18 April, 2016

Skincare Routine


One of my more requested blog posts has been a post about skincare. Now, I don't claim to be an expert by any means and I also don't claim to have perfect skin or know the magic potion for perfect skin. But, that being said, I do know a thing or two about skin care and I do know what has been working for my skin type (and my husbands too.. he uses all these products as well!) 

I've mentioned before that I have super sensitive skin. Like, if I even think about it hard enough I can probably give myself a hive somewhere on my face. Just kidding... kind of... but it is pretty sensitive. It's also the (not so) perfect combination of oily and dry and my biggest problem is texture. I was always pretty frustrated with my skin and at one point, right when I turned 20, I went through the worst acne & cystic acne breakout I had ever experienced. I ended up going on birth control, eating better and I even quit wearing make up for a while (which was the hardest but most liberating thing!) and after about a year it just seemed to go away. 

Even after that though, I had a texture and oil problem. I never knew what I was doing wrong or where to even begin with trying new products, until this year when I resolved (yep, again with the new years resolutions!) to be kinder and better to my skin. So through trial and error, I've narrowed my routine to these products. The great thing about them is that the ingredients are gentle but effective, and they're not for a specific skin type - they more so help your skin become the healthiest it can be. And, I really should say that good skin starts with what you put in your body. Sugar, dairy and gluten (aka everything fun in life) are the worst enemies of your skin. I'm not saying completely cut those out, but limiting those in my diet has really made a big difference in my skin and I've just found that if you eat fresh, vibrant foods your skin will definitely reflect that!

If you want to learn more about skincare and don't know where to begin, I highly recommend Sali Hughes' book Pretty Honest. She is a giant in the beauty world goes into detail about everything from skincare routines to salon etiquette to botox. It definitely helped me know where to start with my skin and learn a lot of the lingo of the beauty world.

And now, onto my routine!


Every morning and every night, I start with this cleansing gel. I had been using Philosophy's purity cleanser, which is still a great cleanser, but it started drying my skin (and Josh's too) way too much, to the point where it felt tight and uncomfortable after washing. I picked up this cleanser back in December and I've loved it so much that I repurchased it even before I ran out of my first bottle! It's a gel so it's non-foaming (which means it won't dry out your skin!) that can even remove makeup and it contains AHA's (alpha hydroxy acids - a natural chemical exfoliant that help with anti-aging) in the form of papaya and grapefruit extract that will help prevent build up of dead skin cells which cause breakouts and blackheads. What I love about this cleanser is that it not only works but it also is gentle enough to use as a twice-daily cleanser.


Next, I go in and tone with this glycolic acid toner. Glycolic acid is another chemical exfoliant and, combined with AHA's from papaya extract in this toner, it claims to help accelerate skin cell turnover and help prevent and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Now, I don't think I have wrinkles yet and I do still kinda look like I'm 16, but I did just turn 25 and I may or may not have gone through a quarter-life crisis and bought this. Anyways, I've been using it for a few weeks, and while most experts say a toner is not a necessary step, I can definitely see all the gunk it's cleaning out of my pores on the cotton ball I use to apply it so that's enough for me!


If you've read my March favorites, you know the story behind this serum. Funnily enough, when it came time to repurchase this serum, the same Urban Outfitters that I originally bought it from was sold out of the Rosehips + Calendula nourishment serum, but after a little investigating, I found and snagged the last wrongly packaged bottle! I really can't say enough good things about this serum. It's a lightweight, organic, dry oil that is packed with all sorts of antioxidants, vitamins and botanicals that will "reduce irritations and repair + restore vitality to stressed skin". I don't know about you, but I want all of that! I use it day and night, and out of all the products mentioned here, this is the one skincare product that Josh chose if we were stuck on a deserted island and could only choose one.


At night, this facial spray is next in my routine. I, personally, like to moisturize the crap out of my face at night while my skin is busy repairing itself from the Dallas smog, and I really feel like I can tell the difference in how my skin holds on to moisture when I use this after my serum and before my moisturizer. During the day, I use it right before my foundation and after I'm all done with my makeup to set it for the day. I really should've taken pictures as proof because by set my makeup, I'm talking it won't budge even after a 9-hour shift. I don't know how they do it, but it really does work! Lastly, you can use this after you get your brows or mustache or whatever waxed to soothe your skin thanks to the calming aloe it contains. This facial spray really is the best!


Up next is moisturizing. I LOVE this product. I used to be really afraid of moisturizers because my skin has always been oily, but that's just a silly myth and this is literally the best moisturizer I've ever used. It has gentle AHA's (can you spot a theme here?) and ceramide, which is a natural lipid that most dry, sensitive skin is lacking. So not only is it anti-aging and preventing dead skin cell build up, but it also helps lock in moisture and make your skin so incredibly soft without leaving it oily. I use this day and night, and even under my makeup. 


