Petit Vour - Responsible Beauty

A few years ago, I began a change from within by eating less processed, pesticide-covered products and more wholesome, organic foods. It was only a matter of time before I began making changes with what I put on the outside of my body as well. When I'm snuggling extra close to Roswelle or my brand-new nephew Teddy, I love knowing my skin is safe for their sensitive and unharmed skin to touch.

Knowing this, my sister-in-law Jenny gave me a 3-month subscription to the Petit Vour box for Christmas. The idea is much like the well known Birch Box, however the box includes non-toxic, vegan, and ethically made beauty products. The company's self-proclaimed mission is to bring two worlds together: luxury and progressive values. 

Once a month I receive a bright pink box on my doorstep full of 4-5 beauty items ranging from deodorant to eye-liner. I've loved being exposed to new products that care about the same things I do! Below is a detail review of the January box and I'll be posting about February and March's box soon! 

KANI BOTANICALS Petal Polish Rose Face Mask:

This innovative formula is enriched with revitalizing brown sugar and antioxidant-rich rose, which work together to gently dissove dead skin cells and reveal perfectly-nourished skin.

My Review: A Face-mask is my favorite indulgence at the moment and this one did not disappoint! Silky smooth with just enough exfoliant.  I use my masks at night and rarely rinse off but instead let the extra residue soak in through the night leaving me fresh-faced in the morning! 

MAI COUTURE Blush Papier

Boost your complexion by adding color to cheeks whenever, wherever. The sublte shimmer you see will give your skin a healhty, natural glow.

My Review: I'm saving these color sheets for the upcoming summer weddings as they will fit perfectly into a small sized clutch and will give me an extra boost of color between the ceremony and reception!

BLISSOMA Deodorant Stick

This super-effective natural deodorant comes in a handy stick form and includes moisturizing mango butter and natural oils as well as anti-irritant, sweat absorbing and odor-busting powders. No toxins!

My Review: This has been my favorite new beauty product yet! I stopped using regular antiperspirant deodorant years ago, and in fact stopped using deodorant altogether when I was nursing. My body quickly adjusted and under-arm sweat was not necessarily an issue for me.  However, when planning to be out with friends or in an exercise class, I love throwing on this super safe stick!!

 ZABANA ESSENTIALS Glow Stick
Take your skin to the next level by adding a touch of highlight to your cheeks, collarbone, or wherever you fancy a glow. Moisturizing, fast absorbing, and rejuvenating with just a slight hint of shimmer. 
My Review: I love a good dewy look, and glow sticks can give you just that! I am a little apprehensive to use anything with shimmer on my skin because I feel like it encourages a breakout.  However, I trust the ingredients in this stick, so I will add it for some extra glow on a special night out!

Inspired by Stay Strong Mummy plus 40/30/20/10/10

Paul and I hosted 10 of our friends at the cottage this past weekend.  I'm beat to say the least but I'm not sure if I'm beat from hosting or from the workout we did as a group on Sunday.  It's one of Paul's and my favorite "Stay Strong Mummy" workouts.  Stay Strong Mummy is an Australian mum who has a passion for fitness but also has a 3 year old and twin 1 year olds.  She posts workouts that are really challenging but can be done quickly in your backyard - even with toddlers! I'm inspired by her and I love her Instagram posts (@staystrongmummy).

These types workouts will meet you at your fitness level as they are scalable yet challenging.  I'm not able to run long distances at the moment because of a bad ankle, but I'm using these strength and bodyweight conditioning workouts to continue training for the Boston Half Marathon in October.

Here's the 40/30/20/10/10 StayStrongMummy workout:
40 air squats - adding weight is optional
30 lunges - each lunge is one rep (so 15 each side) and jumping lunges is optional for more intensity
20 pushups - from your knees is a good scaling option.  Feet elevated for more intensity
10 burpees - Keep your feet closer together throughout the movement for more focus on your core
10 tuck jumps - if you aren't jumping, bicycles on your back is an option

Prescribed is 4 rounds in this order.  This past Sunday we did 3 rounds as a group which took most of us about 15-18 minutes.  Everything can be modified - movement, reps, and rounds! Listen to your body.

