Spring Wish List 2014

It's officially spring, though it doesn't quite feel like spring here in the Midwest! Actually, here in Minnesota, we've just had an April blizzard. You know what they say...April blizzards bring May flowers? Anyway, I've been doing some spring window shopping and have started to put together a list of things I'm dying to have for spring and summer.

Sports Bra - Athleta, Plié Tights - Athleta, MorrocanOil Root Boost Volume - MorrocanOil, Cherry Blush - 100% Pure, Coconut Tea - Tea Forte, Nike Sports Watch + GPS with TomTom - Best Buy, Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning - Nordstrom, Crop Top - Pac Sun, Maxi Skirt - Victoria's Secret

I'm still absolutely obsessed with Pilates, so much so that I'm officially going to start Pilates instructor certification in the fall. This only means one thing: buying more Pilates clothing! Kidding, but really, who doesn't love a cute sports bra and a great pair of yoga pants. The Athleta gear is built to last and is of really nice quality. I'll be looking forward to some of their summer collections, but I'm a big fan of their yoga pants. This is the Athleta Freedom Bra paired with the Plié tights.

Recently I've become very interested in all natural beauty products. I'm trying to cut out as many chemicals as I can. Sometimes you just can't live without your holy grail concealer, but I'm determined to find natural alternatives. This Fruit Pigmented Cherry Blush from 100% Pure is 100% natural, gluten free, and vegan. It's also made with plum, pomegranate, blackberry, raspberry, apricot, and cherry. I have a concealer and a mascara from 100% Pure and I love them both. They come highly recommended from me. I'm blush obsessed so I'd love to try this for spring and summer.

I've heard so many great things about the MorrocanOil products but have never tried any of them. Allison from allisonanderson.com recommended this Root Boost Volume because it blasts volume into her fine, limp hair. She had me hooked when she said her second day hair didn't even need dry shampoo. I'm a dry shampoo fanatic because it saves me from having to wash my hair everyday, but if I don't even need that?! I'm intrigued.

I'm addicted to tea. There, I said it. That's the first step right? Well I don't think I want help getting over my love of tea. I love green teas, black, white, herbal, rooibus, and oolong. Think I pretty much covered all of them. Of all the teas I've ever tried, I've never seen coconut tea. This one is from Tea Forte. If you know me then you'll know I can't pass up coconut flavored or scented things. It would be a nice addition to my summer collection of teas.

Being pale is nice sometimes, but when spring rolls around I always end up feeling like a ghost. It's not like I'm wishing to be a golden bronzed goddess. I know that won't ever happen. I'd just like to look like I'm not dead. So I've always used the Jergen's self tanner lotion, but it kind of smells. And I lost my last bottle. So I'm looking for something new and improved. I've heard fantastic things about the Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning oil. It's a facial moisturizer, but can also be used on the body.

With summer running right around the corner I've been researching GPS watches. My iPhone is always great for tracking time and distance, but sometimes it's kind of hard to fumble with the passcode and everything while I'm running. I want to be able to just take a quick glance at my watch and know my pace. The Nike + Sport Watch Powered by TomTom tracks time, distance, and pace.

And finally, here is my number one must have. I haven't hopped on the crop top bandwagon yet, but I think I'll be starting this summer. This Pac Sun crop top paired with this high waisted maxi skirt from Victoria's Secret would be the perfect laid back summer outfit. I don't know if I'll be getting this exact pairing, but I love the crop top maxi skirt look.

What is on your spring wish list?

August Favorites 2013

August flew by in a rush of hurling, packing, and finishing my summer bucket list. Although I didn't get to check every item off the list I had the best summer with all of my favorite people. It's too bad I'm back at school now, but that means more time for blogging which I really have been ignoring too much these past few months. 

I didn't wear a ton of makeup in August, and I didn't try many new things I loved, so this month is pretty minimalistic. I just couldn't let these products miss their moment in the spotlight because I didn't have enough makeup!

Unfortunately, this month my beautiful West Elm cosmetic bag started to deteriorate from over-love. I used it for probably three years now and it was just getting too old to pack full of stuff every day. I decided to come up with a new storage system for my makeup which I'll share in a post very soon. For my everyday essentials I have been using this Vera Bradley cosmetic pouch. It's in a super fun print, although I don't know the name. I love it and it is the perfect size for my everyday makeup so I'm not lugging around fifty pounds of unused makeup whenever I need to go places.

