I know I go off on tangents but this really did start out as a wedding blog.... (I swear!) I need your help! I'm sure this is a no brainer but I'm having SUCH a difficult time deciding between wearing a head piece versus a veil. Part of this dilemma is that there are times when I feel like such a gypsy with flowy style & a love of unstructured pieces while other times I really appreciate that classic look. This is where you come in!
I've given my fiance strict instructions not to go on my blog so I think I'm safe in posting these pictures!! Here are a few photos that were taken of me & my to.die.for dress:
See what I mean? I really could go in one of two directions here. One thing I do NOT want is to be like every other bride on the planet, I'd like to keep a little individuality.
Here are a couple of ideas I've put together of head pieces vs. traditional veils. Please let me know what you think I have a lot riding on this people!
Life has been one crazy mother lately! Luckily we have had some BEAUTIFUL weather this week in Seattle & I have taken full advantage of all the sunshine. I start back up as a school psychologist in about a week (I know, let the craziness ensue) & Jesse celebrated his 29th Birthday this week. We did it up good with cake, birthday drinks & a yummy dinner at Elliot's Oyster House.
Waiting for Dad to get home!
On Tuesday we leave for Los Angeles for a little R&R & to see some family so I'm sure between that & drinko de mayo (did I just say that?) There will be plenty for me to post when I get back.
As per your request, I have posted another hair tutorial! This time it is just a simple rope braid but it is the type of hair style that is seriously no fuss and that you can do in literally 2 minutes (my kind of braid!) If you have any questions please feel free to ask. In the coming weeks I hope to post a bunch more cute & easy hair tutorials for the summ summ summertime.
For everyone who is constantly asking me what makeup products I use...this is the post for you! Now, as a junkie I obviously have tons of stuff but when I'm in a rush & need to jet out the door, these are my tried and true 'go to' products that are bomb (and easy on the wallet, yea!)
1. bareMinerals Mineral Veil: I am OBSESSED with this stuff, not only is it a light weight setting powder, it doesn't feed 'cakey' & doesn't make you look too matte (you can find it here)
2. bareMinerals original foundation: I have tried MANY many (did I say many?) formulas of foundation, the expensive and the inexpensive. I cannot say enough good things about this product. It is easily blendable & doesn't require too much product to get full coverage. I use a cute little kabuki brush & make light circular motions until my skintone is even. Those compliments on my skin? 70% is because of this! (you can find it here)
3. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: I'll admit that I have oily skin & by the end of the day my eyeshadow is looking like a hot mess. This little tube of miracles saves me from having to touch up....ever! Even when I am short on time I NEVER miss this step. (you can find it here)
4. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer: Since I started using this product, I haven't looked back. It has a tacky texture & is great at covering dark circles, redness & blemishes, highly highly recommend (you can find it here)
5. Revlon Photoready Primer: Every makeup routine should probably include a primer. All primer does is simply even out the skin tone & fills in those pesky lines that you don't want anyone to see! In a pinch I will skip this but if I'm taking my time, I will for sure dab a little all over my skin (you can find it here)
6. Sonia Kashuk Brushes: Ok, so brushes are really important but we all don't have millions to drop at Sephora or MAC all the time. When I want sturdy brushes that are soooo cute I turn to Sonia's. I also am very fond of the Eco Tools brushes (you can find them here)
7. Loreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black: If you ladies haven't tried this I'll pretend not to know. This is the BEST mascara, it is amazing at separating your lashes & making them look long & chic! love love love (you can find it here)
8. Maybelline Bouncy Dream Blush: I just started using this (after being a huge fan of NARS) and I have to say that I was very surprised...pleasantly surprised actually. This light weight cream blush is perfect at giving your cheeks some natural color (you can find it here)
9. Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen: I love a good cat eye and create this look...OFTEN. I have tried everything from gels to wands and nothing gets the look I am going for like this pen. It is long lasting & doesn't smudge, in a word: perfection (you can find it here)
10. NARS Bronzer in Laguna: Since I no longer live in sunny California, I've depended on this stuff to look like a normal human being (no joke). I love this color & use it often if I'm contouring (you can find it here)
11. NARS blush in Orgasm: Until this little blush came along I never truly understood the power of the perfect cheek color. Orgasm is flattering on everyone, lasts a very long time and has a slight shimmer which is amazing (especially in summer). Needless to say you will never catch me without this! (you can find it here)
12. Maybelline Eye Quad in Give me Gold: Last but not least, eyeshadow! While I own TONS of eyeshadow, this little quad is among my faves. If I have time, I usually pat the lightest color on over the entire lid, blend the next light goldish color in the upper crease, then take the bronze color and in wiper motions blend it back & forth in the crease. Lastly (& after I put on my eyeliner) I use the darkest color for my bottom eyeliner. Then using a pencil brush I add some to the outer crease and blend blend blend (you can find it here)
Voila! A full proof make up arsenal...I am ready for my day (and probably my wedding day too!)