Below I go into a little more detail on the movements:

Air Squat//

Feet planted, knees out, butt engaged, back straight and chest up.  Toes slightly pointed out, and try and get hip crease below the knee crease (get your butt to the ground!).  Also, your knees can come forward, as long and they track over or outside your toes.  

Basically, I try and just model Roswelle's form, although hers is much better at the moment as she can get real low!  

Lunge//

Knee to the ground, butt tucked, chest up.

Push-up//

Elbows in and back, abs engaged, back straight, neutral neck, chest and nose to the ground.  No snaking!

Burpee//

{sorry for the placement RoRo}

All the way to the ground, hollow core/abs engaged when coming back up (no snaking), hips lead your ascend. These are intimidating, hard and I basically hate them...but you will get better at them the more frequently you do them.  

Tuck Jump//

Knees up, up, up, up! deceptively hard!! but only 10.  Also, try and keep your chest up and back perpendicular to the ground at the top of the tuck (mine is coming a bit forward...)

{tuck jumps are currently hurting my ankle so I modify with bicycles}

Inspired by PopO'Color

{I would put these in any room in my house - especially the tan & white pillow on the left}

Last night while at a girlfriend's for dinner, PopO'Color etsy shop came up in conversation.  I had just recently discovered her this past weekend when googling Caitlin Wilson Design pillows and my friend had been given PopO'Color's card from a furniture store.

I love CWD pillows with all my heart but the price can be a real budget bomb. It's really hard to tell your husband whyyyy you need such expensive throw pillows, "they're just perfect" doesn't always work as a valid reason.  So I was googling to try to find cheaper options, and PopO'Color popped into my screen life!

The best news is what my friend, Mel, told me about her experience with the Etsy shop owner - she's SOOO very helpful! She responded to Mel with 20 different links to pillows that might work after Mel reached out to her for help with her living room decorating questions.  They worked on what will work with Mel's color scheme and which pillows would coordinate nicely.  

This all lead me to a pairing party on my computer last night.  Her Etsy shop has the pillows organized by colors so it was super simple to navigate through all the beautiful options she has available!  If you are in the throw pillow market - definitely check out her shop - oh and she's a local to Boston too! :) 

{for an understated Auburn room - or breakfast bench (wink wink)}

{I think these would be beautiful in a living room or a little boy's nursery}

{these would be amazing in a beach home or a more formal sitting room}

{more Caitlin Wilson pillow options for a little less}

{I really love the print (comes in more colors) on the right from above, it's not chevron or zebra, it's better!}

{for the more serene room}

{for a bold punch!!}

{and lastly a very classic pairing with a peacock!}

Inspired by Runkeeper

Runkeeper practices what it preaches: "Everyone. Every Run." In preparation to launch their new brand, my good friend Erin (Director of Marketing there - yeah, she's big time) reached out to facebook for volunteers for some running photos (and Paul volunteered me...!).  She wasn't looking for models posing as runners, but instead real people to represent Runkeeper's brand in an effort to be accessible rather than aspirational.  I totally see her in their new message of being approachable, supportive, and real - because that's the kind of friend she is! Basically she made this all happen and I'm so proud of her and excited for Runkeeper! 

As a real runner, I personally love it because it is a healthy way to compete with myself, it is always available, and it clears my head (...after the first 10 minutes of thinking how much I hate running - let's be honest). And I love the Runkeeper app because it kinda does it all!  It knows to pause when you are at a traffic light, it tracks exercises other than running like spinning and hiking, and it encourages you to be social by tagging your friends so they can like your workouts (I personally love knowing my friends ran while I was binge-watching netflix - ha!). And my personal favorite, you can control the audio cues. Is it one of those days you need to know when you've made it a quarter of a mile? There's an option for that! ;)

Anyways, I was very excited when they chose some of my pictures so I just had to share! You can download the app here and if you do, send me a friend request!

{don't you love their new logo? The shoelace is fun and the colors are energetic}

I met Mikhail for some shots for Runkeeper in the middle of the week.  Roswelle was actually in the BoB watching him take the pictures!  It was a very casual shoot along Carson Beach in South Boston after a long day.  

