Motivation

Art by Zachary Gibson. 

One second a day (#Syria)

This one is staying with me and I can't get it out of my head. With the refugee crisis in Syria, I imagine the little girl in this short video telling the story of millions of children. And then I imagine she is my own daughter and we are that family fleeing from war. 


Quick facts about the Syria Crisis. (MercyCorps)

Fashion prodigy: the t-shirt dress (School Spirit Day edition)

My fashion-forward daughter is now a kindergartener at a brand new school. Oh happy day! For her, the newness means more friends to be made, new teachers to look up to, and a whole year of exciting fashion moments! 

Not one to miss a style opportunity, Izzy used today's Spirit Day as a chance to express her fashion resourcefulness. "Hmmm... This is too big," she said this morning as she examined her new tomato-red school t-shirt. "But that's OK. I'll turn it into a dress!"

I offered up her brother's navy blue belt to help cinch her waist (since we couldn't find her glittery, pink one). "No, that belt is not right. It looks too severe!" she announced. "I'll help you think about it while I make breakfast," I told her as I walked downstairs.

I looked through the kitchen drawers. A piece of yarn? A small rope? A bunch of twist-ties connected together? Then it dawned on me. One of those mega-sized grocery store rubber bands! She tried it on and beamed. "Perfect, Mommy!" she squealed. Paired with white sandals and her FOUNT Kids Adventure Pouch, Izzy's outfit turned out to be a simple yet fun mother-daughter fashion collaboration. 

Gold stars for us!  


Fashion prodigy's best fashion moments. 

Dog days of summer (beauty edition)

I'm melting, I'm melting! said the ice cream as he pitifully dripped onto the scorching pavement below. Said the overworked, underpaid air conditioning wall unit. Said the poor woman (me!) sweating profusely as she applied her makeup.

These last days of summer -- marked by lethargy, inactivity and indolence -- kinda make me feel like life is in a constant state of slow motion. The simplest actions inside our 100-year-old, non-air conditioned house (walking, standing, sleeping, breathing) feel laborious. Some people don't mind the humidity. I, for one, seek refuge inside the nearest building blasting cold air.

But on the bright side, the dog days of summer mean some of my favorite things (iced coffees, a chilled glass of Chardonnay, long walks with the husband, watching my kids ride their bikes around the neighborhood as the sun sets). 

And these Fab Five (clockwise from top left):

1. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee: A few swipes on the apples of the cheeks and you suddenly go from sweaty to pretty. 
2. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral: A juicy burst of color, not heavy like a regular lipstick and (bonus!) has a fresh, lemony scent. I'm obsessed with these. Also lovely in Cherry. 
3. c. Booth Tahitian Monoi Dry Oil Spray: I love misting my body post-shower with this light, feathery oil instead of slathering on heavy creams or lotions.
4. Sephora Blotting Films: Because no self-respecting woman wants her face to look like an oil slick.
5. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub: I use this three times a week and it's fantastic! Made with organic sea kelp, French green clay and lemon peel.

Kim France's summer makeup update. (Girls of a Certain Age)

This week's obsession: navy nails

I don't know about you but I'm ready for cooler temps and darker hues. This regal shade of navy from Chanel's Blue Rhythm Collection is certainly getting me in the mood for fall.   


Galaxy nails. (A Cup of Jo)