HARD TRUTHS

What a weird week it has been. Do you ever have moments or encounters that really make you think and reflect? I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a "feelings" person-- talking about them makes me feel uncomfortable and icky. I process things internally so the non-emotional Aquarius in me is screaming to shut the hell up right now! 

I also like to keep things pretty light on the blog AND I'm still a work in progress when it comes to these things. Whether it's through interactions, disappointments, ups and downs-- I'm still learning how to both handle them and how I respond. I've been thinking a lot on that these past few days-- this week has brought some experiences that have made me look at the actions of others as well as my own. That always brings up some "sentiments" or thoughts-- I wanted to share them with you for a few reasons: 

1- I like the idea of documenting/journaling these parts of my life. I keep a lot of notes and journal excerpts like this to remember the moment, my mindset, etc. and look back on them one day. They can serve as great reminders of what you've overcome or that you were just being a crazy b*tch!

2- Real talk- I'm still working to hold myself accountable on posting three times a week. With that, I've found myself trying to branch out and post new types of content. Long-term, my goal is to add more value on TKD than just beauty or outfit posts. 

3- We all go through all of it... let's try to deal together? 

4- They say writing it out helps. 

Also if you hate feelings too-- don't you worry. We're still keeping it light and very non-specific. Consider this a summarized, cliff notes version of an emotional week. General highlights with a three sentence conclusion at the end. 😜 I've reflected on my week so these are just some conclusive thoughts I have at the moment. Some came to me, some are commonly shared ideas I’ve revisited. Most aren’t exactly happy-go-lucky either. Sometimes it’s difficult accepting or even acknowledging the actions or character of others or yourself. The truths can be hard, but they can also be healing too. Here are some of the hard truths I’ve faced this week: 

• There is a fine line between offering grace and honoring your own self respect
• People often expect more from you than they want to give 
• Expecting to be treated how you treat others often leads to disappointment
• There are no perfect people, including yourself 
• While some may not value you beyond what you can offer them, you'll be surprised at the ones who do 
• Blood is almost always thicker than water 
• Risk is scary and exciting

I'll leave you with those for now. I think they serve as good reminders for those tough situations, especially ones involving others. It doesn’t always make facing adversity and disappointment any easier, however it helps with the coping. Have a great weekend!

THE BEST CASUAL EVERYDAY UNIFORM

Tee: Aerie [wearing a size small-- oversized!] | Jeans: Topshop [old, similar here + here] | Sunnies: Gucci [similar here + here] | Sandals: Rainbow | Star Necklace: Kendra Scott | Initial Necklace: LuluDK [old- similar here] | Earrings: Nordstrom [on sale right now!!] | Gloss: Fenty 

EVERYDAY UNIFORM INFO

Alright ya'll... I'm starting to realize maybe I need to branch out with these looks. I just don't think I'll ever get tired of a good tee and jeans moment, ya know? At this point it's pretty much my everyday uniform! The great thing is how versatile you can make this. I'm a casual gal so I usually opt for a sandal but this would easily work with a heel and a nice blazer or jacket! It's WAY too hot out here for that, though. The temps reached in the 80s today!

I've mentioned the tee I'm wearing a million times at this point. It checks all the boxes I need it to-- perfectly oversized, washed look, comfy + affordable. I won't keep boring you with the same spiel but you can find all the details in my New Favorite Basic Tee post here. They tend to go on and off sale a lot so I'd keep a watch on them (don't pay regular price!)-- right now they are 25% off here which makes them around $18! I have in several different colors, they are great staples. 

My jeans are an old pair of the Jamie's from Topshop-- I've had them for years but I did find this current/similar pair that look very close to mine. I really like that the new style only has distressing on the knees... thinking I might need to get them too. Just an FYI-- they are more of a jegging than a jean so the fabric hugs your body but is very flattering. My philosophy is always tight pants + a loose top! Has to be one or the other. Also wearing the best favorite sandals ever (check out my Spring & Summer Shoe Staples here) + my normal everyday jewelry. My earrings are these ear crawlers-- they look like you have several piercings in + are currently on major sale. I'll also link my star necklace here + a similar option for my initial necklace (old LuluDK). 

I hope you enjoyed this look! I'd love to know what more you'd like to see on here-- feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram. You can find me @TheKristenDiary :) 

I love sharing my style with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

START OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 4/26 - 5/2

Happy Monday, friends. It's the last week of April.... ya'll ready for the best memes of the year? They only come around once a year so let's all take a moment of silence to enjoy! 🤓

Thanks to Google for providing us with these gems!

Couldn't help myself! I don't know how many years these have been out now but they still make me laugh. I'll also be honest with you guys-- I've found myself needing a little bit of blog inspiration and creativity this week. That has zero to do with the memes but makes for a pretty nice transition into today's post, huh?

I wanted to share a "Start of the Week Thoughts" because I really enjoyed writing this End of the Week Thoughts post a few weeks back. A lot of the beauty + style posts I create require a lot of preparation with photos, graphics, etc. Those are some of my favorite things to do, however sometimes it's also nice being able to just write it all out. 

