Everyday Makeup Essentials

I've really been enjoying a very minimalist approach when it comes to makeup lately, but there are still a few products I use daily to enhance the my "au naturale" look. Many days this is my entire makeup routine, however it's also really easy to add some eye shadow and eyeliner for going out on the weekends, or looking a little more put together in the office.

The Body Shop | Instablur Makeup Primer
I always debated about whether primers are necessary, but this one from the Body Shop really makes a noticeable difference. I tend to have more oily skin and the Instablur Makeup Primer does a fantastic job creating a matted finish, as well as reducing the appearance of pores, and generally evening out tone. This primer helps my makeup apply smoother and stay in place longer.

Sonia Kashuk | Radiant+Tinted Moisturizer
For everyday makeup I prefer a tinted moisturizer over foundation for a more casual, light, and dewy look. This Sonia Kashuk tinted moisturizer (purchased at Target) covers any redness without feeling like it's clogging up my skin, and huge bonus: it has SPF 15 so you always have sun protection.

Neutrogena | Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer
After creating an even skin tone it's nice to add a little color back into the cheeks. This Neutrogena blush in Natural Glow is is a neutral pink with flecks of gold to subtly brighten. I love the color because while it's easy to overdo blush, this hue somehow always looks natural. It also comes with bronzer, a perfect addition to this look, especially with summer fast approaching.

Sephora | Eyelash Curler
My eyelashes are not exactly long, so curling them every morning is a must. I bought this eyelash curler at Sephora and am very happy with it. The shape and size fit my eyes well, and it's metallic pink (automatic cool points there).

Bobbi Brown | Smokey Eye Mascara
I got this mascara as a sample at Sephora, and it's been my go-to ever since. It lengthens, which of course I love, but the thing that sets this mascara above the rest in my book is the volume. It makes my lashes appear fuller, and the formula is jet black, making my lashes stand out in any look.

e.l.f.| Blush Brush
I just thought I would throw in this brush because this whole line of brushes are a great deal. You can find e.l.f. at Target and they have good solid products for a steal of a price. This brush was $3 and I have no complaints. It is a good size for my cheeks, making application a breeze.

Yoga | Hip Openers

Today I thought I'd share one of the first yoga sequences I got hooked on right when I started practicing yoga, one I still go back to regularly. As I've mentioned a few times on this blog already, yoga has become an important and rewarding part of my fitness routine. It is the perfect combination of physical exertion and mental grounding. It brings my mind back to my body instead of the million other directions it has a tendency to shoot off to throughout the day, and makes me feel truly present and in the moment.

Hip-opening sequences like the one above, have a profoundly positive effect on my mood. While opening the hips is challenging, the work is worth the effort. It is said that negative emotions like stress and anxiety are stored in the hips, and there is definitely a release that comes with this practice in particular. It is also an excellent way to relieve back pain, especially tight muscles caused by sitting at a desk all day, or relief after an extra strenuous workout.

When I first tried this sequence out there were some poses that required what I viewed as an intimidating amount of flexibility. Skip the ones that seem too difficult for now, and remember to breathe through the more strenuous stretches. Be patient with your body, but also allow it to be challenged. Flexibility will improve. Now I can complete this video without a problem. Give this sequence a try and experience all the benefits yoga has to offer for yourself! 

Portland Japanese Gardens

Another day, another adventure in Portland. This weekend I found my way the the Portland Japanese Gardens, one of the city's gems. From the second you walk through the gates the landscape inspires complete tranquility and serenity, quite impressive considering it is merely minutes away from the heart of downtown. While it incorporates a breathtaking view of skyscrapers in the distance, it is tucked away in the hills above the city (right next to Washington Park, for those of you familiar with the area). Five sections are features within: the Flat Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden, and Sand and Stone Garden. 

The Portland Japanese Garden incorporates traditional elements used in Japan. Each element is purposefully placed to benefit the aesthetic, functional, or symbolical, and artfully arranged taking into account the entire scene, much like a painting. Here are just a few elements and their meanings:

Stones are chosen based on their size, shape, and position and are generally found in groups of two, three, five, or seven. They are highly valued in Japanese culture and represent stability and long life. They can also be a metaphor for mountains, islands, or earth. The combination of stone and water can be a physical representation of the yin and yang, the hard and soft.

Water can have many different meanings within the garden, but ponds are often meant to represent larger bodies of water found in nature (the reason they are asymmetrical, just slightly imperfect). Even the way the water flows is significant. For example east to west is meant to carry evil away, while north to south can bring good luck. Water basins found throughout have the functional and ritual use of cleansing, particularly before tea ceremonies.

Zen Gardens are large sand or gravel open spaces (symbolizing water) with designs drawn into the surface using a rake. The process of creating these designs was traditionally used to aid in meditation. The gravel flows around larger rocks, or islands of moss, just as the water current flows around obstacles.

Plants and Vegetation are carefully arranged to imitate nature, however everything is carefully manicured and controlled, constantly reminding the viewer of human presence. The intricate pruning represents discipline, as well as the artistic hand behind every aspect of this manipulated nature.

Japanese Gardens are essentially nature on a human scale, meant to be immersive but not overwhelming. They are meant to spark self contemplation and mediation while momentarily releasing temporal worries and thoughts. The Portland Japanese Gardens capture this ideal, and offer a calming and refreshing escape from the city. It is somehow comforting to be in nature meticulously built for humans, to enjoy being outside without being overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the great outdoors.