Summers Best Sandals

I can't get enough sandals this year. I am on a sandal kick and this season there are some absolutely amazing ones to choose from. These four are my particular favorites. Living in San Francisco, there isn't necessarily a need for fancy shoes as much as there is for cute and comfy shoes. Oftentimes, people tend to go comfy, but they end up looking not-so-stylish. I want to show you my faves and explain how versatile they really are.

• Raye the label- Dean Espadrille

This is the most perfect espadrille I have come across this season. I can't get enough of it. The color is amazing and the comfort level is on point. Pair these with a long flowy dress, light jeans and a white tee or rock them with shorts and a floral blouse. 

• Joie- Bea Sandal

If you couldn't tell I am obsessed with nude everything. One thing you need to know is there are so many nudes I hate ie. too peachy, too yellowy or orangey. However, when I find the perfect tan or nude I have to get it. This sandal is low enough and comfortable enough to wear to work. Wear them with jeans and a tee, dress them up to dance the night away at a wedding or pair them with a cute and chic wine tasting outfit. You can practically wear them with anything and are noticeably cute!

• Elina Linardaki- Leather Hoola Hoop Sandal

These sandals are SO fun. They are comfortable and the second you put them on you will start receiving compliments on them. I love these sandals with basics. Jean shorts a tee and these, boyfriend jeans a tank with them or a white linen dress would pair amazingly well with them. 

• Matisse- Kelly Sandal

These are sold out everywhere, but try to get your hands on something similar like these or these OR these. They can be easily dressed up or down. My favorite way to wear these with a fun and patterned dress, with boyfriend shorts a lace tank and a jean jacket, or with a simple white romper.

The Best Makeup for Green Eyes

If you have green eyes like me you may or may not know what eyeshadows make your eyes "pop". Purple is usually the suggested color, but to be honest I just don't love purple eyeshadow. My go-to's are golds, browns and surprisingly oranges. I have discovered a few favorites and want to share them with you.

Tom Ford: Duo Cream & Eye powder color
Color: Naked Bronze
This is my new favorite. It is on the pricier end, but I am completely SOLD on the product. You can literally apply the cream with your fingers and it looks like you just left getting your makeup done ( a little goes a long way so it lasts forever. I love how smooth and easy it is to apply & when you want to give a little extra, the gold powder is EVERYTHING.

Kevyn Aucoin: The Loose Shimmer Eyeshadow
Color: Kunzite
I got this in a free gift bag about a year ago and I use it just about every time I go out. I use it with a blender brush just in the crease in my eye and also dust right under my outer lower lash. It is beautiful and build-able, so you can keep adding for a more dramatic look.

Urban Decay: 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil

Color: Bourbon

I don't wear a ton of eyeliner, but when I go out and want an extra soultry look I add this liner. It is shimmery, but not too glittery. I love how smoothly it glides on and it doesn't run!

Too Faced: Eye Shadow Palette
Color: Neutral Eye shadow collection (I love Honey Pot)
Ok, so I am VERY picky with what gold eyeshadows I like. Some are too glittery and don't stick to your eyelid, some are too yellow, too orange, too matte or they don't have enough pigment. Honey Pot from the Too Faced Palette is PERFECT. The only downside is, they don't sell it separate from the palette. If you can get your hands on it you'll know what I mean.

Mac: Eyeshadow

Color: Saddle

This color is the perfect neutral. I love it because I can put this in the crease of my eye and blend it during the day, then go back and touch up to add more and build it to an evening look. I will add some under my lower lashes and it softly enhances my greens. It was my first "green eye" purchase that I noticeably felt made my eyes look extra green.

Charlotte Tilbury: Color Chameleon

Color: Bronzed Garnet

I havent tried this yet, but it's in the mail. I've read multiple articles on how amazing it is, and I can't wait! It looks absolutely stunning.

Nars: Eyeshadow Duo

Color:Portobello 

This Nars duo is perfect for day time. The lighter color looks great on the base of your eyelid and the darker shade works well on the crease. This is less dramatic, but is sure to make your eyes stand out!

Lancome: Hypnose Drama

Color: Excessive Black

Don't forget Mascara! My all-time favorite mascara is this one.

Now you should be well prepared to create even more show-stopping eyes everyday!

My New (Affordable) Beauty Routine

Ok, let's admit it. There are millions of beauty products out there. When you start looking and reading about all of them you may end up walking away with way too many products that you may even discontinue using over time, what a waste of money! We also have to agree that having a routine with 10 products a night gets super expensive. I am trying this new routine and I've been loving it, so I thought I'd share!

