At Home Teeth Whitening: Does it Work? A Coffee Addict Gives it a Go + A Giveaway!

Posted in Beauty, Lifestyle by definingdanie

There are always trends in the beauty space– whether it’s face masks, new hair products or other beauty products, but one thing that will never go out of style are white teeth. I’ve seen a lot of products come up recently with various lights, strips, etc., but I think none of those are customized just for your mouth/teeth the way Smile Brilliant is.

Being the coffee addict that I am, I was immediately excited about the idea that I would have whiter teeth.

Like I said, Smile Brilliant really knows how to customize products for you, and the customer service is superb! A few months back, they sent me the box full of everything I would need for the whitening process. I was a little overwhelmed when I opened the package, but immediately was eased by the how-to photos!

It started with making a mold that was then sent back to smile brilliant to create my molds where I’d put the whitening gels in.

Once the customized molds came back, it took me a few days to get going because I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to drink anything cold after the whitening processes, but this unique process is great because it includes a de-sensitivity gel that can be used after the whitening process!!! I’ve used other whitening strips before, and none of them included ANYTHING like this! I was over the moon with this. I had zero sensitivity throughout this whole process. The only part of the process that wasn’t my favorite was a couple of times I had white spots on my teeth for a few hours after the process, but they disappeared and didn’t come back until the next whitening session!

With my busy work schedule, I found it difficult to come home (sometime around 9 p.m.) and whiten after work, but I think that would be the best time to do it to minimize any re-staining. I honestly whitened on my way to work each time! That’s the beauty of Smile Brilliant– you can do it anywhere, any time! Last weekend, I whitened on my way home from a wine tasting. #Winning

It worked for me, but I did experience a little bit of some re-staining here and there because I would drink coffee when I got to work, but the re-staining was no where near the yellow I once had.

Here are my before pictures (also I somehow have an odd shaped mouth, and it was hard for me to smile with all of my teeth, so please don’t laugh!! haha)

Before wine tasting last week, I wanted to take an after picture! I noticed some great results — especially towards the tops of my teeth towards my gums.

I love the unique experience that Smile Brilliant is able to offer their customers because of the customized molds, and they do it for a fraction of the price that you’d get at a dentists office.

Summer is the perfect time to start your whitening process. Smile Brilliant is so kind, and are working with me to gift one of YOU a free whitening kit (valued at $149!!).

If you are interested in entering for your chance to win a FREE KIT, you can enter HERE!! You can also head to their website for 15% off store-wide code using the code: definingdanie15

Tooth Whitening Gel

This post was sponsored by Smile Brilliant but all opinions are my own.

26Feb2019

Unique Wood Watches: A Gorgeous Conversational Piece + $100 Giveaway

Posted in Fashion by definingdanie

When it comes to watches, I look for more than one that can just tell me the time – I look for a piece of art. The materials of a watch and the meaning behind them can really alter the reason I choose a certain one! I have been wearing the same watch for the past four years because I haven’t found another one that “sparked joy” for me.

I always see the same type of watches over and over – nowadays it’s either an Apple Watch (but they do make bands for your Apple watch) or a metal watch that looks just like the rest out there. You don’t really see watch companies entering the sustainability realm yet – except for Jord (pronounced like Yode). Their watches are crafted using beautiful reclaimed woods that range from bamboo to sandalwood to purpleheart, just to name a few.

I was able to work with Jord to find a watch that not only “sparked joy” for me, but also fits me incredibly. A lot of times watches don’t sit in the correct place on my wrist or they will be too tight, but Jord sent me the Frankie style, and it fits me perfectly. The Frankie has a nice larger face without having too thick of a band, giving it that feminine feel.

My favorite thing about the watch is definitely the color. You all know that I am a #colorenthusiast, so when I first heard the watches were wood, I wasn’t sure that this would be the right collaboration for me, but when I saw this purpleheart and plum watch, my heart skipped a beat. Jord does an impeccable job of giving you the backstory of your watch. I learned the purple color of the watch is natural from the purpleheart wood!

The watch I’ve been wearing for close to five years is gold and has a beautiful face – but sometimes I just need a little something “extra” and this hits the nail on the head.

If I were to go for a different style at Jord, I would 100% get the new Cora Polaris. This watch combines beautiful woods and Swarovski diamonds.

