Style Inspiration: Navy & Neutrals

Untitled #3 by djfrasier featuring a v neck dress

Vero Moda v neck dress, $37 / Steve Madden metallic sandals / Warehouse , $18 / Astley Clarke gold earrings, $980 / C. Wonder anchor jewelry

5 Pieces of Advice

Throughout life we have the fortunate circumstance to come across those people who offer you inspiration that becomes etched in our minds.  That inspiration often comes in the form of advice.  Whether it be a story, a scenario, or their actions they all offer a lesson.   Out of all of the advice that I've received thus far in life there are few that stand out.  Today I decided to share five bits of advice and the people who gave them  that have helped me through life (thus far) in general.

1.  Knowledge is powerful but be careful as to where you acquire knowledge.

-Deb (that's my mom)

A very powerful message because, yes you may know a lot, but how many of those things are actually  void of deceit.  There are entities out there whose main goal is to deceive as many as they can so you really have to evaluate not only what you found but also where you found it.  The origin of knowledge plays a bigger role in it's truth than most people give it credit for.

2.  Know the difference between being productive and being busy.

-Erica 

 You may have numerous items on your agenda but how many of them are actually propelling you towards your goals?  In today's society we equate being busy with being important but if you're not accomplishing anything then it's not relevant.

3.  State the facts but always tell the truth.

-Missy

If you are a genuine person then why wouldn't the things you say be genuine.  Your words are of utmost importance, aside from your actions, which are what others base you credibility, reliability, and integrity off of so don't blow it by telling people what they want to hear.  Do not compromise your values for the sake of someones feelings.  They came to you for the truth.

4.  Life is equally unfair for us all.

-Julie

Guess what?  You can't win them all and that's life.  Does it make it any less painful?  Nope, but it's the truth.  So why is this a piece of advice?  Simply because complaining about it's unfairness is going to get you nowhere but seeking a solution will.  If you know that life is unfair then you might spend less time complaining about it and more time doing something about your situation.

5.  Be careful, but if not then go all in.

-Terrell 

Okay the actual quote went... 'Be careful but if not then f*ck it'.  My friends always have a way of putting things.  His point was that if it's something that you really truly deeply believe in then by all means put your best effort behind it.  He wanted me to be careful but he also wanted me to pursue my dreams.  His theory was that if it's worth it go after it, but in the event that you fail then it was worth the ride (and it had better been one hell of a ride).

Well folks that's it, valuable (or what I consider valuable) advice from great minds.

Gorgeous Summer Skin in 4 Steps

If you can not tell I love warm weather.  Spring and Summer are my absolute favorite seasons.  After months of layering on clothes and braving harsh cold weather we finally get to take in the warmth of the sun.  It's awesome....until our skin begins to realize what season it is.  Now it's time to rev up our summer skin care routine so that we can have flawless beautiful skin as we head to the beach.  So lovelies this is my simple summertime skin care routine.  

1.  Cleanse.

This is a step that gets beat into our minds in every skincare routine but that should tell you that it's important.  So take the time to do it.  I keep a pack of makeup removing wipes by my bed so that I can just reach over and grab one even if I'm exhausted.  You would also need to clean your skin in the mornings when you wake up and for that I like to use a sudsy cleanser, it just feels luxurious.

Personal choices:  Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, $5; Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads, $6; 

2. Exfoliate

Now it's time to shed all of that dead old skin so that a younger more vibrant face can seen by the world, right?  Exfoliating keeps your pores from clogging and it also helps your moisturizer penetrate your skin.  Look it up if you don't believe me. Now, you probably should not do this everyday but every other day should be just fine. 

Personal Choice:  St. Ives Apricot Scrub, $4 (this stuff has been around for a while now)

3.  Moisturize

If you do it during the winter to avoid dry cracked skin why wouldn't you do it during the summer to avoid crusty ashy skin?  Please remember to moisturize on the outside as well as the inside.  Drink plenty of water it's good for your face and your skin.

Personal Choice:  Palmer's Daily Facial Lotion, $8; Water, ?

4.  Sunscreen

This is serious.  People of all skin tones are susceptible to skin cancer.  UVA and UVB rays do not discriminate.  Cancer is a very serious and unfortunate disease.  If that's not enough to make you wear sunscreen (which it seriously should be) then maybe you should wear it to avoid wrinkles and leathery skin.

Personal Choice:  Neutrogena Clear Face Sunblock, $12

There you have it...just four steps to gorgeous skin this summer.  Tested by yours truly all it takes is at most 15 minutes every morning.