The more I read the more I'm learning that the more natural the products the better. Too many beauty lines are harsh on your skin and leave your skin freaking out! My best friend is a little hippi, yogi, beautiful human. Thanks to her I am able to write this post, because she intro'd me to this new routine that I love.

1. Dr. Bronners Soap

This soap will stand the test of time. I don't know if you know this brand, but people use it on EVERYTHING. I am not kidding. On their hair, face, clothes, sink, pets, etc. Its amazing and affordable! I wash my face with this morning and night. For directions on uses, look here.

2. Dr. Gross Peel

Let me start by saying, this one isn't for everyone! I started using this after my facialist noticed I had very slight discoloration on my face called Melasma from birth control. I am lucky to have had someone notice it early, before it got too bad and she said it is SUPER likely when you take birth control. She suggested these Alpha Beta peels every few days in the evening. I love them and and feel like they've really helped keep my skin tone pretty even. If you feel like you have some skin discoloration I highly recommend trying them after you wash and dry your face.

2. Rose hip oil

I have been reading about all the antioxidant properties of rose hip oil and had been wondering about it for a while. Once I heard great reviews from someone I trust, I knew I had to try it. This is the one I've been using and I love it. I use it in the evening after washing my face. It makes me feel bright and fresh! I swear it makes a difference. I use this after I wash my face.

4. Vitamin A & E

Some anti-wrinkle creams are an upwards of $50. For $13 you have a near endless supply of an amazing anti-aging oil. This product promotes soft and supple skin. It's 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free. I put this under my eyes and all over my eyelids before bed. I love it.

Why You Need A Vacation

After 10 days in paradise, I learned a few things

1. Take your vacation. You earned it. PTO is there for you as a benefit. It is one of the most underrated benefits, and many people max out their PTO and let those hours go to waste. You literally get paid to GET OUT OF TOWN, so why don't you do it? Too expensive or on a budget? Plan for it, pick up a side job (what I do), or go somewhere local (camping anyone)!
2. Unplug a bit- This one is tough. I am not going to lie to you and say I've mastered this, I haven't. To me, I just try to use the internet less than usual. AKA don't be glued to your phone.
3. Spend time doing things you love- While on vacation, don't apologize for spending time on YOU. You see- I love working out. I enjoy it, and it makes me happy, so even on vacation I like to get in some sweat sessions. Other things I love doing are reading, blogging, and drinking great wine. Plan a trip for you!! You may have a friend who likes to do similar things. Maybe you love museums- find someone who does too!
4. People with much less seem to have SO MUCH JOY- I can't begin to tell you how true this has been on each trip to a 3rd world country i've taken. People who don't even have fully paved roads, work 15 hour days, make next to nothing... greet you with the biggest smile on their faces. Yes, their jobs may not be as technical as yours, but they work damn hard for what little hey have and have found joy. Taking a trip may open your eyes to appreciate your life a bit more like it has for me.
5. Taking a vacation doesn't have to break your budget. Like I mentioned briefly earlier, if you can't go international then pick a place you can road trip to, or a city you've wanted to fly to affordibly. Monitor the prices here and find the best places to go for the best prices.
6. Find a travel buddy who likes similar things you do. I don't personally love having a scheduled itinerary on vacations, so I try to pick travel partners that are more looking to relax. Also, someone who is OK being independent or you going off being independent if the activities you plan on doing don't match up (go off for the day and meet back up for dinner).
7. SLEEP is amazing and OK to over-do. I used to think sleeping in was for lazy people, well let me tell you... I slept until 11 OR 12 everyday on my trip and it was NEEDED. On top of sleeping in each day, I took multiple naps. I finally after a few days felt back to normal and re-energized. I noticed that I really needed it, and wasn't giving myself enough of it.
8. Sometimes you have to Splurge! Yes, I said it. Stop talking yourself out of spending a couple hundred bucks on a trip. Try not going out to dinner for a few weeks- you'll be shocked how much you can save! You can make it happen, but obviously work within your budget
9. Being relaxed with friends makes for amazing memories. Jen and I laughed our butts off, chatted about everything under the sun, shook our booties on the dance floor, and had a blast just being 2 girls on vacation together exploring.
10. Food in America is Amazing- I am not going to lie, I am extra grateful for avocados, green juice, acai bowls, big salads, gluten free options, almond milk, and good coffee shops! Tomorrow is going to be amazing :)

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous