(A pretty manicure from Nails Always Polished, via Lisa Butler on Pinterest.)
I use Pinterest mostly for inspiring images and ideas, as opposed to searching for things like recipes and DIY tutorials. When I’m tired or stressed, I enjoy looking at pretty pictures or photography, so that’s what fills my feed. But as I’m perusing, I’ll often Like pins I see that I don’t add to my own collection.
I scrolled through my Likes recently and found a few things I’d forgotten, including the beautiful rose gold manicure above. I had a little time Thursday evening after the boys went to bed, so I dug out some nail polish in similar shades and did my own version. It took a few tries to get it right and my left hand (my dominant one) was much messier than my right, but that’s how nail art goes, I suppose. The whole time I was painting my nails, I kept thinking, “I can’t believe I found this on Pinterest,” because that is something I literally never say. It was fun to be inspired to create something, even if it’s as fleeting as a manicure that lasted about two days. I almost never paint my fingernails, so I guess I was doubly inspired by that pretty image.
I’m trying to remember to check my Likes on a regular basis as I’m browsing online, because who knows what will spark my creativity next! Do you use the Like feature on Pinterest?
(Rocks that look like jelly beans.)
This week, our summer schedule was in full force, and we’re all adjusting really well. There are many, many trips to gymnastics and quick naps on the couch, but the summer is off to a great start. This weekend, the boys are busy with birthday parties and I’m looking forward to the new season of “Orange is the New Black.” Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
Danielle Brooks, who plays Taystee, on loving her body.
Ryan and I watched “This American Life’s” Radio Drama Episode this week and it was really good. I still have some of the songs stuck in my head.
Open Arms, a local business that works with refugee women to provide jobs, will have its products featured in IKEA in Round Rock and Houston.
ATOYAK is a new online store featuring lovely pieces knitted by empowered women in Mexico.
“Our Segregated Summers.” An interesting story linking the McKinney, Texas pool party incident with the history of segregated pools.
Finally, Texas hair braiders can practice in peace.
A makeup tutorial with the prettiest eye products.
And this underwear is changing the world, literally, one period at a time.
Have a great weekend!
(The natural beauty products I love these days.)
Last week, I wrote a bit about some of the natural beauty products I’m currently trying, and this week, I’m sharing a few more of my current favorites.
I’ve used Jane Iredale mineral products for years now, and I’m pretty loyal to the brand. Since I’ve always dealt with oily skin, the matte finish of powder foundation has been perfect for me. But as my skin needs are changing, I’m drawn to a lighter, dewier look. Kjaer Weis’ Cream Foundation has become a great alternative, and I love the lightness of the formula, which includes almond and jojoba oils. The foundation comes in a fancy compact that slides open, which I find a bit annoying despite rave reviews, but you can also buy just the refill without the compact. The product itself is buildable, so I apply it initially with a foundation brush and then retouch my face with a beauty blender. I’m thrilled with the result and it’s incredibly gentle on my skin. RMS Beauty’s UnCoverup, which I mentioned last week, works beautifully as a concealer with the Kjaer Weis foundation.
RMS also makes a finely-milled silica powder called “Un”Powder. If I use this by itself over my foundation, it is incredibly drying and literally sucks all of the moisture from my skin, which is not a pleasant feeling. But if I tap a little with my brush and then add my regular Jane Iredale setting powder, it works much better. I could probably get by without the “Un”Powder, to be completely honest, but it does help to control moisture and I don’t have to retouch as much throughout the day, which is nice.
I’ve always heard good things about Ilia’s lip products, so I decided to try their Tinted Lip Conditioner in Blossom Lady. It’s a sheer, light pink shade that is very comfortable on my lips and works well with all sorts of glosses. I’m the type to wear up to four products on my lips at once, and this lip conditioner is a great base for layering.
And finally, while I haven’t yet jumped on the natural deodorant bandwagon completely, I really love the smell of Fig + Yarrow’s Underarm Lotion. All of their products are natural and organic, which means they are safe to use all over your body, so I have no qualms about spreading this on my arms to extend the scent during the day. I do apply it under my arms after my shower each morning, but then I add my regular antiperspirant, so I can’t really tell you that it works like it should on its own. But the smell is lovely and lasts quite a while, so I can enjoy it for hours after my shower. I’ve tried a few other Fig + Yarrow products and have been very pleased with the entire line.
I’m hoping I’ve found a new beauty routine that works, but it’s always so much fun trying out new products. Have you tried any of these natural brands? I’d love to hear what you think!
