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

Kemo Sabe Hat.  India Hicks Bag.  Königs Riding Boots.

Collective Retreats

This past weekend was my husband’s birthday. And in the past, I’ve made some really disappointing birthday plans for him. (Numerous sub-par dinner reservations and a particularly trying trip to Jamaica involving chickens on the dining table and feral cats running the hotel halls come to mind.) Naturally, I blame it on him and the fact he’s a bit complex. Outdoorsy with Midwestern sensibility, he likes a full itinerary of activities with a bit of the outdoors incorporated, yet he also prefers luxe accommodations with access to nice restaurants. And he calls me high maintenance, ladies.

So I was thrilled and a bit proud of myself when I thought of glamping outside Vail, Colorado. The two-hour drive makes it the perfect weekend trip away from Denver and Vail’s Western-chic vibe reminds me of J.

I booked our Vail trip and wasn’t even sure I would share on social media. But everything we were surrounded by and everything we experienced was so stunning, even J encouraged me to take some photos and videos along the way. I was completely caught off guard by the number of DM’s and messages I received, asking about our trip and where we were glamping. So many of you had questions that I’ve quickly realized 1. I need to incorporate much more Colorado content into my site and 2. I need to write this post to give you all the details about our trip so that you can recreate it if you’d like.

We loved so much of what we did and truly had a wonderful experience. But there were also things we would change. I also learned a lot about the Vail and Beaver Creek area and have some tips to help you if you decide to visit. This is why I have a website, right? To gather all my best tips and share them with you. So here it is… All you need to know about Vail glamping!

Collective Retreats

All About It – Website Here

Collective Retreats is a seasonal glamping campground with luxe, safari-style tents and a concierge experience. The retreat operates just 20 miles outside Vail in a high-desert area overlooking a valley (think sagebrush, rocky terrain, and a field full of horses). It’s a picturesque place with the sound of a rooster and whinnying horses to wake you up yet it’s only a short walk to the nearest highway, ensuring strong cell signal to post all those incredible photos you’ll take.

There is a large tent where complimentary breakfast is served every morning and where you can opt to have an incredible farm-to-table dinner under the stars. More affordable (yet just as gourmet) boxed lunches and boxed BBQ dinners can be purchased and each evening you can expect a complimentary kit for s’mores to arrive at your tent. This was my first time experiencing a s’more made with a roasted marshmallow and a peanut butter and chocolate fudge square sandwiched between two crisp butterscotch cookies. Wow. Jordan was our chef (@theglampingchef on Instagram) and she was honestly the highlight of our stay. We chatted with her under the stars long after our five-course farm-to-table dinner was over.

Collective Retreats is on a ranch called 4 Eagle Ranch that offers horseback riding, zip lining, and ATV rides. Collective Retreats can also organize and schedule other off-site activities like hiking and fly fishing. We later discovered that when I organized our fly fishing through the Collective Retreats concierge it was upcharged, but if you’re the type that is willing to pay extra for someone to do it for you, then this may not bother you. But if I had known this, I would have done it myself. For example, I paid $420 for our 2-person half-day fly fishing trip, while the actual anglers charge $375 for the same. We went fly fishing with Emily from Vail Valley Anglers and she was such a knowledgeable, patient fishing guide. She organized our waders, boots, my rod (J brought his own), everything… Having a fishing guide to set you up and even carry your rods, untangle your fishing line, change up your flies, makes the process super easy and stress-free. Plus, you get to ask all the questions you want and learn along the way. J and I had a wonderful time and both of us felt that we greatly improved our fly fishing abilities and learnt so much about trout, Eagle River, and nature in general. I would definitely suggest this as an activity to do when you’re glamping in Vail. We can’t wait to return and ask Emily to help our fly fishing again!

My advice? If you’re staying at Collective Retreats, you can organize activities yourself through 4 Eagle Ranch or Vail Valley Anglers. We wanted to do a horseback ride at the Collective Retreats ranch, but it cut too close to our fly fishing time. But we heard amazing things about Beaver Creek Stables and they seemed to have more riding availability than 4 Eagle Ranch.

