aus-sentials

I’ve been loving my new Samudra clutch, it fits everything I need! Here’s a peek inside my daily essentials (with some Aussie products that I hope to get when I’m home!)

essentials

1. Papaw Ointment: Chaptstick is the number one necessity in all of my purses–I’d be stranded without it at all hours of the day! This is the best lip balm, cuticle cream, or basically anything you need it for! My aussie sister (did I mention I’ve been ‘adopted’ into a family? I love them!) gave me a spare jar and I am obsessed! 

2. NARS coral lip pencil and concealer stick: I just got the coral for summertime, and it goes on perfectly with my lip gloss. A spot concealer is perfect to cover up little blemishes on the go, this one lasts long too!

3. Gypsy Water: thanks to my sister, I’m now addicted to this amazing smelling perfume! I’m starting to see it grow in popularity around here, probably because it’s so amazing! I love how it smells different on everyone, it gives you your own personal scent.

4. Coconut lotion: okay, sunscreen? Yes, it is a necessity to wear daily, especially when Australia is lacking an ozone layer… but this mainstream sunscreen smells amazing! You don’t smell like a tourist going to the beach, you smell like coconuts and vacation. It’s all over the convenience stores, but I hope I can get it when I get home, it smells that good!

5. Card holder: I love my new YSL cardholder. It’s perfect to carry itself when your on the go, or throw in a purse when you only need a few cards and some cash for your night out.

6. Sunnies: the Daddy B sunnies from Oliver Peoples are my absolute favorite. They have the best styles and colors, I’m already saving up for my next pair!

7. Ear-buds: Frends makes the best ear buds and headphones. I love these, but since I’m usually on the go, the ear buds fit perfectly in my Samudra pouch.

8. Last but not least: the Samudra Pouch! I absolutely love the beach designs on these bags. They are such great quality, and fun to even use for a casual purse when you’re out to dinner. It was hard to pick just one–I want them all!

xx

a drop in the ocean

turtle

{photo by: Chris Slawson}

During my time home this summer, I got to watch my dog save baby sea turtles that were stuck in their nests. He would bring them to me gently, and watch as they slowly made their way out into the ocean. It’s such a beautiful sight to see–having this tiny, new-born creature instinctively make its way out into the ocean alone. Could you imagine, being tossed through waves into a massive, unchartered territory–but at the same time, instinctively knowing to do so?

It’s so easy to get caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle. I’ve always been the type of person to have a long list of things to do, going through every day with some sort of agenda. Ever since I went home this summer, I really started slow down and take the time to observe the little things that happen around me. I have taken that understanding with me to Australia, immersing myself in this new place while letting things come naturally. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and a lot of my appreciation and happy memories have come from the moments when I slowed down and really took in the moment.

There’s such a deep message that I’ve picked up on from watching the turtles this summer. It inspires me to open my eyes and immerse myself in the unknown, and to always know that home is there. I was blessed with support and guidance growing up, and I have so much appreciation for the foundation I’ve been given. Now, this is the time to go out and learn more about myself from being in new places, figuring out which direction to head as I go along. It is such an exciting point in my life, and I am so thankful to have this understanding with me as I continue my journey. I instinctively know that I am doing what’s best for me, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

simple summer look

surf and sand pic

During the summer, my makeup drawer is usually collecting dust. It’s such a hassle to put on makeup that I usually end up just showing my sunburnt face in public without a care in the world. In an attempt to clean up my look, the first thing I go for is a simple shimmery eyeshadow. I’m currently loving the Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand eyeshadow palette–it’s every beautiful neutral color in a fun case! It’s a great touch for the natural makeup look if you’re looking for something subtle. 

Happy weekend everyone! : ) 

rainy days

South Florida summers mean beautiful, sunny mornings for the early birds followed by dark rolling clouds by noon. The clear blue skies are engulfed by the rumbling thunder and lighting in just moments. I personally love this weather–it makes me wake up early and enjoy the day, then feel at ease snuggling up in the afternoon.

What better than to snuggle up with this cutie too?

IMG_0135I recently sent his paw print to this etsy shop called Cherished Sentiments, where she had it made onto a gold-fill pendant. Joanne was extremely nice and the item was shipped within a week. I love my new addition to my necklace collection, and now have Tucker’s paw print close to my heart : )

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wish you were here

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I can’t believe how quickly summer is going by! I’ve been so wrapped up in my routine that I’ve hardly kept up with my blog. I can’t believe that I’m leaving in 2 weeks for Australia! It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted a lot more than I have been the past few months : )

Here’s a few shots I’ve captured this summer. I lucked out with this awesome South Florida weather! Happy Monday everyone!  

the little things

As we go through our days, the cycle of nature remains unstopped. The sun rises, the sun sets–the moon fills, the moon empties–the flowers bud, the flowers bloom. It’s a constant routine that is easily overlooked. I woke up to see the sunrise with a friend of mine the other day and was greeted with the most beautiful painted sky that can’t be bought. I find the little things to hold so much more than just an everyday occurrence.

It’s the little things that bring true joy to many people. For me, I felt present, grateful, and content while watching the sun rise over the ocean. The sun rises and lights a beautiful, endless path on the water that leads to the unknown. My future can only be planned so much, but what’s most important lies in fate. I believe in my ability to help myself before I can help others. I want to share my journey in order to inspire others.

I encourage you to stop for a few seconds when you’re outside, or meditate while imagining you are in a beautiful place, and really listen to the sounds of nature. You will be surprised at what thoughts may link to your observations. It’s the little things, like the cycles of nature, that can answer so many questions you may have, or problems you may hold on to. ImageImageImage

i’m just doing what i love…

The best part about summer–wake up, take your time, go on pinterest, and then some yoga or pilates–well, at least that’s what I’m doing for now! Lauren made these amazing coconut buckwheat oat jars yesterday, which go great with my favorite green fiend juice from 3 Natives.

I absolutely love my tassel necklace from Bohemian Summer Boutique. Not to mention, the owner is one of my best friends (new website coming soon)! And of course, I can’t go without mentioning my iPhone case from evoncase.

I’ll just be here, pretending this is what I do everyday… enjoying the moment!

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druzy dreaming

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What’s more exciting than getting a package in the mail?  When it’s a beautifully wrapped handmade gift!  I recently ordered these green druzy studs from Meredith Brooke on Etsy and love them!  She has the cutest handmade products, I can’t wait to buy some more for friends. I just love the cute pom pom wrapping and her colorful logo–I just had to share with you all : )

I love to support local businesses whenever I can, I’m actually working with a carpenter through Etsy to make a new media console in my room! Details to come!

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the wait is over

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It’s been a long year of college for me, and I am so happy to finally say that it’s summer! I can’t wait to head home tomorrow night and enjoy every second in the sun. In just a couple of months, I’m going to be on a flight to Sydney for 5 months! There is so much to look forward to and I can’t wait to enjoy every second of my trip. 

As for now, I’ll be packing up and moving out of my apartment here in Dallas, but I will be back soon! I can’t wait to fill you all in on my adventures this summer and fall (well, this summer and winter technically, since I’ll be in Australia! Weird, right?)

Happy summer to those of you starting your vacation! And good luck to all of my friends finishing up their finals. I’m meeting some of my friends for a last girls dinner at Saint Ann, I’m going to miss all my friends here!