The days are long, but that doesn't mean we have more time to waste during the summer. I love to streamline my "get ready routine" so I can get out before the brutal Texas heat becomes an issue. But since I'm not the kind of girl to go about her day without liner, gloss and lots of mascara, I wanted to share my warm weather beauty routine with you. Personally, I feel a dewy glow is always sexy. But many of you worry about your face seeming too shiny. Never fear. My foolproof tips for achieving a dewy look that carries you through these hot summer days. Ready..? Fan through my beauty toolbox to steal my favorite summer beauty tips.

THE DEW-MAKERS

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They say every Hermēs journey begins with a single scarf. As if a hand-rolled square of silk has the uncanny ability to turn an otherwise sane woman into a Birkin-lusting, leather cuff obsessed buying machine. Perhaps this is true. If so, A pretty creation such as this dip dyed number designed by Henri d'Origny in a delightful mix of oranges, pinks, tranquil turquoise and spots of pale lavender surely are to blame for the fall of many a strong-willed female. It is undeniably gorgeous by an standard. 

But what if you're keenly aware of the silk's inherent delicate nature and want to admire it and enjoy it without risking snags, wrinkles or (God forbid...) spots? For those of us on the obsessive side of the spectrum (raising hand high), there's the option to see these marvelous creations as the works of art they are and frame them. Yes, frame them. 

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While I love tying a colorful scarf on my handbags in summer, I don't subject my nicest ones to this task. Due to the way I baby my belonging, risking "injury" to one of these investment pieces simply isn't an option.

I have observed them framed or placed behind a modern acrylic box as a beautiful art installation. It's clever. It's sharp. It's brilliant. In many ways, it seems the best use of these fanciful objects.

I think you're either a fan of colorful scarves as magnificent artistic creations or you aren't. I myself am fascinated that an organic material such as silk can be manipulated in such a way as to create such intricately detailed designs. Their delicate nature also amazes me (yet another reason to consider placing yours behind a protective barrier). Add to it, their worth both in the present (cha ching) and in the future (perhaps cha cha ching) as collector's items and it seems downright crazy to tie one in knots for a trip to Starbucks. 

If the above points don't sway you, consider this: you can only truly and fully appreciate the composition of a scarf design when it is spread out on a flat surface. So to me, hunting my favorite versions of these beauties down and hanging a few on a wall is a magnificent idea. In fact, it's a decision I've recently made: to collect (and protect) them. 

I can hear you now. Beautiful things are meant to be enjoyed, right? Yes. They are. Everyday luxuries aren't supposed to feel too precious or untouchable. I wholeheartedly believe this. While I would encourage you to use your bone china and pull out your crystal stemware for a picnic (life's too short to hide it!), your diamonds need to be worn as often as possible and by all means, wear your favorite perfume whenever the mood strikes. Life is too short. Yet... in this one instance I feel protective of these somewhat fragile artistic pieces. The idea of a grid of nine magnificent silky scarves on a large blank wall sounds just dreamy to me.  But perhaps just a single scarf, framed perfectly and hung on a wall alone is more of style statement and an expression of your love of fine things. Your only challenge: which one to choose? 

{all product images via Hermes.com // all interior photography via Pinterest} 

We won't kid ourselves and imply I ever gave up yoga, but leaving the studio to maintain my practice at home has had mixed results at best. In the beginning it was easy to challenge myself and keep up (most) of the intensity that I found in classes with my favorite instructors. And then it hit. The plateau. The complete lack of enthusiasm for hitting the mat. The craving for more variety, for a longer sessions, for HEAT. Well... I'm back at it. And I'm headed into a new studio that emphasizes the style of yoga I crave. Their class list reads like a wish list "sweaty vinyasa flow" classes mixed with more intense power ashtanga sessions. I can't wait to step my foot back on the hard wood floors and get my flow on for those hour long workouts. 

But first... my yogi apparel needs a little lift. Here's what I'm presently loving (spoiler: there's quite a bit of pink!):

SUMMER YOGA ESSENTIALS

Why the urge to add to my workout apparel & accessories? Because sometimes a few new threads will get you excited about rolling out your mat. On that note, a new mat can often be inspiring and be a shortcut to setting your mind free and getting into the zone. Workout stagnation can sometimes be kickstarted by a bright sports bra, a cool gym tote or a flashy new fitbit bracelet. Is it superficial? Not really. It's like a change of scenery. Working from the "outside in" is often a way to quickly add new energy (mental and physical) and appeal to your internal feelings about your fitness routine.

