I guess last month's Favorite Things post didn't happen. I have a good excuse, though, I promise. You see, I was in the middle of an eight day laughfest with some of my most favorite people in my absolute favorite place on the planet--Charleston/Kiawah Island, SC. I got to wake up every morning and see the most amazing view of the boardwalk, shop at the Le Creuset signature store, and visit the world's friendliest farmers' market.
We also drank plenty of bourbon, cooked up a storm, and acted like complete and total fools. Seriously--did you know inflatable dolphins, door alarms, and baby sign language could be so much fun? I had an inkling, but my expectations were surpassed. By. Far. Toss in two uber fun, patient, and hospitable parents, a late night/early morning round of "Celebrity" with a friend who is an actor (which makes the game simultaneously intimidating and HI-larious), and an insane amount of photobombs (by babies, pictures of hungry models from makeup ads, aforementioned inflatable dolphin, and yours truly) and you've got yourself the vacation of a lifetime. Thankfully, my friend's dad managed to capture this picture of us all dressed up and looking mostly normal. Love.
This album certainly isn't brand new, but I've been listening the heck out of it just the same. Emeli Sandé, you are amazing. "Next to Me" first caught my ear in late spring. I downloaded the entire album, Our Version of Events, the next day. I just cannot get enough of her clear, powerful voice and oh so honest lyrics. And her version of "Natural Woman" performed to honor Carole King when she won the Gershwin Prize? Flawless.
In other "slightly behind the times" loves, I'm finally getting around to reading Jenny Lawson's (aka The Bloggess) book, Let's Pretend This Never Happened. If you ever feel the need to laugh so long and loud you both snort and get a killer ab workout, this is the book for you. If you've never heard of The Bloggess or you didn't buy in to my last sentence, just check out her account of Beyoncé the Metal Chicken. I dare you not to want to read the book now.
I have a new favorite weather app on my phone. Yahoo has won me over with its gorgeous photos and very helpful information on forecasts, humidity, wind speed, and sunrise and sunset times. It's also free, which is awesome because I'm a total cheapskate when it comes to apps. (Number of apps I've ever paid for? Zero.) I had a short moment of distaste for the app when it flashed a picture of fall leaves behind a temperature reading 93 degrees, but it passed quickly--mostly because I get to make comparisons to where I am versus where I'm from. San Diego for the win.
In fashion loves, I hit the Nordstrom anniversary presale with a group of friends at 7 a.m. on opening day. First ones in the door + seriously discounted prices = amazing. The stuff I got is all for fall, though, so I'll save it for a later installment of Favorite Things. I am, however, going to share this super cute, super comfortable maxi skirt I got on sale at Target. It works for just about anything--from a casual Saturday around town to a day at school.
Speaking of Target and apps, have you guys downloaded the Cartwheel app yet? I did about three weeks ago and I love it. You clip the coupons on your phone, have the checker scan your barcode, and save money. It's really that simple! The best part? You can use manufacturer's coupons on top of the Cartwheel discounts for even better savings. Score! Now you don't have to feel quite as bad about buying all those extra goodies every time you visit the store. Oh come on, I know I'm not the only one...
As someone who struggles with sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, finding restorative night moisturizers can feel like torture. The ones that feel good at first usually leave me looking like I took a dive in an oil slick ten minutes later. Benzoyl peroxide turns my blemishes into purple scars that last for weeks. The creams recommended by dermatologists are usually way, WAY out of my price range. But I've finally found one I just love--Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream. I've long trusted to Neutrogena to be both gentle and effective for my difficult complexion. I love that this new line uses eco-friendly packaging (the product comes in a glass jar, which is a bit heavy, but a worthy trade out for plastic), is not tested on animals, and continually strives to up the percentage of plant-derived ingredients. I've also purchased their Acne Cream Cleanser and can't wait to give it a try when I run out of my current face wash.
We also drank plenty of bourbon, cooked up a storm, and acted like complete and total fools. Seriously--did you know inflatable dolphins, door alarms, and baby sign language could be so much fun? I had an inkling, but my expectations were surpassed. By. Far. Toss in two uber fun, patient, and hospitable parents, a late night/early morning round of "Celebrity" with a friend who is an actor (which makes the game simultaneously intimidating and HI-larious), and an insane amount of photobombs (by babies, pictures of hungry models from makeup ads, aforementioned inflatable dolphin, and yours truly) and you've got yourself the vacation of a lifetime. Thankfully, my friend's dad managed to capture this picture of us all dressed up and looking mostly normal. Love.
This album certainly isn't brand new, but I've been listening the heck out of it just the same. Emeli Sandé, you are amazing. "Next to Me" first caught my ear in late spring. I downloaded the entire album, Our Version of Events, the next day. I just cannot get enough of her clear, powerful voice and oh so honest lyrics. And her version of "Natural Woman" performed to honor Carole King when she won the Gershwin Prize? Flawless.
In other "slightly behind the times" loves, I'm finally getting around to reading Jenny Lawson's (aka The Bloggess) book, Let's Pretend This Never Happened. If you ever feel the need to laugh so long and loud you both snort and get a killer ab workout, this is the book for you. If you've never heard of The Bloggess or you didn't buy in to my last sentence, just check out her account of Beyoncé the Metal Chicken. I dare you not to want to read the book now.
I have a new favorite weather app on my phone. Yahoo has won me over with its gorgeous photos and very helpful information on forecasts, humidity, wind speed, and sunrise and sunset times. It's also free, which is awesome because I'm a total cheapskate when it comes to apps. (Number of apps I've ever paid for? Zero.) I had a short moment of distaste for the app when it flashed a picture of fall leaves behind a temperature reading 93 degrees, but it passed quickly--mostly because I get to make comparisons to where I am versus where I'm from. San Diego for the win.
In fashion loves, I hit the Nordstrom anniversary presale with a group of friends at 7 a.m. on opening day. First ones in the door + seriously discounted prices = amazing. The stuff I got is all for fall, though, so I'll save it for a later installment of Favorite Things. I am, however, going to share this super cute, super comfortable maxi skirt I got on sale at Target. It works for just about anything--from a casual Saturday around town to a day at school.
Speaking of Target and apps, have you guys downloaded the Cartwheel app yet? I did about three weeks ago and I love it. You clip the coupons on your phone, have the checker scan your barcode, and save money. It's really that simple! The best part? You can use manufacturer's coupons on top of the Cartwheel discounts for even better savings. Score! Now you don't have to feel quite as bad about buying all those extra goodies every time you visit the store. Oh come on, I know I'm not the only one...
As someone who struggles with sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, finding restorative night moisturizers can feel like torture. The ones that feel good at first usually leave me looking like I took a dive in an oil slick ten minutes later. Benzoyl peroxide turns my blemishes into purple scars that last for weeks. The creams recommended by dermatologists are usually way, WAY out of my price range. But I've finally found one I just love--Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream. I've long trusted to Neutrogena to be both gentle and effective for my difficult complexion. I love that this new line uses eco-friendly packaging (the product comes in a glass jar, which is a bit heavy, but a worthy trade out for plastic), is not tested on animals, and continually strives to up the percentage of plant-derived ingredients. I've also purchased their Acne Cream Cleanser and can't wait to give it a try when I run out of my current face wash.
My niece. I can't get enough of this face. Too. Much. Cuteness.