Back to finding myself struggle with what to create and share on here. I think my brain or the universe one is trying to test me. I recently shared in my Thoughts On 3 Months of Blogging post that in January I created a goal to consistently put up a new blog post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It's something I've always wanted to start and stick with. Since publishing my first post after setting this goal, I haven't missed one yet! That both scares and excites me... I'm almost afraid to even say it out loud. I know that sounds silly but if you read the post, you'll know it's a big deal for me! I don't want to be too repetitive so I'll link it here if you want to read more.

For me the expectation to keep going is what's scary and exciting. Sharing content with you all, being creative and also working on this goal is fun and motivating. Because I've always struggled with it, not being consistent feels like giving up or failing to me. I think that's why I'm afraid to miss a post-- if I do I might just stop posting all together. That's scary! I'm sure a day will come in the future where I'll inevitably miss one, I'm just hoping it won't be for awhile. I'm trying to challenge and hold myself accountable. One time I read that the more you do, the more confident you become. I think that has to be true-- if you do something once, surely you can do it again? If we just keep repeating that, in theory we should be able to keep on going. Definitely easier said than done, though!

I feel like I'm being tested on this because I'm finding it more and more difficult to come up with post ideas that I'm both proud of and that I think you all would enjoy reading. I'm going to try to work this week on writing out some ideas and planning out a schedule. I've found planning in advance to be a huge help-- highly recommend if you struggle with where to start, getting things done or staying organize. It always helps me to write things down and make lists. Hopefully I can get the creative juices flowing!

Since we're on the topic of this week, here are a few of my other weekly to-dos:

• Wash + change sheets and bedding
• Catch up on budgeting + plan for May 
• Find an outfit for a bridal shower
• Finish + wrap bridal shower gift 

I'm excited for the week ahead but also already looking forward to the weekend! I have a bridal shower to attend on Sunday and my boyfriend and I should be having a movie night. The past few weekends we've been watching our way through the Fast & The Furious movies! I've seen them all (they are some of my faves!) but he hasn't. So far we've watched the first two. I'm looking forward to re-watching them all but can't wait to get through three and on to four-- I love Vin Diesel + the whole crew!

If you've made it to the end, thank you for reading and visiting the blog! Feel free to share how you feel about these chatty posts and what type of content you'd like to see more of. I hope you have a great week and we'll chat soon! 

WHAT I WANT TO READ | APRIL

Happy Friday! I thought I'd share a few new books with you that I've added on to my to-read list. I've been in the mood for something new that's personal growth, business or finance related. I love the guidance and motivation I always find in them! I'm also still trying to kick this never-ending reading slump-- I just can't seem to get out of it! Usually the self-help books or something romancey helps me out! PS- have you read anything great recently?

Girl On Fire | Cara Alywill Lebya 

Girl On Fire is a follow-up to the author's book Girl Code. It focuses on how women can create their own path on their own terms. Instead of waiting for someone else's permission or an opportunity to arise, go out and use your power to design it yourself. 

I love the bold direction and synopsis for this! Questioning where you're at in life and what path you're suppose to be on is something I think we all face. I deal with it constantly! I can't wait to pick this one up-- it sounds very empowering and inspirational. 

Where to purchase: Amazon | Wal-mart | eBay

Get Good with Money | Tiffany Aliche

This book is a brand new release by Tiffany Aliche, also known as the "Budgetnista." It provides ten steps to help build wealth, achieve financial security and also have peace of mind when it comes to your finances. 

I just learned about Tiffany from seeing her book on the new releases list, however I am always interested in learning new tips when it comes to money and finance. Since I'm not familiar with any of her other content, I'm excited to see her perspective and guidance on money. Do any of you follow her?

Where to purchase: Amazon | Wal-mart | eBay

Finish What You Start | Peter Hollins

This one is right up my alley! The premise is just what it says-- "Finishing What You Start." It's all about developing willpower and focus to help you achieve your goals.

My entire life I've struggled with procrastination and NOT finishing a lot of the things that I start. I've finally come to terms with this and it's something that I've now been working on! This book intrigues me because it shares a lot of the psychology and why behind this. It also outlines tactics to help overcome procrastination! 

Where to purchase: Amazon | Wal-mart | eBay

Those are my top three for now. I always have a long list but I'm trying to get my mojo back. Have you read any of these? If so- I would love to know your thoughts! 

I hope you have a fun, relaxing weekend!

SPRING & SUMMER SHOE STAPLES!

Alright literally the only thing I can think about right now is the "OMG SHOES" video....IYKYK. LOL. Anyways-- let's actually talk about some *good* shoes today. Who knows, we may all end up getting some too. 😆 OKAY, I'M DONE. I have a few pairs that are my go-tos every Spring + Summer. They're staples because they are easy to style and go with so much. You'll see I've definitely gotten my wear's worth out of a few of them over the years. I also just bought a new pair of slides that I'm pretty sure are gonna be a fave too so I had to include them! 

