Real Talk: The Open Road

I've always been a creature of habit. I like to have a set schedule and routine, otherwise I get overwhelmed. I've always craved stability, something or someone to count on. But every once in awhile, I get this crazy urge to get out, drive the open road and step out of my comfort zone. "Anywhere but here" I tell Nate, when this nomadic feeling washes over me. It symbolizes freedom, youth, simplicity. It shows me that as much as I love "stuff", I really only require a handful of things to be wholly happy.

We have plans to take mini road trips as often as possible for the next few months. We bought an old Jeep Cherokee that hopefully will make these little dreams a reality. On our list: Grand Canyon, Oregon, Utah, Colorado. It would be amazing to go across country, but I'm not sure that's entirely possible this year.

Our trial run was Joshua Tree National Park on Saturday. I did some research before we left, but the park is massive and I knew we wouldn't have enough time to see all of the natural beauty. The rock formations (and climbing them) were our favorite. Nate has a fear of heights but he climbed higher than I could stomach so I was on my own for a bit! I climbed up to a flat bluff, and practiced mindfulness. All I could hear was the wind, and for the first time in months, I was truly present and at peace sitting there by myself. I would definitely recommend visiting if you're a nature lover. I wouldn't even consider myself much of an outdoors person but even I loved every minute of this. There truly is something for everyone.

Sometimes we don't need therapy. We just need to get outside of ourselves. Get off the beaten path.

Barker Dam

Joshua Trees are big!

Overlooking Palm Springs and the mountains (with snow!)

What do you do to clear your head? 

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Shades of Grey, Dose of Red

Wearing //

Express cami

H&M cardigan, also similar here 

Old Navy denim

Asos pumps, similar 

Gigi New York bag

Stella & Dot ring & versatile necklace

I'm attracted to shades of grey, I always have been. I have a difficult time making a judgement because nothing has ever been black or white for me. This drives the people in my life crazy. Make a choice, pick a side!  It's not that easy, and I admire others who have very strong convictions. It can be something totally trivial, like what restaurant to dine in. Or something on a larger scale like career, marriage, or family. It's all grey matter to me, a shrug of the shoulders, no compass to point me in a straight direction. I just don't know.

 I want to feel passionate about something, a dose of red, if you will. But so far, I'm still living in shades of grey, still questioning and analyzing every move I make.

Nate and I are going on a little road trip to Joshua Tree this weekend, and I'm looking forward to getting away and exploring nature. Whenever I feel foggy, I enjoy the open road and having a little adventure. It's a great way to clear the head! I'm hoping to do a re-cap of our experience next week.

Are you a decisive person? If so, any tips on how I can become more comfortable with making choices? 

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Bell Sleeves & Booties

Wearing //

Lush dress, similar here, here, & here

Splendid booties on major Sale!

Stella & Dot ring under $30

Beauty //

Lips in Too Faced "Spice Spice baby"

I've been dreading blogging recently. I haven't the faintest idea why, but every time I open my laptop I am filled with this nagging feeling that I don't have anything to add to this community. It was refreshing to take a short break last week, and I really needed that time to focus on myself, school, and just living life without the compulsion to be on social media much. I think we all experience this, so now as I write, I realize how good this space is for my psyche, even though I have bouts where I feel defeated and uninspired. I hope you all understand.

One thing I haven't been dreading - gentle nods toward Spring, and these new booties I bought from Amazon are probably my favorite purchase so far this year. I love that they are cut in a way that allows for more of a leg lengthening appearance. Being that I'm only 5'2, I struggle to find booties that don't make me look even shorter. Certain styles that come up higher on the ankle tend to make me look squat, and that's not what I'm going for! I also love the sleeves on this loose fitting sheath dress. The 60's trend is one I am definitely gravitating to for Spring. This dress is obviously more appropriate for the weekend, but I've seen options that can be pretty for the office. Just choose a longer style that is a bit more fitted throughout the body and can be worn with small pumps or flats.

What are your favorite Spring trends? It's right around the corner. I can't believe this is the last day of February!