More about Jord:

A company that has the desire to change the world will always be a win in my book, but a company that also offers free worldwide shipping while sustaining their mission is a game changer!

Jord will also work with you to ensure your watch fits you perfectly and they have additional options for customizations (think mixing woods + engraving!). One more bonus: your watch comes with a year-long warranty.

Are you intrigued yet? Good, now here is your chance to win one!

I hope after almost five years of blogging, you all know that I only collaborate with companies that I truly believe in, so I want you to have the chance to win $100 off a Jord watch!

You can enter here: www.jordwatches.com/g/definingdanie

Giveaway Details:

The winner will receive a $100 gift code to go towards your watch purchase (this covers almost the full cost of a watch!)
Everyone who enters will receive a 10% off gift code in their email!!
The winner will be emailed in a month when the contest is concluded
I will be in touch throughout the giveaway to update you on the progress
All you have to do is enter here: www.jordwatches.com/g/definingdanie

Can’t wait to see which one of you babes win!

This post was sponsored by Jord, but all opinions are my own.

18Feb2019

How to Throw The Perfect Bachelor Watch Party with your Gals!

Posted in DIY, Lifestyle by definingdanie

My friends and I are taking this season of The Bachelor really seriously! We even have a bracket – where the winner gets a prize. We get together almost every week and watch (gawk) at the screen over which woman we think Colton is going to pick. (I think he is going to pick Cassie… who do you think he’s going to pick?)

I threw my friends the ultimate “Bachelor Watch Party” and I want to share it with you, so you can also throw the perfect evening with your gal pals! This party would be perfect for the Final Rose ceremony in April!

Grab your roses and your rosé and let’s have a Bachelor Watch Party!

I gave all of my friends a yellow rose because it represents the color of friendship!

Our Shirts!

I hopped right onto Etsy and found this amazing shop called Simply Sage Market. The shop owner is so creative and was so thoughtful and gifted us a few of shirts! I love that we all got different colors!

Colors from left to right: Olive, Red, Seafoam and Blush. Not pictured: We also ordered one in Mauve, but my friend couldn’t make it to my party anymore!

I love that I purchased the red because it’s the classic rose color!

The Decor

I wanted to include the classic “rose” in my theme for the evening, but also wanted to spice it up so it wasn’t just the red roses!

Every event in my opinion needs that ‘Gram moment, so I picked up a piece of garland at Michael’s Craft store that already had pink and white flowers scattered through it, and I just added fake red stem roses through it! I taped the roses so they wouldn’t fall through.

I personally really liked that the stems were sticking though, but if you don’t love that look, you can pull the roses off of the top and hot glue them to your garland!

Similar Garland

I dressed up my bar cart with a “Will you accept this rosé?” sign and a few bottles of rosé.

Bar Cart | Love Balloon | Plastic Champagne Flute| Face Vase

I took two frames and printed two signs – the one for the bar cart and one for the dessert section of my table! I also grabbed these white candles, because it wouldn’t be the fantasy “sweets” without candles!!

We then sprinkled red rose petals across the food table for some extra-ness. To spruce up the vase with the forks and straws, I threw in some fake red and pink roses!

Food

Fun fact: Did you know that the Bachelor/Bachelorettes and their dates can’t eat the food while on camera on their dates?! It always looks so good! I don’t know how they have that good of self control.

We set up a taco station and mini desserts area!

We included it all: meat for the tacos, hard + soft taco shells, diced onion and tomato, shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and salsa! But for your taco bar, make sure to choose your favorites!

For desserts, we had mini french macarons, mini cheesecakes with raspberries, and mini chocolate doughnuts! I picked up all of these mini desserts from Wegmans, and they were addictive!

On the table, I made sure to include red and yellow roses. Red because they are the classic Bachelor rose color and yellow because they represent friendship!

Pro tip: pick up your flowers at Trader Joe’s if you have one in your area! Their flowers are such a great price.

Games

I know games are the last thing we want to play when it comes to relationships…but if you want to include a fun game, I suggest this Bachelor Bingo from Etsy! It was actually a lot harder than we thought it would be– but it kept us really in-tune with the show!

So, will you accept this rose to throw you perfect Final Rose Ceremony watch party?

I hope this post inspires you to throw your ultimate Bachelor Watch party. Tag me @Definingdanie so I can see what you did for yours!