I was truly impressed with the decor inside the safari-style tent. Think Ralph Lauren ranch – cowhide rugs, beautifully upholstered chairs, vintage tables and desks, and a king-size bed. An antler chandelier hung above a king-size bed with the softest linens. There was a little stove and the toastiest electric blankets for cold summer nights. No AC during the day which got a bit warm, but we opened up the tent flaps and were able to get a bit of breeze.

Now bear with me because things are about to get very real and honest. My one complaint? Each tent has a teepee bathroom just a few feet behind it with a small sink, a shower with warm water, and a pedal toilet. I was prepared for glamping and this outdoor bathroom would have been okay but for the simple fact the toilet functioned like one in an outhouse; a flush of the petal sends the contents into a sewage tank just under the wooden deck both the tent and teepee bathroom sit on. The odor wasn’t an issue when the temperatures plummet to 40 degrees during the chilly summer nights. But during the day when temperatures can climb to 85 degrees? You smell everything that has accumulated in that tank since the last time it was emptied. If you don’t mind your tent mate hearing every tinkle AND you don’t mind the smell of a port-a-potty or outhouse when you’re showering/washing your face/brushing your teeth, you will be fine. I know I’m probably picky.

Ultimately, we decided to skip out on our second night to save the romance! We left in the afternoon when the temperatures were highest and ended up checking into the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek just in time to cozy up in robes and get a luxe couples’ massage.

Pros and Cons

• PRO – The visuals. Beautiful ranch-like scenery with charming tents, grazing horses, and glowing campfires.
• PRO – Incredible gourmet dining. There is something really special about having a chef cook for you outside as the sun sets over the mountains.
• PRO – Complimentary made-to-order breakfast and nightly s’mores by the campfire add to the experience.
• PRO – Exquisitely-decorated tents that feel luxe and cozy and make for the most beautiful photos.
• PRO – There is a winery at 4 Eagle Ranch where you can buy your own wine to enjoy by the campfire or in your tent.
• PRO/CON – There’s the option to have your activities planned for you, albeit at an elevated cost.
• PRO/CON – I liked being close to the road because it made me feel safe and allowed me cell service, but J didn’t like being able to hear cars in the distance.
• CON – The sewage tank underneath the deck the tent and bathroom teepee sit on definitely smells like an outhouse and some people may not be able to get past it.
• CON – Try to get naked in a teepee to shower when it’s 6:30 AM and 40 degrees. I dare you.
• CON – Tricky temperatures. Nights are cold and you’ll need to start the stove in the tent. There’s no AC or shade for hot days.

Tips

• If you’ve never been to a ranch, this is a great way to get that ranch feel; vintage western decor, the peaceful connection to nature, experiencing the outdoors: fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and ATV rides. J and I both have family ranches, so this part wasn’t as unique to us, but both of us think everyone should experience a ranch at least once.
• I think this experience is perfect for one night. My advice? Use baby wipes to freshen up early the next morning if you can to save yourself the 40-degree strip down, then pack up and do some outdoor activities before checking into a Vail or Beaver Creek hotel for the remainder of your stay. You can still organize outdoor activities each day while enjoying the benefits of running water.
• If you’re going to stay at Collective Retreats, you have to go for the farm-to-table dinner. It’s a beautiful experience to dine under the stars with a gourmet chef cooking for you just steps away. And don’t skip the delicious breakfast before you leave!
• To save money, organize your activities yourself. Horseback riding, zip lining, ATV tours can be organized through 4 Eagle Ranch. Horseback riding can also be organized through Beaver Creek Stables. Fly fishing can be organized through Vail Valley Anglers. And don’t forget, almost all hotels in the area offer a concierge (don’t forget to tip them!) to help you plan activities as well.
• What to bring? Attire is very casual. Bring layer-able outdoor clothes for daytime activities and a jacket, flannel shirt, jeans, and cute boots for nighttime. Don’t forget slippers to pad around the tent, shower flip flops, a little speaker for some ambiance, bug spray, and sunscreen. I prefer to wear a hat during the day and I should have packed my huge fluffy robe to keep me warm at night.