What about you? Are you feeling the fitness "blahs" this summer? What are you doing to combat it? I encourage you to try something new. A new routine. A new location. A fresh outfit. A new activity. How about new playlist? Add something to the mix that motivates and inspires to you to get up and get moving. It's so very worth it. YOU are worth it. 

The Super Elixir Powdered Superfood

My favorite forms of fitness activities don't require much - if any - equipment. A willing mind and a somewhat able body are often all that are required to get your body moving and your blood pumping. That said... fitness apparel and activity-specific accessories have evolved into chic accoutrements and desirable things of late. It's hard to resist those cute shirred leggings & cashmere-soft wrap tops on the scene. 

I'm a purist in the yoga studio: cropped leggings & a bra top or bra tank are all that are needed. Walking (another activity I adore) is another purist pursuit: great shoes being the only real required gear. But let's face it, fresh fitness outfits in our closets quickly put us in the mood to get our sweat on. They instantly get us in the mindset of a killer workout - whatever your activity of choice might be - and a new heart-pumping playlist. Below are a few of my favorite feel good essentials to get your read in gear this year...

MY FEEL GOOD FITNESS ESSENTIALS

The Super Elixir Powdered Superfood // Falke Ergonomic Bra Top // Lisa Marie Fernandez Wrap Top // Weargrace Leggings // Yoga Mat // NIke Printed Shoes // Nike Leggings 2.0 // Alexander Wang Stripe Bra Top // Spanx Racerback Tank // Falke Sport Top

Clearly I love me some black basics. But when it comes to shoes? I don't think twice about a bold shoe - especially if the rest of the look is pared down. Stick to classics and a solid foundation of great pieces, then mix in variety (and a little leopard action) on accessories. Besides, you'll be tossing those kicks to the curb soon with all that CrossFit you've committed to doing this year. Right?!? 

As for what excercizes to do... that's up to you. As you know I've found great joy and even better results from my vinyasa yoga practice. I love it. I absolutely love it. It's intense. It pushes me. It improves me.  It keeps me fit with minimal time. I also get my heart racing with long walks in super hilly areas (bonus: I get to enjoy great scenery & a killer workout at the same time). I'm no longer a slave to a trainer at the gym or even a specific location. My workout is wherever I am at the moment. This is super freeing to a workout lover like myself. 

The awesome Super Elixir above? I've been on to this supermodel beauty & wellness secret for a while.  imagine all of those super foods packed into an easily enjoyed little powder. Mmmm hmm. Drink it daily in juice, water or a smoothie & you're on your way to looking and feeling vibrant, alive and absolutely radiant. 

What do you do for fitness pleasure? Is it working for you? Are you committed to trying new things this year? Need some playlist recommendations? 

It's become second nature to seek out organic foods, grass-fed beef, hormone-free this and antibiotic free that when it comes to our food. But I'll be candid when I say that I've been willfully turning a blind eye to the nasty bits in my beauty arsenal. Quarternium-what? It's no wonder the font is so small. One close look at those ingredient lists make me queazy. What is this I'm putting on (and therefore in) my body? 

Enter the next phase of my "life edit" which involves removing the next frontier of poisons and unknowns from my life. Hair was easy, as I've shifted back to Aveda completely on all of my products. Even better, the elusive brand is now available at Nordstrom. Hello, free shipping! Healthy hair: check. And I'll tackle my main products for taming my mane in a coming post. 

But what about the ultimate taboo... nail polish? We've all read about the dangers of formaldehyde yet we dutifully paint our claws in dazzling shades of ruby, coral and azalea pink. How can we resist? Well, we can. But for those who do enjoy their mani/pedi with a dose of color (or even just shine) I've finally surrendered to (read: found my solution in) celeb favorite Smith & Cult.

Why this brand? I've tried a few with lackluster results (literally). No durability. No bold colors. No flawless finish. This brand has somehow nailed (see what I did there?) the ability to marry the luxury of pretty nails with our current health-conscious mindset. Not one of their beautifully packaged nail lacquers contains the main five nasty polish ingredients. Not familiar? These are Dibutyl, Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor. Smith & Cult features high-shine, flawless coverage, heavy durability and - last but definitely not least - stunning colors in an exclusive 5-Free formula.

Did I mention they are readily available and reasonably priced? And the packaging is gorgeous. So for me this is high fives (once my nails dry, of course) all around. Can't wait? Shop them all at Net-a-Porter & Neiman Marcus. Each bottle is exactly $18, so for the price of a single spa visit you've got yourself a foolproof three-step mani/pedi. Toxin-free, I might add. Otherwise here's what I recommend as you dip your toes (sorry, can't help myself) in the colorful 5-Free waters. 

