DEALING WITH SUMMER HAIR

I don't know about you guys, but my hair really likes to freak out during the summer. During my more awkward days (haha like I'm not awkward now) in high school the parking lot for underclassmen was legit about a ten minute walk from the school, and once you finally made it on campus, was a lot of outside hallways and walking paths anyways. Most of the time in August and September I wouldn't even try because I knew that my hair would literally be a hot mess before I even got to first period. Self esteem = 0. Now that I'm older, have lived in Tennessee and have learned a lot about my hair, I try to tame the mane during the summertime, and am trying some new tricks this year thanks to some inspiration from Kate from The Small Things Blog.

Since I haven't actually tried most of these products and I'm trying to stay on a budget, I bought most of them in travel size to start. My picks are:

1. Pureology Hydrate/Hydrate Light Shampoo and Conditioner. An everyday hydrating system, vegan and sulfate-free! 

2. Redken Extreme Conditioner. My hair is pretty fine, and being outside a lot in the summertime seems to encourage it to break and become dried out. I'm hoping that this and Redken Extreme Cat will help guard against some of that breakage. 

3. Kenra Volume 25. Hairspray for all day hold through the heat and humidity.

Updates later on how they work!

What are some of your summer beauty savers? 

xoxo. Abby

DINNER OUT

This weekend, my dad came back from an international business trip to the Philippines, and it's awesome to have him back after a week of 100% estrogen all the time. We decided to go out to dinner as a family to celebrate a little together-time!

Top (GAP)/ Skirt (Ann Taylor LOFT)/ Earrings (BaubleBar)/ Shoes (Michael Kors)

The restaurant was pretty casual so I went with flats and stud earrings. I love the way that the pink stripes and yellow go together to be so colorful without being overwhelming. I could see wearing this outfit to work on a casual Friday as well!

If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that this top has been one of my favorites for spring, and I'm excited to see how I can pair it with some fun new pieces for summer. What are some of your go-to pieces this season?

xoxo. Abby

AN OBSESSION WITH E.L.F

Last week I was at Target shopping for some beauty essentials and random odds and ends for the weekend. I was pretty much out of foundation, and while I was very happy with my last purchase for Clark and Keely's wedding, I felt like trying something new. That was when I stumbled across the E.L.F section. For a girl on a budget like me, it was basically a dream come true.

Bronzer / Lip Color / Tinted Moisturizer / Kabuki Brush

Of course, what attracted me first was the prices. This stuff is ridiculously inexpensive, as you can see by the prices of these products. The thing that has now sold me, though, is that the products themselves don't feel cheap or cheaply made. The bronzer has just the right amount of shimmer, and the kabuki brush is extremely soft and distributes powder evenly. The tinted moisturizer was the star of this trip, the perfect shade for my skin that is transitioning between winter and spring and is super light coverage.  I used these products with some of my old favorites to do my formal look, and I was so pleased with how it turned out.

I have been loving trying new make up and learning more about different products this month. I'd love to know what you've been trying and loving as the weather is finally warming up as well!

xoxo, Abby.