Vail and Beaver Creek – Tips and Must-Do’s

Vail Village Shopping – Website

While Vail doesn’t have the high-end shopping Aspen does, you can find some really great things like jewelry, custom cowboy hats, cowboy boots, fur coats, artwork, and charming decor. There are recognizable shops like Lululemon, Gorsuch, Patagonia, Marmot, and Loro Piana. We love grabbing a coffee and walking around this area, window shopping. If you have kids, they’ll love the live music, fountains, and open areas. Don’t miss the huge Vail Farmer’s Market on Sundays that features everything from live music, fresh produce, accessories, and fresh-made food and take-home desserts. Anything goes as far as attire goes and varies from restaurant to restaurant… I try to avoid heels as they can be a bit tricky when walking across uneven ground.

Kemo Sabe Hat Shop in Vail – Website

Kemo Sabe is a beautiful hat and boot shop in Vail, Aspen, and Las Vegas. I discovered it online when I was looking for good cowboy hat shops in Vail and it did not disappoint. So many Western wear shops now sell tacky hats that won’t hold up long term, but we found some really great options at Kemo Sabe. We loved Ilse who helped both us of choose our hats, then she custom-shaped them to our liking and even branded the brim with our initials and our family brands. If you go, ask for Ilse to help you choose something perfect… She is great at styling the perfect hat and hat band for your skin type/coloring and she is amazing at applying the brands. J got a gray Stetson x Kemo Sabe hat with a silver and turquoise band. I got a Kemo Sabe True Grit distressed taupe-gray hat with a tattered green band and two rusted nails tucked into the band. Make this your first stop and feel like a real cowgirl during your trip. Fun fact… The Victoria Secret Angels will be wearing these hats for their Holiday 2018 campaign.

Vintage in Vail – Website

Vintage is a charming little French cafe with the cutest bistro chairs and marble outdoor tables (hello Insta photos). Allow 1-2 hours to brunch when it’s busy. But with the delicious coffee, French-inspired food, and scrumptious sweets like bread pudding you’ll barely notice the wait. While attire varies throughout the day (it’s open late-night too) you’ll see everything from hiking clothes to dresses with heels.

Matsuhisa in Vail – Website

One of our favorite spots in Denver also has a sister location in Vail. The Vail location is spacious and open, with fire pits and an incredible view of Vail mountain. Everything is delicious, but don’t miss the foie gras lettuce cups, creamy spicy rock shrimp tempura, and the mochi ice cream. If you’re adventurous, try letting the chef choose with omakase. This is a spot you can dress up a bit; jeans are okay, just dress them up a bit if it’s a weekend night.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek – Website

We checked into the beautiful Park Hyatt after our stay in the glamping tent. (We were ready for showering without the cold morning breeze and actual plumbing!) Beaver Creek is a short drive from Vail and all the hotels, restaurants, and shops are tucked behind guarded gates, which makes it feel safe and secluded. Much smaller than Vail Village, you won’t find the same level of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife but Beaver Creek is a beautiful and serene little enclave. Your kids will love the skating rink (even in the summer) and you can treat yourself to a sweet at the gelato shop before checking out something musical at the Beaver Creek Performing Arts Center. I would highly suggest checking into the Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt – it’s visually stunning, peaceful, and the staff are attentive and pampering. We treated ourselves to a long couples’ massage and afterward we sipped champagne in our robes inside the relaxation lounge.

Happy Glamping, babes!!

If you’ve ever watched my Instagram Stories or seen the photos on my Instagram page, you know I always have a candle burning. I rely on them for ambiance and stress relief throughout the day. For me, having a home that feels calm and smells beautiful is important and I just don’t feel right if I don’t have one of my favorite candles burning. I think a large part of this is due to the fact I work from home; I have to create my own atmosphere to work in, so lighting a candle and turning on some soft music are the first things I do before start on a new post or work through emails.

