10 Ways to Practice Self Care Daily

Health Tips Wellness

When it comes to self-care, it often feels like we never have time for it. The reality is that a few small changes in your everyday routine can help you sneak in that self-care you desperately need! If you are looking for daily habits that you can incorporate to practice self-care every day, here are ten ways to practice self-care daily. These are all pretty quick, and they will leave you feeling more relaxed than taking a bunch of bubble baths.

Make sure you are getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night

One of the best ways you can practice self-care is by making sure you are getting plenty of sleep each night. You’d be shocked at how much better you’ll feel after just a night of good sleep. I highly recommend if possible to put your phone down at least an hour before bed. I used to have a hard time “shutting off” my brain before bed and I’ve noticed a huge change in how I sleep when I read before bed VS being on my phone.

Learn the art of saying no

Saying no might not sound like self-care, but it can be! If you are always finding ways to help others, you forget to take time to help yourself. The next time something comes up that you are dreading, say no instead. Don’t feel bad for saying no, sometimes it just needs to be said. We often tend to push ourselves and wear ourselves out trying to help and please others.

Start a gratitude journal

Spend some time at the end of the day with a gratitude journal. Write down the things you are grateful for. This is a great way to end your day on a high note. This is also great if you’ve been feeling like you don’t have a lot to look forward to in your day. I use one I found on Amazon and I love it! I write down 3 things I’m thankful for each morning and night. It helps put things into prospective and realize even when we have bad days, we still have so much to be thankful for.

Click HERE for my journey, its $6.99 and on Amazon Prime!

Get yourself organized

The best thing you can do for yourself is to get organized! I learned something from my Dad: “If you put something away when it needs to be put away, you’ll spend less time cleaning up” – truth. Never appreciated this comment until I was older. This will ensure you never lose your stuff, and you may even need to clean your house a little less. 

I also love a good planner! I use my phone a lot but also use my paper planner to keep me focused and to remind myself of my monthly goals.

Here are some of my favorite planners:

Make exercise part of your daily routine

I read this article my husband sent me and it’s changed my outlook on waking up early and taking the morning for myself. Since having a baby I haven’t stepped foot back into the gym. I told myself I didn’t have enough time with my business, being a new mom, wife and friend. At the end of the day I was making an excuse. I started today – woke up at 8am, went to the gym! My goal is to start waking up at 6am for the gym, showering and hitting my inbox & all done before 9am! Also, Find a workout class you enjoy or go for a walk each day. This will make exercise more fun, and it’s good for you. Gets the blood flowing and clears my mind! I will also be starting orange theory again once my body is used to me hitting the gym!

Schedule time for reading

If you only have 15 minutes a day to read, savor it! Learning something new and reading a good book can be so relaxing. I personally love to read. my favorite books to dive into are thriller/mystery. When I was pregnant I was reading a new book every 1-2 weeks. This is also something I added to my daily schedule for myself and I’m glad I did. I know it’s hard to stop sometimes and really focus on ourselves but Im telling you… It’s needed and well deserved.

Take a break from your devices

Spend a little time each day without your devices. This is something that is probably hard for most of us. To be honest, everything we really need daily is on our phones. Email, texts, social media and more! This will help reset your brain and help you relax. You can even use this as your reading time!

Spend a little time meditating

Meditation is a great way to calm yourself down when you’re feeling stressed. Take a moment to do some breathing exercises and relax a bit. My best friend V recently started to do this and it’s something I want to not only try to practice but learn more about.

Do something for yourself

When was the last time you did something just because you wanted to? Make the time to do a little something for yourself! This doesn’t have to be expensive and could even be as small as just taking a 15 minute bubble bath in peace and quiet! *Lock the door 😉 haha

Spend a little time outdoors

When you have some free time, head outside, even when it’s cold. The vitamin D from the sun is good for you and will keep you from getting stir crazy at home. I know for me this helped a lot while my first two months being postpartum – just getting out of the house felt amazing. Nothing like the fresh air – we try to do family walks including the dogs which is nice to spend some time together as well!

