The Struggle To Workout In the Winter and What Helps Me Stay Motivated

Sweatshirt - Nike | Leggings - Onzie (more sizes here) | Sneakers - APL (similar here) | Hat - J.Crew

I wish I could say I have some genius words of wisdom about working out in the winter, but the truth is that I find it a struggle. Just as I'm sure many of you do. I like to workout but I don't LOVE it like some people do. I like how it makes me feel and the results I get, but I don't live for it the way Stan does. He is a gym fanatic and loves to workout. He will go in the worst weather, holidays, any time of the day - he will motivate himself to go. He even went on Thanksgiving morning before all the cooking began! WTH??? For me, finding a program or workout that I love has really helped me overcome the motivation hurdle. There are tons of popular workouts and classes now, but truth be told - I am not a fan of high impact activities. Cycling, Zumba, Crossfit, BBG, Orange Theory - most of those types of exercises are not enjoyable to me so I will find excuses not to go if those were my only options. I enjoy Pilates, Yoga and more low impact classes that have a calming atmosphere. Depending on the level of the class, I can still get an intense workout and build amazing strength. 

In addition to doing the workouts that I like, I also go when I feel I can be the most successful. I am working on becoming a morning person, but am not there yet so scheduling a morning workout for myself will most definitely result in a cancellation. I know myself and what I will push myself to do, and early morning workouts are not one of them right now. I would rather GO to a class and get a workout at a time of the day that I won't cancel, rather than create some narrative of what I hope to be someday (a morning person doing yoga as the sun rises - how amazing would that be?!). 

I also made the decision to buy a package of monthly classes rather than pay for them individually which has made me go because I don't want to lose money. Ha! I have skipped one or two from time to time, but I will push myself to go because it is already paid for. I hate to waste money and that is a big driver for me, so I tried to set up my workouts in a way that would hit me where it hurt, so to speak. 

This last reason sounds so ridiculous and "salesy" but trust me it's not - buying myself an actual workout wardrobe has helped push me to go when I don't want to. Obviously cute leggings won't pull me out of bed if I am really exhausted or not feeling well, but I used to wear ugly black leggings and a white Hanes tank top to all my yoga classes in NYC years ago. I loved the workout, but would often feel blah about what I was wearing which didn't always excite me to go. Not everyone is like this, but I am at my best when I feel confident with what I have on and enjoy what I am wearing. When I began working out again regularly before I got pregnant, I made the decision to buy myself dedicated clothing to wear to these classes and it helped elevate my mood a lot. I would even lay my outfit out before class so I would be excited to get dressed when the time came. 

There is a running theme in what motivates me to workout (or do anything frankly) - it's that I do what I want to do. As I get older, I care more about making myself happy and setting myself up for success, rather than conforming to any type of narrative that I have created in my head or that has been created by anyone around me. Allowing myself the freedom and permission to do what I like and what works for me also frees up the space to try something new or make adjustments when needed. 

What about you?! What motivates you to workout? Or what stops you from reaching your goals of being more active? 

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Wellness Chit Chat on Celery Juice, Hydrafacials, Infrared Saunas and More!

Jacket - GAP | Leggings - Spanx (more sizes here) | Sneakers - APL (similar here) | Beanie - Club Monaco (similar here) | Water bottle - S'well

It's been a while since my last wellness related post, and January always seems to be the month that everyone likes to reset, take up new healthy habits and focus on self-care. I thought I would share some new (and old) foods, supplements and treatments I have been doing and enjoying! Just a disclaimer because I always want to make sure that you check with your doctor before introducing anything new into your diet or wellness routine. I am not a medical professional but love to share my experience with various things I am doing or trying that work for me.

