stealing from friends

Last month, I attended a health and beauty exchange with some of my favorite ladies.  For those unfamiliar with this type of event, it is like a Yankee Swap but far more fabulous.  Here's how it works: you set a price point for a favorite health or beauty item; buy enough for all who will be in attendance; and get together to exchange and dish on your health and beauty secrets.  So fun, right?! 

I picked up some helpful tricks of the trade, and a few particulars have already been implemented in my own personal regime:

All About Eyes, $30 for 0.5 oz.
by Clinique
Available at Sephora

The lovely Genevieve shared a beauty secret she learned during her time in France: under-eye cream is a MUST.  She swears by Clinique's All About Eyes, applied twice daily as part of her morning and evening routine.  Since my under-eyes haven't exactly received rave reviews since my adventures as a fashionista became the unheeled adventures of fashionista and baby, I had to try it for myself.  I have been using All About Eyes for only a couple of weeks now so I can't speak to the long-term results, but I already love the restorative, moisturizing lightness of this cream and the fact that a little goes a long way.  Hopefully I am also on my way towards looking as fresh-faced as Genevieve and the tres chic women of France.

 

Almond Supple Skin Oil, $40
by L'Occitane

The lovely Mary shared a very helpful beauty secret for expectant mamas, the Almond Supple Skin Oil from L'Occitane.  Having recently moved into my third-trimester, this seemed like a necessity.  Made of almond and Cameline oil, your skin is left feeling deeply moisturized and more toned.  It is safe to apply all over, and since I find the summer to be a very drying season, particularly as Harper and I frequent the pool, I've also been using it on my legs to combat dryness.  I had shied away from oils in the past for fear that I would feel greasy or sticky, but this oil is light and absorbs into the skin quickly.  Those who know me also know that I am olfactorily-challenged, but from what I have heard, the scent is delicious too!

Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, $18.50
by Fresh
Available at Sephora

 
The lovely Aimee introduced me to Fresh's Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, and I am a total convert.  In the past, I have used and loved their Sugar Advanced Therapy, and so I trust Fresh implicitly.  While it is difficult to compete with Sara Happ's Lip Slip, which has been my glossy go-to for what feels like forever, the Sugar Shine Lip Treatment brings the amazing powers of Fresh to a shiny new place.  This all-in-one lip remedy is neither heavy nor sticky, but it moisturizes while also adding gloss and a subtle sheen.   All of this has earned it a place in my handbag to be used for any and every occasion; I am completely obsessed.

I feel very fortunate to be in the mix with some totally dialed-in girlies and to have the opportunity to beg, borrow, and steal their secrets to health and beauty.  Hopefully this will be the first of many health and beauty exchanges to come!

summer update

Here's the dirty truth about my summer bucket list so far:  

I missed fiddlehead season--by a long shot.  Eating fiddleheads, as it turns out, should have been on my May to-do list.  Now that I know, you can count on me to be first in line at Wilson Farms next year (not that people wait in line for that sort of thing--but they should).

The summer walks haven't been happening.  With a few exceptions, the temperature has been hovering in the 90s for far too long.  Over the holiday weekend, Harper and I attempted a leisurely early morning walk, and we (me) basically had to crawl home and dip our (my) feet in a cold bath (hers).  Definitely NOT the ethereal summer exercise I had envisioned.  

I have gone to yoga all of one time.  In fairness to me, Harper and I were away this past weekend--but still.  I am pathetic.  Or maybe I just need some new Lulu gear to motivate me???

On the upside, I am happy to report that I haven't been letting summer pass me by and have been trying to embrace a more DIY spirit this summer to really enjoy the little things...

Pesto caprese

Okay, so I missed out on fiddleheads, but there is so much amazing produce to be enjoyed in New England during the summer that the consolation is huge.  Caprese has always been a favorite of mine, and I've had fun putting my own spin on it.  Since Dallin rather loathes tomatoes, when our friend, Rachel, came for Sunday dinner last weekend, I was excited for the chance to share my most recent caprese experiment, made with these incredible yellow tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and arugula lemon pesto (added bonus: the pesto was homemade by my friend, Talyn). You'll have to ask Rachel for a more objective report, but I was in love.

As I said, I've been trying to be more DIY lately, and this extends to the fashion/beauty realm.  This is in part a budget-driven endeavor, but it also feels good to accomplish something special on my own.  And given all the time I spend on Pinterest while we are watching TV in the evening, there's really no reason not to try some of my (p)inspirations.  Today's DIY attempt: watermelon nails.  Well, a watermelon deconstruction is perhaps a more accurate description, comprised of: Chanel's May, Maybelline's Green With Envy, and a pinch of pink fabric glitter.  While they may not be professional, they're totally fun and easy.  Which is also important.

Watermelon nails

Last week, my friend, Aimee, and I also began making friendship bracelets a la Martha Stewart.  I know I was bragging last month about how I used to make these all the time during my tween years, but as it turns out, it's not exactly like riding a bike.  Aimee and I both opted for the chevron "V" design; I have restarted my bracelet at least twice, and I think we also had to watch one YouTube video to help our technique.  Other things Martha didn't tell us: neon thread and metallic thread are really difficult, if not totally impossible, to work with.  That being said, fab company, plus ice cream from one of my favorite local spots and an episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County was totally morale-boosting, and we will NOT give up until our bracelets look like they belong in Martha Stewart Living.  That is a promise.

To return to my summer bucket list, a little less than one month later, here's where I stand:

-Reread The Great Gatsby (my favorite summer book) 

-Finally complete Harper's baby book (she is going on 2, after all)

-Make s'mores around an outdoor fire

-Redo my bedroom decor

-Explore a New England beach I haven't been to before

-Finally have a picnic with my amazing cousin before she moves 

-Go for long summer walks (a favorite pastime)

-Do more yoga

-Eat fiddleheads while they're in season

-Plan my perfect 30th birthday in the absence of Chanel (tick tock!)

 Let's just say that I'm glad this is not school and that I will not be receiving a progress report.  Fortunately, summer is far from over, and so I will be so bold as to put it in writing that by, the time we turn our calendars to August (yes, I still have a real paper calendar hanging on the kitchen wall), at least three more items will be crossed off--and not because they are impossible to accomplish due to poor planning.  So stay tuned--and stay cool!

miss independence day: the 4th in 3 parts

1. My first peach cobbler was a success--yay!  And yum.

2.  My pretty little patriot--in her French stripes.

3.  Nailed it!  My Star-spangled nails, poolside.

may the 4th be with you

It's July--what?!  Seriously, how did that happen so quickly?  This week has been amazing though; with the 4th on Thursday this year, I only had to work TWO days this week.  I could really get used to that sort of schedule.  My little family is looking forward to celebrating Independence Day, grilling with friends and enjoying time together as a family.  Here are a few pieces of Americana that have me feeling festive this week:

Movita Beaucoup Peach Cobbler

Peach pie.  We were asked to bring a dessert to our friends' 4th of July BBQ, and like any good domestic goddess wannabe, you know I immediately consulted Pinterest for culinary inspiration.  While the red, white, and blue cakes and fruit confections are absolutely classic, I feel like it doesn't get more all-American than peach cobbler.  Harper, Dallin, and I hit the market earlier this evening to gather our supplies, and now I couldn't be more excited to try this recipe from Movita Beaucoup:

For the filling-

4 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (about 8 or 9 peaches)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon flour

For the crust-
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon brown sugar, for topping
whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)

To prepare:

-Preheat the oven to 425

-Combine all dry ingredients for cobbler crust in a bowl, and set aside.
-Generously grease a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Place the sliced peaches in the dish and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and flour. Mix gently and spread evenly in the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
-While the peaches are cooking, cut the butter into the awaiting dry crust ingredients with a pastry cutter or your fingers, to make the texture like coarse crumbs. Add the buttermilk and stir to form a soft dough.
-Remove the peach mixture from oven and drop rounded spoonfuls of dough on top. Then sprinkle the top of your cobbler with the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar, and return to oven. Bake until the fruit is bubbly and crust topping is golden brown, about 20 minutes. 

-Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.  Yum!

Girl's Milleraies Striped Tee in gitan/ecume, $22.50
by Petit Bateau

Patriotic stripes.  Harper's Grammy Sue surprised her on Monday with this special tee from Petit Bateau to wear on the 4th, and it has taken all my willpower to wait for the grand debut.  Granted, Petit Bateau isn't exactly classically American, but let's be honest, it doesn't get much cuter or more patriotic than red and white stripes.  Perhaps my favorite detail is the little bow at the neck (the neckline and bow on Harper's tee are white instead of the red shown here).  As a side note, the Petit Bateau store on Newbury Street in Boston is closing at the end of this week.  This means that we have recently purchased some amazing Petit Bateau swag at even more amazing sale prices--but I am absolutely heartbroken to see it go.  Anyway... My vision: this tee, paired with little H's chambray shorts, and her red, white, and blue hair bow...hello, Miss American Pie!

Butler Please, $7.79
by Essie
Available from Target

Starry nails.  I was super bummed to miss viewing The Bachelorette with some of my favorite girlies this week, particularly as our TV night was also a patriotic nail painting party!  Sigh.  Nonetheless, I'm doing my best to nail it on my own this time, thanks to Essie's Butler Please, a nail color recommendation from my fashion icon friend, Aimee, who has it on her toes as I type this.  Called an "indulgent, bright blue," I'm totally loving it.  This blue is peppy, patriotic, and even a little nautical.  After another trip down the Pinterest rabbit hole, I've been inspired to take my nail painting party to the next level and to try this polished version of star spangled, using the reverse color scheme, all blue with one red (not just any red but Essie's Lollipop, another summer fave).  Pictures to follow!

Pinterest inspiration: 4th of July nails

From peach pie to stars and stripes, I'm looking forward to celebrating tomorrow.  I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't express my appreciation for living in the land of the free and the home of the brave--and for those men and women that have made those blessings possible.  Happy 4th of July--and may the 4th be with you!