Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Review

Having adopted the vegan lifestyle again means making some new adjustments not only when it comes to what food I eat, but also what products I use. I spend time now reading product labels on everything: Hairspray, face wash, eyeliner, sweaters, etc. I check to make sure that a) the product has not been tested on animals and b) that there are not any animal bi-products in the ingredients. It's kind of crazy just how many ingredients used in make-up and other beauty products come from something you'd probably rather not know about.

So, I started doing some research on vegan-friendly brands! There are a lot of great options out there, you just have to look for them. I've been a fan of Alicia Silverstone and all of the efforts she's made for animals so one day, when I was on her website The Kind Life, I read about the line of vegan beauty products she has with Juice Beauty. Originally, I was going to try the chamomile cleanser first but ended up going with the Simply Nourishing Moisturizer. After all, I've spent a LOT of time this year in the sun.

I apply a very small amount onto my fingertips and gently smooth it along my face, focusing around my eyes and forehead. First of all, let me tell you that the scent is divine. It's a refreshing smell that relaxes me just before bed which is when I apply the moisturizer after washing my face. I've noticed how smooth my skin has felt and, more importantly, how radiant my skin looks now in the morning when I wake up!

The best part is that I know the formula I'm applying to my skin is 100% organic and vegan. Here is a list of its awesome ingredients such as organic acai berry, passion flower, and organic sunflower oil. As described on the website, "Organic shea and cocoa butter kiss your skin with hydration, while powerful champagne grape antioxidants renew and leave a silky finish." Amazing, yes? YES.

Online, the product retails for $36, and coming from a girl who loves her drug store bargain finds, you're totally getting what you pay for with this product AND a little bit goes a long way. Do yourself a favor and check out Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty. Not only will you be doing yourself some good, you'll be doing good for the world too! And who doesn't love that? :)

You can check out her full line here. It used to be carried at Ulta but last time I went in, it was just the regular Juice Beauty collection and not hers. I'm seeing the same thing online at Ulta.com so I'm not sure what that's about but you can buy directly through the Juice Beauty website.

A Laguna Beach Birthday

This birthday was a different one. It was obviously the first birthday of mine since my mom passed away so I was rather apprehensive about January 7th approaching. Yet, the day arrived and I had some great plans ahead.

When I turned 20, my family was actually in San Diego, visiting my brother who lived here at the time. The Redskins were playing that day, so my brother and dad headed to watch the game at a local spot while the girls drove up for a daytrip to Laguna Beach. I decided I'd keep the tradition going and headed up there the morning of my birthday this year.

It was a perfect day. The temps were in the 60s, not a cloud in sight. The first stop was La Sirena Grill for lunch. I'm a pretty avid Yelper so I took the advice of the reviews and ordered the Calamari Burrito. It was one of the greatest meals I have ever had! It's a quaint little spot with all seating outside. I later spotted this place on the first episode ever of Laguna Beach. Even Kristin and Talan liked it...

After lunch, a walk over to Muse, a super cute boutique, was necessary. Although they were under a little construction at the time, all the ladies that worked there were so sweet and we had a good time chatting for a while. I got two new sets of earrings that I just adore :)

Next, was Heisler Park. It's another Laguna Beach favorite of mine; perfect for a leisurely walk and where I've taken some of my best pictures ;)

There's something incredibly special about this little spot. Especially on a Monday afternoon in January. It's tranquil, yet, you can look up and see all the beautiful homes nestled into the hills. It's peaceful, yet, you pass joggers, moms, tourists, couples cozied up on a park bench, and people just like you, yet with a different story.

You have all the perks of a small town - cute shops, dynamite eateries, winding streets, and all the quirks that come with a little place - yet, you're right there in the middle of it all. Standing in Heisler park, looking out at the blue Pacific, you have your back to one of the most beautiful places in the world [in my opinion, the most beautiful] yet you're still surrounded by pure and fresh nature everywhere you turn.

There are several different spots throughout Laguna that I love exploring and walking down to the tidepools is always a real treat. I took it all in. The sights, the sounds, the fact that I was one year older and hopefully wiser ;) But, wow, what a year. 

And to sit there and digest the fact that, here I was, only a short drive from my new HOME. My dreams were coming true. Right before my eyes.

I could have stayed there all day. However, the sun would be setting soon. There was one more stop before heading back down to SD. I needed cupcakes.

[Not pictured: One Cupcake]

So, off to Casey's Cupcakes we went! I'm thinking a review of this place is in order. Just so I can go into greater detail and make you all crave a cute cupcake. I mean, can ya get any cuter? After that, we cruised past my favorite Laguna home high up on a hill, and coasted down Highway 1 just in time for the sunset.

