A Top Bun! Why Yes Please!

Why HELLO there All you fab readers!  I;m back and refreshed.  Well not totally, considering a vacay with kids is a blast, but lets face it not really a "restful" vacay.  Never the less it was fun and a much needed time for fam bonding.  On the subject of all things fun, don't you adore a top knot? I Love me a great, tousled top bun!  It is my go to hairstyle on busy days, windy days, and when I want a fresh face to show through.  It is effortless and easy if it's done right.  If you need hairspray, lots of time, and a back comb then you are doing it ALL WRONG!  A top bun should look like you threw it up and headed out the door, not like you spent an hour on it.  Take some inspiration from the photos below and get your bun on ladies.  It especially looks chic with a scarf and some great earrings in the fall.  XOXO

LOVE! Major DO! It's Messy yet Pretty

DON'T Way to perfectly placed

Gorgeous!  Def a DO!  Love the misplaced wisps of hair.

A Super DON'T!  Looks looks way to polished and coiffed.  Eek!

Ahhh Lovely!  A DO!  Perfectly "undone"
All Images VIA

The Beauty Bag Thursday - "My Beauty Bag"

Hello Lovely Ladies!  I am a beauty junkie.  It's true.  My husband gave me the medicine cabinet and all the drawers in our bathroom to house my array of boot loot.  Out of all my product here is a list of my MUSTS! These are always in stock in my Beauty bag.  I can't live without these products.  You might need to just pick some up for yourself today!  These are goodies! Enjoy your Thursday!
XOXO - B

A wonderful cheek and lip stain for instant color!

The perfect eye brightener,  I place on inner rims, and below my eyes.

An amazing Primer

Can't live without my powder cover up!

This dry shampoo smells Ah-mazing and dries clear, not white!

I prefer the hot pink color, and pouts up my pucker perfectly!

Created for the inner rim of the eyelid, it doesn't wear off, ever!

The Beauty Bag Thursday - "Natural Beauty"

I've always taken the liking to a Natural look when it comes to style, makeup, and hair.  I adore when women embrace themselves and look "undone" yet put together, as if they didn't try to get ready but flawlessly rolled out of bed that way.  Who wants to spend an hour in front of a mirror when the day has so much to offer?  Personally, I'd rather spend 30 minutes, tops, getting ready and the other time having fun with my kiddos and hubby.  For this reason I rely on my tinted Tarte lip stain and eyebrow pencil as I have mentioned before.  These two products along with my Cerave skincare routine set me in the right direction, naturally. Luckily for me the Hubs actually prefers me natural, sans makeup so I really do try and apply this look to everyday.  The photos below are some of my favorite natural looks.  And on the note of natural beauty, is there anything more great then messy hair in a braid, ponytail, or bun that somehow looks polished and effortless?  I LOVE it!
Happy Thursday Loves!  XOXO

All photos VIA

The Beauty Bag Thursday - "Thinking Pink"

I have been obsessing over Pink lips lately.  In this sweltering heat I really forgo the makeup all together and focus on a few key areas.  Mascara, Cream Blush, eyebrows, and Pink lips and I am set for the day and night.  Pink lips stand out and give so much color and warmth to the complexion that eye makeup isn't even necessary.  In fact if you don't apply minimal eye makeup with the pink lips you may risk looking "too made up".  I personally prefer the more natural, and easy going look for day, and stepping it up a notch for date nights with the Hubby.  My go to lip color of choice are Tarte's Lip stains as I have mentioned before, and Mac Lipglass in Pink Lemonade.  My twin sister at Swirls of Happy is an avid consumer of both beauty products as well.  Please go to your nearest Sephora as soon as possible and get pretty in pink.
XOXO my loves!  Make it a good Day!

Fashion Foward Friday - "Braided Please"

Today's fashion post does not involve threads.  No, it involves Hair, and Braids, and things that are Bohemian, Chic, and effortless.  Ladies I am referring to the summer trend of the side braid.  This braid has been on runways lately across the globe.  Not only is it just stunning it is quick, easy, and looks so natural(like your not trying) which marries perfectly with the summer weather and its carefree sunny disposition.  Salons in New York and California have been quick to jump on the braided boat also.  Some salons are offering braiding services usually at around $25 and will let you choose from their braid menu.  Some requested braids have been "the Bohemian" (side braid), "the crown" (braid on forehead going horizontally), and "the skinny" ( a simple single braid(s) placed sporadically around the head).  You better believe I have been rockin this trend as of recent.  Actually at least three times a week the side braid is my go to choice.  It literally takes 5 minutes, and leaves more time for loving, laughing, creating, and baking.  Go get your braid on and have a Fantastic Friday my Loves.

XOXO Ciao!



The lovely Bachelorette who remains a California beach beauty.



LC ALWAYS possesses gorgeous locks.

Sienna Miller (one of my fashion Icons, rockin the crown... STUNNING!

The Beauty Bag Thursday - Skin Savior

Being comfortable in your skin can have many meanings.  It can mean being confident, having a positive self outlook, and also it can be defined as literally being comfortable, as in not having an oily or itchy feeling on your skin.  Look no further to feel comfortable in your own skin both literally and figuratively.  I introduce to you such a great product it should be a secret.  Luckily for me my husband works in the dermatologist field so he brings home lots of great products.  I have mentioned one of my favorites before Cerave... My skin never had it so good until I used Cerave cleanser and lotion.  Anyways, the other day he brought home Skin Cueticals sunscreen fluid.  A fluid I said ? I was skeptical.  It's SPF 50 but I had been on a search for an effective, potent, new facial sunscreen.  I tried it.  WOW!!!!! It is indeed a fluid, and a tinted one at that.  I don't even have to wear my mineral makeup.  It seeps seamlessly into your pores, leaving a sheer tinted powder finish.  My skin is protected and left luminous.  I layer Stilla tinted moisturizer on top and my skin is good to go without makeup that would otherwise melt in this 115 degree summer heat.  This sunscreen has been featured in Allure and Glamour as editor favorites.  Go get some asap and feel good in and about your skin! 

PS, you can only purchase in your Derms office, but it does not require an RX.  Or you can purchase online HERE or from Amazon
Enjoy your new skin!  XOXO and have a thrilling Thursday Lovelies!
-Brooke

The beauty bag Thursday - Summer Hues "Gold Rush"

Is there anything else that screams summer more than Gold?  It is reminiscent of sandy beaches, glowing sun kissed skin, and sunny skies that shine long into the evening.  Gold is almost a neutral on the face when done correctly.  These beauty products (All from Sephora) are some of my favorites for summer and effortlessly help achieve that "Golden Glow" that make the livin' easy.  XOXO

This 24/7 liner from Urban Decay stays on well...24/7!

I can't live without my tinted moisturizer from Stilla.  It's SPF 30 and leaves a luminous Golden glow

This topcoat from the Sephora OPI collection leaves perfect golden flecks on your tips and toes

This eyeshadow trio is my daily color.  "Baked Bronze Beauty"

The perfect stain for cheeks and lips.  This benefit product leaves a coral, golden tint. Lovely!

A few of my latest Favorite Finds... and Father's day DIY ideas!

I adore this beautiful hue of pink on a simple metal bistro set!  Find it HERE

How about THIS from Ms. Daisy of WHEATFEILD hanging in the Hall? Perfect!

These three cousins who can't get enough of each other! Courtesy of Brittany Williams Talent HERE

THIS adorable idea for fathers day is easy enough for kids to put together by themselves!

And THIS is definitely going to be a DIY project at our house this week for our Hero Hubby/Dad!

THIS limited finishing powder/bronzer gives the ultimate glow and always guarantees compliments!

