03/05

Matte Nails Using Steam

Hello Lovelies!

Today I’m bringing you a super simple matte manicure using nothing but plain old polish and steam. Yes, you read that correctly, steam. No more fancy matte polishes and top coats. Go bust out a pot and get some water boiling, and find your favorite polish. If you want to multi-task and make your spouse think you’ve been slaving away and cleaning the house, add some essential oils (like eucalyptus) or sliced lemons to your boiling water. Your house will smell amazing!

wash

Step 1. After shaping your nails and cleaning up your cuticles, wash your hands thoroughly.

exfoliate

If you have dry, winter hands, use a pumice to gently exfoliate your hands.

boil

2.|| Start boiling water.

paint

3.|| While you wait for your water to boil, start painting your nails with whichever polish you’ve chosen. I used Formula X by Sephora in Unmistakable, a pale jade color. I’m craving spring!!

steam 4.|| After applying 2 coats of polish, hold your hand over the steam (while the polish is still wet) for 5-10 seconds. Ta-da! Matte nails.

matte nails2 Hope you all have a great day!

XO – Samantha

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03/04

Jonathan Adler for TOMS

One of my all-time favorite designers, Jonathan Adler, has teamed up with do-gooder brand, Toms, to create a limited edition line of shoes and shades that are drool-worthy. As soon as I saw them I was dreaming of short shorts, tanned skin, and the laid back summer life. My husband had to stop me from buying one of each pair.

Bright Yellow Bright Geometrics

My personal favorite – Zig Zag

Dark Blue Geometrics

Vegan Correa Sandal – Multi Geometric

Grey Zig Zag

Vegan Sandal – Navy Geometric

I love the attention to detail; the pops of color and pattern on the inside of the shoe make them so fun and happy. I can’t wait to pair these with a simple white tee, shorts, and sunnies…a fedora hat, frozen margarita, and a caribbean beach wouldn’t hurt either. ;-)

XO – Samantha

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Filed Under: Fashion
03/03

Popsugar Must Have March Sneak Peek

Quick Mid-Monday interruption – I just received this e-mail with a sneak peek into the March Must Have box, and I wanted to share with all of you. How gorgeous is this Ikat scarf? I’m so excited for my box to arrive!!

There’s still time to purchase a box for yourself! Use code IKAT10 for $10 off, making the entire box (including shipping) just $30.

Leave me a comment if you subscribe to Popsugar also, and what you think of this spoiler!

XO – Samantha

PS…I purchased an extra box to give away to one of you! Details on how to enter coming soon. :-)

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Filed Under: Popsugar Must Have Box
03/03

My Morning Skincare Routine

I’ve had lots of requests to share my morning & evening skincare routines with all of you, especially after listing a few of the products that I use regularly. Many of you were surprised by the number of products I listed, and asked to know in what order I used them all. To clear up any misconceptions, I have an arsenal of products that I use, but not everyday. I interchange my skincare products depending on what my skin needs (for example: moisture, blemishes dullness, puffy eyes, exfoliation, etc). I am sharing the products that make it into my morning routine most frequently. If you still have any questions, just leave me a comment below! skincare

1.|| I start my morning routine by wetting a washcloth under hot water, and then placing it (wrung out) over my face. This helps wake me up, increases bloodflow to my skin, and “opens my pores”. I use that term lightly because your pores are not doors that open and close, despite what every pore refining skin treatment on the market wants you to believe. The heat from the washcloth does help unclog and loosen any dirt/bacteria that is clogging my pores, which makes cleansing my face more effective. The pores on your face will appear larger if they are clogged, so if you can visibly see blackheads, clear the little bastards out!

2.| After I’ve steamed my face, I begin washing using either my Clinique Take the Day Off, or my Avalon Organics Vitamin C cleansing milk. I prefer balms and cleansing milks because they are hydrating, and don’t strip my skin of moisture. I also use my Clinique cleansing balm every evening to remove my makeup (even eyes) and as my first cleanse (I double cleanse in the evenings…more on that soon.) I’ll use the Avalon Organics cleanser when my skin is looking dull, or when I’m having any acne issues. The vitamin C helps brighten my complexion and fights acne.