The Basis of Everything (base coat) // Psycho Candy (bright coral orange) // Plastic Beach (the ultimate Barbie pink) // Suburban Warrior (fierce bougainvillea pink) // Above It All (top coat)

Wondering how to remove that pretty lacquer? I like RGB's pre-soaked cotton pads which are made without harmful acetone or acetate. They'll whisk away that polish when you're ready to refresh your color. Now, go forth and beautify yourself, lovelies! What am I wearing this week? The delightful Plastic Beach is my current favorite, but don't count out the shocking pink of Suburban Warrior. I feel a summer pedi coming on soon! 

Editor's note: If you have a brand you love more that you suggest, I'm all ears. I'm tackling each section of life one by one and making improvements. Even my deodorant is being replaced by a less sinister one. If you're a wellness lover, health freak and a natural beauty lover please share your expertise. I would very much love to learn about your favorite products. xoxo! 

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Hello, friends! As promised, I have a wonderful new interview with Dr. Teotia. So many of you are passionate about skin care, treatments and looking your best. I tapped Dallas’s finest skin care guru (who is a total knockout herself) to tell us what’s changing in her industry and what’s hot with her clients. Like any great doctor, she also dishes some solid medical wisdom as well.

I hope you enjoy this follow up to our previous conversation…

Hello, Dr. Teotia! We met three years ago to talk about skin-saving strategies and the fascinating world of in-office procedures. How have things changed for your medical practice since then? 

I continue to offer both cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. However, the cosmetic side of the practice has really taken off. The focus is on facial rejuvenation and breast procedures.

I’ve noticed incredible advancements in beauty treatments in such a short period of time. What new treatments or procedures are you really excited about right now? What are your clients loving?

Patients are thrilled about the Mini Necklift and Mini Facelift procedures. Most of my patients have busy lives and cannot have extended downtime. They love these surgical procedures, because they offer beautiful, natural and rejuvenated results. These two procedures are performed in my office under local anesthesia as opposed to general anesthesia (being "put to sleep"). In addition, they are almost half the cost of a full neck and facelift, and the recovery time is only one week. 

In your opinion, how has the perception of injectables changed over the past few years? How has the “selfie” culture impacted your clientele?

The consistent increase in popularity of injectables over the past several years is remarkable! The longer these products are on the market and proven to be safe, the more comfortable patients become with facial injections.  

What treatments are they seeking? 

Our younger generation of patients typically inquire about nonsurgical rejuvenation and correction techniques. I offer a variety of nonsurgical procedures including facial fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, etc), Botox, Sculptra, chemical peels, Cellfina (cellulite treatment) and Ultherapy for skin tightening. 

I hear people are asking less to look like this celebrity or that one. And more like their own FaceTuned or filtered selves. Has this been true for your clientele and how do you feel about that shift? 

Fortunately, it has been quite awhile since a patient requested to look like a celebrity! Thankfully, that request does not happen very often. I’m very upfront with my patients regarding the expected outcome. My goal is to enhance their appearance and provide correction. Committing to a celebrity look-alike result or a "filtered" appearance is unrealistic. My goal is to make my patient a refreshed version of him or herself.

The proliferation of medispas on virtually every corner cannot be ignored. You are a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I certainly know why I trust you, and I recognize your innate and professionally honed gifts. But what can you tell my fellow readers who are also just seeking a little Botox or lip plumping? Why is it important to see a Board Certified physician for these treatments? 

The state of Texas allows non-physicians to inject patients. Unfortunately, these injectors may not be well trained or supervised. It may be tempting to use a Groupon at a medical spa…until you end up with a poor result. There are also complications that are much more serious than an overfilled lip. There are reports of patients who have experienced blindness and tissue loss from soft filler injections into blood vessels.

I cannot overstate the importance of knowing facial anatomy. Surgical procedures should always be performed by a surgeon. Board Certification matters. A Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon is not the same as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. A Cosmetic Surgeon is trained in an area other than plastic surgery (OB/GYN, ED, Pediatrics, etc). A plastic surgeon has a minimum of six years of surgical training in the field. As a patient, you need to do your research.

You mentioned a few innovative in-office treatments you provide for some of your surgical clients. These sound game-changing for ladies (or men!) seeking procedures with reduced down-time. Would you mind sharing more details with readers? Who is the ideal client for this type of procedure?

This would be the Mini Facelift and Mini Necklift that I discussed earlier. The ideal client has mild to moderate skin laxity. The patient is in good health, a non smoker and has realistic expectations. I also perform a Mini Brachioplasty (arm lift) for upper arm skin laxity. This procedure is also performed in the clinic. Unlike a traditional brachioplasty, the scar is well hidden in the axilla (arm pit). 

