Category Archives: Style and Design

July Unboxed: Beauty Box 5

Style and Design, , , , , , , , , , ,

Hi friends! I recently received another box from Beauty Box 5 and would love to share the contents, if you’re game. In case you missed previous posts, Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends 5 new beauty products straight to your doorstep each month. And I know, I know. Today is the last day of August and this is my box from July but I actually didn’t receive it until this month (there were some shipping issues).

The boxes are $12/month ($10 if you order quarterly and $9 if you pay for the whole year!) and are guaranteed to include at least $35 of product. The brands are a mix of drugstore tried & trues, innovative indie, and deluxe…and so far the majority of products included are full size. Oh, and did I mention FREE SHIPPING on U.S. subscriptions? Ka-ching!

Here’s everything that was included in the July box! 3 out of 5 of the products were full size (+ they sent me a free makeup brush because of the shipment snafu!). Let’s take a look…

luseta beauty argan oil hair masqueArgan Oil Hair Masque from Luseta Beauty (Retail: $29 for full size)

This is the perfect product to restore hair after a summer full of sun, salt, and chlorine. It also protects against future heat damage and smells amazing!

 

Line & Seal Eyeliner in PLUM from Styli-Style (Retail: $6.50)

I’m not usually an eyeliner girl but something about this pretty plum color makes the whole thing feel a bit more approachable. It has a gel-like formula and glides on smooth.

 

manna kadar illuminatorGlo Illuminator from Manna Kadar Cosmetics (Retail: $29 for full size)

I don’t think I’ll be mixing this with my base (too much dewiness for me) but I love it dabbed on cheekbones for a subtle shimmer. Gotta hold on to that summery glow!

 

seraphine botanicals lip crayonQuince + Crimson Crayon from Seraphine Botanicals (Retail: $24)

This is a one stop shop product perfect for travel because it can be used as lip AND cheek color. They’re not lying about the long-lasting part either. This stuff is made to STAY.

 

Nail polish in COPACABANA CORAL from Nanacoco (Retail: $3.95)

I definitely have time for one last round of BRIGHT polish before I start pretending Miami actually has seasons and opt for more autumnal hues. My toes will be pool ready in no time!

 

BONUS: Cut the Crease brush from BB5

I was super excited to receive this extra treat as I’ve been wanting to get a new brush for eye makeup. SCORE!

 

 

For sneak peeks and monthly product info, follow Beauty Box 5 on Instagram.

Overall, I love that Beauty Box 5 includes self-care treats – like the hair mask and nail polish – alongside makeup I’d never think to try and end up loving (I’m looking at you purple eyeliner). Which product would you be most excited to try out? Do you have a favorite makeup subscription service? I would totally recommend Beauty Box 5 (even if you’re product clueless like me!). 

*Note – This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight.

Capsule Wardrobe Starter Pack: 10 Whimsical Pieces

Fashion, Style and Design, , ,

Over the last couple weeks, we’ve discussed how to facilitate creating new capsules every three months by selecting a STARTER PACK. Ten or so pieces that can travel with you on your capsule wardrobe journey as the calendar pages flick by. That way, you can simply round out each season with the appropriate extras. Think: lots of tees and tanks for Summer, pretty sundresses for Spring, and tights and cardigans to bundle up in Winter.

I decided it might be fun to showcase a few starter pack examples for three different vibes: CLASSIC, VINTAGE INSPIRED, and WHIMSICAL. And of course I turned to one of my favorite sources for gorgeous, well-fitting pieces — MODCLOTH. Use these 10 Piece Starter packs as a guide to help you build your own. What do you have in your closet? What staple items might you be missing? And then each season, GET CREATIVE. Build out your capsule with your favorite pieces for the season!

This week, 10 Whimsical Pieces …

  1. LBD with extra ruffles. Need I say more?
  2. Bomber style jean jacket in the front, CAT PARTY in the back.
  3. Toss on this chunky arm candy to dress up a tee or simple dress.
  4. Stunning earrings that will certainly start a conversation.
  5. A-Line black skirt for maximum twirl capability.
  6. An ethereal statement necklace to dress up any neck.
  7. Simple gray graphic tee with an important message.
  8. This blouse will feel like wearing a field of flowers.
  9. Jeans with exposed buttons for added interest.
  10. A truly goddess-worthy maxi dress. Pink, of course.