1. Celery juice - I began following the Medical Medium on Instagram many months ago and was intrigued by all the suggestions he had for foods to help heal various ailments and conditions. I decided to try his suggestion of drinking celery juice on an empty stomach each morning just to see what benefits I could reap from this being added into my diet (this is the juicer I use). Here is a list of all the conditions and ailments that celery juice can help with, but for me the biggest difference I have seen is with digestion and bloating. I feel much less bloated daily but that did take about 2-3 weeks to start (I have been drinking it now for a month and a half). I also struggle with chronic pain in my neck and back (I had two spine surgeries in those areas due to disc issues) and find that it flares up intensely during my menstrual cycle. Since being on the celery juice, I have had little to no pain at all! It's quite remarkable. Additionally, my menstrual cramps (which can be quite debilitating) are virtually non-existent since starting this. All in all, I plan to continue drinking it each morning going forward. My mom and Stan are also drinking it daily so it's been a household effort. Ha!

2. Elderberry supplements - I  mentioned this in a previous wellness post, but I take elderberry supplements religiously in the winter because it prevents me from getting sick. My mom first sent me elderberry syrup years ago when I was living in NYC because I was fighting a cold. I was amazed at how it helped me get better faster as well as kept me from getting sick. I used to take it at the first signs of feeling ill, but now I just take it daily during the winter. I have now switched to the gummies which I love taking daily and they taste delicious!

3. HUM Nutrition sleep supplement - I was sent this bottle of supplements randomly in a press package recently, and didn't really think it would do much since I have tried a ton of different sleep aids and rarely find them to work. However, this one worked the first night I tried it! 20 minutes after taking it, I began to feel relaxed and tired and fell right to sleep. I stay asleep with it and don't wake up with any groggy feelings. I am now about to finish my second bottle and already have a third bottle on its way to me!! I take one every night approximately 20-30 minutes before I want to go to sleep. 

4. Infrared sauna - This is something new I recently tried though I have been wanting to go for years. I heard that infrared saunas are wonderful for chronic pain (as well as a ton of other conditions), and finally decided to try one out. It was quite intense (I shared what it looked like on my insta-stories and will share again this week when I go!), but felt wonderful. I kept the heat at a minimum because it can get quite hot and I was already sweating a ton, but it's great to help release toxins from the body. Here is an article that talks about other conditions and ailments it can help with.

5. Hydrafacial - I have heard tons of buzz surrounding hydrafacials and finally had one the other week! Typically they are available at med spas or facial clinics across the country - you can find one near you here. The hydrafacial is designed to help cleanse, peel, extract and hydrate and is great for most skin types and any age range. Since having the facial, I have not had a single breakout! My skin has felt plump, hydrated, smooth and radiant ever since my treatment. Typically when I get traditional facials with extractions, I always have some redness, possible peeling and a few pesky blemishes that pop up after. Not with the hydrafacial - it is amazing! In fact, most of the messages I have received from my readers who have had one say this is why they keep going back for a hydrafacial - no breakouts. The machine itself acts like a little vacuum sucking all the dirt out of the pores, while also simultaneously infusing the skin with moisture and various serums. It does feel a tad uncomfortable at times, but it's not painful. In addition to helping hydrate the skin and remove impurities, it also targets enlarged pores, skin texture, brown spots, elasticity, firmness and fine lines. I plan to go back in a few months for another treatment, though they advise every month to really see significant results. 

6. Club Pilates - This one isn't new but I always want to mention it because pilates has helped me so much since having Miles. I get regular messages from readers asking how I got back in shape after pregnancy and it was 100% from pilates. I currently go to a pilates studio that is part of a nationwide chain and practice on a pilates reformer machine. It gives an intense and targeted workout but at a low intensity and low impact level. Some classes are a bit more intense, but for the most part I barely break a sweat. However, it does wonders at helping firm, tone and strengthen my body especially my stomach. After having a c-section, it was so difficult to get strength back there and pilates was the only workout that really had a huge impact. (I also did these postpartum exercises daily which were a great option for at home - I did not have diastasis recti but it was still very helpful)

7. Ice roller - I do regular facial massage with my MDNA roller and sometimes a jade roller, but love using this ice roller to help with puffiness! It feels amazing and really makes a difference when my face is extra puffy from lack of sleep, salt or who knows what. I keep it in the freezer but it can be too cold when I first take it out, so I just let it defrost for a minute or two and then roll it in upward motions on my face. It feels like a mini spa moment at home. And the price point is under $15 which is even better!

