Finding Joy in the Stress of Wedding Planning!

by with No Comment inspirationparty ideasreviewstips and tricksweddingwedding planning

We’re less than 3 weeks out from our BIG day and I promised that I wouldn’t turn bridezilla on you. I can’t promise that I’ve kept that promise so here’s to sharing all my ups in the hopes of preventing all the break-downs!

I wouldn’t say that planning a wedding is fun necessarily, unless your idea of fun surrounds endless lists of to-do’s, spending an obscene amount of money on the raddest party of your life (okay that actually sounds fun), and making decisions you didn’t even know mattered. But you can find joy in the stress of wedding planning I promise!

Of all the decisions I’ve had to make and all the choices I’ve had to choose from, hands down the most fun part *besides picking out my wedding dress and marrying my best friend* has been the center piece making, and thank you cards/stationary creating!

 

I mean how magical are these Basic Invite thank you cards <3 Complete with our wedding colors in artistic subtle splashes and this simple yet classic script, I can’t wait to personalize these babies. Could there be gold glitter involved? We shall see 😉

What I enjoyed most was taking the time to pick out every detail from our color combination, to the specific slate grey I wanted for the writing. The Basic Invite site offers you an instant preview so I was able to play around with the design to try and match them to our stationary until they were exactly what we wanted.

We went with champagne envelopes of which they printed the names and addresses on for us (absolutely do this and save your grip for those honeymoon pina coladas! I mean, it’s FREE!) and I even got us ‘eternity’ stamps for the mail. We cute!

 

Although you wouldn’t be able to tell with the muted envelopes I chose, there are over 40 different color envelopes for your musings. Unfortunately for me, we found this service too late in our wedding planning game to order wedding invitations from them, but luckily for you I’m here to share!

Their wedding invitations are a part of a set and with their ‘try before you buy’ policy, they allow for a custom sample to be sent to you so, win win! Everything from Save The Dates to wedding programs and matching thank you cards (ahem me!) are available and they make it uber convenient with their free address collection service. I’ve thrown the word ‘free’ around a lot in this post but hey, if the shoe fits . . . get it in every color.

I’m so excited for these next few weeks to fly by so that I can wrap up all of our final plans, I leave on the 23rd which is in TWO weeks! TWO! So if you’re in the midst of wedding season like myself, than I hope this post helps you to find some joy in the hustle and bustle of it all and inspires you to get creative when it comes to dreaming up your first impressions as husband and wife.

Take some time to breath and get back to what really matters, which is marrying your person, but also to find joy in the stress of it all – they say we work best under pressure anyway! Also that’s for me to re-read and apply for myself 😉

Are you a stationary or personalized thank you card kind of person? Would you prefer to design your own table place cards and menus or are you like me and you’d rather click it, print it, and move on with it? 

 

 

MUST HAVE SUMMER HAIR AND SKINCARE PRODUCTS!

by with No Comment adventurebeautyfestivalsleisurereviewsskin caretravelwellness

With all of the pool side bronzing you’ll be doing, the ocean dips you’ll be taking, and the festivals you’ll be prancing around, today I’m sharing with you my must have summer hair and skincare products!

After a week in Palm Springs for my friend Miya’s annual birthday tradition at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, I really know what it feels like to crave hydration and replenishment. It was 110 degrees on our first pool side bronzing day ONE HUNDRED AND TEN DEGREES lol. One of the most relaxing and beautiful places to visit, here’s what I toted along with me so that I would remain dewy and moisturized.

