Friday First Impressions


Happy Friday and Happy July! A workday stands between me and the lake for a relaxing Fourth of July weekend!! This Friday I thought it would be fun to share three new things and my first impressions on them. I got the idea from YouTube “first impression” videos and hopefully the next time I plan one of these out there will be a video to accompany it – but for now, pictures will have to do! 




Cold Brew Coffee //





I realize I’m so late to the game on cold brew coffee, but in my defense coffee was always too bitter for me. Someone told me that the coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period of time so it takes a lot of the bitterness away – does it ever!! I have had a cold brew coffee 3 times since Sunday and I’m hooked. Forget my usual latte, which this tastes eerily similar to – the cold brew has fewer calories than my usual latte! I picked up the vanilla sweet cream cold brew and didn’t add any sweeter – it was perfect! 



Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System //




When I received the Conture Kinetic Skin Toning system I was a little nervous – the only other real beauty device I’ve had is the clairsonic which as we all know is extremely easy to use, this seemed really hi-tech. Seeing the gadget first hand, the instruction manual and treatments included had me nervous – apparently for absolutely no good reason! I was so happy with how little instruction is actually needed to use the Conture system at home. Being able to have a spa-like experience without the poking and prodding at home for a fraction of the cost is amazing. 




The “user experience” if you will, is really intuitive like an Apple phone. It’s touch screen and very responsive. It comes with a USB adapter and charger, so it’s portable and very light. As for how your face feels when you start using the Conture – that’s pretty interesting. It’s a vacuum of sorts – so you feel the light pulling (like a sucking feeling) and you want to make sure that you don’t stay in one area for too long – you feel the pulses and moving upward with the serum it doesn’t pull on the area you are treating. With that being said – it’s painless and really easy to use! 


The starter kit comes with a serum that use every time you are using theConture Toning System and also an AM moisturizer and PM recovery cream. I was really impressed with the design of the bottles because they twist up to pump out the product, which doesn’t have a harsh scent. 




After repeated use, the Conture System is supposed to deliver younger looking and glowing skin. After just a few uses I can say that I can see my skin glowing. As for the true results – I’ll be doing a follow-up post of the Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System on the areas that I’m most interested in seeing a change in – my neck and forehead. I’ll of course be using it all over my face, but I feel like those are the two areas where I will see results the best. If you’re interested in trying out the system or any of the Conture products you can use the code “BLovedBoston20” for 20% off the entire website. 



Thumbtack




This website / app was a random find for me and apparently I’m late to the party on this one as well since they have been around since 2014. While searching for a carpet cleaning service, I stumbled across Thumbtack. Available in all 50 states, you simply tell explain the service that you need, companies that are registered with thumbtack reply back with their prices and you choose who you want to hire. It’s a mix of Uber & Angies list. Within 30 minutes of putting in my needed service, I had 7 replies with people / companies prices. There are reviews for companies / users & you can do the hiring via the app. They have Home, Event, Lessons, Wellness and Wedding Categories and within each it goes into detail for a handy man or interior design all the way to a wedding officiant or life coaching. It seems like you can find just about anything on the app – but after our first experience I will definitely being using them again.  It basically does the google searching for you!  






Have you tried any of these things before? Did you have the same first impressions? Hope you have an amazing holiday weekend! 




The Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System was sent for free in exchange for an review. All opinions are 100% my own. 


Main image via


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61 Comments

  1. Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
    July 1, 2016 / 11:30 am

    That first picture looks like the perfect scene! I would love to go sit there right now! Cold brew is the best! I make my own or I buy Chameleon cold brew at the store. Starbucks has a pretty good one too! So great for summer! Have a great 4th!!

  2. a little bit of emily
    July 1, 2016 / 11:46 am

    The thumbtack app sounds super handy! Hope you have a great time at the lake!

  3. Anonymous
    July 1, 2016 / 12:03 pm

    Have a wonderful weekend. Love that you tried a cold brewed coffee 🙂 they are so yummy !

  4. Jenn
    July 1, 2016 / 12:07 pm

    I hadn't heard of Thumbtack before either. Sounds awesome tho! Yay for yummy coffee and at-home treatments. But an even bigger yay for a weekend at the lake! Twinning again! 🙂

  5. Andrea Nine
    July 1, 2016 / 12:12 pm

    Well, I am clearly behind as I did not know about the cold brew either! Going to try! That lake is looking mighty inviting!! Have the BEST 4th full of fun, laughter and all things beautiful…like you!!

  6. Katie @ Champagne and Suitcases
    July 1, 2016 / 12:26 pm

    Just now having iced coffee? Girl! It is seriously my favorite especially on those hot/humid walks to work. I pretty much drink it year around even in the winter when i'm getting ready and want coffee but don't want the warmth of it, have a great weekend!

  7. Blaire Bingham
    July 1, 2016 / 12:49 pm

    I can't wait to see your follow up review of the Contour system, especially since it's so easy to use. Have an amazing weekend at the Lake, and Happy Fourth of July!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  8. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style Blog
    July 1, 2016 / 12:50 pm

    I'm more of a tea girl but I have an iced coffee once in awhile. So good! That Conture system sounds amazing. I'll have to check it out! Have a wonderful 4th!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

  9. Lizzie @ This Happy Life
    July 1, 2016 / 1:02 pm

    I've heard of thumbtack but didn't know that's how it worked! Totally downloading it now. Have a great weekend, girl!

  10. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    July 1, 2016 / 1:04 pm

    That thumbtack app sounds so cool & definitely sounds like something that I need to check out a little more. Hope you have a great 4th of July weekend!

  11. Rachel McCarthy
    July 1, 2016 / 1:38 pm

    Cold brew is SO delicious! And so refreshing in the summer. I haven't tried the cold brew with the sweet vanilla cream yet, I will definitely have to check it out! Have a wonderful Fourth, Biana!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  12. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    July 1, 2016 / 2:05 pm

    Thumbtack sounds awesome–especially since we moved into our new house! I feel like it would be super handy! Have a wonderful 4th weekend girly!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  13. Straight A Style
    July 1, 2016 / 2:11 pm

    I love cold brew coffee! We often make it at home with the Toddy's cold brew system (inexpensive and so easy!). Need to check out that app.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  14. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    July 1, 2016 / 2:12 pm

    I wasn't sure what the difference between cold brew coffee and iced coffee so I'm glad you explained! I love drinking mocas or fraps, so knowing that the bitterness isn't so pronounced in cold brew makes me want to try it now! It would definitely lower the calorie amount of my normal coffee drinks since I can't just drink it black! Have a great weekend!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  15. kerri @ cheshire kat
    July 1, 2016 / 2:28 pm

    yay for cold brew! i make it all the time and it's really the best. def no bitterness from the "cold brewing" effect 🙂 and that kinetic system looks cool! keep us posted on how it works in the long run!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  16. Pink and Fabulous
    July 1, 2016 / 2:29 pm

    I love the idea of that app! I need to download immediately because I hate having to call people and wait for responses back. Cold brew is life changing, right? I personally think that the in-store ones taste much better than the ones you buy for at home. It's a good addiction 😉 Hope you have a blast at the lake! XO

  17. Unknown
    July 1, 2016 / 2:32 pm

    That skin toning system you were sent sounds amazing! And to be completely honest, I still don't really know the difference between a cold brew and an iced coffee haha!

    thecourtneydiaries.com

  18. Kate at Green Fashionista
    July 1, 2016 / 2:40 pm

    Yayyyy for cold brew – always my go to order now at Starbucks. I usually have them add skim milk and 2 pumps of hazelnut or vanilla. I need to try the sweet cream now! I've been loving the Conture too, so easy to use and it provides amazing results. Happy Friday gurlie and enjoy the holiday weekend at the lake <3
    Green Fashionista

  19. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    July 1, 2016 / 2:41 pm

    I just tried cold brew coffee and it's so yummy! It's so much less acidic tasting. I've never heard of Thumbtack but I'm definitely going to have to check it out! Happy Friday love! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  20. Sierra @ Beautifully Candid
    July 1, 2016 / 2:49 pm

    Happy Friday and hooray for long weekends! I am definitely going to look into that app. I'm so far behind the eight ball with things like that. Have the best time ever at the lake! xo
    Beautifully Candid

  21. Emelia at Dream Big & Buy the Shoes
    July 1, 2016 / 2:55 pm

    I was nervous to try a cold brew, but now I'm going to because you've convinced me. YUM! Thumbtack sounds awesome, I'll definitely have to check that out. Enjoy your long weekend Biana, XO!

  22. The Fashion Folks
    July 1, 2016 / 3:10 pm

    Cold brew coffee is just so delicious!! Have a lovely weekend! Xx

    thefashionfolks.com

  23. Marie
    July 1, 2016 / 3:22 pm

    I'm a huge fan of cold brew!!! Once you start drinking it, it's hard to have regular iced coffee. Hope you have a wonderful weekend on the Lake.