PSA-- they are all flats! We have no time for heels or wedges here! Haha, I actually love how they look I just can't them to work so it's usually sandals or sneaks for me. What do you wear more of?? 

SPRING & SUMMER SHOE STAPLES

Birkenstock Arizona Sandal

We'll start with the Birki's!! I always say this but I feel like you either love or hate them?!? Obviously I'm a fan-- they have their own signature vibe + style. They're very comfy and better for your feet too! I have the Arizona style in a few different colors that I pair with cutoffs, leggings and gym shorts. They're on the pricier side but should last you for years-- I've beaten mine up quite a bit and I think they still look really good considering!

Converse Chuck Taylor Low Top Sneaker 

Chucks are always a classic-- for some reason I love them during the warmer months! Maybe because they aren't that warm, haha?? I usually wear them with my "edgy" looks-- graphics, distressed tees, etc. I have a white pair + a black which give completely different looks. The white is a little more clean/feminine and the black can go more edgy/cool (especially if a lil' dirty!). I paired the white ones with a dress in this look and the black ones with a graphic tee here. Which do you think look better? 

adidas Adilette Comfort Slide Sandal 

Okay these are funny because I don't really like rubber slides-- I am a leather sandals girl. Ya'll will laugh but I bought these for the rain. Totally that person who babies their shoes when the weather is bad... I don't want to mess them up, lol! That usually leaves sneakers as my only option but sometimes it's too hot for that or they don't work with my outfit. I went for the adidas Adilette because everyone said they're super comfy and they aren't too expensive. Lots of color options too!

adidas Swift Run X Sneaker 

I live in these-- I seriously wear almost every single day. A few years ago you couldn't catch me in sneakers... I never liked them, haha. Times have changed because I'm now obsessed with the adidas Swift Runs. I never have to think about them-- since I wear leggings most days, they always look good. I have the older version but I'll link the new style here. I'll also say they are way cheaper than a lot of other sneakers out there! I have yet to find any worth paying $100+ for so I'm sticking with these!

Rainbow Narrow Strap Sandal

If I could only wear one sandal for the rest of my life it would have to be these. Rainbows are my forever love-- I think I've been wearing them since I was 12?? They are the best, simple leather flip-flop. Durable, comfy and they go with almost anything. Right now I have the skinny strap style but I've also had the wide strap too. They are around $50 and the quality is great-- I usually get 2-3 years out of a pair and then they start to look a little janky so I buy new ones. Sometimes I still keep the old ones though so I can wear them in the rain 😉

Tory Burch Miller Sandal

From the outside these are the odd man out but that's why I love them. They're a little bit more on the dressy side but I find they still work with what I like to wear! I usually will grab for them if I want to balance out something edgy like a graphic tee or ripped jeans OR if I need a little bit of a nicer looking sandal. You can wear them with so much-- dresses/skirts, jeans, shorts, swimsuits, etc. They were a splurge back when I bought them but still look great after the 4-5 years I've had them. 

Let's hope the weather stays nice enough to wear these-- we have a cold front coming through here! I heard several states have gotten snow this week so we may all be back in UGGs! 🤦‍♀️

THOUGHTS ON 3 MONTHS OF BLOGGING!

Today's post is an exciting one for me-- I've officially been blogging for three months here on TheKristenDiary.com! I say "officially" because this marks the first time that I've ever followed a consistent schedule with weekly postings. That may sound silly but it is a HUGE deal for me. Something that I've realized (even though I hate to admit it) is that I have terrible follow-through on a lot of things. My brain is always spinning with endless possibilities on things like how to read more books, be healthier, make more money, etc., etc. Wanting to do a million things AND being a perfectionist has kept me from accomplishing and doing a lot of the things I'd like to (even the simple ones!). 

PS-- I'm still obsessed with this look + the photos! The full look is in this post. 

Like a lot of other things, the blog has been on the back burner. I created it several years ago to share the things I love-- beauty, style, food, finance, and more. While I've posted here and there, I've never been present or consistent. A goal of mine this year is to work on my consistency and being intentional with my time. I've also been trying to focus more on doing and less on thinking. That brings us to this post! Since I've always wanted to post more on here, I made a goal in January to put up a new post three times a week for as long as I could. While I've been afraid to openly commit to posting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, this is my 13th week doing so!

Since January 18th I've put up forty new blog posts and have been a lot more active on my Instagram (@TheKristenDiary), Pinterest and Facebook! It's also crazy to me that I've put up seventy-five new instagram posts when previously I was lucky to post one or two a year. I know that these are very small numbers but it isn't really about them-- it's the consistency that's a huge deal for me!! Blogging has helped me to take action, even if only in small steps. I also feel a sense of confidence each time I publish a new post or I take a photo I'm proud of. I'm excited to keep posting and pushing myself to keep staying consistent. I have no idea what I'll keep posting or for how long-- right now I'm just trying to focus on one week at a time and then one blog post at a time. I also think it's nice to celebrate the small wins, it keeps ya going!