3.||Twice a week I follow-up my cleansing with the Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Paste to exfoliate any dead skin away, which keeps my face smooth and clear of any rough patches. I prefer to exfoliate in the AM because it allows my makeup to apply more smoothly, and prevents my foundation from clinging to any dry patches of skin.

4.|| I often use a cotton pad and my Bioderma Micellar Water to remove any remaining mascara smudges, and as a final cleanse before applying moisturizer. My Bioderma also comes in handy when drawing a cat-eye with liquid liner, and I need to clean up any mistakes and sharpen the line. I use a cotton pad soaked in Bioderma, a clean makeup brush (flat brush), and simply wipe the brush on the pad and then wipe away any eyeliner that you don’t want. You could also use a q-tip, but I find a small makeup brush is more precise.

5.|| I use Origins GinZing eye cream, and I love it! This cream is slightly peachy and reflects light which helps brighten and covers my dark circles. This is the eye cream for tired moms. :-)

6.|| I have combination skin, but during the winter months I tend to be more dry than oily. I use the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre to hydrate and plump my skin. I purchased this in Paris after hearing review after review from beauty bloggers that I follow. They were right, this stuff is amazing, and so well priced. It’s rich and creamy, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated all day. I wouldn’t recommend this product to anyone with very oily skin. When my skin is looking grey and dull I’ll add Cosmedix Pure C to my moisturizer to brighten and even out skin tone.

7.|| I use Aquaphor on everything. My hands, cuticles, feet, and even my daughters bum when she would get diaper rashes. It’s one of the products that I couldn’t live without. I apply this to my lips every single day; after I brush my teeth in the morning, and before I go to bed at night.

Many of these products were featured in my 2013 Favorites of the Year, if you want to read more about them.

I’ll post my evening skincare routine for you all soon.

XO – Samantha

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Filed Under: Beauty, Product Review
02/27

My Daily Makeup Routine

I had a few requests lately for my daily skincare and makeup routines, so I put together my everyday/basic makeup must-haves. I will go through my morning and evening skincare routines with you soon. daily makeup routine 1.|| Following my skincare routine, I begin my makeup with foundation. I rarely use primer unless I really need my makeup to last a long time, or I’m doing a heavy makeup look and want a perfected complexion. I am currently using Guerlain Lingerie De Peau in 02 Beige Clair.

2.|| I have dark circles as well as visible veins under my eyes, so I prefer a brightening and hydrating concealer for my eye area. I use Loreal’s Magic Lumi in Light. If I’m looking for a more full coverage concealer, I turn to Bobbi Brown’s Color Corrector in bisque.

3.|| I conceal all other blemishes with a matte concealer. Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage concealer is perfect for mixing and matching my skin tone year round. It offers very full coverage.

4.|| I set my concealed areas (under eyes, blemishes) with Make Up For Ever HD Powder. I have dry to combination skin, so I rarely powder my entire face, only where I need it. This powder is made of natural silica, which helps fill in fine lines, and smooths/blurs imperfections.

5.|| I have a round face, so I always contour using my Benefit Hoola Bronzer. I run it under my cheek bones, on my temples and hairline, and under my chin.

6.|| My favorite blush is the Chanel Rose Initial. It offers the perfect flush, but never looks over the top. Just a little on the apples of my cheeks.

7.|| I don’t always apply eyeshadow, especially if I’m just running errands with Camryn, or playing at the park. If/when I do wear eyeshadow, I grab my Urban Decay palettes most often.

8.|| I line my upper lid using Stila’s Stay All Day waterproof liner. I tend to have oily lids, and this eyeliner doesn’t budge. I like to have a cat-eye effect with my liner, and the very thin applicator makes drawing a precise line much easier than most eyeliners I’ve tried.

9.|| Before applying any mascara, I curl my lashes really well. I have stick-straight lashes, and have to apply a waterproof formula first to hold the curl. I have been using The Falsies for as long as I can remember, and I love, love, love it! I prefer the original “black drama” formula.

10.|| If I’m looking to va-va-voom my lashes, I’ll add a coat of Chanel’s Le Volume mascara. Trust me, you only need one coat. The formula is very wet, very volumizing, and creates a dramatic, false lash look. I always get compliments when wearing this mascara.

You may have noticed that my brow routine was left out, and that was for a reason. Eyebrows are so important, and frame your eyes, and I’m always on the hunt for the best products. I’ve been sampling and testing many brow products lately, and will be reviewing my favorites for you soon.

What are your must-have daily makeup items?

XO – Samantha

 

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Filed Under: Beauty, Product Review Tagged: ,
02/25

Mounds Brownies

If you follow my beautiful friend Rene over on My Simple Kitchen, then you may have already seen these ridiculously delicious looking brownies. For those of you who don’t follow her, YOU SHOULD!! She makes really, really good food, and her recipes are easy to follow and have become some of mine and my husband’s favorites. I highly recommend the Sriracha Salmon, and the Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches.

OK, now that I’ve made you all hungry from talking about my favorite foods….

I pinned an image on pinterest last week of “Mound Brownies” but when I clicked the image it wasn’t attached to any recipe or blog, or anything. Naturally, I commented on the image and begged Rene to create a recipe for me. Ahhh the perks of having super talented friends! :-)

Rene knows I’m not the most “chefy” person, and easy is always better for me, so she was kind enough to make this recipe idiot-proof. If you’d like to make these drool-worthy, Mound Brownies, grab the recipe here.

If you want to see more of the things I think are “pin worthy”, follow me on Pinterest. You can also follow My Simple Kitchen here. Rene and I share a food board, and its full of yummy recipes like this one, so make sure you check it out if you’re looking for new meal ideas.

Hope you all have a great Tuesday, and if you make these brownies, post a pic and give Rene a shoutout – @mysimplekitchen

XO – Samantha

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Filed Under: Food Tagged: , ,
02/24

Weekend + Kevin Murphy Young Again Review

Hello! Happy Monday, loves! How was your weekend? Ours was pretty relaxing, and uneventful. I had planned on starting to paint Camryn’s room yesterday, but instead I took her on a date for Froyo and on a hike down by the water.

walking

edit There will be more of these pics for you to see on Thursday, when I link up with some other awesome mamas. :-)

After having my hair colored, I bought a few products to help moisturize my newly bleached ends, and to generally make my hair feel better and be healthier. I have a LOT of hair, and it’s very fluffy/frizzy, and feels dry and tangles easily, so I always gravitate towards intense conditioners and masks. I had sampled the Kevin Murphy Young Again Immortelle infused treatment oil, and loved it, so I knew I wanted to purchase a full size as well as purchasing the Young Again Masque, a deep restorative softening conditioner.

You guys…these two products are AMAZING!! My hair feels better after having bleached it and using these two products than it did before. I try about a million and one products on a regular basis. My husband makes jokes about the number of shampoos and conditioners in our shower. “I think we might run out of shampoo this week honey, you better by 10 more to add to the 30 we already have.” It’s a problem, but it’s also why I know that these products are worth every penny. None of the other conditioners that I’ve used do what this one does. Not even my beloved Macadamia hair mask. I was so impressed after using the masque that I texted my sister, still dripping wet out of the shower, just to tell her how silky my hair felt.

The masque is applied in the shower after shampooing, and left for 5-15 minutes. After towel drying your hair, apply the Young Again oil (which has the same consistency as Frizz-Ease, or similar hair serums) before styling. You can also apply the Young Again Oil to your ends after blow drying/styling if you have dry ends like I do. I do not believe the Young Again Oil is meant as a frizz fighting serum, so if that’s your big concern, skip this. It’s made of all natural ingredients, and it’s meant to hydrate, repair, and protect your hair. It adds softness, and shine, and does help calm my frizz, but other less expensive frizz serums will be better for you.

I’m going to go buy the Shimmer Shine Repairing Shine Mist, and the Born Again Conditioning Masque next and I’ll let you all know how I get on with them. I’ve also heard great things about the Hydrate Me Rinse.

I couldn’t find a trustworthy online retailer (I wouldn’t purchase from Amazon, personally.) but you can order by phone from my salon (milk + honey: 512-236-1115). You can also check your local salons.

If any of you try any of the products, let me know what you think of them!

Hope you had a great weekend, XO.

