If you've been following along for a while (if not, welcome!), you will know that I LOVE to travel. It's crazy to think that I had never been out of the country until two years ago. I've always traveled a lot within the states, but it wasn't until I went abroad that the wanderlust really kicked in. Now, I seem to always be reminiscing on past trips and dreaming of exploring ancient sites, getting lost on beautiful streets, or experiencing the beauty of a different culture. Each of the countries I've visited (France, Italy, Canada, India) hold a special place in my heart. Honestly, I could probably live out of a suitcase and be perfectly content. Thanks to Pinterest, there are so many new places I want to explore and a certain City of Light that is calling my name once again. Lately my love for Paris has been completely reignited. To those who think it's cliche, it's not. There is truly magic in that Parisian air...and yes, it does smell like fresh baguettes.
Lastly, one of my own photos from my trip to Paris. Take me back! Are you currently experiencing wanderlust? Where to?! I hope you're having a wonderful Friday!
When I first started acting and modeling at eight years old, one of my favorite parts of a job besides actually shooting, was sitting in the hair and makeup chair and getting ready. Even now, hair and makeup is one of my favorite things and over the years I've tried a lot of different products. It is just so fun to experiment with different styles, colors, and techniques. I am by no means an expert, but once I find a great product, I stick to it! Below are my tried and true favorite beauty essentials.
Hair Care
I keep it pretty simple when it comes to my hair. If I use too many products, My hair just feels greasy and weighed down. Shampoo and Conditioner: Pureology Hydrate // Detangler: Moroccan Oil // Hairspray: Big Sexy Hair
Skin Care
I have always had really sensitive skin, and after trying so many different products and I am so thankful to finally have a simple system that I'm really happy with. Cleanser: Aveeno // SPF Moisturizer: Perricone MD // Spot Treatment: Clearasil // Mask: Sephora Rose or Green Tea
If I had to pick an absolute favorite product, it would be the Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Pur Couture'. It is the only lip stain I've tried that stays shiny and lasts the entire day. I lied...I can't pick just one favorite. I also cannot live without this powder. It completely evens out my skin tone and somehow even makes any blemishes seem invisible. And really, is there anything better than that? What are some of your can't-live-without products?
Is it just me or does the internet seem to be buzzing with even more awesomeness than usual? Maybe it's just me. I had a 10-page term paper due on Tuesday, and let me tell ya, during the three day weekend I had quite a few procrastination Internet binges. Hey, my paper (finally) got done and I found these gems...so I say it's a win-win. ;) In all seriousness, do you have any tips for staying off the phone/social media and staying focussed when writing a paper? I really need to get control of it before I head off to college in the fall, so I would be so thankful for any tips!
I recently discovered the Barefoot Blonde! Amber is absolutely gorgeous and may have a flawless Instagram feed, but I love that she always keeps things real too! These healthy snack ideas that she shared are awesome because they are really good for you, but aren't too difficult or time consuming to make. I especially want to try the little cucumber, hummus, and turkey sandwiches! I could probably eat like fifty of those. ;)
If you read my very first post post, then you'll know that I want to be a princess at Disneyland someday! This article is so interesting because it lets you have an inside look at a side of Disney that is usually kept pretty secret.
President Obama sat down with three of YouTube's biggest stars and answered almost every single question I've been having about politics in an easy to understand and relatable way. Even though it's 45 minutes long, this interview is not something you necessarily have to sit down and watch. I listened to it while I was cleaning my room one day and still feel like I learned a lot!
Speaking of The President of the United States...Miss Macey will probably win the 2040 election. This girl is hilariously cute and super smart! She's only five years old and knows every detail about every one of our presidents. Her interview with Ellen is the sweetest and it is so awesome to see girls like her embracing their confidence and smarts!
Is it summer yet? Although we still have a few months to go, I couldn't help but share this. Usually DIYs never turn out as cute as the picture, but this one actually looks fairly easy to create. You can find the step by step instructions here.
I just love this. And not only because it's Eleanor Roosevelt's super classy way of saying "yolo", but because it is so true. After all, there we will never experience this same exact moment in this same exact stage of life again. That fact is one of the most beautiful things and also kind of the scariest. Such a great reminder to live every second of the day with purpose and confidence and kindness.
I hope you've been having a wonderful week. Again, thank you for any tips for battling homework distraction! Have you come across any lovely links lately?
It has been so sunny in San Francisco for the past few days! Even though we’re in the dead of winter, the sunshine on my face gives me hope that spring is on the horizon. Today I am sharing my favorite Valentine's look, and while I will likely be spending tomorrow go karting with my family (Valentine's Day is also my little brother's birthday!), I thought those of you with fancier plans might appreciate a little outfit inspiration! The pink heels, dainty bow necklace, and pea coat add the perfect touches to this simple look, but my favorite part is definitely the dress. It is so flattering and, great news, it's on sale! Even better news, if you're still experiencing colder weather, the same brand carries an almost identical long sleeve version of the dress that is also on sale for 75% off! Yes, you read this right...75% off! I love roses and chocolate, but that sale might be my favorite Valentine's surprise this year! Do you have any special plans for Valentine's Day?
Love is the most powerful human emotion and nothing can capture that better than a song. Valentine's Day is all about that four letter word, L-O-V-E. These are some my favorite fun, sweet songs that are perfect for this time of year. Whether you have a special someone or not, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show you care, binge on chocolate, and celebrate love. From a few current hits to more obscure songs to even an 80's throwback, this playlist captures the love that is in the air!
Resolutions aren't just confined to January 1st. In fact, I think they can be more successful when you independently decide to commit to goals instead of just hopping on the last minute New Year's bandwagon. This year, I rang in 2015 in India and decided that I wouldn't make my list of resolutions until I returned home. Why? I was experiencing a brand new perspective. I was experiencing renewal. I was experiencing peace. It wasn't until I returned home and reflected on what I had experienced that I was able to accurately see what I wanted to accomplish and set my goals for this year.
via Mind I came back from India with this peace, this quietness. I promised myself that I wouldn't get caught up in the craziness and drama of life. Instead, everyday I am now making a conscious effort to read my Bible, be thankful, live with intention, and look beyond myself. Body I am a serious foodie. And compared to my marathon running parents and hockey playing brother, I wouldn't exactly call myself active. I always feel better when I'm living healthier, my problem is just making the time to make it a priority. My health goal for this year is to live an 80/20 lifestyle. That means most of the time I will eat clean and exercise, but will still be able to enjoy my pasta and occasional lazy weekends without feeling like I've failed. It's all about balance! School Last semester, school was not my top priority. With college applications, work, sports, and blogging, I was stretched so thin. I've always been so driven when it comes to my education and it made me crazy that I wasn't able to invest as much time. There's nothing I really could've done to change that, but I am so grateful that this semester is less busy. As weird as it sounds, it feels so good to sit down and do homework instead of rushing through it before class. Blogging I have set some goals for Practically Imperfect that I am so excited to implement! First, I want to start adding video content. I'm not sure if I've shared this, but singing is one of my biggest passions and I am cannot wait to start sharing some covers with you guys! I am also beginning to have a set editorial calendar. My commitment is to post three times a week.If there is anything in particular that you'd like to see, comment below or email me! And there you have it, my goals for 2015. I hope that by typing these commitments out and sending them out into the universe, I will be more motivated to stick to them! What were your resolutions this year?