No matter how busy you are, these ten tips will help you practice self-care every single day! Sometimes self-care can be small, like making time for something you love, or it can be something to improve your health and overall well-being. I hope you found something to give you the extra push today to do something to better yourself!

xx, Tonya Michelle

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My Top Travel Necessities!!

Amazon Tips Travel Under $100

I feel like I’ve been traveling non-stop the past year and I wanted to truly share these items that I can’t travel without. I promise it makes traveling easier, more comfortable and keeps you organized!! Whether it’s packing or what to keep in your bag, I got you covered! I like to make sure I’m prepared and organized.

Suitcases: The ONE brand I’ve been using for the past two years NON stop has been Gabbiano Luggage. They have stylish designs for anyone’s taste and also are durable. You can shop their website HERE. (I don’t get commission from you purchasing, I legit believe in their product!)

Packing:

Packing cubes has changed the game for me! I never used them or truly believed in them until I decided for $25 I would give them a chance. Ive been able to organize my suitcase a lot better, fit more in and they honestly look super cute.

The makeup cases are a must as well. I started using it so much while traveling that now day to day I keep my make up in them! They have different sizes and colors.

I also have tons of clear pouches. I use these for my tote / duffle bag while traveling. One keeps my passport mini wallet, another keeps my hand sanitizer, lipsticks, perfume and etc, another I keep with snacks! It’s an easy way to know where things are quickly.

Travel kits:

These are good for those who don’t feel like picking out item by item and it’s way cheaper as well. These kits are great for traveling or even keeping in your car. Personally I’ve bought these kits for both of my cars and for Carl’s. Never know what you might need and they have came in super handy plenty of times!

Hanging Organizers:

Battery Life: 

My FAVORITE is the My Charge, comes with an iPhone charger and USB, Also you simply plug into the wall to recharge, no USB cord needed. It’s a LITTLE pricey, but I’ll be honest…it’s been a lifesaver and super convenient. Charges my iPhone XMAX twice before needing to be recharged.

Comfort:


A sound machine is a must for me. I can’t sleep with the TV on and I also can’t sleep in silence. This one is light weight & has over 5 settings.

Also – I bring slipper socks or slippers to the hotels because honestly I won’t walk barefoot on anyones floors. Not sure the last time bleach has been there and I’m not taking chances, LOL. Just a tip 😉

Skincare:

These are some of my must haves while traveling, again you can also keep these in a pouch or makeup case in your car. I do both. Somedays you might need to get refreshed while you’re out and about.





Haircare:


The T3 mini straightener and blowdryer is what I travel with. It’s light weight, has great POWER and gets the job done without having to bring your full sized ones!

Also always carry extra bobby-pins and hair ties, these have been my favorites simply because they don’t pull your hair out!

A Good Book:

Personally I love a good book while traveling, these thrillers have kept me turning page by page whether I’m in the airport, stuck somewhere because of a delay or simply on the beach!

Random Must Haves:


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Say goodbye to puffy, tired eyes with Clarins!

Beauty Skin Care Tips

This post is sponsored by Clarins USA, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This time of year, when it gets dark so early, I feel as if I’m tired ALL of the time! Can anyone else relate? My skin gets drier and tired looking, my under eyes get puffy from allergy season, accompanied with dark circles from feeling tired all of the time. Luckily, I found a product that has helped with ALL of that!
Clarins’ new Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate is a plant-powered, all-in one, sulfate free formula that targets puffiness, dark under eye circles, gives your eyelids a more “lifted” appearance, and even helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your under eyes looking younger and brighter looking. What more could you ask for in an under-eye cream?!


The all-natural ingredients of, Organic Harungana Extract, Cassie Flower Wax, Tetrapeptide and Albizia work together to improve the appearance of your under eyes in as little as seven days. The Organic Harungana Extract helps to restore the appearance of density, while the Tetrapeptide creates a more “lifted” look. To combat the puffiness, the Cassie Flower Wax smooths the appearance of the under eye area while the Albizia works to combat dark circles and puffiness.


To apply, warm the product between your finger tips and gently press under your eyes moving from the inner corner outward, from temple to temple. Repeat again above your eyes on the browbone and that’s it! This product is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin, combination skin or oily skin and should be applied morning and night for maximum results.