This product I actually bought on accident. I meant to buy the travel-size version of cold cream (you know the super old-school stuff that is really good at removing makeup) but I accidentally bought this instead. I tried to use it as a makeup remover, like I would with cold cream, and I only realized it was the wrong product when it got in my eye and stung like crazy. As I was putting it on my eyes though, I could actually feel a little tingly and feel it working to firm up my skin! It contains AHA's and collagen so it is designed for anti-aging, but I figured now's a good time to prevent wrinkles, right? That and I desperately need new glasses so I usually walk around squinting because I can't really see and I can already tell that it's causing some wrinkles right under my eyes. So I've been using this cream under my eyes (carefully, so I don't repeat what happened the first time!) and on my neck and Josh swears he can tell a difference in our skin. Either way, the travel-size is $1.50 at Target and I wake up and still feel moisturized so I will probably continue to use it for a while!


Next is another product I only use at night as well, mostly because I don't want to walk around with pink polka dots on my face. It's a spot treatment for breakouts that contains calamine and salicylic acid to dry up all your spots overnight. My skin has never reacted well to harsh spot treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but this product is tough but still gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. I highly recommend it!


Last but not least, face masks! I try to do a mask twice a week just to give my skin care routine an extra little boost and these have been my tried and true masks. The first one is a clarifying mud mask that contains African black soap, which is good for pulling impurities out of pores, and tea tree oil, which is good for drying up any breakouts you may have. I use this one right around that time of the month and I can tell that it really does help calm my breakouts! It's pretty powerful, so I only leave it on for about 8 minutes, but that's enough to get the job done. The only weird part about it is that the mask is a non-drying mask, so it stays wet on your skin the whole time. But, if your skin is acne-prone I definitely recommend this mask!

Another one of my favorite masks is the Mario Badescu enzyme revitalizing mask. This mask has the same papaya and grapefruit enzymes as the gel cleanser I use, so it's really great to use in conjunction to that. The thing I love about this mask is that, while you may think it would be really drying, it actually leaves your skin feeling really moisturized thanks to the Vitamin E it contains. It's meant to revitalize dull, dry skin and I can definitely tell that it's really been helping my texture problems.

Last but not least, Lush's mask of magnaminty. I'm not going to lie, I used to be overwhelmed by Lush. I know, I know, I'm crazy right? It wasn't until I walked in a couple months ago and actually got to chat with someone that worked there that I changed my opinion. She was so kind and really listened to me describe what was going on with my skin and she recommended this mask. It's both a mask and a scrub and it has clay to clean your pores, peppermint to refresh your skin and vanilla to soothe your skin, and aduki beans (whatever those are!) to exfoliate your skin as you wash it off. I use this once a week to give my face a "clean slate" so to speak and I love it!



What are your favorite skincare products?

xo Kristina

11 April, 2016

Capsule Outfits Pt II

April 2 - 10

It's that time again! Yep, time for a weekly(ish) capsule wardrobe round up. This week I mostly worked so my outfits had to be a little more "elevated" as we like to call it. I'm not going to lie, I've started feeling a little uninspired the last couple days when it comes to putting together outfits. I wish I would've included a scarf or some sort of third layer that I could add to an outfit to make it new again, without having to reach for my jean jacket or my sweaters/kimonos. I'm not going to go looking for a scarf, but I also decided to allow myself to cheat a tiny bit and purchase one little scarf (eek!) - only if I stumble upon one I like. A scarf is an accessory anyways, right? Hehe. 

The other tricky part has been the weather. I don't know about where you live, but here in Texas, spring and fall are the most unpredictable seasons. It could be 75 and sunny one day and 50 and cloudy the next. I almost wish I hadn't chosen so many dresses and had chosen some other sweaters, but I think I'll change my mind about that once the weather starts getting consistently warmer. 

Also, I don't know if you can tell but I am absolutely loving my little gladiator sandals! They are so cute, so comfy and they literally go with everything.

But anyways, enough with the rambling! Here's the outfits:

April 2 - Work


April 3 - Work


April 4 - Girl's brunch


April 5 - Mom on the go


April 6 - Work


April 7 - Morning meeting


April 8 - Work


April 9 - Work


April 10 - Family brunch and work



I figured I would add what I did each day to the outfits so it gives you a better idea of what I'm dressing for that day.

