Beauty: Tricks & Tips

Having grown up with a mother and grandmother filled with an infinite knowledge of simple beauty; I feel blessed to have the following 'tricks' bestowed upon me. Some might be new, some not so much, but I felt obligated to share for those in need of a simple regime.

If you're anything like me, I can't stand wasting hours on end getting ready when there is an entire world to be enjoyed. Having combination skin is something I have become accustomed to and this regime tends to work for me.  Here are some ideas on how to get a glow without spending buco bucks!

SKIN

Toner: Witchhazel.  
My grandmother swears by this. I use this after washing my face in the morning and night. Take a cotton pad and douse with about 1-3 drops of witchhazel. Rub it over your face and let it absorb (do not rinse it off). I do this twice daily (morning and night). It's an affordable solution for sensitive skin. 


Eye Make-up Remover: Baby Oil

I will never buy anything else to take off every last bit of mascara/eyeliner from a night out. This is a pure and simple way to remove eye makeup from sensitive skin. I only use this on my eye makeup; it works well on waterproof mascara as well. Be careful not to get this in your eye as it can easily impair your vision.


HAIR


Pre-shampoo conditioner: Coconut Oil. 

My uncle has been a hairdresser for years and swore to me that coconut oil would save my tresses from the heat damage I expose it to. I have always had coarse hair that constantly needs to be tamed in order to look presentable (translation: blown dry and straightened). Coconut oil is my solution to protect my hair from heat damage and it helps it grow long and strong. Prior to washing my hair I coat the ends of my hair in coconut oil  which helps absorb moisture and keep it looking soft and subtle. I then wash my hair as usual after about 30 minutes of letting the oil absorb. Beware: Only apply to the ends of hair and not your roots!!


Post shampoo (for super shine): Apple Cider Vinegar

As awful as it may sound and smell, this will leave your hair absolutely squeaky clean and shiny beyond belief. After shampooing your hair, rinse with warm water and apply apple cider vinegar all over your hair. Let it it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with warm water until the smell has subsided. Then apply conditioner as usual **for an added supermodel sheen rinse hair with cold water after applying conditioner***.


Lady in Leather

I can already feel the fall creeping up on New England. I am looking forward to apple picking, pumpkin carving and cider donuts! Moreover, I am looking forward to all my favorite fall trends! Think Sandy from Grease. I am hopelessly devoted to all things leather. 

Whether it be faux or au natural, you will find my showcased favorites as I tune in to my inner CatWoman: 












FYI:  I have a pair of leather pants my mom passed on to me from her travels as a young woman. This is a timeless trend that I will never tire of.

VIVE UT VIVAS

Trying to figure out what to do for your birthday can be daunting, and at times stressful! Which is exactly what I am trying to avoid doing in my life; therefore, the theme for 23 will be a year stress less and living light. I have never been to the Cape, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard so it was mutually decided it was the perfect place to go and celebrate!

We are planning on taking the ferry and riding our bikes around town. Know for being a dog friendly place, I wish I could tote around a little King Charles in my bike basket. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to a day filled with  aperitifs , boutiques and sunsets on the sand.



P.S. Happy National Champagne Day! Open a bottle of bubbles and toast to yourself!

Best Vest

Don't get me wrong. I am an animal lover** to the core, but I love fur vests. 

Now living in New England it is known the sun will not be shining come a few months; therefore, I am beginning to prep my Fall wardrobe. There is nothing I love more than a simple statement piece that is easy to throw on and makes an outfit. 

Vests are the perfect combination of warmth and chic. Viola, the perfect Fall accessory!!  

What I am currently coveting for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: 



Damselle Curly Lamb Fur Vest




June Genuine Rabbit Fur Vest (Beige)  



BeBe Rabbit Fur Vest


**Growing up, my mom told me that the fur was found in the forest and no animals were actually harmed. I still like to believe this statement to be true. 


Picture Perfect


Are you tired of glossy magazines painting an unattainable picture of perfection? 
If you're like me, you know that feeling after finishing a perfectly picturesque editorial.The instant need to hit the gym, have longer hair, shinier nails, whiter teeth, travel more, read more, eat less.... If you're like me, this doesn't leave you looking in the mirror feeling great. Which is why I am more than excited to introduce Verily Magazine!


Verily is the answer for the modern woman. Currently on their first teaser issue, Verily is about style, relationships, and culture,  The team of founders are all young, smart, and successful women and I've had the pleasure in working with Janet while at ELLE and I couldn't not picture a more perfect vision for the future of publications for women.

{Smile for the future publication!}

{Beautiful editorials that make you feel great}

ABOUT VERILY
It is no secret that women today are more educated, influential, and affluent than ever before. Yet we report record levels of anxiety and decreased happiness. Is this what we were striving for?
In a world that seems to offer us limitless choices, somehow the modern narrative about women – what we should look like, how we should date, how to be successful, what should make us happy – can ring hollow. So Verily is starting a new conversation – one for those who want a fresh take on life; an honest message that relates to their experiences which is uplifting, affirming, and true.



So what are we waiting for! Subscribe now and see what the future holds! 

Compiling a List

No matter how many beautiful things I accumulate over time, the wish list NEVER seems to end! It is as if the consumption goods ensure that every season there is something that I need. Since my birthday is right around the corner (23!) I felt it justified a Wish List post :) 


A getaway to Napa Valley with my Hunny
http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/

There is NOTHING I love more in life than a relaxing getaway and vineyards. A wine enthusiast to the core, this would be my ideal vacation. 



Valentino, Rockstud Pumps 
 
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/valentino-rockstud-pump/3139048
I have complete outfit envy when it comes to these perfectly punk heels. 


Celine, Luggage Tote

Currently Coveting this 'it' bag to tote all my beloved belongings while on the go 


Tom Ford, Cat Eye Sunglasses
After a tragic incident of shattered Ray Ban's, these Beautiful Ford's will keep my eyes shielded 




Bodum, Gold French Press

I can't imagine anything more luxurious to start the day than this beautiful french press



Personalized Luggage Tag
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63109497/double-sided-luggage-tag-nude  
Nothing better than traveling with one of these attached to your precious checked belongings 



Diqtyque Candles
Never enough of these beauties




Milly Dog
 My Dream puppy for a dream life. 




 Vintage Typewriter
For a personal touch, preferably PINK



Gold Stemware 
{turns ordinary to extraordinary}



Laduree, Key Chain
{http://www.laduree.fr/en/scene}



Personalized Paper Press
{Perfect customization for stationary}



Kate Spade, Eat Cake for Breakfast Tote
{www.katespade.com}



Cartier, Love Bracelet
{Almost better than an engagement ring}




Monogrammed Matches
{Thoughtful little things}

Swimsuit Season

Since Summer and swimsuit season is upon us, I, like most of you, have been trying to avoid  heavy foods in favor of a fit summer. We've all been told time and time again, "You are what you eat," which would mean I am mostly comprised of wine, chocolate and caffeine; not the healthiest of mixes. However, making proactive decisions is where it starts, right?  Which is how I happened to stumble across FoodieCrush.com and was instantly salivating.




{I will DEFINITELY be making this on a indulgence day}

{Nothing beats a refreshing cocktail}

{Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper} 


With a Digital Magazine that launched November 2011, FoodieCrush already has a devoted following (myself now included!). Started by a self confessed Food Magazine addict, Heidi has a unique voice and recipes to envy! She is kind enough to share and I couldn't be happier or more grateful.

So fret not sweet-tooth foodie friends! We can indulge, so long as we have a proper balance. Now please excuse me while I drool some more!


www.foodiecrush.com
{all photo credit foodiecrush.com}