I've always been a water baby. A beach girl. The ocean is my home.

So, to return to this special spot on my birthday sure was a lovely treat. I feel so blessed to live within driving distance of Laguna Beach. It's the perfect little reminder of just how beautiful this world we live in is.

And as for you, California, I love you :)

Thanks for another amazing birthday.

My Long Hair Care Routine

One week from today, I'm donating my hair! This is something I've wanted to do all my life and next Friday, on the anniversary of my mom's death, I'll be chopping off 8+ inches of my hair in honor of her.

Some of you have asked what products I use on my hair and today I wanted to share with you what my "long hair care" routine has been these past couple months. First of all, let me say that my hair grows rather quickly. I have fine hair but I have a lot of it. When my hair gets really long, volume is pretty tough to get, as the length pulls down.

Scissors haven't touched these locks since the very beginning of July so, needless to say, my hair and bangs are pretty unruly at this point. Here are my go-to products I've used and loved to keep my hair as healthy as possible until February 22nd arrives:

1. TRESemme Breakage Defense Shampoo - No complaints here. I am a huge TRESemme fan because you get a lot of bang for your buck. This shampoo has lasted me almost three months and, believe me, that's a long time for this "shampoo everyday" girl!

2. Brocato Rootfix Root Lifter Mousse - Unlike most other mousses, this mousse doesn't foam up into a cloud of fluff. I spritz is straight into my roots about one minute before blow drying and, let me tell you, I can definitely notice on the days I decide to skip this step. It gives my hair that added "oomph" to last through the day and night!

3. Brocato Swell Volume Leave-in Volumizing Conditioner - I mean, what part of the name doesn't make you want to use it? This spray is my saving grace. Not a day goes by without this in my hair. Not only does it nourish my hair with vitamins, but it thickens my hair. I only spritz this on the lower three or four inches of my hair while it's wet, do my make-up while it really soaks into my hair, and then blow dry it.

4. TRESemme Breakage Defense Conditioner - I don't know about you, but I have tangly hair to the max. There are several conditioners out there that don't seem to do a thing for the tangles but this one isn't one of them. It strengthens my hair, de-tangles, and smells yummy!

5. Brocato Cloud 9 Hotshapes Miracle Flat Iron & Curling Spray - When you have long, un-trimmed hair, I will warn you that it usually doesn't style very well. I've relied heavily on my clipless curling iron to give me loose, voluminous waves. The waves mask my grown-out, uneven layers and make my hair seem a bit less dramatically long. Because of all the daily heat I'm applying to my hair, this spray not only protects and prevents heat damage, it also leaves your hair feeling "silky and smooth."

6. TRESemme Extra Hold Hairspray - What can I say? I like my hairspray. I didn't grow up in the dance competition world for nothing! Although I no longer use enough hairspray to make my hair a firm object, a little teasing and hairspray around the crown is necessary to keep my hair from being pulled down flat onto my scalp.

Long hair = heavy. Hairspray = my best friend.

I have loved my longer-than-usual locks and it's been so wonderful to see my natural highlights brought out in the long waves. My hair has blown perfectly in the San Diego salt air, but it's time for this hair to go to someone who needs it more than I do. I'll soak up the last few days of wrapping it seven times around the barrel of my curling iron. Then, it'll be time to try something new and, for that, I can't wait :)

Any questions? Let me know!

Let's Talk Nail Polish

Moving far away, living on your own, spending countless hours job searching and thinking about life can sometimes drive a girl bonkers. I've had a lot of deep thoughts lately. A lot. I'm pretty much the next Aristotle/Plato. On a side note, I have been slashing [ / ] everything lately. 

So, in the midst of all my deep thoughts on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, I started thinking about nail polish. I need your help. Here are my thoughts:

+Essie

[via]

At one point in my life, I was an Essie Queen.

Ranted & raved about it.

Now, I can't stand it.

It always goes on so thick & chunky and dries with bubbles.

Maybe it's just me. I think it might be.

+Zoya

[via]

I was sold the first time this polish hit my nails.

Love all the colors and the smoothness it goes on.

Also love that it's vegan!

+OPI

Badda-bing.

You put the OPI Top Coat on and your nails are set for weeks [pretty much]

Smooth.

Love the wide brush.

Are the names the best or what?

So, what's my dilemma, you ask? Well, I'm just curious what I'm missing out on. I've heard tons of good things about Butter London. Is it worth the price?

I want to continue expanding my nail polish collection but don't want to waste money on a color I love but whose texture or quality will later disappoint.

