Summer Bucket List

"Summertime is always the best of what might be." 

Charles Bowden

It's almost the start of Summer, and I couldn't be any more thrilled to welcome it. The beginning especially, that perfect feeling of lightness and adventure and possibility and freedom. Is there a better time of year?

Every Summer, I make a list of things I want to do. This is the first time I'm formally writing everything down, and I'm hoping I can check each item off this list, one by one, a memory at a time. In lieu of June updates, here is what I'll be working on this month and all Summer long:

1. Go snorkeling on Catalina Island

2. Hike Torrey Pines (again) and go on more hikes around town

3. Take the train up the coast for a day

4. A dinner cruise around San Diego Bay

5. Picnic at the park at least once

6. Take my dog Nettie swimming

7. Spend as much time at the beach as possible

8. Go to at least one blogging event

9. Take more photos of friends

10. Tulum

11. Couple's massage

12. Take a marketing class


Number ten is kind of a big one! My best friend and I usually take a girls' trip once a year. For Christmas, she surprised me with a ticket to a destination of our choice and we decided on Mexico. I've only been to visit my family in Guadalajara, never to any of the resort areas. I still need to get my passport squared away, but we already booked Tulum for late August/early September. Ahhhhh! I'm SO excited!


I'd love to know, what's on your Summer bucket list? I hope you can do one of them this weekend!

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Easy Summer Beauty Essentials

I feel like I say this every Summer - when the temperatures rise, the last thing I want to feel on my skin is a ton of makeup. I realize I don't wear much anyway, but I especially go light during the months of June through September. It gets excruciatingly hot in Temecula!

My routine consists of: 

Taking advantage of glowing skin while keeping sweat at bay.

Enhancing my light tan but protecting from too much sun exposure.

Fun sweeps of color across my lips that look stained from eating a popsicle.

Polished but super low-maintenance.


Below are my current favorites for achieving this:

Cargo HD bronzer, Avene sunscreen

UD facial mist (smells like coconuts)

Lancome juicy shaker 

Before I go and enjoy the weekend, I want to remind you guys that today is the last day to enter my Nordstrom & blogiversary giveaway! Early access to the Nordstrom sale began yesterday so it's the perfect chance to do some shopping if you win the E-gift card. Good luck! I'll announce the winner here next week. Anyone do any shopping yet?

I also want to say a HUGE thank you for all of your warm responses to Wednesday's real talk post. I was so touched and am incredibly humbled by your kindness. I will be responding to all of you today, but I promise I read each one as they were coming in. It is amazing to hear that I'm not alone. Logically I know this, but it's reassuring anyway. Have a happy Friday!

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Darling Dress & Blogging Anniversary

Wearing //

Lulus Dress

Banana Republic Bag

J.Crew Pumps, similar

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry Ring

Loft Stretch Bracelets, similar

BP Nordstrom Cuff, similar

Beauty //

Lips in M.A.C. Peach Blossom

This post is very special to me each year because it's my blogging anniversary! Well, actually I'm a few days late. My first published post went live on July 15th, 2009. Seven years later, I'm still here and I honestly can't believe anyone continues to read my little space of the internet. It boggles my mind just how many friends I have made over the years from all different parts of the country and beyond. I have readers from Canada, Russia, Germany, and Mexico. Think about that. That's amazing! I'm a bit of an introvert in "real" life, and I don't go out of my way to meet new people because I can be pretty shy and awkward. It has been such a fascinating experience for me to get to "know" people I normally wouldn't have the chance to in person. This is one aspect of blogging that I absolutely adore, and it keeps me plugging away. You ladies inspire me and not just in fashion or beauty. So many of you have made a bad day better, and a good day even better simply by your kind words and support. Bloggers have come and gone, but there are a few that have remained and I would be remiss if I didn't mention them by name. My "OG" girls that started blogging around the same time that I did: Zeba, Alison-Elle, Lilly,Skylette, Andee Layne, Crystal, Lynn, Tara, Veronika. And newer friends: Gina, Caryl, Rachelle, Daphnee, Amy Ann. You ladies have all played a role in why I continue to blog. Let's be honest. It isn't always as easy as people may think! I get writer's block, I doubt myself, I play the whole comparison game. But, the good outweighs all of these things and I can't at this point imagine not blogging.