I saw this Jonathan Adler White Whale Pencil Sharpener while wandering about Barnes and Noble and couldn't leave him there in the store. I've had an ongoing whale joke with Connor for years now and it's become sort of our little thing. We always send pictures if we see whale knick knacks or clothing. He even got me a card that said, "I whaley love you." How cute is that? So, that's where the whale obsession comes from. I don't even use pencils that I'd need to sharpen, but it's an adorable desk ornament and it makes me smile whenever I look at him. I just need to think of a name now.

Near the beginning of summer I purchased the Rio Glow Candle from Bath and Body Works and didn't burn it until August! I love the beachy scent. Since I'm horrid at describing scents I'll quote the bottom of the candle, "A tantalizing blend of mango, papaya, and guava as vibrant as Rio's Carnival! Samba till sunrise!" I love this and the candle will help me to handle the end of summer as the weather starts to cool down up here in Minnesota. I'd rather not rush to buy fall candles because it only makes the fleeting summer that much more depressing.

I received Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer in an Ipsy box awhile back and never really used it, but recently my hair has been kind of frizzy after blow drying (my ends need a trim). So this sealer helps to calm the frizz and smooths my hair back to normal. It's got a nice subtle scent and works wonders.

Another hair product I've been loving is the Umberto Blow Dry Lotion. I've also had this for a really long time, but was never sure if it did the job. I picked it up this month and don't know why I ever thought that. This product speeds up drying time, calms frizz, and gives sleek shine without weighing down my not-so-thick-and-voluminous hair. I highly recommend this product and would probably call it my super star of the month.

I had a coupon from Victoria's Secret to get a full size body spray for free so I obviously couldn't pass up that opportunity! I swiped up the Mango Temptation scent with the help of Connor, who just so happens to also love mango. He's not so helpful with much beauty stuff, but he does have a nose and an opinion to go with it. I love this scent and it's just a big bonus I got it for free!

What have you been loving?

Summer Style Wishes

I love online window shopping and have been spending a lot of time doing so while procrastinating studying for finals. So I'm not surprised to have come across quite a few items that would fit perfectly into my summer wardrobe. It's hard to know if I'd even like these items in real life, but as I'm sitting here dreaming about summer I can picture all of the fun outfits I could create with these pieces!

Tank-Blogilates, Pants-lululemon, Scarf-Anthropologie, Daisy-Sephora, Bikini-Victoria's Secret, Maxi Skirt-PacSun, Earrings-Loft

If you've not yet heard of Blogilates (YouTube Pilates) I definitely think you should check it out. Cassey Ho is a certified fitness trainer and Pilates instructor who does fun and creative workouts on YouTube. Cassey calls her workouts POP Pilates because she creates all of her routines with pop music in mind. Each month Cassey releases a free monthly workout calendar on her blog so her readers can pair the videos for a well rounded workout. I love her upbeat attitude and motivating character. I've definitely noticed a difference in muscle tone, and I've had so much fun doing it! I want this shirt for summer to represent my Blogilates pride as a POPster and because it's cute and fun for all of my outdoor workouts in the summer sun.

I have been drooling over these running pants from lululemon for over a month now and I could never justify buying a pair of yoga pants that are that expensive ($100!!), but I can still select them for my wishlist! They look absolutely fabulous and I'm sure they'd make me a faster runner (kidding!).

This scarf from Anthropologie is another pricey purchase at $48 dollars, but it's so pretty. It's on my list so I can keep it in mind while shopping at cheaper stores this summer. I'm positive that if I keep my eyes open I'll be able to find a dupe for this at a much cheaper rate! It's so colorful and summery I know I could pair this with anything from a plain tank to a dress!

Daisy by Marc Jacobs is a scent I thought I'd never like. I'm not big on floraly scents, but this is a perfect summer scent. There must be a hint of vanilla in there to warm it up! I think the fresh light fragrance would be great for summer date night or even a day at the beach! I must earn enough money to buy this before summer is over, for sure. I will wear it like it's going out of style. If you've seen my Perfume Collection post you'll know I say that about everything and am a perfume hoarder. But still, this smells great regardless of my product hoarding.

The bikini top is from Victoria's Secret and I know I have suitable swimwear, but what girl doesn't need another bikini top? Right? I probably won't purchase this, but it's always fun to imagine your dream bikini wardrobe! I love the mint green paired with the white polka dots because it is almost reminiscent of pin up style swim suits, but a bit more modern.

