Apple Watch 38mm Pink Sand Strap.  Apple Watch Black Leather Classic Strap (ON SALE).  Apple Watch Charging Dock.

Wearing:  Denim Jacket.  Workout Tank (ON SALE).  Ivy Park Sweatpants (The BEST You Will Ever Wear!)  Gray Phone Crossbody Bag.  White Birkenstocks.

“It’s the ugliest watch I’ve ever seen… Who would wear that?!” My exact words after Apple launched its much-discussed Apple Watch a few years ago. I found its sleek, glass design to be unattractive and lacking any creativity whatsoever, especially when it comes to the strap selections. And then I attended a wedding at which many of my friends were wearing the Apple Watch. My criticisms of the watch’s outward appearance quickly disappeared when I saw exactly how functional it is.

These women were answering phone calls via their wrist, simultaneously wrangling children and bridesmaid dresses. One was touching up her makeup and with just a word to her wrist she sent a message to her husband, letting him know it was time to pick up all her primping items from the bridal suite. Another was requesting an Uber from her wrist, her arms full of wedding gifts. They seemed like Wonder Women with their watches and suddenly the watch’s stark design didn’t seem quite so bad after all as I fumbled around with my phone in hand.

Since you’ve been seeing my watch in my Instagram Stories, many of you have been asking me about it… What I like, what I don’t, and what apps I use. In this post I’m breaking down all the details for you!

The Basics

I have the Apple Watch Series 2 38mm in Rose Gold. This is the smaller size and I love it as the larger 42mm seemed to take up my entire wrist and appeared more masculine. However, if you prefer oversized watches and are used to wearing one you would probably be happy with the larger 42mm size. I am linking the new Series 3 watch that recently launched September 22nd in this post because the Series 2 is no longer available via Apple and is not currently shipping from Target either. (Plus, if you’re going to get one, might as well have the one with the latest bells and whistles, right?!)

I wear the size S/M Pink Sand strap. My wrist is about 6″ around and I could also wear the size M/L strap, but the excess strap length hanging off looked a bit sloppy and bothered me. I understand that if you order the watch online, you get both strap sizes in the box. I prefer the Pink Sand strap for working out, doing housework, yard work, etc. I also have the Classic Black Leather strap for everyday and to pair with casual outfits.

I found that at night my watch often slid off the flimsy charger that comes with the Apple Watch. I would wake up with an uncharged watch more often than not, so I found this rose gold Belkin Charging Dock that keeps both my iPhone and Apple Watch organized and charging during the night. It looks super cute on my nightstand and now I just take the original charging cord when I travel. If you’re also a fan of the AirPods headphones like I am, I also found this pink charging station that allows you to charge all three Apple products at once.

Functionality

I got my Apple Watch in the hopes that it would improve my productivity and it has certainly done so. Since I work from home and toggle between housewife and blogger roles a large part of my time is spent doing laundry, tidying our home, doing yard work, steaming clothes for shoots, and photographing new products. I’m all over our house during the day. That used to mean I had my phone in hand in case anyone called or I needed to keep up with Instagram comments in between tasks. But the biggest difference the Apple Watch has made is eliminating the need to carry my phone with me 24/7. I can easily call, text, and see emails that come through from my watch. And with the Airpods, I don’t even have to speak into my wrist, so I can keep gardening or folding laundry during my phone call.

When I’m out, I leave my phone in my bag and use the Apple Watch to send talk-to-text messages and pick up phone calls. I use the Uber app, the Starbucks app, and the Maps app the most when I’m on the go.

Health & Fitness

I have had a love-hate relationship with working out the past two years and my Apple Watch has encouraged me to live a healthier lifestyle both mentally and physically. I never realized how much time I spend sitting at my desk until I began wearing my watch and receiving “Stand Reminders” when I have been sitting too long, working through emails and creating blog posts. A notice pops up on my screen and I take that as my hint to let the pups out, tidy up, or go run an errand or two. Instead of slouching at my computer for hours on end, my days are interspersed with activities and I feel happier and healthier overall. I can check the effectiveness of my activity throughout the day in the Activity app, which tracks calories burned, steps taken, and hours standing vs. sitting.

