Category — Marital Musings

I’d like to thank my Grandma on this one – she’s been lathering up her skin with every lotion, body wash, and serum for as long as I can remember, and her skin is like butter.  It’s also no secret that I am a total magpie to good beauty product.  I don’t discriminate – drugstore finds are just as fantastic as the department store splurges, and I pile all on my skin generously.

When my husband and I moved in together, I think the thing he was most shocked by was the incredible amount of product I bring with me (and the uncanny appearance of dinner on the table each night … you’re welcome, honey!)  I see, I buy.  Promises of smooth skin, clear skin, exfoliated skin, moisturized, younger-looking skin: I want it all.  In my twenties I know the anti-wrinkle potions might be a bit ahead of my time, but I like to be prepared.

Exhibit A: the shower ledge (just the shower ledge)

But amidst the chaos, I do have some tried and true secrets to perfectly smooth skin:

1. Be kind to your skin and your body.  Ease up on caffeine when you can, sleep at least 7 hours (no excuses), get a little sun if you don’t get any (guilty) or ease up on the sun if you might be over-doing it, and drink so much water.
2. Exfoliate.  I love a great body scrub – nothing too abrasive – a scrub will make your skin instantly smoother (best kept date night secret!)  I’m also completely enamored with exfoliating gloves.  A friend suggested these puppies for smoother wedding arms, and I’ve been devoted to the scrubby gloves ever since.  They carry them at Target or any drugstore.  Amazing and inexpensive.
3. Keep your skin clean.  If your skin doesn’t get too dry, a good old-fashioned bar of soap is OK, but I love washes and bursts (they’re super moisturizing and they smell amazing.)
4. And last, but most definitely not least, COVER yourself in sunscreen.  Wear it all day, everyday.  Buy makeup with SPF in it.  Then put more sunscreen on.  And … bonus, every day you’ll smell like the beach – what’s better than that (short of actually going to the beach)?

What are some of your perfectly smooth skin secrets?

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**Compensation was provided by Philips via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Philips.

With a big trip only days away, and a to-do list about a mile long, packing seems to have fallen to the wayside.  My mom used to wave a packing checklist, at least ten pages long, around the house weeks in advance of a vacation.  I tend to be more visual (and clearly, last-minute).  So I put together a packing list of summer essentials.

I try to limit myself: one (two) pairs of sandals, one pair of sneakers (in case I get the urge to become athletic overnight), one pair of high heels (though I’m thinking these may be wholly unnecessary for a trip to the desert), a go-anywhere bootie, day purse and night purse, a few essential accessories (need room to buy more during my travels!), and plenty of clothes that layer and mix-n-match well.  (Then I shove the rest of my stuff in hubby’s suitcase and hope he doesn’t notice until we’re at least halfway across the country.)

What’s your go-to travel outfit?  Are you a light packer or an over-packer?

The Accessories: Forever 21 Scarf // Forever 21 Hat // Super Lucia Sunnies // Karen Walker Sunnies // Tory Burch Wrap Bracelets // Michael Kors Chronograph

Under Things: Madewell Bralette // VPL Insertion Bra // Hanky Panky Lace V-Kini // Spanx Leggings

Swim + Sleep: Mara Hoffman Bikini // 3.1 Phillip Lim Bikini Top + Bottom // Sleep Shirt + Tap Pants // T by Alexander Wang Tank // 3.1 Phillip Lim Tap Pants (Similar) // Madewell Crosswalk Cardigan

The Staples: J.Crew Cardigan (Similar) // Madewell Racerback Tank // Winter Kate Tunic (Similar) // Luv Aj Fringe Necklace // True Religion Cameron Boyfriend Jeans // Citizens of Humanity Chloe Floral Shorts // TOPSHOP Button Front Midi Dress // B-Low the Belt Leopard Belt // Lace Tank via Delias (Similar + Awesome Betsey Johnson Skull Lace Tank)

Shoes + Bags: Deux Lux Sequin Duffle // Alexander Wang Diego // Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch in Cameo Ostrich // Rag & Bone Harrow Booties // DV by Dolce Vita Ilana Sandals // TOMS Linen Slip-on

Desserts (and shopping) are my weakness. I know most people would choose meat and potatoes or some variation of the staples if stranded on an island (an island complete with your most favorite meal, of course); but I choose snacks every time. I’m a snack-aholic. I’m not even sure why I bother with dinner – it’s only the dessert I’m interested in. But then there’s the shopping – all of those gorgeous clothes and shoes, all mine for the trying on; and let me tell you, a few too many desserts in and the trying-on process becomes less and less fun. So, to satisfy my dessert addiction, and to keep checks on my waistline (how’s that for compromise?), I try to indulge in small ways.

In comes PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE, these perfectly sweet gold containers that nearly sing on the shelf at my supermarket. PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE products are actually Real Chocolate blended with rich, creamy PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread. I’m a fan of sneaking protein into my snacks (hello, cream cheese), and the spread is surprisingly low in sugar and carbohydrates.

On Monday (because everyone knows Mondays are the worst), I was in desperate need of an indulgence, so to the market I went. I stocked up on two flavors of PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE – milk chocolate and white chocolate (PHILADELPHIA also makes a dark chocolate flavor) – and all of the dipping essentials – strawberries, pretzels, and low-fat graham crackers.  I surprised the hubby with a sweet little spread and we had our own mini-chilled-fondue party, complete with mindless reality TV (a.k.a., a perfect night in.)

After about a handful of graham crackers and half the bowl of strawberries, hubby forewent the snacks and dug right into the container with a spoon. Though I chided him out loud, I totally wanted to do the same (i.e., did exactly that.) Both of us decided that the white chocolate spread would make a fantastic cupcake frosting, and tasted almost exactly like cheesecake. I leaned in favor of the milk chocolate version because everything’s better in chocolate.

Do tell – how do you unwind after a crummy day? What’s your favorite indulgence?

KRAFT PHILADELPHIA INDULGENCE! is Real Chocolate blended with rich, creamy PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
Spread.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Kraft via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kraft.

This year, Valentine’s day sort of bit me on the butt.  Pardon my French.  And I’m a tad rattled about it being so early on in the marriage, sans romantic love day plans.  But you see, last Valentine’s day, only a few short months into our marriage, I went and got sick.  Surgery, couture wearing, hospital sick.  So this Valentine’s Day, I told myself, we’ll have a perfectly romantic well-thought-out evening.  (And yes, to me, romance, is generally thought-out.  I’m not a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl — can’t you just hear Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman saying that?  Type-A, all the way.)  But I digress.  And then it was Tuesday … the 14th … of February.  And I had no plans.  So here we are.

Be My Valentine Homemade Pizza Recipe:  If I have time, I will definitely be trying this tonight.  (The recipe even calls for refrigerated pizza crust – my kind of easy.)  If not, it’s good old circular (greasy) pizza for the hubs.

Etched Vino Decanters:  Oh so pretty; however, ours will come in a bottle.  Hey, at least it’s not a box.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Buttercream:  These have been on my to-do list for months.  Here’s to another year … on the to-do list.

Also on my to-do list – sweet card, cut-out newspaper hearts, and the world’s most phenomenal tent/fort/hybrid.  I coo-ed over that tent last Valentine’s Day, and this year is no exception.**  Only this month, I’ll be recreating said tent with towels, stacks of pillows, hair ties, and broom.  I’m willing to bet on disaster.

If all of this falls through, I’m taking my man to Waffle House.  (Seriously, major fast food chains are offering romantic Valentine’s Day packages, complete with candlelight and tater tots.)

Tent, Hearts, + Card via the ever-talented: Justina Blakeney for Design*Sponge

** Sadly – last year – once I read fishing line and screw hooks, I retired from fancy fort-making.  My brilliant plan that time, “I’m going to sit on my sofa with a blanket over my head.”

I’m a sucker for pink (remember that gorgeous industrial loft with bright pops of pink?)  I could list all of the reasons I crave pinks (Barbie, Legally Blonde, cotton candy), but the list would never end.  Also, I’m undeniably girly.  And, when it comes to design, I swim in a sea of mostly neutrals.  Any bright piece injects a fresh pop of color into an otherwise monotone space, and it awakens a room with a jolt of modern personality (a.k.a., accessorizing your rooms.)