For some strange reason, I always admire candle containers. A candle’s packaging has often played a large part in which candles I chose to purchase, yet I never knew what to do with them after I was done burning them! After a stash of burned candles built up in one of our cabinets, I decided to do a little experimentation and find new purposes for my favorite candle containers. I shared the process on my Instagram Stories and so many of you asked questions that I decided to turn this into a blog post.

The candles I’m repurposing in this post are the soft and slightly tropical Coconut Milk Mango and my all time favorite Black Hibiscus, a mixture of black tea and romantic florals that creates an unexpectedly sexy twist on floral scents.

1.  Melt Candle Wax in the Oven

Create a little aluminum foil “boat” to catch all the melted wax your candles will create and place the aluminum foil on a cookie sheet into the oven at 250°F for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll want to check the candles every five minutes or so continually to ensure everything is melting safely. (Your kitchen will smell amazing while you do this.) Remember you’re not just wanting the candle wax to melt – you’re wanting the glue underneath the metal wicks to soften and melt as well.

Carefully remove the cookie sheet and candles out of the oven and use a butter knife to check and see if the glue under the metal wicks has loosened. In some cases, the glue will completely melt and you’ll see the wicks floating around with the rest of the wax in the aluminum foil. If the glue still seems hard, put the cookie sheet and candles back into the oven for another five minutes and check again. The glue is the most difficult part to remove, so you want to melt as much of it as possible.

2.  Clean and Soak Candle Container

Using a butter knife, gently push the wicks (if any are left) off the bottom of the candle container and scrape off any remaining glue underneath. Pour out any remaining candle wax into the garbage disposal or trash. Squeeze a bit of dish soap into each candle, fill with hot water, and allow them to sit and soak for a bit. This will soften and loosen any remaining wax or glue. After they’ve soaked a bit, I use a stiff dish brush to scrub the candle containers clean.

3.  Ways To Repurpose Candle Containers

Tea Lights:  Add a little battery-operated light or a small tea-light candle and place around the house. I light or turn these on before guests come over and it creates a very cozy, comfy environment.

Office Supplies:  Large, wide candle holders are perfect for storing office supplies in a pretty way. I have these binder clips stored in one of my favorite old candles with a beautifully designed lid.

Mini Planters:  I love tucking a small succulent into a little tea light candle holder. These make adorable gifts to give. (See below.)

Bath Products:  You know I love baths and beauty products. I use the large pink candle holder down below to keep track of all my sheet masks and mask samples. (See below.)

Makeup:  You’ve probably seen a lot of these Diptyque candle holders reused on Instagram because they are so pretty, clean, and classic. I use mine to keep track of my LipSense products. As you can see, I already have containers for my makeup brushes and liners, but I think the Diptyque candle holders would be perfect for that as well. (See below.)

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Clarisonic Set.  Perfume Set.  Hair Dryer.  Cheek Palette.  Lip Set.  Sunglasses.  Tassel Earrings.  Trinity Ring.  Suede Trench Coat.  Blush Handbag.  Blush Velvet Heels.  Silk Top.  Tweed Skirt.

Happy Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! As of today, Early Access (for those with Nordstrom credit cards) ends and the sale opens to everyone. You can read all about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in this blog post, which also includes a curated collection of my favorites including men’s, home, and beauty too. But in a nutshell, the reason why this sale is so popular is because it’s the only sale to offer new fall items at discounted prices. It’s just more exciting to purchase next season’s new items rather than wait for the prices to drop on whatever is left at the end of the season.

Everyone uses this sale a bit differently. Personally, I utilize it to stock up on fall basics like sweaters, jackets, jeans, and booties. And I even do a little early holiday shopping. You can see all those items in my first Anniversary Sale post. But for this post, I wanted to showcase some sale items that are a bit more dressy… Perfect for work or date night. I think all the neutral-blush colored beauty products are so wearable and great for everyday makeup looks or for gifting someone. My favorite hair dryer that cuts my drying time in half and makes my hair more shiny. And even a little blush tweed skirt.

