hello, gorgeous!

Skin care 101 - if you want a healthy, glowing complexion = MOISTURIZE! I can't emphasize this enough. I apply lotions multiple times throughout the day and as a result have healthy, radiant skin. 

I have my tried and true favorites, but I enjoy adding a new piece to the mix if a friend raves about it enough or I see some great reviews online. My latest purchase was for this moisturizer by Benefit. 

One of my favorite make-up artists of the moment on insta is Ariel Tejada. He has mastered the bronze, glowy glam look to a tee. I have always loved reading up on products he recommends and uses on the daily. This moisturizer is one of his favorites and I had to try it out when I made my Sephora stop. I placed some on my hand and was blown away at the dewy glow that was radiating off of my skin. I was sold then and there. 

I highly recommend it to those interested in that dewy, glowy complexion. Sephora is so awesome, ask for a sample if the $42 price tag is a little steep. 

xoxo 

Amanda

essential oils

Plants are mainly made of carbon and water. We are mainly made of carbon and water. Plants have no defense mechanisms. They cannot run, hide, or walk away from illness or disease. They resort to creating their own defense mechanism: oil. Each plant has an oil that protects them from the harmful toxins in their environment to ensure survival. If we have a similar water and carbon make-up wouldn't it make sense that these oils would help to protect our bodies as well? 

This past summer I began acupuncture sessions 3-4 times a month. I was having trouble sleeping and wanted to improve my overall health. The first session I had was transformative. I remember this feeling of extreme peace and relaxation flowing through my body. Through my acupuncturist (the great Teresa Sohoni for those in So Cal), I was introduced to doTERRA essential oils. She used Serenity for each of my treatments and I felt like I was on cloud nine after my appointments. I purchased my first doTERRA bottle from her and I have yet to look back. 

My friend, Megan, posted how she became a doTERRA user around the same time and now she has created this wonderful platform to help those around her. I purchased the Home Essentials kit (plus a few extras) from her and have been in heaven ever since. My favorite part of the kit has to be the diffuser. I use it just about every day and it is so great. I am hoping to purchase one for my car and classroom sometime this year. 

As I continue to become more familiar with essential oils, I will share some great diffuser blends, roller ball blends, and oil how-to's. Please keep your eyes peeled if this is something that catches your interest. 

xoxo Amanda

puppy love

This photo has two of my favorite things: Novella Royale and my sweet baby Anabelle. What a perfect throwback for a lazy Saturday. 

Dreaming of Summer

I am dreaming of the perfect summer day here in San Clemente. Everything about Southern California screams summer time and I am so ready for the season. I want to lay out on the beach, eat ice cream on a hot day, and BBQ fresh veggies from my blossoming garden. I want to wear shorts and dresses on the daily. I want to go out at night and not need a jacket. Who is with me? 

Here is one of my favorite summer outfits. What is your go-to summer look? A good hat, killer cut offs, and sharp accessories are always my go-to. 

extensions

I love using my clip-in extensions to add some much needed length when I am feeling in need. Short hair is fun, but sometimes I want to feel like my old self, Rapunzel style. 

Luckily I have Ashton to master the exact match of my hair color. I am back to a gorgeous dark brown shade. Buh bye, blonde. 

novella royale, I love you.

Novella Royale

go shortie.

As I am feeling under the weather, I sadly do not have many photos with my short hairdo. I needed a break from my extensions and had my sweet friend, Ashton, spice up my hair once again with a bob. It feels so refreshing to have a shoulder grazing bob. I love loading it up with texturizing spray and rocking a messy, modern bob. 

Here is some great bob inspiration.