Skincare: at my last visit you introduced me to the new skincare line available at your office. SkinBetter. I can hardly explain how much I love this collection. The facial cleanser alone is a miracle product for my often confused combination skin. Why do you love this line? What makes it different?

I’ve had several skincare lines over the years. I have liked specific products, but not an entire line. Then I found SkinBetter. I’m very results driven and SkinBetter delivers. Our most popular product is InterFuse Lines. This product reduces the appearance of wrinkles through the topical application of Hyaluronic Acid. The majority of the facial soft tissue fillers that I use in my practice are made of Hyaluronic Acid. Many of my injection patients begin this product to supplement and prolong the injection results. This is a medical grade skincare line that can only be purchased through a physician. {Editor’s note: I’ll be writing a separate post about this line!. I’m tough to please or persuade when it comes to skin care, but I LOVE this line. }

Hot tip to readers:

Follow her on Facebook for her monthly specials on treatments.

Dr. Stephanie Teotia MD
4231 Cedar Springs Road | Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 823-9652
drstephanieteotia.com

From freshly colored locks to buttery smooth skin, every girl needs her go-to experts to help her look her best. And in Dallas, we are blessed with an abundance of flagship stores, blowout boutiques, top rated derms & other fantastic options. Too many, in face. Often, sifting through the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming. Thankfully, among my friends I’m recognized as having a talent for finding “the one” and recommending the perfect people to address their needs. Now, I’m sharing hose with you! After almost a decade in Dallas, I have finally found my go-to dream team for skin, hair, face & body. And I can’t wait to share them all with you over the next few weeks!

GET READY… HERE’s how to Get Gorgeous in Dallas…

HAIR

Hands down, Daniel Lewis is the best hair guru I’ve ever met. You may know him as stylist to the stars (he is not only friends with the beauties from Real Housewives of Dallas, he was also Bravo himself as a competitor on Sheer Genius). That aside, he’s a hair celebrity in his own right, and very in-demand with a loyal clientele. In upcoming posts, I’ll take you to his Aveda concept salon as I get my “hair did” by this hair coloring savant and cutting genius. Trust me, he is positively the best in the business and one of he nicest, most fun people I’ve ever met. I adore him and so will you!

FACE

Ahh, Dr. Stephanie Teotia. The only woman in town I trust implicitly with next-level skin care treatments. Dry Texas air is harsh on anyone’s skin, but those of us 30 and up are not shy about looking for a little restoration from sun damage, signs of aging and the stress of modern life. The lovely Dr. Teotia has a special gift for making you look like YOU, but somewhat refreshed. You’ll look as though you’ve finally had that trip to Tahiti & slept 10 hours each night. I can’t wait to tell you more about specialties, her in-office treatments, what I love having done and why she is a MUST on my get gorgeous squad and a wonderful person to top it off.

SKIN CARE

From cult classics like Omorovicza to that long awaited Victoria Beckham beauty line, the team at Neiman Marcus at Willow Bend in Plano have been my loyal skin care saviors for years. When I need the absolute best, there is no better resource for their vast selection of luxury essences, serums, plumping masks and such. They always have heir fingers on the cusp of innovative new products and hos many in-store meet & greets with brand CEOs & industry pros. They are my go-to resource for all things repair & replenish. I’ll show you my must-have skin care lineup & introduce you to the staff I can count on for insider tips & life-changing facials.

FRAGRANCE

In addition to playing host to some of the most luxurious beauty brands in the business, Neiman Marcus Willow Bend crushes it when to comes to fragrance selection. With grandiose displays beginning the moment you enter the door, this iconic shopping location boasts more upscale perfume brands, posh home fragrance options and exclusive lines than you can count. Fan favorite Jo Malone anchors the space with a counter lined with their coveted bottles, exclusive releases and (of course) their incredible scents. I’ll share my personal favorites and introduce you to their trusty team who somehow know exactly what scent I need for a mood boost or change in attitude.

FITNESS

I agree with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: the best beauty “secret” really is a lit-from-within glow from being active & living healthy. There’s no faking a truly healthy glow. For me, this means attending early morning hot yoga at least 3 times a week (4 if possible) and eating clean. I’ll introduce you to Howard, Dalton, Tanya and the rest of the yogis that keep me glowing, flowing and blissed out from the best hot vinyasa classes around. I’ll also share my latest chocolate smoothie recipe which has (almost!) replaced my morning coffee and certainly given me a fitness boost.

