Nightly Skincare Routine

 
As I get older, I realize how important it is to take care of my skin. I love makeup but those are just accessories to great skin. I'm always on the hunt for new products and I'm excited to introduce a "new to me" skincare line, Lindi Skin. They were initially designed for people battling cancer, whose skin is compromised due to radiation and chemotherapy and day-to-day wear resulting from cancer treatments. Though I've not battled cancer, my skin is definitely complicated and overly dry. Even in the humid summer months, I rarely have oily skin. As a result, my skin tends to breakout, around my chin specifically. Super annoying and super difficult to find a skincare routine that accommodates my skin type. I've incorporated these four products into my nightly routine and it's done wonders for my skin!

First, I use the face wash after I take all my makeup off. In all honesty, the smell is awful BUT my skin feels amazing afterwards. It doesn't lather at all which is better for my skin and it doesn't make my skin feel dry and tight afterward.

After I wash my face, I apply the face serum. I'm in love with this stuff. I have acne prone skin and have always thought that applying a heavy serum or oil would cause more breakouts. Not so. Because my face is so dry, the serum replenishes my skin's moisture and makes it feel baby soft.

Next I apply the eye hydrator. It has a gel-like consistency and feels a-mazing. I wake up in the morning with seriously the best feeling skin, especially around my eyes. My eyes are less puffy and the dark circles have diminished. Bonus, since using it I've noticed that my concealer doesn't crease as much and my makeup doesn't settle into fine lines. The power of hydration!

Oddly enough, the lip balm is my favorite. Usually before bed I apply Vaseline to my lips because one, it's super cheap and two, it makes my lips feel delicious. This has replaced my love for Vaseline. When I applied it for the first time, it felt like I was having to apply a ton because it didn't feel like any was getting on my finger. I realized after several uses that it's because it doesn't have a waxy feeling to it so it really soaks your lips. I've never had a lip treatment that left my lips still soft in the morning. I'm a mouth breather at night (so attractive!) so my lips are always super dry. This has changed my life. Even my husband uses it now, the man who hates lotions and chapstick and any sort of hydration for his skin.

Lindi Skin is offering free shipping and 25% to all my readers! Use code BLOG25 through May 31 and Lindi Skin will make a donation to the American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" program for every purchase through this date.


In partnership with Lindi Skin.

Eva Franco for Lover.ly

When I was engaged and planning my wedding, I was overwhelmed with how many options there were not only for THE dress, but for my maids. HOW do you choose? My wedding would probably look different today as my style has evolved over the last 5 years and when I took a peak at Eva for Lover.ly, a new bridesmaid collection that just launched for Lover.ly, it had me dreaming all over again. Luckily, I know a few lovely ladies who are planning their special day.

What I love most about this collection is all the different textures, taking simple dresses to the next level. Top Anthropolgie seller, Eva Franco created looks to feel fresh and modern, with a perfectly vintage-y vibe. I usually err on the side of casual and these are all right up my alley.

I love the simplicity of this dress. The texture adds all the detail it needs. Plus, you don't need a ton of accessories. The floral crown adds a whimsical element, perfect for outdoor weddings.

For you trendy gals, this next one is for you. How amazing is this! You know the phrase that brides always say when choosing their bridesmaid dresses, "You can totally wear this again." It's usually followed by an eye roll, knowing full well the huge chiffon number that's been chosen for you will not work for life after wedding. Well, now you actually can! So. good.

Navy blue was my "pop of color" (yep, not really a pop, but that's totally me) and this is something I can totally get on board with--a jumpsuit! I love the wide, flowy leg that gives the illusion of a dress. I'm obsessed with this. Would y'all be this daring? And PS, summer date night outfit with the husband? Yes please.

I cannot get over this collection (and let's be real, Lover.ly's entire selection of bridesmaid dresses are so good). So beautiful and so well done. Perhaps I can convince husband to marry me all over again. :)

Thinking Cozy Thoughts

This past weekend, we experienced 80 degree weather. 80!!!! It was even better that it was Valentine's Day and we thoroughly enjoyed sipping our mimosas on our patio. I even have tan lines to prove it. And then I woke up the morning of my birthday, two short days later, to rain. Freezing rain. Nothing worse than starting a Monday with layers. So many layers. The dress I had picked out for my birthday was packed away and put on a pant suit instead for work. Happy birthday to me. :) But really, I have no reason to complain. So thankful I don't live in Boston or New York.

But if I had my way, I'd carry out my days from the pleasure of my bed, engorged in blankets, hot chocolate, some Netflix (Parenthood is now the show of choice), a fire in my imaginary fireplace that roars in my bedroom, surrounded by my boys.

There was a string of days that got us thinking we could remove the heavy down comforter from our bed and replace with a lighter blanket. We got ahead of ourselves. Husband however, who runs on hot likes the lighter feel and I'm forced to layer on the blankets on my side of the bed. We are in the process of making over our bedroom and we are on the hunt for the perfect headboard and (new) bedding. I literally want to roll around in this duvet and put my head down on these sheets. They're asking to be slept in. I can hear it. Parachute Home is a newer company with affordable, high quality bedding sets, perfect for aiding in those cozy days at home.

What are your cozy must-haves?

