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Gardening in High Heels

cultivate a beautiful life

July 29, 2016

Beach Essentials No One Thinks About

July 29, 2016

I’ve been digging into some heavy subjects (and will continue to do so as part of my new Monday Musings / Good Question series) so I wanted to lighten things up a bit and talk about some of my favorite items for summer. Adore Me asked me to round up some beach essentials. And I’m not a beach person, but I do spend a lot of time outside in the summer in Pittsburgh, because when you’re rainier than Seattle, you have to soak up all the sun you can get. I thought I’d pass along some summer things that no one thinks about but are still essential to happy day of sun, wherever the beach may be for you.

Great list of things you probably forgot to take to the beach. This is a much better list than just sunscreen and a good book!

Soothe Your Summer Skin

I’ve written about skincare before and my tastes haven’t changed much, but since then, I have found Una Biologicals. And holy sweet potatoes if it isn’t the best thing ever. All natural products made in Pittsburgh. I recently picked up the Blemish Buster roll on because I am oilier than a frying pan in the summer (which means my face is bumpier than a corn cob – is it just me or are you getting hungry, too?) and wanted something that I could keep in my purse for easy application.

Seriously, within three hours of using this and their citrus face wash oil, inflammation was reduced and so was the redness. You could barely tell I had a massive honking zit the size of Rhode Island on my jaw.

I’m also a fan of their body butters (life saver if you’ve been burned, which you shouldn’t be because you’re responsible and put on sun block that hasn’t expired, unlike me, right?) and I was recently introduced to all-natural insect repellent and deodorant. She also have poison ivy spray, after sun care, Wound Wonder healing salve and all the things you want to help recover after a day outside (you can find all of that here). I could seriously drop rent+utilities at Una Biologicals and still walk away happy.

Have a Cool Drink of Water

Of course, if you’re anything like me, you think about the drinks first. Julia Child said, “A party without cake is just a meeting.” Angelica Ross says, “A summer isn’t complete without at least one porch drinking night.” We totally have the same spirit, Julia and I.

But even though there’s nothing greater than drinking near, on, or in a body of water during the summer, you have to remember to stay hydrated with actual water. Trust me, this one has taken me down before. I seriously hate drinking plain water (I mean, it’s just so boring) so I like to keep a pitcher filled with cucumbers, lemons, limes, berries, and other stuff that tricks you into thinking you’re drinking something other than plain water.

And since woman cannot survive on plain water alone (no good story ever started with, “So we were drinking our sparkling water…”) here’s an awesome recipe for Sparkling Rose Blueberry Floats. It’s basically fruit salad in a glass. So you’re being healthy. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

If you’re looking for other ways to drink more water, Melyssa Griffin has a really smart idea.

Don’t Be a Beached Whale

Wait, stop, don’t throw tomatoes at me yet. What I mean is Don’t just sit there, do something! Everyone thinks, “Oh, it’s a day at the beach. I’m going to sit my ass in the sand and not move.” Blessings to you, but I know I can’t sit around and eat and drink like a fish without puffing up like a fish, too, so I need to make sure I’m doing something.

I don’t want to be bouncing around the beach with little to no insurance for keeping things in place, if you know what I’m saying. I want to run around and play and for that, I need something that keeps things together. Adore Me has a great line of swimwear that is cute but it flattering for all body types, whether you want to cover up a bit more, show off your curves, run in the sand, and everything in between.

What are your beach essentials (or sunny day necessities)?

**Adore Me asked me to write about my beach essentials, but they have in no way influenced this list or provided compensation for the post. Plus, I thought it was an interesting prompt!

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Leave a Comment · Labels: Style Tagged: adore me, beach essentials, summer, summer drinks, una biologicals

September 6, 2015

Sunday Lately, 36?

September 6, 2015

I’m skipping a few weeks between Sunday Lately posts and I don’t know if I should number based on the weeks or based on what week I’m on.  So that’s why you get the ? in there.  I have no idea what day it is or what week it is half the time anymore.  I used to use that brain training app and honestly didn’t see much of a difference, but I am noticing a difference when I don’t do something cerebral.  Or maybe I’m just a little scattered with other things lately?

"Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."

Anyway…onward!

Planning

I am planning a huuuuge weekend of cleaning.  Friday, September 4th was the official closing day on my father’s house, so Thursday, September 3rd was the panicked, “Oh shit we have to haul everything out of here; I don’t care where it goes, but it can’t stay here” day.  So I’ve been playing a fun game called How Much Stuff Can You Pack Into a Ford Focus.  Angelica: 10, Car: 0.

How much can you fit into a Ford Focus?

Well it ended up in my garage.  And my basement, my office, my bedroom.  Basically my house is full of things that I couldn’t bear to part with from my childhood and Christmas decorations.  My dad loves his Christmas decorations, which is ironic because I hate decorating for holidays.  I definitely didn’t get that gene.