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Thoughts on Time Management

Sweatshirt - New Balance | Leggings - Alo Yoga | Sneakers - Nike | Hat - J. Crew | Sunglasses - Illesteva (old but similar here) | Water bottle - S'well

Today's post is going to be a bit of chatty one. I asked on my insta-stories recently what sort of posts or content many of you want to see and I received quite a few questions about time management and how I balance my time with the blog, Miles, life, etc. So to jump right into it and be perfectly transparent, I haven't quite mastered it yet. I work at it every day but it is still a challenge.

When I had a corporate job, I would often structure my to-do list by level of priority or importance. The things that were for my boss or were time sensitive would get done first. For many years, I worked from home with my corporate job so I would set aside a certain day of the week for office work so I could be out in the field the rest of the week meeting with my teams (I was a sales executive). Since I made my own schedule during that time, I did learn how to be more self disciplined which has helped me now that I run my own blog. I took my blog full time 2 years ago but shortly after I did, my father became terminally ill and passed away, I got pregnant and then miscarried, we moved into our current home with my mother and then I became pregnant again soon after. Needless to say, things were a bit chaotic. 

Adding Miles into the mix has definitely brought a new dynamic and need for a certain routine which can be hard some days. I am beyond grateful that my mother lives with us and watches Miles so I can work/run errands/etc. What most surprised me about becoming a mother is the amount of guilt I feel over anything Miles related. I knew people talked about it but I couldn't really understand it until I felt it for myself. That has created an emotional distraction that can make time management challenging at times. But we are slowly getting into a groove and it gets a bit easier every day.  

Here are a few things that I do which help me with balance and time management (some things are very small but still make a difference for me):

• I clean up as a I go. It only takes me a few seconds to put something back right after I use it but I feel so much better when things are organized around the house. 
• If something can take me less than 5 minutes, I will do it right away rather than putting it off. Making my bed is the best example of this. I feel so much better once it is made, but sometimes want to skip it because I tell myself "I don't have time". I actually timed myself once to see how long it took me (it was under 3 minutes, sometimes even faster), and I know that I have 3 minutes to spare. 
• This one is more mental, but I have stopped saying "I'm sooooo busy" or "I have soooo much to do" because it makes me feel overwhelmed. I will tell myself "I have plenty of time to accomplish what I need" or "I can definitely get everything done" which sets me up for success. It's crazy how what we tell ourselves can really affect how well we perform that day. 
• I will sometimes put an actual time frame next to items on my to do list when I feel that I have too much to do. Seeing how long it will actually take helps me realize I can get it all done. This has made me realize just how much I can accomplish in 60 minutes. It can also show you when you have overcommitted or packed your day with too much just by adding all the time up.  
• This one is more personal but I know what my limit is when it comes to activities, work, errands, etc. I hate feeling frazzled and run down and will simply say no or choose to skip something in order to be more successful at the things I have said "yes" to. Everyone's threshold is different but being honest with myself about what mine was helped me find a better balance.
• I am someone that will move on to another task before one is finished because I get distracted easily. Next thing I know, I have 5 unfinished tasks instead of 1 complete one and 4 left to do. I will now finish a task completely before moving on to the next. 
• I make the basics easy for myself. Even before I was blogging, I had a makeup routine that I liked and could do quickly. A hairstyle that I could work with in the time frame I had to get ready each day. And basic pieces in my closet that I could grab in a pinch and know I look good. It can take time to find all these things but once you do, it can really help to simplify your day. 

I know many of these things seem like simple no-brainers, but sometimes that is all it takes. Balance and time management is a struggle for most people not just myself so I know that it will be a work in progress my entire life.

I would love to hear your thoughts on balance and time management. Do you feel that you have a good hold on it? What are some of your tips that help you balance your time better?

