A couple weeks ago I talked about what I learned from my summer capsule wardrobe, and how I was going to apply those lessons to my fall capsule. Here’s how it went:
Monthly Archives: September 2015
7 Steps to Longer, Stronger Hair
This is me (well, this is my hair) six months ago. About two weeks after this photo, I chopped it all off, donating 10 inches to the American Cancer Society during Relay for Life fundraising efforts. I was so happy to support a wonderful cause, and I was really loving my new “lob”. Fast forward to about two months ago when I realized I was really, really missing my long hair. During the summer months, all I want to do is throw it into a fun ponytail or top knot. There is still not enough length for a full bun and there is nothing “fun” about my stubby ponytail. Suffice to say, I’m ready for it all to grow back. I measured it out recently, and I realized I have grown back almost 4 inches in the past 6 months! Hair normally grows only half an inch a month, so I must be doing something right! I’ve also noticed how much thicker my hair is. It used to require 2 twists of my ponytail holder to secure it and now I only need to do one. Frizz is pretty much nonexistant unless I step outside during the sauna that is the Deep South after a summer afternoon storm. Now that I am paying closer to attention to my hair, here’s what I do to help my hair grow stronger and longer.
Et Cetera I
Reading…..Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris by Jennifer L. Scott. This is probably my 4th time reading this book.
Listening…..to the Hip-Hop radio station on Apple Music and Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint album
Watching…..lots and lots of football. GO GATORS! / my fantasty team starters!
Eating…..chorizo sliders with green chile sauce, tons of berries because the season is almost over, and these yummy frozen macarons by Looka Patisserie.
How To Create an Aspirational Schedule
When I was working, I was like a machine – up at 5am and going til 11pm, maybe midnight. I was enjoying my life, but, at the same time, I wasn’t focused on my personal growth whatsoever. So when Ryan and I decided it would be best for me to stay home instead of working once we moved, I was ecstatic. But transitioning from career woman to stay at home mom wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. The newfound freedom was a little bit debilitating. When you have all the time in the world, there is no rush to accomplish goals, especially when they are just your own personal goals. I knew I wanted to make the most of my time at home, but still feel like I was getting to enjoy every moment. So instead of setting a strict time schedule, I created an aspirational schedule for myself.
Rifle Paper Co x LeSportSac Cosmetic Bags
Just like my obsession with cosmetics, I’ve been captured by cute cosmetic bags for as long as I can remember. Nothing feels more perfect than have a well-edited makeup collection all wrapped up in a cute pouch. Considering this, I thought it was a little crazy when I realized I have never actually purchased a pouch for the purposes of holding my cosmetic essentials. I have had about a million (not even an exagerration) free with purchase bags over the years that I have used. And I did purchase a Vera Bradley travel pouch for toiletries awhile back. But nothing specifically for makeup. When I saw the collaboration between LeSportSac (known for it’s graphic, yet utilitarian, luggage, purses, and accessories) and Rifle Paper Co. (the beautiful stationary and gift brand that just so happens to be headquarted in my birthplace), I knew it was time to invest in some cute cosmetic pouches.
August Favorites
1. Beautycounter Hydrate Body Lotion – First off, the citrus mimosa scent is everything. When I purchased this product, I knew it was scented, but I wasn’t overly concerned with the smell because everything from Beautycounter smells pleasant to me. But this scent is so completely on point. It’s like Sunday Brunch in a bottle minus the dehydration (and eventual headache) that comes with daydrinking. There aren’t many body lotions in my life that I have repurchased. I normally move from brand to brand because nothing sticks out to me. But I was really blown away by how quickly this sinks in. Summer months normally call for lighter moisturizers so I’m not sure yet how well this will do with very dry skin, but I can tell you this soothes irritation really well. I recently used a new bath soak sample that was fragranced with eucalyptus and lavender. After I got out of the tub, my skin felt super dry and itchy. I slathered this from head to toe and my skin immediately felt better. I can imagine this is a great after sun lotion as well. This now has a permanent spot in my shower.
30 Step Minimalism Challenge Week 4 Update
This is it! The final update and end to my 30 Step Minimalism Challenge – my personalized take on the Into Mind challenge. I learned something really surprising by going through this challenge. Here’s my last week with the steps, and what I have learned from the whole experience:
Lauren, Etc. 