Happy shopping! And may the bargains be with you!

Ruffled Top.  Jeans.  Bag.  Heels.

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

Miranda L. Sober Photography

This top is probably my favorite at the moment because of the feminine, statement-making ruffles! I don’t usually buy into trends, but I am loving the ruffle trend right now. And I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon; fall looks are all about statement sleeves and ruffles.

I wore this to wine night with a few friends recently and it was the best girls’ night top. I thought this top would scare my husband off, but when I put it on for a date night he actually complimented me on and said he thought the ruffles were really pretty. And when my guy likes an item just as much as the girls, I know I’ve made a decent shopping decision.

And speaking of shopping, some fellow bloggers and I have teamed up to give away a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card! Just in time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale to become available to the public this Friday. So… Enter the giveaway on my Instagram post HERE and be sure to check out my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale post HERE.

Fit Details:  Go up one size in the top as the sleeves run a bit small. Jeans run true to size. If you’re in between measurements and have a bigger waist, you might want to go one size up since these are high-waisted. Shoes run true to size and are so comfortable.

Similar Scarf.  Denim Dress – ON SALE.  Denim Dress – More Sizes.  Blue Ring.  Chloé Bag – Smaller Size, Similar, and Similar.  Hermès Oran Sandals – Similar Here.

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

Miranda L. Sober Photography

I mentioned on Instagram the other day that I was going to be focusing on easy looks for all your summer events and activities. I know my content is usually a bit on the glam side, but during scorching July, August, and September I find that many of our events and travels are more casual, relaxed ones and I need casual outfits to go along with these events and the boiling temps! I recently shared this navy striped maxi tank dress on the blog, perfect for travel, baseball games, barbecues, and shopping. I wear it nonstop and love how soft and comfy it is.

Another easy summer look is this off-shoulder denim midi dress. The little tie details on the arm add interest and femininity and the flattering tie waist gives your body curves and definition. It’s so comfortable and easy to wear. I love it dressed down with casual neutrals and given a little excitement with pops of red and bright green. You can find select sizes HERE for 30% off with code YESPLEASE and all sizes HERE at regular price. I’ve worn this dress while traveling, exploring a museum, and for a day of shopping; you’ll find yourself wearing it all the time because it’s so versatile!

Fit Details:  Dress runs true to size, but go down a size if you’re in between measurements. Shoes run a bit small; the leather doesn’t stretch as much as you would think, so if you purchase them go up a half size from your usual.

Beach Bag – ON SALE.  Cosmetic Bag – SOLD OUT.  Zippered Pouch.  Tassel Keychain.

Products:  SPF Makeup Setting Spray.  Fragranced Deodorant.  Body Sunscreen.  Body Fragrance Mist.  Coconut Body Glow.  “Orgasm” Lipstick.

The temps are up and most of us are headed to the pool or the beach to spend our summer days cooling off. I went to my stash of beach beauty products and found that my sunscreen was separated and my shimmer spray expired; it was time to refresh my summer beauty products. So I tested out the top products on the market and am sharing my favorites right here!

Best Beach Bag

Straw Beach Bag with Palm Print Interior

ON SALE 60% OFF from July 11th – July 18th! Was $245, now $98. I had been searching and searching for the perfect straw beach bag, when I saw this one. The shape is perfectly beachy and the leather-trimmed handles and palm print lining make it extra special. I also love the chic, silky tassels on the outside.