Connecting with a lot more of you over on IG stories has also been so much fun!! I love having this as a creative outlet to chat and I'm happy to have you here! I hope you're enjoying the posts-- I still struggle at times with what to write about. Taking photos of myself is also tricky at times but we're making it work! I can definitely feel myself stepping outside of my comfort zone and hopefully I'm growing and evolving. I know this is such a random topic to share but I thought maybe it would inspire you if you too struggle with doing things or starting somewhere. I don't think it's as important what it is you're doing or how, just more so that you're doing something. If there's something you want to do, why not try it out? I wish I was on the other side to tell you how to get there but I'm still figuring it out myself. 

Anywho, those are my Monday thoughts! I'm excited to see what the next three months brings us-- can you believe we're already over halfway through April??? So crazy!! 

10 THROWBACK MOVIES TO WATCH ON NETFLIX AND DISNEY+

I recently watched The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and it reminded me how much I still love the same feel good, coming-of-age chick flicks and comedies as my eight year old self. I don't know if it's nostalgia or having watched them all a million times but they never get old or feel "too kiddy" to watch! One of my favorite childhood memories was going to the movies. My parents took my sister and I almost every single Sunday and we always shared a large tub of popcorn and peanut m&ms! FYI-- THE BEST popcorn combo!! Don't even try me with your buncha crunch! 😜👌🏻🍿

With the way the world has changed, I'm grateful that we were able to go as often as we did. Fun fact-- I think I saw all but one of these movies in the theaters when they came out! Now it's super easy to stream at home-- I love that you can find both new movies and old. I rounded up a list of ten favorite throwbacks that are currently on Netflix or Disney+! These are all of my favorite childhood feel good ones, let me know which ones you've seen!

10 THROWBACK MOVIES ON NETFLIX AND DISNEY+

The Parent Trap (1998)

Little LiLo! I think can all agree that this is her greatest movie. Since I was four when this came out, I remember thinking she was one half of a Mary Kate & Ashley duo, haha. Can you imagine going to summer camp and finding out you have a long lost twin though?? I always loved Annie's London life and the fabulous Elizabeth James!! Has anyone out there not seen this? Please comment if so!! Such a classic, I need to watch again soon. 

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Ugh, this one. I don't think it became a favorite until maybe high school-- probably because it was more relatable then. It's a great romantic comedy about two high-school sisters that are complete opposites. It's humorous, a little quirky and has all the feels (Heath Ledger!!) and the romance. 

Legally Blonde (2001)

Elle Woods paved the way for us, ladies! Is there anyone who hasn't seen this one either? I feel silly summarizing them because I feel like most people have? The moral of the story is you can go from sorority girl to Harvard Law and prove all those b*tches wrong! Super cute, inspiring and funny. 

The Princess Diaries (2001) & The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Two of the best Disney movies, IMO. Somehow turning Mia, a normal fifteen year old high schooler into the Princess of an unknown country totally works and made me want to be one too. You have to watch both but the first is my favorite!

Bend it Like Beckham (2002) 

To say I was obsessed with this one is an understatement. I played soccer from elementary through high school so I loved this movie for years. Totally being real-- I have this one next on my list to watch, I've been anticipating it for weeks! There really weren't a ton of soccer movies out when I was younger and none that were like this. I love that it focuses on the sport as well as friendship, a lil' romance and family. It's a feel good for sure! 

Freaky Friday (2003)

Another LiLo but Jamie Lee Curtis is everything! She plays LiLo's mom and they can't see eye to eye on anything. After a freak accident (it's gotta be a little cheesy!), they end up switching bodies and becoming each other. Since they have contrasting personalities and their own lives, it's hilarious and very cute. I believe this one and The Parent trap are both remakes of older films! 

What a Girl Wants (2003)

Honestly any Amanda Bynes movie is a win. Right now, this and Sydney White on Amazon video are the only ones I could find that you don't have to rent. I love them all but What A Girl Wants is definitely in my top two. Having never known her dad, she takes off to London to find him. Coming from a simple life in NYC with her mom, she's thrown into his perfect, "high society" life. 

Ice Princess (2005)

I think everyone is sleeping on this one. I never hear anyone talk about it but it's always been one of my favorites. Another coming of age that's so cute-- I always wanted to figure skate when I was little (probably from this movie, hah!) so I still love this. Very feel good and cute. 

Accepted (2006) 

Watch this if you need some laughs! When you don't get accepted into college, why not start your own? A comedy with lots of shenanigans and goofy humor. 

17 Again (2009) 

I'll be honest-- totally forgot about this one until it was added to Netflix a few months ago. First off, hi Zac Efron. Second, it has a lot of quirky, makes you cringe but laugh funny moments. Chandler Bing makes an appearance too as Mike. He hates his life and after a freak accident (another cheesy moment), gets his younger sexy Zac Efron body back. He's still a forty-something dad which makes for all the awkward moments!

