Favorite Things Friday

{via}

Happy Friday! 

I'm sharing my love for Truffle pouches today. Seriously, they are the handiest little things. I originally purchased mine with the intent to use it for travel but quickly found a need for it on a daily basis. I love having all the little things in my purse nicely stored and most importantly easy to find. I also found that they make it a lot easier to transition from handbag to handbag and are a dream when using a clutch! Everything is neatly secured and perfectly organized! The fact that they are adorable doesn't hurt either. 

{shop}

{shop}

{shop}

Thanks for reading, 

L

Skincare Routine

I am so excited to be sharing my skincare routine with you all today. Ever since I was little my mom has always instilled in me a diligence in taking care of my skin, and using quality products. My mom has beautiful, young looking skin which is partly due to genes, but is mostly because she has always taken amazing care of her skin, going above and beyond to clean, nourish, and protect it. She advocates for being proactive now so problems don't come as quickly, or not at all, down the road. Here is my daily skin care routine and please know that the products I use last a very long time because the formulas are so concentrated, and I believe are worth every penny!

Morning Skincare Routine: 

After I get out of the shower I use Origin's Precipitation moisturizer on my whole body. I would be lost without this during these dry winter months in MN. After, I splash my face with cool water and pat dry which instantly makes me feel awake and alert. Then I use tonic from La Mer on a cotton ball. I lather on my Chanel moisturizer and let dry before applying Laura Mercier's foundation primer (I never knew this was necessary, but my make-up lasts all day with it on and it adds an extra glow to my skin). 

Two to three times a week I exfoliate using La Mer's refining facial, which cleanses my pores and makes my face glow. This is a newer addition to my regime, but I have learned that exfoliating is key!

Evening Skincare Routine: 

I thoroughly wash my face using La Mer's cleansing foam and my trusted Clarisonic. I finish by applying my Chanel moisturizer again. Bobbi Brown's eye cream and Estee Lauder's night serum are on my wish list - both items are extremely important and now that I am in my mid-20s are items I need to start using. 

:: Shop the Post :: 

La Mer 'The Cleansing Foam' // La Mer 'The Refining Facial' // La Mer 'The Tonic' // Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme // Clarisonic Mia // Origins Precipitation Body Lotion // Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson

Tuscan Kale Salad

The small group B and I are apart of regularly plans group meals; which is amazing! Every single person in our small group is an amazing cook and or baker so the dinners are always something to talk about. Our theme this time around was 'Southern Style' and I volunteered to make a salad. After an endless search for an authentic 'green leaf salad' I had nothing. Tired of searching I started asking co-workers for their go-to dinner party salads, Thank goodness the Tuscan Kale Salad was presented. With a short list of ingredients and little prep time I was sold. 

The salad got rave reviews and was polished off even among the endless amount of ribs, mac&cheese and cornbread! I think that definitely qualifies it as a crowd pleaser. By the way this isn't a 'Southern Style Salad' but for the sake of the theme the name was temporarily changed to "Southern Kale Salad."

:: Shop The Post ::

Crate & Barrel Serving Bowl // Crate & Barrel Serving Spoon & Fork

Thanks for reading, 

L

Classic Night Out

I think that it is important for every woman to have a classic little black dress in their wardrobe. This one from Anthropologie has been a favorite of mine for a couple years and is a never fail go to piece for special evenings out with my hubby or my girlfriends. This time of year, pairing it with a classic black blazer makes it season appropriate. As L and I focus on stylish simple living, having these two staples in your wardrobe is important. When you do, you don't have to feel frantic when that special date night or work party arises because you will have your favorites already waiting for you in your closet. Have a blessed day everyone. 

:: Shop the Post ::

Anthropologie Dress (similar here, here, & here) // J.Crew Blazer // J.Crew Pumps // Coach Handbag (evening bags I love here & here) // Chanel Sunnies // Kate Spade Watch

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson 

Layers

Happy Monday! Hope you had a spectacular weekend. Yesterday in Seattle was something to talk about, the sun was shining and it was in the 60's the whole day! Although, I didn't see any shorts (that must be a Midwest thing when the temps rise) I had all the windows open and B even went for a bike ride! 

I love layering, not only does it add interest to an outfit but in the end it's completely practical. The key to layering is to accomplish it without adding bulk (what women wants that?); using light weight items will help. I took a light weight chambray and cashmere cardigan to start and topped off my look with the J.Crew school boy blazer. It was perfect for the mild January day we had in Seattle - when it warmed up mid-day I felt comfortable taking off the blazer because I still had a well-polished ensemble underneath. 