I stash my phone, keys, and gym pass in the inner pockets for easy access. Then toss all my favorite sun products and beach reads in the interior. And this straw bag isn’t just for the pool… When I pair it with my favorite sundress as a handbag or tote, I always receive lots of compliments. [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Tropical Cosmetic Bag

Palm Print Zippered Cosmetic Bag with Leather Trim

ON SALE 60% OFF from July 11th – July 18th. Was $35, now $14. I love this darling little cosmetic bag with its soft leather trim and tropical palm print. I tuck it in my beach bag to hold smaller cosmetics, headphones, and hair ties. Another tip? Use it when packing your suitcase to keep all your lacy little things together and organized! [SOLD OUT]

Best Day-to-Night Clutch

“Flamingo” Coral-Orange Flat Zippered Pouch

This sleek, flat orange zippered pouch is perfect to carry as a clutch; it makes a statement against neutral-colored sundresses and even a simple white tee and jeans. I love its textured exterior and linen-lined interior; the outside is easy to wipe clean and I can easily see the contents against the light interior. I’m currently using this bright little pouch in my beach bag to organize my cash, credit cards, and business cards. If I get up to purchase an iced drink, I can just grab this little pouch and go. Plus… It looks really cute against the green palm print interior of my beach bag! [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Bright Leather Tassel

“Flamingo” Coral-Orange Leather Tassel Keychain

Have you seen the gold leather tassel I clip onto my everyday handbag? (You can see it in this post.) This is its brighter sister in a coral-orange color called “flamingo”. It’s so cute it makes me happy every time I pull out my keys and I get compliments on it all the time. Each leather tassel comes with both a clip and a key ring, so you can clip it onto bags and clutches or use it as a keychain. [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Facial Sunscreen

SPF 50 Makeup Setting Mist

I love my everyday serum and moisturizer, so I didn’t really want to replace either of those with an SPF version. But then I found the perfect solution… This genius SPF 50 Makeup Setting Mist ensures I’m able to use my tried-and-true skincare favorites and still get all the sun protection I need! Best of all? It protects any makeup I have on against sweat and oil with a long-lasting, soft-focus finish. On those days when I don’t wear any makeup, I simply spray this on top of my moisturizer and I swear it makes my skin look a bit better. [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Deodorant

Chloé Deodorant Spray

If you’re out in the hot sun, jumping in and out of the pool, you definitely need deodorant. But have you ever packed a stick of deodorant and reached for it poolside, only to find a melted mess? Avoid the mess and save your beach bag with spray deodorant instead! I’ve come to realize how essential spray deodorant is and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the stick version! This spray deodorant is softly scented with the classic, feminine Chloé fragrance which means it doesn’t have that annoying “deodorant” smell and instead you’ll smell fresh and pretty with just a hint of soft fragrance, nothing overpowering. [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Body Sunscreen

SPF 30 Coconut Body Spray

This easy-spray bottle ensures I get SPF coverage everywhere I need it and the “sport” formula allows me to go a bit longer in between applications. Best of all? No toxic-smelling fumes or tacky fragrances here; COOLA’s unique coconut scent is fresh, clean, and reminiscent of my best beach memories. [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Summer Fragrance

Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist

When I purchased this firming cream last year I remember thinking, “They should really make a perfume that smells exactly like this.” Apparently I wasn’t the only one, because after receiving an endless wave of requests, Sol de Janeiro created this body fragrance mist. Pistachio and salted caramel combine to create a warm, sexy, tropical scent like you’ve never smelled before. This isn’t your average cheesy tropical scent; it’s sophisticated and intoxicating. The best part is, it’s light enough to layer in the summer without being overpowering. I spritz it everywhere – hair, skin, and even my bikini and lingerie! [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Body Bronzer

Kopari Coconut Body Glow

A body bronzer that shimmers and sparkles on the skin while moisturizing?! It doesn’t get any better than that. I rub this Coconut Body Glow on my shoulders, arms, and legs… Anywhere I want to illuminate with a bronzy-highlight! The light bronze color perfects my skin, hiding blemishes, discoloration and dullness while the organic coconut blend hydrates and heals as it infuses my skin with antioxidants. Its fresh coconut-gardenia scent is light enough to layer with my other fragrances or mix into my usual body moisturizer for a subtle glow. [AVAILABLE HERE]

Best Summer Lipstick

NARS Lipstick in “Orgasm”

