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.

Lazy Sunday Routine

Hello beautiful readers! I hope this post is finding you at the end of a wonderful week.

Sunday has always been one of my favorite days because I like to take time off for myself to relax and rejuvenate, in preparation for the coming week. I have decided to write out some steps to help you have the best Sunday ever! The ultimate goal is to focus on yourself for a day, in order to truly recharge.

1.       Get in a good breakfast. My favorite way to start off my Sundays is by treating myself to brunch, or making a hearty breakfast. Nothing beats eggs, potatoes, pancakes, and a strong cup of coffee on a weekend morning. If you have seen Portlandia, chances are you appreciate the importance of brunch in a true Portlander’s diet. If not, I'll just say that it is an essential part of life in this city, and I'm beginning to understand why. Who doesn't like catching up with friends over good food?

2.       Do something productive. I suggest strolling through that part of town with the cute shops and cafes you have always driven by, but have never stopped to check out. Or if you are just feeling a home day (I'm a homebody, I won't judge), clean up, tidy up, or organize something. This will allow you to continue onto the next steps 100% guilt free.

3.       Pick an activity that will best help you unwind. My recent Sundays have included catching up with the Friends gang on Netflix, starting to doodle a little again, and reading. Do anything that will help you get to your “happy place.” If that involves something like a hike or run, it’s not exactly lazy, but I don't see a problem with getting some fresh air and a little endorphin boost.

4.       Make yourself a drink. I have come to look forward to making a nice drink every evening. For me personally, this means a cup of hot tea, or a glass of wine depending what kind of day it's been (on the average Sunday I would probably opt for the wine, tomorrow is Monday after all).

5.       End the day by pampering yourself. Apply your favorite face mask, buy a new nail polish color and paint your nails, or do a relaxing evening yoga sequence before bed. Use this time to focus on the extra little details you don’t have time for after work. Now let these positive feelings carry you into Monday and through the rest of your week.

Cascade Head Trail & Lincoln City

Lately I have truly begun to see the value in making the most of my weekends, and one of the best ways to do accomplish this is to go on a mini road trip. In my case this means an escape from the city to the coast! There is something amazingly comforting and therapeutic about gazing out into the ocean. It seems to put all my problems and stresses into perspective. I'm not sure if my fascination with the ocean stems from growing up in one of the most landlocked states imaginable(Colorado) or if it has this effect on everyone, but either way I have decided to take advantage of my new found proximity to the sea.

The day started with a hike along the Cascade Head Trail. We hiked to the lower viewpoint, about 4 moderately difficult miles round trip. It begins with a very steep incline up what feels like a flight of stairs built into the trail, but levels off fairly quickly. The landscape is wooded most of the way, and opens up to one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. The viewpoint is on the edge of a cliff, sloping all the way to the ocean. The feeling sitting atop that cliff, with the salty breeze in my hair, and the sound of waves far in the distance was energizing and refreshing. Luckily we chose the perfect day to go, one where the sky is clear and the scenery stretches on forever. 

The next stop was Lincoln City, a cute beach town right along the coast. One of the best features of the beaches here are the tide pools. The anemones, crabs, mussels, and other tiny sea life offer some free entertainment. Stopping at Mo's for some clam chowder is also a must, and it is how we ended the day.What is your favorite day-trip getaway?

New Year Resolutions 2015

January 1st is always the start of a magical time, isn't it? It's a time to refocus on what is most important and to make new goals for the coming year. It's a clean slate. My life changed in 2014 and I've spent a lot of time recently reflecting on the past year. At this time last year I was preparing to move to a new city, and both scared out of my mind and excitedly awaiting the future. There were difficult moments, no doubt about that, but I'm proud of myself for taking a risk. Now I have memories in this amazing city I wouldn't trade for anything. I have learned so much about being independent and I have a better understanding of what I want and who I am. I can only hope 2015 will be as exhilarating and fulfilling as the last, and just as packed with new experiences and healthy challenges. Here are the resolutions I'm making this January, to ensure this 2015 lives up to the hype. They are greatly inspired by a post on setting positive intentions that can be found on Free People's blog here. 

• I will be inspired by knowledge, and continue to pursue my interests (art, blogging, web design, knitting) and to learn as much as I can about each.
• I will strengthen my body through exercise and yoga at least three times a week.
• I will be content in my own skin and not judge others, but instead focus on my own self improvement.
• I will search for a more satisfying career, one that will allow me to be financially independent.
• I will connect with and be open to new people, while nourishing my current friendships.

Cheers dear reader, here's to wishing you a beautiful year full of laughter, happiness, and love. Let me know your new year resolutions in the comments below.

Websites That Spark Creativity

Sometimes it feels like the one constant in my life is my need to be creative, but staying inspired can be a creative process all its own. One of the best ways to keep the creative juices flowing is to regularly discover new artists. The following are the websites I visit borderline obsessively to keep up to date on what's going on in the world of art today (and to glean inspiration from some of the best up and coming artists of our time). Just trust me they're awesome, I'll let their amazing taste in art speak for itself.

The Jealous Curator

Supersonic Art 

Artist A Day 

BOOOOOOOM!

Sketch Book Project

Doodlers Anonymous