It can be difficult to prioritize health in a culture that romanticizes being busy and rewards long hours. But… I’ve learned there is a fine line between being productive and living an unhealthy lifestyle. If we do not have our health, we have nothing. This also includes mental health. The Apple Watch comes with the Breathe app, which facilities mindful breathing throughout the day. The app guides you through, inhale by exhale, and monitors your heart rate. I began to look forward to these moments when I could take a few deep breaths, think about my day, and be grateful. Over the course of a couple weeks, I noticed my heart rate had gone down a bit as well. Recent neuroimaging studies have suggested that meditation increases the functional and structural plasticity of neural processes underlying emotion and attention.

Another app I’ve fallen in love with is Kayla Itsine’s Sweat app. Fondly known as “BBG” or Bikini Body Guide by her devotees, it is an easy-to-use app that provides the user with weekly workout plans comprised of clearly depicted moves that can be done from anywhere with very little equipment. The app also provides a meal plan (I haven’t used this feature yet) and playlists of music to listen to while you complete the workouts.

Apps To Check Out

Breathe – Comes with iOS

The Breathe app is a mindful breathing guide for reducing stress and improving overall mental health.

Sweat – Available Here

The Sweat app is an easy-to-use weekly workout plan, food plan, and weight tracker.

iTranslate – Available Here

iTranslate provides a button that allows you to say something into your wrist to get it quickly translated into whatever language you need.

Mint – Available Here

The Mint app keeps track of the bills you have coming in and the money flowing in and out of your accounts. Allows you to quickly see an overview of your budget at a glance.

Shazam – Available Here

Shazam is an app that recognizes music being played, then finds the song info and the lyrics for you too.

Trivia Crack – Available Here

Trivia Crack is a more basic version of Trivial Pursuit, but a great way for us nerdy folk to pass waiting room and line time nonetheless.

Peak Brain Training – Available Here

Remember in The Other Woman when Kate King says she needs “brain camp”? Well, here it is… Designed by both neuroscientists and gamers.

Quartz – Available Here

The Quartz app breaks global news down into bite-sized pieces with an opportunity to learn more if you want.

Do you have the Apple Watch? I need to know your favorite features and most-used apps! Any hidden treasure apps I’m missing?

Shirt Dress.  Louis Vuitton Sac Plat.  ‘H’ Charm Bracelet.  Pink Slides.

Extensions, Lashes, Tan, Nails c/o Glamour Bar Denver (Mention My Blog for $50 Off Lash Application)

Miranda L. Sober Photography.

The weather is so pleasant here in Denver and the bookworm in me has taken full advantage, stepping out with a good book to soak in these beautiful fall days. My favorite reading spot in Denver is on the west side of Governor’s Park on 7th Avenue and Logan. There’s a shade-covered stair and plenty of benches as well. There’s a Trader Joe’s across the street, so I usually pick up a cold drink to sip and some fresh blooms to bring home.

I’m wearing this beautiful navy silk shirt dress from Rebecca Taylor. This dress style is universally flattering, comfortable, and can easily be dressed up or dressed down. Pair it with a jacket, tights, and booties as the temperatures drop! But for now… I’m wearing it with these incredible blush suede slides with pearls in the heel!

I always get lots of questions about this Louis Vuitton Sac Plat bag. It’s become one of my most-carried bag styles because it’s perfect for everyday and it holds so much. I bought mine vintage because I love the way this particular style looks when the leather has darkened and it looks used and loved. There’s just a certain personality vintage bags have that you can’t get when you buy new. I know it can be scary to purchase a vintage bag not knowing if it’s the real deal, but I like this site because all their pieces are completely authenticated. It’s also a great resource when you’re trying to find a bag style that has been discontinued.

