The 'Ready for Summer' Essentials

So I have majorly been lacking in my posting, because I got a puppy. She's perfect and currently 12 weeks old! However, she wakes me up super early and requires lots and lots of attention right now. She's learning her manners and to do her business outside wonderfully. She's smart and she catches on really fast. Meet Denali! Named after Denali National Park. :) 

I'm excited to train her to be a very portable, adventure dog. Her and I will definitely be hiking and beach tripping together when she's older! Baby steps for now though, the picture was taken on her first hammock lounge! She was unsure about it at first, but warmed up to it pretty quickly. 

Now that I have a four-legged travel buddy, I've been scouring maps for cool spots around Texas to start exploring. In between mapping routes and destinations, I'm gathering my list of summer favorites for the season! 

Check out some great things to take on your summer vacations and weekends outside! 

Even though the crowd-funding goal from the ENO Disco Hammock has ended, you can still further the contribution and pre-order it here. Enjoy a 10% discount as well as free domestic shipping.   

I'm super OCD about sunscreen which doesn't always make for the most even tan on my face, since I use a way higher SPF to protect my skin against premature aging from the sun. Chanel's Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base is the perfect solution to give your face that warm glow of spending a day in the sun, without having to sacrifice your skin for it. The best way to apply this light and creamy base is with a beauty blender sponge. That way the makeup can be flushed naturally with your skin.   

My accessory drawer(s) can always use updating and these completely versatile Kendra Scott Morgan Stud earrings in turquoise are perfect to go from casual to dressy. This is especially convenient when you're packing for a beach vacation and don't want to bring too many pairs of earrings that run the risk of getting lost during your trip. Another crave worthy jewelry designer that embodies summer is Sea Elise. This Seychelles necklace is another perfect piece to transition from a day on the boardwalk to a night out by the sea. 

Looking to keep the sun off your scalp and hair? The headband Buffs are perfect to keep your scalp from burning and pulling your hair back on those windy beach days.

Lastly, summer amplifies my childhood dream of magically turning into a mermaid. Maybe that won't exactly happen (maybe) but at least these beautiful Mermaid Goddess Capris from Teeki are the next best thing! As if the name alone didn't already win me over, these light and breathable yoga pants are made from %100 recycled plastic bottles and are completely eco-friendly. 

Bon voyage, 
xx

#NoFilter Skin Care (Part 1)

I'm never more happy than the start of Spring, I can shed the heavy makeup, thick moisturizing creams and dark lip colors for lighter, natural, simpler colors and products. This season kicked off with fresh, bare faces on the runway as Spring always ushers in the soft, dewy skin and barely there blush.

Of course wearing less makeup to me, is practically an art unto itself. I love you, Instagram because your magic filters can instantly make my skin clear, smoothed over and glowing. My skin can throw tantrums worse than a two year old so finding products that both treat and sooth my skins' unruly and random symptoms is a tricky business. However, healthy skin is beautiful skin so it is important to treat and take care of your skin for that truly natural radiance. 

To begin with my favorite skin products I'll first let you know the temperaments my skin dishes this time of year... 

1. Dry patches and flakiness -this is super annoying because it's not all over dryness just around my nose and mouth everywhere else is perfectly fine. 
2. Acne (yuck. Whatever, I'll still admit that it happens.)
3. Uneven skin tone -again, just annoying.

Now here's the Spring team lineup: 

Starting from the left:

• Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Foundation- He's genius in combining clinical skincare with makeup for healthy, beautified skin. The foundation- which is airy and breathable boasts a 20 SPF protection to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Working double duty against unwanted lines and wrinkles is an expert blend of six anti-aging peptides and neuropeptides. Now wait, this does actually mean something. Both peptides and neuropeptides are co-stars in delivering moisture, resilience, even tone and smooth texture to our skin. You want to use products that contain neuropeptides when choosing an anti-aging product. This foundation also contains vitamins A, C, & E and of course has a tint to give an overall even finish. This is the type of makeup that makes your skin look better over time even after it's been washed off. 

• CeraVe Sunscreen Face Lotion- This is a go-to favorite of mine. I try a lot of products but I know that CeraVe is a brand that doesn't let me down. This particular cream contains zinc which is a fantastic sunscreen. Think cheesy 80's beach movies where the lifeguard has zinc down the bridge of his nose except this is a little more blend-able and a lot less cheesy. This cream dries with a clear finish giving you confident protection against the aging rays of the sun. I find this brilliantly formulated because sun exposure breaks down your skins moisture barrier (and lack of moisture = wrinkles) so the zinc blocks the sun and then the mix of ceramides and niacinamide helps repair and restore the skins natural moisture barrier as well as boosts skin to produce more natural ceramides and fatty acids that are key to fortifying the skins natural moisture barrier. Sunscreen never worked so brilliantly. 