FACIALS

Fancy yourself a pore vanishing treatment? A collagen stimulating facial? A crinkle banishing session? If you look closely within the popular skin care mecca Blue Mercury, you’ll discover a team of experts ready to make your lines disappear and restore that nymph-like rosy glow to your visage. Let me take you behind-the-scenes and share my favorite treatments at the Legacy Plano location as well as showcase their incredible range of hard-to-find brands & cult favorite products.

AT-HOME CARE

Experts & gurus are essential, and assembling your signature routine (while never being a slave to it) together is an art form. I’ve definitely edited my glamming “musts”, and found a few shortcuts in the process. In upcoming posts I’ll be sharing the facial cleanser I’m completely obsessed with (via the delightful Dr. Teotia), the skin-firming device I wish I’d discovered years ago (miraculous!) and my perennial get glam essentials. Stay tuned for skin care routine tricks, beauty sleep tips and hair styling hacks - all learned from these generous pros and my own time-tested experience.

So get ready to get gorgeous, ladies! have so much to share with you! And be sure to follow along on my Instagram stories so you don’t miss a thing!

Yoga is when I edit my thinking and "fix" anything out of order. Today I had a blissful session... realizing I had no worries, no stresses and no things to sort. It won't last long, of course... but what a lovely feeling. Happy Monday to you! {via}

{image credits via & via}

A few months ago I had my doubts. My color-treated hair (thanks to a pernicious highlighting habit) had my hair dry, brittle and angry. There were moments I wondered if my gorgeous mane would ever return. As a long-hair devotee, these golden locks are as much a part of my identity as my smile. So rather than throw in the towel (more on that topic later) I opted to do more research and work to repair the damage.

First things first. Dehydration of all varieties takes a toll on the body. Texas is known for its dry climate, and my hot yoga sessions likely contribute to the excess torture on the hair. So upping my water intake was the first and most obvious step in the repair process.

Then the research began. What products, habits, hacks and changes would I make to bring these dull strands back to life. Was it even possible? A candid conversation with my stylist resulted in him reassuring me he'd seen far worse. That said, the switch to sulfate-free products was crucial. Stop stripping the hair with harsh detergents. Next? A reconstructing conditioner would rebuild broken chemical bonds in the hair. Somewhat reversing the damage we do each time i frame my face with blonde. And a thermal protection product is a must before drying, curling or otherwise "doing" your hair. Even air-dry experts benefit from a smoothing product to coat strands and smooth the follicle. 

And about those tools... if I was still rocking a basic hair dryer I was missing out on an opportunity to achieve hair nirvana and causing deep damage each time I blow dried. And styling tools? Skip them all together unless you're willing to upgrade to the newest ceramic and tourmaline versions.

fast forward to today, this hair-lightening, heat styling enthusiast can assure you: Shiny, bouncy Victoria's Secret model tresses are not beyond your reach. With a few key shifts in your get-ready routine and a few hardware upgrades, a glossy many can once again be yours.

1. SULFATE-FREE IS YOUR HAIR CARE SAVIOR
   Stop using anything with sulfate. Even your corner drugstore has a bevy of great options (I'm looking at you, L'oreal!) to hydrate, smooth and soften your hair. If budget allows, Kerastase Bain Therapiste is legendary for its uncanny ability to revive and rescue too-far-gone locks.
   

2. PROTECT & PERFECT
   After showering, a pump of Wella Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir on damp hair is a keratin treatment that restores the shine you've been craving while rebuilding lost protein structure. Before drying, use Tresseme's Keratin Smooth Heat Protection spray to keep unwanted damage at bay. (Note: this is magical, extremely affordable & widely available.)
   

3. BLOW IT OUT LIKE A BOSS
   The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is all the rage right now, but I really love the ion producing dryers. The T3 professional dryer is better for your hair than air drying. Let me repeat, better for your hair than air drying. Yes. So if you dry your hair ever and live on planet earth (all of us should be raising our hands) this is a technology we need to adopt. It is clinically proven (yes, there were studies) to improve shine, volume, manageability and style retention all while reducing frizz, dryness and static. So get on that, sister.
   

4. STYLE IT UP SAFELY
   You'll be hard pressed to beat the runway-worthy bounce and volume of hot rollers. If you plan to roll (and I'm a HUGE fan of this effortless hair styling method), you mustn't resort to cheap curlers. Opt for high quality, larger rollers that pamper your hair. I love the T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers (via Nordstrom also) for the busy-girl's guide to bombshell hair. More of a beachy waves fan? T3 (again) is the one you want. This version does the spinning for you, requiring absolutely no pro skills at all. More on my "everyday bombshell" styling methods here.
   

