Sunny Seoul & Summer of Love

I can't contain my excitement! I know I've been raving about many lipsticks on this blog as of late, and so you might be rolling your eyes at yet another "must-have" product of mine. I change lipsticks as often as...well you know. But once I find one that I really love, I keep it in heavy, heavy rotation. This one, gifted to me by my best friend is definitely one of them.

Sunny Seoul

Not only is it a creamsheen so it's pigmented and ultra smooth, but it also has just the right amount of pink and peach undertones. I think many people can wear it comfortably. It's beautiful for Summer.

I wanted to take the time to quickly update you guys on my Summer. I'm deeming it, "my Summer of love." Cheesy as it sounds, it's a pretty accurate description!

 

 

July:

* My best friend's bridal shower in Orange County.

*My bridal shower at one of our local wineries. It happens to also be my favorite.

*My second wedding dress fitting is on the 24th. Fingers crossed it fits me like a glove!

August:

*My soon to be sister in law is having a little girl. I'm so happy for her! She already has two amazing sons, and now her baby girl will complete the family. Her baby is due in October, but the baby shower is this month.

* My best friend will get married on August 16th! I can't wait to be her proud maid of honor. I'm an only child, so being in her wedding is extremely special to me :)

* Nate and I are planning a little trip to Catalina to do some snorkeling and prepare for our honeymoon in Hawaii.

September:

*I'm getting married! Lots of last minute planning will undoubtedly take up most of my time. We are also having our rehearsal on September 12th (which also happens to be my 29th birthday).

*Honeymoon in paradise to follow :)

I'm taking the rest of this week off to enjoy the holiday. Happy Fourth to my fellow Americans :)

See you next week!

Photos c/o Pinterest
 

♥ Noelle

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Mint & Sparkle

Wearing: Slouchy tee (old Express, but similar here), Shorts - LOFT, Tote - Target, Sandals - Steve Madden, Watch - Michael Kors (similar)

I can't even begin to explain how hot it was here this weekend. Unfortunately, our A/C decided to give out on the hottest weekend of the year, while we are in the midst of a full blown heat wave. We tried our best to keep a positive attitude, get some relief at the pool and beach, and finally take full advantage of our Summertime essentials (including this pretty tote from Target). I really hope you all managed to stay cool!

♥ Noelle

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White hot

Maybe it's because I'm getting married in less than three months, but one thing's for sure: This Summer, I'm obsessed with white. Dresses, skirts, blazers - even my nails are donning a pearly white shade.

Photos c/o Pinterest

Are you wearing white this Summer?

By the way, how sad is it that Google Reader is going away? I've used it to manage my favorite blogs since I first started my own blog in 2009. I do have a Bloglovin' account, so I'd really appreciate it if you continued to follow me over there :)

♥ Noelle

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Sprinkles

Blouse - Zara (recent, check stores)

Skirt - Nordstrom (similar)

Pumps - J Crew (love these)

Bag - Juicy (old)

Bracelets - Stella & Dot and J Crew

Necklace - Sonya Renee

Upon spotting this gauzy blouse at the massive two-story Zara in San Diego, I couldn't help but smile and think of rainbow sprinkles on top of a cupcake. Silly reason to buy a blouse, but why not?! It looks great tucked into a skirt, but I will definitely be wearing it with denim as well.  One thing I'm lacking in my wardrobe these days are short sleeved blouses, and now that Summer is officially in full swing, I need more before I melt!

♥ Noelle

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Glittering Nudes & Neon

 Wearing: Zara skirt, Express blouse, Nine West Pumps, J Crew Factory clutch, YSL ring, Sonya Renee initial necklace, Chanel earrings, Essie "Marshmellow" nail polish

There should be one piece in every girl's closet that makes her feel special, the shining star of her wardrobe. This gold sequin number from Zara is my one special piece. I put it on and instantly feel glamorous. If I could wear it every single day, I probably would. But since I can't parade around in it 365 days a year, I'll settle for special occasions (like an annual dinner that Nate and I do in Newport Beach).

What's your special piece?

Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed the weekend.

♥ Noelle

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Daily Vs. Weekend & New Discoveries {Beauty}

Recently, there has been a drastic change between my daily makeup and the products I wear on the weekend. As many of you know, I work with kids that are involved in CPS. I travel to their placements and work with them directly on improving poor behaviors, teaching them coping skills, and helping them cultivate a talent, skill, or hobby in hopes that they may return to some semblance of normalcy. I spend most of the week driving. Dressed up clothes take a backseat, and my makeup is super simple Monday through Friday (unless I go out). I used to try and keep up with the makeup routine I was always comfortable with, but over the past few months, I've realized that less is more for work.

I use the Make Up For Ever HD because I find the formula very thin, almost like a tinted moisturizer. It covers some blotchy spots on my face, but it's very natural. I use MAC prep and prime highlighter under my eyes to brighten them up, some UD liner in Stash (which is an olive) on the lash line, and CG LashBlast mascara. I sweep a nude/peach matte shadow all over the lids and that's all the eye makeup I've been wearing. Some light pink cheeks, Revlon brow fantasy to cover some bare spots throughout my brows, and a dusting of powder and I'm out the door. Throughout the day, I apply a Revlon lip butter in Juicy Papaya or some old fashioned chapstick when my lips need the moisture.



My weekend makeup is definitely more fun! This is when I can play around and let my hair down so to speak. We usually have plans with friends, date nights, or we try to get out of town. We love our weekends!

I like to use my favorite foundation, Mat Velvet +, because it has amazing coverage and staying power. Once I apply it, I know it's there for the long haul. Hourglass primer also ensures a smooth, even coverage. I go to town with shadows (loving my MAC palette), although I keep them neutral because I enjoy playing up my lips with a bright color. I also find that I only reach for my bronzer and cheek highlighter during the weekend, but I'm not sure why. If you have any questions about specific products, please ask :)


Now on to my new "discoveries".

By far the best makeup remover wipes I've ever tried! That's a big statement right? How many times have I raved about Neutrogena, Ponds, etc.? Well I adored those, until I discovered these. Please try them! They are amazing. I love how saturated they are, even the very last sheet. They remove every last stitch of makeup.

I've wanted to try this body conditioner from Lush for quite some time now, but I finally went to the only Lush remotely close to me while I was on vacation last week. Now I've only used this twice, but it's SO GOOD! I used it to shave my legs and they have never felt so soft. I don't think I'll be using this in the shower daily, but definitely on the weekends when I want to feel extra special :) Did I mention it smells of roses? Gorgeous! 

Do you switch up your weekday Vs. weekend routine?

♥ Noelle

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