If you're a movie lover like me, how many of these have you seen? I don't keep up with as many new releases but I love all the throwbacks! We all need a little feel-good comedy and romance, right? Cheese included! If you have any oldie recs-- let me know!! 

POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME #OOTD

OUTFIT DETAILS

Tee: [wearing a size medium] | Shorts: Free People [wearing a size 27] | Shoes: Rainbow | Earrings: Target [similar pair] | Star Necklace: Kendra Scott | Initial Necklace: LuluDK [similar here] | Sunglasses: Prive Revaux

POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME #OOTD! 

What are your thoughts on black on black? I personally love an all black outfit! They are always sleek, super flattering and the color looks good on everyone. That's what we're working with in today's edgy spring #OOTD. I really like that both pieces are black but there's a lot of contrast + texture going on. Also are you a Def Leppard fan? Every time I hear Pour Some Sugar On Me now I always think of Rock of Ages. I love the oldies so the movie and soundtrack are right up my alley! 😝 

Alright this graphic tee is the coolest- rock girl Kristen and cat woman Kristen are obsessed. I think I've mentioned before that I love all of the big cats?? Seriously they are so fascinating, I would love to run with the cheetahs! Still crossing my fingers that one day I'll go on an African Safari! Until then, I'll just keep buying all the tees. The black on this one definitely pops with the leopard-- it's a bold and edgy statement piece. It's also very affordable too-- you can find it here for under $13! For size reference-- I went for a medium which is a little loose but not too oversized. I think a large would also work so depending on how you like it, you could go regular or size up! 

To keep things rocker chic I decided to wear black shorts but it would also be great with regular blue denim. Mine are these from Free People-- the wash is more of a faded black that gives them a vintage look. They're super comfy and have cute printed pockets that peek out. I also own them in this blue color which you can see me wearing in this outfit post. 

I kept the shoes simple with my rainbow sandals but added some braided gold hoops (similar), my star necklace for more rock vibes, an initial necklace (similar) and these Prive Revaux sunnies. 

What do you think of the look? Would you wear?

I love sharing my style with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

WHY YOU NEED TO OPEN A ROTH IRA NOW

Hi, friends! It’s been several weeks since my last “Money Monday” post so let's just get back to it! I've been excited to share these posts with you here on TheKristenDiary. As I've gotten into my *cringe* upper twenties, I've become a lot more invested (pun intended!) in improving my finances, planning for the future, etc. I am NOT a financial expert or investment advisor, however I've learned a lot from doing my own research. I'm hoping that by sharing what I've learned to improve my money game, it can help you to improve yours too!

WHY YOU NEED TO OPEN A ROTH IRA NOW

This week marks what is normally considered “tax week” in the financial world. April 15th is usually known as "tax day" or the cutoff for filing taxes in addition to making any retirement contributions for the previous year (in this case, 2020). Most of you are probably aware that this has now been postponed until May 17th thanks to Ms. Rona. Because we've been given this extra month, I wanted to chat about the importance of opening a ROTH IRA retirement account. 

One of the best financial decisions I've made within the past several years is opening and funding a ROTH IRA. If you're earning any income at all, you need to open a ROTH IRA now. I know it can feel crazy to think about retirement and saving money for forty or fifty years down the road, however the earlier you start the better. Retirement accounts offer the advantage known as compounding interest (continued growth on both your initial investment AND it's earned interest). It's definitely not as glamorous or exciting as it would be to just spend everything now but it pays to be both prepared and disciplined. Your future self will be glad you did!

WHAT IS A ROTH IRA RETIREMENT ACCOUNT? 

 Since it can be overwhelming if you're new to the game, let's break it down. A retirement account is a place to put your money where it can then be invested for long-term growth. It's similar to a savings account but there are some differences. Instead of earning a flat interest rate like you do in a savings account, your money is invested into the market (usually through stocks, index funds, mutual funds, etc.). This gives you the ability to grow and earn a lot more money than a savings account will, however it also adds some risk. There are no guarantees in the stock market and anything you invest, you always have the ability to lose. Despite the risk, the overall growth rate of the stock market for the last century has been right around 10% annually. While it can go up and down, most people see consistent, big returns over a long span of time. 

Retirement accounts also have more restrictions than savings accounts do. Because they are intended to build money for retirement, they are a lot harder to access and take money back out of. Most of them have penalties and limits on how much or when you can withdraw funds. There are also several different retirement accounts available, the most common ones being 401(K) plans, ROTH IRAs and Traditional IRAs (IRA = Individual Retirement Account). 

If you work for a large company, you might have the option to contribute to a 401(K) plan. If you're like me, you might not have this option but can still open either a ROTH IRA or a Traditional IRA (you can also do this in addition to a 401(K)). Unless you're in a high income bracket, a ROTH IRA is likely the best option as it's tax-exempt. This means that you fund it now with money you earn (and already pay taxes on) so you won't have to pay taxes on anything you earn and take out during retirement. 

WHO CAN OPEN A ROTH IRA? 

