Oh, {Happy} Day!

Last month, I had the privilege of standing next to my best friend as she said, "I do." It was really a fun and beautiful wedding in the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains. Surrounded by redwood trees, some that are over 1,700 years old, we were able to celebrate love and happiness and a new beginning. It was magical and I am absolutely happy for them both!

My job that morning was to grab the most important meal of the day: breakfast! We had to do the whole bride-to-be Starbucks cup thing, of course! Then everyone else wanted theirs to say what their importance was today - my personal favorite was my mom's "Mother of the Maid of Honor" cup - those poor baristas spent as much time writing as they did making our drinks!

Her dress was absolutely gorgeous, and she looked stunning. I'm so proud of the woman that she is and so happy that she found someone to share her life with - he is so sweet to her! 

Oh, so happy!

xoxo

Friday Five

ONE | COZY CARDIGANS

There is something about Autumn's morning chill and cool breezes that always makes me want to be all wrapped up in a soft, cozy cardigan. This one from Modcloth (pictured above) is so adorable and it is certainly on my wishlist. I just love the houndstooth!

TWO | TRADER JOE'S 

Seriously, Trader Joe's is the best. It has great, (mostly) healthy food at prices that are often lower than Target or Safeway. They have such a nice fruit and vegetable selection, and I really love their gnocchi! It's a wonderful store for me in the sense that I'm trying to save money, be healthy, and balance all of the parts of my life... Trader Joe's helps!

THREE | THE O.C.

  The O.C.: The Complete Series (Seasons 1-4)
 Every other year or so, I like to re-watch The O.C. Particularly towards the end of the year, so I can watch all of the Christmukkah episodes (that are wonderful)! It's cheesy and silly, but I still feel compelled to sit there and knit whilst watching a show that is 10 years old. 

FOUR | WEN HAIR PRODUCTS

 
WEN® Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner 16oz 
What with me moving into a new (saltier) climate and dying my hair recently, it has become necessary for me to have a great moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, as well as other hair products. My mom bought me Wen cleansing conditioner in Sweet Almond Mint as a gift, and it has done wonders for my hair! I'm obsessed. My hair is so soft and silky now. 

FIVE | THE GOOD MAD

Seriously, take a listen. This song, called "What Money Paid For" is seriously so wonderful. I am so glad that I found this band.

What are you loving this week?

xoxo

Auburn Autumn

In my 101 in 1,001 Things to Do list, I decided that I wanted to cut & color my hair. It's all done, finished this weekend. I love it! Perfect for Autumn, which is coming up this weekend! 

It certainly doesn't feel like Autumn here yet (80 degrees today!) but I cannot wait!

xoxo

Friday Five: Autumn

ONE | CHANGE

Isn't this auburn color gorgeous?
Source

I am going to get my hair done this weekend (for the first time in months - one bad haircut and it all goes downhill!) and I have really been wanting to switch up my look. So, like the seasons, my hair will be changing, too. I'm switching up the color and cutting off quite a few inches.

I can't wait to see what my hair looks like in auburn!

TWO | BAKING

My banana & chocolate chip muffins

Mmmm... Baked goods. Cookies, muffins, monkey bread! I adore baking and I have already started to get back into the baking swing! It will be difficult to bake during the school year, so I may just have to bake a bunch now and freeze for later. Or just find time to bake whilst studying.

THREE | RAINY DAYS

There is something about the sound of rain that calms my soul. I have always loved the rain: dancing and playing in puddles, kissing in the rain, or even curling up with a good book (with the window cracked so the sound can float in). Rain epitomizes Autumn for me, and I cannot wait for rainy days. For now, I'll settle with listening to Rainy Mood.

FOUR | HALLOWEEN

As you can see, I've already started crafting for the spookiest day of the year!

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. It falls a week before my birthday and it is an excuse to dress up and eat candy, two of my favorite things to do! Last year I dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood, and this year... who knows? Normally I know by now but there are so many choices! Wait and see what I will be.

FIVE | LONG DRIVES

There is something about piling into a car with three or four friends and some really good music, and just driving. No particular destination is needed, just an hour or two spend cruising with friends. It is much more expensive to do this now, what with gas prices being so costly, so I'll probably only do this one time this Fall. But I sure am looking forward to it!

What are you looking forward to most this Autumn?

xoxo

My Beauty Favorites: {Summer}

Summer Favorites by darlingdreamer featuring an essie nail polish

Maybelline voluminous mascara / Essie nail polish / Essie nail polish / Styling product / Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

When I was little, I was really into makeup: it fascinated me, and because my mom never really uses beauty products, I was enthralled with everything to do with makeup or hair. I wasn't allowed to wear makeup until I was sixteen years old, and for a few days here and there, I really enjoyed it. But now, I'm a person of minimal makeup: I do really like using Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB cream, because it evens out my facial color, moisturizes my skin, and provides SPF 30! It's also very light, I can't even tell I'm in makeup! I also use Maybelline's Cat Eyes mascara, which makes my eyelashes longer and more pronounced (as well as making my eyes pop!) without clumping. 

As far as hair goes, I'm usually just a brush-and-go girl, unless I'm braiding my hair or putting it up in some other way. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe texturing spray gives my already wavy hair something a little extra. 

And last but not least, nails! I love to paint my nails to match the season or my mood. It's a good way to express yourself. During the Summer months, I really go for the bright colors: turquoise, corals, pink glitter, bright blues, etc. But my favorites this summer were Essie's Turquoise & Caicos (also Naughty Nautical!) and Sunday Funday. 

What are your favorite beauty products this Summer?

xoxo

Maiden Braids

So, the other day, I decided to try to put my hair up in maiden braids, and it ended up looking awesome! I'm so excited and plan to do my hair like this a lot more often. 

It's quite easy: Split your hair into four sections, a front and back section on either side of your head. Braid each section and use a small hair tie to secure while working on the other sections. Then, using bobby pins, remove the hair ties and move the braids across your head, pinning securely. Use as many pins as it takes to keep the braids secure (I have very thick hair so it takes a lot of bobby pins). Spray with hair spray and you're all finished! 

Hope you have a stupendous day! xo