beach face

1. Smith's Rosebud Salve- I like that it comes in a tube now.
2. L'Oreal True Match- very fluid, buildable, natural looking.
3. L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes- carbon black is the way to go.
4. Nars Laguna- perfect bronzer. matte and not at all sparkly.
5. Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel- always. 

coconutty

I won't name them all because it would take too long, and because I probably don't even know them all. But these are a few ways I use coconuts most every day. The oil I use is 365 raw, organic, and unrefined.

1. Detoxifying Oil Pull- take a spoonful of raw organic unrefined coconut oil and put it in your mouth. Pull it through your teeth just like you would with any mouthwash. Swish around for fiveish minutes then spit. This works best on an empty stomach, and it rids your body of toxins.

2. Teeth Whitener- follow steps above. Detox and a whitening treatment in one- no chemicals!

3. Facial Moisturizer- use a small amount of oil on your face after you cleanse for hydration that lasts all day.

4. Body Moisturizer- you can put the oil all over your body too. Take note; the more you slather on, the longer it takes to absorb.

5. Leave in Conditioner for Hair- I like to put a tiny blob of oil in the ends of my hair after I wash it and comb it out. It really helps with split ends. If you have curly or wavy hair, it enhances the curls and gives them some texture.

6. Shaving Cream- yep. You can even shave with it.

7. Makeup Remover- smear two blobs of oil right on your eyelids. Rub around for a bit then gently wipe with cotton pads. It gets off all the mascara and everything.

8. Bug Bite Cream- if you get bit by mosquitos, coconut oil is a great anti-itch solution.

9. Tanning Oil- free of parabens, mineral oil, dyes, and fragrances; coconut oil is the best oil to tan your skin with. (Be sure to practice safe sun care, SPF is your friend.)

10. Skin Clearing Treatment- I'm not crazy I promise. Putting this oil on your face is GREAT! Coconut oil is the perfect way to treat breakouts because not only do the lauric, caprylic, and capric acids kill the infection that causes the acne in the first place, but it strengthens the skin making it stronger and less prone to future infections. Its vitamins K and E fade scarring and quench dryness. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Most importantly, unlike the harsh "medicines" you buy at the drugstore, coconut oil soothes, treats, and clears acne without stripping and drying out skin with awful evil chemicals.

11. Dairy Free Cooking- I like to sautée vegetables or chicken in coconut oil instead of butter.

12. Snack Time- Lately I've been mixing a spoon of coconut oil with a cocoa, chia, and flax seed blend. It tastes like a frickin truffle and keeps you full for hours.

13. Beverage- coconut water is one of my favorite things to drink. VitaCoco and Naked make a bunch of really great flavors like peach mango and lychee. It's very hydrating.

As you can see, coconuts are very awesome.

what's in my beach bag?

Free People makes the greatest reusable totes. They're light, gauzy, and perfect for the beach.

My favorite sunscreen is by Alba Botanica. It's all natural and smells like lavender.

When I wanna get tan I use monoï or Bain de Soleil...even though Bain de Soleil is terrible for your skin as it is chock full of mineral oil. Hence the monoï. It's more natural and made from coconuts and flowers.

Hair ties are always good to keep on hand.

I usually bring my Evian or Avene Eau Thermale brumisateur water sprays. They feel great and refreshing when you're covered in salt and sand.

Hydration is very important obviously. Coconut water is delicious, and this flavor by VitaCoco is one of my favorites.

free people for your feet

It is the summer of the sandal. These spiffy flats are easy to slip on, and won't kill your feet (this is the best part if you ask me). The Jeffrey Campbell Maud Metal Heels (bottom far left) remind me so much of Isabel Marant, plus they're a fraction of the cost. Still and yet, the brands Free People carries tend to get pricey. Target is a great place to find similar styles for under twenty dollars.

vivitaring in lauderdale

dress: made by me, ring: Forever 21, headband: American Eagle

Today was my first time experimenting with my new (old) film camera. I didn't even know if it would work, but I ended up getting some cool shots out of it. This will definitely be happening again soon, I had buckets of fun. Oh and this is Lily. She is twelve and ridiculously stunning. She makes the greatest expressions without even realizing it, and today's were the result of not getting the ice cream she so desperately wanted for lunch. 

photos by me

getting lippy

With the mercury rising this month, the last thing you need is a lipstick drying out your pout. And sticky lipgloss at the beach? No thanks. I've rounded up a few of my fave balms for the hotter days to come so here they are:

1. Caudalíe Lip Conditioner- all natural and smoothes with essential oils
2. Dior Addict Lip Glow- magically adjusts to your perfect tone of pink
3. Carmex Lime- reminds me of college cause it's always in Will's pocket
4. Burt's Bees- a minty all time favorite since '05
5. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1- a simple clear jelly
6. Josie Maran Argan Gloss- liquid gold, and not at all sticky
7. Smith's Rosebud Salve- another cult classic
8. Rêve de Miel- best in the world, tastes like honey
9. Josie Maran Argan Balm- smells sweet and feels refreshing

summertime

Summer is almost here, so I had to gather some necessities.

(Clockwise) Cult Gaia headbands basically exploded after Coachella; you can get them at Urban Outfitters. I happen to like making them myself though.
Free People Crinkle Gauze nightdress- found this from FP Intimates, but I'd wear it during the day. Anything easy, flowy, and white is automatically perfect for summer.
Free People white tee, cutoffs, bangles and Christo Leg Garter (on the model) equals more perfection.
Vivitar film camera- I just picked one of these up from a local antique shop here in Sav.
Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm- forever my favorite.
Madewell Crisscross Boardwalk Sandal- they go with everything and can be shoved in a beach bag.
Monoï- the new Bain de Soleil.
Mara Hoffman x Madewell bathing suits.
Target sunnies- They're super cheap so if they get lost or stepped on it's nbd.

grace in your heart and flowers in your hair

dress: borrowed from Cash, headpiece: Urban Outfitters

There will come a time, you'll see

Where love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears

Get over your hill and see what you'll find there

With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair

I'll be starting a self portrait this week which will be my final exam for Drawing II. The concept is inspired by my favorite Mumford and Sons song, After the Storm, and also by my overall style in general as of late.

photos by Paige MacCready