Inspired by @chalkfulloflove

{this picture is everything}

I really, really love Instagram!!  It has introduced me to so many inspiring entrepreneurs/bloggers/talented people that I never would have found on my own.  One in particular that I'm loving lately, @chalkfulloflove!  A graphic designer by day and an stationary artist by night, the owner, Sarah Klein, runs an Etsy shop which is chalked full of love...and beautiful things! What sets her shop apart is the uplifting vibe her products and quotes promote. Sayings like "you got this" "hustle" "stay sassy" and "girl you are a boss" to name a few.  Another personal fave, "top knots + coffee" because let's face it, that is my life on a day to day basis.

Then I found her iphone case shop. Each case made me think of a specific girlfriend which was really fun.

I've included some of favorite items here, hope you love it as much as I do!

{so many of my us...hate the grocery store}

{ALL of this could make the grocery store trip so much better }

BONUS! Do you live in Austin?? well she shares her knowledge by offering hand lettering workshops!! I wanna goooooo.

Banquette Bench

{the detailed slant in the bench is small but makes a dramatic difference}

Since we travel so much in the summer, I have very little time for projects in the home (not complaining).  However, that doesn't mean the idea wheels aren't spinning... This Fall, one of the projects on the drawing board is a banquette bench in our kitchen.  We have the perfect little nook for a bench; it's actually something I've pictured well before I even moved in.  At the moment, we have a high top bar that I think we will move to storage.  I really want Roswelle to start sitting at a table, and I don't know that tall chairs make sense while she is learning.  

In my head it is the simplest project, it's just a bench?! Doesn't even need to be attached to the wall. Plus added storage - I mean no brainer!  We'll see how "easy" it is once we get serious about building it...aka calling my father-in-law Ross! ;) In the meantime, I've shared some pictures of banquets that are both lovely and functional.  Do you have one already?  If so, please share your experience!

{The bench plus shelves is so fun & friendly & smart}

{the is super simplistic but is sometimes all you need}

{benches don't have to be a cozy, cottage look...this one brings the drama}

{I love everything about this little galley kitchen - serious inspiration for me right here}

{a highchair or learning chair slides up so well - confirming my decision that a change needs to be made}

This is our current situation...pretty, just not practical.

Tnee's Tpees

For Roswelle's first birthday, my mom gifted her a beautiful teepee from Tnee's Tpees! I'm sure you have seen teepees from sources like Pottery Barn and Land of Nod, but they are huge and outrageously expensive.  Tnee's Tpees are small enough for almost any nursery or play room and they easily collapse if needed. The company was started by a Mom of two who made a teepee after getting tired of building and tearing down forts.  She started making them for friends, and soon a business was built! 

I love that these teepee's are American made, especially as we gear up to celebrate July 4th!  The self proclaimed mom&pop shop is made up of 4 seamstresses, and 2 wood cutters out of their home basement!  I love knowing who made items in my home and where they came from.

We opted for the Minted Arrow Teepee and love the color it brings to Roswelle's neutral nursery. I've shared some of my other favorites (below) from their site, but honestly all of their options are adorable!

 {These pictures were taken the day before her 1st birthday, hence her short hair. Oh my, how she has grown!}

{sail with me teepee}

{Arizona Teepee}

{natural gray arrow teepee}

{safari teepee}

{BONUS! you can purchase matching play-mats!!}

Inspired by Scarlet&Gold

Scarlet & Gold is an online shop that offers beautiful gifts in prints, stationary and even some apparel. The company was "born from the idea that life is too short not to adorn your walls with pretty things."  Not only are their items pretty, they are heart-felt & inspirational.  

The owner, Megan Smalley (a fellow Auburn grad as well), recently shared her personal and emotion-filled journey through the inability to get pregnant. You can read her inspiring blog post here.  She and her husband are about to start their second round of IVF and her coworkers are rallying around her, launching the #GiveGrace Campaign.  The proceeds of the specific #GiveGrace prints will go towards Megan's next step in the fertility process, but once her IVF-related financial needs are met, any future proceeds will go towards other moms and their journey to start a family.  