It's hard to believe we will wrap up January this week! So far so good in my efforts to start paring down and getting back to basics. I will be sharing my January purchases this Friday with a breakdown of my clothing budget for the month and the price I paid for each item. So stay tuned. 

:: Shop The Post ::

J.Crew Blazer // J.Crew Cardigan // J.Crew Factory Chambray // Rag&Bone Denim (worth the investment) // Asos Heels // Clare V. Clutch // PrestonMade Bangle // J.Crew Ring // Tory Burch Sunnies

Thanks for reading, 

L

Photo's by Brendan Lorentz

Favorite Things Friday

{via}

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful week. It has been a long one for me, so I am looking forward to the weekend. I am so excited to be sharing my love of the Clarisonic with you all because it has completely changed my face. I have always been blessed with great skin, but over the past couple years I have been observing changes in my skin. I always felt like my pores were clogged and I couldn't get them cleaned, and eventually breakouts where inevitable. I recently shared my love of La Mer products (completely life changing and worth every penny), and paired with the Clarisonic I can't imagine a better combination. I use my Clarisonic every evening with LaMer's cleanser. I am sharing my entire beauty routine soon, so stay tuned :) The results have been staggering - my face is completely clear and I rarely get a break out. My face has never felt better! Have an awesome weekend!

{via}

{via}

:: Shop the Post :: 

Clarisonic 'Mia-Pink' 

With Love,

A

Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour {Food}

{via}

One of our dear friends introduced this cocktail to us last summer when we were basking in the glorious sun up at the cabin (man do I miss those days). It is from Shake (our new favorite), as was a previous cocktail recipe posted a couple weeks ago. In my opinion it is the perfect drink any season of the year and is easy to make for friends that are coming over, or for a celebratory Thursday evening as you are anticipating the weekend. This recipe was even more delicious with P's homemade maple syrup, but unfortunately we are all out for this year :) Hope you all are having a wonderful Thursday! 

:: Ingredients :: 

3 shots bourbon

1 & 1/2 shots fresh lemon juice

3/4 shot dark amber maple syrup

1 large sprig of rosemary (plus 2 small sprigs for garnish)

Makes two drinks

:: Recipe :: 

Crush the large spring of rosemary in your hand and add it to the shaker.

Add the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and ice to above the level of the liquid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

Strain the mixture into rocks glasses containing large cubes of ice and garnish with remaining rosemary sprigs. 

{via}

{via} 

{via}

:: Shop the Post ::

Shake: A New Perspective on Cocktails (one of my favorites) // The Mason Shaker // W&P Jigger

With Love,
A

Tiny House

I just couldn't resist sharing this 'Tiny House'. It's the quintessential cottage, read more about the family that lives there full time here and here. 

My hubby was the one to finally turn me into a believer of the 'Tiny House'. It's a movement that has been gaining popularity for some time now. We watched this documentary that does a great job of explaining the practicality and the simplicity of living that comes with owning a 'Tiny House'. The thought of editing and simply living with less got me thinking of my goals for 2015. One being to edit my wardrobe, remember this post? I think the idea of truly getting down to the basics is something I'm completely committed to achieving. At the end of a month or at the end of a year I want to look back and be excited about the things I've purchased and most importantly know I will have them for years to come. To start keeping myself accountable at the end of each month, I plan on sharing a little budget post listing out the items I've purchased. Stay tuned!

Would you ever live in a 'Tiny House'? This house is 540 square feet. I'm completely sold as long as I can live in something like this! 

In love with that bathtub!

 

Image Source

Photo's by Lincoln Barbour

Interior Design: Jessica Helgerson 

Thanks for reading, 

L

Warmer Weather

The warmer weather in MN has been such a gift! P and I have loved spending more time outside taking walks to our local coffee shop and playing with Otto in the backyard. Today's look is a perfect warmer weather look for those milder days. The beanie is a great addition to any wardrobe, and are beginning to become on sale (be on the look out). Hope you all had a great long weekend! 

:: Shop the Post ::

J.Crew Shirt (similar here) // Rag & Bone Jeans // J.Crew Vest (similar here) // J.Crew Beanie (similar here) // J.Crew Pumps // Tory Burch Handbag (similar here) // Ray Ban Sunnies // Kate Spade Watch // Prestonmade Bangle

With Love,

A

Photos by Preston Anderson