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Spring 2017: Feminine Colors & Details

 Soft neutrals with delicate details are going to take over my closet this Spring. Everything I seem to be "liking" on Instagram or "pinning" on Pinterest resemble a page from one of those flowery romance novels. I'm eyeing everything in shades of blush, taupe, light grey, and cream. Ruffles, bell-sleeves, velvet, suede, soft fabrics...I think you get the picture. Even my beauty products look similar! Some of the items shown below I have recently purchased, some are similar. and a couple are on my wishlist.

What are you loving?

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A Valentine's Day Look

Here it is, the obligatory Valentine's day look. I'm a week early, but I wanted to get this out there in case anyone needs an outfit idea. The great thing about this one though is that it can be worn year-round. It's only a slight nod to the holiday. In the past I've gone all out with the pink and red, but now that I'm getting older, I think subtlety is better, don't you? Instead of bright red, how about burgundy? And in place of a vibrant pink, how about lilac or blush?

Wearing //

Loft blouse, similar

Express skirt, cute option here & here

Banana Republic bag, similar

Asos pumps, love these

Kendra Scott necklace

Stella & Dot ring, love this

Beauty //

Too Faced Melted Matte lips in "Queen B"

I am incredibly lucky to have so much love in my life. Not because they love me, but because I love them. On days where I feel like I'm spinning out, I try to pause and remember something about each of the special people I know. It could be a song that reminds me of that person, or a memory we created together. I've never been afraid of telling people how much they mean to me. Life is too short for that! So whether you're celebrating V-Day with your significant other, friends, or even alone, don't forget to reflect on the good in your life.

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Three Products You Have To Try

I never say "must-have" when it comes to beauty products anymore. We all have different needs, and what I consider to be a staple in my beauty regimen may not necessarily be yours. That being said, I've tried three products over the course of January that I really think most of you would love. Maybe you already do because I'm late to the game!

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick

• I must confess that after trying liquid lipsticks from various brands, I'm not too keen on them. They sound lovely in theory, but they dry my lips out and some colors come across as very chalky. They also set easily, so you have to be swift about application. 
• What drew me to this specific brand was the color (Queen B). It's a gorgeous mauve, and it lies somewhere in between pink and nude which makes it wearable for everyday. It has a lilac undertone on me.
• I like it because it dries down and feels like you are wearing nothing. It's important to have clean, moisturized lips before applying, otherwise it will settle into any lines or dry patches. But if you have a good canvas, the outcome is beautiful and looks very natural. 
• It isn't goopy or sticky. It also doesn't crack and lasts a few hours, almost like a stain. 

 L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara Primer

• Gina recommended this lash primer on her blog, so I decided to give it a try and can I just say, hello! My eyes look wide eyed and flirty.
• I have short, sparse eyelashes. I've thought about getting extensions but my year-round allergies make that impossible. Plus, I don't think I could afford the upkeep. I also am pretty hopeless with false lashes. I find that no matter what brand I buy, they always end up looking far too unnatural for my liking. A great mascara and this primer have made a big difference. 
• For reference, my favorite mascaras are CoverGirl Lash Blast, Too Faced Better than Sex, Benefit They're Real, and a new love I'll be reviewing in a separate post. 
• I first curl my lashes, do one coat of this primer, and then follow it up by using one of the above mascaras. 
• Yes, it's an extra step in my routine and I don't do it every single day. But on nights out and on weekends, the step is worth it.

It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream

• I have been working with Glo Professional for about two years, and I am very loyal to their brand. Why? Because the products work! I don't think I've ever been happier with my skin, and that says something when you're in your thirties. But I'm also a skincare junkie and sometimes veer away to try other brands. 
• Cue this super cream by It Cosmetics. I don't even know where to begin? It's thick, rich, and if I could bathe myself in a giant vat of this I most definitely would. There's a reason why it's called confidence in a cream. I use it at night, and the moisture is so effective that I can feel the results when I wake up in the morning. My skin feels soft and supple. They claim this is designed for all skin types. I have very dry skin, so for me it's perfect. For someone with oily skin, it might be too heavy but I can't really be sure since my main problem is eczema. 
• Ask for a sample if you can. Thank me later. 

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