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All the Books I've Recently Finished

 Sweatshirt | Sweatpants | Slippers | Home office decor linked here

I have been an audiobook listening machine these past few months. I finished 9 books and had to give up halfway through 2 others because I was not enjoying them. There were a few light and easy reads in this bunch, some serious stories and then a couple that left me a bit confused. Leave me a comment and let me know what you are reading or any suggestions of books you loved! 

1. Love and Other Words - This is an easy read and a fun love story. Macy and Elliot grew up together and were each other's first loves. They had a falling out and parted ways which leaves both of them devastated. Years later they run into each other but are hesitant to stay connected and open up past wounds. Neither truly understood why their relationship fell apart and when they finally know the truth, it completely changes everything.

2. Where the Crawdads Sing - I wanted to love this book since it had so many great reviews, but sadly I only ended up liking it. That being said, I still would recommend reading it. Kya Clark grows up alone on the marsh in North Carolina after circumstances leave her orphaned. She stays to herself and only allows a few people into her life. When she lets one of the wrong people into her life and something happens to him, the first person the authorities accuse is Kya. This book is slow moving at times, but the ending really surprised me.

3. Educated - I had a ton of feelings while reading this - from anger, to frustration, to sadness and everything in between. It's a real life memoir about a young girl raised by her survivalist parents in Idaho. It's her account of what happened to her growing up and the unconventional life that her family led. Since the book has been released, her parents and siblings have denied the damaging claims the author puts forth in her story. What she details in the book about her childhood is devastating to read and left me so angry and frustrated for her. She managed to move past her difficult upbringing and go on to accomplish many great things, especially with her education. Obviously we can never know the full story but the circumstances surrounding how she was raised and the events that occurred in her life are hard to imagine. Either way, I thought it was a fascinating story and one that really moved me.

4. A Simple Favor - I heard so much buzz about this book (that was also made it into a movie) so I figured I would see what all the fuss was about. Meh. It was good. Nothing earth-shattering to be honest. Emily and Stephanie are best friends and know everything about each other. Emily seems to lives a fabulous life and one that Stephanie envies as a single mother and widow. One day Emily goes missing and Stephanie believes Emily's husband knows more than he is telling. The story gets twisted and a bit weird, but managed to keep my attention until the end. 

5. The Hating Game - A cute love story that I couldn't put down. Lucy and Josh work together and hate one another. They do everything they can to get each other in trouble and ruin the other's day whenever possible. When both are in line for the same promotion, Lucy decides she is not backing down to Josh and will fight tooth and nail for this opportunity. After a work outing one afternoon, their dynamic begins to change and things get complicated. This is a light and easy read and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

6. The Immortalists - This book didn't instantly hook me but grew on me as the story developed. 4 siblings visit a psychic that tells them the day they will die. While it seems like just a hoax, some of the siblings really wonder if it's true. The psychic's premonition haunts each of them and as their lives unfold, they have to decide if they will believe that date is their destiny or if they have control over their own life. It's a captivating story that kept me interested until the very end.

7. Our Kind of Cruelty - What the wha??? That was what I kept telling myself while reading this book. It is weird. So weird. I couldn't really tell what was actually the truth because the main character was so delusional that I had a hard time figuring out the storyline. Mike is in love with Verity even though they broke up more than a year ago. She is engaged to another man and Mike still believes that they she is playing hard to get. It's a weird book with a very strange ending and I can't decide if I liked it or not. The reviews were all over the place which makes sense now after reading it.

8. All Your Perfects - I've come to love Colleen Hoover books even though their storylines all seem to be very similar. Quinn and Graham fall in love in the most unique of circumstances and their future seems destined for a lifetime of happiness. Sadly their marriage encounters some devastating situations early on that leave them broken and on the verge of divorce. They must figure out if they can move past these struggles and learn to love each other again or go their separate ways.

9. Lilac Girls - It was only after I finished reading this book did I learn that it was based on actual events which made it so much more devastating. The story takes place during WWII and chronicles the lives of three different women and their experiences during the war. For much of the book, I didn't understand where their stories would converge but things began to come together almost halfway through. The majority of the story is about the horrors that took place at the Nazi women's camp in Ravensbruck and all the medical experiments that were performed on the innocent women there. It's a heartbreaking book but nonetheless a wonderful read and a testament to the courage that so many of these women had in the face of such atrocities.