  • suncare protection – Coola is hands down one of my all time favorite sunscreens, for both my face and my body. It’s a mineral sun protectant and smells like damn heaven
  • sweat and odor protection – I don’t know about you but even poolside I still swipe some odor protection under my arms because, 110 degree weather and bronzing . . . and sweating. I’ve raved about Native before but if you haven’t jumped on the natural deoderant band wagon, their Coconut Vanilla scent will make you take the leap, trust
  • lip moisture – lets not forget about our pouts while we’re out there surfing the waves and sipping down those pina coladas. This Hanalei lip treatment is so rich and I love the light vanilla smell it has. It also doubles as a lip gloss because it’s so moisturizing that your lips will shine baby
  • body butter – this Island Elixir by Farm House Fresh Organics is a shea body butter that smells like an island and feels like a vat of pure luxury
  • hair leave in and smell goods – this Sea Salt spray by my girls over at Tone It Up is making a come back with this post becuase it’s THAT versitile. Create to foster body and movement in your hair, I also use it as a leave in for the pool/beach because it’s also hydrating to my hair. And if you haven’t guessed already, yup it smells just like a coconut
  • hair leave in and wash outs – after a long day under the sun I condition my hair with this coconut oil deep conditioning protein pack. About once a week I’ll leave this treatment in my hair while I shave my legs in the shower and then rinse it out for the softest hair you’ve ever seen. Keepin’ that coconut theme going, this too smells like the ripest coconut in the middle of an island

I can’t get enough of these summer time hair and skincare products so I hope you try them out and let me know what you think. Also, I hope you like COCONUT! haha You can take the girl off the island but you can’t take the island out of the girl.

What are your favorite summer time hair and skincare products?! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOP 3 BEST NATURAL DEODORANTS

by with One Comment beautyget the lookhealthreviewsskin carewellness

A few weeks ago I walked into Corrine’s room to find her rubbing some weird cream underneath her armpits to which I gave her a questionable look. “Don’t look at me like that mom, you’re the one putting aluminum into your body”. There it is everybody, my 19 year old daughter telling ME how I’m the one who should be offended by what I’m putting into my body. Well well, here we are present time and here I am with my top 3 ALL NATURAL DEODORANTS! Whodathunkit?!

It’s a popular movement that I’ve just thrown myself into, this idea of all natural skincare, body care, and hair care products. Not gonna lie, for the first week or so I was highly skeptical because as humans we have odor, and if you think you don’t I’m here to tell you that you do.

Coming in at the #1 spot is Native’s all natural deodorant in Coconut Vanilla. They had me at coconut, but also the bar applicator makes for an easier transition for this past ‘aluminum wearing antiperspirant doting’ consumer. It kept me dry, non funky, smells delicious, and wasn’t gritty. I took this to bootcamp with me, the ultimate test, and left feeling fresh and confident.

Primally Pure’s lavender tube is also chemical free, smells like lavender fields, and keeps odor at bay. It took the number 2 spot because the baking soda in the stick was a bit hit or miss when it came to irritating my sensitive under arm area. Other than that I loved the smell and it kept me just as dry as Native’s.

And last but definitely not least on this list is Schmidt’s Lavender Sage pot. I only ranked this as my third choice because I had to pick up the crumbles and maneuver them around my pits until the granules had melted and then got absorbed by my skin. Not the cutest thing to do every morning, but just as effective as the other two. It smelled divine, kept any odors away, I remained dry, and there was no chafing or irritation.

If you haven’t tried an all natural deodorant I HIGHLY recommend these brands (and these scents!), so so so good! I mean, we’re human, we’re SUPPOSED to sweat, but that doesn’t mean we have to stink 😉 I’m all about putting better ingredients into my food, and natural products onto my body these days and I couldn’t be happier to make the switch.

Have you ever tried a natural deodorant before? Which brand/ scent was your favorite? 

 

 

 

 

 

COACHELLA ESSENTIAL MAKEUP SKINCARE PACKING LIST!

by with 2 Comments adventurebeautyfestivalsget the lookhealthlifestylemakeupreviewsskin caretravel

We’re in the final weekend of Coachella 2017 so I thought today I’d hook you up with my top 5 makeup and skincare essentials for your Coachella packing list! You’re not only going to be dancing in the desert, swinging under the sun and sky, and walking for miles each day, but NOW you’re gonna be prepared for all of it!

PURPLE TALE MASKS

You’re only 5 simple steps away from absolutely LOVING the skin you’re in! With the wind, the dirt, the dust, and the sun weathering you all day this weekend, you’ll definitely need this 5 step system to bring your face back to life! *you’ll get 10% off your next order if you sign up for their email list

K&K SEA SALT TEXTURE SPRAY

This sea salt spray is making a come back because I use it ALL the time! It smells like a vacation and will give your locks some body and movement! Extra point for it’s coconut sexy scent that will refresh your do after a day of struttin in the sand!