31Dec2018

2019…The Transformative Year

Posted in Lifestyle by definingdanie

I was just telling my mom that I was really excited for 2019 because I think odd years just tend to be better than even years. I was born in an odd year, graduated twice in odd years and for some reason, I feel more motivated in odd years (maybe I’ve had always had something to look forward to in odd years? I’m not sure.)

So why am I saying that 2019 is going to be transformative? I have set goals that are not only going to change my 2019, but hopefully will bring my happiness for the rest of my life.

1.Find my passion.

I have so many things that I care about and love, but I cannot seem to put my finger on one thing that I am passionate about. The other day, I asked on my IG Story “What makes Danie, Danie…” and I had so many great answers! You all really do seem to know my interests well, which warms my heart!

I saw a common theme of: Feminism, Fun nail art, bright colors, etc., so this year, I am on an adventure to find out my passion.

I am going to be signing up for classes in the spring for various topics such has “how to build a flower back drop” to try new things!

2. Feeling my best

Eating better – no diets where you can’t eat XYZ for X amount of days. Just plan old eat smaller portions and just make smarter decisions. This also include heading back to workout classes that brought me a lot of happiness last year. I also intend to try a few more types of workout classes! My first ones I want to get back into are barre classes and then Orange Theory!

While this really only hits on physical health, I want to also touch on mental health. I talk openly about struggling with anxiety. I started taking anti-anxiety medicine in April, but recently fell off track with that, and need to get back on track with that so I can be as healthy as possible!

In March, I had all of my vitamin levels tested, and I found out most of my levels were fine except a few: B12, Zinc and Magnesium. I plan on getting these levels to normal this year. I really want to feel my best in 2019. If you are interested in learning more about your vitamin levels, I really suggest visiting Nurti-Lounge in Georgetown!

3. Travel as often as possible.

There is not doubt about it- I am a wanderlust through and through. I daydream every day at work about where I want to visit in the world. I’ve traveled a lot, but with stating a full-time job, traveling fell lower on my priority list. I’ve realized that if I am not traveling regularly then I am not content in life.

It’s time to use my PTO to visit my top places I would like to go in 2019 — Italy, Portugal, and Palm Springs, CA.

4. Blog more.

I am setting an actual number goal rather than saying “I want to blog more.” I am going to try to start blogging once a week, like I used to! I have so many fun things to share with you all, and I feel so happy every time I press that publish button to share a new post with you.

My motto for 2019: Shine like a diamond!

How are you going to define your 2019? Please share you goals with me in the comments below or on my latest Instagram post @Definingdanie.

Happy New Year, Definers!

Photographer| @madisonrshort
Planner & Stylist | @thesentimentalfools
Venue | @baltimoremuseumofindustry

19Dec2018

How to Make the Perfect Cheese Board To Bring with you to your Holiday Get Together

Posted in Lifestyle by definingdanie

We’re less than a week away from a lot of the family holiday get-togethers that are going to occur! It’s always so stressful trying to pick and choose what you want to bring with you to a holiday party, so I decided to help you out with showing you how to make my favorite — a cheese board!

Now if you’re a Pinterest lover like I am…you’ve seen a ton of “how-tos” for how to create the perfect cheese board and it can be super intimidating. But the cheese board that I’ve created for you took me less than 15 minutes to put together…I actually did it on my lunch break at work!

Taking photos of the cheese board took more time than actually putting it together.

What did I include on my board?

Supplies needed:

Similar Cheese Board (Similar one from Target)
Small Wooden Bowl (Also from Target) (for olives)
Similar silver Cheese knives (we’ve had ours forever, I am not sure where they are from)

I decided to choose 3 different kinds of cheese (All from Trader Joe’s):

I like to do a mix of 3 different kinds of cheese on my cheese board — one cheddar, one soft and one gouda. They tend to really be a hit with most people, so bringing these to a holiday party is IDEAL because everyone will be happy! This time I chose the following:

A cheddar/gruyere mix
Baked Lemon Ricotta (I had never heard of this, but it was a game-changer!)
If you cannot find this at your local store, I recommend going with a creamy Brie!
1000 Day Old Aged Gouda

What I paired with it:
(All from Trader Joe’s, except the grapes)

Greek Olives
Red Grapes
Mandarin Oranges
Pistachio Pomegranate Crakers
Sea Salt Pita Crackers
Rosemary Marcona Almonds
Nut and Fruit Honey (THIS STUFF IS AMAZING!!!!) If you cannot find this, I highly recommend a fig jam or raspberry preserves!