  24. The Lowcountry Mama
    July 1, 2016 / 3:29 pm

    I love cold brew coffee too! I want to make my own maybe I'll try this weekend. Have an amazing 4th!

  25. Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost
    July 1, 2016 / 3:33 pm

    All of these sound great! Can't wait to see what you think long term of the Conture product!
    Kelsey
    thepeacockroost.com

  26. Candace Hampton
    July 1, 2016 / 3:39 pm

    I've used thumbtack on the buyer and seller side. Seller side sucks because that $2 a pop can add up quickly with no business. I found a photographer on the buyer side that turned out not being so great. I guess it's hit or miss like with anything else. Thanks for sharing these!

    thebeautybeau.com/gone-tanning/

  27. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    July 1, 2016 / 3:57 pm

    Ok I really need to try the Starbucks cold brew. I got a cold brew from a local coffee shop here and it was SUPER bitter.

  28. Brianne
    July 1, 2016 / 4:01 pm

    I love iced coffee, well coffee in general, I'm glad you found your way to it!

  29. P!nky
    July 1, 2016 / 4:10 pm

    WOOHOO lake time, you KNOW I've been enjoying me some. I get so happy when friends get to enjoy it too. I was on the cold brew trend immediately because I've always loved a good cold coffee. Have fun this weekend.

  30. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    July 1, 2016 / 4:18 pm

    You know…I'm an iced coffee lover and I've yet to try cold brew coffee. I remember seeing the hype awhile back and I have totally forgotten since then! Definitely will be trying one soon, your's sounds yummy too! The toning system looks so hi-tech and sounds super cool, definitely something worth checking out! Hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

  31. Missy
    July 1, 2016 / 4:29 pm

    Every time I got to starbucks they are out of the cold brew! We have a local company that makes one in a bottle like Act mouthwash, you get the perfect shot for a cup every time, I love it! That toning system sounds amazing! Have a great long weekend!

  32. Rebecca Jo
    July 1, 2016 / 4:47 pm

    Yep – you need to start making your own cold brew
    Speaking of which, I saw Starbucks now sells packets with instructions on how to make cold brew in pitcher sizes!!! I may need to buy that & give it a try.

  33. Unknown
    July 1, 2016 / 5:01 pm

    I too switched from my vanilla latte to a cold brew! It's so yummy in he hot weather! I even do it at home.

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  34. Ashley Lillis
    July 1, 2016 / 5:03 pm

    You're not the last one to the cold brew train! I still haven't tried it yet, but I've heard so many great things about it! That Thumbtack app sounds so amazing! I hate having to google all that stuff by myself, and it would definitely be a lot easier if the companies just sent me their info! I hope you have a great Friday and Fourth of July weekend!

  35. Lindsay's Sweet World
    July 1, 2016 / 5:22 pm

    I've never tried cold brew coffee either! I LOVE hot coffee, but I don't drink it very often anyway, and I always assumed that I wouldn't like cold coffee so I just never get it! Crazy, huh.

  36. Unknown
    July 1, 2016 / 6:11 pm

    I LOVE cold brew coffee, happy you branched out and tried it! That skin toning system sounds amazing, love a good spa facial and this sounds like a pretty good alternative! Have a happy and safe 4th gorgeous! XO -Kim

  37. Kelly Rodriguez
    July 1, 2016 / 6:16 pm

    That picture is gorgeous! Happy July and Happy 4th! Cheers!

  38. Sparkles and Lattes
    July 1, 2016 / 6:27 pm

    I love cold brew for sure, but I haven't even thought about the skin toning system. That looks really cool. Have a great weekend!

  39. Cat Chat With Caren and Cody (Caren Gittleman)
    July 1, 2016 / 9:00 pm

    Be careful with the cold brews! (check the sugar count, if it is over 7 grams stay away!! Sorry!!! They are more fattening than you think, but you are slim so it's ok)….I like the iced Skinny Vanilla Latte's that Starbuck's has, but even those have even more calories than I thought. I am in Weight Watchers so I know the "dirt" behind a lot of these things! I had heard of Thumb Tack but never used it, maybe I will check it out. catchatwithcarenandcody

  40. Rachel Emily
    July 1, 2016 / 9:27 pm

    Love love love the sweet cream vanilla cold brew! It's my go-to drink there days, too!! Hope you enjoy your time at the lake this weekend, girl!

  41. Anonymous
    July 1, 2016 / 9:40 pm

    Hm, maybe I have to try the sweet cream vanilla because I had cold brew from Starbucks for the first time this weekend and even with a little milk (just like I always add to all hot and iced coffee!) it tasted SO bitter to me! Weird. Who knows, maybe I just got a bad batch or something!
    Hope you have a great holiday weekend love!