LAURA MERCIER LIGHT STRUCK

This festival season we’ve seen a lot of highlighter, glitter, and glittered highlighter! 😉 We’re obsessed with this Laura Mercier lightstruck prismatic glow palette. This cream highlighter is super light, blendable, and highly pigmented to give you that fresh Coachillin soul glow baby!

HANALEI LIP TREATMENT 

Don’t neglect your pout it’ll be lip syncing all through the weekend! With kukui oil and grape seed oil, this lip balm adds sheen while moisturizing! Yes please!

PROPLENISH COLLAGEN SATCHETS

Hydrate from the inside out why dontcha! Proplenish is my favorite collagen supplement, a powder that you can pour into any drink (I put it in my tea with fresh lemon!) and it will restore and replenish your skin from within! Do it, you’ll see the difference within a week!

Did you go to Coachella this year? What was your favorite performance?! What was your number one favorite product to pack?! Share! 

 

 

 

 

LOCAL EATS L.A. – VOODOO DONUTS!

by with No Comment adventurecommunityfoodreviewstravel

It’s about time I thank Portland for its sole contribution to my expanding waist line LOL Anyone else? No, just me mkayyy. Well if you’ve ever savored the flavors of Salt & Straw, relished in a creamy cheese by Tillamook , or basked in the light of the combined ice cream + Tillamook’s brand, than you too can send this post to Portland as a thank you.

A lot of Portland’s local sensations have made their way out of the big city into some of our own towns, and have I mentioned Salt & Straw yet?! Okay if that name sounds unfamiliar to you, please locate one asap, go overindulge and thank me later. In the meantime, we have our friends Karissa and Sebastian to thank for hand delivering us to this deliciousness this past weekend!

A recent addition to Los Angeles from the great city of Portland is Voodoo Donuts. I have to say, there’ve been a lot of conflicting verdicts when it comes to if the donuts are delicious or not. Can I just emphasize here . . . they’re DONUTS! I personally don’t have a palette advanced enough to turn down a donut, even if it were on the floor of a subway station. Oh I’d take a second glance! 😉

So we gave it a go after seeing a ton of Instagram photos showing off their picks at their newest location in Universal City Walk.  After a half hour wait we were there, at the front door, aroma and all! Lots of photo ops, they know what they’re doing!

And what was our ruling? Well our group was elbow deep in fried fluffy pastry bread, milk, and there were a lot of happy dances happening lol Again, they’re just donuts, who doesn’t love donuts?! But I get it, if I’m comparing Voodoo donuts to places like Dunkin Donuts, Yum Yum’s, or any other donut place, there really isn’t one.

Sorry if that’s disappointing, but honestly if you placed two donuts in front of me, one from Voodoo and one from Yum Yum’s, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Wrapping this up I’ll say this, Voodoo Donuts may be pricey, they may be all fancy looking with their fancy toppings, but I’ll give ’em this, they’re yummy. They make a signature donut called the Voodoo Doll and it’s damn delicious!

I suggest you make a trip over there and try a box of donuts for yourself, see how you feel about them! And don’t be alarmed but this was the only photo I got of said Voodoo Doll person, it was too delicious to wait haha

Any newness in your hood? I hear we have a new coffee shop opening much like Philz Coffee and I couldn’t be happier about it! I love coffee! I love dessert! I love food! 

 

 

 

 

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS – UNDER $25!

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For all you procrastinators out there, myself included, this post will save you a trip to the mall of madness the night before Christmas! Here is a peek into my favorite last minute Christmas gifts under $25! Yes under 25 bucks and great for your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, co-workers, and in laws!

These make for perfect stocking stuffers but also they’re nice enough to wrap up and place under the tree. If you’re participating in a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange, these fall right under that $25 limit!


I had to unwrap these to take photos for you, so here’s to hoping my family doesn’t read this post until after Christmas 😉 I bought these gifts this weekend, the weekend before Christmas and it’s already mayhem. I also purchased the PTR masks for myself because they’re the best deal you’ll find all season! Go get ’em now, trust me, they’re just now back in stock!