I’m so glad I found a product that targets all of my under eye insecurities this time of year and leaves me feeling confident to take on the day!

xx, Tonya Michelle

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Say goodbye to tired eyes with Olay’s NEW Brightening Eye Cream.

Beauty Olay Skin Care Tips

This blog post is sponsored by Olay, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

There’s nothing worse than hearing, “you look tired!” Maybe you got a full eight hours of sleep and you’re not even tired, dark under eye circles just run in your family! Or you packed on your favorite concealer and not even that can hide the fact that you pulled an all-nighter for work.

 Introducing my new skincare holy grail for under eye circles: Olay’s NEW Brightening Eye Cream!
I have been exhausted from traveling so much lately, especially to different time zones which contributes to my lack of sleep and therefore, my dark under eye circles. Sometimes, my favorite concealer just doesn’t cut it, so I was thrilled to find a product that worked for me. In just a week, it’s really helped me look not so tired from being on the go so much!


The lightweight formula, with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E anti-oxidant complex and Optic Brighteners hydrate your skin and smooth and illuminate it, so you can fool everyone else that you’re well rested, even if you’re not.

In addition to my lack of sleep on occasion, my olive skin tone can leave the areas under my eyes darker than usual. Olay’s new Brightening Eye Cream has really helped combat the darkness under my eyes, even if I’m not suffering from lack of sleep.


I put this cream on under my eyes in conjunction with my regular skincare routine. It fits into my normal routine so seamlessly that it was basically fool-proof to use. In the morning following my cleansing and moisturizing, I put a small dab of Olay’s Brightening Eye Cream under my eyes and gently massage it into my skin in little upwards motions. The difference is almost instant!

I then apply my makeup for the day if I’m going out and no one would ever guess I didn’t sleep well last night.

You can find the Olay Brightening Eye Cream at CVS or here!

Are you dealing with bad under eye circles? Let me know in the comments below!

This content is sponsored by Olay. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

xx, Tonya Michelle

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A full Lancome look with their NEW 3-in-1 all over color eyes, lips and cheek product!!

Makeup Skin Care Tips

This post is sponsored by #Lancome, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lancôme has always been one of my favorite makeup brands. Their quality products seem to last all day and I always get compliments on my makeup whenever I’m wearing Lancôme! So when they released their new 3-in-1 all over color eyes, lips and cheek I couldn’t wait to try it!

The 3-in-1 cream-to-powder tint can be applied all over your face from eyes, cheeks and lips to give you a coveted afterglow effect with an oil-free color. This cushiony, soft texture glides seamlessly onto your skin providing a subtle flush of color or a buildable rush of color.

Before using the products, I first primed my skin with Lancôme’s prep and matte primer as I prefer my makeup looks to be mattified and this primer is perfect for that.

One thing I love about the 3-in-1 cream-to-powder product is how “fool-proof” it is that you can use your fingers or your favorite shadow, blush or lip brush!

I first used the product on my eyes with shades Á La Mode and Éclat. Both of these colors were absolutely gorgeous on my eyes. The brown with pink-gold pearl notes in the Á La Mode mixed with the Éclat champagne with gold pearls made my eyes pop and accentuated the brown in my eyes. Forget anyone who says brown eyes don’t pop because these two colors proved them wrong!

For my cheeks, I used the shade Petit Bisou that is a light pink with purple pearls. I usually don’t wear blush but this is now my go to color as it matched perfectly with my olive skin tone. I used a blush brush for this look but you can also use your fingers to smooth the product onto the apples of your cheeks. As for lips, I blended the Petit Bisou that I used on my cheeks with the Haute Couture shade that is a burgundy with blue undertones. The two colors blended seamlessly giving my lips a red-pinky glow that is perfect for fall! I again used a brush but you can use your fingers too!

To finish off my look, I used Lancôme’s Fix it Forget it makeup setting spray and let me tell you it is my new favorite! It helped my makeup stay on all day long in the summer heat while I ran around finishing up errands before my wedding!

