What started out as a top trend this past fall will no doubt carry over into the spring… colored pants! Such an easy yet unexpected way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe. I say bring on the brights!
{via Gal Meets Glam}
{via Caroline’s Mode}
{original source unknown}
{via Kendi Everyday}
{via Mayte Doll}
Which color of pants would you like to sport this spring?
Filed under Fashion
the perfect organized mudroom. {via BHG}
messy yet chic updo. {via ELLE Canada}
baked zucchini sticks; healthy alternative to fries. {via Skinny Taste}
pairing shorts w/ tights – my favorite winter trend. {original source unknown}
words of wisdom. {original source unknown}
Filed under Pinspiration
I had heard of LUSH before and knew they were a green company with a specialty for “bath bombs” and all-natural soaps, but didn’t realize just how awesome they were until I recently visited one of their stores and found out for myself!
So what makes this company so great?
All of their products are handmade using safe ingredients. What do I mean by safe? I mean they don’t contain synthetics (only quality organic ingredients) and none of their products are tested on animals nor contain any animal ingredients. Speaking of vegetarian ingredients, LUSH has a strict no animal testing policy and refuses to buy any of their ingredients from companies that test on animals. 
They also have a strong sense of sustainability by striving to make the lowest impact on the environment possible. In doing so, they use very little packaging to prevent filling up landfills with unnecessary garbage, among many other green acts. (Read more about their green policy here).
Last but not least, they support grassroot charities and ethical campaigns that focus on environmental conservation, animal protection, and human rights. A percentage of LUSH’s proceeds go directly to assisting these charities.
I could honestly go on and on about all of this but I’ll spare you feeling as though you’re reading a report.
So to conclude, if you haven’t checked out this company before, I highly suggest you do! Not only do they sell fabulous products, but they do so with a cause. And now just how cool is that?
Filed under Beauty
As I mentioned in this post, Rey and I got engagement photos taken while he was home on his 2-week leave from deployment. Here are a few of my favorites! -
Pictures were taken by my good friend, Rasun. Check out her blog @: http://pleaseexcusemyindecentexposure.tumblr.com
Filed under Wedding
unique DIY picture board… frame + chicken wire + clothes pins. {via the decorista}
a ‘spiced pear’ smoothie i’ve been dying try {via with style & grace}
madewell spring 2012 collection. {via carnival}
a chevron print rug grounds the room and adds pizzaz. {via bdg style}
story of my life. {via etsy}
other cool things i discovered on the web this week:
what’s something inspirational or interesting you’ve come across recently?!
Filed under Pinspiration
Hey everyone! Remember my green beauty buys post from a while ago? Well I am back to share with you more eco-friendly products I’m currently loving! I bought/received these products over the holidays, meaning I’ve had a good few weeks to test them out and tell you why I think they’re so great! Read on…
Korres Quercetin & Oak Regimen Kit
This 5-piece kit includes a travel-size day cream, night cream, face serum, eye cream and foaming cleanser. It is said to be “clinically proven to dramatically reduce wrinkles while increasing skin elasticity and improving overall skin texture.” Since I’m all about age-prevention (hey, it’s never too early to start), this was a wonderful purchase to test out the products. The night and eye cream have been my favorite from the kit and I will definitely consider purchasing the full-size when I run out. These Korres items are great for sensitive skin and don’t contain all of the parabens, sulfates, phthalates, etc. that we so commonly find in the average face product.
I was introduced to this product at a facial I recently had at an Aveda salon and couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards. The conclusion? – I was back at the salon just a few days later to purchase a bottle. This oil has a very invigorating yet relaxing, spa-like scent that I can’t get enough of. In fact, the fragrance alone is enough reason to buy this item, in my opinion! Because the oil is very light-weight, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave your face looking like an oil slick. I like mixing it in with my Korres night cream (mentioned above) each night for extra hydration. (This is definitely an investment-worthy purchase for winter if you suffer from dry skin)! Bonus – you feel like you’re at the spa every time you use it. No wonder I find myself reaching for this little bottle multiple times a day…
Tarte ‘Lights, Camera, Lashes!’ Mascara
After reading countless positive reviews about this [paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free] mascara, I didn’t hesitate to put it on my Christmas list. Now that I’ve been religiously using it for several days, it’s safe to say that the reviews don’t lie – I am in love with this product! It creates the perfect balance of volume and thickness. The only downside is at $19 a pop, this isn’t an item I can justify paying for every 1-2 months when it’s time for a replacement.
What have been some of your favorite beauty buys as of late?
P.S. Are you in the market for new makeup brushes? – For the rest of January, Sigma Beauty is offering 10% off any purchase! (Enter code 0112XJML at check out). My favorite is the vegan Mrs. Bunny Essential Kit!
Filed under Beauty, Eco-friendly, Reviews
I am currently on a shake/smoothie kick and let me tell you, I’ve concocted one that can’t be beat! This particular protein shake is great for a quick breakfast to fuel your morning, or awesome as a post-workout meal. Don’t let the spinach or flaxseed scare you away – this filling, nutrient-dense shake is comparable to a dessert (and no I’m not just saying that). I mean, how can you go wrong with a chocolate, peanut butter and banana combo?! Tasty as it is healthy, this is a recipe you won’t want to pass up!
What you need:
- 1 banana
- 1 c. almond milk (I like unsweetened vanilla)
- 1/2 c. quick oats
- 1 scoop chocolate whey [or your choice of] protein powder
- 2 tbs. chunky peanut butter OR almond butter
- 1 c. spinach
- 1 tbs. ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil (chia or hemp seed are also great options)
- handful of ice
- pinch of cinnamon
- 1 packet Starbucks VIA instant coffee (optional)
Blend all ingredients. Makes approximately one 16-oz serving. Enjoy!
Filed under Recipes
We’ve now entered into another year meaning it’s only appropriate that I come up with a few resolutions (attainable ones, might I add) to follow through with for the coming months. I figure if I share them on the blog then all the more reason to hold myself accountable, right?
So without further ado, this year I pledge to…
I’d love to know – what vows have you created for 2012, if any at all?
Filed under Miscellaneous
Hello friends! I’m finally back from my fabulous two-week vacation, and one year older might I add! During my fiance’s leave we celebrated my 23rd birthday, got engagement photos taken (will be up on the blog in a week or two!), visited family, ate way too much… I also took the plunge and got bangs! (Remember this post?) Anyway, I am sad to see Rey leave but happy to know we are just that much closer to the end of this deployment!
But on a different note… In my last post I mentioned some new and fun things coming to SimplyChic, so let me enlighten you! While I love featuring my budget-savvy ensembles, I’ve decided that I would like to start incorporating other topics more often. What kind of topics you’re wondering? I am thinking beauty, nutrition/health, going green, guest posts, and wedding planning! I will still make ‘chic for cheap’ outfits a main focus, but keeping a balance with the other topics as well. What do you think – yay or nay?
Filed under Miscellaneous