If you haven't personally struggled with infertility, chances are that you have a friend who has, is currently, or will.  I love what these prints and this campaign represents: women supporting other women through one of the hardest struggles in life. This campaign is wonderful, because you not only are able to buy your girlfriend an uplifting gift during a dark time, but you can tell her that the proceeds are helping other women going through the same thing.  I haven't personally experienced this struggle, but I have close friends who have/are and the one thing they all say is that the support from others means so much.   

As mentioned before, Scarlet&Gold also sells other beautiful items including pretty Auburn & Alabama college football prints and fun stationary.  I've shared some of my favorite items from their collection below. 

{I think this would be a beautiful wedding/anniversary gift as well}

{I want this in my home! Gold+Auburn}

If you want to support Megan in her journey, you can purchase a gift or simply donate here: http://www.scarletandgoldshop.com/givegrace/

Inspired by @amberfillerup

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?  Well good, because I'd prefer that to plain ol' copying.  

I've recently been copying imitating a favorite hair/mom blogger, Amber Fillerup (she's Danish!). Her life is seemingly perfect, so much so that sometimes I have to take a break from looking at her instagram feed  and follow @womenIRL instead, for a healthy reality check.  BUT what is great about following her is that she tells you everything you need to know on how to get her look - down to her hair coloring formulas, extensions, and hair braiding tutorial videos.

Instead of being envious of her life, I am inspired! (still slightly envious if I'm being 100% honest)

Check out her photos below:

^^^^ same thing right? ;) ;)

{what I wish my "rainy day" hair looked like}

{adorable+beautiful}

{the "dutch" braid makes a big different for a front braid}

{just a simple gym look :P }

{gonna attempt this look soon!!}

An Herbal Arrangement

For Mother's Day this year, Paul gave me a beautiful flower arrangement from Winston Flower's. The florist shop started as a pushcart on Newbury St. in 1944 and is now the "Tiffany's" of floral shops in Boston.  In my arrangement, I noticed Winston had placed mint and rosemary as the greenery - so smart!  The herbs smell fresh and adds natural color and texture.   

I decided to make my own simpler version. I kept it simple to be able to keep it next to the stove for easy access to the herbs.  Fresh is always best, but for this project I grabbed 3 pre-packaged herb packs of Rosemary, Mint, & Sage, from Trader Joe's.  I hope you feel inspired to try as well! 

On Trend // the Turkish Towel

One of my favorite household items at the moment is the Turkish Towel.  It functions as a towel (both bath and beach), a table runner, a picnic blanket, a hand towel, and even a sarong/wrap.  Both stylish and functional, it can be glammed up or toned down; it's the perfect purchase for yourself or as a gift.   

You can find them reasonably priced on Overstock ($30), Etsy ($24), and designer sites ($55).  I also see them all the time at discount stores like HomeGoods/Marshalls/Ross's.  

All images below are via Pinterest searching "turkish towels."  

{It's wedding season and these towels are perfect party favors or bridesmaid gifts!}

Mid-Century Chairs

I wrote a coupe weeks ago of my love for Amber Interiors' work.  She made my heart skip a beat once again with her latest before/after reveal.  For the first time, I noticed the clean, sharp-edged, relaxed feel of the chairs she uses in the spaces she decorates.  

Mid-century chairs to be exact.  

I love mid-century chairs in pairs, but we only need one. Our living room is small and my current goal is to find furniture that actually fits.  We sold the double sized, double stuffed, extra used chair from Paul's bachelor life (pictured below) and next up we will be selling our oversized (but comfy) couch.

[SOLD!  blocked way too much light and just didn't fit our style.]

I plan to put the new chair right next to the window (the chair currently sitting there now actually lives next to the fireplace).  I want a low profile chair that continues to let the light in the living room.  And see what I mean about the couch being too big?  It swallows the room.  

Some more pictures of the inspiration and look I am going for - I love the sheepskin thrown over it as well.

  

I began my search on my favorite discount websites: wayfair, overstock, ebay, and even craigslist. The prices were still a little shocking; mostly over $300 for what most people would consider a beat up old chair.  I haven't found "the one" yet I don't think, but I've included a bunch of items from my research below in case you are in the market as well!  

Below are my finds.  I've included links as well.  Ignore the upholstery and finishings, you can always change those!  This is about finding good bones for the look.

