Black On Black

Louise et Cie 'Vosse' Bootie ;  Motel Gabriella Romper;  'Spam' Contrast Hem Skirt

Gone Boho Tassel Drop Earrings;   Carissa Floppy Hat;  Curb Chain ID Bracelet

High-Waisted Faux Leather Shorts;  High Life Crop Knit;  MARC by Marc Jacobs 'Baker' Watch

The Benefits of Taking a Bath with Dead Sea Salts

I know I've said this before somewhere on this blog, but I will repeat myself- I absolutely, positively love taking baths.  There is nothing like a warm hot bath at the end of the day.  

Besides the relaxation factor, baths can be incredibly beneficial to your health.  I love Ahava's Dead Sea Salt Mineral Bath (as you can see from the below picture, I am almost out!).  I put a couple handful in my tub at the end of a long day (ESPECIALLY when I'm sore from working out).  Taking one of these mineral baths just puts me in a different state of mind- I almost feel like I'm at the spa.  Sure, there are tons of mineral bath options out there, but Ahava's factory is actually in the Dead Sea region.  If you can't make it to the actual Dead Sea, this is the next best thing...

So, what are the benefits?  How is salt from the Dead Sea any different from regular salt?

• The waters of the Dead Sea have been renowned for their healing properties since ancient times.  Flavius wrote 2,000 years ago that the salts from the Dead Sea heal the human body.
• Approximately 27% of the Dead Sea is comprised of various salts (as compared to 3 or 4% in normal sea water).  This salt is comprised of magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride, and bromides in addition to just sodium.
• Softens skin.
• Increases blood circulation.
• Detoxifies skin... the minerals extract toxins from your body.
• Helps alleviate redness and irritation from acne.
• Reduces muscle aches and pains.
• Relieves symptoms of psoriasis.
• Relieves symptoms of osteoarthritis and tendonitis.
• Heals dry and cracked skin.
• Some studies say it reduces wrinkles.

To Purchase with Free Shipping:

• AHAVA Deadsea Mineral Bath Salt, Natural, 32 oz.

references: livestrong.com, saltworks.us

The Best Razor: Schick Hydro Silk

I've never really been 100% stuck on one razor until this one.  I randomly got it because it came free as a sample in an order from Hautelook.

I love it.  It is super moisturizing and gives you a smooth, close shave.  What more can you ask for?

For super sexy legs, follow your shave with Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs (click link for my post on that amazing stuff...) and you're good to go!

What to look for in the store.

Pop-Up! Fashion. Art. Beauty.

Plans this weekend?  Make sure you drop by and check out this Pop-Up Shop on Saturday if you are in the New Orleans area.  I love that these girls came together to have an event to showcase Fashion, Art, & Beauty!  

I can't wait to check out all of the pretty little things Maison Hebert will have... (will have an upcoming post on this store in more detail soon!)

Here is a sneak peak at just some of what Maison Hebert will have to offer:

Are you sold yet on pretty much EVERYTHING in this picture?  Yeah, me too!

How To Get Natural-Looking Curls or Waves

The Curling Wand

Immediately after curling...

No, I do not have any extensions in... this wand creates full curls that hold in your actual hair.

Do you have a problem with your hair holding a curl?  If so, we are in the same boat.  My hair always falls flat... or always did until curling WANDS were invented.

The next morning, after sleeping on my hair...

Exactly what I wanted... loose, wavy curls that were ok for the day time!

Although there are different kinds, I like tapered wands because they give your hair more of a natural, wavy look instead of ringlet curls.  You can see from the pictures that the bottom isn't exactly curled under like a curling iron would do... this is because you are holding the end of your hair as you wrap it around the iron.

How are curling wands and curling irons different?

• a wand does not have a clamp like the curling iron
• most wands get hotter than curling irons, which supposedly is healthier for your hair because you use it probably half the time on each section of hair (your hair isn't exposed to the heat as long)
• they give you different types of curls (ringlet curls v. beachy waves)

Is using a curling wand difficult?

• No way!  I think wands are easier than curling irons... you literally just take a section of your hair and wrap it around the wand (starting at the thicker end or base of the wand), hold it for a few seconds, then let the curl fall.

What kind do I use?

• The Hot Tools Curly Q Tapered Curling Iron (yes it says "curling iron" but typically a wand means that it doesn't have a clip... this is a flipperless curling iron)
• I love, love Hot Tools products... they are professional grade, but at a reasonable price and with a 1 year warrant... although every Hot Tool product I have owned has never quit on me!

PURCHASE:

Of course, I found the best price out there for you guys with Free Shipping:

• Hot Tools 1 1/4" Curly Q Wand (I paid $59 at Ulta... you can purchase there as well!)

Never Forget.

ph: Ira Block

This photograph of Ground Zero taken by Ira Block brings tears to my eyes.  While browsing the 9/11 memorial sites and photos, I came across this shot on the National Geographic site and it really moved me.  I definitely had to share- in fact, you should check out the entire gallery.

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001?  I will never forget.  What's funny is that I remember all the "adults" saying, "You will never forget where you were the second you heard this happened."

I feel like it was yesterday.

Let us all take a moment to remember that day and the lives of those that were lost.

What is the Best Facewash Out There?

Which facewash is right for YOU?

Ok... what I have come to realize is that everyone likes something a little different when it comes to their facewash.  Some people like a foaming wash, some a creamy wash, etc...

So, I have picked out my favorites in each category.  All of these are tested, tried, and true!

1.  Obagi Foaming Gel  

A foaming wash that I truly adore.  Why? Because it takes off ALL my makeup and it's a great price for a high-end wash that will last you awhile.

2.  Rodan and Fields Daily Cleansing Mask 

A clay mask/wash that is pretty amazing.  You wet your fingers with warm water,  then massage the mask onto your DRY face (it also has a gentle exfoliator).  Let it dry for a few minutes... I then remove it with my Clarisonic (click HERE for more info on the Clarisonic Skincare Brush).  I love it because it removes impurities from your skin without being drying at all.  The fact that it doubles as a mask is great because Kaolin Clay actually draws impurities out of your pores.

3.  Vivite Daily Facial Cleanser 

If you're looking for something with chemical action, this one is for you... it contains 12% glycolic compound (due to this DO NOT use in or around your eyes!).

4.  Lancome Creme Radiance Clarifying Cleanser 

This one also removes your makeup... it is a cream wash that foams as you massage it onto your face with water.  

What do I use?  Usually a combo...  

If I have makeup on,  I use my Obagi Foaming Gel when I take my bath to take all my makeup off.  I then use my Rodan and Fields mask (avoiding my eye area) because I'm obsessed with it.   and it has really changed my skin... along with the entire R+F line that I use- click HERE for more info.

If I do not have makeup on, I use the R+F wash/mask by itself because I believe it is the most effective yet gentle facewash I have ever used on my face.  It truly makes my skin feel so smooth! (especially when used along with my Clarisonic.)

...and We're Back!

You guys- I am so sorry for the delay in posts.  Between work and family obligations, I have been crazy busy!

However,  I've been blogging "mentally" the entire time, and I've got some GREAT upcoming posts.  

I have missed my blog and my readers ever so much, and I cannot WAIT to share my new recipes, beauty tips, and product discoveries with you!!!

Xoxo,

Lauren