were getting pretty yellow, and within the few weeks of starting the kit to when I actually started whitening, my teeth got so much more yellow, it was astounding!

I have tried other at home whitening kits, like the white strips, but my teeth and gums are always too sensitive, and I end up super uncomfortable. I did look around at the different options for teeth whitening - here are some tips for things you should know before buying a certain kit (here).

I came across the Smile Brilliant Home teeth whitening kit, and I was sent a whole kit to test out!
I was really excited to get started, mainly because it seemed to be everything that was provided at my dentist, but much more affordable and could do it in the comfort of my own home. I don't have much time to be running to dentist appointments every other day, and I can't afford the expensive treatments they offer! In addition, they say its perfect for people with sensitive teeth, since they offer a desensitizing gel with their treatment to sooth your teeth. I did do some research on their services, and found some tips and causes for tooth sensitivity, that you can read about here.

When I received the kit, it was complete with everything I needed - base and catalyst putty along with the impression trays, to create my custom whitening trays (score! its seriously like the dentist protocol!). They even had a postage prepaid envelope to send back the impressions once they hardened! The kit also came with three syringes of whitening gel and three syringes of desensitizing gel!

2016 Reflections - The Year of Travel and Self Love

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year and Holiday Season!

I just got back from my trip to Jordan, and I had an amazing time! If you wanted to see my travel photos, take a look at my instagram (instagram.com/phd_fashionista). I will hopefully be doing a travel post soon featuring my highlights and also a video of some things :) 

Meal Reflections and My New Hobby - Cooking Video Review with Blue Apron

Hey guys! Since I've been on a more healthy kick and really focused on my fitness, I have been really into cooking my own meals. Ive found that my stomach doesn't respond well at all anymore to processed and outside foods. Every time lately when I eat out with friends or get take out, I'm left with a very unhappy stomach.

With a little extra work, I've been able to find a meal plan and delicious recipes that work, and all are made by ME, so I know every ingredient and what exactly goes into my meals! I have been following this color coded portion control meal plan, which has done wonders for me in keeping balanced macros and correct portions. Pairing up following the meal plan with my workout programs, I've seen greatly reduced bloat, feeling great, and great results. On thanksgiving I didn't have a traditional Turkey meal, but instead had a really delicious Middle Eastern meal, and it was AMAZING. Although, I did feel sick after having my third slice of pumpkin cheese cake and my third glass of wine... I had a lot of Rice, carbs, and the other night at dinner I had way too much bread. After eliminating certain things like dairy and bread from my normal diet (not completely, but just very much smaller portions), now when I overeat these things, my body has a reaction. I never realized how your body can change and react to things you used to normally eat!

Holiday Gift Guide with Minu Jewels!

Hello loves!

Happy Friday! Are any of you shopping today for Black Friday deals?  I can't believe its already almost the end of November, and thanksgiving has come and gone! Now to the December holidays and the new year!

I am trying my best to not spend money, as I am on a graduate student budget and my credit card bills and utilities are through the roof, and I have to save money for my upcoming trip, but a girl can dream right?? So making a wishlist/gift guide is what I am doing instead!

I am gearing up for a trip to visit my boyfriend's family in two weeks, and I am flying to Jordan, my first time in the middle east! I am really excited because it is the first time I have ever not spent Christmas time with my family, but it will be worth it to explore new things and places! My wanderlust bug is in full effect!! And what better way to prep for a trip to the middle east than by indulging in some mediterranean inspired jewelry from Minu Jewels. 

I was introduced to this brand by my good friend Chantal from Boyajian Trend Gallery, who curated a selection of jewelry from various designers, including Minu Jewels. I instantly fell in love with the various collections, handmade by the designer herself, Mina. And those of you who have been following me from the start, know about how much I LOVE statement jewelry and pieces; it is part of my identity at this point.

Here are some of my picks, for those of you who need gift ideas for that special fashionista, and not quite sure what to get. These are so pretty and fashionable, excellent statement pieces for any occasion, even wearing to the lab! 

           

STATEMENT NECKLACES
Tye Necklace	Turquoise Slice	Egyptian Turquoise Necklace
Rasha Necklace	Felisa Necklace	Bedouin Turquoise Necklace
Hala Necklace	Daria Necklace	Druzy Necklace

Fabulous Accessories for the Holidays - Accessorize with Montana Silversmiths

Hello!
Happy Thanksgiving! Here in the US this week is all about giving thanks, and appreciating what you have. And more importantly, its about taking some much needed time off from the lab!
I just finished some long days/late nights of just writing writing writing, and sent off a final draft to my labmates for revisions before sending off to the journal for *hopefully* acceptance for publication! So I left lab early on this pre-Thanksgiving afternoon, and I jumped right on to get some blog posts written for you that I have lined up!
I have a small holiday wishlist, and a lot of those things on my list are accessories, and pieces I can match with clothing and outfits I already own. A great way to spice up your outfits is by adding some extra bling and pizzazz with your accessories, including earrings and necklaces!
I am a big lover of dangly and sparkly earrings, in addition to pendant necklaces, so when I discovered Montana Silversmiths Jewelry, I was a huge fan of their selection of really pretty pieces. They have a lot of timeless, classy earrings and necklaces, and it was hard just choosing a few to style!
Here are a few of their pieces I was sent to style, and they are my favorite! I fell in love, and they are super affordable and great quality pieces that will last.

First, I styled these Retro Flair Open Fan Earrings with a casual outfit I wore to the lab, and they were super pretty and stylish. In addition, because they had some bling on them, they really stood out in contrast with my dark hair!