Tell me, friends! What's your go-to nail polish? What brand can you always rely on, that leaves you always wanting more polish? Spill!

My Short Hairspiration

Thank you all for the beautiful birthday wishes! It was a fantastic day and I will be sharing some pictures and stories of the day soon! Today, I just wanted to drop in to share some hairspiration!

As I mentioned in my post about things I plan to do in 2013, I will be chopping my hair off in February to donate it in honor of my mom on her anniversary. I'm still not sure exactly how much I'll end up donating [at least 8 inches!] nor do I know how short my hair will end up being. However, I decided to start thinking of possible styles and cuts!

It's no surprise that I am digging Ashley Benson's shorter cut! I mean, her character Hanna Marin on Pretty Little Liars is probably one of my favorite characters ever and we would totally be best friends forever. And, yes, I'm thinking I might just go "California Blonde" again ;) Why not?

So, what are your thoughts? Should I go for the "Hanna Marin" cut? I know it would be a big change! I love all the texture and would definitely bring back the side bangs! I still have another month or so to figure it out but this is what I'm leaning towards! I prefer to go in and show the stylist a picture rather than just winging it :)

What celebrity styles have you gone with when cutting your hair?

Until next time, friends! ;)

What To Do With Your Nail Polish

Remember the days when you had two or three different nail polish colors? Those days are long gone! I don't know about you but I have a tough time keeping track of my nail polishes. You know it's bad when you're standing at the latest Essie display at Ulta and have this inner dialogue take place: 

"Shoot. Do I already have a taupe like this? Or is it more of a beige? Maybe I should get it anyway? Or should I just get the teal to be safe?"

Yup. I know I'm not alone. It's quite the debacle. But what's even worse than deciding what new color to get is figuring out how to organize that ish. For years, my nail polishes have all made friends with each other in a gallon size Zip-loc bag. I am super grateful that this bag has not given out yet because that would result in a lot of broken glass and one very colorful Chelsea. [Knock on wood!]

So, with my cross-country move right around the corner [like, next Tuesday] I'm thinking of new ways to organize my belongings because gosh knows I have a LOT of belongings. Here are some nail polish organization ideas:

1. This girl has more nail polish than I could imagine. I'm liking the idea of organized storage within a small set of drawers. Keep it all together and keep it contained.

2. I am loving the way these polishes are organized. You can open the drawer and easily see each color without digging through. Bam!

3 and 4 - Vintage suitcases are a great way to store small items - nail polish, clutches, sandals, etc. Although, I wouldn't recommend transporting them like you would a normal suitcase...

5 and 6 - Vases and various glass cases are cute and definitely decor-friendly. However, I also want something that is practical. Not only would a vase not be ideal for a cross-country move, but I don't love the idea of digging through a jar to get to what I want. Not to mention how noisy that would be. Cute idea, just not for me.

7 - Trays are a cute way to display nail polishes. Again, I'm not sure how practical this would be for me.

8 - Over-the-door storage. Take a jewelry organizer to store your nail polishes and hang it either over the door or in your closet. Just make sure the hanger is sturdy enough to carry the weight of the polishes. 

9. Stackable Tupperware - This option is definitely looking good. It's easy to access and sturdy enough whether I want to shove it under my bed or in a closet.

10. Office Organizers - Target seems to be the best place to find cute, divided organizers that are used anywhere from your office to your kitchen. I think this is a great option to keep nail polishes tidy either on a shelf or on your dresser.

So, what do you suggest? Which option should I go with?

Do you have any other ideas?

How do you store your nail polishes?

Of course, I'll let you know which option I go with, complete with pictures :)

Oh, and if you haven't already - shop my closet here!

Let's Talk Hair

I'm realizing that I haven't talked hair much on here, except for this mention of Gretchen's beautiful "swoop" last year. I have what I like to call the "natural ombre" look :) I dyed my hair brunette back in April of last year and it has gradually turned into its own color. The brown has faded into a golden blonde at the ends and I kind of dig it. That's not to say I won't go back blonde one of these days :)

Anyway - color is one thing but texture is a completely other thing. My hair is FINE. It has a bit of a wave to it when I don't blow dry. Oh, but I always blow dry it - always. The wave has no rhyme or reason. It's loose enough to not be curly but wavy enough to not be straight. Luckily, I have a lot of hair so, although it is fine, it still gives me something to work with.

I could go on and on about my haircare routine and styling preferences but I just want to focus on one thing today - how I get that crazy little wave in my hair to go "buh-bye." Enter the HANA Pro 1" Flat Iron by Misikko. 

