Hey, West Coast!// Adventures in LA

Well, my trip to L.A. was pretty much amazing. Michelle and I ventured out of Orlando to visit the gorgeous Ashley Brooke & company in Cali for 5 days. The weather was a bit colder than expected (ie. freezing), so aside from wearing the same sweater and boots the entire trip, us 3 ladies took on the town, quoting The Hills, The OC, & Clueless at every possible opportunity. 

Our fabulosity can really only be depicted photographically.

Friday, May 1: The Late Night Arrival

Michelle and I prior to take-off, ready to endure our 6+ hour travel itinerary. We arrived in Cali at 11:30PM-- 2:30AM Orlando time, so aside from inhaling In-N-Out Burger, sleep ((and money)) were the only thing on our minds. 

Saturday, May 2-- Part 1: Settling into Old Town Pasadena

Fabulous lunch at Lemonade

Near the historic Castle Green building in one of Pasadena's many gorgeous city parks

Who doesn't do yoga in the park? 
(note: it took me about 5 tries to be able to hold this pose long enough to take this picture)

The first of many visits to Lette macarons-- thank you, Florida, for not catching onto this fad quite yet... else wise, I'd probably be obese & poor.  

Saturday, May 2-- Part Two: The Hollywood Hills

 There is, indeed, a teeny tiny Hollywood sign in the background.

Hollywood sign! Too contemplative to turn around and//or smile. 

Dinner at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills to celebrate our arrival//Clay's birthday

Sunday, May 5 (Hola, Cinco de Mayo!): 
Laguna Beach, Newport Beach & Balboa Island

Nope, that view isn't photoshopped. Laguna Beach is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever visited (and yes, I've been to Europe). 

Lattes in paradise 

Lunch with the girls at La Sirena Grill in South Laguna-- Arrebaaa!

Those of you who watch Arrested Development will appreciate this. Balboa Island has the most delicious frozen bananas (only at The Original Frozen Banana stand), Balboa Bars (ice cream on a stick) and cheesecake on a stick. 

Bolboa Bar dipped in chocolate and covered with everything... yeshhh. Makes being dirty, cold, and rained on totally worth it!

Monday, May 6: Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive: no words necessary

2-story Ralph Lauren store? Heaven. 

 For those of you who have never witnessed my death stare, here it is in all its glory. I take shopping very seriously. 

Fighting off the Papa-Paparazzi after lunch at Rock Sugar

Tuesday, May 7: Malibu & Santa Monica

Starting the day off right with Coffee Bean-- newest West Coast obsession

Seriously kicking myself for not attending Pepperdine University in Malibu. The view is UNREAL.  

Malibu Beach at the Santa Monica Pier-- couldn't stop quoting Clueless
Okay, so you're probably going, "Is this like a Noxzema commercial or what?" But seriously, I actually have a way normal life for a teenage girl. 

The famous Santa Monica Ferris Wheel 

 Reppin' Waves gear with my bestie

Wednesday, May 8: The Departure: 

Couldn't leave without one last trip to Lette in Pasadena for the most delicious macarons known to man

Well, that just about sums up the highlights of my trip. The time in L.A. was so priceless; not just because of the energy of the city, but also because of the time I got to spend with my West Coast bestie, her husband, and her cousin//my friend Michelle. To say that we had an epic girls trip doesn't do our journey justice. Can't wait to come back!

Now to adjust back to EST and work... blah. Next vacation? An 8-day cruise in June. Can't come soon enough! Anyone else have any fabulous vacations coming up?

Have a lovely week, y'all!

Bedsider.org//What's in Your Bedside Drawer?

Happy Thursday, y'all! This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bedsider.org. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I am absolutely thrilled to be able to share such a wonderful feminine resource as part of this sponsored campaign. 

First off, I'm loving the name of the organization, which leads to the question: What really is in your bedside drawer? Well, here's a picture of mine (absolutely nothing was removed prior to this picture). What do you keep in your bedside drawer and what do those items say about you? Keep these things in mind cause there's a super fun Pinterest contest at the end of this post! 

.:Gotta have the essentials: lotion, sleep spray, my iPad, and a good book (among a few other items). Mind you, it's not normally this organized. Remote controls, which are all currently in use, typically invade the space:.

Now, a little more about Bedsider.org.... Bedsider is non-profit private organization operated by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Right now, 7 in 10 pregnancies among unmarried women 18-29 are described by women themselves as unplanned. There are horrifying teen pregnancy statistics in our country, specifically among high school students, and I wish we had more organizations like this one, providing readers with an abundance of free resources to encourage women to take an active role in their reproductive health and well being. 