I love the way these chairs let in the light and the exposed wood is a great color.  Link

I love this pair - the structure is exactly what I'm looking for and I almost purchased, but the shipping was too much. 

Link

Beautiful via Ebay - Link

A little more beat up...but has potential. And a more reasonable price than most.  Link

This chair from wayfair needs little work if any.  Link

I also found some great options from overstock, pictures and links below:

Link

Link

Link

spend your money well

{this duffle bag is on now my birthday wish list}

Last night, I complimented a friend's backpack and asked her where she got it (I'm searching for a good brand).  She told me it was Krochet Kids, and promptly showed me the inside label, where the signature of the woman who made it was placed.  I loved the style and loved the message.  Later, I checked out the website and was amazed at the stylish, good quality and variety the brand offered.  The idea is that what makes something valuable is the person that made it, their craft or skills place value in the product.  You can actually send a thank you message to the lady, from countries like Peru and Uganda, that made your item. Check out more products and read more about the company here: krochetkids.org

"Every product we make is hand-signed by the person who made it.  Women and thier families are being empowered through the products made at krochet kids intl and the programs we provide." - Krochet Kids Intl.

{would love to wear this on my upcoming trip to nashville}

{this is the bag that got my attention last night}

{they have great clothing for both men and women}

{Paul just bought a pair of similar sweats from bonobos, but now I'm wishing we had spent our money on Krochet Kids - next time!}

*They also have a ton of hand knit winter accessories for women, men and children(!) but I couldn't bring myself to write about winter clother after the winter we just had in Boston.  BUT it will be on my radar come November ;)

Style: 1 Bookshelf, 4 Ways

According to many design books, my style is The Eclectic Sophisticate (1).  I'll think I have my design style figured out and then I see an amazing room on a blog or magazine and I'm thrown into confusion again.   

Case in point, this fun design challenge by the talented Emily Henderson (stylebyemilyhenderson.com) where she asks her readers to vote for their favorite style of "1 bookshelf, 4 ways." I was surprisingly attracted to the Desert New Age (3).   I love the playful, color-filled, relaxed vibe the style gives off.  I think this version is the new "in" style, even in fashion (hello fringe)d.  I love this style because it can be incredibly affordable - vintage, distressed, used, green, raw.

In the end, I think it's important to know what you are consistently attracted to when styling a home or yourself, it will make you the happiest in the long run.  But I also think it's fun to change it up every now and then and have fun, spaces perfect for this are small bathrooms and bookshelves.  

So after all that rambling, the question I want to ask is which style is your favorite?

The Desert New Age:

The Playful Scholar:

The Modern Traditional: 

The Eclectic Sophisticate:

Design Crush: Amber Interiors

{I lovvvvve this bedding she is selling, but definitely can't afford, I'll be looking for something similar though!}

I've recently started following the work of wildly popular interior designer, Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors (amberinteriordesign.com).  I love her consistent use of an all white backdrop, natural wood, green life, and color.  She has the ability to use patterns and bright color but keep the feel of a room clean and airy, a hard balance to achieve for the common folk like myself.  I usually shy away from color or patterns, but Amber has me rethinking my future purchases. 

{I wish I was brave enough to do open, floating shelves in my kitchen}

{this is going in the archives for the entryway in our next house!! I love the oversized round mirror}

{soo much fun for a cottage or a smaller room}

{clean, simple use of different stripes, patterns, and shapes}

{I need to put up some shelves to style}

Below are more pictures of her work that I love:

//all pictures are from her instagram account, pinterest page, and website//

it's the simple things

This week Roswelle and I have been in GA at my moms for a quick visit and to see my brother Evan graduate from Auburn.  It always amazes me how getting away, even to my own house, helps me slow down and enjoy the little things. I've been asking myself what are the small things I do to make mine and Roswelle's days a little special, here and in Boston.  

For example, I only drink water and coffee. ever. That is a pretty boring statement at first, but I've managed to make it something I look forward to.  I keep our fridge stocked with pellegrino because seriously nothing feels better than opening a bottle at the end of a long day (laugh all you want ;)).  I plan to now keep iced lemon water on hand, it not only keeps the inside of your fridge looking fresh and bright, but it's a simple elevation to everyday water.  Or I make myself an extra strong espresso drink in the middle of a particularly tough day.  Paul and I celebrate with cappuccinos on date nights.  Coffee and Water are about as simple as it gets until you decide to make it something more.  

