Skincare Routine

Cleansers

• Mario Badescu Cleansing Gel Cleanser
• Solid Oil Cleanser
• Sephora Cleansing Water

Moisturizer/Cream

• Weleda Skin Food Moisturizer
• Sunday Riley Eye Cream

Mask

• The Ordinary Peeling Solution
• Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Mask

Tanning

• Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops

Tools

• Nuface

Brow Tint

• Just for Men brow tint color medium brown
• eyebrow brush

Treatments

• Acne Persa Gel 

B Polished: From Winter to Summer nails

If you wear the same nail color all year round then I'm sorry to tell you but you're in a nail polish rut. Summer is the perfect time to step away from that year round neutral and try something new! You might surprise yourself and find a new favorite color.

If you wear grays in the winter, try a minty fresh polish like this one from Butter London! The pastel is still muted but the mint color gives you a new look.

Red is not always a subtle choice in the winter and making the change to orange and coral shouldn't be too difficult for you. I love this orange from Essie plus don't forget about Tart Deco, a long time orange favorite!

I'm going out on a whim that those who go with dark tones through the winter are ready for something bold. Enter, Jewel Tones and basically the complete new Deborah Lippmann collection. If you wear just one of these for a week over the Summer that's success.

B Smooth: Somersets Shaving Oil

Half the time when I decide to wear a skirt or anything that shows my legs, it's a last minute decision like most outfit changes. When it comes to shaving products I'm looking for time savers and moisture to avoid drying out my skin.  Somersets English Shaving Oil's gentle formula gives enough moisture that I can skip post-shave lotion application when I'm out of the shower. This little bottles goes a long way which has saved me money on buying expensive bottles of shaving cream that I always over apply. That's why this little beauty buy is one I'll have in my bathroom all Summer long.

B Recapped: Start of Seattle Summa

Whole fruit margaritas | I'm typically not a blended margarita girl but when you add in fresh fruit it's the way to go! This recipe is one of the top reasons I'm begging for a Vitamix in my kitchen.

Caprese | In a brief stint of removing dairy from my diet, i forgot how amazing fresh mozzarella is in a caprese. This salad will easily be on repeat this Summer with the easy prep and beautiful presentation.

Hot Chocolate | Enjoying an early breakfast at The Commons in Woodinville this weekend was my excuse for a sweet treat. I wouldn't say I'm a hot chocolate connoisseur but this one with Theo Chocolate is one to try the next time you want to indulge before 9AM.

Grilling | When you can grill outside without getting damp, that's when it's really Summer in Seattle. I'm already planning on what to barbecue the rest of the week. Any ideas?

B Favors: Theme songs, life advice and peonies

Getting back to blogging this week has come effortlessly. After being away for so long, I built up pressure about coming back better than ever. I'm not saying I'm there but I have loved the kind words from my friends to encourage me to get back to something I love. Speaking of things I love, this is my Friday B Favors list that pretty much sums up my life at the moment. Happy Friday!

ONE | Still at the beginning but Emily Giffin hasn't disappointed me yet. 
TWO | This song is dancing in your underwear kind of theme song. 
THREE | 20 Things you need to accept about your 20s. This is real life people. 
FOUR | How to make your fresh peonies last. 
FIVE | I couldn't write a better beginners guide to juicing. Start here!

B Scrubbed: Meet Frank

How many body scrubs have you tried in your life? I can tell you that mine is in the dozens. Body scrubs tend to be that last minute purchase i add to my basket at Ulta as a way to indulge myself. Not sure I really believed in the benefits until I tried Frank. Have you heard of Frank? If you've met Frank than chances are you are exclusive with Frank.

I'm not afraid to try a product once and with Frank's all natural ingredients plus insanely affordable price, it was a no brainer. Frank claims to target cellulite, stretch marks, psoriasis, varicose veins, eczema and acne. If you've only checked off one of those as a symptom of your skin then I know you're still paying attention.