The site dives straight into the details of all available forms of birth control, some of which I'll admit I've never heard of or considered. Each method has its own descriptive summary, quick facts about side effects//effectiveness//effort required, price breakdown, and information on who to consult for it. Most importantly, it shows "real life" video commentaries on the perks of each method and why women//couples choose particular methods. If you're on the fence, find out which method is right for you here: http://bedsider.org/methods.

In addition to vast detail, research, and insight on all forms of birth control, Besider tells you where//how to get it and enables you to set text/email/phone reminders to take your birth control and for appointments with physicians and clinics. Basically, it can serve as your own personal assistant in preventing unwanted pregnancy. Sound amazing? It is. Set your reminders here: http://bedsider.org/reminders.

Oh, and their "Features" page has tons of stories, articles, frisky tips, and more fun stuff. Want to know about 4 tips for a greener sex life? I most certainly do. 

So, basically... every woman or couple should visit this site out at least once. Why not? I'm 24 and consider myself very informed, but I still learned an impressive amount in approximately twenty minutes. Start spreading the word and enter the "What's In Your Bedside Drawer?" Pinterest Contest! Enter for a chance to win a variety of absolutely fabulous prizes ((and to see what certain people may or may not keep in their nightstands)). 

• Follow Bedsider.org on Pinterest.
• Create your own Pinterest board titled, “What’s in My Bedsider Drawer?”
• Repin this rules pin found here and at least one Bedsider’s 15 contest images found here from their board titled, “What’s in My Bedsider Drawer?” Be sure to tag each pin with the hashtag, #BedsideDrawer.
• Pin at least 5 additional images to represent your ideal bedside drawer. Tag each pin with the hashtag, #BedsideDrawer.
• Share your board’s URL on the Bedsider’s Facebook page here. Make sure to enter by 11:59 PM PST on May 29, 2013!

What's the weirdest thing you keep in your nightstand? I showed you a picture of mine; it's only fair. 

The long and short of it all is... every girl has that bedside drawer that holds the bedroom essentials: their Kindle, a pair of reading glasses, sexy lingerie. – whatever fits their personality. No matter what your drawer says about you, there’s birth control that will fit right in. Find the best method for your routine and style at Bedsider.org.

Have a fabulous weekend, loves. 
be.safe.always.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bedsider.org.

Live in the Sunshine//Best Styles & Deals for Swimwear

I've never been so happy to say that IT'S FRIDAYYY! I leave for LA in approximately 10 hours. Can't.Wait. Oh, and don't forget today is the day to get your Panera Blue Ribbon Bagels! In recognition of National Foster Care Month, Panera generously donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these bagels to the Foundation for Foster Children, benefitting local foster youth. Deliciously philanthropic. 

Just a little recap: This weekend was fun-filled with all sorts of activities, most notably including the Nautique "King of Wake" Games on Saturday, accompanied by an impromptu photoshoot with my favorite Bill Ward. I think it’s quite clear that I was unaware photographs would be taken; however, I’ll share the (semi)decent ones.

.oh, hey. 

((sunglasses: Tory Burch))

.love this swimsuit, do not love my pose.

((top: Xhilaration, bottom: Victoria Secret))

.just a couple of chicks hanging out, getting loose, & watching wakeboarding.

.you're welcome, Apple, for your Summer 2013 iPhone ad. 

All of these water sports, upcoming vacations, and the looming summer season have me obsessed with buying bathing suits. Victoria Secret can thank me for approximately 10% of their annual income this year in swimsuits alone. I’m venturing out beyond my comfort zone, too. Normally I stick to push-up halter tops to enhance my barely there cleavage, but I've tried a few bandeau tops from Target and Venus, and I’m obsessed. They’re adorable, surprisingly enhancing, and eliminate conspicuous and often painful tan lines. Oh, and everyone knows I love ruffles. SO MANY STORES HAVE RUFFLES. It’s insane. Very exciting.

Here are some of my favorite links to the best style deals for this sunny season:

1. Save up to 40% on designer swimwear for a limited time only from SwimSpot.com 2. Check out The Talent Pool 2012 Swim Collections (Now at Shopbop!)

3. Hot New Swim Styles from Victoria Secret ($15 off $100, $30 off $150, $75 off $250)
4. Venus Pink Paradise (PND) Collection (Free Shipping on Orders over $100)
5. Target Swim 2013 (Spend $50, Get Free Shipping!)

What brands are y'all looking at this year? Anybody else getting straight up amped for beach days, margaritas, and luaus galore?! I certainly am. 

Have a fabulous weekend, and I'll chat with y'all when I return as a celebrity from LA. Love you!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!//Rain Boots Renegade

I'm not sure how it is for y'all northerners, but down here in Florida, April//May=months of monsoons. It's literally impossible to wear shoes without getting them soaked 5 out 7 days a week. I, for one, don't enjoy moldy shoes, so I turn to good old-fashioned rain boots.

In order to combat this oh-so-pleasant weather phenomenon, I look to my adorable and classy Hunter Rain Boots. I've purchased them in Hunter Green (below), but I'm seriously considering another pair in either Navy or Flame (Coral). They're insanely comfortable and perfect for all adverse weather conditions (cold//rainy//snowy...you name it!), not to mention they go with everything. Skinny jeans tucked into some Hunter boots? Yes, please. 

Call me preppy (thank you), but my 3 favorite colors are listed below (coral, navy, hunter green):

Hunter Boots Hunter Gloss Rain Boots in Coral Flame FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. The original Hunter high-gloss Wellies. These rubber boots are detailed with a polished buckle along the top line. Woven nylon lining lends extra warmth, and a cushioned footbed makes for comfortable wear. Lug sole. Imported from China. This item cannot be gift-boxed. NOTE: High-quality natural rubber may release white marks, which can be wiped clean. MEASUREMENTS Shaft: 15in / 38cm Circumference: 15.5in / 39.5cm - Flame

Hunter Boots Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boots in Navy FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. These tall rubber boots feature a buckled strap and logo tab. Woven nylon lining and cushioned footbed. 15" shaft and 15.5" circumference. Lug sole. * Imported. * This item cannot be gift-boxed. * NOTE: High-quality natural rubber may release white marks, which can be wiped clean. - Navy

Hunter Boots Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boots in Hunter Green FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. These tall rubber boots feature a buckled strap and logo tab. Woven nylon lining and cushioned footbed. 15" shaft and 15.5" circumference. Lug sole. * Imported. * This item cannot be gift-boxed. * NOTE: High-quality natural rubber may release white marks, which can be wiped clean. - Green

 Classic black Hunter Rain Boots are nice, too, but I prefer the colored styles. What color do y'all think I should purchase for my next pair? I'm leaning towards navy, but I'd love your feedback. Any other styles or brands I should look at? 

Have a wonderful week, y'all. Happy Tuesday!

The Best in Clearing Acne Masks

Happy Friday! April has been flying by, but this week has been brutally slow. Alright, May... I'm ready for you (specifically my trip to LA and nicer Florida weather).

Every beauty routine should include a go-to clearing mask to combat unexpected breakouts and redness. Masks nourish and rejuvenate your skin, while absorbing all the excess oil responsible for blemishes. Now, if you didn't know, I experienced one of the worst ever breakouts about a year and half ago. It was hormonal; never switch birth controls twice in two months and expect your skin to be your friend. Regardless, I tried everything under the sun to get my red and cystic acne-scarred skin back on track. Ergo, I've gone through my fair share of products and consider myself to be a self-proclaimed expert in the best of the best in clearing//acne masks. 

1. AHAVA "Time to Clear" Purifying Mud Mask, $18/3.4oz

AHAVA is one of my favorite product brands, utilizing active dead sea minerals to keep your skin fresh and clear. I received a sample in my April Birchbox and purchased a full bottle a few days later. "Time to Clear" leaves your skin feeling oil-free, fresh, and clean after just 2 minutes of application. Best of all, it's completely gentle and great for people with sensitive and red skin, like moi. 

2. GlamGlow "Tingling & Exfoliating" Mud Mask $40/1.7oz

GlamGlow basically gives you a salon mud mask facial with every 10-minute application. It's amazing. Without using any harsh chemicals, this mud mask activates moisturizing collagen synthesis, instantly tightening your skin and leaving you feeling youthful and pure. GlamGlow's "Super-Mud Clearing Treatment" is the same price and equally as fabulous. I highly recommend both! Go to Sephora and request a sample before taking the full-price plunge, though. Not all masks work for everyone. 

3. Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Mask, $30/2oz

This particular mask is ideal for those with sunburned, irritated, or reddened skin (ie. me). Its calming and moisturizing formula works to soften and plump you skin into perfection. It's very gentle, hydrating, and smells ridiculously pleasant. 

4. Bliss "Steep Clean" Pore Purifying Mask, $45/3.4oz

This fabulously fancy formula is essentially a do-it-yourself, 15 minute facial for all skin types. It deep cleans and clears pores, exfoliates and smooths the skin surface, helps prevent blackhead build-up, brightens skin, and leaves pores less prominent for a glowing complexion. I've been using Bliss for years, and it never loses its luster. Love it. 

5. Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, $47/2.5oz

This intense formula has stellar reviews and  successfully improves overall skin texture, softens skin, soothes irritation, and smells amazing. Best of all, results are almost immediate. The combination of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, and B5 dramatically calms your skin and instantly de-stresses you and your complexion. Plain and simple, it just leaves your skin feeling great, and it's worth every pretty penny.  

What are some of your favorite//most effective masques? I love all product suggestions, so don't be shy. I hope y'all have a wonderful, relaxing, and long weekend!

xoxo.