Evan Healy Skincare Testing: Part I

Thanks to the great people at Whole Foods Market in Wheaton I've been testing out a new holistic skincare line -- and I must say, so far I'm really liking it.

Evanhealy is an organic skincare line that strives to return your skin to its natural state, which is thought to be the most healthful, most at balance. The trial set I choose for my skin was the Rose Face Care Kit , which claims to be able to strike a balance between the oily and dry spots on my skin. Since I began using the products on Monday, I have noticed a difference in the overall "glow" of my skin and the oil usually found mid-day is more under control.

The regimen for these products is actually quite simple. In the morning I wash with the milk cleanser, then follow up with the oil and a couple sprays of the hydrosol (this is my favorite step - it makes the skin so smooth and gives it a natural, healthy glow.) Finally, I finish off with the day moisturizer. Yes, a few more steps than just wash and go, but it is definitely worth it. At night, I cleanse and add a few sprays of hydrosol and it's off to bed.

The only downside I've experienced so far are a few breakouts, but it's hard to say these are directly related to the product. Even so, I like to think of them as a way to get the bad out and keep the good in. The kit does come with a clay mask (meant to be used once a week) that clears pores -- and guess what? I'm off to go try it now!

I'll check in next week with an update on these products - hope for the best!

Holiday Recovery...

Just wanted to drop a short note to say I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday full of yummy food, gift-giving (& receiving) and time spent with friends and family.

Enjoy the last week of 2011 and look for some new posts this week. I've begun testing a new skincare line and can't wait to share info about the line and my thoughts. 

Until then, what was your favorite part of this holiday season?

Running Ambitions

Since signing up for a half marathon (to be ran in June!), becoming a more serious runner is on my list of things to do. My shoes are tied and my iPod is loaded with inspiring, upbeat songs. Let's do this.

Whether you love it or hate it, running is one of the best exercises you can do. For one, it can be done almost anywhere (no gym required), it's adaptable to any fitness level and if you choose, you can take in some fresh air or scenery while pounding the pavement. Oh and thanks to a plethora of brands that make cute, feminine running attire, you can look and feel cute (so to speak) while doing so.

While on a trip to the mall to get some Christmas shopping done (yes, I'm behind. Don't judge or you might not get put on the nice list), I stopped in Lululemon and saw the brightest, most cheerful running hoodie. Perfect for the dark, chilly days of winter to come... who wouldn't be inspired to go for a run in this beauty?

Pure balance jacket, $118

And in case Santa Claus is still listening... I'll take one of these tote bags too. Looks like a great bag to go from street to gym. Plus it's on sale!

Triumphant Tote, $79

Bon Voyage

In a few hours I'll be on my way overseas to Cologne, Germany which means while I'm enjoying delicious wines and festive Christmas markets, I won't be writing for the blog for the next week and a half. I can't wait to return and write about my experiences, but until then I thought I'd share this great image from Pinterest (follow me & I'll follow you!) showcasing a week's worth of outfits. Seems to me like the perfect combo to pack for a vacation. What do ya'll think? What are your fashionable packing tips?

Wedding Wednesday: Simply Stunning

Lately I can’t seem to tear myself away from Pinterest. I can spend hours perusing cute clothes, beautiful interiors and absolutely amazing looking cakes.

When it comes to wedding cakes, I’ve fallen in love with simple, yet stunning cakes. The ones that are just so beautiful they demand attention and it almost breaks my heart to think about cutting them. Good thing that happens behind the scenes. Here are some of my favorites. What are your favorite trends/styles of cakes?

This post orignially appeared on sassychicagobrides.com. 

Music Monday: Zac Brown Band

I'm a long time country music fan -- if you haven't given the genre a chance, I'd recommend it. Country music is full of toe-tapping, upbeat songs and lyrics that speak to living the best life you can... not just the sad, drinking songs most people associate with it.

The Zac Brown Band hit the country music scene with a song that always, always makes me long for a beach, Toes. Fast-forward a few years to their current album You Get What You Give and you have music that is always circulating my Spotify playlists.

Here are my favorite tracks:

Knee Deep featuring Jimmy Buffet (!)
Keep Me in Mind
Let It Go
Quiet Your Mind

So music lovers, have you given this album a listen? What do you think?

Life's Little Treasures

After ditching the winter coat and gloves (winter is sadly, officially settling in...) and placing my coffee cup in its usual spot on my desk this morning, I turned to my favorite pre-work ritual. Checking the latest page of my shoe-of-the-day calendar. Oh yes - it is as amazing as it sounds. I was happily rewarded with this little beauty:

Red hot Jimmy Choo

 It's going to be a great day y'all -- it really is the little things that make life special!