Now, go and show Monday who's boss!

xo Kristina

06 April, 2016

Cinnamon Pecan Babka

"Cinnamon takes a backseat to no-babka." -Jerry Seinfeld

One of my new years resolutions this year (yes, it's April and yes, I'm still trying to hold on to my resolutions!) was to cook and bake more. There's just something so therapeutic and just lovely about it and I definitely want to share more of my favorite recipes with y'all. In fact, I was going to share a spinach stuffed chicken recipe but it may or may not have turned out to be a disaster... and by disaster I mean smoke bellowed out of our kitchen windows and our neighbors from our apartment complex may have stopped to stare. (Note to self: always keep your frying oil at temperature!) Needless to say, it was a little embarrassing and I'll probably never make that recipe again because I'm scarred for life. 

So I may or may not need a little fine-tuning in the cooking department.. but baking? Baking is second nature for me. Not trying to toot my own horn, but I can be half asleep in the morning or have a glass of wine in the evening and still bake some delicious goodies, with or without a recipe. Yeah.. I should probably just stick to baking. 


I was flipping through my mom's beautiful Jerusalem cookbook and I came across the most beautiful babka. And I realized, I've never made a babka! What's a babka, you ask? Well, a babka is not only a really fun word to say, but it's also a traditional Jewish sweet, yeasty cake that is usually served around the holidays. It's typically filled with chocolate or, if you're like Jerry and I, a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Think of it as a giant, stretched out, braided cinnamon roll (or chocolate roll, if you prefer). And not only is as delicious as it sounds but it turns out so beautiful as well. 



Now, I know what you're thinking right about now, "I thought you liked to eat healthy and make healthy substitutions, there's no way that thing is good for you". And you're absolutely right! I do love making healthy substitutions and feeling good about the food I put into my body, but this is not one of those recipes. Nope. This is a use-all-the-sugar-and-butter recipe and feel good about it even if it means you gotta unbutton your pants a little bit.... I'm kidding, you won't have to unbutton your pants! I just believe life's all about balance and a little babka never hurt anyone.



Typical babka requires you to make a dough with yeast and let it chill in the fridge overnight (or maybe just three hours) so it can rise. I don't know about you but 1. yeast still intimidates me and 2. ain't nobody got time for that! I want my babka and I want it now (or in an hour)! So I figured, since the dough has to be yeasty, why not use crescent roll dough? Now before babka experts from around the world start sending me hate mail, let me just say this: Yes, I'm sure babka homemade from scratch is more delicious and satisfying than I can imagine, but crescent roll babka must be a pretty close second! Crescent roll dough is stretchy and yeasty and not too sweet and it works perfectly for this recipe.



Seriously, you'll surprise yourself with how simple and incredibly delicious this recipe is! The best part is that it makes you look like you've been making babka all your life. 


Cinnamon Pecan Babka



Yield: one loaf, 10-12 slices
Ingredients
  • 2 - 8 oz crescent roll dough packages (original flavor)
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 stick of melted butter
  • 3 teaspoons cinnamon (you can do less, I just love cinnamon!)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk or cream
Directions
    1. Preheat oven for 350º.Sprinkle flour over work surface/cutting board. (You'll want to use something that will fit your freezer!) Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough, one on top of the other. 
    2. In a small bowl, combine dark brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter and cinnamon. 
    3. Pour mixture over dough and spread evenly, leaving about half an inch around the edges.
    4. Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight jelly roll.
    5. Chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
    6. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
    7. Take the dough out of the freezer and cut about an inch off both ends. 
    8. Cut dough down the middle lengthwise. Place the dough with the layers facing up and pinch the top ends together. Braid dough, or give the dough three or four good twists. Pinch the bottom ends together. 
    9. Place dough into lightly greased bread pan and bake for 30 minutes. To keep it from getting to brown on top, cover in aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. 
    10. Take babka out, let it chill for a little bit.
    11. Sit back, dunk babka into your morning coffee and enjoy!



 xo Kristina


03 April, 2016

Capsule Wardrobe Outfits

March 23 - April 1 

Spring is a-spring-ing and the weather is getting beautiful down here in Texas! When I'm not working, we've been trying to soak up every bit of sunshine we can. This spring capsule I have going on is no doubt perfect for this 75 degree weather (with the occasional chilly day/night) we've been having lately because I can easily just throw on my jean jacket (aka my favorite!) or other layers when it does get chilly. (But really, can the weather just stay like this year round please!?)

I've been taking pictures of my capsule wardrobe outfits everyday to show how a well planned out capsule is actually so incredibly versatile! This capsule is also helping me get over the fear of people judging me for wearing all the same stuff all the time. First of all, I've come to realize no one really cares what you wear. Second, no one is keeping track of what you wear everyday. (Unless you're blogging about capsule wardrobes, in which case your husband is taking pictures of all your outfits.. hehe) Try it out, next time you're with your friends or coworkers, ask them what you wore last Thursday.. they won't remember! I'm convinced that you can literally wear the same dress or the same top styled differently for a week straight and no one would notice. We over-analyze our own outfits enough and other people are too busy over-analyzing their own outfits to worry about yours. 

