Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Softest Summer Sweatshirt

There is something wonderfully cozy about throwing on a sweatshirt when the sun starts to set and a bit of chill enters the night air.    In the summer, the goal is to be outside as long as possible, and a lot of the time, that involves sitting on a patio drinking a cocktail and chatting with friends - so a soft, comfy sweatshirt has always been one of my summer staples.  I picked up that pretty, palm-printed sweatshirt below for only $22.00!  Find it here.  Chaser has always been a brand I've loved - their stuff is always slightly funky, and perfectly worn in - and this soft as a dream sweatshirt is no exception. 








Photobucket
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

A Really Terrific Song

One life, live free, big dreams - we're all about 'em.

I truly believe music has a huge effect on our lives.  It can define a moment, change a mood, and alter our perceptions better than maybe anything else on this planet.  My best friend sent me this music video a while back and told me, "Watch it, it will make you happy."  And boy was she right, it did make me happy.  So happy I teared up a bit.  The song is entitled "You & I" and is by Crystal Fighters, who are reminiscent of Dispatch but with a slightly electronic twist.  So go ahead and watch this video (it's odd and a bit sad, but ultimately lovely) and allow your Thursday to be made a little brighter.




Photobucket

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Let's Shop Leif

On Pinterest the other evening I happened to stumble across some amazingly cute little jars.  Upon further investigation, I was lead to the Shop Leif website, and let's just say, I'm really in love.  Providing everything from jewelry to, paintings, to tea towels, I've developed quite the wish list.  I'm especially loving the earrings and rings - the rough cut stones in claw-like settings are beyond pretty in a natural and earthy way that is perfection.  Also this stuff is unique - and I'm thinking this website will be my new go-to for finding birthday gifts for girlfriends.





Photobucket

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Ultimate in Summer Sexy


1, 2, 3
For years now, my favorite makeup combination has been a smokey eye and a nude lip.  It's fresh and sexy, and something about it is perfect for summer.  Not much is needed to achieve this classic look - apply nude lipstick, bronzer, and a good kohl eyeliner and off you go, looking pretty as can be.  
Photobucket

Monday, June 10, 2013

Pretty lil' Ponies

With warm, muggy weather finally here (I'm not complaining, simply stating facts) I've found that there is nothing more refreshing than a polished looking ponytail.  Ponies are a hair trend I tend to overlook - probably because it's just something I automatically do at some point during the day (it's a running joke that at noon in my office, my hair will have gone from down to up.)  But with a little styling, I think ponytails can be one of the prettiest ways to wear hair.  Below are some trends that are perfect for summertime.

Low side pony, with side part and soft waves...





Preppy, high pony made extra sweet with a bow...





Extra messy & sexy, with a hidden hair tie...





Loose and simple pony, with chunky braids for contrast...




A Brigitte Bardot-esqe pony with lots of volume....


Photobucket

Friday, June 7, 2013

Weekend's Hurr.





 I'm so happy the weekend is here.  My friends are here, the sun is out, wine is flowing, and life is good.  Enjoy your weekend, dears.  


Photobucket

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Rose Gardens at Dusk

I have found that my new favorite way to unwind, is to go for a walk in the rose garden a few blocks from my house.  I've been waiting patiently for the roses to bloom, and on last night's walk I was delighted to find that many had blossomed.  Evening walks have easily become a favorite way to de-stress after a long day of work.  What are the ways your relax in the evening?  




Photobucket

Monday, June 3, 2013

Beauty Crush Monday: Onesta Lavender Body Lotion


Discovering the Onesta line was a fortuitous find - and one that I'm quite thankful for.  In a world where parabens are bad, and sulfate free is the only way to buy beauty products, the whole thing can be a bit overwhelming.  How do you know what you're buying?  Onesta takes the guess work out of it and makes the whole process quite simple.   All of their ingredients are naturally derived - so you can feel great about what you're using.  Also, 10% of the company's profits are donated to cancer research each year.