Would any of these pieces make the cut for YOUR Starter Pack? Do you have any capsule wardrobe tips & tricks? Leave ’em below! xoxo

And be sure to check out the previous CAPSULE WARDROBE STARTER PACKS HERE and HERE, if you haven’t already!

A Palm Leaf Print Inspired Bedroom

Home, Style and Design, , , , , , , ,

Today is super dreary and we’re bracing for an endless string of days with thunderstorms in the forecast. So, to cheer myself up, I’m gonna do a little make-believe interior decorating! Palm Leaf Print seems to be everywhere at the moment. (Seriously, check out Pinterest.)

While I’m going for a more beachy vibe in my current bedroom (with light blues and greens and calming touches), I can see loving this decor in a future home. Maybe one where we don’t have NATURE’S palm leaf print right outside our bedroom window. 😉

Until then, commence the daydream interior design:

A palm leaf duvet cover serves as the anchor for the room and is perfect for cuddling up in on less-than-tropical mornings.

A wallpaper to create the illusion of an exposed brick accent wall.

A pair of round bedside tables to flank the palm leaf-ed bed.

A zig-zag wall shelf as the perfect place for plants to live.

A lamp for the dresser on copper tripod legs.

A sunburst mirror to make a bold statement.

A marble ring dish and agate boxes for storing tiny treasures.

A bright hamper to keep dirty clothes off the floor.

And a metal basket stows extra, cozy blankets and a stash of just-for-fun magazines.

What elements or prints are inspiring YOUR interior design daydreams? I’d love to hear! xoxo

P.S. Please take a few minutes to fill out my READER SURVEY. I will send you 10,000 virtual hugs!!! Thanks. 🙂

Is the Tangle Teezer all it’s cracked up to be?

Personal, Style and Design, , , ,

Tangle Teezer

Let me tell you a potentially gross secret. I’ve had the same hairbrush for years. I bought it after a return flight from a debate tournament in Wisconsin. I opened my checked luggage (Remember back when checking a bag was free?! Luxe.) to find a complete disaster, a friendly note from TSA saying they had searched my bag, and several broken items. Including my hairbrush. Annoyed, I rushed to Walmart to buy a replacement and the rest as they say is history!

BUT! For years, these little kidney bean shaped brushes have been EVERYWHERE. And so I finally decided, enough was enough. It was time give ol’ faithful a rest and try something new. And the results surprised me…

Tangle Teezer bristles

So, here’s another secret. I don’t brush my hair all that often. I wear it up or let it air dry naturally and call it a day. But I feel like I need to buck this trend and start taking better care of my mane.

Tangle Teezer promises speedy and gentle results thanks to their revolutionary teeth formation. And most importantly for yours truly, helps to minimize hair breakage caused by mistreatment when detangling.

Some big promises, eh? I took it out for a spin on wet hair. At first, it felt like nothing was happening. If a brush isn’t rippin’ through those tangles then I ain’t got time for it! But then I realized it had ACTUALLY GOTTEN OUT THE KNOTS. With one swipe. Without my noggin really feeling a thing. What IS this witchcraft?!?

On dry hair I experienced similar results. Quick and painless. Minimal hair left behind in the brush. (SCORE!) Shiny, no knots, and a great little scalp massage to boot. The only downside so far is a little bit of static when brushing dry hair. Other than that, call me AMAZED. I can’t believe I waited so long to jump on this bandwagon.

Does the Tangle Teezer work?

Do you have a hairbrush you swear by? Have you tried the Tangle Teezer? Are there any other beauty trends I’ve been sleepin’ on??? Leave me a wake up call below!

P.S. This isn’t a sponsored post. I just REALLY needed to get a new hairbrush and was so baffled by how well this one worked that I couldn’t keep it a secret. 🙂

Capsule Wardrobe Starter Pack: 10 Vintage Inspired Pieces

Fashion, Style and Design, , ,

Last week, we discussed how to facilitate creating new capsules every three months by selecting a STARTER PACK. Ten or so pieces that can travel with you on your capsule wardrobe journey as the calendar pages flick by. That way, you can simply round out each season with the appropriate extras. Think: lots of tees and tanks for Summer, pretty sundresses for Spring, and tights and cardigans to bundle up in Winter.