Here are some other simple ways our life has been slightly elevated:

{freshly cut peonies from my mom's garden, I'm welcoming this flower's season with open arms}

{I'm currently writing on my mom's back porch.  Roswelle is walking around (she's walking now!) pulling at the dogs' tails. It feels really healthy to be outside so much here}

{speaking of being outside, the usable space on our back porch in Boston is about the size of a bathtub, but we still sit out there and get some vitamin D.  I'm thinking I'll put out the smallest table and chair when I get back.  Maybe it will be my new writing spot}

{let the germ filled kisses (licks) happen.  nothing makes me more anxious than Roswelle getting sick.  but nothing makes her happier and giggle more than kisses from my mom's two goldens.  I fight back the urge to keep her germ free and listen to the belly laughs instead.}

My Capsule Closet: May 2015

I did it y'all.  I created a capsule closet! I read about it first on the Unfancy blog so I'll give her the credit. A capsule closet is 37 items including tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets and shoes. 37 is not a magic number, it's just the number she decided was best so I followed suit.

The point? For me this is to remove the clutter in efforts to create a more simplistic, stress-free dressing situation/life.  I only have the items I really love and actually want to wear in my closet.  I am donating items like the Banana Republic sweater that was just a little too short so I never wore it. Why was I holding onto it? because it was from Banana Republic? really?  Someone at the local Goodwill is going to be way more excited about it than I was.  Or the jeans I wore in college that just aren't my style anymore but I keep to see if I still fit in them from time to time...who cares? tossed 'em.  

As a beginner, I am not including workout clothes or tennis shoes (sneakers up North) in my capsule.  I'm also only doing this for the month of May to start, which is at the end of a season up here.  I may try to create a 3month summer capsule next for June, July, and August; but I feel like I will enjoy a monthly one more? We'll see!

Is this going to be exciting or boring? easy or actually really hard? Only time will tell and I will let y'all know. Below are more details.  Let me know if you try this!!

{17 tops}

{7 bottoms: I have a lot of neutral tops so I included some color in the bottoms}

{2 classic jackets and 3 dresses: a LBD, a maxi, & daytime dress}

{6 of the 8 shoes}

{I set aside dresses for weddings and showers this month/summer.  If I already have something designated to wear to a special event, I'm less likely to go buy something I don't need}

{I included one graphic T - about as crazy as I get}

{I learned that I really like stripes, like everyones else I suppose}

{It still rains up here often, so I included boots a for wet, chilly days}

{accessories don't count, looks like I'll be using scarves for additional pops of color}

And because everyone loves a good before & after - here is mine!!  Congrats for reading to the bottom.  

{before}

{after - with an empty shelf and everything!}

Favorite Reads at the Moment

I saw this book, At Home with Madame Chic, on my instagram discover feed last night and I am now planning to buy it for myself for Mother's Day.  It sounds like a wonderfully pleasant escape and will give me a fun outlook on my every day life.  

I decided to share some other books I have recently read (or still reading):  

I loved her first book, The Husband's Secret, and loved Moriarty's second book, Big Little Lies, as well.  Set in the suburbia life of Australia, this book captures you and makes you ask what you would do yourself.

The Girl on the Train is the perfect weekend book.  I flew through it and loved the drama & thriller filled escape it took me on.  I loved Gone Girl more but this was gave me the fix I was looking for.

I'm on chapter 2 of The Light Between Oceans, based on the reviews and the cover description I think it's going to consume me pretty soon.  The writing is a level above what I typically read so I really have to focus when I sit to read this which can be difficult; but I'm enjoying the challenge of actually exercising my brain! (And the movie is in post-production!!)

I'm currently reading this with a girlfriend and we are finding it really insightful and useful.  Unlike most "self-help" books, The Gifts of Imperfection avoids the fluff and gets straight to the point.  Brene Brown is a talented communicator with her Ted-Talks being extremely popular and well-reviewed.  She really drives home the idea of authenticity.