5. KEEP IT GLOSSY, GIRL
   Regular readers know where I'm going with this... you need a silk pillowcase. Why go to all of this effort and expense only to undo months of effort while you sleep? A silk pillowcase allows your hair to glide over your pillow without pulling, bending, breaking or roughing up the texture. Say bye-bye to bedhead (and wrinkles) with this small but wise investment.
   

6. COMMIT TO YOUR HAIR CARE (AND YOUR STYLIST)
   Why the sudden damage to my hair? Three factors. Well, four, actually. Texas heat, hot yoga and daughter #2 all contributed to the overall dryness of my head full of hair. But as a result of the addition of my littlest one I "cheated" on my longtime hair stylist for about a year and had a girl coming to my home for cuts and color. It was fast, easy and (curiously) less expensive than the salon. Did I mention she offered to do this at my home? I was hooked on the idea of convenience with a newborn in my house.
   
   As a decade-long Aveda color user, the switch to traditional harsh bleaching techniques took its toll. Quickly. My long hair became brittle, broken and damaged. I was saving time and money while ruining my mane. Turns out those plant-based coloring techniques Aveda built its reputation on are more crucial to hair health than I imagined.
   
   My point? Stay loyal to what (and who) works in your life. If you are in a committed relationship with a stylist and a brand and it works for you, stay the course.

In many ways, this hair care failure is what led me to a more long-term view of hair health and necessary upgrades. The simple shift in shampoo & conditioner resulting in a major change in smoothness and scalp health. The tools? Painful investments, but realistically they were purchases I'd been putting off for many years. The new me has a new appreciation for heat styling, weekly masks and (yes) essentials like silk pillowcases.

My message? Bouncy, glossy, Victoria's Secret fashion show hair can be yours - even without a Ken Paves or Jen Atkin to tame your mane (although that helps). With the right care and a few cool tools you too can have the tousled curls of your dreams and enough shine to stop passers by in their tracks. You can do it. I believe in you!

Kerastase Bain Therapiste Hair Care System // Wella Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir // T3 Pro Ionic Hair Dryer // T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers // SLIP Silk Embroidered Pillowcase

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I'm certainly in a stage where I'm learning lessons. Lesson after lesson after lesson. And what I'm taking from these delicate life lessons is to maximize your focus on what you're blessed enough to have. Whether your "gifts" are porcelain skin, unbounded physical energy or a fabulous collection of inherited china, it's your right - and perhaps your duty - to rock it like nobody's business.

Perhaps the message here is this: accentuate the positive. That's right. Stop dwelling on your perceived "lack" or challenges and move on with thoughts of what IS right - so right - in your life. It is exhausting to dwell on things you cannot change. Exhausting. That energy drain will trickle into every area of your life like a disease and suck the living joy out of your very existence. Stop it. Refocus your thoughts and retrain your brain.  

The simple fact is, no one else sees your inner challenges and your real or imagined difficulties unless you point them out. The healthiest relationship in the world is the one you should have with yourself. Be good to you. Respect yourself, be kind to yourself, forgive yourself and value your natural and unnatural gifts. Celebrate those blessings daily and focus on those beauties. They are the juice of life. 

This isn't about fakery or misleading yourself. It's about getting real and gaining perspective. It's about harnessing your thoughts in a way that benefits your life and improves it - not undermines it. It's about being an awesome friend to yourself by being your own cheerleader. 

Know this: YOU ARE BLESSED and have so much going for you. Embrace it. Delight in it. Enjoy it. Breathe in that goodness flowing around you today. It is surely a gift. 

This week my favorite finds are decidedly feminine with a nod towards the coming cooler months. I seem to be yearning for warmth, more complex fragrances and warmer metallic finishes. It doesn't always require a financial investment. It could be a candlelit bubble bath, a beloved sweater, a cozy night by the fire. Identify those things which you love and embrace them, indulge in them and love them without restraint. What, my darling, are you loving right now?

Like muscle training, personal growth can be a bit uncomfortable but the pain isn't pointless.  Ideally, you'll come out on the other side of the process a better person. It takes self awareness to come to the realization you're in one of these periods of life. But once you're on board, you realize your role here is to learn, to grow, to expand upon your previous definition of yourself. 

Are you stuck in a rut? Are you locked into a few bad habits? Are you closing in on yourself and not opening yourself up to life's journey? Honey, it's time to quit that. Life is change - and lots of it. While I fully believe we have the power to shape our lives, I'm also keen to the fact that surprises are coming our way daily. Some are meaningless distractions there to try to trip us up. Others are opportunities. If you one develop life skill, I suggest it be the gift of discernment which will allow you to ferret out the rare opportunities from the sea of distractions that fly your way. 