Frank works with a simple application process of rubbing mixture on skin on circular motions. After scrub has been applied you must leave Frank on for 10 minutes or so. This is where you get small tasks done where you can be standing naked. I caught up on Game of Thrones and painted my nails before rinsing in the shower and finding my skin incredibly soft. My skin was hydrated with no need for a lotion application before bed and not over oily where I couldn't crawl in my sheets. I didn't start using Frank with any severe symptoms  but can't deny the results shared on social media by other customers. Plus, will I ever turn down soft skin? Negative.

B DIY: Gold Alphabet Fridge Magnets

Apartment living has its limitations. Any painting or drilling might cost you and upgrading dated appliances is rarely an option. I've dressed up my fridge with Instagram photos before but my inner creative felt it needed an extra touch. Thanks to the simplest DIY I've done in a long time, I have a chic way to always say what I'm feeling on the front of my fridge. I swear that gold paint is like champagne, you should always have it nearby ready to go. You never what cheap child toy or goodwill find you'll love after a fresh gold spray!

There's no needed instruction with this DIY. I simply ordered the magnets on Amazon, spread out in a cardboard box to prevent gold paint flying around and gave a good 2 coats on the letters.

B Colored: Tan Towels for Summer

Memorial Day is behind us and Summer has officially started... in some cities. While the weather is rumoring to be in the 80s this weekend, I've learned that relaying on the sun to get my tan is inconsistent and not ideal for my skin. I love the simple applying process of a tan towel with minimal odor and quick color. During the summer, I wear heavy SPF on my face to avoid advancing skin aging so to get that coveted glow, one swipe of a tan towel and I’m bronzed. 

Tan towels also limit mess in your hair and bathroom like some spray tans can cause. There’s been a few occasions where I even apply a tan towel before makeup and let it develop throughout the day (note: not recommended if you wear heavy face makeup). They're easy to apply and will remain streak free if applied in a circular motion from head to toe. Below are just a few favorites I’ve rotated and try to stock in my bathroom at all times. 

ONE: Kate Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes
TWO: Comodynes Self-Tanning Towels
THREE: Tan Towel self-tan

B Ready: Fashion week season

Today marks the beginning of the season. Which coincidentally spurs blog post on blog posts of our favorite looks pulled from Style.com. It's easy to take the mental break and just upload runway photos but it also reflects a loss of creativity. Rather than blogging what you may have already seen, you can peek at what I'm pinning on my Spring 2014 Runway pin board. I can't make promises that Spring 2014 won't show up in the blog, but if it does, the exciting part is that I was inspired.  So with another fashion season upon us, take notes and define your agenda. Let the shows inspire and push you to deliver this content in a creative way. Your audience will thank you and I'll applaud you.

Smythson Runway Textured-leather notebook

B Recapped: Labor Day weekend

Starting a weekend with plans after plans never works well with me. For Labor Day, I made no construct plans and just with the plan of spontaneity. The plan resulted in some sight seeing, new restaurant discovery and returning to a favorite neighborhood spot for a Labor Day margarita with my sister. 

Walking around the market on a Saturday is busy but the bedside sunflowers and fresh mussels were all worth it. Mussels are one of my favorite meals and super easy to steam, catch a glimpse of my cooking process in my vine here.

Ray's Boathouse is the place that apparently every Seattlite has been to except for me and now i'm obsessed. With an amazing bar view of Shilshole Bay in Ballard it was perfect place to enjoy one of our last warm Summer nights. 

Just a short distance from my apartment, Little Water Cantina completes my fix for a good margarita and guacamole any day. 

B Relaxed: Taking a staycation

Labor Day might be your last chance for a Summer weekend but I happen to see it as another opportunity for a staycation. The best part of vacations is unplugging from the world and the perfectly tucked in hotel beds accompanied by a white spa robe. Whatever your reason is for staying home this weekend, no one can blame you when you say you're having a staycation. 

1. Umbra Aquala Bamboo and Chrome Bath Caddy: I don't know why I don't have this in my own bath tub yet. There's even a spot for a glass of wine!
2. Spa Terry Knit Robe: It's the cozy terry cloth robe that we all are tempted to steal from the hotel.
3. The Mac + Cheese Cookbook: On vacation, calories don't count. Same goes for staycations and what better way to spend it than to perfect your favorite comfort food.
4. Ooh la la rose wine: It's just pretty.
5. Aromafloria Stress Less Foaming Bubble Bath: No stress is allowed on a staycation.
6. Mario Badescu Enzyme Revitalizing Mask & Strawberry Tonic Mask: Mario Badescu carries some of my favorite masks. These are both moisturizing masks that help refresh and repair tired skin.