I love the bold hot pink chairs in these bedrooms and living spaces, but my husband, not such a fan (marriage = compromise, or so they say.)

Now in my office – that’s a different story.  (Not surprisingly, my office is brimming with pink, clutter, and many many crafts.)

Not sure what I love more – the pink-cushioned chair, the mirrored table, or those leopard pumps.

Images here, here, here, and here

Visit Glitter Weddings – WEDDINGS FOR THE TYPE-A BRIDE {WITH GLITTER ON TOP}

These doors make me want to break out a stencil and some highlighter-colored paints.  I must be on some kind of neon kick.  I wonder if the hubby would notice a neon yellow pantry door.

{Images here}

Visit Glitter Weddings – WEDDINGS FOR THE TYPE-A BRIDE {WITH GLITTER ON TOP}

This weekend the hubby took me to the loveliest of vintage markets.  The pictures, on my handy dandy instagram app, were too pretty not to share.  Enjoy!

Visit Glitter Weddings – WEDDINGS FOR THE TYPE-A BRIDE {WITH GLITTER ON TOP}

Someday I’ll live in a cool (and spacious) loft with exposed beams, floor-to-ceiling draped windows, rustic wood accents, and polished concrete … but until then, I’ll just swoon over these lovely images.

Sadly, my loft du jour will likely never boast a pale pink vintage refrigerator … a far cry from the manly loft I’m sure my husband envisions.  And I learned my lesson long ago.

Images Found On Triple Max Tons // Via Ideas to Steal

It started with sweaters and cardigans.  Actually, I lie, it was 2002 – I rocked denim jackets.  Then came the discovery of the Abercrombie cardigan.  And then came the tights.  Now I won’t walk out of the house unless I’m wearing a good 25% of my closet.  Some cardigans require a vest because I’m not thrilled with the length of the cardigan.  Some dresses need a slip for that same reason.  And really, I love all of my clothes and can’t part with them for more than ten hours at a time.  They lose their luster.

I clearly wear too much clothing … at once.  It’s like a safety blanket.  I think it’s the Bubba in my head telling me to dress for a blizzard … you never can be too sure (I live in Miami.)

Plug your ears honey … I once had a boyfriend who announced, “All of my friends think you’re an Orthodox Jew.”  The layering was out of control at this point.

My friends whine mercilessly when I roll up to the club in sequined dress, tights, and cardigan.  They tug at my sleeves and and ask every drunk in the club if I would in fact look hotter without the sweater.  Usually these members of my tipsy audience just nod stupidly and slosh their drink onto my Alexander Wang’s.  Lushes.

I swear sometimes it’s cool to rock the Yeshiva look.  And I’m never cold.  And I secretly weigh 108 pounds (or you know, in that ballpark) under all of those layers – “Surprise, I’m a waif!”  And the beauty of marriage – my husband thinks my library chic look is adorable, or he’s just trying to get into my three layers of pants.

Here’s a secret they don’t tell you on your big day – or maybe they do (but you’re too busy sipping champagne, hunting for your lacey panties, and having fifteen women fuss over you), marriage is compromise.  You may have dreamed of decorating your first home with pink walls, vintage dial phones, and zebra print rugs, but when living with a boy, the pink frosting is not exactly the icing on his dream pad.

I desperately want to introduce animal prints to my new home design.  Rationally, I know cheetah print is too much.  But I’m thinking a splash of zebra print is borderline.  And I can work with borderline.

Subtlety is the key to marital design.  A splash of feminine adds the touch you’re yearning for and the not-so-overblown he’s content with.  Hey, maybe he won’t notice?

1. National Geographic Table Lamp; 2. West Elm Zebra Pillow Covers; 3. Neiman Marcus Zebra-Striped Mini Lamp; 4. West Elm Zebra Cowhide Rug {Similar here and here}; 5. Oliver Ottoman in Faux Zebra {Similar here}

{1. Neiman Marcus Platinum Zebra Rug; 2. Neiman Marcus Zebra Outdoor Rug}

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