Summer Glow: Powder Products

Josie Maran/ Hourglass/ Becca/ Bobbi Brown/ Laura Mercier

I've been all about a glow lately when it comes to my makeup since it's gotten warmer. Glowy skin is kind of inevitable when it's hot outside anyway, so I've just decided to go with it. These are a few powder products that I've been eyeing lately to enhance the warm summer glow look I've been going for! I've really been into illuminating highlighters and blushes, which is probably overboard when I wear them together, but I just go with it and call it a {really} healthy glow! 

I think that whether you're going for an all over glow, a cheekbone highlight or a luminous blush, and you want to treat yourself, I would definitely check these out. I think there's something for everyone in these products and that they would suit just about any skin tone. 

Let me know if you have any of these and what you think about them! 

Tips to Maximize Limited Outdoor Spaces

Chairs, Ceramic stool, pillows: Costco/ Planter boxes & stand: Lowe's Home Improvement

1. Know what you want to get out of your space.
Will you be eating there, just want a place to sit, or have a garden? Originally we just wanted our little balcony to be a place we could sit in the evenings with a beverage for a bit of a different atmosphere. Then we decided we'd also like to add some flowers and herbs for a little hobby and something more pretty to look at out there.
2. Find pieces that won't overwhelm your small space.
We found most of our pieces at Costco because they have great deals and good quality stuff. They sell big, beautiful patio furniture sets, but also had single chairs, umbrellas, etc. for sale as well. We decided all we needed was a couple of chairs, and some type of small table to sit drinks on. We found the ceramic garden stool/ottoman at Costco for only $40 (they usually are $80+!) and I think it's the perfect size for our balcony; it's just enough space to set drinks on but it's not the focal point.
At first we tried planter boxes to hang off the side of our railing, but our railing is an odd size so that plan fell through. We wanted to do it that way so that we could add to the atmosphere with the flowers but take up no space on our balcony so that would be ideal choice #1. When that didn't work we ran across this two-tiered planter stand at Lowe's and thought it was perfect! It has the two tiers so we could do flowers on one and herbs on the other to make us both happy and it was thin enough that it didn't take up much space.
3. Just because it's small doesn't mean it can't be stylish.
Much like the way I decorate the interior I decorated the balcony here. So, we chose neutral colors for the chairs, stool and planter and added pops of color with the pillows and of course the flowers.
The chairs are made of vinyl wicker and I thought that gave it a little bit of a beach/vacation vibe, not to mention it's heavy duty for the elements. The outdoor pillows give the space more color, comfort and style to accessorize with. I love the color green and it obviously ties in with the flowers and other surroundings well, but the stripes reminded me of a striped beach towel I have, again going back to the vacation vibe.
Ceramic stools are really popular this year and I think that the stripes are a stylish choice that will never be out of date for an outdoor space. The two-tired planter is a super cute shape, I think, and makes me feel like I'm at a little outdoor bistro with the scroll details.
4. Minimal is better.
Did I want to add string lights and lanterns and ceramic figurines? Obviously! But for the tiny outdoor space I have on the balcony, anything else would start looking like clutter. When you're working with a small outdoor space less is definitely more. When you're outside you want to feel like you're in a calming environment and if it's got stuff hanging and sitting everywhere it's likely to make you feel stressed and not even use the space.
I hope this helps if you're creating an outdoor space for yourself,. I definitely had fun doing it even if it is small! If you can think of any other tips, let me know!

One-piece Swimsuits

Scalloped/Patterned/Crochet/High-waisted

It's almost officially summer (although the temperatures are already saying summer!) so it's that time of year that everyone's vacationing and relaxing by some form of water. Whether you're going to a beach, pool, waterpark or what have you, you've probably eyed this year's swimsuits and the style I've been drawn to is the one-piece!

They're good for so many reasons...hiding areas you're not comfortable with, showing off areas you are comfortable with, if you're a little modest or just want to try something different! I think one-piece swim suits can be really chic, especially paired with accessories (if you're into that) and/or a high bun and that's why that's what I'm  into for this year!

I didn't choose all Target swimsuits for any reason, I just happened to like these the best. Let me know what you think!