Anyone over the age of 18 can open a ROTH IRA that has a source of earned income. If you're under the age of 18, you can still have a parent open a custodial ROTH for you. There are some earned income limits in place. Your adjusted yearly gross income must be under $139,000 / $140,000 (2020, 2021) as an individual or $206,000 / $208,000 (2020, 2021) as married/joint filers. **If you earn over these income limits, you can still do what is known as a "Backdoor ROTH IRA." This is a little more complicated but can offer some advantages.** 

HOW DO I OPEN A ROTH IRA? 

Opening a ROTH IRA is simple and easy! To do so, you'll need to create an account with a brokerage firm such as Fidelity, TD Ameritrade or Charles Schwab. It is completely free to open an account and setup a ROTH IRA. There is also no minimum contribution requirement to open a ROTH IRA, however there are limits on how much you can contribute. Currently, you can contribute up to $6,000 per year ($7,000 if over the age of 50). I opened my brokerage account and ROTH IRA directly online. All you should have to do is sign up and link your bank account in order to start funding your ROTH. 

**Don't forget there are NO MINIMUMS required for a ROTH IRA. Even if you only have $1 to start, open one today and transfer that over! Every little bit helps!** 

HOW DO I INVEST WITH A ROTH IRA? 

After you setup a ROTH, in order to start growing your money you'll need to start investing. This can seem daunting, however with a little bit of research it is very simple. I currently invest in mutual funds -- funds that are made up of a variety of different stocks, bonds or other securities. This is a great, low maintenance way to invest your money. It allows you to diversity your investment into different companies that are managed by the fund. You can easily research funds to invest in and a lot of the brokerage companies offer their own lists to choose from. **One tip is to make sure you watch out for fees and loads.** Be sure to do some research or ask a financial expert/investment advisor for help! 

There's a lot of information when it comes to the investing world, however I tried to simplify the basics on ROTH IRAs. I too am still learning! Don't be afraid to do your own research or talk with someone who can help answer questions for you. It's also a great idea to check out a compounding interest calculator. This gives you an idea on the power of compounding interest and how you can turn X dollars today in XXXX dollars in the future. 

I wanted to get this post up with enough time left before May 17th! If you're able to open and fund an account before then, you still can contribute to your account for 2020. After the 17th, you'll only be able to do 2021. The more you can put in, the better. You'll also have the next year to add to 2021 so be sure to do 2020 first! **If you want to open an account but aren't sure where to start investing, you can still fund your account before the deadline. You can allow the funds to sit uninvested in a cash account which will give you credit for the contribution year without having to invest anything right away.** 

Hopefully this post is insightful and not too much information overload! Finance and investing can seem overwhelming at times but is easy enough to understand once you get started. Google can also be your best friend! 

I'd love to know some of your finance tips, let's chat on IG (@TheKristenDiary)!

Also read: 

How I Save Money Shopping

March Money To-Do List

Money Moves I'm Making in 2021

REVIEWING YASSO GREEK YOGURT BARS!

#TGIF! If you follow me on Instagram (@TheKristenDiary), it's no secret that I'm a huge foodie. I love alllllll of the snacks-- we're talking the good stuff that really isn't good for you (aren't those the best, though???). I'll always be a sucker for some Cheetos but it definitely makes things challenging when you're trying to be healthier. With summer coming up, I've been trying to cut back but most days I find myself wanting something sweet to munch on after dinner. My favorite ice creams are loaded in calories + sugar so I decided to pick up some Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars (spoiler alert-- we are reviewing them today!). 

I actually remember trying one out years ago (I'm pretty sure I liked it) but I never was a big at home ice cream person until the last few years. Fast forward to now, I'm a huge fan + I recently had the Yasso bars pop-up on my radar (thank you, IG!). If you're not familiar-- they are made from greek yogurt so they have a lot less calories and sugar than regular ice cream. I thought why not do a mini review on here? I want the blog to be a mix of everything I love-- including food, snacks, etc. Hopefully you all will like these posts too!

YASSO GREEK YOGURT BARS

I couldn't decide on just one so I decided to buy three different flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip + Dipped Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Crunch. I've had a few of each over the past few weeks... here's what I think!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: This one is SO yummy, I love it. It has a vanilla greek yogurt base with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough. The vanilla has a little bit of a tangy hint from the greek yogurt which I actually really like. I do feel like the cookie dough bites don't have as strong of a flavor (I notice the vanilla more) but they are still delicious! The texture on these is also very creamy. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip: I am a huge Reese's fan so I know the chocolate + peanut butter game. I'll be honest-- this one let me down just a little bit. They are still good and I enjoyed them, however they are more of a chocolate fudge bar with a very subtle salty/peanuty hint. I was definitely expecting more peanut butter chips and flavor. I will say that the bars in this box were a little frost bit and icy so that could have something to do with it? 

Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Crunch (Dipped): This one is another home run!! The sea salt caramel ice cream is covered in a crunchy dark chocolate shell which is so yummy. The yogurt has a rich, caramel flavor but is not sickeningly sweet or too overkill. I love the yogurt by itself and mixed with the shell. It is SO delicious, you definitely need to try this one!

