August Favorites

Hello There! Welcome to my....

This month is a short favorites list. I was fairly busy this month with work and preparation for fall semester starting next week so I didn't have much time to try new things. That being said - here are the things that I have had time to love this month :)

1. S Factor True Lasting Colour Shampoo and Conditioner - I had initially gone into ULTA looking for the S Factor Smoothing Shampoo (which smells very strongly on strawberries and cream - a bit to sweet for me)  but then saw that they had a line for color treated hair. I picked up the bottle, smelled it, and was instantly sold. It smells of coconut and almond oils yet still fresh.  After the first use I saw a difference in my hair. Not only did it look healthier (much more shine and body) but it also felt like silk. As for the color preservation, I think it has done well. My blonde hasn't gone brassy at all and I've gone a long time in between salon visits. You can find the shampoo here and the conditioner here - also ULTA is having a buy two get one free with TIGI products! 
2. Murad Clarifying Mask - I heard about this product from Zoe of Zoella on YouTube and decided to give it a whirl. I suffer from mild acne which used to be far worse and since I use two different topical treatments on my skin, sometimes it seems a little lackluster. Therefore, I am always on the look out for new products that will make my skin look and feel refreshed. This little puppy does the trick. I use it on nights when I need to recoup from a long and tiring day. It leaves my skin feeling clean and strong. I will say that I do apply a moisturizer right after rinsing the mask off because my skin feels a little tight, but I'm not sure if that is the product or the fact that I live in dry Colorado. If you want to give it a try you can find it here!
3. Rose Water - There are many benefits to using rose water on your face. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and provides a smoother look and feel to your skin. I had heard about it before but had never really had much motivation to try it. However, a friend of mine had a bottle of rose water she had gotten from a family member and never used and gave it to me. How I could I not try it if it was a free gift? So I tried it and I love it. The smell is a little strong at first but then dissipates and it leaves my skin feeling quite nice. I apply it using a small cotton pad all over my face. You can find it in some local grocery stores but I would get mine at the local middle eastern market. 
4. CamilleStyles.com - I have been so incredibly inspired by this site! They have created a place of creativity and inspiration in so many different areas- fashion, beauty, life, food, and entertaining. I can't get enough. It serves as a inspiration for my blog, not only asthetically but for content as well. Go check it out and let me know what you think!
5. Flower of the Month - Carnations! Now, I am not usually a huge fan of carnations. They are pretty little flowers but my memory of carnation is giving and receiving them on valentine's day in elementary school plus they have never struck me as a particularly inspiring flower. However, they were on sale at the grocery store and I loved the two toned color of these - a peach and orangy-pink combo! I bought two bouqets, one for my desk and one for my bedside table. I love them. They make me happy and have lasted the entire month!
6. Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger - This book is the sequel to the book The Devil Wears Prada (also a popular movie). I hadn't read the first one but I had seen the movie and loved it. So when my aunt had sent Revenge Wears Prada in a box among other things I thought I'd read it. GOOD CHOICE. I love it! It is just as witty and relatable as the movie. You follow the story line of Andy Sachs as she moves on from Runway and Miranda and starts her life as a married woman with her own bridal mag on the rise. It looks like you can get it from Amazon here!

What have you been loving this month? Leave it in the comments - I'd love to hear from you! If you enjoy reading my posts, please subscribe in the side bar! x

DIY | Lavender Ginger Body Scrub

Hello There! Not long ago I came across a DIY tutorial by LEAF on YouTube and was inspired to make my own body scrub. I tinkered with the recipe a bit, more out of necessity than anything, and I absolutely love the finished product!

Ingredients:

- 2 tbsp ginger, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- lavender essential oil (I used pure lavender salve, which is made from lavender essential oil, as a substitute and it worked nicely)

The Process:

1. Combine coconut oil, ginger, and (in my case) lavender salve in a small saucepan and heat on low for about ten minutes.
2. Strain the mixture into a medium size bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. Be sure not to let it cool for too long or the coconut oil will settle and begin to harden.
3. Once cooled down, add the sugar and salt to the mixture.
4. At this point, if you are using lavender essential oil add a few drops of the essential oil into the mixture.
5. Jar the mixture and Voila! I recommend using a mason jar with a screw-top lid to ensure that the scrub does not get watered down in the shower. 