  42. The Siberian American
    July 1, 2016 / 10:03 pm

    I don't like bitter coffee either, but cold brew is so great! Perfect for summer! Have the best Fourth of July weekend, lady! 🙂

  43. Jalisa
    July 1, 2016 / 11:27 pm

    I love iced coffee from Starbucks! The only problem I have is that depending on where I go, they either put too much ice or too little, the struggle is real to get that perfect ratio, haha! I'm definitely interested in the follow up post on that system, it sounds great and innovative! I've looked through the Thumbtack app before, but haven't used it for anything specific, it really does look like a great source to find services for anything and everything! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have the most amazing weekend!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  44. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    July 1, 2016 / 11:46 pm

    Enjoy your weekend away at the lake! That's sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the long weekend and unwind. I'm intrigued by the Conture System and to read your followup review but anything to fight aging and get glowing skin, you can sign me up for!

  45. VictoriaaHelenn
    July 2, 2016 / 12:41 am

    lovely post! have a brilliant weekend at the lake and enjoy your celebrations! the Conture system looks really rather interesting! I'd love to see the outcome of it! x

    Victoria | victoriaahelenn.blogspot.co.uk

  46. Maria
    July 2, 2016 / 3:24 am

    I prefer tea but ice coffee is also my favorite.
    ootdchannel.com/

  47. Girl Meets Bow
    July 2, 2016 / 4:38 am

    I've never tried cold brew coffee but it sounds yummy!! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!! XO

  48. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    July 2, 2016 / 2:36 pm

    I have been curious about that cold brew coffee, but I like a strong coffee haha. I always get an iced unsweetened coffee and its delicious. That contouring thing looks interesting!! Looking forward to hearing more about it too. Thanks for sharing and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!!! 🙂

  49. elle jo
    July 3, 2016 / 4:45 am

    I love that new service although I think that I'm always late to the game as well! That skin cleaner looks very high tech how do you like it?

    liz @ j for joiner

  50. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    July 3, 2016 / 5:34 am

    Yay for cold brew! And that app sounds interesting. Will definitely check it out.

  51. Mamie
    July 4, 2016 / 8:49 am

    Wow, nice post!
    angelemall.co.nz

  52. TRANGSCORNER
    July 4, 2016 / 10:09 am

    Love the first picture!! Beautiful place!
    Love,
    Kisses and hugs from trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

  53. Elegance and Mommyhood
    July 4, 2016 / 1:06 pm

    I definitely need to give the cold brew coffee a try and that vanilla one is right up my alley. I don't like my coffee bitter either. That contouring system sounds amazing. How much does it cost?

    I hope you are enjoying the long 4th of July weekend, B!

  54. Ashley @ A Cute Angle
    July 4, 2016 / 4:33 pm

    I need that machine for my neck. I'm not getting any younger! Lol. I've never heard of that app so I guess I'm right there with you. I feel coffee is too bitter so I haven't tried the cold brew. Sounds like I need to!

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

  55. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    July 4, 2016 / 6:51 pm

    Great idea for a post! Totally have me interested in whether or not Thumbtack is being used around our area. Hope you are having a super 4th….your snaps have been so fun!

  56. sara [at] journey of doing
    July 5, 2016 / 2:30 am

    That ski system does look overwhelming! Glad it's working for you though! I'll have to keep Thumbtack in mind!! Thanks for the heads up!

  57. According to Kiki
    July 5, 2016 / 7:35 pm

    Not to mention ordering an iced coffee from Starbucks as apposed to a latte is insanely cheaper! haha I love Vanilla ice coffee with soy milk! (: I hope you had a lovely weekend Biana!

  58. Tractors and Glam Blog
    July 6, 2016 / 2:30 pm

    That skin toning system looks amazing! I love trying new things like that. Also, I have been wanting to try the new cold brew, looks like I am making a pit-stop by Starbucks today!

  59. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    July 6, 2016 / 4:05 pm

    love this idea for a post, B! thumbtack sounds interesting. i don't drink coffee at all, can't stand the taste or bitterness, so maybe cold brew is for me? i don't *need* coffee (right now, everyone tells me i will when i have kids haha) so maybe i should just stay away haha in case i get addicted.

  60. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    July 8, 2016 / 8:49 pm

    Thank you so much for Thumbtack! I need our carpets cleaned, too! So I'm totally using this! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

  61. John
    July 12, 2016 / 2:53 am

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