Of course, my non-blogger friends who continue to read also keep me going. I wouldn't do it without you, because what would be the point? I already keep a journal that nobody sees, so it's nice to have an online journal that people do see. I know blogging has changed dramatically over the years. If you'd like to see something new on here, please feel free to share that with me. I'm open to pretty much everything, as long as it's entertaining or helpful. I'm also not afraid of critiques either. If I bore you to death, or if I wear something that you find unflattering let me know. Don't worry, I've worked with kiddos who have spit on me and called me every bad name under the sun. I can handle it :)

Thank you for reading! Happy seventh birthday, BG24 :)

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Easy Livin' Tees

Wearing //

Easy Livin' tee

Target shorts

J.Crew sandals, similar

Nordstrom tote

Kendra Scott bracelet 

Wearing //

Easy Livin' tee

Target shorts

H&M kimono, check stores but love this too

Steve Madden sandals (similar here and here)

Nordstrom tote

Victoria's Secret bikini top (love)

Once in a blue moon, I get a kind email from a brand reaching out to me that I simply can't pass up. As a self-proclaimed beach girl, I love Summer because I can escape the desert heat in my hometown and make the forty-five minute drive to the coast for some relief! Third only to shopping and blogging, the ocean is one of my favorite things. Any chance I get, I'm by the water. Which brings me to these tank tops that Easy Livin' Tees sent over, as part of their Spring/Summer collection. I lived in them while I was on my Hawaiian vacation, and I'm even wearing "vitamin sea" now over my bikini. Whether you're running errands, having an outdoor BBQ, hanging out poolside, or taking a beach day, these little cotton tops with fun, catchy sayings are perfect. I especially love the fit of the "Summer lovin'" tank. It's fitted but not tight, and I love the Grease movie reference! Both tanks are  really soft and wash well. In fact, I've seen similar tops at surf shops that cost a ton more than these do, and yet these are just as adorable! They have other cute options on their website to suit any taste. I'm not typically big on graphic tees, but I can definitely get behind these because they are just so light and the quality is nice. I'll be living in them all season long. 

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Summer Vacation Style

Wearing //

Forever 21 top or here's an entire look in one!

Asos skirt, similar

Since I didn't want to waste precious beach time taking blog photos (aside from the one above), I took a cue from my blog friends and attempted some flat lays. I didn't photograph everything I wore, but pretty close! The best advice I can give when traveling, especially to a place like Hawaii, is to pack light and bring pieces that easily interchange with one another. Mix and match like a pro so you don't have to think about what you're going to wear each day. The point of my personal vacation style, and Summer in general, is ease and comfort. Now that doesn't mean looking like a slob. Simply put, it's about being in the moment and enjoying your experience rather than being a slave to fashion. 

Jack by BB Dakota dress

J.Crew Factory sandals, super similar and I own these in grey!

Island Sole pineapple tank, here in black

Target shorts

Forever 21 dress, kind of obsessed with this option

Similar sandals

1. State off the shoulder top (favorite)

Target shorts

Nordstrom street level tote (reversible too)

Loft maxi dress

Loeffler Randall bag

What's your Summer vacation style? Any tips?

Linking up with Rachelle and Carylee today!

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Getting ready for Summer

Spring always gets me excited for the months ahead. As cliche as it may be, it really does evoke the feeling of new beginnings. I'm a Summer girl at heart, and there's nothing I love more than looking forward to road trips, vacations, and lazily lounging around on my days off. Lately, there are a few things I'm doing to get ready for my favorite time of the year. Sorry holidays, but you're often stressful, complicated, and too dramatic. The most wonderful time of year for me includes May through September.