I am thoroughly enjoying my scrub and am excited to tweak the recipe to get different scents and benefits! I find after using this scrub my skin feels both quenched and silky. The salt and sugar work to exfoliate and help gently remove any dead skin and the oils keep my skin healthy and soft. If you'd like to take a look at the original recipe check out LEAF's body scrub here! This is not a sponsored post I just enjoy sharing things I love! 

Have you tried any DIY scrubs? I'd love to hear from you and maybe even swap recipes! Stay tuned for more DIYs to come! If you like these posts, please subscribe in the side bar! x

Blumarine Fall 2013 RTW

Hello There! Recently I have been looking through Vogue's online runway catalogue which covers all of the major runway shows for each season. I was investigating the trends for Fall 2013 and I came across this gem of a collection - Blumarine Fall '13 RTW

Photos courtesy of Vogue Runway

Like so many other collections I've seen this fall, there were pieces I loved and pieces I didn't care for. What I have pictured above are some of my favorite looks from Blumarine's Fall 2013 RTW collection. I was drawn to the idea of a design that felt both structured and whimsical. Each look seems to have a certain flow and the detail work in each piece is astonishing. Each look is unique and memorable, from the skirt pant combos, to the darker, edgier pieces pictured in the bottom row, to the fun and flirty look of the dresses pictured in the top row. What more could a girl ask for?

As far as "ready to wear", again, there were some pieces that I personally wouldn't be brave enough to wear out on the streets. However, there were a few exceptional pieces that I would proudly don in the proper setting. This collection was a knockout in my book and I am looking forward to seeing what Blumarine comes out with next. You can find the entire Fall 2013 RTW collection here on Vogue's runway page!

What are your thoughts on the collection? Do you have a favorite from Fall '13? Stay tuned for my September Issue Saturdays - where I will post every Saturday in the month of September regarding my favorite glossy's September Issue! xx

Healthy Living and Old Friends

Last week I made the trek up to Breckenridge to see an old friend from Texas. When life gets crazy I like to take a step back and remind myself of all of the little things in my life that give me joy. My day started early - 6 am early- for the drive through the mountains. Pandora radio and a Xyience were the only things keeping me awake. After I arrived and had a moment or two to enjoy the view, Lauren and I set out to go hiking. It was so amazing to soak in the wonderful views and some quality bonding time. I cherish the friends that I have who can pick up right where we left off without a problem - it's like we haven't been apart for more than a week. The hike took us up to a beautiful waterfall where we sat and chatted for a few minutes while we refueled. I don't think Lauren needed any convincing to stay for another week. In fact, she fully plans on moving to the area as soon as possible. I can't wait to have one of my oldest and dearest friends close - I need a hiking buddy! Here are a few of my favorite snaps from our outing xx

Pure unedited beauty.

She's an odd one but I love her

We made it to the falls!

Who can spot me?

Relaxing at the top

Mr. Beaver was hanging out by my car!

The gorgeous view from Lauren's sister's house

30 Day Snap Day 20 | Hail in August

This was one of the weirdest experiences of my life. One minute it is 79 degrees and the next minute the temperature drops to 69 and it starts to hail. We ended up with a few inches. Just look at those rooftops!!! This is not snow, ladies and gents. xx

A Fresh Take on Fall | Trend Alert

Usually when you think of fall trends, you think of heavy knits and rich colors. However, this fall we are getting a fresh color addition - Rose 

Seen in the form of coats on the Celine runway, a sleek dress at Carven, or a classic Chanel number, blush pink has also not surprisingly made it's way into the clothing lines of retailers such as LOFT and H&M. I personally love this pastel revolution for fall. It allows me to continue to use all of the lovely fresh pieces from summer that I'm not ready to let go of. In the past, I have always found the transition from summer into fall a bit of a tricky one to master but with this reintroduction of pastel combinations in weightier fabrics, this years transition should be a bit smoother. I've noticed that rose pink is not only a constant across the runways and shopping racks, it is also often being paired with similarly muted neutrals. This fall, ladies have a multitude of options and attitudes - try pairing your pink with a warmer neutral such as army green or rust to keep it sweet and delicate, or you can go classy with a bit of edge with understated black accessories. Either can easily be dressed up or down! 

I will definitely be taking full advantage of this trend - What outfits do you have in mind?

 Thanks for stopping by! Come back and see my fall outfit of the day posts (look for the rose pink)! 

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