So... what's irking you? is your patience being tested? Perhaps you need to develop that skill. Are your professional skills being questioned? Maybe you need to focus on your strengths and your gifts. Are you feeling fatigued? Believe it or not, physical activity is what you need and certainly an analysis of your dietary intake is in order. Are you lonely? Perhaps you need to open yourself up to more social interaction. Pay attention to the discomfort - it is an arrow pointing to your area needing work. 

Are you at a pivotal point in your life where you need to expand and not shrink? It might make you nervous - but there's joy and growth in your future. Will you decide to resist or will you make the decision to improve? Will you decide to grow? Will you move beyond the fear at learn to fly? I like to believe you will. I love to imagine you can. I hope to see you flourish. 

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Thank heaven for little girls. I'm feeling like a total boss as I achieve personal goals, but my sweet, sweet little girls are giving me the emotional rewards I've always craved. They are reminding me every moment of the day that it's all about love. I hope you're enjoying this sweet slide into the weekend and will embrace it with open arms. {image credits 1 // 2 // 3 // 4}

CURRENTLY LOVING

This sums it up perfectly, doesn't it? Evaluate everything in your life and make decisions about the value everything holds. If it isn't bettering you, perhaps it's time to let it go. This could be an overflowing closet or an overstuffed social calendar. There's no shame in prioritizing yourself and your time. The life edit isn't just good for you, it's oddly freeing and empowering. This newfound freedom from real or imaginary weights will be deeply liberating and will offer you a fresh perspective on everything you've shuffled into the "keep" category.

So go ahead... donate those clothes, clean out those cabinets, carefully consider your future appointments, outsource a few tasks and focus on what really matters in life. The people, the projects, the relationships, the goals - make them your highest priorities and whittle away those things that work against that flow.  

I promise... the results of such an edit are worth it! 

xoxo
Franki 

Looking for a better way to start your days? I am always refining my morning rituals & routines. Since I was little I've always woken up well before the sun rises... a trait I share with my grandfather.

Fast forward to today with two little girls in my life and my awesome silent bubble of morning bliss has surely been popped. Those cuties who were sound asleep wake up the moment you do and are eager to see what fun things mommy has in store for them. In short, I need as much go-go juice in the morning as I can get.

How do I fuel up body and mind sans coffee? Here are a few of my secrets for getting glammed, gorgeous and and feeling truly alive and ready to conquer the day... (Surprise: the words coffee and laptop are not part of the formula.)

You've heard me wax on and on about yoga. It truly works for me. While I believe practicing at a studio will develop you as a yogi, all you really need is a mat and a willingness to explore this different style of working out. It is truly the best thinking I do all day and the most efficient workout I've ever done. Toned glutes and clear thinking? Zen bliss indeed! 

In terms of green drinks:  I'm a fan of green lemonade but I'm always looking for more efficient ways to optimize my energy and really revitalize my body. After all, a glow from within cannot be faked even with the best of blushes! I'm eager to try Aloha's line of products. Until I do, I'm using this stuff and I love it. Tip: ease into it. try half a scoop to start and work up to a full scoop. Powerful!

Breakfast: my ALL time favorite meal. I'm presently obsessed with these pans for my veggie omlettes. They are the best pans I've found and are completely non-toxic, non-stick and just AMAZING. Super happy with this purchase and I feel better knowing my cookware isn't slowly poisoning me.  Also, I've gone gluten free and an wowed by the difference in my health. Supercharged indeed. 

Beauty: hello! You deserve to maximize that healthy post-workout/post-juice glow with a good glamming session. Read about my beauty routine here, but meet my new lipstick obsession in Blush Nude courtesy of one Mr. Tom Ford. It's that amazing shade of nude that has just a hint of pink to make you look pout perfect. 

About that music: My Pandora (or Spotify) + Sonos combo is heaven for me. Wireless speakers bumping the best sound I've ever heard, plus a never-ending source of music is heaven. I have created 100 stations using Pandora and wouldn't dream of living a day without Salsa, Bollywood or Cafe Ibiza tunes streaming throughout the house. Music can alter your emotions so quickly that it's a wonderful tool for energizing a household or creating a chill atmosphere. Try it, commit to it and you'll never live without this mood booster in your life again. 

These might seem like small adjustments to your life or perhaps this would be an entire habit overhaul. All I can attest to is that these behavior patterns launch me into a more dynamic day and set me up for success. Isn't that a great way to start a day? Now... go kick some morning booty! 

Can I tell you a secret? A "great life" isn't the result of a whirlwind voyage around the world or a crazy big windfall in your future. Those are going to lovely, yes, but they are not what matters most in this moment. 