[I know. I can't stop staring at those beautiful light blue plates either.]

Misikko contacted me, asking me if I'd like to try out that bad boy above. I had read on blogs before about their products and having heard only good things, I couldn't wait to see what the HANA Flat Iron would do for my hair. Not only did they send me the flat iron, but they sent a bunch of other goodies too!

I'm pretty sure I had already ripped through and scooped up all the e.l.f. products they had included because I was just that excited.

Now, let me first show you what my hair looks like right after blow drying it [sans hair brush]

So, yes, you would be correct in saying that even blow drying my hair doesn't get rid of that weird wave I have going on. Don't worry, I do brush my hair. Here's what it looks like after running a comb through it.

Better, but still not up to par for date night, right? My hair still felt a bit more coarse than I prefer and it just didn't sit right. I like silky, I like smooth. I like to look at my hair and see a finished product. So, I let those beautiful blue HANA hot plates work their magic.

The thing I notice the most is how my hair feels. Not only does my hair move effortlessly between the plates, but it feels super soft when I touch it as well. I've also noticed the shine in my hair now! The HANA Flat Iron makes my hair so much more manageable and the best part - it's SO quick!

The flat iron heats up in no time, has adjustable heat settings, and like I said, the design is high quality. I've had so many flat irons that will pinch my hair, pull it out, or make that disgusting "tearing" sound. Some of you might know what that sounds like - not a pleasant sound when you realize that's your hair DYING. Well, I've been using the Hana Flat Iron for weeks and that hasn't happened once. Quality, I tell you.

And did I mention the beautiful blue plates? ;)

Head on over to Misikko and pick out something nice for yourself. Or just drool over the Croc Hair Straightener like I have been. I mean, it looks like a crocodile - pretty neat if you ask me! Make it in leopard print and I'm sold! :)

2012 Fall Wish List | One

Are you ready for the crisp leaves, the pumpkin spice lattes or apple ciders, the boots, the sweaters?

Today, on this last day of August, I am so ready. I've been so excited as I scoop up some fresh, new clothes for the cooler days that are on their way. Today, I wanted to share a few of the little Fall accessories and beauty items that I most look forward to!

First up is an accessory I can't believe I don't already own from last year. I was all about scarves last year [and the year before that, and the year before that...] but I never ended up getting an infinity scarf! I LOVE them! Whether you wear them as part of an outfit or under your Fall jacket, they add the perfect pop!

Each of these scarves was found while perusing Etsy and they are all $25 or less! :)

1. This $16 scarf by anils is labeled as "Summer" but I think it's perfect for Fall!

2. I love the warm Fall colors in the orange/brown color block scarf from ohzie!

3. This scarf by DreamingDays is my favorite color. Enough said :)

4. This fun-patterned burgundy and white scarf by fairstore is also perfect for Fall!

I might just have to buy them all!

Now, if you're like me, you're obsessed with nail polish. While I don't have numerous Tupperware boxes full of nail polish, I've had fun growing my collection. As soon as I heard about OPI's Germany Collection, I practically jumped for joy. I took German in high school and fell in love with Austria and Switzerland so I knew I had to buy a couple of these bad boys:

OPI has the best names, don't they? My favorite names have to be, "Suzi and the 7 Dusseldorfs" and "Don't Talk Bach to Me." Genius. "Schnapps Out of It" and "Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!" are hilarious as well and those two will definitely be added to my collection!

Does anyone have any of these new colors yet?

I'd continue on with more of my Fall wish list but... we'd be here all day! I'll save those for later because there are few things I love more than BOOTS!

What is on your Fall Wish List?

I'm linking up these favorites of mine with Lindsey, and you should join in too :) Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!!

Summer Beauty Review Pt. 1

It's time to talk Summer beauty finds! I have come across and tried a few new products so far this Summer and have been waiting a while to share them with you! Let's start with nail polish.

Zoya is now my favorite brand of nail polish. I've mentioned before that I used to be a total Essie girl. That's all I would buy. Then, I started getting bored of going to the store and seeing the same shades every time. It was getting hard to tell what I had already since so many shades are just so similar. I went into Ulta one day in search of a new color and Zoya popped out at me! Right in front of my eyes was this gorgeous and unique shade called "Perrie."

Left to Right: Perrie | Myrta | Charisma

Perrie and Charisma are both matte polishes. Perrie is probably my favorite out of the two. I'm not sure why I thought Charisma had more purple in it but it is definitely a pinkish fuchsia. Perfect if you're looking for a bright, Summer color. Myrta has beautiful flecks of gold in it and I just love wearing this color too!

