Kiss Kiss

For years I absolutely refused to wear lipstick. I think it may have had something to do with 10 years of dance recitals and feeling like a clown in my stage makeup. Looking at those photos still makes me cringe a little. Last year the bold lip trend started getting big and I watched all my friends buy and wear these amazing rich lip colors that looked so beautiful. I literally made Kendall accompany me to Sephora and act as my moral support while I tried on my first red lip stain. It was a lot to take in. But at the same time I loved it (and so did she thankfully, I always trust her opinion).

Since then I have been experimenting much more with lip color. My old faithful has been anything from the Sephora brand. You can't beat the price and the selection. With spring skipped completely in California, and slowly approaching in Connecticut, I felt it was time to look for some new shades to take me into the warmer weather. I had read some great things about the bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie collection on a few different blogs and decided to get two very everyday colors to start. Since getting these colors a few weeks ago they have been on non-stop rotation. The color of the lipstick is so pretty and the minty scent adds a little something that you don't get in other lipsticks. The gloss has a very good applicator and doesn't feel overly sticky. There are some really beautiful colors in both the stick and the stain so if you are planning on amping up your makeup collection in the lip department, try something new and marvelous, the Moxie!

Love Is...

Doesn't matter if it's your mother, brother, lover...

Live the Life You Love

For the last two weeks I have been wearing scrubs every day. For someone like me who absolutely loves getting dressed in the morning, this has been both a curse and a blessing. It literally takes me three minutes every morning to throw on my scrubs, lace up my sneakers and run out the door. On the other hand, I haven't touched my extensive shoe closet in two weeks. I'd give up heels and my favorite new Madewell dress if it meant that I could spend all my days doing what I love. I have been able to see so many patients and hopefully have changed their health and their lives for the better working at We Care Dental Clinic in Rancho Mirage. I feel so fortunate to have found my passion and to be able to make it my career. 

Second Home

As my time as a California resident comes to an end I have been trying to appreciate this place to the fullest. I think people get the wrong idea about my leaving after graduation. I love it here. I love the weather, the shopping, the restaurants, the palm trees, the fitness classes, the view, the mountains, the beaches. But not the traffic. Seriously though, it would be insanely hard for me to stay with all of my family, pre-dental school friends and my boyfriend on the East Coast. Home is where the heart is, and my heart has always been in Connecticut. 

If you haven't been here to visit, I can only be your tour guide for the next 2 and a half months, but you don't need me to see how fun and beautiful this state is. From north to south there are amazing things to see and do. When I saw the quote above on Pinterest, it inspired me to shout it out that everyone needs to come here at some point. I would suggest a less drastic route than me and just come out for a visit, but living here for four years hasn't been too shabby either. Plan out your must-see sights, book a ticket and get here soon! California is always a good idea.

Factory New Arrivals

There is something wonderful and also absolutely terrifying about getting the J.Crew Factory New Arrivals emails. There's that moment of possibility when you know you love it all and start planning outfits in your head, and then the panic sets in when you realize that you cannot practically own it all. There were just so very many things I adored this round, so I tried to think in outfits rather than pieces to plan my attack in getting what I want for my spring wardrobe.

Boyfriend jeans are everywhere. The wash and wear on these truly makes them look like you stole them out of your boyfriend's closet. Pairing it with a slightly sporty sweater with girly detailing and sandals that will literally go with everything is a great choice for grocery shopping and then meeting a friend for a coffee on the weekends. 

After purchasing both the navy and the camel wool blazers this winter, I have to say that Factory is my favorite. The fit, the detailing and the price make them much more practical and much more wearable than their counterparts at the regular store. The piping on this one gives it a little pizzaz and paired with some cute shorts and the versatile sandals makes for a perfect ensemble for a girls-only brunch at your favorite spot or someplace new. The adorable shoe print on this case is making me wish for an iPhone 5. Please Factory, for those of us not ready for an upgrade, please being it out for the 4 soon!

Clockwise from left: Factory Boy Jean, $59.00; Short Sleeve Stripe Necklace Sweater, $62.50; Printed Case for Iphone 5, $14.50; Keating Boy Blazer in Tipped Linen, $110.50; 3” Pleated Short, $34.50; Demi-Wedge Sandal, $68.50

Day In the Life

As my time in California comes to a close I feel a little bit of pressure to enjoy every moment possible. I think at times the pressure gets to me because I feel like I should always be doing something. Sometimes I need to tell myself that it is okay to sit back and relax. Next year in February I can expect snow and slush and will have to trade my flip flops for duck boots. I took my Nook out to the pool and read a few chapters outside to get some Vitamin D. I may not have been galavanting all over SoCal, but I was enjoying the sun, the palm trees and the ability to wear shorts in the winter months. It may not have been a big adventure, but I was definitely making the most of my afternoon.

Wine Sippy Cup, Kitson, $14.99

New Sneakers

My feet were killing after a long day in Disney a few weeks ago. I love my Keds but those are just not a 12 hour day shoe. I have been looking for a good sneaker that I can wear with gym leggings and also with jeans. I wanted something light and colorful so they would go with anything. We have day two of our Disney pass to use up when Elliott comes in May and I will definitely not make the same mistake of wearing uncomfortable shoes again.

Nike Air Total Core TR, Kohl's, $49.99