Ready for me to drop some wisdom on you? Your dream life is closer than you imagine. It's around you right now. Your "reality" is composed of minuscule details that make up each day. That's right. Small, tiny moments that you may be overlooking each waking moment of each day are what will stack up to become the sum total of your life. Knowing this, it's time to "wake up" from your life coma and embrace each and every breath. 

That trip into the grocery store holds the potential to be an opportunity for a serendipitous introduction. Your morning commute could reveal to you the most spectacular sunrise you've ever witnessed. A text to a long-distance friend could very well be the pick me up she (or you) needed at the moment. 

It's time to embrace the now to ensure yourself a more miraculous tomorrow. Watch the sunrise. Be more mindful when someone tells you they love you. Open your eyes to the marvelous things already in your life. When we appreciate - and I mean fully appreciate and acknowledge - the bountiful goodness in our lives it will seem almost comical how much more of it flows in. 

Don't live waiting for this or that or the other to occur. Seize the beauty and miracles in your life right now. Enjoy it, Marvel at it and love every bit of it. You just might discover you are indeed living your dream life.

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Life holds a few simple truths. One is that what you dwell upon, what you focus on, what you think about grows. You'll get MORE of that in your life. This is why you must guard your mind and control that mass between your ears. Your thoughts truly become things.

This is one of the many reasons why I seek out beautiful things, high quality that make me happy. I seek out thought leaders that speak on personal growth and achievement. I seek out others who lift me up and avoid those who strive to pull us down.

What are you focused on this year, friends? Take some time to be strategic with your intentions. Surround yourself with joyful people, uplifting people, happy people. Move towards exactly what you want and make bold moves away from that which no longer serves you. Seek out joy. Seek out growth. Seek out expansion. Seek out beauty. Seek out life enhancing experiences. Seek out simple things that bring a big smile to your soul. What you focus on expands... so focus on GREAT things.

Have a terrific week, everyone!

MY WEEKLY OBSESSIONS

Thoughts truly do become things. Have you ever ridden a bike and stared off to one side? Your handlebars will more than likely begin to turn that way too. Have you ever played out a situation in your mind over and over and expected the worst and lo and behold, it became your reality? Believe it or not, your thoughts caused those results to occur. 

What we focus on we will bring into being. Knowing this, isn't the key to life simple? Focus on those things you DO want in your life. Focus on happiness. Focus on what is GOOD. Focus on what you LOVE. Focus on health and BEING healthy. Focus on the things you dream of and long for in life. Dwell on those things. Dwell on GOOD things. Appreciate all that is wonderful. Celebrate the good and you will create more goodness.

It's not complicated, but it isn't always easy either. You have to train your mind to obey you. It's human nature to worry and mentally go off course, but a disciplined mind can be yours with a little practice.  

Frankly, this is one of the best parts of this blog for me. I look back over the years and I see old posts and I realize I've brought everything to pass for obsessing over them. Those intentions? They became my future. Those plans? Accomplished. Those goals? Realized. Those shoes? Now in the closet. That city? Visited! That room? Designed! That baby? Now a toddler. Beyond that, these are my thoughts, my dreams, my passions and my life. If you want to know who I am, just read a few posts, go through the archives and read... truly read. 

What about you? Do you journal? Do you have an inspiration board? Do you "put it all out there" for yourself to see? I feel it's important. I feel that you must design the life you want to live the life you crave. Remember: it's never, ever too late to start living the life you envision for yourself. Start TODAY. 

Need help? Consider getting yourself a Day Designer as I'll be doing for 2015. 

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY...

If you're waiting for life to give you permission, brace yourself... that moment it isn't coming. Go out and grab what you want from this brief time you have. Dare to be bold. Dare to take massive action. Dare to take small steps. Dare to fail so that you can perhaps succeed. The only one who can give you permission is you - so why would you stand in your own way? That's right... you wouldn't. :) 

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY

If you've ever worked very hard to reawaken your inner lioness you'll know where I'm at right now. I'm excited. I'm brimming with enthusiasm. I'm reclaiming my inner beast. She has not been dormant, she's simply been chilling for a bit. The priorities and needs of others so often come to the forefront. Clients, children, projects... But you can't subdue your own needs and wants forever. She may lie back and wait, but she doesn't go away. And she shouldn't suffer for long. But now? She is focused. She is fabulous. She is ready to leap and jump and flex her muscular frame again. May Thursday greet you like a gorgeous lioness eager to take on the world. Let's forge some new paths in the jungle, everyone. The time is now. Enjoy your marvelous day! 

{all images via Office to #GirlBoss Community}

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