Peter Thomas Roth (PTR) mask sampler kit – hands down my favorite masks this year! Yes that’s a pretty bold statement but let me tell ya why! After China my skin developed these little bumps and I found out were hydration bumps. My skin wasn’t receiving enough moisture so I needed to up my exfoliation and hydration game. This sampler kit comes with PTR’s most popular masks designed to brighten dullness, hydrate dryness, and detoxify clogged pores. It polishes, it smoothes, it soothes! I’m a walking billboard for these I swear! I love all 6 of them so I purchased 3 of these just for myself. $25 at Sephora when they’re usually $44, go buy them up! Best investment all year, I promise!


Wooden snowman ornament – my mother in law loves snowmen, they’re so festive and jolly! Each year I try to find a cute snowman item to gift her and since she puts up the most beautiful Christmas tree, I thought a personal addition to it would be perfect!

Nest holiday scented candle – a go to for any gift, who doesn’t love candles?! They’re thoughtful, they’re warming, and this particular one smells exactly like Christmas! A legit pine, fresh, snowy kind of scent.



Duke Cannon working man’s face wash – if your man is like my man who is like most men, than they probably use your shampoo to wash their hair, body, and face! LOL I try and leave products in and around the shower in the hopes that Joe will be enticed enough to start using them. I think most men get sexier as they age, and I think it’s because they start to look more rugged. But I definitely want Joe to take care of his skin, so I got him this Duke Cannon face wash. It’s frothy, smells like “productivity” (that is just hilarious to me), and has vitamin C to brighten up the skin. A big reason why I adore this company is because a portion of each sale benefits US Veterans. As an Army Brat I love this so much and it’ll help Joe take better care of his skin so I love it even more!

So just a quick guide on last minute Christmas gift ideas, I think a pretty card with a thoughtful handwritten note works just as nicely. But you’d better get started now, the malls are already giving me anxiety 😉

Are you ready for Christmas? Did you do all of your holiday shopping months ago, or are you like me and you wait until the night before?! 

Happy Holidays from my family to yours, I wish you a beautiful one!

 

 

 

 

 

BEAUTY CORNER: MUST TRY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS!

by with One Comment beautyget the lookholidaysreviewsskin carewellness

There’s one thing we can thank 2016 for, upping its makeup game! Thanks to Instagram videos, trend upon trend, and each of our inner makeup artists, we now have “highlighting on fleek” and weird tools to apply contour with . . . like hand mixers 😉

I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to trying the new ‘it’ look, but using kitchen utensils during my makeup application is where I draw the line! LOL I’ve also tried a lot of different skincare regimens this year and the products featured today are on my must try list!


Ole Henriksen’s Feel the Difference perfecting face mask – perfect for those monthly breakouts! See what I did there 😉 It’s rich in antioxidants, goes on cool, and the borage & linseed oil help to repair

Glossier Priming Moisturizer – containing hyaluronic acid, you know it’s immediately one of my favorites!  This super light cream allows for you to build up to the amount of moisture you need without it becoming heavy

Glossier Super Bounce – again with the hyaluronic acid! I love this ingredient because it’s the plumping agent in your skin that transforms the cells from raisins to big ol’ grapes! This serum is the key to perfect makeup application

Algenist 360 eye serum – free of sulfates and parabens, you can apply this eye serum around your ENTIRE eye! Ground breaking if you have hooded eyes like me! Most eye creams intend to thicken up the skin under your eyes as this is where it’s the thinnest, hence we age there there quickest booo! But not this one, it’s brightening, hydrating, and should be renamed to ‘bags be gone’ haha



Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream – this has easily become one of my holy grail products. For dry, dehydrated skin, this silky moisturizer offers that deep hydration it really needs. It feels rich but is never heavy, goes on creamy and is absorbed quickly. It’s created with anti-aging properties, wrinkle fighting ingredients, and is free of parabens and sulfates. What’s not to love!