I decided it might be fun to showcase a few starter pack examples for three different vibes: CLASSIC, VINTAGE INSPIRED, and WHIMSICAL. And of course I turned to one of my favorite sources for gorgeous, well-fitting pieces — MODCLOTH. Use these 10 Piece Starter packs as a guide to help you build your own. What do you have in your closet? What staple items might you be missing? And then each season, GET CREATIVE. Build out your capsule with your favorite pieces for the season!

This week, 10 Vintage Inspired Pieces …

  1. Mad Men meets #ladyboss in this LBD.
  2. All the benefits of a poncho but in a versatile jean jacket fabric.
  3. A friendship bracelet inspired watch makes for playful arm candy.
  4. These bold earrings add an element of funk.
  5. Can’t go wrong with this pencil black skirt.
  6. The more beads the better with this chunky statement necklace.
  7. A graphic tee that all the bibliophiles can get behind.
  8. This blouse rocks a classic vintage color.
  9. Ripped jeans give a well-worn look even when brand new.
  10. A bold tribal print makes a maxi dress statement.

Would any of these pieces make the cut for YOUR Starter Pack? Do you have any capsule wardrobe tips & tricks? Leave ’em below! xoxo

And tune in next week for a WHIMSICAL CAPSULE WARDROBE STARTER PACK!

Capsule Wardrobe Starter Pack: 10 Classic Pieces

Fashion, Style and Design, , ,

capsule wardrobe starter pieces

I’ve previously posted about my all-season capsule wardrobe. A collection of 50 items that can take you from Winter to Summer, casual picnic to black tie affair (and everything in between). But what if you want to go the season-by-season route?

One easy way to facilitate creating new capsules every three months is to select your STARTER PACK. Ten or so pieces that can travel with you on your capsule wardrobe journey as the calendar pages flick by. That way, you can simply round out each season with the appropriate extras. Think: lots of tees and tanks for Summer, pretty sundresses for Spring, and tights and cardigans to bundle up in Winter.

I decided it might be fun to showcase a few starter pack examples for three different vibes: CLASSIC, VINTAGE INSPIRED, and WHIMSICAL. And of course I turned to one of my favorite sources for gorgeous, well-fitting pieces — MODCLOTH. Use these 10 Piece Starter packs as a guide to help you build your own. What do you have in your closet? What staple items might you be missing? And then each season, GET CREATIVE. Build out your capsule with your favorite pieces for the season!

Up first, 10 Classic Pieces …

10 classic pieces from Modcloth capsule wardrobe

  1. A figure flattering LBD with a scalloped neckline.
  2. This jean jacket would pair with sundresses and flannel button-ups alike.
  3. Dainty rose gold watch makes for flirty arm candy.
  4. These mood earrings are a classic style with a twist.
  5. Serving you business executive realness in a black skirt.
  6. A statement necklace with marble is oh so on trend.
  7. This graphic tee shows off a nerdy side.
  8. Bell sleeves and a flattering cut will keep this blouse in heavy rotation.
  9. Jeans with the perfect dark wash.
  10. This maxi dress is an elegant show stopper.

Would any of these pieces make the cut for YOUR Starter Pack? Do you have any capsule wardrobe tips & tricks? Leave ’em below! xoxo

And tune in next week for a VINTAGE INSPIRED CAPSULE WARDROBE STARTER PACK! 

Magical Underwear!?

Style and Design, , , , ,

ex officio underwear magical

Do you have a certain type of underwear you swear by? I used to always buy those cheapy-cheap 6-packs of Hanes and call it a day. (Oftentimes purchasing a new pack when I didn’t feel like schlepping to the laundromat. *doh!*) And lately I’m committed to the laser-cut underpants from Target. But then, on a whim, I decided to treat myself to a pair of Ex Officio and learn what all the fuss is about!

Since I’m sort of obsessed with minimalist packing (mainly as a concept but sometimes also in practice), the Ex Officio brand has been on my radar for a while. Their underwear is a nylon/spandex blend so it’s super comfortable and moisture-wicking. Plus, they’re made with a microbe shield. And for packing purposes, they’re easy to hand-wash and they air dry quickly so you only need to toss a couple pairs in your backpack for ultra-lite travel/trekking.

