My Perfect "Beach" Sweater

I love going to the beach, and I'm fortunate that I can visit year-round. It's about a 45 minute drive, which I'll gladly do whenever the mood strikes. Happy, sad, reflective, excited - any excuse to sit with sand between my toes. Except, there's always that lingering question of "what do I wear?"

Wearing // Tobi sweater c/o, Asos skirt, Mia flats, Gifted bag

We've had a warm spell these last few days but it does inevitably get chilly in the evenings. This is especially true on the coast, where the breeze may look pretty in pictures but is often uncomfortably windy in real life!

Enter this swingy, cozy-as-can-be sweater from Tobi. I love the length, as it's longer in the back and a bit cropped in the front. I styled it here with a rose colored skirt, but it would look just as cute with denim shorts, distressed jeans, or even on top of a little dress. It's that perfect piece to pack in your beach bag to pull out once the sun goes down. In fact, we are going to the beach next weekend and you can bet I'll be wearing this.

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Favorite Drugstore Beauty

I rarely shop at the drugstore anymore. Not because I'm a stuffy snob who doesn't enjoy a good bargain, but precisely because I do like a good bargain! Do you guys ever get sucked into buying more than you actually need because of a coupon? CVS pharmacy is famous for this, and after some thought, I decided that the best way for me to save money is to stay away! Especially from stores like Target where the temptation to buy everything is very real.

But once in awhile, I do go to the drugstore to stock up on items that are worth every penny and are just as good (if not better) than what you get at department stores. It took some trial and error to come across most of these, but lucky for you because now you don't have to waste your money on a mediocre product.

These are my absolute favorite beauty products, all from the drugstore:

1. NYX HD Powder - No difference between this translucent setting powder and the Make Up For Ever version. I mean, aside from the massive price discount! I will never buy a high-end setting powder again.

2. NYX Butter Gloss - The smoothest lip gloss I've ever tried; it really does go on like buttah. The line has a wide range of colors as well. I like to apply one after lipstick for a dose of moisture.

3. Real Techniques Beauty Blender (2 pack) - I once bought the real deal and you know what? I was disappointed! This blending sponge by Real Techniques is pliable and the perfect shape for applying liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, and blending out concealer. It really serves as a workhorse in my makeup routine, and I'm convinced that every woman needs to use one for a flawless finish.

4. L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Primer - I have used this with a few different mascaras and it works beautifully each time. My stubby lashes appear longer and fuller in just one coat. If you're happy overall with your mascara but feel like your lashes could still use a boost, try this primer.

5. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso - This lightly shimmery blush is the perfect mix of pink and peach, with a warm undertone. It reminds me of the NARS orgasm blush, except Luminoso is lighter and more wearable. When I don't know which blush shade to reach for, I go with Luminoso.


What are your drugstore beauty favorites? Linking up with Gina & Amy Ann

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Making Health & Wellness a Priority

One of my goals for this year is to focus on making my health a priority instead of treating it like an afterthought. And when I say health, I'm not just talking in broad terms. I have very specific targets in mind, some of which include mental health and an interest in spiritual health as well. It's not just about losing a few extra pounds. although let's face it, that's certainly a reason too!

We always begin the new year with the best of intentions, but most "diets" aren't sustainable and that defeats the whole purpose, doesn't it?  Besides, losing weight is great and all but what about other aspects of well-being? We tend to associate fitness with good health, but I know plenty of people who lead active lifestyles and are completely miserable in other areas of their lives.

As I write this, I'm nursing a cold I've had for what feels like the better portion of January. so this post feels timely. If you don't have health (physical, mental, emotional) than everything else seems to suffer.

I drink this 3x per week in the mornings 

Recipe here

Ways I'm Focusing on Wellness:

1. To start, I'm doing physical activity three times a week - Two days in the gym, one at a yoga studio. You have to know what works for you. For me, I got lazy and easily distracted when I tried working out at home. I gain energy from the people around me, so paying $12 a month for my gym membership is more motivating. I know for others, working out in the privacy of their own home is best. Figure out what works for you! 

2. I stopped going to therapy for the latter part of last year and it was a bad move. Of course I didn't want to admit that. When you've been going for a long time like I have, you tend to hit a wall where things just aren't clicking. I love my therapist, but I got to a point where I wasn't being fully receptive and I was just telling her what I thought she wanted to hear. What the Hell is the point of that?! I'm paying this person and I'm not even listening? It took a few months to realize I needed to go back and I needed to BE HONEST with her. 

3. I'm drinking more water.  

4. I've been watching less t.v. and listening to more music and podcasts that help to relax me.

5. This one is proving to be tough, but I'm checking social media less and focusing more on this blog, my copy editing classes, and planning for future employment. In fact, I have a job interview tomorrow. Wish me luck!

6. I've created a pinterest board full of quotes that I've been checking every morning before I start my day. It sets the tone. I like this one: "Your attitude determines your altitude." 

7. I'm asking for help when I need it. A simple conversation with a friend can change your entire perspective. 

8. Instead of putting things off "until tomorrow" I am doing them today. Not tomorrow, not next week, but TODAY. All we have is today.

9. I have high blood pressure, so I'm eating food that helps combat that. Think lots of leafy greens! Luckily, I like vegetables and have grown to see food as nourishment. I indulge when I can, but having elevated blood pressure is no joke so I have to be mindful. This includes alcohol too.

I'm not perfect, and I know there'll be times when I fall short. As long as I'm making a conscious effort, there's no reason why I can't achieve these goals though.

What do you do to put your well-being first? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!

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Dark Florals + I Sort of Tried Balayage

Wearing // Asos dress, BlankNYC jacket (on sale), Sam Edelman pumps

You might not believe this, but I tried dying my hair blonde in high school. Blonde. I actually wish I had a picture as proof, but all of my photo albums are at my mom's house probably buried somewhere. Needless to say, it wasn't flattering. It's crazy how different I wanted to make myself back then. You know, the tall blonde bombshell with blue eyes. Instead, I wound up with orange straw after a boy at the local beauty school ruined my hair. I took it well.

Ever since, I've enjoyed being a brunette. It's low-maintenance, it suits my coloring, and I only darken it a couple times per year to give it richness and shine. Except, it does get a little boring having the same hairstyle year after year, so for awhile now I've been thinking about trying balayage. Aside from not knowing how to spell it, I also wasn't sure if it would suit me. Scary images of bad brassy dye came to mind. My hair holds a lot of orange, so I'm very particular about who I let color it. Thankfully I have a great stylist and she's been gently trying to introduce the idea of balayage to me. We started last week, and even though it's incredibly subtle, I can tell the difference. She mostly painted sections underneath my hair for that "peekaboo" effect. When the sunlight hits it just right, some caramel pieces come through. I'm all about natural so although we didn't veer away from that this time, I may go lighter gradually. Or, I may not!

What do you guys think? Have you tried balayage?

Linking up with Rachelle and Carylee today.

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