For just $22, you get a 3-in-1 product that helps you create a gorgeous look that you can blend together and experiment with their 10 different buildable shades with three matte, three sparkle and four metallic shades. I would 10/10 recommend Lancôme’s new 3-in-1 all over color eyes, lips and cheek exclusively on www.Lancôme.com!

xx, Tonya Michelle

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How I took a leap of faith and tips on how to stay motivated while chasing your dreams.

Motivation Olay Personal Story Tips

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Olay. The opinions and text are all mine.

When the odds are stacked against you, it can be hard to persevere. I partnered with Olay to share how I break boundaries and rise above to live fearlessly.

I’m motivated by not only the stories around me personally but hearing how strangers are also doing the same! Did you know that only 6% of pilots are female? Tristan shaeres her story in this video along with other amazing women.

To view click HERE.

 I am proud to stand with her and all of the other fearless pilots and females throughout the world! I also would love to share a little of my journey as well:

In June of 2017, I took a huge leap of faith and quit my corporate job to follow my dreams. I loved blogging and working with different fashion and beauty brands so much that I wanted to do it full-time. So far, my business has been booming and I have not regretted my decision to be a full-time influencer ever since! BUT it’s very important to know that my leap of faith to follow my dreams was intimidating and also scary in a sense. I pushed through even when I had some friends doubt me and what I was trying to achieve.

Once you’ve stopped listening to the naysayers around you and maybe in your own head you will be able to overcome the odds. It can also be difficult to stay motivated and keep pushing through. Some tips I’ve used that have helped me to stay motivated are below!

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter 10. Everyone works at a different pace. Don’t get down on yourself just because you think you’re “behind” in accomplishing your goals!

Chase your dream for yourself.

Never let anyone make you feel as though your dream is unreachable or silly. I believe that we have to be our biggest supporters. You must believe in yourself and what you’re trying to achieve. It’s so important to have tunnel vision when chasing your dreams.

Set goals for yourself.

Goal setting has always worked so well for me. Whether it’s creating a to-do list for the day, making a list of what I need to accomplish in one month, three months, six months or one year, I’ve always found that writing things down keeps me motivated. I then recreate my goals onto a vision board to help me visualize what I want to accomplish. If you can believe it, you can achieve it.

Morning motivation: eat breakfast!

There’s a reason why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Giving your body the fuel it needs to work is imperative to being successful. Additionally, I like to listen to an inspiring podcast in the morning to help me start my day. I highly recommend Gary Vee!

Take time to unplug.

Giving your body a rest is necessary. Don’t overwork yourself. When you feel yourself lacking creativity or getting frustrated with something that you’re working on, take time to unplug and let your brain rest. For me, I usually will go workout, watch Netflix or read a book to help me get my mind off of what I’m working on and come back to it later with a recharged mind!

How do you rise up and overcome when the odds are stacked against you?

Go ahead, take that leap and don’t stop until you achieve it!

xx, Tonya Michelle

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MY New Favorite Restaurant in NYC, Park Avenue Summer!

Food & Beverage NYC Tips Travel

If you’ve been reading my blog lately, you’ve seen how much fun Caroline and I had in New York two weeks ago, that we decided to blog all about it in two separate posts. Well, here’s another one on our new favorite restaurant in NYC, Park Avenue Summer!

Park Avenue is an upscale, New American style restaurant that changes with the seasons. Featured during an episode of Gossip Girl back in 2009, Park Avenue NYC is known for its upscale menu items and stunning décor. Every season, Park Avenue changes its name to Park Avenue Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring and with it, their entire menu AND décor to match the season. Caroline’s cousins frequent New York City and raved about Park Avenue NYC, so we had to make a reservation. Somehow, we got lucky and ended up at Park Avenue Summer for lunch during “wine week,” which only happens twice a year during July and September!

From the moment we walked in, Caroline and I were blown away by the summer-inspired décor. We were seated and immediately handed a “wine week” list of wines to try. For only $20, guests can try ten different kinds of wines and when I say try, I really mean a full pour!

Our waiter was so friendly and immediately recommended appetizers to try. He brought us the corn crème brûlée, herbed French fries and a Cured Lemon Caesar Salad to pair with our wine and all were just exceptional. Both Caroline and I had never had crème brûlée before, so we were so excited and blown away by the flavor.

