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.

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.  

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. 

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 

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.   

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. 

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.