They’re a little more expensive than my $4 Target faves, but I think it’s totally worth having a few pairs of these magical underpants on hand. They’re my new go-to’s for working out and traveling!

Now I want to try MORE magical Ex Officio items like this lightweight hoodie with insect shield (for future Everglades trips perhaps?) and a sleeveless blouse.

What kind of underwear do you like? Do you have a recommendation for travel/adventure friendly clothing brands? Have you ever tried Ex Officio?

P.S. If it’s a comfy bra you’re after, I recommend THIS ONE.

Blog Love: I Can’t Get Enough Of These 5 Blogs

Brainpower, Personal, Style and Design, , , , , , ,

favorite blogs

My Bloglovin feed is ever growing but there are a few tried and trues I return to again and again. If you don’t already follow these five, I think you’ll love them too! Have a nose around and let me know if you find a new favorite.

Reading My Tea Leaves
www.readingmytealeaves.com

Why I love it: The site has such a beautiful, calming aesthetic. I could literally scroll through all day and never tire of the bright, crisp images. The posts focus on simplicity and practical ways to live a more sustainable life. Areas in which I’m always willing to listen and attempt to incorporate.

Why YOU will love it: Erin is an amazing writer and photo stylist. [She even has a beautiful book to prove it!] Reading Tea Leaves is a happy marriage of these two skills with a nice balance of writing-driven posts and image-driven posts.

Posts for your reading pleasure: Simple Stuff: Hangers, Floral Ice Cubes You Should Not Make, My Week in Objects Series, Out and About: Seattle, and Habit Shift: Dinner Outside.

And Then We Saved
www.andthenwesaved.com

Why I love it: Budget based content is some of my favorite to read. It might be a strange topic of interest but I always find helpful information and inspiration when perusing  this budget blog. (Plus, there’s such a sense of “we’re all in this together and by this I mean the rough world where stuff is hella expensive”. Ya feel me?) Bonus: I’m a sucker for a great list post and Anna writes some great list posts.

Why YOU will love it: If you want to ball on a budget, and who doesn’t really, you will find some great tips and hacks for doing so.

Posts for your reading pleasure: Spending Fasters Series, How to Grow an Organic Garden on a Tight Budget, 29 Ways to Make Money, 17 Ways to be Happier (Because Feeling Down is Costly), and How a Zero-Waste Lifestyle Leads to Saving Money.

A Cup of Jo
www.cupofjo.com

Why I love it: I started reading A Cup of Jo when I was too poor to afford internet in my apartment so I would go to work early to read posts from the archives until I caught up with real time. (I’m nothing if not a VERY dedicated blog reader.) IMHO, Joanna is the best in the biz when it comes to lifestyle bloggers.

Why YOU will love it: The daily content is truly “lifestyle” with a healthy mix of home, beauty, travel, design, and relationships. There’s literally something for everyone! Plus, a great collection of series that will leave you begging for more!

Posts for your reading pleasure: 8 Great Gifts for Hosts, Packing for Vacation, A Week of Outfits Series, How to Avoid Panty Lines and Other Reader Questions, and Motherhood Around the World Series.

Yes and Yes
www.yesandyes.org

Why I love it: Posts on Yes and Yes always bring some sort of REAL value to my life — and in all sorts of arenas too! Everything from self-care to business, road trips to balancing spending and happiness.

Why YOU will love it: Sarah‘s writing style feels like you’re listening to a BFF and not just someone you found on the internet. Plus, the site features fantastic interviews and time-suckingly wonderful link round-ups.

Posts for your reading pleasure: True Story Series, How to Chase Your Dreams Without Hating Your Life, Mini Travel Guide: Georgia (The Country!), 9 Train Travel Tips You Didn’t Know, and My 5-Second Money Saving Trick.

Budget Bytes
www.budgetbytes.com

Why I love it: Simply put, I love a good food blog…and I especially love a good food blog that ALSO ticks my ballin’ on a budget box! The budget-lovin’ nerd in me is obsessed with the cost break-downs on each recipe.