Denim Wrap Top (ON SALE!)  Similar Lace Skirt.  Watch.  Bamboo Bag.

Hair, Lashes, Tan, Nails c/o Glamour Bar Denver (Mention My Blog for $50 Off Lashes)

Miranda L. Sober Photography.

Another great transitional piece as we head into fall… This denim wrap top is super soft and comfortable. Runs true to size. I’m looking forward to pairing it with burgundy jeans when the temps drop!

t3 Hair Dryer.  t3 Interchangeable Curling Wand Set.  Thickening Spray.  Illuminating Cream.  Heat Protectant.  Dry Shampoo.  Hair Spray.  Texture Spray.  Nourishing Oil Spray.

One of the questions I’m asked most often is what products I use on my hair. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that great hair products make a big difference in the appearance of a hairstyle and how long it lasts throughout the day and through events, weddings, etc. Before we get into the products I use and the order in which I apply them (just as important as the products themselves) I think it’s important to give you a little run-down on my hair type just in case it’s different from yours.

I have hair that’s both highlighted and lowlighted, fine in texture but there’s a lot of it. I now have no-heat, no-glue, n0-tape hair extensions from Glamour Bar that add volume and a bit of length. These photos were taken pre-hair extensions (you can see them here) but I was pleased to discover all of these products work well with them, so I haven’t really had to alter my hair routine at all.

Styling Prep – While Damp

1. Spritz Reference of Sweden Thickening Spray into roots and focusing on the crown area, distributing with your fingertips.
2. Take a nickel-sized dollop of Kérastase Forme Fatale cream-gel, flip your head over, and distribute this halfway down your hair to the ends. Comb through with a hair pick to gently detangle. This product adds volume, movement, light hold, and a beautiful shimmering sheen to your hair. Twist hair half-up in a large claw clip to air dry while you apply lotion, do your makeup, etc.
3. When hair has air dried for 10 minutes or so, flip your head over and apply a nickel-sized dollop of DryBar Hot Toddy halfway down your hair to the ends. This product is a heat and UV protectant that will protect your hair from your styling tools as well as the environment throughout the day.
4. I love this t3 Featherweight Luxe 2i Hair Dryer because it’s lightweight and it dries my hair in half the time. Blow-dry hair with a round brush, focusing on creating volume at the roots by pulling the brush straight up and curling hair around the brush itself. I finish my bangs by pointing the blow dryer downward and smoothing them down with a round brush.

Styling – While Dry

1. If you’re starting with second-day hair (or more, I’m not here to judge) spritz some DryBar Detox dry shampoo in the roots and the sections around your face. I love this dry shampoo because it smells beautiful and it erases any trace of greasy hair better than any other brand I’ve used. P.S. The key to making hair last multiple days is to brush it out at night, then twist up and wear on top of your head like a granny bun while you sleep.
2. Curl hair away from your face to create the loose waves I often wear in my photos. Wrap sections no larger than the curling iron barrel you use to ensure the curl holds. I like to hold sections for 10 seconds or so, then unwind and let the curl cool. This interchangeable curling wand is great because it comes with three barrel styles perfectly designed for curls, loose curls, and beach waves. I’m using the largest barrel in these photos.
3. As you curl, spray each finished section with DryBar’s Money Maker hair spray. It smells divine (as all their products do – think the best combo of fresh + feminine) and it gives a soft, flexible hold to hair. Once you’re done curling, spray all over your hair.
4. Once your curls are completely cooled (about 5-10 minutes) I flip my head over and spritz Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray all over the underside of my hair, taking my fingers to my scalp to help distribute product and break up curls. This product smells incredibly sexy and gives texture, hold, and volume to your hair.
5. Tip your head back over with all its sexy new volume. Use the round brush to smooth any fly-aways. To finish off your look, spritz a few sprays of Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue on the ends. This product is a silky hair oil that hydrates ends, gives a floral fragrance to hair, and creates silky movement. A little goes a long way… I’ve had mine for almost a year.