I loved trying all three flavors and enjoyed them all! Obviously my two faves are the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and the Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Crunch! I definitely recommend those and will buy both again. While I liked the Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, I wasn't wowed. I don't think I'll repurchase it but I will try their Dipped Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch! For not being regular ice cream-- they're pretty damn good. I like the flavor and texture of the bars + that they are calorie friendly! These ones range from 100 calories (non-dipped) to 150 (dipped) which is amazing for the size of the bar and the taste. I found that Target had the best variety + selection of flavors so I ordered mine for pickup from there! 

A little blurry but a few snaps from my IG stories! (@TheKristenDiary) 

If you've tried the Yasso Bars before, what did you think? I want to know your favorite flavor!

I love sharing my reviews with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

FLAWLESS FOUNDATION ROUTINE

Let's talk makeup routines today!! Anyone else an all or nothing makeup person?? My saying is that I usually either wear a ton or I wear none! Lately I've been all about a flawless, full-coverage look. I have no qualms about going out without makeup but I definitely feel a boost of confidence when I rock this look! It's full-coverage so there are several steps but it's very easy to do! Eye makeup + brows on the other hand... a totally different story! 😜 I've broken down my routine into three different steps with everything I use + how I apply them. I'd also love to know what your foundation routine is like + what some of your favorite products are! Let a girl know! 

Tee: Aerie [wearing a size small] | Sunglasses: Quay | Earrings: Forever 21 [similar here] | Necklace: Kendra Scott 

FLAWLESS FOUNDATION ROUTINE 

STEP 1: PREP 

The key to a flawless, full-coverage looks starts with skincare! Prepping your face is not only great for your skin, it also helps makeup apply more smoothly and stay on better. Right now I'm testing out a few new skin products: the Agent Nateur Holi(Trinity) and the TATCHA Dewy Skin Cream. Sometimes I apply one or the other, sometimes I use both together. Afterwards, I add a face sunscreen for protection. My all-time favorite for everyday is this one-- it is tinted so it has zero white cast, blends in smoothly + has SPF 50. Pricey but worth the splurge! 

Next, I like to use this face primer. Primer is one of those things that is either a hit or a miss for me-- I have dry skin so I find a lot don't help much but this TATCHA one is a game changer! It is super smoothing and the texture is very creamy so it blends in like a dream. You also only need a little bit to cover your entire face!

STEP 2: BASE

When I want a flawless finish, I'll go in first (after primer) with this potted concealer. It's very full-coverage and great for spot treating redness, blemishes, etc. I'll dab it on these areas and then apply my foundation over it to blend everything in together. I use a BeautyBlender to do this step! My new fave foundation is this one from The Ordinary-- it's seriously SO GOOD and under $7! It's very full-coverage and long wearing. [I did a whole post on My Favorite Full-Coverage Foundations here.]

One step I ALWAYS do no matter what type of look or foundation/concealer I use is apply an under eye brightener. I use this product in the shade "Radiant Rose" which is the perfect peachy color to cancel out any discoloration or dark circles. I'll also apply a little above the tear ducts as well. It's one of my favorite products of all time-- I've been using it for years + keep repurchasing!

STEP 3: SET + SCULPT

Even with dry skin, I like to always set my foundation when using something full-coverage. This Hourglass Translucent Powder is what I'm currently using-- it's great for a quick set, baking + sculpting and to smooth out the skin for a flawless look! If I want to bake-- I'll use my BeautyBlender but sometimes I just dust it all over with this powder brush. The full-size is on the pricier side but it also comes in this mini-size! A great option if you want to try it out or spend a little bit less. 

For a flawless look I always bronze, blush + highlight. It helps to sculp the face + add dimension to an otherwise flat finish. The bronzer I use adds a subtle glow and if you're pale like me, the shade "Inda Sun" works really well. I recently fell back in love with NARS Orgasm which is still one of the best blushes + universally flattering colors out there. I use this blush brush! All of my go-to highlighters are now discontinued (RIP Becca Opal) but a similar option for a light golden, peachy tone like I wear is this one in shade "Afterglow." I'll link my highlighter brush here too. 

Don't forget to lock it all down with a setting spray! I have several that I love + alternate between. To add some hydration and a glow, I'll grab either this one or this one. To really lock things down, I'll use this one-- it's super long-wearing!

Hope you are having a great week! Woohoo for nice weather!

I love sharing my makeup routines with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

SLIP SILK PILLOWCASE, MASK + SCRUNCHIES! | FIRST IMPRESSIONS

A few months ago, I shared on Instagram (you can find me @TheKristenDiary) how I was trying out some of the SLIP Silk Products! I purchased some a few years ago and *shamefully* never took them out of their packaging. I'm working on using more of what I buy (and already own), so out they finally came! If you're new to silk beauty products, they are designed to be anti-aging for your skin and hair. SLIP is known for their popular Silk Pillowcase but they also sell scrunchies, headbands, sleep masks + more. I've been testing out the pillowcase, large scrunchies + sleep mask. Here are my first impressions! 