I did read two more books but couldn't finish them because they were not my cup of tea. I tried and tried, but couldn't get through either. I didn't add them to the list but for those interested it was Circe and The Night Circus. I had heard wonderful things about both but sadly they were not for me.

Read all my past book reviews here.

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My Top 5 Favorite Leggings That Are the Most Slimming

Sweatshirt - Nike (more sizes here, comes in another color here) | Leggings - Alo Yoga | Sneakers - Nike | Sunglasses - Le Specs

Leggings may be extremely comfortable but not always the most flattering. In fact, I hated wearing leggings years ago whether as an outfit or to work out because I felt they made my legs look horrible. Over the past few years I have been on a mission to find styles that are flattering, slimming and in some cases help elongate the legs. I have a long torso and short legs so finding pieces to help give the illusion of longer legs is more flattering to my frame. Higher waist styles often are the best solution for this because they draw the eye up farther which creates the look of longer legs. Because of my long torso, another problem I have with leggings is that they are not high enough in the rise and are too tight in the crotch area (I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about - ick). To avoid this issue, I try to find leggings with a longer rise and/or take a size up. As you can see from all my scientific explanation about leggings, I take this seriously. LOL I have tried so many leggings over the years and have finally found a few brands and styles that manage to fit all my rigid criteria and make me look great! It's not a long list but as I find new ones I will definitely share but for now these are my tested, tried and true favorite (and most flattering) leggings for either working out or wearing day to day.

1. Lululemon Align Crop - The entire Align style is a win for me but I love the cropped length (see me wearing them here and here). The fabric is incredibly thin but not transparent and stretches like nothing I've ever tried. In addition to wearing them a ton now, I wore them throughout my entire pregnancy (up until the day I gave birth), home from the hospital and every single day in the first few weeks home. If you are pregnant, these are a MUST. Sizing tip: I take my normal size in these.

2. Alo Yoga Moto Leggings - Alo Yoga is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands for activewear and their leggings fit me perfectly. The moto leggings are super stretchy, very slimming and are a great style to wear either working out or in my day to day life (see me wearing them here). My only complaint is that I wish they would begin making a midi or cropped version because they are sooooo long. But the fit is too good on these to deter me from buying them. Sizing tip: I size up in these.

3. Spanx leggings - I have the faux leather (see me wearing them here), the camo (see me wearing them here) and the black camo (see me wearing them here) - spanx leggings are magical. Spanx undergarments in general are magical so I wouldn't expect anything less from the leggings. The leggings are super high waisted, don't bunch in the crotch area and slim my legs better than any other pair of leggings I own. The compression is intense with these but surprisingly very comfortable. I say that they give me new legs whenever I wear them. These are one of the most shopped items EVER from my blog and I know many of you have given me your feedback that you love them too. Sizing tip: I size up in these either one or two sizes because they run very small.

4. Zella cropped leggings - Zella leggings are hit or miss with me but this style is a continuous favorite, and I have them in multiple colors. They are not as stretchy as some of the others in this list, but I still find them to be comfortable, slimming and very flattering when on. Sizing tip: I size up in these.

5. Alo Yoga Airbrush Leggings - The Airbrush style from Alo is a recent discovery and I am hooked! As I am pulling them on, everything seems to be lifting and then magically stays lifted all day long! They are what I am wearing in today's post and the length is perfection. I also have the full length version on in this picture and love how they look! I am dying to try this version next. Sizing tip: I size up in these.

What are your favorite pair of leggings? Any that you would recommend?