While the quantity of nail polishes still doesn't compare to O.P.I [in Ulta, at least] the colors are all so different and bea-uuu-tiful! The color goes on super smooth and rich and doesn't take forever to dry which is always a plus! I was also impressed with how long the polish lasted before starting to chip, and when it did, it was mainly down near the cuticle.

Zoya is officially my new favorite nail polish! What is yours?

Moving along... Sigma Beauty was kind enough to send me their Synthetic Precision Kit and these brushes have officially become part of my daily make-up routine.

1. P80 - Precision Flat

2. P82 - Precision Round

3. P84 - Precision Angled

4. P86 - Precision Tapered

I use the P80 and P82 brushes mainly to buffer and blend my concealer in around my eyes and nose. The bristles are very soft and really help smooth the product onto my skin. Wonderful quality! The bristles are soft but sturdy enough because, c'mon... who likes flimsy brushes? Not me!

Click below to shop now and receive your free gift! Let me know what you buy - I'm always looking for new products to try :) I'm in desperate need of a new blush brush and the F15 Duo Fibre Powder/Blush brush is looking mighty fine!

Speaking of concealer, I have found one of the best concealers in the world!
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer

I asked on my blog a while ago what concealers you recommend and when Michelle described this concealer, it sounded exactly like what I had been looking for. I had used many concealers in the past and finally just gave up on them because they didn't seem to do anything for me. Then, once my dark circles started to appear under my eyes, I knew I needed to find something.

I love the consistency of this product. Michelle described it as being almost clay-like, which it is. And guess what that means - it doesn't budge during the day! I apply this onto my skin after my foundation and blend using the brushes mentioned above! A little product goes a LONG way and spreads very evenly and smoothly onto the skin. Another amazing thing? You can pick this bad boy up at Wal-Mart! I will never use another concealer again!

We'll stop there for today. I wouldn't want to put you into beauty review overload now, would I? I still have a foundation, mascara, and powder review to come!

What other beauty posts would you like to see? Favorite products? Least favorite? Tutorials? Let me know in the comments! :)

*All product reviews are my own based upon my own personal use*

Favorites on the 13th

It’s time to talk favorites again. While this has certainly not been my most favorite of weeks, there were several little wonderful things that helped remind me that no matter how bad of a week or time we are going through, there are so many beautiful things around us always. I’d like to think that my favorite angel, my Mom was one of those :) She'll always be my favorite.

[But, I'm still a bit superstitious that this not-so-fantastic week just happened to fall on the week of Friday the 13th...]

Let's get started with Friday Favorites!

Zoya in "Perrie"

I’ve been an Essie girl for a while now but as of late, we’ve just had a love/hate relationship. I’ve had the WORST time finding colors I love in my local Target and Ulta. It’s always the same ole colors that look like what I already have at home. So, I decided to venture out. My eyes immediately caught one of the prettiest nail colors I’ve ever seen. It’s the coolest Summer shade of purple. Zoya in "Perrie." It goes on so smoothly, I only needed one coat, AND it lasts long! I can't wait to add to my Zoya collection! What colors do you love?

                     

The Bargain Blonde: Confession Session Returns

I love posts that touch my heart but I also dig posts that make me crack up hysterically. Lindsey (The Bargain Blonde) did just that with her post yesterday. If you're ready for some super hilarious snarky attitude regarding Magic Mike madness and Emily Maynard's jackpot of not-so-special jewelry, check it out here!

Big Brother Season 14

Okay, so it might have been the only show I actually had the chance to watch this week other than The Bachelorette but I think this season of Big Brother is going to be a good one. I've never watched a full season of the show but I might [might] end up watching this one, especially since my brother knows someone on the show! The number of times this show comes on a week leaves me feeling a little nervous though. #TeamBoogie

P!nk ["Blow Me One Last Kiss"]

I needed some new songs on my iPhone so I logged onto iTunes and within a minute saw the above song listed as the top 2 single! Before I could even finish listening to the sample, I had to buy it. It's a total girl power song about being done with a toxic relationship [P!nk is one of the greatest when it comes to those songs, isn't she?]

If you're offended by some foul language, it might not be your cup of tea :)

Leopard Print Mailbox

I found this leopard print mailbox on Pinterest [you can follow me here!] and just fell in love. I'm obsessed with leopard and cheetah print so this is right up my alley. I'd be the coolest house on the block ;)

What are your favorites this week? Be sure to link up with Miss Lindsey!

Have a happy Friday the 13th! I'm off to FINALLY see the Katy Perry movie tonight! I'll be singing the whole time :)