June 7, 2018

5 Yellow Pieces to Energize Your Summer

QUICK! It’s selling out! ALL OF IT! The yellow that is.

Yellow is a bright color that reminds people of the sunshine & warm summer weather. Be the sunshine.

With our summer (fake) tans & the sunshine out all day – yellow is the perfect compliment & totally the in color. Pay attention & you’ll notice it everywhere. You saw Amal Clooney at the Royal wedding? Rocking full & particularily vibrant – YELLOW.

Yellow promotes energy, cheerfulness & joy. Bright & draws all the right kind of attention showing off your confidence. I’m here for it.

I was always afraid to wear yellow, because… do you remember when you were a kid & drew the blonde, white kids with a yellow crayon? How can I wear yellow when I’m already yellow, you know? I thought it would wash me out, but with a little summer tan action happening it totally doesn’t. And that applies to a lot of different skin tones & hair colors – yellow just works!

Popping on a bright red or pink nail polish & lip will really seal the deal.

no comments

June 5, 2018

The Story of My Meeting W A Cancer Curing Scientist

Eeeek! I have a story for you! I debated shoving this story into my Washington DC post but thought it was too special for that. Things like this story stand out to me, give me good feelings inside & inspire me. They pull my mind away from nonsense. SO, I wanted to give it it’s own space.

Wafiq & I debated going to Washington DC while we were visiting Charlottesville VA because we knew it would have to be a super short trip, & wondered if the drive was worth it. Once Wafiq’s family found out the option of D.C. was on the table, they pushed for it; one of his Aunt’s was also in D.C. at the time – we thought it was a good idea to all meet up. (This is life when you don’t live near family, you have to make it work wherever/whenever!)

We met up with his aunt, Hala the first day, right after checking into the hotel. Now let me tell you my condition, I just came from Charlottesville where I was in an extravagant wedding that truly exhausted me. Not just the day, but the extravagance of everything too. You can’t help but be a part of such a huge experience & eventually start comparing yourself… right? I also had allergy frustrations come up, new people, grand things & overall… A LOT.

We met Hala at the tiny cafe inside the entrance of Nordstrom’s & found a little table outside, in the mall. Wafiq’s aunt is TINY. (PS. there’s nothing like meeting Arab girls that makes you realize you could shed a few LBS. lol! They’re so small!) Back on track, she was the tiniest little lady.

Also, let me tell you. Meeting any “mom figure” Arab woman is always a gamble in my mind. Sometimes they’re extremely kind to me, I’ve had unkind experiences as well. Some are traditional, some judgemental, some curious, some opinionated – so I was hesitant to see how our meeting was going to go.

We started talking, she asked about my allergies right away, making sure I was ok. After that quick conversation Wafiq threw in how smart his Aunt was, almost teasing – but if you know me, I had to get in there. Smart people? I love. Doesn’t matter what kind of smart. I’m into it.

1 comment

May 31, 2018

This Is Why I Don’t Like Weddings

The day is finally here! I get to express my thoughts on WEDDINGS! I’ve been waiting for this moment for approximately 47 days, 10 hours, and 19 minutes. Is this post for you? or me? Me?

Like I’ve mentioned, I have 4 serious friends so weddings have never been a full time thing for me. I haven’t been to 9 weddings every “wedding season” that rolls around – but, I have been to enough to know.

Know what?

That I don’t like them anymore.

no comments

Daily Outfits

May 29, 2018

Why Hello Lovely Charlottesville Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia started out as something I booked for a wedding, but it turned into a place that I can’t wait to go back & visit. Similar to my thoughts on Washington DC, I think I hit it at the right time – the spring weather had everything lush & colorful.

When we were on our drive to the hotel we kept staring at the bushes & trees that were so full of color they looked fake. The blonde in me wanted to wait for Wafiq to ask: “Is that real?”. Ha! Thank God he actually did ask, because I literally didn’t believe some of the bushes & trees were real w how pigmented the colors were! It looked like spray painted plants. I was relieved to know I wasn’t the only one.