Sheet masks are a must-do on my list, and I know I'll be using them a ton during the hot Summer. You guys know I'm really interested in skincare, and these are great for a little pick-me-up. I often do one at night while watching tv, listening to music, or reading. I got this giant pack of various sheet masks from Amazon. They are also sold at Ulta 

Another thing I'm really enjoying at the moment is reading. I've been an avid reader my entire life, but it seems I find every excuse not to pick up a book, and instead tune into my social media accounts. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can replace the knowledge you gain from reading a good book. I don't care how informative a blog or a website is, holding a book in your hands, being able to highlight important parts, and being able to go at your own pace is irreplaceable. I'm so grateful that Gina sent along this gem by Jen Sincero. I get so tired of running circles in my head, doubting my capabilities, and being so self deprecating to the point of nothingness. I thought that I'd have life figured out by now, but I really don't. It's a struggle a lot of people face, so I highly recommend it! And for those of you who are like myself and feel really left behind in the blogging world and can't figure out where to go next, this book by Yuli Ziv is a must as well. I'm devouring both, and hopefully by Summer I'll have more figured out.

The last thing (well not really the last but for time's sake, I'll pretend) would be my Summer vacation planning. Nate and I are going...wait for it...wait for it...to Hawaii! Yes, shocking! It's only our third time together, and my...10th? Listen, I'm not that spoiled. I know what you're thinking. But my godfather lives on Maui, and this little fact is what keeps me going back year after year. Another fun fact - I stayed with him for almost a month when I was in high school, and even contemplated moving there after graduation to attend college. It's also where my best friend Katie and I went after graduating in 2003, and where Nate and I took our first real trip together, and where we spent our honeymoon. So now we are headed back "home" as I fondly refer to it. Except we are going to not only Maui, but to Oahu as well. I am so excited!

I'm also going to Vegas in a couple of weeks for my soon to be sister-in-law's bon voyage to single life, and I'm a bridesmaid in the wedding on May 29th. It's going to be a busy few months!


Do you have anything planned for Summer?

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Mama Wants a Brand New Bag

I'm getting that itch again. The one where I get ridiculously obsessive about my next big purchase, and that always means a handbag. I've said it before - some women love shoes, some lust after diamonds, and some like myself well...it's all about that next beautiful bag to add to my (rather small) collection.

Here's the criteria:

• Must be practical and multi-functional
• In keeping with the upcoming Spring and Summer, I want one in a lighter color
• Which color have I narrowed it down to? Either beige, white, or blush
• I'm also in the market for a crossbody/saddle style. Trendy at the moment, but when it comes to bags in particular, the saddle bag comes back around every few years.
• Must be leather and of good quality because my bags are forever - quality over quantity
• Must be under the $400 range. As much as I'd love a Chloe, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, or Valentino, I just can't bring myself to save for one just yet. There are other pressing matters in life. I have to be realistic. 

I'm not one to jump at the chance to make a big purchase. I like to do some research, mull over my options, and then narrow the choices down to two or three. Sometimes I'll ask for others' opinions, but most of the time, I go with my gut because ultimately it's my money and I'm the one who is going to carry the bag! 

Some pretty options that are in the running:

Kate Spade 

Loeffler Randall

Michael Kors

Gigi New York

Milly

Which do you ladies prefer? It's hard to narrow down to just one! 

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New LOFT Essentials

Wearing //

LOFT jeans & cardigan

Express cami

Sole Society heels, similar

Kate Spade bag, pretty option

JaxKelly necklace

Elizabeth Stone ring

Beauty //

Lips in Nars birthday duo from Sephora (obsessed)

Toes in China Glaze "Flip Flop Fantasy"

When I found out that Ann Taylor LOFT was having their friends and family sale, you guys know I had to pick up a couple things. Aside from Express and Nordstrom, LOFT is my favorite place to buy  essentials that carry me from work to weekend, and from day to night. Their denim in particular is my favorite. Ultra soft and petite friendly, I can walk in to the store and come out with perfectly tailored jeans that I don't have to bother hemming. I'm also happy that they are coming out with new washes and styles, since most of my jeans are of the dark rinse variety. I really need to get away from skinny jeans too. I love them to death, but I'm finding myself looking more and more at relaxed or flared styles. We shall see if I deviate from my usual though. Shopping for jeans can be frustrating, especially if you're pear-shaped like I am. If any of you ladies also have this little issue, try the curvy skinny style from LOFT. They are roomy in the bum, but still nice and fitted throughout the leg (although not suffocating). For sizing reference, I am a size 28 petite,

I also picked up this long grey cardigan that I love because it has pockets! It's the perfect length to pair with just about anything, including over a dress. I think longer cardigans are more flattering on me these days.