How to organize your plate:

I like to put one cheese on each side and one in the middle and then fill in the blank spots with the olives, crackers, etc., so there is basically no board showing. It looks like it takes a lot of work, but it’s really the small details that make it look that way!

For example, I put a few of the green leaves from the mandarin oranges in the middle to fill in the blanks from the crackers and I cut the gouda so it looked a little crumbly. It really gives it a nice touch.

I promise this board will NOT disappoint your family!

Happy Holidays!

21Nov2018

Items you MUST pick up at Old Navy’s Black Friday Sale

Posted in Fashion, Lifestyle by definingdanie

Hi all of my lovely readers!

Can you believe that it’s already Thanksgiving? You know that also means it’s time for Black Friday!!!!

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I am high-key obsessed with Old Navy and I promise that you can find me at Old Navy tomorrow night after dinner. I’ve already picked up some items during some the stores “pre-Black Friday” sales that I think you should also pick up!

From one of my favorite people (aka the Store Manager at the Waugh Chapel Old Navy), I learned that the ENTIRE store is 50%, cozy socks are $1 and they are open at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving! If you are out and about on Saturday and are looking for even more great sales at ON, pajama bottoms are going to be only $5! You just seriously can always find a win at ON.

Here are the items that I think you should pick up this Black Friday:

Sherpa Coat with faux suede lining

This jacket comes in both plus size and straight sizes. I am wearing a plus size 3x. It fits well, and can definitely fit sweaters underneath. I paired this with my favorite sweater that ON came out with this winter and my favorite ON plaid scarf from last winter. You can find similar scarf here.

Perfect Sweater

I said that the sweater that I am wearing above is my favorite sweater that ON produced this winter, and one of the reasons is because it comes in four different color options! I purchased three out of the four. This is seriously the most comfortable sweater you will find this winter. I am wearing a straight size XXL. The jeans that I am wearing are the plus size high-rise Rockstar Jeggings. You will feel like a total babe in these! They are comfy, supportive and all around amazing.

Earrings: Kate Spade
Similar shoes: Express

Boho Chic Shirt and Fringe Jeans

Boho chic anything will get me every time! When I saw this shirt in store, I was a little worried that the color wouldn’t be great on me because of my blonde hair, but the minute I tried it on, I was obsessed! The pleated long sleeves and the cut make this shirt versatile — you could wear this dressed up or down! I chose to pair this shirt with my favorite ON jeans from their winter 2017 collection.

The Floral Velvet Holiday Jumpsuit + Sparkley Heels

This jumpsuit gives me L I F E!!! When I saw this online, I didn’t even look at the price before purchasing! I knew I had to grab this for my work holiday party. I am wearing a size XXL! When I was in the store last week, I also came across these heels, so I tried them on in-store…but their 10 didn’t fit me, so I purchased an 11!

I hope that you love these looks as much as I do, and I cannot wait to go to ON tomorrow evening! Let me know what you pick up from ON this Black Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

15Sep2018

Macy’s Backstage, the Place to Look for Your Fall Fashion this Year + A Giveaway

Posted in Fashion, Lifestyle by definingdanie

Can you believe that in just one week it is going to be fall? Summer always goes by way too quickly for my liking, but I do also love the fall, especially for the fashion.

I have been looking around various stores to see what some of the fall trends are that I want to rock this year, and I recently learned that Macy’s has a new outlet store called Macy’s Backstage! Think: TJ Maxx meets Home Goods and bam that’s Macy’s Backstage. They have the latest trends in all things fashion, beauty and even home decor.

I checked out the store at Annapolis Mall, and loved it so much that I am doing a giveaway with Macy’s Backstage, so you can see why I loved it so much. There will be two winners of a $50 gift card to Macy’s! You can enter on my Instagram at @Danieminor13.

Here are some of the looks that I was able to find during my shopping trip there:

I am loving texture and patterns for this fall, and I was able to find that. They also carry all size ranges at affordable prices, which I of course, appreciated. #entryleveljobballin
I bought 7 pieces for $150, which you cannot beat anywhere!