SLIP Silk Pillowcase

Let's start with the beloved silk pillowcase! This has to be the most popular SLIP product- it is constantly raved about by celebrities, bloggers and in customer reviews. What makes this pillowcase special is it's high-quality mulberry silk. The material is intended to help your hair + skin glide during sleep in order to to prevent creases, wrinkles and signs of aging caused from sleeping. It's also said to be less absorbent, meaning any skincare or hair products are less likely to come off and remain on you. 

My first impressions after using the pillowcase is that it does have a very smooth, slippery feel that is comfortable. When you lie down, it's very cooling and you can feel your face glide across the fabric. Is the pillowcase anti-aging? That's a little trivial to me because there isn't really a way to measure this. Wrinkles + signs of aging do not appear overnight but once they do, how can you really know whether you would have had more or less because of one particular product? I don't think there is really a way to know! Because it's comfortable and smooth, I have no plans to stop using! I am happy to reap any anti-aging benefits should they be working. I can't comment on the absorbency-- I've been to afraid to test getting product on it incase it left a stain on the fabric. They are $$$ so I don't want to mess it up, haha! It comes in several colors and Queen/Standard + King Size here.

SLIP Silk Sleep Mask

When I purchased the pillowcase, I picked up the matching sleep mask. This is also targeted to help with wrinkles + creasing. I'll be honest with you guys-- in the past I've tried wearing sleep masks and it never works out. To me it just feels weird to have something covering your face! I like the idea of them to help block out light and in this case, hopefully help with the creases/wrinkles. I've used this a few times but not enough to notice any benefits or differences. I've read some articles on how light can affect our sleeping so  I'd love to wear one consistently to see whether I noticed a change in my sleep. I also appreciate that it has the same silk fabric that is very light, soft + cooling. I'll try to use this one more but the last time I put it on, I woke up and it somehow ended up under my pillow! Lol! 

SLIP Silk Scrunchies 

Let's chat about the scrunchies! They're made from the same material and they come in the large size (what I have) and the skinny size. I like to use these at home but I don't think they're practical for me to wear everyday. While they're very gentle on the hair, they do not have as much grip or hold for my thick hair. After wearing for a bit, I feel my hair falling out of them. This is definitely a me/thick hair issue as I experience this with other hair bands too. I really appreciate how gentle they are and less damaging than a regular hair tie-- I will continue to wear + use at home. I've also heard you can wear them while sleeping. I may even try out the skinny ones to see if they're tighter-- I found this set that comes with both sizes if you're wanting to try them out! 

Also highly recommend the SLIP Silk Wash if you're going to purchase any silk items! It's super gentle and a great detergent to wash everything with. I'll link it here for you-- it's a little pricey but you need a tiny amount so it should last for forever! 

What are your thoughts on silk products? Have you used any or want to? Let me know below!  

I love sharing my first impressions with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

TATCHA DEWY SKIN UNBOXING | Skin Cream, Serum + Lip Balm

Happy Friday, you guys!! This week an order I placed for some TATCHA products came in so I thought we'd do a little unboxing. TATCHA is very pricey but they are a "clean" brand that uses good ingredients. I'm trying to purchase clean when I can so I bit the bullet when I found this special set for an incredible price-- the value is seriously so so good. PS-- this is NOT SPONSORED. I feel like sharing "a special deal" can come across or sound that way but it's just too good not to share! 

Skincare Kit | The Dewy Skin Cream | Serum Stick | Camellia Lip Balm 

The skincare kit comes with three FULL-SIZE products: The Dewy Skin Cream, Serum Stick + Camellia Gold Spun Lip Balm. It grabbed my attention because of the Dewy Skin Cream-- I've heard great reviews so I've been debating on purchasing it for awhile now! I also recently tried out a sample size and loved the results. I have very dry skin and it was very moisturizing + left my skin feeling super soft. The kit also includes their Serum Stick (helps target dryness + aging on the face) and their Camellia Gold Spun Lip Balm (a hydrating balm with a 23-k gold shimmer). 

I didn't have any intention of purchasing the Serum Stick or the Lip Balm but the value of the set was too good to pass up. The full size I was looking at in the Dewy Skin Cream is $68 but the kit comes with all three products for $87! While this is still not cheap by any means- if you were to purchase all three items separately it would cost you $146. I always like trying new products so I thought it was worth the extra $20 to get the other two!

It also has luxe packaging too which is always an added bonus! They came individually packaged in their own boxes and the containers feel very sturdy + nice. I'll link the TATCHA 3-Piece Kit here if you are interested in checking it out. Here's links to each individual product too: The Dewy Skin Cream, The Serum Stick + Camellia Gold Spun Lip Balm. I'm excited to start using them! Would you want to see a follow-up review? 

Have you tried out any TATCHA products? If so let me know which ones + your thoughts! 

I love sharing my beauty purchases with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)