If you are like me, you may be fighting the powers that zap your energy: simple curiosity, willingness to take on new projects and such, and just trying new things. The beauty of being a woman over 30 is that everything seems a bit clearer, you (should) have your priorities straight and you feel more at peace. You are truly enjoying life and living it the way YOU want to live it. But, where is the wonder? Where is the creative magic?
I have found over the last couple of years that it is so easy to get caught up in the routine of life – like keeping up with all of my obligations, making sure I have carved out time to workout and meditate, and getting out the door to get shit done in a timely fashion; not to mention time with my loved ones. After that, I really don’t want to do anything else. I keep a running list of all of the ideas that turn on the light bulb in my head – usually in the shower or right before bed. But to be honest, most of these ideas have yet to come to fruition; partly because I am an Aries and we rarely finish what we start unless we are 150% into it, and partly because I don’t FEEL like putting the energy into it. But, are these good excuses? No. read more
I want to share a few of my favorite things as of late. And maybe I should start sharing this more often. Since it’s my first time doing this, it is quite an exhaustive list. It ranges from hair and beauty to fashion and everything in between. Enjoy and feel free to comment. Hopefully, you see something you want to check out.
I also need to do a quick write up on our Park City experience during the holidays. I am so geeked to visit again next year. Park City is such an amazing little town with excellent food and activity. And I cannot wait to share with you all.
Oversized button ups are a thing for me. I first fell in love with an old Ann Taylor one I had for years that I, unfortunately, had to get rid of because it was too worn out. Then, Aritzia had a sale and I stumbled upon these two babies. The quality is THE BEST. I believe this is a chic staple everyone should have in their wardrobe. You can wear them so many different ways. I cannot live without at least one.
My boss gave all the girls on her team this necklace, and no joke, we all wear it regularly. It is so simple, yet statement-making. I layer it with my Evil Eye necklace or wear it alone.
Red booties from Zara
I got them so cheap on sale, and they are a beautiful soft red leather with tiny silver studs. I’ve worn them almost every other day. They are the perfect winter red shoe.
My hubby surprised me with these for Christmas, and I died. I was totally not expecting such an incredible shoe. Between these and the red booties, they have been the only shoes I’ve worn for the last two months. And I love that I don’t see a lot of people wearing them.
Can Dermalogica make anything I don’t like? I mean, really. Almost my entire skincare regimen is Dermalogica, and adding this wonderful oil has helped so much with dehydrated skin. I tried this before as I got it free through work. And then I just didn’t buy it again. Why? I have no idea. It’s expensive as hell but worth it. It’s lightweight and great for your skin. I use it at night and during the day by mixing it with my tinted moisturizer in the mornings, and it gives me that perfect healthy glow without doing too much and looking greasy.read more
My husband thinks I spend too much time on Instagram and the funny thing is, compared to others I know, I think I’m on it way less. But, what does he know? LOL. It can be a challenge when you work in the digital space to curb your appetite for social media. I always feel like I’m missing out on some news, inspiring content, etc. However, lately, I’ve been thinking more about the effects of social media and how to cut back even when it’s a core part of your work. Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way.
When I need to focus, I place my phone in my desk or put it face down (switch to airplane mode if you have to). This prevents me from being distracted and I can actually get some deep work done and enhance those creative juices.read more
I am so excited for fall fashion. I love me some summer, but you can have so much more fun with layers, boots, metallics.. AHHH…the outfit opportunities are endless. And what I love most about living in LA is that I can still incorporate my summer clothes for various looks. However, the question is, how do I update my wardrobe with the pieces I want/love the most and getting through the last month and a half of paying off my debt? I am right at the finish line, but my wardrobe needs a major overhaul.read more
My mom recently traveled to Greece and given she is a great writer, I asked her to share her 24 hours in Mykonos!
I spent 24 hours in Mykonos. We arose in the wee hours of the morning and took a ferry from Athens. And were at sea for over 4 hours. We probably should have flown. If you take the Blue Starr Ferry, be sure you purchase reserved seating. It’s the difference between business class airline seating and sitting at the food court in a mall. We ate, slept, and stared out at the Aegean Sea – from which being a product of the California school system, I did not know was part of the Mediterranean Sea.
When we arrived in Mykonos we just got happy. It looks exactly the way you think it does. Everything is white and blue and bright. I mean bright. Shades are not optional. You need them to protect your eyes. I thought LA was bright. But Mykonos is BRIGHT. We went straight to our hotel to drop off our things and shower. We stayed at the Hotel Carbonaki, a lovely little boutique hotel in the middle of town, but off a quiet side street. The owners were kind and helpful. They gave us tips and recommendations for our visit. So we were off to see this beautiful gem of an island. BF wanted a snack and I wanted coffee, so we walked into Yogurt Berry. It is set up like Yogurtland and branded like Pinkberry. I had a cafe Americana with the yummiest milk made into a cream on top.read more
Yesterday, I got an email reminder from The Knot that my wedding is 74 days away, and immediately text my best friend with those exact words. To which she responded, “Lord Jesus.” And by the time this blog is posted it will be less than 60 days away. I can’t believe how quickly the day is approaching, and I could not be more excited! So, I wanted to share my pre-wedding self-care and wellness preparation that I have put into practice since February, in hopes that it will help other brides-to-be. Check out my skincare, meal planning and exercise regimens below, that are leading me to the path of flawlessness for the day I say, “I do” to mi amor.
The Skin You’re In Is IN
I have always put skincare first (over makeup) because my goal is to be able go without makeup for the days I simply don’t feel like wearing it and being confident in that. The queens in my family were huge examples of self-care for me, so I was into taking care of my skin at a young age. And prior to prepping for the wedding, here was the regimen:
Cleansing: Daily Microfoliant (every other day), oil cleanse and Special Cleansing Gel
Toning: Dermalogica Age Smart toner
Moisturizing: Active Moist (using this since my early 20s), Skin Tint, and a mask here and there
Leading up to 30, I started to notice that my face felt a bit tight during the day, but didn’t think anything of it because I thought I was doing all the right things. I mean that’s already a lot freaking steps, right!?
But one day, the wonderful Rachael from Kiehl’s reached out to me to see if I wanted to experience the new Apothecary Preparationswhere they create personalized serums for you. Of course, I was game. Once I took it home, I was excited but very hesitant because it has oil in it (I tend to be oily in my t-zone), but I still tried it. And the more I used it, the more I fell in love and my skin never look better. And it clicked! I needed more hydration. At that point, two things were added to my regimen – I started using the Pixi Glow Tonic, which has 5% Glycolic Acid and the Kiehl’s serum. And it seemed like overnight I had the best skin I have had in years. The moral of the story: hydrate and exfoliate like crazy, months leading up to the big day.