A white eyelet Maxi..comfy and classic summer





May's Favorite things and a New Designer: Kendra Scott

My fabulous sister is the author of the wonderfully inspiring blog Swirls of Happy.  Her recent post on color found HERE left me thinking about one of my newest favorites whom is a designer who uses COLOR! I was quickly inspired to write about her,  Kendra Scott.  Her Color wheel is genius, and she is just as adorable as one can get.  Check out her delicious designs on this link: Click Me  Kendra recently did a makeover and a dream wedding for a bride and her husband to be whom has been deployed in the service. She featured the giveaway on the Rachel Ray show. Needless to say my eyes were filled with tears, it was a very sweet and kind gesture.  You can read and watch the video about this all American couple and fabulous designer  HERE.  Onto the Favorites!  Every month I will post a list of my current favorites. Here are May's:












The new OPI color "Sparrow me the Drama" from their summer collection. It is a perfect pink-purple-nude color.
















I still can't get enough of these versatile dresses since last season.. They are comfy, and chic, and can be layered with a cardigan and a waist belt. So fab!





Lip Stain in "passion".  I have been going sans makeup in this heat and if I apply this pink color and a coat of mascara I am good to go.  Plus its only $7!  Beauty Bargain!

This past four months I joined a Modern dance group.  The teacher was amazing, inspiring, and tough.  I constantly had bruises, pulled muscles, and tore my body apart.  It was one of the most physically challenging things I've done (even more than my triathlon), as it used muscles, poise, and concentration I did not know I had.  It was a fabulous class and it enabled me to do something for my artistic outlet.

I LOVE my usual "creamy nutmeg" candle but for the summer I like something fresh and this is my go to scent for our home. (Plus how happy is this color)! The Caribbean escape is wonderful also and comes in a Pink hue.

I am in LOVE with this cream formula from MAC.  This color is Posey and gives my cheeks a moisture surge of pinky perfect color for the summer. Thank you MAC

I am a follower of the Stilla tinted moisturizer but during my wedding I found this little number.  It Illuminates to a pearl finish and also primes my skin for my bare esenctuals.  It is a MUST in my make up bag.  You can get it HERE

Paradise Bakery...Ahhh...How I love thee.  Their Sesame chicken salad with a side of fire roasted tomato soup is my go to dinner with the kiddos when the Hubs is traveling for work.  I can't go through my week without making two stops (yes two a week) to pick up their lemon zester cookie and plain sugar cookie. Heaven on earth.  I have a mock recipe for these that I will be trying this weekend and will post how it turns out!

Mary Pope Osborne is a genius children's writer and has got my boys hooked!  Jerron is so into these books and can't put them down!  He currently just bought the newest book "The crazy day of the Cobra" at his school's book fair.  After each book he finishes he gets to choose a restaurant to go to on a family date.  I love that he loves to read! (and that he chooses yummy restaurants! Pei Wei, Paradise, Red Robin, Oregano's) He definitely has his mommas sense of food. Go grab some of the books in this series for your kiddos.





This new family favorite.  Giada's Chicken Pastina...Find the recipe HERE It's so easy and delish. The hubby and kids adore it.












Hands Down the BEST moisturizer ever!  They have an entire line of skincare that I am an avid believer in.  I personally use the foaming cleanser, AM lotion (which contains 30spf), PM lotion at night and the Cerave cream on my gams and feet. The regular body lotion is fabulous too for daily care.  Jerron my 8 year old has the worst eczema and if I lather him up head to toe with the cream he never has breakouts, and his current dry skin patches are dramatically improving.  The best part is you can grab it at CVS or Walgreens and it is inexpensive at $10-$20 depending on the product!  Yeah! 



















My Trader Joes Herb Garden.  This cute little herb garden comes in a hand crafted wooden planter with three slots for Basil, Italian Parsley, and Thyme.  Its perfect in my kitchen and I adore cooking with fresh herbs, plus the kiddies have fun taking care of it!










Popcorn Indiana is a fav snack in our home. I carry the single serve bags in my purse at all times. Our family favorites are the kettle corn, cinna sugar, and aged white cheddar.  Even better is they are all natural. Now that is Yummy!