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Filed Under: Product Review
02/21

Friday Favorites

Lust List Image

1.|| Starbucks has been pushing a fun little add-in lately, and they hooked, line and sunk me with it. Venti White Mocha + 2 pumps of Raspberry = LOVE. It’s definitely a sweeter drink, so if you’re not a fan of sweet drinks (think peppermint mocha, caramel brulee latte, white chocolate mochas) then don’t order this. If you’re like me, and your Starbucks is also your dessert for the day, you’re going to be smitten.

2.|| Jamie over at Kreyv posted about belted magazines, and I’m loving the idea! Check out her post for inspiration. Her blog is one of my favorites, so go check it out even if you think belted magazines sound cray-cray.

3.|| I am totally going to (attempt to) make this DIY laptop table.

4.|| I have loved Ellen Page since Juno, but never as much as I did when watching her give this incredible speech.

5.|| Check out this video about texting and driving and #redthumbreminder…This is a habit I had to break when I had my daughter, and I won’t lie, there are times when I hear my phone ding and get tempted. It’s just not worth it.

6.|| I love this quote, and I think we should all remember this more often. Be nice, and be yourself. If they don’t like you, then it’s their loss.

7.|| I bought Cam these darling little gladiators at Target, and have received a thousand and one compliments on them They’re priced really well, and she thinks they’re comfy. Target for the win!

8.|| This video of a dad laughing at students slipping on ice had me in tears with laughter.

9.|| This amazing tutorial for making a pendant light has me dreaming of goodwill shopping and DIY’ing.

10.|| I have been battling dry, winter skin with a coffee scrub every other shower, and it’s made my skin feel amazing. My sister makes it for me (because she’s amazing, and I love her!!), but all it contains is 1 part coconut oil, 1/2 parts brown sugar, and 1/2 parts coffee grounds. (For example: 1 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cups coffee grounds) You can also add extras like cinnamon, peppermint oil, jojoba or vitamin e oil, etc. to spice up your scrub. I always use this prior to self tanning. Do you guys use any at-home scrubs? Leave me recipes below if you do!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

XO – Samantha

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Filed Under: Uncategorized
02/20

Big Girl Bedroom Update

Hello lovelies! Before I jump into today’s post, I just wanted to say THANK YOU so, so much for all the sweet comments you left me about my hair. My IG blew up, and I was seriously feeling the love. {side note – found out this week that we’re not pregnant, still, and all your amazing compliments were a really wonderful pick me up that I needed desperately.} Thank you. <3
biggirlbedroom

If you haven’t already read my post about Camryn’s “Big Girl” bedroom decor, then you can view that here.

I just wanted to update on the progress of Camryn’s room, and share a few changes that I’ve made to the design board. The most obvious change is the wallpaper. I had originally wanted the Great Meadow Mural wallpaper from Anthro, but after debating over the price, and the size (which wasn’t perfect for the wall I’m wallpapering) I decided to go with something a little different. I fell in love with the colors in the Watercolor Peony wallpaper, and it still offers the whimsical and floral look that I want to achieve. The much lower price point has my husband celebrating too.

I’ve been dying to get my hands on some of the Caitlin Wilson pillows for awhile now, and they pair perfectly with the color scheme. Have you checked out her new rug line? I nearly scratched the entire mood board for Camryn’s room and started over using one of her rugs as inspiration. They are beautiful! I chose the teal arrows pillows and the coral bows pillow, but may switch up the patterns, we’ll see. I love that she offers multiple patterns in the same shades of colors so you can easily mix and match pillows.

Camryn’s headboard arrived last week, and she’s been loving it! I have always called her my “tiny lady”, but she’s been correcting me with “I’m a big lady now mom” ever since the bed switch. She’s so proud of herself. :-)

The headboard was extremely easy to assemble (I did it all by myself, so that tells you just how easy), and it’s great quality. It’s a much prettier color in person. I just checked Costco, and it’s no longer available…oh no! Here’s a good dupe.

I had planned on buying sheets from Serena & Lily, but snagged these beautiful minty/turquoise sheets at Target, and I’m so happy with them. The colors in person are beautiful, and the pattern is small enough to work well with the pillow fabrics and wallpaper pattern. Did I mention they were only $30? Such a bargain. I also grabbed this organic blanket for the foot of her bed, for cooler nights or to replace her down comforter in the summer heat.

The creamy rug is on sale at World Market, and if you use code BIGWIG you can save an additional 10% off.

