Beach Essentials - Beauty Edition

I throw random things into my beach bag. A book I'll 'read', my headphones and iPod I wind up using instead of the book, a magazine I again 'read' but really just scan the pictures, and all of the following essentials. They're technically considered 'beauty' products but to me they're just necessary items...especially all the spf. So go on and get your beach bag ready for these babies!

1. Leave in Conditioner - Salty, wavy hair is definitely a trend but it can wreak havoc on your hair, especially when sitting in the sun for hours. I've used Aussie leave in conditioner for years and have also been using It's a 10. (LOVE them both) Gets the knots out in a cinch and moisturizes my hair without leaving it feeling oily or weighed down. Quick rinse in the beach shower after a dip in the ocean, a few spritz, and run a wide tooth comb through your hair. Silky, smooth, happy hair.

2. Say Yes to Cucumbers face wipes - I've tried lots of makeup wipes and these are by far my favorite. I use them after a night out to remove a full face of makeup but I also use them after the gym or a workout to get the sweat and dirt off my face. They leave my face fresh and actually clean feeling, while other wipes left my skin with the feeling of an oily film on my face or sticky. My go to when wanting to wipe sweat away from a hot, humid beach day.

3. Face sunscreen - It's important to treat your face extra special, even in the sun. Body sunscreen is heavy and isn't always meant (or good) for your face. Use specific face sunscreen instead. I usually put 50 on my nose and 30 on the rest of my face - don't forget your lips!

4. Waterproof mascara - I'm not one for wearing make-up at the beach. Whatsoever. I honestly don't get the point. You're sweating in the hot, hot sun and swimming in salty goodness. So this isn't really an essential for me, but if you MUST...waterproof mascara is liquid gold. 

5. Body sunscreen - I tan easily but I still use sunscreen. I usually use 15 or 30 but I like the spray oil form to still give my skin an extra little somethin'! If you don't tan easily, don't think laying in the sun more often with less sunscreen will change that. Use sunscreen at all times, simple as that.

6. Water (lots of it) - while the saltwater can be great for your skin, the combo of sun and salt can be extremely dehydrating for you and your skin. Be sure to stay hydrated with lots of water. Reusable water bottles are your (and the environment's) best friend in this case -- side note, have you seen this crazy pocket-sized water bottle?? 

DIY Glitter Champagne Bottles

One of my best friends is getting married in August (eek!) and this weekend we are celebrating in the Hamtpons for her bachelorette party. Woo! I found some pinspiration to jazz up champagne bottles and I thought to myself, "I'm obviously bringing champagne, so why not cover up the ever so fancy André and Korbel labels with a little glitter?"

This was definitely a simple DIY and didn't end up a Pinterest fail- score! Check out the steps and tips below!

*Here's what you'll need:

• Spray adhesive
• Glitter
• Bottles
• Old cardboard box

(Seriously, that's it.)

I picked up the spray glue and glitter from Michaels. These items can easily be bought at any craft store and I know that hardware stores also carry the spray glue. The bottle can be any kind...wine, champagne, big, mini, etc. It's up to you! 

Step 1:

There are usually a few labels on bottles. One around the neck at the bottom of the foil, and one or two on the main part of the bottle. I peeled some of the labeling off of the main part, but left most of it on. I made sure all of the label around the neck came off (the neck label comes off a lot easier than the main part). I then wiped it down with a damp paper towel and then dried it, making sure it was completely dry.

TIP: I sprayed and glitterized all of mine in a matter of 30 minutes or less. If you have more time, I suggest taking all of the labeling off and just leaving the foil wrap on the top. The easiest way to get labels off is to soak in warm water and use dish soap with some wet paper towels. I didn't want to risk getting soapy residue on the bottle and not having the glue stick. Again, if you have a whole day for it to be properly cleaned and dried, you can definitely take all of the labeling off, and start the glue/glitter process (step 2) the following day or two.

Step 2:

Spray entire bottle with glue. This is where you will utilize that cardboard box. I spray the bottle while holding it inside so it wouldn't get on anything else (I also did this outside). 

TIP: Instead of constantly holding down the spray nozzle and turning the bottle (this will cause bubbles as I found out), spray in swipes. Hold down nozzle, spray up and down once, then stop. Repeat over entire bottle using this same motion.