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – this lil pot of magic heats from a balm to an oil in the palm of your hand. It removes all makeup, dirt, and oil lickety split! You won’t even need to cleanse your skin once more after removing it with a warm cloth or cotton round. And if you’re wondering if it leaves behind any residue or greasy traces, I’m happy to report that the answer is no

I’ll continue to try out all the latest and greatest products and report back on what I love, what I believe works, and things I recommend for you. So let me know what you’d like for me to review next <3

 

HOW TO STYLE BOOTS THIS FALL!

by with No Comment fall fashionget the lookholidaylifestylelook bookreviewstips and tricks

In most places around the country people are welcoming the Fall season with it’s fresh crisp air, leaves turning, and cozy weather. Here in Los Angeles we got a few days of cool-er weather but no leaves turning … hell, we got no leaves! We get the cozy weather symptoms but not the actual change in season, so wherever you are, I hope this season is a beautiful one for you!

Wether you’re in a colder place than L.A. or you live in a tropical place, with these Fall style inspirations you can layer them up and even dress them down. Here are my most favorite ways to style boots this Fall! From chic to casual, and somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone.

METALLIC MAMA!


There’s something magical about metallics! Corinne has these exact Wanted Angel Oxfords, in metallic silver and I swear every time she puts them on it’s like the Wizard of Oz except she’s the damn wizard. I love her style and 90% of what I wear or dream about wearing is inspired by my fashionista daughter. Chic, professional, and playful all in one outfit! White lacey socks, fancy pants that are high waisted and belted, a white ribboned button up, rose gold blazer, earrings to match, and a black crossbody.

 

ALL BLACK AND COGNAC!

There is a theme here 😉 Let me name something and I swear I’ll name everything! So if you know me than you know that black and grey make up about 99.9% of my wardrobe and I’m not even mad about it. Add some rich cognac colors and rose golds to the scene and baby you’re a firework. This outfit I wear (in variations) a LOT! DSW Crown Vintage Cognac boots, ripped black skinnies, loose fitting black tee, black moto jacket, aviators, cross body, some sparkle.

 

BOOTIE STRUTIN’ STYLE!

Get it … bootie … booty … I’m 4. So I’m still not over styling denim with all the things. If you’re in colder weather you can throw some additional layers on and still keep this sexy, simplistic little number in tact. These Guess Golda booties are the sexy version of a combat boot to me. Bringing back the all black and adding in some silver flare and sheer tights for fun. Blazer and clutch finish the look off with a bit of class … because we’re classy chicks.

 

Would you wear any of these styles? What’s your favorite way to style boots this season? Do you prefer booties or boooooots???

 

TRAVEL GUIDE: PALM SPRINGS, CA

by with No Comment adventureleisurelifestylereviewstravel

Growing up an Army brat I moved every three years, at least. Which makes me really comfortable with being uncomfortable. You know, that feeling you get when you move to another city or explore a town you’ve never been to, I live for that feeling. So I’ve made it my summer to-do in exploring a new destination each month, and today I’ll share with you a piece of paradise I found close to home, Palm Springs.

I stayed at the Avalon Hotel for my friend Miya’s birthday and what I love most about this boutique hotel is the customer service and its attention to every detail. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway complete with on site bicycles, 3 heated pools, health spa, fine dining, and a bungalow lifestyle, than this is the place for you!








With the desert setting and magnificent mountain views, you’ll really enjoy one of their poolside rooms! Ummm and can we talk about the decor?! I mean . . . clean, super bright, with pops of color, it’s got that retro feel with a modern finesse! I’m just completely obsessed with this place! I’ve found that in many cases, such a beautiful hotel will have not-so-comparable dining services, but this is not the case with the Avalon. Five JessQuests stars to their Avalon Burger *ahem grass-fed short rib sirloin*, and my absolute favorite, their fruit cart (pictured above)- complete with chili and lime *drool*!

We were greeted with complimentary champagne and fruit upon our arrival (birthday surprises!), our glasses were never empty during pool side celebrations, and every necessity was met with the friendliest smiles and the warmest of staff members! If you’re ever passing through Los Angeles or make your way to Palm Springs, definitely drop by the Avalon and tell Ezekiel we said hello!

Do you have a favorite local getaway?! Summer is almost over, have you checked any to-do’s off your list?