Comment & let me know which makeup products you die for!
If any of you know me...you also know that ANY holiday is my favorite, that includes these odd ball days but whatevs a holiday is a holiday.
Earth Day, a whole day devoted to the earth!! Since I have become increasingly aware of my health & what I'm putting into my body, earth day seems like a good a day as any to break out the organic products & bake up some amazing Earth Day treats.
I saw this idea on Pinterest and followed this link to a kick ass blog Bird on a Cake. Cupcakes have been a long time weakness of mine and these are such a cute idea. My plan was to make a dozen, eat maybe 2 (ok maybe 3 or 4) & then dump the rest (I DO have a wedding to look good for after all).
Here's how it went down:
I had some cupcake mix on hand from William Sonoma (vanilla bean cupcakes...to die for). Add to that the necessary ingredients and once evenly mixed, divide your cake batter into 2 bowls (one bowl for green batter, the other for blue). The only difference was that I opted to use natural food coloring. Next, Line your cupcake pan with baking cups and alternate your colors by dropping spoonfuls of batter into cups.
Bake at 350 for around 16-18 minutes.
Voila!
Now you are ready to decorate & stuff your face!! (well...maybe not 'stuff' but enjoy one or two ;)
I also made a stop today to our local park. I take my dog there all the time & since we moved up to Seattle they have this amazing thing that I've discovered, a COMMUNITY garden. It is SO neat. You can help plant flowers, fruit and veggies and then when it comes time to harvest....harvest all that amazing organically grown produce! Here is a picture of the garden:
It doesn't look like much but it's such an awesome concept! I cannot wait to have kids one day and show them where food comes from and what is means to plant a seed into the ground and watch it grow. YEA MAN!
Last but not least, this fashion/beauty blog would be nothing without a post of the top 10 Eco Friendly Beauty products. I came across this posting and I am in love with all of these products. Remember when I told you I was trying to make the switch to an all organic lifestyle...this is a start!
I can't speak for all of these products but I CAN say that the Tarte Cheek Stain and Korres Shower Gel in Guava are among my all time faves. I am excited to try out the rest!
So as soon as I get it together I will start posting proper OOTD pictures but for today (& with that Seattle rain) I thought it would be fun to put together an outfit & use my lovely chalkboard.
Here is my rainy day style go to:
I love everything about this outfit. You better believe I rock sunglasses all.the.time regardless of if it's raining or not!
I've also been into more simplistic accessories lately. If you know me than you know my love of big statement costume jewelry (especially rings!). I'm not sure if it had something to do with turning 28 but I'm really feeling the simple understated stuff. I love mixing metals but especially LOVE rose gold. I cannot WAIT to get my wedding band. It will look something like this:
Gorgeous isn't it?? My engagement ring is a pear shaped diamond in white gold and I absolutely love it. I think the two metals together will be so classic and so me....I literally cannot wait to go pick them up!
What is your go to rainy day outfit or your wedding band pick??
Ok, so obviously a bride-to-be has to get her shit together & firm up before her big day. I would say that I'm a fairly healthy person & more active than your average joe. I think that a major key to dropping weight and getting in shape is carefully watching what you put into your mouth and getting daily exercise.
I am a HUGE fan of switching it up. Again, this in no way means I'm an expert but this is what works for me...& I hope that it will work for some of you (bride or no bride).
A typical day for me involves some type of cardio. I LOVE to run & I have a very active dog so that makes it easy to get my butt off the couch, grab my ipod and hit the pavement. I don't run for speed, more for distance. I am in love with the Nike app, Run I think it's called? It keeps track of the distance you run. There is something about that voice that says, "4 miles, your time is..." that totally pumps me up!!
Of course no workout could be complete without cute workout gear. Ladies (and gents) I don't think you have to spend an arm and a leg to look stylish here but I do think that it is an important motivator, if you look awesome you will want to rock that workout even HARDER!!
Below are a few of my workout obsessions & must haves:
Just looking at this makes me want to go shopping!! Ok, ok, I'm getting off track.
Besides running I enjoy playing soccer in a co-ed league once a week with my fiance. Even at 28 I love getting out there & meeting new people playing a sport I really enjoy. So if you guys have an interest in a sport, go out & look up where you can play. I promise it's a great workout & something to switch up your regular routine.