{I’m originally from Minnesota, & I feel like people that visit at the right time would say the same thing about Minnesota. These beautiful states that go through 4 seasons have their sweet spots & if you visit at just the right time, you’ll want to go back year after year. But this ain’t about MN}

The rolling green hills, the lush & colorful plants + trees, the cute places to shop, the delicate dining options – I was all about it. Wafiq & felt so relaxed & just happy. We quickly noticed the slogan Virginia is For Lovers & it’s no wonder as to why. So chill, pretty, lovely, + unexpected.

6 comments

May 24, 2018

10 Uncommon Tips For A 1st Time Maid Of Honor

I don’t really believe in wedding season because I’ve been to weddings.. in every season. Each of them so pretty & special. But I get it; spring is colorful, fresh, lush, & the weather is just right. Below is a list I put together of the rather uncommon tips I have for the first time Maid’s of Honor (aka MOH).

There are millions of girls out there that have been in a million weddings, but then – there’s girls like me. I have 4 friends. One of them is my dog. I invest in the other 3 really well, but it’s hard for me to manage more than that. (Remember, this post?) I’ve accepted I’m not a 36 BFF’s type person. So this was the first wedding I had to wear a Maid of Honor hat.

If you’re like me & one of those 4 friends of yours is getting married & wants you to be their Maid of Honor – this post is for you. Because you’ll likely be the only newbie, & w the coveted position next to the bride.

10 Uncommon Tips For A 1st Time Maid Of Honor

Show Up: This sounds obvious but I’ve been to other weddings where the Best Man or the Maid of Honor is missing from particular events, if at all possible don’t be that person. Just showing up, being present, smiling, is already making you a star at the duty. And not just wedding day, I’m talking bridal shower(s), bachelorette parties, wedding weekend events, all of it! Everyone wants to see the Groom, Bride, Parents, & then bridal party.

Only Do What the Bride Wants: Don’t do more. Have good communication w the bride so you know what she wants & listen to her. Then stick to just that. Something that’s cool or important to you, might not be to them, & vice versa.

A Petit Four is a Small Cake: Yeah. I guess everyone else knows this? Good term to have in your pocket, thank me later. They’re served at bridal showers. If you’re in charge of bringing dessert, this is probably what they’re expecting. (You have no idea the amount of time I googled this)

no comments

May 22, 2018

Washington DC; in 1 Day!

Late, but not forgetting – WASHINGTON DC Pictures!

I wasn’t going to write an entire post on Washington DC because we were there for ONE day, but it was arguably the best day of our trip so I wanted to share & explain why! Because – spread JOY.

As you may or may not know, Wafiq & I went to Charlottesville, Virginia for one of our friends wedding’s. I’ll get more into the hidden gem that is Virginia & also my ruthlessly honest opinions on traditional weddings coming up next week. Because, wow – do I have some thoughts to share.

But first, Washington DC.

If you’ve ever looked at the state of Texas on a map, you’ll notice it’s too big. And I live in Austin, smack dab in the middle. In order to get to another state & through desert, I either need a plane or an RV type situation. When I looked up Charlottesville, VA on a map & noticed how close cool cities were, I got real envious. These people are so lucky! They can explore new places all the time! I’m sure a lot of Europe is the same way, probably even other countries. Central America, I’m looking at you!

We seized the opportunity because both Wafiq & I have never been to Washington DC & kind of nerd out on that secret political & CIA world. Neither of us are very political & neither of us are lawyers of any kind – but we do watch Scandal.

The BEST suggestion I have if you go to the East Coast & decide to spend just one day in Washington DC, rent a bike a cruise around. Although we didn’t have time for many of the museums, we were able to spend the entire day outside enjoying the weather & seeing the city. Because there are incredibly iconic buildings & history in this area, just taking the bike around tickled our Washington Dc pickle – without overly exhausting us.

I researched the best & perfect things to do in 1 day. Had a jam packed agenda, ready to execute. But decided to ride around instead. It was perfect.

3 comments

May 3, 2018

10 Empty Beauty Products I’m About To Reorder

This is my favorite post to find on YouTube & through blogs because anything empty must mean it’s TRUTH! Whether someone is paid to post something or given free products, if they’ve used it until it’s empty – it must be good.

There are a few things that I’ve had to repurchase recently, so I thought it was perfect timing to share!

Current EMPTY Products I’ll Be Repurchasing:
Rose Water Spray: I’m actually very satisfied w the Rose Water spray from Trader Joe’s, but I hate the packaging; it shoots your face too directly. I had an empty Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray bottle that I love, now I pour the Trader Joe’s Rose Water Spray in the that bottle, & continue to refill + use. I love this stuff! I always use it after I’m done w my makeup, before bed when my face is clean, when I travel, throughout the day. I used to think it was a gimmick, but I can’t go a day without it now.

Mario Badescu Cellular Lotion: This face moisturizer goes a LONG way. A pea sized amount covers your entire face leaving it moisturized. It’s perfect for my skin because I have a drier face, but it might not work as well if you have very oily skin. I love the amount of moisture it provides, the price point, the consistency, the packaging – everything! This is actually the only thing I’ve been wearing on my face recently, with rose water spray on top. Leaves an oily glow, which I strive for.

Nivea Essential Enriched Body Lotion: Apparently this is the secret lotion that everyone knows about?? I recently emptied a huge bottle & had to buy another from Amazon. I was bragging about how smooth it was making my skin to Wafiq, and he said “oh yeah, Nivea, it’s the best, everyone uses it.” ?? Likeeee, you couldn’t have told me that 19 years ago bro?!

no comments

April 26, 2018

The Best Place to Buy Your New Workout Clothes

I’m on a shopping role for you guys, woot woot! Here’s why: SUMMER. Near the end of winter, and into Spring don’t you just want a refresh? You’re getting out all the extra stuffy clothes, extra pounds on your body, and bringing in lemon water + daisy dukes. Right?

In order to do that you need to workout. Mmmkay? That’s just the reality of the situation. And new workout clothes is the most motivating way to do that. Not really, having a group that holds you accountable & establish friendships with is truly the best way to stay motivated. Besides the hot body you’ll get, you’ll also be HEALTHY. Praise Jesus. But nice workout clothes helps MAJOR, too.

However, workout clothes are expensive. F.

I found the sneak around: OLD NAVY.

That’s right, Old Navy is the shit when it comes to workout clothes. And because the clothes aren’t super expensive you won’t feel bad sweating your body weight in them, laying on the ground of exhaustion, or getting them a little dirty in the grind. You know what I mean.

I’ve had a lot of Old Navy athletic wear for awhile but just recently committed to purchasing more pieces, & am finally bragging about them. The quality you guys, is not compromised. It’s strange how comfortable & quality the pieces feel. I’m here for it.

As if the clothes aren’t already affordable enough, Old Navy is constantly having sales. I think yesterday, they had 40% off everything?? They’re always updating the styles. You can keep buying new new new as long as you want to add to your personal inventory.

2 comments

April 24, 2018

Summer Pool Parties & BBQ’s; Target is HOT right now!

A couple things; I have fallen down a long, dark path that is Target Online Shopping… AND I hate throw away plastic more in the summer than any other time of the year.

UGH. Throw away paper plates, red solo cups, plastic forks equal the sounds of summer days at the pool & BBQ’s. I’m NOT into it. I can’t stand how much trash accumulates. Because glass isn’t allowed near the pool, boats, water – plastic is the next best thing. Enter >> paper throw away crap.

This year I figured out a quick, cute, easy way to avoid this mess. NICE PLATES that are plastic & reusable. Dishwasher safe. Easy. Pretty. All from Target. I was UBER inspired by the Opalhouse Collection at Target recently which is what sparked this entire shopping adventure. Opalhouse is my summer style to the T. And incredibly more affordable than it’s pretty counterparts: Pottery Barn, CB2., ect.

1 comment