My BFF happens to work for the company, and she's the one who turned me on to their great products.   I have come to realize I can't live without the Lavender Body Lotion.  It's rich, without being greasy, and the natural lavender smell is intoxicatingly fresh.  It has become my favorite thing to put on before I  go to bed.    Their hair products are equally wonderful, and I'll plan on sharing more about those in a future Beauty Crush Monday.



Photobucket

Sunday, June 2, 2013

As of Late

Well, hello there, friends.  It's been a few minutes.  I've been busy though.  Truly.  May was a beautiful blur of a month that started with the Kentucky Derby, included a trip to Mexico, and ended with me running my 1st 1/2 marathon.  I have been busy with work (it's a good thing!) but have missed good ol' Hush n Wonder.  So here's hoping the dear blog gets a bit more attention in the coming months.

I haven't gotten to do much shopping lately.  Everything I have bought in the past month has had some sort of purpose - like I need that dress for the Kentucky Derby.  Or I need that good facial sunscreen for Mexico.  Or that sports bra is the perfect pink to match my running shoes.  You get the picture.  Below are some little gems I'd like to be buying regardless of trips and simply in honor of summer.  Which is here.  Finally!



The Wantables.

Bath & Shower Oil:  I am needing this.  This oil is perfect to lather on before a shower or add a little to your bath to create a relaxing little haven all your own.  By Aromatherapy Associates, find it here.  

A Printed Tee:   Nothing beats a good printed t-shirt.  This one by Zoe Karssen is perfection.  Fun fact - I ordered it from here.  

Retro Sunnies:  Acetate sunglasses are the thing right now - but something about this pair seems perfectly classic.  Cutler and Gross nailed it with this pair.  

A Wild Necklace:  I'm quite certain shark teeth have replaced snakes as the most exotic form of jewelry.  This necklace by Heather Hawkins is the ultimate summer accessory.  

A Vintage Scarf:   Finishing off an outfit with a colorful scarf is trick that can take outfits from blah to beautiful.  This Dolce & Gabbana printed scarf is great, but find that flea markets and vintage stores have a great selection as well.  

Printed Shorts:  A fun pair of printed shorts are must have for summer.  I love this aztec version from Topshop.  Paired with a peasant top or simple tank, these would/will get a lot of wear.  




Photobucket

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Back to the Glamour

Most red carpet events hold an element of glamour all on their own.    But this year at Cannes, it seems as though celebrities are taking steps to ensure their attire might be something that came straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.  This extravagance isn't coincidental (this Gatsby fever is downright congtagious!) and I'm loving it.

Cara Delavigne in Burberry Gown

Georgia Jagger in Roberto Cavalli



Frieda Pinto in Gucci


Images via

Photobucket

Monday, April 29, 2013

Beauty Crush Monday: Batiste Dry Shampoo




I’m a big fan of “fresh” hair.  Having skin and hair that is anything but dry, I’m a wash my hair at LEAST once a day kinda gal – much to the dismay of pretty much every hairdresser I’ve ever talked to.  Tips I’ve heard in the past?  Use baby powder (umm my hair looks grey now?) Just don’t wash it as much, it will get less greasy over time (I’ve tried it, did nothing).  

So of course I’ve experimented with dry shampoos.  But they always left a residue, or perhaps they worked for an hour, then my hair would look dirtier than when it started.   Being an avid beauty blog reader, rumblings across the Internet pointed me in the direction of Batiste’s Dry Shampoo.  And it really does wonders.  This product comes in a variety of smells (some say they can be a bit strong, but I have found them to be quite pleasant – I’ve tried Original Scent as well as the Rich & Elegant.)  The best part is how much volume this product adds to my hair – it really is the key to getting that big hair look.  I highly recommend Batiste to anyone look for a mid day hair refresher, as well as those looking for extra volume. I've saved e a ton of time by not having to wash my hair as often and at $7.99 a can, it’s a product that’s definitely worth trying 


Photobucket

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Kate in Color

Kate Moss is vibrant on the pages of Vogue Paris’ April 2013 issue.  Shot by Mario Testino, Kate looks Peruvian chic in mixed patterns and  elegantly angled hats.    There certainly are some fun trends to be pulled from her looks to add some spice to your style  this spring and summer.   