For lunch, we also asked our waiter for recommendations. Caroline knew right away she wanted to try the “free range chicken” with roasted summer squash and grilled lemon, but Vincenzo recommended the crispy chicken sandwich with jalapeño, and bread and butter slaw. Chicken sandwiches and chicken seem like pretty basic menu items, but not at Park Avenue!

Caroline and I immediately agreed—this was the best meal we have ever had. Sometimes, “fancy” restaurants can overdo it on the fanciness, taking away from the flavor of the meal. But Park Avenue Summer was the perfect mix of fancy and tasty and we had empty plates in minutes!

Last but not least, we had to try the dessert at our new favorite restaurant! Vincenzo was adamant about surprising us, and we couldn’t say no. He couldn’t pick just one, so he brought out the chocolate covered strawberry, a strawberry chocolate mousse with pistachio dacquioise and cocoa nib crumb, the mint chocolate sundae featuring chocolate fudge cookies and bourbon chocolate sauce and a coconut ice cream with bits of shaved coconut. Again, the desserts just blew us away! All three were just incredible, we were so grateful Vincenzo decided that we couldn’t have just one dessert, even if our tummies protested from being so full!

With more trips scheduled to New York City in the coming year, we plan to go back to Park Avenue NYC to experience fine dining in every season, and  we can’t wait to share with you our next experience there

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My top 6 money saving apps!

On Sale Technology Tips

With all of the anniversary and semi-annual sales going on, you’ll need to save some money to pay for all of the fun new clothes you’ll be getting! And who doesn’t love saving money, especially if it’s so easy!

I’ve compiled all of my favorite apps and Google Chrome plug-ins that will save you money while you shop and make everyday purchases!

Drop

This is a newer app that I discovered and one I love. Drop syncs your credit and debit cards that you use every day and asks you to pick five places that you use your cards at consistently. I picked Uber, Lyft, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks. Whenever you use your cards at those locations, you can redeem your points for gift cards! I just got a $5 gift card to use at Starbucks just by using my cards like I normally do!

Honey

This one is for all of my online shopping addicts. Caroline showed me this Google Chrome plug-in and I don’t know how I lived without it before! When online shopping, Honey automatically searches for coupons in the background and applies them when you go to check out! I have saved SO much money using Honey, and I almost always find a coupon code to use!

Acorns

THIS IS MY FAVORITE!!! For those that have a hard time saving money, this one’s for you. Acorns syncs to your credit and debit cards and automatically rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests it for you! I have over $4,000 in mine and it’s been almost 2 years. It’s forced savings for those who are bad at saving money and it’s so easy to use! You’ll feel good about saving too. Get $5 when you use my invite link: CLICK HERE 

Gas Buddy

This is another app that Caroline recommended to me. Gas Buddy is an app that tracks your location to show you the lowest gas prices in your area. It syncs to your checking account when you order a Gas Buddy “debit card” and will save you 15 cents per gallon the first time you use it, and 10 cents per gallon every time after that! I haven’t filled up my gas tank without Gas Buddy since!

Cartwheel for Target

For all of my Target addicts! Cartwheel is an awesome app that will show you all of the deals going on at your local Target. Simply add the deals you want to use to your “shopping cart” within the app and pull it up in store when you check out to use all of your coupons!

Shopkick

Shopkick is another app for shopping addicts looking to save money. Tell Shopkick your favorite stores and whenever you go into those stores, all you have to do is “check-in” and you get points that you can redeem for gift cards! I recently redeemed my points to get a gift card for Home Goods! It’s that easy!

Do you have a favorite money saving app?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

 

xx, Tonya Michelle

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20-30% OFF my favorite summer must haves!

Discount Code Fashion OOTD Sale Spring Fashion Style Summer Fashion Tips

If you missed my Insta-story take over at @lolashoetiquedolls its ok! I still have you covered. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite Summer must haves and you can also get 30% until tomorrow using code: TONYA at checkout. After Monday 5/28, you can use the code and receive 20% off.