Another thing that I SWEAR by (and found on pinterest....shocker I know!) is called POP Pilates. Casey Ho is a Pilates and Fitness instructor & has a channel on Youtube. Below is one of my fave ass exercises, I swear it will have people thinking you are Pippa Middleton in no time!
I usually run 3 miles and then come home, stretch, & do two or three of her youtube videos. They are awesome!
One last obession is spinning! My amazing mother-in-law dragged me to a class when we were living in Los Angeles called Soul Cycle. I immediately fell in love with spinning. Imagine a room filled with bikes, a buff instructor & club music that you can sweat it out to! When I moved to Seattle I was so sad to leave this behind but then I discovered Fly Wheel, basically the same concept only different company. Both are ridic, you MUST.TRY.
Lastly, if you are a morning workout gal like I am it is VERY important to eat a decent breakfast. At least get a banana and some water in you before you start. Every day my breakfast is the same & every day it is just as delicious as the day before.
Steel Cut Oats mixed with Chia Seeds and a pinch of Brown Sugar. Top that with organic strawberries and a nice hot cut of green tea...YUMM-Y.
There you have it people! My Bridechilla plan to looking like a million bucks on my wedding day.
Follow me & let me know what fitness and diet routine you follow!!
So I admit it...I am a complete product junkie (so sue me)!! With my upcoming wedding I am even more aware of how much my skin has to SPARKLE on that big day! Over the years I've gotten a lot of questions from family & friends about what products I use & what works best for my complexion.
Let me preface this by saying that I am NO EXPERT but I do have more instances than not where I am complimented on my skin. For me, perfect skin is something I have had to work at. I am not one of those blessed individuals with kick ass skin that has never had to wash their face or take off their mascara (sigh).
Anywho, for those of you, like me, who struggle in this area have no fear! Below is my full proof plan for a flawless complexion.
**Disclaimer: great skin takes a little bit of work (and drinking copious amounts of WATER!) More than a routine think of it as a reward at the end of a hard day. Take your time, make some tea, put on some music & get to that nightly ritual!**
This is how a junkie stores her products...don't judge. I am most
obsessed with the acrylic case it is amazing & allows me to keep
everything out where I can see it.
Our bathroom is definitely a work in progress but whatevs one thing at a time.
After reading Jessica Alba's book The Honest Life, I've become acutely aware that I need to eventually switch to Organic products but I don't beat myself up about it! One thing at a time ;)
Ok, Ok, now onto my list of MUST HAVE PRODUCTS:
Cleanse & thoroughly wash face (I switch this up all the time, trying various face washes so this one is up to you guys!)
& there you have it people!! You can bet your ass I'll be using these products for my wedding day and feeling like a million bucks. Stayed tuned at some point for part 2: Confessions of a Makeup Junkie....I know, I have issues.
Follow me, comment and let me know how these products work for you!
Together 5 years, engaged for 3 months, married in 6 months!? What a whirlwind! As with most newly engaged women (after the initial shock wore off...I kid, I kid) I got my shit together and started planning the most kick ass wedding Rochester, NY will ever see!
Part of my planning process has included many hours 'pinning' away, narrowing down a color scheme & planning out every single DIY detail I can muster!
Below is what I like to call a brideCHILLA's inspriation to the perfect blush, gray, purple & ivory wedding!!
Will there be a Chalkboard program....umm of course! Do I want those ridiculously overpriced bridal UGGS that say "Just Married" on the back....uhh duh! & that oh so practical hanger that reads, "you look good in that" yes, yes, and YES!!
Luckily my super supportive family has indulged me and is helping bring all of my ideas to light. For starters, our Save The Date. I know I know, the majority of brides these days mail a Save The Date but for me....I chose the electronic route!
I think that this detail is something very much your choice, & that there is no right or wrong way to go about this. Don't get me wrong here, it took FOREVER to collect every address & email & also to make sure they were accurate! Those emails that ended with 'aol' and something else unrecognizable could be guaranteed never to see my amazing Save The Date vision. To combat this I guilted my amazing sister in contacting those guests to make sure we had the correct info...phew!
Thank goodness for my step sister Amelia (AKA Davis...long story...don't ask). Up & coming graphic designer that she is made our Save The Dates for.FREE. Amazing I know. For those of you who have seen this, I'm not spoiling anything so here it is:
I told you, kick ass, right!?
This blog is meant to be a smattering of fashion, random wedding gossip, and life in general.
Don't be afraid to comment and share your own stories and opinions, I would love to hear them!!
xoxo,
Jaimee
**Thank you so much to Ashley at DinosaurStew for my awesome blog look, check out her work, she is amazing and very accomodating!**
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