Photobucket

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Oh, Summer, Whereart Thou?


Some photos  don’t need any explanation.  This is one of them.     

But, I am going to ask summer to hurry up and get here. 
Photobucket

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Beauty Sleep

There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to fall asleep.  My recent bouts with insomnia have lead me to take proactive steps to ensure I get a fitful night's rest. Below are some tricks to prevent evenings of tossing and turning.

Wake up feeling fresh as a daisy by following the simple tips below...

  • Unplug:  Winding down isn't an easy thing in our technology driven, go-go-go world.  A half hour before bed, put away your phone.  Turn it off, put it on sleep mode, don't bother with it.  Log off the computer.  Switch off the T.V.    Looking at the short-waved blue lights produced by our favorite gadgets keeps our brain stimulated and in "on" mode, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
  • Routine:  Having a bed time ritual is a vital step in teaching your body to fall asleep quickly.  Do something every night before bed that gives you the mental cue that rest is on the way.  Whether it be reading a chapter of a  book, having a cup of chamomile tea, or taking a bubble bath, any relaxing activity that is done repeatedly before bedtime will teach your body to shut down.
  • Stretch:  Allowing your body to relax is an important part of falling asleep.  Even if you're mentally prepared for bed, your muscles might not be quite there.  Try these yoga poses to relieve tension and put you in a perfectly sleepy state.  I've been doing these simple poses for a few months now, and they truly do work.  
  • Cut Caffeine:  This is *so* hard for me to do.  I love my Diet Coke and I rely on a cup of coffee around 3 pm to get me through the rest of the day.  You might even be one of those people who dub themselves "immune" to caffeine. Studies show you're not - you might not be "feeling" that energy that caffeine gives you, but it's stimulating your brain.  Cutting caffeine out of your life has lots of health benefits, including better night's sleep. 
  • Relax:   Try your best to avoid anything overly stimulating a few hours before bed.  Don't work out in the evening (those endorphins will keep you up), don't eat too late (bodies aren't meant to digest food lying down), and avoid any overly stimulating tv shows or books.  Let the mind and body be at peace.  
  •  Melatonin:  I was really hesitant to take any sort of sleep aid (be it natural or not) because I didn't want to have to rely on it to fall asleep.  I've found melatonin to be a really helpful supplement that not only helps me get to sleep quickly, but stay asleep.  It also doesn't leave me groggy when I wake up the next morning.  I take this kind about 45 minutes before bedtime. 

Photobucket

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

My Rant on Inspiration

Inspiration is such a fickle thing.  

There are some days when I'm completely overwhelmed by it - everything has a meaning and the most obscure things can stir a plethora of creativity from somewhere deep inside me.   The way sunlight shines through my windows and plays on my perfume bottles has inspired stories.  (See here.)  So has that favorite song that comes on the radio at just the right time - putting you in that perfect mood.  And there was a time when magical editorials were all the vacation I needed.  

Lately, inspiration has been a bit harder to find.  And maybe it's just me.  Maybe I read too many blogs.  Too many fashion magazines.  Spend too much time pinning.   Maybe I'm jaded because lately it's been harder for me to find things that are day-dream worthy.  When I first started my blog I was *so* passionate about everything I wrote and so excited to share my stories and experiences.  I want to get back to that.  I know these creative ruts are part of being artistic in any form, but think about  it - so much has already been done, seen, and written about I think it's time to get back to the roots of why we all write our blogs, or tell our stories in the first place. 













Photobucket