Okay, I'm rambling now so, without further adieu, here are all my spring outfits so far! (Minus one.. I may or may not have stayed in my leggings all day on a couple of my days off... true life: I'm a mom) Also, I apologize for the quality of the pictures, I'm planning on using my actual camera and not just my phone from now on!


March 23


March 24


March 25


March 26


March 27 (Easter!)


March 28


 March 30


March 31


April 1 (date night!)



I feel like I've already gotten so many good outfits out of this capsule and I'm so excited to stretch it and see what I come up with next! Also, would you rather see a weekly roundup of capsule outfits or daily, more in-depth posts about the outfits (along with all my other usual posts)? Let me know! 

Have a happy Sunday! 

xo Kristina

29 March, 2016

March Favorites, Beauty + Fashion + Music


(I feel like I could start every monthly favorites post like this at the pace this year is going, but really...) How is it already the end of March!? I feel like I just did my February Favorites! In any case, this month I tried a few new beauty products, switched up my capsule wardrobe and listened to some good tunes and today, I want to share all of that with you. Who knows, you might even fall in love with them, too!


Beauty




Mario Badescu Facial Spray
Okay, I'm going to be real here, I totally thought this was such a gimmicky product. I kept hearing people rave about it, how it's so refreshing and will set your makeup and help your skin keep its moisture and all I could think was "yeah, right, this is just $7 pink water". But after hearing my mom tell me about how much she liked it I decided to give it a try and I am such a believer now! I use it to set my makeup and it gives me the perfect dewy finish (which I love because I use powder but I hate looking powdery!) and I really do think it helps my makeup stay on longer. I also use it at night after washing my face & applying my serum but before using my moisturizer and I can honestly say my skin feels so much more hydrated since I've added this to my routine.



Klurskin Rose Hips + Calendula Nourishment Serum
The story with this product is pretty funny actually, and I honestly didn't even know it until I was writing this post. I needed a new serum and had heard about this line because Urban Outfitters started carrying it online and in stores. I looked into the brand and read a quote from their creator saying that the philosophy behind their brand is that makeup looks better over good skin and I was sold. I walked into my local Urban Outfitters and tested a few serums out and decided to go with the "Green tea + Chamomile Essential Nutrients Serum" (which is actually a white-ish clear color). Well, my bottle (and the box it came in?) must've been labeled incorrectly because what I actually bought was this Rose Hips + Calendula Serum.

Like I said, I had no idea until literally this moment, but I feel like this serum and I were meant to be! It has changed my skin completely in just a month's time (and Josh's too!). It just looks all around healthier and glow-ier (is that a word?). But what I really love about this serum is that it isn't oily so I don't ever feel oily. It's a dry oil texture so I can wear it comfortably under my makeup and I can actually feel my skin soak it in every time I use it. Needless to say, I will definitely be repurchasing this product, and hopefully with the correct label on it this time! 





Eyeko Me & My Shadow Liner in Taupe
We got a handful of Eyeko's products at the store I work at and I was instantly drawn to this shadow liner. I bought it in taupe and it's the perfect base color for a cool smokey eye and it even looks good on it's own with a cat eye or even with just a little mascara. My eyelids are so prone to creasing when I wear eyeshadow but this product is waterproof so it doesn't move all day! The texture is also really nice, it glides right on and is easy to blend.  I'm definitely going to be purchasing some other colors!





Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Eyeliner
Like I said, we got some Eyeko products in at the store and this was the other product I decided to try out. I was in need of a new liquid liner and I love the kind that have a felt tip so I was excited to see that this one had a really precise felt tip. It's super pigmented and  waterproof (I even got to test it out one night that Josh and I were laugh crying!) so it's not going anywhere as the day goes on! I have tried so many different liquid eyeliners and this one by far is my favorite! All in all, I'm super impressed with Eyeko products and am so excited to try out some more.




Fashion






I have been obsessed with hats! Mostly my brown hat that I included in my capsule wardrobe (I could literally wear it every day if that wasn't weird..) but I just love the way hats in general look. They give you an effortless "put-together, cool girl" vibe without it feeling like you're trying to hard. I wear mine with dresses, jeans and a t-shirt or all black. It's also really nice to have whenever you're outside in the Texas sun! 


Music



This month, I put together a little playlist of the songs I've really been digging and playing on repeat. I figured I could write about what I've been listening to, or I could just put a little playlist on this post and let you listen (thanks Spotify!)! I've mostly been listening to Hozier, but I've really been into any sort of "driving tunes" or really anything that sounds like it would be on a surfing video. 






What were your favorites this month?

xo Kristina