Loving

This weather!  Yesterday morning while I was cleaning, it was warm and sunny and dry (important because I was chucking empty boxes into the driveway in victory every time I emptied one).

Yesterday afternoon, I finally caught a summer thunderstorm.  I have a covered back porch and my favorite thing to do is sit on the porch and listen to the rain.  I was moving a few things around and I got rained on, so I figured, “Hey I’m already wet, why not go play in the rain.”  So I did.

Reading

The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.  Of course.  I got sucked in.  Probably because I need a cubic shitton of some magical tidying up help.

There are some things in this book that are so useful.  Her advise for storing clothes or how she advises you to keep an item if it brings you joy and let go of those that don’t (sound life advise overall, don’tcha think?)

But there are certain things like, “Your house will tell you where to store it,” that I’m like……”Really?  Really, Marie?  It will?  Yeah okay…”

Wishing

For long weekends all the time.  I would get so much done and feel so much better.  Or I’d just be happy if I could wake up at 7am every day.  I think that’s my sweet spot.  Any earlier and I feel like a zombie.  Any later and I feel like I’ve wasted the morning (my most go get ’em time of the day).

Feeling

All the feels.  I don’t like change.  I’m not a person who can roll with the punches.  I sit there and freak out and cry and then I can think clearly and reassess.  But to reassess it on the fly?  Nope.

For example: Jonathan and I were installing a new floor in my father’s house back in January.  I was getting so worked up and frustrated that I couldn’t see or think clearly.  It wasn’t until I banged some things around, got angry, and cried a little did I get back to work with a solid plan of attack.

So I just need to throw some things around a little first, but I’ll be alright.

What have you been up to lately?

Sunday Lately is a weekly linkup with Katy, Nicole and Meghan. Use their themes or use your own. Just remember to link up with them so we can see what is happening with you lately!

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2 Comments · Labels: Life, Right Now Tagged: link up, moving, organizing, summer, sunday lately, the life-changing magic of tidying up, weekly wrap up

June 22, 2015

Summer-izing makeup

June 22, 2015

It is officially summer.  That means it’s time to summer-ize the ol’ makeup routine.  Usually I wait until it’s too late and I’ve already broken out more times than I can count from not lightening up for summer, but not this year!  I’m only mildly in troubled skin water.  I think it’s due to my massive love of face masks and Rodan + Fields products when I need to perk up my complexion.

Anyway.

I fully believe summer is the time to go lighter.

I’m looking forward to wearing very little makeup except for lashes and lips.  Let’s face it, those are the only products that don’t entirely melt off my face in humidity despite priming underneath like I’m painting over a dark wall with a light color.

No matter what I end up putting on my face for the day, it all starts with SPF.  I have a few different day moisturizers depending on what I feel like, but I always put on something with SPF.

Summer makeup must-haves that hold up to the heat and humidity.

Now that the SPF PSA is over, some other things that I always have in my arsenal in the summer includes:

Primer for eyes + face

Even if I’m just putting on concealer, I always put some primer on my face and around my eyes.  Gotta give everything a fighting chance to stick around, right?  Right now I’m using samples of Smashbox face primer and Lorac Behind the Scenes eye primer.

Waterproof eyeliner and mascara

Let’s be real, most days I wonder why I even bother with eye shadow because within about an hour of being out of the house, it’s breaking down already.  Typically I’ll do a wash of a gold or copper and focus on eyeliner and mascara.  Use liquid or gel liner because it has the most staying power.

Sometimes I’ll try to be fancy and put on a colored liner for some fun, but when I have to get out the door, it’s a quick cat-eye look.

Eyeliner and mascara you need this summer.

Mary Kay Liquid Eyeliner for a dark black line.  NYC New York Color Big Bold & Precice Eyeliner.  I know they say it’s bold, but I don’t think it’s as intense as some other black liquid liners.

And for lashes, it has to be Covergirl Clump Crusher, especially on the lower lashes.  I used to get smudges under my eyes with anything I put on, but this is the cat’s pajamas.  NYC Big Bold Angel Lashes Mascara has been a nice surprise.  It very rarely will it transfer.

Bright, statement-making lipstick

Classic glamour in a red or orange-y red.  Fun with a bright pink punch.  Daring with an orange.  I’m not afraid of color on my lips.  I welcome it.

Bright lipsticks that are perfect for summer.

Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss in Pink Medium, Laqa & Co Lil’ Lip in Ring of Fire, MAC lipstick in Sail La Vie (LE, I’ve heard Revlon Vibrant Mandarin and Wet n Wild Purty Persimmon are close).