I love knowing that when I walk into a store, they are going to carry plus size clothing that is on trend!

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14Aug2018

Win an $800 Nordstrom Gift Card!

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle by definingdanie

NO, YOU ARE NOT DREAMING! You read that headline correctly! Yes, YOU can win an $800 Nordstrom gift card!

To see how to win, make sure you follow all the rules down below! All of the blogger babes that I’ve teamed up with are fabulous, and I cannot wait for you to get to know their blogs.

You can enter today starting at 12 pm ET through August 28 at midnight!

To kick off our last month of Summer, I’ve teamed up with a group of bloggers to give you
a chance to win an $800 Nordstrom Gift Card!

To enter: complete the steps in the rafflecopter below. The more steps you complete,
the more entries you receive, and the better your chance at winning!
This giveaway runs until Tuesday, August 28th at 12am PST

Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!
*this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Nordstrom.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I wish you all the BEST of luck! I cannot wait to see who the winner is!

18Apr2018

How to get that GLOW you’ve always been wanting! Two Bronzed Babes + Defining Danie

Posted in Beauty, Lifestyle by definingdanie

We all love that after-sun glow, but for some of us, going out and laying in the sun isn’t really an option.

And, for those lucky ones who can tan naturally without the awful burn first, what can you do to have beautifully tan skin without the hassle of having to head to the Islands? We can do spray tans! No…not the orange streaky tans that you are thinking of, but ones that look natural!

I had the opportunity to work with Beth, co-owner of Two Bronzed Babes Mobile Spray Tanning! She came to my house, and gave me a fantastic spray tan. It was such an incredible experience. We did the spray tan in perfect time for the Spring Gala I attended the next day for Planned Parenthood of Maryland.

To start the 30 minute mess-free process, Beth set up her at-home spray tan tent in my living room! We then talked about the correct shade for my natural skin tone, to ensure that I would not look too tan.

I was nervous at first because you do have to undress in front of someone you’ve just met, but Beth made sure that I felt comfortable in my own skin and was very professional! She has seen so many people, so I’m sure my body was not any different from anyone else.

As soon as we were done, I took this picture so that I could compare it to the next day to see how well the color developed!

The color developed really well- and if it’s your first time getting a spray tan do NOT worry because you are going to be dark but once you shower, you are going to GLOW! I have white sheets, and when I woke up, there was nothing on my sheets.

Here is a picture from the next evening after I showered! This tan came just in time for the gala I attended. This tan helped me feel so confident that evening!

The tan has also lasted on me so well. This weekend, I went to Philly and walked around for hours, and unlike other spray tans I have received, it did not bleed on to any of my clothing. The only place where the tan has not lasted well is my face. But, that is because I wash my face two times a day, and use cleansing wipes to remove my makeup!

Beth and her sister, Rachel, created this mobile spray tanning company after her sister got skin cancer. They both love the way they feel when they are tan, but knew they were going to need a healthier way of acquiring a tan rather than a tanning bed or laying out for hours in the sun!

Two Bronzed Babes can also help you achieve that summertime glow that you’ve been missing. Beth works in the Annapolis area and her sister is in the Pikesville area, but because they’re mobile, they will make the process so simple, and come to you!

They don’t only do one-on-ones, you can also book them for your next girl’s night! Think about how fun your next wine night can be!

Pro-tips:

No sweaty activities for at least 6 hours so the color develops well
Do a quick rinse off if you have work the next morning, but don’t do a full shower for 12 hours
Get yourself a foundation that will work for your new glow!

I cannot wait to book my next session with Beth! To book your first session, you can contact her at (301) 538-7184. To see pictures of others who have gotten sprayed by her, check her out on Instagram @bronzedbabebeth.

This post is sponsored by Two Bronzed Babes South. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Defining Danie possible!

7Mar2018

Celebrate International Women’s Day with advice from Women Owned Businesses of the DMV

Posted in Lifestyle by definingdanie

This International Women’s Day, I want to showcase some amazing women of the DMV. These women all own small businesses, but all have so much power to do good!

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and to celebrate, I have decided to only shop at women-owned businesses all day! You will be able to follow me throughout my day on Instagram stories @Danieminor13.

I was able to chat with all of the business owners about their businesses, advice for other women who want to start their own business and why International Women’s Day is important to them.
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