Hope you had a great Labor day!

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Celebrating a Birthday

Wearing //

Banana Republic dress, similar here & here

Sole Society heels, similar

Halogen bag, similar (such a classic)

Nordstrom necklaces here & here

Saint Laurent arty ring

Not my birthday, but my mom's birthday. She turned 63 last Saturday, and I wanted to take her out to dinner. Anyone that knows my mom can attest to the fact that she rarely treats herself. She goes out of her way to spoil others, but I can barely remember a time when she spoiled herself or allowed others to shower her with gifts. She's not the type of mom that went with me to the salon, and when we shopped, she would often buy for others instead of treating herself. It's this selfless quality that makes me really proud to call her my mother. She's this tiny little Mexican woman, but she has such a big personality. I wish more people could be like her, myself included! I think I indulge too often, and although I blame it partly on blogging, I would like to be more like her. Funny story: After paying the dinner tab, she sent me a text message as soon as she got home and wanted to pay Nate and I back! Who does that?! Needless to say, I didn't let her. 

Three quick notes before I go:

1) I am wearing false lashes here, and I really love how they accentuate my eyes. I'm not good at applying them, but I plan on practicing so I can wear them more (at least on special occasions). 

2) The Saint Laurent arty ring is still a show-stopper. I got several compliments during dinner. It's such a substantial ring that I can't wear my wedding set with it because it rubs against them. 

3) Linking up with Tara, Rachelle, and Carylee today!

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The Queen Mary

Wearing //

Loft maxi dress (old), gorgeous option

Nordstrom bag & necklace

J.Crew Factory sandals

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry druzy ring & bracelet

Last week was nothing short of a whirlwind in many ways. Despite Nate and I doing a staycation rather than traveling out of state or country, we still managed to cruise around Los Angeles and Orange County. It's amazing how often we take our surrounding cities for granted. Born in L.A., my parents never really showed me around Hollywood or Malibu, so I wanted to definitely explore those areas during our time off. 

The Queen Mary in Long Beach was by far the most exciting part. Although most of it has been renovated, I felt like I was stepping back in time. The ship itself was breathtaking, as I had never set foot on such a massive boat. There was a feeling in the air that I can't explain, but I wouldn't say it was supernatural. I didn't see or hear any ghosts, and I know that can deter people from staying aboard overnight but I highly recommend doing so! Our room was surprisingly spacious, the staff were extremely knowledgeable and unusually polite, and I was in awe of the ship's history.You don't need to pay extra for a tour in order to get a real sense of the Queen Mary's past. Just do some walking and you will see plenty of plaques, pictures, and so forth. Nate and I aren't really the type to do guided tours. We like to wing it and venture on our own. 

The maxi dress shown above is the only outfit I documented on my week off, and it was so windy on the deck that I had difficulty capturing it for fear of pulling a Marilyn Monroe. Nobody wants to see my spanx. However, I avoided taking pictures in other areas of the ship due to the throngs of people. I'm still sheepish when it comes to blogging my outfits. I'm no Kardashian.

Stunning view

A peek at one of the life boats. 

Dinner that night. 

We split this plate for both monetary and weight purposes ;) Filet and lobster heaven.

Brunch the next morning.

Phenomenal, and worth every penny. Not to mention every glass of champagne consumed. 

One of the spooky hallways. 

Really not that spooky. A little musty, a little chilly, but not scary.

The beautiful Queen gets an A+ rating from yours truly.

If you want to see more pictures from my week off, Instagram is the place to find them. 

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