Cousins Lunch!

Yesterday I went to eat at one of my favorite outdoor cafes with my cousins who I hardly ever get to see anymore. I'm glad I'm finally able to wear cute clothes again. I got these crazy bites all over my leg and they turned purple, so I was stuck in jeans for nearly two weeks! It's too hot, and too boring, to only wear jeans!

(Zinc dress, Michael Kors shoes)

Lunch.

I'm really hyper today. My summer research project is at a bit of a standstill until Monday afternoon, and I've done quite a bit of shopping lately, so what else is there to do? Well, to entertain myself I cooked lunch! I feel like most full vegetarian meals are pasta dishes, so when I came across this recipe, I was really excited because it was a full (but still light enough for lunch) meal that wasn't pasta! It was really good, I have to admit.

roasted eggplant couscous and zucchini fritters

I heart J.Crew

So I have a confession, I LOVE J.Crew. For years our relationship was long distance, I rarely got to visit one, and when I did it was usually the outlet. About a year ago, one opened up in a mall I frequent, and in the last few months I have acquired several pieces from beautiful beige blouses to pastel shorts. The best thing about J.Crew is their sale section! The one I visit most often is women's only, but the entire back section is all sale merchandise where I always find great treasures. On Monday, my boyfriend and I visited a mall about 45 minutes away and they have the full store (which makes him very happy, he also loves J.Crew) and to my amazement, the women's sale section was twice the size at that one than my usual haunt. I picked up 3 tops, a great headband (the one below), and a belt for $60 and my boyfriend got 2 button down shirts for $30, thank youuuu sale section!

I heart J.Crew by oneshoetwo featuring J Crew

A little bit boho for me...

Although I'm typically drawn to puffy skirts and things with bows, there is something about summer that makes me want to wear simple sundresses, shorts, and sandals. I also always want my hair to have a nice just from the beach wave to it. When I was a teenager I had loonnnnggggg hair, so it was easy to just toss in some product then scrunch and I'd have a lot of very wavy/curly hair. I cut my hair short just a week or so after I turned 18, and since then I grew it out once more (except not as long) but it has mostly been short for the past 5 years. I prefer my hair short, but I miss the days of lazy waves every time summer rolls around. Earlier this week I walked back to my hotel room and looked in the mirror and noticed a great beach wave. This is my attempt to copy that look, although I have to say, somehow dipping my head in the ocean then falling asleep under an umbrella with a hat on created a better wave, guess you can't compete with mother nature..

(French Connection dress, Dolce & Gabbana sandals, Anthropologie headband)

Products I Love

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Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Water CozyCot Reviews

I love the smell of this stuff, it's very light and girly.

Gorgeous Moisturizer by LUSH: Beauty

I had a sample of this stuff once and I just had to get it, it's kinda pricey, but it just works so well with my oily skin.

Amazon.com: Bare Escentuals BareMinerals: Beauty

I'm a baremineral fan, the new matte ones are even better!

Veganese Conditioner by LUSH: Beauty

This is such a great conditioner, it doesn't weigh my hair down and it goes great with my Big shampoo.

Amazon.com: Sexy Hair Big Sexy Blow Dry Volume Gel, 8.5-Ounces Bottle:...

Gives my hair a little oomph!

Amazon.com: Big Shampoo by LUSH: Beauty

This was my first Lush purchase, and it will always be my favorite. The smell is amazing!

Amazon.com: NARS Blush: Beauty

This is a great peach blush.

Amazon.com: Sexy Hair Big Sexy Dry Shampoo 3.4 oz.: Beauty

Sometimes I need to go somewhere but don't have time to shampoo, I've tried everything and this is by far the best smelling and best working dry shampoo there is.

Buy Blow Beach Blow Texturizing Mist Online at Beauty.com

I just got this a few days ago, with the diffuser, it gives a nice wave even on my short hair.

Amazon.com: Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara - 81 Noir Styliste…

I wear this in brown without liner, gives a cute dough-eye effect.

Amazon.com: Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara: Beauty

Notice how there are three mascaras on this list? This is the best everyday one I've ever tried.

Amazon.com: Bourjois Mascara Volume Clubbing - # Brun Remix -...

Great for going out at night, when you want a more severe eye.

Amazon.com: POP Beauty Cat Eyes .01 oz (.4 g): Beauty

The shape of this liner gives a great cat eye, I used to be obsessed with gel liner for the cat eye, but this works so much better!

Vacation

I actually went on a vacation for a few days earlier this week - I don't have too many photos, but I did snap a few of some of the scrumptious food I ate, of course! This really is turning into a food blog now isn't it? I did some shopping on my trip, so I promise that there are some outfit posts to come! Below: Appetizers - Crab, Calamari, and Greek salad, Champagne, Beet Salad, Chocolate and Cheesecake cupcake, Peanuts & Popcorn- Chocolate peanut dessert with popcorn sorbet

Food

I'm sorry, I've been out of it lately. I have been putting on cute outfits, but then I've been too tired to take photos, or it's too dark outside. I haven't even cooked much, but here is a meal I made last week. Salad w/ homemade creamy Italian dressing, bruschetta, and a light pasta with goat cheese.

July 4th