Step 3:

Sprinkle glitter (and lots of it) over bottle. I used fine glitter but you can use a mixture of big glitter and even a different color on the bottom to give an ombré effect. I did 4 bottles and used 1 and a half containers of the glitter-- I loaded the glitter on and didn't try to use it sparingly at all...oops.

TIP: When it is tacky or dry, you can go over with glue again to cover any bare spots or make the glitter more intense. 

Step 4:

Let dry and voilà! You're dunzo!

SUP Yoga

Stand up paddle board yoga -- Yoga. On the ocean. What could be better?

Thanks Endless SUP Company for introducing me to this rad form of yoga.

Stockton Lake - Manasquan, NJ

Bikini Shopping Tips and Tricks

It's no surprise I love bikinis. It's also no surprise that bikini shopping can be difficult, for various reasons. For me, it's difficult because none of the bikini companies I'd like to own are sold in stores around where I live. Most are in Hawaii, Australia, and maybe LA. One of the difficulties that stems from that, is how in the world am I supposed to figure out which size will be best for me. The size charts rarely reveal what the size really is like-- and if they only sell cheeky bottoms, how cheeky will they really be?! [I've learned, very cheeky...like Anastasia Ashley cheeky] 

So how does one who chooses to shop online get it right?

1. There are a lot of bikini selling companies out there. Most are great and very helpful with sizing. If you're really not sure about sizing, email them! See what the measurements are in inches. Tell them YOUR size and see what they recommend. Make sure you let them know if you want more coverage or less coverage. I promise, they will be helpful...and if they aren't, why would you want to give them your money? Move on to a better shop.
2. The cost of some bikinis can be very expensive. Remember that high quality suits are an investment. I've found that cheap suits only last me one summer. If I buy two or more new, but cheap, suits each summer and they literally only last two months, what's the point of that? To me, $80 and up is an investment. Keep these little tricks in mind when you are purchasing expensive swimwear:

• If I am purchasing a bikini [or anything online for that matter] I will do my best to not pay shipping. Find the shops that always offer free shipping [Zappos is amazing with that] or shops that offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount of money. 
• I also highly recommend free shipping for exchanging/return purposes. When it comes to online shopping, you have to come to terms that not everything will fit like you hoped. Free shipping makes it all better.
• Wait for sales. There's a sale for anything these days. First day of spring, Memorial Day Weekend, Groundhog Day..literally anything. So never settle for paying full price. When there are sales, be prepared to shop right away..sizes will run out.

My latest purchase is like my new baby. Mostly because I've been eyeing it for over a year or so, but also because I make the emoji heart eyed face every time I look at it. My new Mikoh Maui top in 'tropical' is the perfect addition to my collection [yes, I wanted to sound like Ariel there]. I ordered through Bikini.com and I will order from there again whenever I possibly can. Free shipping over $50, so basically any bikini I'd want. When it arrived, I've never seen such a beautifully colored package...they even sent it along with a hand-written thank you note. Something small, but so personal, makes all the difference. So thank you Bikini.com and to everyone else, make sure to check 'em out.

Mikoh Maui top in Tropical

Where is your favorite place to shop for bikinis??

New Year

1.1.15. 

I can't believe we will be writing 2015! But it is here and it is here to stay..for another year (duh). I rang in the new year with a few of my best friends and could not be more happy that I got to spend New Years Eve with them. I then, started off my new year in the best way possible - binge watching Friends on Netflix, with my boyfriend, in bed, ALL DAY. Cannot think of a better first day of 2015 than that. 

Happy New Year!

Avocado Hummus

Stumped on what to make this Thanksgiving? Are you either tired of cooking the same dishes or are you like me and frankly, you can't even really cook? [cooking challenged over here!] I do want to be able to cook really well but at this point in my life, I like the idea of cooking, more than I actually like it...hopefully in a few years I really will like it. Anyway...I have a few recipes I love to make that don't really involve too, too much but still looks and tastes great. This one is a simple dish to whip up for next Thursday:

Avocado Hummus - YUM 

It's not very time consuming and luckily doesn't involve too many complicated ingredients...here ya go!

Enjoy!