Maxi skirts are always in for summer and I think they give a boho vibe to any look. I want to boho-ify my look this summer and this skirt would be a great start! I also have a lot of white tops that would pair well with this along with my trusty Gizeh Birkenstocks.

Last but not least, these Loft earrings are pretty similar to a pair I purchased from Forever 21 for a dollar, but I'm guessing these are a bit higher quality. I love bigger post earrings because dangly earrings make my ears hurt. These are sparkly and give a summer shine to the ears! Another item I'll be drooling over for the next few weeks!

What is on your summer wishlist?

My Perfume Collection

If you know me, you'll not be surprised with this post. I'm drawn to anything that smells pretty. I'm into candles, body sprays, perfumes, lotions, hand soaps, and anything that smells like flowers or fruit.

It's hard for me to pick an all time favorite fragrance because I choose my scent based on my mood that day or if I am attending a certain event.

Miss Dior Cherie is a fragrance I've had for a few years now and it was my first real grown-up perfume. I've always worn body sprays or mists, but this is a real perfume and I'll always think of this scent as being a sophisticated adult. I've been told I smell like expensive champagne when I wear this, but the official notes are "Italian mandarin essence, Egyptian jasmine absolute, and Indonesian patchouli essence." It's a very strong fragrance and one spritz will stay with you all day. It's also a very warm smell so I tend to only wear this one in the winter. 

Philosophy Falling in Love is my newest addition to the collection. My mom smelled it one day at Ulta and told me it smelled like me! How could I not love something that already smells like me?! It's a fresh spring time smell and has notes of "vanilla, jasmine, Lily of the Valley, musk, and blackberry." I think of a simple romantic date when I wear this. It's perfect for everyday wear and also for special occasions. 

Versace Bright Crystal smells heavenly. I received a small sample in a Sephora order last year and used it up so quickly I knew it would become an all time favorite. It's a light scent, but a little goes a long way. It's interesting to find a light scent that sticks with you for so long. The notes are of "iced accord, yuzu, pomegranate, peony, magnolia, lotus flower, acajou, vegetal amber, and musk." I couldn't tell you what many of those scents smell like, but I assure you it is lovely.

Pink Fresh and Clean Body Spray is probably my oldest fragrance. My friends and I have agreed that this smell is high school for us. We all used to run to Victoria's Secret at the mall and spray each other. It's one of those scents that I'll always need in my collection because there are so many memories attached to it. I'm a firm believer in scent memory connection and each scent brings me back to a certain time period. This has notes of "crisp apple, bergamot, Italian lemon, pink grapefruit, soft lily, amber, and musk."

Pink Sunkissed is another new addition to the collection, but I believe they just changed the name and packaging of a scent I'd previously owned. It smells like summer in a bottle with notes of "coconut water and warm vanilla." I've been wearing this a lot recently because I needed the smell of summer since it has felt like winter here in Minnesota.

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Touch is one of my spicier scents and I love wearing it for night time occasions. It has notes of "Italian iris, gilded apricot, and amber wood." It's not something I'd usually pick up because it is so spicy and I go for fruity warm scents, but I really liked how different it was and am so glad it is a part of my collection.

Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir is a very subtle scent with notes of "sparkling nectarine, amber, and cattelaya orchid." I bought this scent after smelling it at a friend's house and had to buy it. Every time I spray this it reminds me of the good old days; I love that scents can transport you back in time. It's a perfect fall scent because it has the warmth of summertime, but can transition you into the colder weather.

Victoria's Secret Lost in Fantasy is an ultimate summer scent. It smells like a fresh sea breeze blowing off of the ocean. It has notes of "Brazilian orchid and kiwi" which make it as refreshing to spray as it is to smell. This scent is bright and wakes me up if I'm feeling out of energy. I haven't worn it a lot recently, but I know I will be pulling it out every day in the coming weeks.

Mark Get Misty Pear Blossom smells just like what the name implies. Very few perfumes actually have names that explain what it smells like so I enjoy that. This fragrance has notes of "pear blossom and vanilla" which makes it a refreshing spring scent. While researching this scent for the notes I actually found out that it has essential oils in it to hydrate the skin! Bonus!

I'd love to hear about your favorite perfumes! Am I missing anything in the fragrance world that is incredible?