Light-coverage powder

I haaaate feeling like I have a ton of dirt on my face in the summer.  Let’s face it, with the humidity and the sweat and the wind whipping up things…there’s a lot of dirt stuck to our faces.  Enter: light coverage powder.  Anything that will blur imperfections but not add the feeling of “stuff” on my skin is just the ticket.

Lightweight summer face products that every girl needs to have.

I love MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (I’m Light Plus when not super-duper tan which I haven’t been since..college?)  I’m also experimenting with Laura Geller Balance n Brighten.

Light reflecting powder

I know, I said I wasn’t putting a lot on my face, but light reflecting powder or some other highlighter is necessary to brighten under the eyes and add a little lightness to the face.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is what I’ve been using for years (almost daily) and I still am not done with the pot that I have.  One of the best beauty investments.  I also light Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders.  I have the palette that came out and it adds a little extra glow.

Blotting sheets

You know that 2pm skin feeling?  The one where you’re like…ugh I am a shiny hot mess and I just want to wash my face?  That’s why I keep some blotting sheets around.  Coffee filters work in a pinch.  So do napkins.  Just anything to get that shine and oil off of my face (and out of harm’s way of developing breakouts).

I’ve always carried Mary Kay Beauty Blotters with me and I instantly feel more presentable when I use them.

Summer makeup must-haves that hold up to the heat and humidity.

What is in your summer beauty arsenal?

Be a Better Blogger is a weekly link up dedicated to helping you be a more intentional blogger. Want to be a better blogger but don’t know where to start? Head over to the Be a Better Blogger page for daily prompts and a weekly linkup to help get the creative juices flowing! Oh, and use #beabetterblogger on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

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8 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: almay, be a better blogger, beauty, beauty products, covergirl, laura geller, laura mercier, MAC cosmetics, makeup, makeup monday, mary kay, nyc new york color, summer

May 26, 2015

Summer Plans

May 26, 2015

Well this is coming in super late, but late is better than never, right!  Today’s Blogger, May I prompt is Summer Plans.  Man.  There are things I’d like to do this summer, but they aren’t realistic given my PTO schedule and obligations.  Things like “Travel to a beach. Drink on a beach” etc are just not in the cards.

Summer plans

But there are some things I can do at home.  What I would like to do is:

  • Get a crop of plants from my garden enough to make pesto and sauce and eggplant parm and green beans and zucchini bread (all the zucchini recipes) all summer long
  • Run at least 5 miles a week (totally doable)
  • Schedule Levo events for July -September by the middle of June
  • Enjoy the Steers and Beers summer tradition
  • Keep blogging every day (almost every day?)
  • Visit my best friend and see her new apartment
  • Make advances with blogging sponsorships and consulting work
  • Keep a vase full of fresh flowers from the garden

That sounds like a lot of work and not much summer lovin’ vacation stuff.

What’s on your list of summer plans?

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6 Comments · Labels: Blogger May I, Life, Right Now Tagged: blogger may i, planning, plans, summer, to do

May 6, 2015

Cocktail recipes for summer

May 6, 2015

So I’m sitting here (on Cinco de Mayo might I add) drinking a daquiri out of a pouch, eating potato chips, watching QVC with a load of laundry going in the dryer.  Do I know how to party or what?  Oh, I also have a face mask on.  It’s Mask of Magnamity, so it’s super-chunky, too.  I’m so classy right now.

I figured in honor of today’s Share A Recipe prompt for Blogger, May I, I’d share a few of my favorite drink recipes I’ve found on Pinterest lately.

Amazing cocktail recipes you need to make for summer. Beer cocktails, classic cocktails, and something with a twist.

First, this margarita from Laura at Life with Lolo (that I didn’t find on Pinterst, I saw it on her blog because she’s hilarious and I love her and I went right to the source. Direct traffic, baby!) because I feel quite basic tonight with my Lush face mask and liquor out of a pouch.

This best G&T recipe from Drip and Drizzle.

Blackberry beer cocktail?  Sign me up.  I’d so drink with Fat Head’s Bumbleberry.

Laura posted about a beer-mosa/bromosa last week, but I want to make this Strawberry Beermosa version.

Oh, and {shameless plug} try my Lemon Basil Mojito cocktail as found…..here!

Lemon Basil Mojito make with lemon basil and white rum is the perfect summertime cockail with a little extra something special!

What are your favorite summer recipes?

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6 Comments · Labels: Blogger May I, Recipes Tagged: blogger may i, cocktail, recipes, spring, summer

Who’s Angelica?

Life Un-styled Blogger, Gardener, Shoe Lover..among other things

I'm here to encourage and empower you to grow where you're planted and embrace the weeds that sometimes pop up. I'll share inspiration, products I like (and you may too), and stories from the garden.

Gardening In High Heels is for badass babes who aren’t afraid to get a little messy. Want to learn more? Start here.
           

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