Why YOU will love it: Budget Bytes features tasty recipes that turn out delicious no matter your income. Plus, each post includes tons of great step-by-step photos so you’re way less likely to mess up the recipe. Score!

Posts for your reading pleasure: Sweet Potato Grain Bowls with Green Tahini Sauce, One Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese, 5-Minute Microwave French Toast Mug, Spicy Baked Black Bean Nachos, and Lemon Poppyseed Two-Bite Scones.

What are some of YOUR favorite blogs???

May Unboxed: Beauty Box 5

Style and Design, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beauty Box 5 May 2017

Hi friends! I recently received my fourth box from Beauty Box 5 and would love to share the contents, if you’re game. In case you missed previous posts, Beauty Box 5 is a subscription service that sends 5 new beauty products straight to your doorstep each month.

The boxes are $12/month ($10 if you order quarterly and $9 if you pay for the whole year!) and are guaranteed to include at least $35 of product. The brands are a mix of drugstore tried & trues, innovative indie, and deluxe…and so far the majority of products included are full size. Oh, and did I mention FREE SHIPPING on U.S. subscriptions? Ka-ching!

Here’s everything that was included in the May box! 5 out of 5 of the products were full size (+ a mini bonus item!) for a total retail value of about  fifty buckaroos. Let’s take a look…

24 Hour Liquid Lipstick in RIOJA from Cougar Beauty (Retail: $12.99)

This is the perfect color to dress up a little black dress or a crisp white shirt tucked into jeans. The formula is long lasting and it smells amazing! The perfect addition to any date-night look.

 

 

Exfoliating Body Scrubber from Daily Concepts (Retail: $5.00)

This scrubber is a great addition to my once-a-week skin exfoliating routine. It buffs away roughness and cleanses deeply with dual textures. And I love that there’s a label that fades when it’s time to replace.

 

Jumbo Eye & Lip Pencil in GOLD from Nanacoco (Retail: $5.50)

Not sure I’m brave enough to incorporate a gold top-coat on my lips, but I love using metallics on my eyes (especially in summer)! This gold hue can be used as a shadow or on the waterline as a liner.

 

 

Bare Necessities Highlighting Pencil from Jelly Pong Pong (Retail: $17.95)

I’m excited to use this product on the inner and outer corners of my eye to make myself look a little more awake (<- sleepy morning hack FTW!).

 

 

Mongongo Lip Conditioner from Jersey Shore Cosmetics (Retail: $10.00)

Chapstick is a beach bag ESSENTIAL. And this one smells like coconuts! Perfect. I love the all natural ingredients in this lip conditioner, but I would love it a bit more with the addition of some SPF.

 

 

BONUS: Arnica Salve from De La Cruz

I wasn’t expecting a sixth item at all! Arnica Salve can be used for relief of bruises, minor burns, chapped skin and simple scratches. I wonder how it would do on mosquito bite scars? I’ll give it a go!

 

For sneak peeks and monthly product info, follow Beauty Box 5 on Instagram.

Overall, I love that Beauty Box 5 includes everyday essentials – like the exfoliating body scrubber and lip conditioner – alongside special occasion makeup. Which product would you be most excited to try out? Do you have a favorite makeup subscription service? I would totally recommend Beauty Box 5 (even if you’re product clueless like me!). 

*Note – This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Finding Delight.

7 YouTube Channels to Check Out For Capsule Wardrobe Inspiration

Fashion, Style and Design, , , , , ,

capsule wardrobe youtube channels

Thinking of starting a capsule wardrobe? Might be a fun weekend activity if you’re in the spring-cleaning mood or have recently been bit by the minimalism bug. These YouTube channels have videos which may provide some inspiration…

1. My Green Closet – Capsule Wardrobes | Project 333 playlist

2. Mademoiselle – The Minimal Wardrobe playlist

3. The Anna Edit – Style/Capsule Wardrobe playlist

4. Light by Coco – Capsule Wardrobe playlist

5. Miss Louie – Lookbooks playlist

6. Jenn Rogers – My Capsule Collection playlist

7. Bookish & Belle – Fashion & Style playlist

Do you have a capsule wardrobe? Thinking of starting one? Where do you find minimalist fashion inspiration? I’d love to know!!

P.S. My 50 Piece All-Season Capsule Wardrobe.