B Wants: Colorblock Hunter rainboots

Whether its officially rain boot weather is up to Seattle right now. After a gorgeous summer we got a first glimpse this week about what's to come. Annoyingly to all around me, the rain smell made me giggly for Fall and alerted me to do a quick inventory of my shoe closet.

Only two pairs of rain boots stand on the floor of my closet. Considering Hunters are to Seattle as Havaianas are to Hawaii. A wardrobe classic that is always allowed to be multiplied. I love the new original colorblock rendition that gives you the subtly of a black base but tops with a punch of color. Now, which one do I choose?

B Tinted: DIY Eyelash tinting

Through my experience of eyelash extensions I've grown a strong hatred for mascara. I haven't completey discareded its use but I never look forward to the rough process it is to remove at the end of the day. Rubbing a cotton ball full of makeup remover can be harsh on my lashes so finding an alternative solution for my bottom lashes turned me to eyelash tinting.

It's a simple dye job for your lashes that lasts nearly a month saving you from the woes of mascara. Though at nearly $30 per application it could get costly. If you want another budget alternative and have a steady hand with a mascara wand then DIY eyelash tinting is for you. It's a simple two step process of nearly identical to coating your lashes with two coats of mascara.

STEP ONE: Coat disposable mascara wand with solution #1. Apply to lashes.
STEP TWO: Coat disposable mascara wand with solution #2. Apply to lashes.
STEP THREE: Let lashes dry. TIP: Allow a couple hours for solutions to dry before falling asleep. Any extra dye or solution on skin will dye it.

The color on your lashes will last for almost 3 weeks depending. With enough solution for multiple applications 28 Day Mascara pays for itself over multiple salon visits.

B Destroyed: Summer denim

When Summer rolls around, I let my hair down and my outfits follow suit. I tend to dress very classic and simple so a distressed denim with a tailored silk blouse balances my outfit to appear effortlessly chic. In the Summer, you don't want to over think your look and keep pieces simple and loose. I have yet to own a denim vest but see this distressed one pairing perfectly with the multiple floral dresses in my closet!

White // Shorts // Brights // Vest

B DIY: Balloon birthday invitations

Being an aunt is the best thing in the world. Any night of the week you can offer to babysit which in result both baby and parents think you're a hero. Baby gets someone new to play with them all night long and parents get time to themselves. And, when the time comes you get to lend your crafty hand to some birthday party planning. 

Along with my sister we got creative, made an assembly line and put together the perfect invitation and set the standards high for Mason's birthdays to come. 

I  designed a 5x7 card which included the phrase "Inflate Me!" to hold the cards in place.

Punching two holes in the middle of the 5x7 card and weaving through yarn to hold the balloon in place.

Embossed envelopes to create a finished border for mailing addresses.

TIP: Before heating emboss powder, use Q-Tip to wide away excess to create clean lines

Heat with embossing tool and set aside to cool.

Finished product, ready to assemble!

And when the invite made it to the recipient, all that was left was to blow up the balloon...

I designed the graphic on Illustrator then ordered printed balloons from fastballoons.com!

B Printed: Graphic shorts

Looking at my wardrobe as I finally unpacked for Summer season I noticed that I have all the basics down. Jean, black, seersucker all were accounted for but graphics shorts were missing. I have my eye peeled for shorts that are tailored and well fit but with a printed punch. Only thing left to do is to throw on sandals, basic tee or button down and go. My kind of Summer dressing.

1. Aritzia Lauderdale Shorts
2. Madewell Tailored Shorts in Modflower
3. J Crew Tiki Short
4. Kate Spade Saturday Utility Short
5. Tory Burch Gabriel Short
6. Madewell Tailored Shorts in Garden Vine

1. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses
2. Bauble Bar Sun Dipped Collar
3. Loeffler Randall Simona Mirror Band Sandals
4. Perfect chambray ex-boyfriend shirt

B Proud: Seattle is my city

Since I was 6 years old I've told people that I'm from Seattle. At the time it only meant that I lived here because that's where my parents took us. I made my first choice to leave 8 years ago and with only being back for the last 6 months, I've quickly learned that it is the perfect place for me to be.

I've returned home in a time where I love who I am, I love to love and I love to share positivity. It's easy to be pessimistic in a city where it's known more for it's rainy days over the sunny ones. But something about my city makes me giddy over the grey skies just as much as the clear ones when the mountains are in view past the city buildings. Home has meant many different things to me in the past years but in this moment it means to choose happiness and that happens to pair perfectly with Seattle.

This tee gifted by The Home T. Part of the proceeds go to support multiple sclerosis research.

Follow me on Instagram @brookeand

B Patient: Housewarming touches

When you move into a new place you're distracted by all the glitz and glamour of decorating that you forget that you have to first buy important stuff such as foil, paper towels, a kitchen trash can and a can opener. These are things that are rarely blogged about because they aren't fun purchases. I'm finally getting passed the necessities and working on the small details of my apartment. 

When attending a housewarming or just sending a nice gift to a friend with a new place you have to respect that they will be spending majority of the time creating mood boards and working on big details of decorating their space. That's why you should respect their decor and not gift items that would demand attention or space in their new home but be useful and share a story through a detail. Small items such as coasters or a mini vase are small enough for them to stow away while a home fragrance can be hidden away while still being useful.

 

one // two // three // four // five

Also, while I'm in cleaning and decorating mode I have begun purging my closet. I have already listed a few items on Poshmark (including a new pair of Warby Parkers). Keep this bookmarked if you don't see anything now, there is plenty to uploaded and sold.

B Stirred: Modern mad

Finally, the last season of Mad Men has begun. Last night's episode filled my need for sixties fashion (courtesy of Megan Draper) and sparked the craving for a dirty martini. It's amazing the media's influence on fashion and Mad Men did the world a favor highlighting the time. Any item that was created in the last year but could've lived in the Draper household is a necessity. 

one // two // three // four // five // six

If you aren't a Mad Men super fan you might have missed the brilliant articles gearing you up for the premiere. Here are a few of my favorites:

Mean Mad Men

What would 'Mad Men' look like in the 21st century?

A visual episode guide to Season 5

B Printed: DIY Block printed tote bag

There are few things I will cancel scheduled plans for and craft night at West Elm is one of them. As an avid DIYer from an early age I've been to craft camps in a variety of locations. Anywhere from parks to that awkward employee break room that resembles a sterile hospital so planting for a block printing lesson in the middle of a West Elm store was welcomed with open arms and served as the best kind of creative fuel.

Block printing has the ability to sound intimidating but was simple and achievable with the direction of Phoebe from El Sage Designs. A small group of us sat in the middle of West Elm we were provided a block print kit providing all the tools to create a one of a kind project.

When brainstorming pattern ideas it was shared that geometric shapes work best. My inspiration was classic herringbone pattern and all intentions to make it look perfect. It took me less than a few minutes to drop my flat edge and give up on receiving straight lines. Soon I learned that fine lines and carving accidents made the best prints.

TOOLS:

• Linoleum (the material used to carve out your design, rubber like substance)
• Plastic linoleum cutter (comes with multiple sizes to work on large pieces to small detail)
• Paint with foam brush (foam brush is Phoebe's pro tip for printing on fabric)
• Tote bag (or other desired material to print)
• pencil and paper 

 

Things I would do differently:

• Print another row to make the design a bit more uneven. Looking back at it it appears to be a tire track rather than the herringbone design I desired.
• Carve smaller imperfect detail into my linoleum. The beauty of block printing is that each block is unique and sometimes the imperfect cuts are waht creates texture and interest to your print!
• Print on a different medium: I plan on doing this! I'm going to use my block print to create a large piece of artwork for my new apartment. Stay tuned.

This night was exactly what I needed to spark inspiration for my new place. And of course, if you don't consider yourself a craft enthusiast then feel free to shop West Elm's hand-block print collection (paint and tool kit free!).