Friday Favorites

Happy Friday everyone! I wanted to share a few products with you that have been more recent finds that I’m liking a lot! I love trying out new products and whenever they work really well for me, I definitely want to share them. Here are a few things that I’ve been using quite a bit recently.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer

I’ve been using this product for the past 4-5 months and I don’t see myself replacing it any time soon. I don’t use this as an under eye concealer, just on breakout spots that need to be covered up. What I really like about this concealer is that it’s much more lightweight than ones I had been using before. It doesn’t feel like you’re putting anything on when applying it, but somehow it blends and covers my spots up flawlessly! The great thing is that this product not only conceals, but also acts as a drying lotion to help heal your breakouts at the same time.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan + Sculpt and Glow Lotion

I’ve been using St. Tropez tanning products for a long time, but had never tried any of their lotions before this one. Usually I’ve found that when using a tanning lotion it takes a while for me to notice a difference and I have to keep reapplying it often. I’ve been using this lotion in conjunction with a new spray tanning product and I have to say that this stuff is awesome. I apply this lotion on nights that I’m not using the tanning spray, just to keep building the tan. This stuff is great because you can do it just as fast as you would putting on normal lotion, just make sure to use a tanning mit or wash your hands after. Whenever I put this stuff on at night, I wake up in the morning noticing a difference. It gives a really nice glow that isn’t orange or streaky whatsoever.

Tone It Up Protein Bites

These things have been my go-to nighttime snack recently. This is a great guilt-free way to have something healthy and still feel like you’re having dessert. There are a few different flavors, but the chocolate brownie are my absolute favorite! The only store you’ll be able to find these at right now is Target. You can also order them online through the Tone It Up website. If you haven’t heard about Tone It Up…it is a fitness community started by two women who share daily workouts, recipes and motivation. I plan on doing another post soon on more about this topic!

Oribe Flash Form Finishing Spray Wax

That’s a long name I know, but it does just that! I was turned on to this product by my hairdresser the last time I got a trim because it’s what she was using to style my hair. I’ve been a big fan of the Oribe texturizing spray for a long time which is a similar product, but I was made aware that they are for slightly different purposes. This stuff is awesome because it gives that perfect “piecey” textured look. Instead of spraying it all over my hair I focus mainly on the ends. Once I’ve sprayed it I will sort of twist and shape the ends of my hair to how I want them. This product might seem like a lot for a hairspray, but it saves me from having to re-curl my hair every day in between washes and it lasts a really long time!

Corkcicle Stemless Wine Glasses

These things are great especially for this time of year! Whether it’s the beach, pool or a picnic it’s nice to have a substitute for glassware other than plastic cups. These cups are cool because you keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use them. If you have a bottle of wine that isn’t quite cold enough yet these will chill it instantly and keep it cold for a long time!

Wrap Dress It Up

There’s nothing better than an outfit that’s effortless, yet still looks like you made an effort. One of my absolute favorite fashion trends for Summer is the wrap dress. There’s a ton of reasons why they’re such a great option for the Summertime. One of them being comfort level. I love a good jean short, but when the weather is as hot as it has been here in LA I definitely prefer something soft and flowy. It’s also nice that they are basically adjustable in size.

They’re the perfect option for a beach or pool day. The one I’m wearing in the photos below is a bit more formal, so I’m thinking that I’ll save it for a wedding or special occasion. I’ve seen so many different styles of wrap dress that range from very casual all the way to formal wear and I love them all!

What I like most about this particular dress is that it’s one of a kind because my mom made it! This was her first attempt at making a dress like this and it turned out perfectly. Don’t worry, if you don’t have a mom who’s as talented of a seamstress as mine…I got you. I’ve linked some of my favorite brands below that carry wrap dresses that I love. If you’re in need of a one of a kind of your own, shoot me an email and maybe we can make it happen!

Brands that I love for wrap dresses :

ShowPo

Amuse Society

ASOS

Baby Blue Night Out

Who doesn’t love a good night out to get dressed up? Whether it’s a date night or some time out with your girlfriends it can be fun to get dolled up. Picking out an outfit doesn’t have to be such a hassle, especially when you find something you’re excited about wearing. This baby blue color is a favorite of mine and can pretty much go with any color shoe/accessory. What’s cool about this playsuit is that it looks like you’re wearing a little dress from the front, but you have the comfort and security of shorts underneath it. The wrap in the front is also great because it takes away the worry of looking bloated after those dinner and drinks you’ve just had!

What’s even better is finding something that can be worn for many occasions. I love an outfit that can go from day to night so effortlessly and this playsuit does just that! I wore this the other day overtop of my bathing suit for an all day occasion and got a ton of compliments on it. I’ve linked where to find everything I’m wearing if you just click on the photos below. Where are some of your favorite places to go on a night out? Leave a comment!

Summer Cocktail Series

There’s nothing better than a refreshing cocktail on a warm Summer day. Sure, beer and wine are great, but I wanted to share some ideas to give a try if you’re looking to spruce up a fun backyard barbecue or Summer shindig.

I tried to make all of the recipes that I’ll be sharing as simple as possible so that you won’t feel overwhelmed trying to make it or have to break the bank. What’s great about keeping it simple is that it also keeps things light and on the healthier side! My first recipe for you is the Blackberry Bramble. If vodka isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute for another liquor!

What You’ll Need:

Blackberries

Vodka

Lemon Juice

Honey

Soda Water

Mint or rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

In a cocktail mixer muddle 4 blackberries. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker that is okay! You can just muddle the ingredients in the bottom of the glass you’ll be serving the drink in. After you’ve got these ingredients in, add 2 ounces of vodka, 3/4 oz. of lemon juice and 1/2 oz. of honey. If the honey you’re using is too thick try mixing it with a little hot water. You can also use simple syrup in substitute for the honey. Once you’ve got those ingredients in, throw some ice in the shaker and shake away! Next, pour the ingredients over ice into your serving glass and top that off with a little soda water. Garnish with a blackberry and mint leaf! The serving size is for one cocktail, so you can either make one at a time or just multiply the serving size of each to make more. If you plan on making a bunch of cocktails this Summer you should definitely invest in a cocktail shaker and jigger. You can find some really budget friendly ones at either TJ Maxx or on Amazon. Leave a comment if you have any questions!

Florals and Fringe

Hey all! Spring is in full swing here in California and there’s one thing that I love most about it…flowers! Yes, we have flowers here all year round, but there are so many beautiful trees that I’m noticing are starting to bloom this time of year.

One pattern that I love to wear this time of year and all throughout the Summer are florals. There are so many sizes and colors to choose from, the options are endless. I really like the idea of pairing a flower print item with a piece of clothing or accessory with fringe detail. They’re very different styles, yet seem to compliment each other in the perfect way!

If there’s anything that I appreciate about an outfit when it starts to get warmer out is the comfort level. I tend to gravitate more towards clothing that is flowy and breathable throughout the Summer months. I’m not usually one to wear a ton of sundresses, however when I tried this one on I absolutely loved it. It’s a wrap around dress, so it can be pulled as tight or as loose as you need it, which makes it really comfortable. I also enjoy a good romper because it takes out the hassle of picking out an entire outfit.

It may seem like the over-the-knee boots are a little more fall/winter appropriate, but I definitely think you can rock them this time of year if they’re worn with the right outfit. These boots were quite pricey, but I happened to get very lucky and find them for a steal! I’ll link the ones I’m actually wearing, along with a very similar pair that are more budget friendly.