Think Pink

The days surrounding Valentine's Day are my favorite. Why, Krista? My birthday is the 16th, husband's is the 17th. I am one day older and I love that I always have something to hold over his head. Loving wife haha. We usually do something that incorporates all three celebrations together (my favorite year here) and I am a sucker for all things pink and hearts and red and glittery and sugar injected. I'm ALLOWED. The house gets extra girly and I use any and every excuse to buy anything heart related. Saturday morning, there will be heart pancakes, mimosas, cookies, red jammies, and strawberries. Having a child only means going the extra mile. It's kind of the best.

When I came across the Texas based boutique, Sunshine Tienda I fell in love. I love their aesthetic and the idea of inspiring the peace of vacation with goods around the world. In honor of Valentine's Day, they're generously offering my readers 20% off with the promo code LOVER. Their heart shaped bowls and spoon are literally perfection. Go, have a little fun shopping!

Happy Weekend + a Giveaway!

I just want you to know about 97% of the time I'm wearing this outfit or some variation of it. I'm all about cropped pants, a comfy tee (elbow pads are an added bonus) and cool flats. So easy, so chic. As a mama, I want to be able to get around and move with my son and still be comfy and stylish. Just because you're a mom doesn't mean who need to sport the mom jeans and the mini van with the family portrait on the back. 

Top, The Mint Julep Boutique c/o | Jeans, Marshalls | Loafers, Zara | Ring, Ash and Willow

In the spirit of the weekend, how about a giveaway? I know, happy weekend to you! The Mint Julep Boutique  is an online one stop shop and is offering one of my readers a $25 gift card to spend as you please. Need a new dress for Valentine's Day? They got 'em. Booties? Yep. Tops? Tons. 

The giveaway will run through Wednesday, February 4 and a winner will be chosen the following day. Must follow K Avenue to enter.

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K Ave's Must Haves

One of my favorite things about blogging is finding new brands and shops that I would have never otherwise heard of. I love hearing from various companies and love wearing clothes that aren't so mainstream. While I love Forever 21 and Target as much as the next person, it's nice not wearing the same sweater as my co-worker on any given Wednesday. :) I came across this London based shop and fell in love with their pieces. I'm more of a simple, no fuss gal when it comes to clothes which is why I love Tonic so much; they have so many neutral pieces. I've realized after looking at this that I'm on a neutral palette kick. Greys and black all err day!!!

Leather Jacket | Button up shirt | Graphic Tee | Leather Skirt | Grey Coat | Layered Blouse | Bush Print Pants | Dress | Stone Blue Pants

Plus, they're having a HUGE winter sale starting at 70%! I mean, how could you not? Seriously.

pa rum pum pum pum

 Dress, Walmart (seriously, this was my Easter dress this year) | Leather jacket, Wilson's Leather | Tights, kushyfoot c/o | Flats, Target (old) | Bag, Michael Kors, similar one I like

Around the holidays, I tend to overeat. I mean, really it's not my fault. Am I just supposed to ignore the peanut butter fudge that's been wrapped so nicely and placed on my desk for me to find when I get to work in the morning? The answer to that is no. So my answer to overeating are tights with shapewear built in. They're quite possibly the most genius thing ever. Cold. Feeling a little too much junk in not just the trunk. Insert tights.

In other news, I'm actually done with all my Christmas shopping. What's that? It's not even halfway through December? It's NOT Christmas Eve? Bonus...they're even wrapped and under the tree. Slow clap. Not really sure how it took 25 years for me to figure out this is really how December ought to be.

House to home: a curtain sale with Bedding Inn

Since moving in June, our house feels like it has been one big project. It seems our weekends are filled with DIY projects and perusing furniture stores. An apartment can be such a drab piece of white and it's important for me to incorporate my personality into my home. I was quickly aware of just how white the walls were and knew that I needed some color. It's been fun discovering how my style has changed over the years (even the last few months) and usually once I have things arranged just so, I'm itching to move everything around again. I have a constant need to create. Some of the biggest statement pieces I like to make, and are usually the easiest to change out, are linens. From pillows to bedding to curtains, they all make a huge impact and make the most punch in your space. They ground everything and pull your space together. And what's better than a one stop shop? Bedding Inn is having a huge 2014 Christmas curtain sale! Curtains, for me, aren't just a way to add color, but they are also functional. Texas is HOT in the Summer and COLD in the Winter. Curtains help to keep the heat out/in, depending on the season. The more we can regulate the temperature in the house, the smaller our electric bill which means more money in our pocket. Seriously, who doesn't want that? So curtains are crucial for us. While I love curtains that are simple, I usually love the drama that printed curtains can make. These blue ones are the perfect mix of simplicity and interest. And bonus, Bedding Inn is offering 65% off!

Top Class Fantastic Silky Noble Blue Double Pinch Pleat Curtain

I also love these discount grommet top curtains that draw your eye up and create the illusion of taller ceilings. Essential for apartment living! Adding a sheer curtain will add more interest too (check out Bedding Inn's custom sheer curtain sale!). 

High Quality Fancy Grommet Top Two-piece Custom Curtains

Once I decide on my color palette, curtains are usually next to go up. From there, deciding on a focal point and furniture placement, and then the fun stuff...knick knacks! 

Disclosure: A big thank you to Bedding Inn for sponsoring this post. While I was compensated to write a post, all opinions are my own.