Life Lately

To be honest, I kind of have a love/hate relationship with blogging. I love having a place of my own to share decor ideas, beauty products, and generally just all of my favorite things. I also love the blogging community. I love meeting fellow bloggers and I'm always inspired when scrolling through all of your lovely posts. However, blogging takes A LOT of time and energy. I can't tell you how often I feel like I have great content for the blog (whether it's a fun outfit I threw together before a night out, or a simple recipe that turned out amazing, or even just a great experience we've had while trying a new place in town), but I didn't take any pictures. I never think to grab my camera in the middle of cooking dinner or to pause for an outfit shoot before going out. It's just never on my mind. On one hand, I'm happy I don't think to stop and document these things, because it means that I'm mentally present in the moment. Living in and enjoying the moment has been very important to me since Day 1 of creating this blog. I didn't want to become that person who can't go anywhere or do anything without making a big fuss over getting pictures for a blog post. It interferes with simply enjoying the experience and the company of loved ones. But on the other hand, isn't it kind of your job to document these moments for your blog? If you want to blog about it, you have to take pictures of it. It is what it is. So while I might be living in the moment and feeling good about the cute outfit I wore out or the delicious dinner we ate, it's frustrating to also feel like I'm constantly missing the opportunity to share it with you all.

Skin Saviors

I've said it before and I'll say it again: looking fabulous truly does start with healthy, happy skin. But while we all dream of waking up with poreless, blemish-free glowing skin, I know it's not actually that easy. #IWISHIwokeuplikethis! In a previous post (7 Skincare Favorites), I mentioned my own struggles with my skin and shared some of the best products I've discovered over the years. Although I still love all seven items, the search for the best skincare products never ends and I have since found two new products that are absolute game changers. I've seen the biggest transformation in my skin since using each of these and I couldn't wait to share them with you!

A Simple Dresser Makeover

It's amazing how much a coat of paint and some new hardware can completely transform an old dresser! We have two in our bedroom that belonged to my Mom when she was a little girl. I brought them with me when I moved out, despite James's hesitation. In his defense, yes, they were both covered in marks, the paint was a little more grey than white, and the knobs (with colorful, painted flowers) did seem a little girly for our shared bedroom. But, I loved them anyway and I knew we could refurbish them at some point. And I'm excited to say that point has finally come!

Summer Reads

One of my favorite things about summer is being able to relax on the beach or by the pool with a good book. I'll admit, I usually go straight for the light, romantic "chick-lit" style of books over the summer, because in my opinion they are the best beach reads. Who wants depressing breakups or unsolved murders ruining their vacation vibes?? Not me! With that being said, I've actually been trying to branch out a bit more when it comes to choosing new books (I mean, there are only so many Nicholas Sparks novels out there anyway), so my current selection of summer reads includes everything from love stories, to thrillers, and even a collection of essays. Heres's what I've read so far:

Shelf Decor

Exciting news: we moved! James and I have been thinking about upgrading to a bigger apartment for a while now, especially after the wedding when we realized we didn't even have enough space to unpack most of our gifts. We weren't planning on moving for another month or so, but when a great unit suddenly became available we knew we had to grab it. So, we made the switch from a 1bed 1bath to a 2bed 2bath and it is amazing. All the extra space is a dream!

A Honeymoon in Charleston

It's official... we're married!!! Our wedding took place last Saturday, May 7th, at Bowing Oaks Plantation here in Jacksonville (which is the most gorgeous venue you can imagine, please do yourself a favor and check it out! Seriously, I wish I could live there). Every single part of our big day was more beautiful and perfect than we ever imagined and we are so happy we got to share it all with our family and friends. I could cry again just thinking about it!

Liquid Matte Colors for Spring

Since I began using liquid lipsticks, I've become a little obsessed. Really. I'm a tad bit convinced that I may never buy a regular lipstick again. I'm loving the liquid, people! For some reason, I find that being able to apply lipstick with a wand (like lip gloss) is much quicker and easier for me than applying traditional lipstick. Matte colors tend to be my favorite because I don't usually prefer glossy, sticky looking lips. AND, now that these liquid matte colors are so popular, you can find great options from drugstore brands for awesome prices. Have a look at a few I've been enjoying recently:

Love at First Slice

Yesterday was Valentine's Day and I hope everyone had an amazing time with someone they love! I think Valentine's Day is an adorable holiday and always tons of fun to celebrate. So every year I wonder, why do so many people hate it?

Five Happy Things

I can't think of an easier time to focus on the happy things in life than on a Friday afternoon (hooray)! The weekend is officially here and I couldn't be more excited. It's been a while since I shared some happy things in my life, so here's a few:

In Our Kitchen: Peanut Butter Bites

True life: I'm a peanut butter addict. I think it's amazing on fruit, toast, celery, and yes, sandwiches! I'm 25 years old and I still crave a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich every once in a while. And don't even get me started on peanut butter and banana sandwiches either... SO GOOD! Anyway, I tried this new recipe for the first time about a month ago, and it's safe to say I have discovered my new favorite snack! These peanut butter and oatmeal bites are delicious and incredibly quick and easy to make. Plus, peanut butter is full of healthy fats and other vitamins, so this snack is much better for you than you might think! Time to put down the Reese's and make these instead.

What I Wore: A Snowy Night Out

Yesterday, it was so cold that we experienced quite the sight... snow in Florida!! Okay, so maybe it was just a few small flurries, but it was exciting nonetheless! However, while getting ready to meet friends for dinner and drinks, James and I found ourselves digging out the warmest things we owned and packing on the layers. I would have preferred to travel out in a giant snuggie, but instead I settled on my thickest sweater, scarf, and coat to handle the flurries (and maybe 3 pairs of socks under my boots, who's counting?). What a true Floridan.

7 Skincare Favorites

As much as I love all the latest and greatest makeup products, I'm a firm believer that looking fabulous should start with a great skincare routine. However, I know this is often easier said than done. We all have unique skin types and trying to decide between thousands of products can be exhausting. Where do we start? What will work best for us? Personally, I've struggled with my skin since I was 15 years old. With large pores, an oily t-zone, and skin that's prone to scarring, it's taken me years of trial and error to find products that work best for me. So even though I'm always on the hunt for new items, I thought I would take a minute to share some of my favorites I've discovered (and stuck with) over the years.

Weekend Exploring: Eco Relics

Last Sunday, I visited Eco Relics for the first time and basically fell in love. The giant warehouse is full of everything from old furniture and antiques to lumber and tools. I came across things like old traffic lights, record players, creepy dolls, pianos, vintage jewelry, windows and doors, hardware, countertops, and even toilets and bath tubs. It was amazing! I'm already planning on going back for a window to purchase and decorate with. I'm also dreaming about some of the chandeliers they had, but sadly I have nowhere to hang one.