• Jergens BB Body Cream- As if I wasn't obsessed with BB creams enough, Jergens went and did something fantastic. The same hydrating, illuminating, firming and corrective benefits of using BB creams for your face is now available for everywhere else. I hesitated at the thought of the "sheer coverage" getting on my clothes but I promise you that doesn't happen. Not to be confused with a gradual tanner, this body cream smoothes over for even skin tone with self-adjusting technology and illuminates skin for a natural finish of all over radiance.

• Squalane- I know, what? I think I said this wrong on my first 5 attempts but we're good now and this is a new skin care product that is making it's name on the market for it's moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Squalane mimics the naturally occurring squalene found in the body's natural lipid barrier. Since squalane can easily be absorbed deep into the skin it is able to reinforce the lipid barrier of the skin to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity and radiance.       

Keep blemishes at bay by cleaning skin thoroughly, I can't sing the praises of a Clarisonic Mia brush enough. It has made the biggest difference in my skin care routine. For the times that I do get the occasional blemish I turn to a sulfur based spot clearing treatment like Acne Free products. 

   

So it probably goes without saying that moisture is the main component once again as we change from winter to spring. The three facial products can be used separately or you can blend them together for a quick super cocktail of anti-aging, moisturizing, tone perfecting tint to wear alone for that fresh and natural look during spring. 

Your In-Flight Skin Savers

I'm always so excited to catch a plane home for some family time! I have to be sure I'm fully prepared for the trip though, especially because flying tends to completely screw with your skin. Have you noticed that no one looks runway ready when stepping off a plane? High altitude means DRY and dry means dehydration namely, for your skin. 

When flying you have a lot to tackle with that you may not have thought of as aggressors to your skin before. Other than the dryness from altitude, being crammed in a tiny space means there are a lot of germs and bacteria floating around. Disgusting, I know. So here are your in-flight skin saving tips: 

Wash your face! Remove all makeup, dirt and oil. This may not be glamorous but freeing your skin from all of the above will help prevent clogged pores and added inflammation to the skin. Often times breakouts occur after flights because  

1.) (Not sure why the 1. got cut off, but you get the idea) Aveda's Instensive Hydrating Masque to put back the moisture lost from the plane ride. 2.) Kiehl's In-Flight Refreshing Facial Mist is travel friendly so you can spritz your face before and after your flight to keep your face hydrated and balanced. Check your local Kiehl's store for this product. 3.) Stila's Ready for Takeoff Moisturizing Cleansing Cloths not only has an adorable name, but is perfect for removing make-up before your flight. 4.) Drinking water is the best thing to do to keep skin hydrated. When your flight attendant comes by to get your drink order, request that H2O!  

Lattes & Lions at Highland Park Village

Thursdays are my favorite day for a number of reasons. It's the light at the end of the tunnel to Friday (today) and also because it's been dubbed "blogger photo shoot day" by my work bestie and I. Outfits are planned, spots are determined, photos are taken and fashion happens. 

After these little photo shoots comes a visit to some chic little cafe for lunch; which usually consists of a bowl of leaves, some form of protein and caffeine... This week we lunched at Number One in Highland Park Village. It was a lovely choice.   

And bonus! This incredible boutique/fashion bloggers fantasy book nook is attached to the cafe.  

oh, and Happy Valentine's Day loves! 

Photos courtesy of: KM at Chronicles of Frivolity

Sweater: GAP, tank: American Rag, Skirt: American Rag, earrings: Kendra Scott, bracelets: Gemelli, necklace: Loft 

Seaside Jewels by Chloe + Isabel

Another iced over day and I'm far off dreaming of the warm sand, sun kissed skin and the rolling waves of the ocean. As I'm collecting my summer wardrobe I'm scouting for pieces that look fit for an oceanside princess. It didn't take long to fall in love with Chloe + Isabel's Morningtide and Undreamed Shores Collection.

If you're not familiar with Chloe + Isabel, you should be. Smart, chic and beautiful designs are available through individual sellers and thankfully, I have an in. There's no better merchandiser than Carol DeBrock. She's part sweet, part sassy and shaken with a heavy dose of Southern Charm. If you need to be glamorously accessorized, Carol is your girl. 

So now that I've divulged that little secret into getting the perfect accessories (delivered right to your door, did I mention that?) for summer, here are some of my favorite pieces from the Spring 2014 collection! 

1.) Morningtide Chandelier Earrings ($58), 2.) Shoreside Layered Long Necklace ($148), 3.) Paillette Single Drop Earrings ($24), 4.) Morningtide Long Pendant Necklace ($78), 5.) Modern Convertible Torsade Necklace ($148),  6.) Seascape Drop Earrings ($34) 

All photos courtesy of Chloe + Isabel. 

Weekend Swag

My bestie has a good eye, what more could I ask for? A jewelry catch all and a giraffe.

It's also about that time of year that I start gathering color back into my wardrobe so I was quick to collect these pretty pieces for Spring. I'm rather anxious for warmer weather. :)

Giraffe jewelry holder: Anthropologie,  White shirt: Anthropologie, Skirt and tank: American Rag 

Weekday Favorites for Friday

Just deciding to throw in some of my favorite things I've seen this week while on a relaxing lunch coffee break at Crooked Tree Coffee House.

I totally splashed my coffee... sorry.

It's been a crazy week, so this has definitely been the best encouragement to cling to in the tough/confusing/hazy times that this week revealed. It's most definitely been the background on my Mac for the past several months... 

Patagonia released the cutest shorts I have ever seen this week and I plan to buy one in every color as soon as my paycheck hits the bank. I mean really, they are called "Barely Baggies" which to me is adorable and they are the perfect combo of cute wear around/durably athletic/weekend wear/adventure shorts ever. 

I don't think I can get through Spring without having this in my closet...  Anthropologie's Silk Racerback Cami in this dazzling shade of pink. 

Most everyone that knows me knows without a shadow of a doubt that I'm obsessed with giraffes... and if they didn't know that all they need to do is spend 5 mins talking to me, looking at my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest to find that out. 

Anyone who is close to me knows I'm obsessed with giraffes. If they didn't know that it would take about 5 minutes of talking to me, looking at my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest to find out. That being said this has been my favorite picture this week (new Mac background?). 

Lastly I'm afraid I've been in one place for too long so 80% of my thinking has been daydreaming of a new adventure location. Thankfully I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to my wandering soul's lust for adventure. Since my budget may not exactly fit into a big trip right this moment I think Austin is a must-visit soon for a hike around Pedernales Falls. 

Colors of the Wind

I'm pretty much getting over winter now. I remember a few months ago I craved the cold, frigid air but I'm getting my fill. Basically the only reason I'm not in a huge rush to see winter go is because I heartily enjoy wearing athletic leggings and ridiculously oversized long sleeve shirts and sweaters every waking moment I can. So don't get me wrong, I'll soak in every moment of the cold weather outfitted in fun, colorful athletic leggings and big baggy tops but there's the new J. Crew spring line… 

I snagged this skirt and felt spring was in the air the moment I stepped outside my door. There's no denying that while lounging in my cozy clothes the next couple of deep freezing days I'll be hunting through J. Crew's new line gathering up all my looks for spring. Hello brights!  

yes, I was freezing during this shoot.

My work wife (fashion blogger at Chronicles of Frivolity) snapped the photo below just as the wind whipped through us and afterwards claimed I looked just like Pocahontas and that I had to use this picture. So naturally, I named this post "Colors of the Wind" (now it makes sense…).    

Shirt J. Crew, Skirt J. Crew Factory, Jewels J. Crew, Fossil, Francesca's, Clutch Coach.

 Images by KM of Chronicles of Frivolity  

Save our Skin

When winter is here we take time to be sure our winter clothes resurface in closets and drawers, pull out coats and jackets to be worn daily and don boots and heavy socks to keep warm. We even winterize our cars to handle snow and freezing temperatures, so what about one of our most exposed organs? Winter can be a harsh time on your skin just as much as the summer can be, so it's important to "winterize" your skin and be sure it's getting plenty of moisture to keep smooth, clear and healthy during the cold, dry months. 

Here's my winter skin care routine to help alleviate the dry, flakey skin that winter brings. I  remove all makeup with Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Then my face gets an all over facial with my Clarisonic Mia 2 Facial Sonic Cleansing Brush which leaves the skin 6x's cleaner than with regular washing using your hands. Other benefits of using the Clarisonic are softer, more radiant skin due to cleaner, clearer pores. I use Neutrogena's Redness Soothing Oil-Free Acne Wash with my Clarisonic as it is gentle enough to keep my skin calm while fighting against breakouts from forming. Overall a Clarisonic brush really makes all the difference in a skin care routine, it's safe to say I am obsessed with mine. After cleansing, pores are clear and open so the skin is able to absorb product much more effectively. Next comes any prescription cream that you may have from a dermatologist. I use a retinol gel that goes on after cleansing. After a few minutes of letting that soak in my skin I apply Kieh's Super Multi-Corrective Cream best described as a "multi-targeted advanced anti-aging moisturizer." This moisturizer has Beech Tree extract, Jasmonic and Hyaluronic Acids to lift, firm and re-texturize skin. It's a rich cream that doesn't weight the face down or leave it oily, I use this in the morning and at night. Once or twice a week I apply Aveda's Intensive Hydrating Masque to give my skin a healthy shot of moisture. This gel mask is specially formulated to save skin from the effects of the harsh elements. Moisturizing aloe, kelp, lavender and rose water increase the skin's moisture level which is key to having healthy, radiant skin. As we age, our skin loses moisture so it's important to rehydrate your skin with a proper moisturizer and special deep moisturizing treatments like this one. The gel mask is light enough to sleep in but for a quick serge you can wash it off after 5-10 minutes. I prefer wearing it overnight to allow my skin to literally drink up the moisturizing mask so that I wake up with supple, smooth and radiant skin! This mask is definitely my new favorite beauty product.

Images by Fashionably Outdoors

Can't We All Just Hang Out?

Eno did this really fun post last week about what your Eno says about you which has now prompted a post about hammocks because, hammocks. These amazing, packable, lightweight wonders are an adventurers' best friend. Here the the two that I own and my favorite athletic wear and gear to pair perfectly. What does your hammock say about you?   

Purple-Fuchsia

Purple stimulates the imagination and inspires high ideals. Fuchsia  helps to create harmony, balance, and contentment. If you’re an ENOpian rocking a purple-fuchsia hammock then you may be taken for the the “non-conformist, free spirit” type. With the purple and fuchsia, you inspire the unique medley of selflessness and common sense in others. You also aren’t ashamed of your ideals and do not go out of your way to hide them because you respect that same quality in others.

Khaki-Black

Black is the color of protection and a strong will. Black also relates to mystery and power. Good thing there’s the khaki to let others know that you’re also friendly and approachable. If you’re an ENOpian chilling in a khaki-black hammock, chances are that you consider at least some part of yourself sophisticated and dignified. Even though you may have a tendency to keep people at arms length now and again, it’s important to you that others see your traits of sincerity and honesty as well. Even though you’re a deep thinker, you probably give the best bear hugs around.

Emerald-Yellow

Just because I am forever and always a Baylor girl- I couldn't help but pair up Eno's Emerald and Yellow hammock with some green and gold favorites! I just can't resist, this green and gold hammock will soon be mine. ;) 

Want to find out what your favorite hammock says about you? Check out Eagle Nest Outfitters' blog here! 

Brands featured in this post: Athleta, Patagonia, GAP, ENO, Tervis, Kendra Scott, Congress Clothing, PrAna, Kavu, Chacos
  

Take a Hike! Enjoy Fee Free days at National Parks

We made it. It's the weekend and the perfect time to get away and get outdoors to clear away the stresses of the work place. Enjoy the wild raw beauty of nature and to start, check out these special Fee Free days to visit a National Park. 

• January 20
  Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 15-17
  Presidents Day weekend
• April 19-20
  opening weekend of National Park Week
• August 25
  National Park Service Birthday
• September 27
  National Public Lands Day
• November 11
  Veterans Day

New Year, New Adventures!

I'm back after a much needed holiday! I'm so excited for this new year and all the new adventures it will bring. This year, my resolution is to see and explore everyday as a new adventure; stepping stones that lead up to big trips, hikes and new places. I found some of my favorite simple day slings and bags that will be perfect for simple day trips, not too bulky but enough to carry necessary supplies and food. 

Patagonia Atom Bag

This bag secures in three points for the support of a backpack and the easy hands free convenience of a courier bag. They come in the best colors and I received the purple one just before the holidays! It's been the best bag to take out for short day trips to small towns or nature hikes. Find it here online at Patagonia or check your local outfitters store, REI or Whole Earth Provisions Co. 

Also from Patagonia, this messenger bag is perfect for "day-to-day vitals" as the website describes. This is my new work bag, considering the one I've had is now falling to pieces… No doubt the strength in the making of this bag can hack the crazy lifestyle of a Public Relations Account Exec.! I love that Patagonia makes their bags in neutrals and fun colors, but for work I went with the one you see below. Feel free to check out the rest of the colors here! 

In the same fashion for why I love my Patagonia pack, I adore my Kavu pack- a brilliant post-Christmas gift from my incredible mother on our trip to a small town's outfitters. See this pack here, or search it our at REI, WEP or a local outfitters store.

  

If you want to find more options, BackCountry.com has a great selection of slings and messenger bags to choose from at reasonable prices and sales. 

Have a favorite little day pack not pictured here? Share it in a comment below and I'd love to check it out! 

Happy New Year, and here's to new adventures!