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My Favorite Brand of Pajamas + All the Books I've Finished Recently

Pajamas | Mug | Air pods (wireless headphones) | Bedroom furniture linked here

These are some of my favorite blog posts to write - book reviews! I love to read but finding the time to actually sit down and read is the hardest part. I started listening to audiobooks when pregnant and haven't stopped since! I get through quite a few books this way and have a ton to share with you today. Before we get to the books, I have to gush on my pajamas. I don't even know how many pairs of Kate Spade pajamas I have but it's a good amount. Ha! I love that she offers a cropped version because most pajamas are wayyyy too long on me so once I found hers, I have bought them in every new pattern and print I can find. I am a stripes lover so these blue and white pjs spoke to me immediately. And even though I am not a cat person, I found the cat detail on the pocket so cute. For more of her pjs and sleepwear/loungewear options, scroll down to the widget at the end of my post.

And don't forget to check out The Fall Shop where I am featuring my fall fashion and accessory finds. I update it a few times a month with new finds so keep checking back! You can find the tab at the top of my blog.

1. A Little Life - This was by far my favorite book out of all 10, but it's very hard to read. It's not a book that everyone will enjoy because it is quite dark and depressing at times, with very intense subject matter (physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide etc). Even with all of the darkness, it was still a beautiful story. A story of friendship, love, life and the bonds that form and evolve over time. It begins as a book about 4 guys living in NYC that have been friends since college and now are trying to navigate their way in life and their careers. One of the 4 friends, Jude St. Francis, emerges as the main focus of the book as his troubled childhood past is something that begins to affect all those around him. I don't want to say too much more so as not to give it away, but if you enjoy deep, thought provoking and intensely emotional books (either happy or sad), this is a must read. One final note: I had no idea how the author got the title for the book until I was reading reviews on Goodreads. If you can't figure it out, email me and I will fill you in. LOL

2. The Heart's Invisible Furies - I was on a roll with long novels with intense storylines because I read this and A Little Life back to back. This book is very long because it follows the entire life of the main character, Cyril Avery. He is born in Ireland to a teenage mother, given up for adoption to a couple that can only be described as odd and then struggles growing up as a gay youth, teen, and man. I LOVED Cyril and his personality is delightful - it makes the book! I laughed, I cried, I felt so much emotion in this book. It is a wonderful read! Definitely my second favorite out of the bunch.

3. The Idea of You - Frankly I don't even know how I managed to stay sane through all these emotional books I read back to back. This one seems like it will be a cheesy love story, but please do not let the storyline fool you. This book is fantastic! A quick synopsis - a 39 year old mom of a pre-teen falls in love with the lead singer of the world's biggest boy band. Yeah. That is the premise of the entire book - but this book is so well written and the story is much more intense than I was prepared for. Do NOT discount this as a cheesy romance novel - I guarantee it will surprise you. (And make you sob uncontrollably at the end)

4. If I Die Tonight - A mystery thriller that kept my attention to the very end! An 80's music pop star claims that a teenage boy stole her car and then ran over another boy that was trying to help her. No one seems to know who has done it but fingers begin to point to a loner named Wade. Wade's mother is sure he didn't commit the crime, but struggles to prove her son's innocence. While I could put some pieces of the story together, I couldn't figure out the entire picture until the very end.

5. It Ends With Us - My first book by Colleen Hoover but it will certainly not be my last. What a good book! Lily falls for dashing Rile Kincaid, a neurosurgery resident that she meets one night on a rooftop. Their love story seems picture perfect until she runs into her first love at dinner one evening when her and Rile are out together. Soon Lily and Rile's relationship begins to falter and Lily finds things out about Rile that break her heart. I was worried this story would end in a painful way, but I was so happy with the way things ended. Highly recommend!

6. Something In the Water - Erin and  Max go on a honeymoon to Bora Bora but encounter something while scuba diving one afternoon. This one event will completely alter the course of their lives and puts them in a tough spot as to whether they should share what they know or keep it secret. It's a good thriller but not great. Lots of buzz because Reese Witherspoon put it in her book club - though I think it is a bit over hyped.

7. An American Marriage - This book had so many great reviews and while I enjoyed it, it wasn't my favorite. Roy and Celestial are newly married when Roy is wrongly convicted for a crime and goes to jail for 12 years. When he gets out early for good behavior, he must rebuild his life and figure out where he stands with Celestial. It has its moments and many  may enjoy this, but it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be.