LOVE art is from Made By Girl. I own many of her prints, and they are all favorites of mine. She makes art that pairs really well together, so if you’re in the market for something statement or something to add to a gallery wall, she’s your girl!

I’m going to start painting this week, and will instagram progress photos. Her room is a light grey right now, but seems dark and moody because of the poor lighting, so I’m hoping the Swiss Coffee color is a nice bright change. Speaking of bad lighting, any suggestions for fun lighting in her room? I haven’t even begun looking, and would love your input!

I hope you’re all having a great week!

XO – Samantha

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Filed Under: Camryn, Home Decor Tagged: , , , ,
02/19

Talia Handler Art + A Peek at My New Hair!

sketch

closeup

painting

bluestache

I met the sweetest, and most crazy talented artist, on Instagram. Her name is Talia Handler (@taliahandlerart), and she went to Parsons School of Design, and dreams of being a childrens wear designer. She draws and paints the most beautiful portraits using photos straight from your IG feed if you want.

I followed her for a couple days, and knew quickly that I wanted her to paint Camryn, so I e-mailed her and let her choose any photo from my Instagram. About a week later, the first sketch popped up in my feed, and then the painting, followed by a close up. I was dying; they turned out even better than I had ever imagined. The painting is so detailed, and rich in color, and blows my mind everytime I look at it. I was so happy that she chose a fun picture of Camryn, and know that it will forever be a conversation starter when people see it. I’m calling it “The blue mustache lady”. :-)

My husband has already claimed it for his office, and it’s currently being matted and framed. I guess I’ll just have to order another picture for myself. :-)

If you are interested in commissioning a piece from Talia or just want to see more of her awesome work, check our her Instagram feed, and her website. You can also e-mail her at trhandle@gmail.com. She’s super nice and will gladly answer any questions you might have. She also offers multiple size options for portraits, and will paint your animals or anything else you might like. These portraits would be an amazing gift for family, and friends, brides, and especially for a new mom. I’m pretty sure my sister-in-law is getting one of these of my teeny tiny nephew when he arrives.

Go say hi, and oohh and ahhh over her art! She also posts pictures of her clothing designs, which look awesome, and I can’t wait for her to launch her line.

In other news…

I had my hair done yesterday! I started posting sneaky pics on IG, but wanted to save the “big reveal” for all of you today. I went to milk + honey salon (and spa) and spent wayyyy too much time showing my stylist pictures and trying to explain what I wanted. Yes, I’m that girl…you know, the one who says stupid things like “I want my hair ombre, but I want it to look really natural”, or “I want to cut my hair, and change things up, but I don’t want to lose any length”…helpful, right? She had me pull up my “hairspiration” pics, and pretty much knew exactly what to do from there. My hair is crazy THICK and LONG, and it turns into a giant knot if you even look at it the wrong way, so she had her work cut out for her.

She started by back combing my hair (I knew right then she was going to have a hell of a time getting those knots out), and then applied 3 different colors/bleaches (I dunno what they were, sorry!) to the ends. I looked like a tin foiled lion for awhile. After she rinsed the bleach, she had to brush out all the knots…she had to call in reinforcement, and it still took awhile, and did not feel awesome on my scalp. I joked that it was a form of torture. ;-) I do not think that madness happens to most people, so don’t be scared to try this, it’s just my hair.

Because I was so nervous, and scared of anything too dramatic, she blended the color really well and kept most of the color to the very ends. I’m in love with how it turned out. IN LOVE.

I made my hubs take pics for me last night, and it was dark outside already, so crappy, indoor (flash) pics are just what you’re gonna have to live with. Ready?!

ombreback

Pretty close to my inspiration picture, right?! …and here’s a picture without flash. ombrenoflash

The lighting was creating a red-ish shadow (you can see it on my face and arms too) so my hair looks slightly more auburn/brassy in this pic than it does in real life. She faded the color in so well that you can hardly notice how blonde the ends are, but if I hold them up to my roots it’s a HUGE difference in color. I’ll post more pictures on IG for you all soon. I’ll also update with a photo of our framed blue mustache lady soon.

I hope you’re all having a great week!

XO – Samantha

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Filed Under: Beauty, Camryn, Product Review Tagged: , , , ,
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