**Please note, their items sell out QUICK. 

First up I want to talk about getting yourself a MUST have two piece – not swimwear, but outfit! Whether it’s a dress or blazer / short suit. They are a great way to look like you have it all together and still feel sexy, haha. Anyone else agree?

I’m wearing a size Medium in the shorts and blazer.

Direct link to purchase the Blazer HERE and the Shorts HERE.

Don’t forget to use the discount code: TONYA for a % off!

A few others that I think are a MUST:

Divinity & Beyond Top – Red Stripe

Divinity & Beyond Pant – Red Stripe

Leisure Pleaser Set – White

Paired this look with one of my favorite heels; Naturalist! These have a thicker heel which to me, gives more support and they didn’t need to be broken in. Win-Win if you ask me. They are under $30 and even a bigger discount when using code TONYA. They come in three colors and directly linked below.

I’m wearing Nude!

Nude – Tan – Black

Other heels I have my eye on:

Friends or Lovers – Black

Also, don’t forget a clutch! It’s called the Kensington, this is the Rose Gold color.  It’s under $38 before using the discount code. Also comes in three other colors.

Directly linked here for you: Black – Coral – Rose Gold – Nude

Personally, I’ll be getting the Coral one next. I love a good POP of color.

A few other handbags I have my eye on currently:

Eden Crossbody – Nude Snakeskin – under $26. 

East Hampton Crossbody – Natural Stripe – Under $33.

This dress sold out SO fast but I was able to snag one in a size Medium. I was SO happy. Like I said above, if you see something you love, you need to purchase. Don’t wait. I’ve learned my lesson this way….haha. I will link some other similar styles that I adore below.

I first saw these heels and was like “YAS GIRL” – haha needed them instantly. They run true to size, didn’t leave me with blisters and didn’t need to be broken in. Again, a must! They are selling out quickly after the Insta-story take over today, two sizes left: shop them HERE.

Similar Styles:

Reality Check in Nude

Reality Check in Black

Other shoes I’m looking at currently:

Sol – In Coral

Steal The Scene – Nude

Saint-Tropez – Coral

Steal My Sunshine Dress – Peach Floral

I’m wearing a size Medium! They have Large left, direct link HERE.

Rocking my Naturalist heels again here! I love how you can easily wear these with almost any outfit.

This looks like a two piece but it’s a dress! Cute right? Here are some of my other favorite dresses they currently have:

Good Vibrations Dress – Yellow

Forever Flawless Dress – White

Tranquility Dress – White

You & I Halter Dress – Black Floral

Tropical Breeze Dress – Green

 

Hope you found a love at Lolashoetique the way I have. Remember to use code: TONYA for any purchases! I don’t get any commission, it’s just them sharing the love with my readers.

xx, Tonya Michelle

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MVMT April Favorites + DISCOUNT code!

Discount Code Fashion MVMT Sale Style Tips

April went by so fast and I can’t believe May is going to be this week! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite MVMT watches and sunnies for you today all in this post. All the different ways I’ve styled them and also simply wanted to give y’all a RAD discount code too!

First up some of their newest sunnies:

  1. BACKSTAGE

I rocked these on the beach, with a red dress and even with some black flares. They come in three different colors and are $45 when you use my code!

Direct link to shop: Backstage Sunnies

2. STRANGER 

These also come in black! I love the shape of these and they honestly can go with any outfit. I rocked mine with a graphic t and white jeans! They are also $45 when using my code!

Direct link to shop: STRANGER SUNNIES.

 

Other sunnies that are in right now and affordable:

Watches:

M1: This new M1 style is stunning, smaller band & great for any occasion. Under $100 when using my code! Comes in tons of colors as well.

Direct link to purchase: M1 Watch

This gorgeous pink rose is called RODEO!

Direct link to shop: RODEO

Some other favorites, click on the photo to shop:

LA Brea Marble: Black Marble – Honestly probably my favorite yet! $145 with my code!

Direct link to shop: LA Brea Marble

Here are the other marble watches in their new collection, you can click any photo below to shop!

Don’t forget to use the DISCOUNT code ” tonyamichelle ” to save $15 on any purchase from MVMT!

xx, Tonya Michelle

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