Pearl ‘5’ Brooch.  Denim Jacket.  Polka Dot Dress:  Sizes 0 and 6.  Sizes 6 and 8.  LOVE this Similar Dress.  Chanel Bag.  Chanel Leather Flower Bow Pumps.

Denver’s weather has been switching from somewhere in the 70’s with crisp mornings made for hot lattes… To days simmering in the 90’s with haze from the Western wildfires making its way across our city. It’s no surprise this makes for difficult outfit options. I was just in New York and Vermont for my mother’s birthday and the crisp fall air made me so excited for sweaters, boots, and scarves. But until then? I have a transitional outfit idea for you.

Slinky little dresses for layering are so popular this fall. They’re perfect with tights and booties and topped with chunky sweaters. But in the meantime, top these pretty dresses with a denim jacket or army jacket and strappy heels.

Fit Details:  This dress runs true to size. The only fitted part is around the waist, so it would be very easy to tailor if you need. It’s currently on sale, but only available in a few sizes which I’ve linked above just under my photos. I also linked a blush-nude dress I love and is available in all sizes. I sized down in the denim jacket to make sure it’s fitted.

L’Occitane Peony Collection

I’ve been a longtime fan of L’Occitane en Provence’s lovely skincare and body products, so I was thrilled when L’Occitane reached out to me to share their beautiful new peony masks with you. I had never tried their peony collection and I’m so happy I finally did; if you love floral scents, you will fall in love with the collection just as I did.

This was also my first experience with multi-masking, a genius way to target your specific skincare needs with multiple masks at once in order to achieve a completely balanced canvas. L’Occitane’s new peony masks come in little one-use pods, but I found that when multi-masking I only needed to use about half. I placed the unused portions in our fridge and used them the next day… Talk about a glow! Multi-mask, sleep in the overnight mask, then multi-mask again. Do this before an event or date night and you will honestly be glowing.

Take a peek at my quick video above to see me explain the multi-masking process. Then read about each of the products below. And let me know if you try the cleansing oil or the masks. I think you’ll love them as much as I do. All of the masks come in different packages on the site so you can buy them individually, in a variety package to multi-mask, or a multi-pack of your favorite kind.

Peony Petal Cleansing Oil

Apply this silky oil with suspended peony petals over dry skin to break up leftover makeup and cleanse the skin. Add a little water to lather just slightly, then rinse. I love how soft and hydrated this product leaves my skin. I am all about cleansing without drying and this product does just that. (The gorgeous scent doesn’t hurt either.)

Peony Purifying Minute Mask

This soft, creamy mask is perfect for areas with visible pores and congestion. I applied this mask along my t-zone, chin, and my cheeks that were experiencing some clogged pores from makeup. In just a few minutes this mask helped to pull out impurities, leaving my pores tighter and my skin clear and matte.

Peony Flash Moisture Mask

This silky, super-hydrating mask is made for facial areas that feel dry or dehydrated. I applied this mask on the bottom of my cheeks and jawline, along my upper lip, under my eyes, along my temples and hairline, and down onto my neck. When I rinsed it off my skin felt soft, supple, and hydrated. I didn’t apply anything else on my skin all day and usually I need a serum and moisturizer here in dry Denver, Colorado.

Peony Overnight Perfecting Mask

This light, gel mask sinks into applied onto face and neck overnight so it can work wonders while we sleep. If you’re worried about transfer onto your pillow, you can lay out a clean towel. But I didn’t find this product to be messy or goopy at all; it sunk right into my skin like an overnight cream. I woke up with glowing, radiant skin and noticed that my under-eye area looked particularly refreshed and revitalized.

This post sponsored by L’Occitane U.S.A.

L’Occitane Peony Collection