I never thought I would type that word on my website! But… Sexual innuendos be damned because this lipstick color is the perfect peachy-pink! The color of beautiful flushed skin with a delicate shimmer, this lipstick will become one you reach for every single day. For an easy summer makeup look, spritz moisturized skin with the SPF 50 makeup setting mist, dab a little Coconut Body Glow or your favorite bronzer on cheekbones, and apply this lipstick on lips. The result? Total beach babe. [AVAILABLE HERE]

Avocado toast has somehow become the go-to example for millennials’ love of unnecessary pleasures, but even with its negative connotation I just can’t seem to resist it. If that makes me a millennial, I’ll happily take the label as I munch on this incredible blend of textures and flavors.

And, like most millennials, I discovered avocado toast while at a trendy brunch spot with my friends. But I wanted to make avocado toast in the comfort of my own home, whenever I got a craving for it. My first try wasn’t so great, so I spent months and months perfecting my recipe until I found a way to create avocado toast just the way I like it. I’ve tried the recipe on my husband and parents and they’ve all given me the go-ahead as well. I think you’ll love it too.

One major tip I have is to make sure the avocado you use is ripe. I usually find that the ugliest avocados are the smoothest and creamiest inside. You can press lightly on the outside; a ripe avocado will be soft and mushy.

Ingredients:

• Ripe Avocado
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper
• 1/2 to 1/4 Lemon
• 1/2 Lime
• Chili Powder
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Goat Cheese
• Egg (Optional)

Directions:

1.  Make Avocado Mixture

Mash one ripe avocado (I use our potato masher) in a mixing bowl. Drizzle mashed avocado with a bit of olive oil. Squeeze 1/2 to 1/4 lemon juice (try using this) and 1/2 lime juice onto avocado mixture. Sprinkle sea salt and cracked pepper and mix to your desired consistency. I prefer mine a bit on the chunkier side.

2.  Toast Bread and Cook Egg

Sometimes I like to add an egg on my avocado toast and when I make it for my husband, I usually add two eggs. I like mine sunny side up or over-easy. Toast multi-grain bread as the egg is cooking. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little sea salt and cracked pepper on top of the egg when it’s finished cooking.

3.  Add Toppings

When the toast is done, top with the mashed avocado mixture. You’ll probably have just a bit left over if you’re making two slices of toast. Drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil and sprinkle a bit of chili powder across both slices of avocado toast. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper.

Then add your toppings. I slice cherry tomatoes and place on the avocado mixture, along with a bit of mild, creamy goat cheese. (The Chavrie brand is my favorite goat cheese for this.) Then add your egg on top!

WbyWorth.com

32″ Gold Chain.  Roman Numeral Token.  Striped Sweater.  (Currently loving this one too!)  Navy Pants – (Come in four color options!)  Bag.  Tassel Bag Charm.  Palm Leaf Charm.  Nude Pumps.

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

Miranda L. Sober Photography

It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of the W by Worth brand; I think their pieces are the perfect blend of timeless and trendy and always utilize the most beautiful fabrics and materials. In this look, I’ve paired a W by Worth striped summer sweater with their classic Luna Tech pants. (You can also see the Luna Tech pants in this post.)  They are the most flattering pants I’ve ever worn and they seem to look as great when paired with silk blouses as they do paired with simple tees.

Above I’ve also linked additional W by Worth striped sweater – it’s available in two colors and nearly all sizes. I love the asymmetric hemline; it gives an updated twist on such a classic look. I’ve been wearing summer sweaters like the one I’m wearing above and the additional one I’ve linked often lately; they’re perfect for chilly summer evenings here in Denver and can be worn again and again as the temperatures cool off.

Dennis Hopper Book.  Byredo Candle.  Loungewear Set.  Woven Leather Bracelet.  Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne.  Cufflinks.  Wooden Dumbbell.  Shoe Cleaning Wipes.  Suede Loafers.  Gray Pullover.  Canvas Briefcase.  Bluetooth Speaker.