8. All the Light We Cannot See - The one dud in the entire bunch for me. I tried so hard to get into this and got more than halfway through and found it painfully dull. I just couldn't finish it.

9. Two Girls Down - A mystery thriller that I typically go for. It took me a bit to get into but it kept my attention throughout the entire book.

10. Crazy Rich Asians - I should have seen the movie before reading the book because the movie doesn't cover half of what the book does! I absolutely loved the book and there is so much more detail and backstory for everything in it. It's a fun and light-hearted read.

Click here to see all my past book reviews.

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How I Extend My Spray Tan + My Tip On Making Self Tanner Not Streaky

Sweatshirt | Shorts

I love the look of being tan but I struggle so much with applying self tanners, having them go on without streaking, getting my entire body to look even and maintaining that. I started spray tanning last year after finding this great local spot in my area. The girl that owns it completely understands my needs and the color is always perfect. She knows how to give me just enough color and it's the perfect shade of bronze without being too orange or fake looking.

I typically go every 2-3 weeks in the summer so I need something in between those last few days before my new appointment to help extend my tan and smooth out any areas that are beginning to fade. I have quite a few self tanning products in my beauty closet but over the years I struggle with so many of them not applying evenly or looking patchy in certain areas. And then I began playing around trying to make something to work for me and have finally found the perfect combination and technique. This isn't necessarily ground breaking information but I don't know why I never tried this before so I thought I would share what I have been doing!

After trying quite a few self tanners, I've determined that the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse is the best for me and leaves me with the best color and least amount of streaking. The color is perfect for my pale skin and looks incredibly natural. However, even though the formula was great, I was still struggling with my application and a streak or patch of skin that I didn't blend well enough would pop up and ruin the whole look. One evening I was trying to remedy a bad self tan job I had done and grabbed one of my unscented body lotions to help (this is the brand I currently use, but any would work). I rubbed it in and it looked much more smooth! Not perfect, but much better. So the next time I decided to try and mix equal parts self tanner with my unscented body lotion to see how it would look and it was PERFECTION! 

The color went on a bit less intense which I was fine with but I had more control, no streaking and my skin stopped looking so dried out! (self tanners and spray tanning can really dry my skin out) So from them on I have adopted this new method of mixing my self tanner with my favorite unscented body lotion to help extend between spray tan appointments, touch up any areas that may look patchy and moisturize any areas while still adding some color. The key to this trick is using an unscented body lotion or cream because often fragrance or scent will break down the tanning product. 

For application, I like the St. Tropez mitts the best and usually put one small dollop of body lotion on the mitt and pump the self tanning mousse on top and mix with a q-tip. This will definitely sheer out the formula and not make it as intense but for me it is worth it since my tan looks more even and natural. This trick has absolutely saved me and I feel like I can manage my self tanning so much better now! I've been doing it for almost 2 months now and knew I had to share it on the blog once I knew it worked consistently. If you love to self tan, but still always struggle with application try this technique to help! 

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The Weekend Dress

Dress - Lou & Grey (runs big, size down) | Jacket - GAP | Sneakers - Golden Goose (run true to size, similar color here and here) | Bag - Proenza Schouler | Ring - Kendra Scott | Sunglasses - Illesteva

I call this my weekend dress (even though I wear it during the week too LOL), because it's great for throwing on with sneakers to run errands, head to the park, run around with Miles and just be comfortable. Years ago I used to equate wearing a dress with going somewhere fancy, going to an important meeting or having to be uncomfortable. Then I bought my first t-shirt dress and it changed the game for me. In fact, all last summer I wore these stretchy t-shirt dresses from Old Navy while I was pregnant (they are not maternity - see them here and here) and loved them.

If you need an alternative to jeans, joggers or yoga pants for weekend shenanigans, give a dress a try! And I especially love tying a denim jacket, denim shirt or military jacket around my waist both as a cute accessory and in case I get cold. I linked a bunch of t-shirt and sweatshirt dresses in the widgets below.

Shop more casual dresses here: