going for green // hawaii part one

It’s been nearly two months since we returned from Maui, and now we’re trying to soak up the rest of summer before it flashes past us.

I’ve always thought of myself as fairly environmentally conscious, but not to the extreme of the crazy tree hugger lady. No offense if that’s you. I applaud you, really; it’s just not where I’m at in life, but I am getting closer. Maui was so incredibly breathtaking, it felt like a dream. I kept repeating over and over (probably to the point of annoyance for Cassidy) as we drove around, or took in the views, or frankly just hung out at the beach: “Can you imagine what it would be like to live here?!” It was just hard for me to grasp what day in day out life would feel like. Island Brittany was certainly loving life, virgin drinks in hand. (Disclaimer again if you didn’t see my Insta stories: not pregnant. I just don’t drink.) But honestly, what a beautiful place to inhabit. With that though, we admired the care for the environment, common love for nature and its beauty that everyone respects. It’s just a way of life. Never in your face or boastful. They just serve paper straws instead of plastic. End of story. Every trash can also had a recycling receptacle. Target doesn’t have plastic bags. Bring your own or buy a cheap reusable one. Everyone was in on it. Being environmentally friendly was a cohesive effort and everybody cares. There are opportunities to see the implications right in front of your face if you choose not to abide and how it immediately impacts. Instant gratification of doing good.

This perspective lended Cassidy and I to discuss and come up with some simple action steps we can take to be more mindful of the impacts we have on the world around us:

1. Don’t use a straw or plastic lid unless I really need it. I like to think I’ll get a metal straw and keep it in my purse. I am really considering it, but I’m not sure how truly sustainable that is for my lifestyle. I am grateful to the mainland establishments that offer paper straws. We are trying to make more coffee at home, and I really don’t take drinks to go too often anymore. It seems like a metal straw is unnecessary for me at the moment, but maybe if you find yourself regularly getting those cold Starbucks drinks, it would be ideal to make the switch. If my lifestyle displays that more in the future, I will certainly invest. If we all cut down on the plastic we’re consuming, it can have huge effects for the waste we’re producing that is also impacting our environment and making its way to our oceans. Save the sea turtles! They are majestic creatures necessary to the ecosystem.

2. Recycling. Our apartment building has a trash chute in our hallway, but we have to go all the way down to the parking garage to recycle. It’s a brand new building, and I really wish they would have also included a chute for recycling, but they did not. Typically my choice to not recycle is out of convenience, but we are making the decision to recycle more, even when it is inconvenient. I have been trying to save a recyclable cup until I am in a place with proper disposal rather than conveniently dropping it in the closest trash bin.

3. Use coral reef safe sunscreen. While in Maui, Cassidy and I went on a SNUBA excursion with Trilogy. Honestly, if you are planning to go snorkeling while in Hawaii, pay for the upgrade and SNUBA. As our diver said, “Snorkeling is two dimensional, SNUBA is three dimensional and makes the reef come to life.” It was one of the coolest experiences ever. I will share more in an upcoming post about the experience, but it is not one to miss. Because of this experience though, we have a newfound appreciation for ocean wildlife and the reef. We didn’t know about the effects of sunscreen previously, but now that we do, choose wisely. Vote with your dollars. Get reef-safe sunscreen. In 2020, retailers in Hawaii will no longer be able to sell sunscreen that isn’t reef safe. Beautycounter is leading on the frontlines of this legislation. We used this one while on our trip and we were so thankful we invested, because we used a LOT of sunscreen in that Hawaiian sun!

last minute fourth of july outfit ideas

Not sure what to wear for the fourth? Yeah, me neither. So I’m drawing from some past looks for inspiration. These kicks [I have linked a similar pair below] have made it a little easier the last couple years to show my patriotism in an understated way. So let’s keep this short and sweet because we all have places to be, BBQ to eat, and fireworks to watch. Below I’m sharing a few of my favorite Americana pieces to jazz up your look in a jiff. But don’t forget a clean red lip and a great sweatshirt to throw on.

USA!

[original post here] Lily & Sparrow Boutique dress [I like this one for the fourth] // Anthropologie scarf [similar] // Lauren Ralph Lauren bag [similar]

[original post here] Anthropologie romper [similar] / bag [similar] / earrings [similar] / sandals [similar]

[original post here] Vineyard Vines romper [this is cute] // Anthropologie headband [similar, similar]

beautycounter launch

In the last several months I have learned a lot about the lack of regulation the FDA and US government has on beauty products. The European Union bans or restricts 1400 ingredients in their beauty products. How many does the US ban? 30. THIRTY!!! The laws haven’t been updated since 1938, and we are sorely behind. The more I learn, the more I’m not only infuriated, but the more I have a palpable desire to clean house. Literally. I just read an article about asbestos laden glitter being sold to girls at Claire’s. And the FDA has no way to do a recall. But what’s more is, I want to do something about it. I don’t want my friends and family using skin care and makeup products that could expose them to known carcinogens. 

Additionally, I’ve been struggling with my skin for about the last year. I have identified different factors such as stress, not getting enough water, etc., as being contributing culprits, but the issues have been persistent, despite trying to limit or control what I can.  

Early this year, my friend Madison introduced me to Beautycounter. I’ve learned so much about cleaner safer products because of her, and it’s really opened my eyes. But more than that, it has SAVED MY SKIN! Because what’s the point of switching to clean, safe products if they don’t work?! 

So I’ve decided to join the movement. I’m passionate about the products. I admire the work Beautycounter is doing in the industry and being a champion for change. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so what we put on it matters. This reality is what probably has hit me the most. Beautycounter is pushing for updated legislation and enacting change. I’m learning with you, and I’m still making the switch one product at a time as I finish each one out.

In the future I will do more posts about my top products, routines I’m into, etc. and anything else you may want to hear about (please comment on this post what you’d like to learn more about!), but for now I’m sharing my three favorite starter items that everyone can use below. The struggle was real to narrow it down to just three (and really I linked four), so if you want more suggestions, email me via the contact page above, and I’m happy to help get you started! Or if you’re interested in joining the movement, I would love to support you!

I’m still navigating the best way to utilize this space in conjunction, but for now you can shop with me directly by clicking on the beautycounter link in the banner above, through the link in my Instagram bio, or get started here to also ensure you’re shopping with me before clicking the links below. I am so excited for this clean beauty journey together!

[full outfit post to follow soon]

overnight resurfacing peel

be sure to exfoliate in the morning for the full benefits, but this stuff is like magic. it has so improved the integrity of my skin and my complexion by minimizing pores and fine lines. it’s basically an overnight one hit wonder.

no. 1 brightening facial oil

this oil feels so good, smells so good, and the vitamin c heals up all the spots acne left behind. it is great under makeup and/or moisturizer to start the day.

charcoal cleansing bar

i’m not usually a fan of soap bars because i use a clarisonic, so gel/cream/liquid formulas fit the bill, but the charcoal digs out all the impurities and leaves a fresh clean surface. as a double cleanser at night, i like follow up with the clear pore cleanser.

a love like larry's

Have you ever gotten into a rabbit hole of seeing too much hate shared on social media? Our media can get so dark and heavy, and it can be overwhelming. Regardless of what side you stand on, although I do feel like social media only shows us a glimpse of a bigger picture, I feel like we need a good story shared. So I’m going to share one that needs to be told.

On a Friday in January, I drove to Virginia with my sister. On that Saturday, I attended my aunt’s funeral. She is my dad’s brother’s wife. She has had Alzheimer’s for the last twelve years, and had been in a nursing home for seven. We are celebrating her life because we know her heart belonged to Jesus, and it was time for Him to call her home. We are comforted because we know she is restored and worshipping Jesus. Her life was spent loving others and loving The Lord. But that’s not the only good story I’m sharing. The story I want to tell is of my Uncle Larry.

This man has not had an easy life. He went through brain surgery as an 18 year old and was delayed from graduating high school for three years. He met the love of his life, Hilda, and married her in 1970. He lost his father the following year to a heart attack. I never had the chance to meet my grandaddy. His sister followed from pancreatic cancer in 1992. He and Hilda lived next to my grandma for my entire life (but I know it was longer than that), until my grandma’s health started to deteriorate following complications and infection from a surgery when she was 84. Uncle Larry and my dad had to make the difficult decision to put my Grammie into a nursing home. Uncle Larry and Aunt Hilda went and visited her almost every day in the nursing home for four years, until she also went to be with Jesus, and Grandaddy, and Aunt Carol, in 2007.

During that time (you do the math), Hilda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She eventually was no longer able to care for herself, as she was confused and risked getting lost. Larry had to also make the heartbreaking decision for her to go to a nursing home, despite her medication to slow the disease.

At this point, you’re probably wondering where is the feel good story I want to share. Ready for it? He visited her every day. Every day for seven years he went and spent time with her, and fed her, as she got to the point she could no longer do it herself. Sometimes he went twice in a day. For both Grammie and Hilda, he would read scripture and pray over them every evening when he visited. He would also bring a CD of worship music to play in her room. The only times he didn’t go were when earlier this winter the nursing home had to close its doors for ten days to visitors because of a flu outbreak plaguing the residents and staff. Larry himself got the flu during that time. I wonder where he picked it up? Outside of these times of illness, where we can count on our fingers the number of days he missed visiting his love, he went every day. He believes she recognized him up until that break. Who are we to say otherwise?

Following those few days, her health began to decline, and she went on to be with Jesus. He was with her when it happened. He had been with her all day and gone home to take his medicine. The staff called him to tell him to hurry as it wouldn’t be long. When he returned, he told her he was there, and after five more minutes together, she went to see Jesus.

The week following, Larry went through all the difficult decisions of what needed to be taken care of for the service and burial. He chose songs like “It Is Well,” and we mourned his loss in the same place we mourned my Grammie twelve years prior. He greeted family and guests with joy and hospitality. Just before the service began, the undertaker came to let him know they would be closing the casket and if there were any final goodbyes. I watched this man, who has not had an easy life of loss and pain, walk up to his love, and kiss her forehead one more time and return to his seat. I saw him sob and mourn his partner, who we know is in a better place, while his brother, my dad, cried next to him.

This is love. This is devotion. This is a partnership, a marriage. This is a man who never misses an opportunity to show his loved ones how much he cares. This is what I want to share. What should be shared. The good. There is good in this world. There are good people who love Jesus and love others. There are people who are real-life living The Notebook stories. He is to be commended and admired, for loving and cherishing, in sickness and in health, until death does part.

Larry will only ever read this if a family member shows it to him. He won’t see me share it on social media because he doesn’t have it. This story isn’t for him, because he doesn’t need it. He doesn’t need to be glorified, he wants that for Jesus. This story is for you. To know there is good. There is a good God who loves people. There are people on this earth living out His call to love others. Larry loves. I want to love others like Jesus loves. Like Larry loves.

summer florals, over all

Every year I want to title a blog post “florals for spring? groundbreaking.” Ok, basically every spring I do write a post with that headline. It’s too iconic, I can’t not. But see, I changed it up this year for summer. Summer florals, over all. (Side note: I’m actually reading this book right now. Maybe this is where I’m drawing inspiration? It is VERY different from the movie. Word’s still out if I recommend. Right now I’m kind of over it and struggling to power through, but we’ll see.)

This floral tee from Anthropologie is one of my favorites, and I’ve linked some great prints and graphics for this year below. There’s a new feature with my product widgets where products can be saved for later, whether you’re waiting to buy or would prefer to wait for it to go on sale. Click the heart icon and enter your email address. You’ll receive a confirmation email (to shop products you favorite anytime from your inbox) and another email when the price drops!

News from Anthropologie: Are you aware they launched A+ this spring, their new size inclusive line? I am so pumped to see one of my favorite brands be a leader in this space! Bravo, Anthro!

With that, I wanted to share I have been following Grace Atwood’s three month challenge (recent end of month two post update here) to only shop designers and stores where they provide size inclusive pieces, which has been incredibly eye opening and inspiring. As she says, we vote on what we love by where we put our dollars. Not that it’s any surprise, but Anthropologie will continue to see my dollars and my votes, as well as features here, that’s for sure. I really admire the way she has maintained her goals, despite offers for collaborations with top tier designers who don’t meet these standards, and seeing a dress she’s had her eye on for awhile go on sale. I know I would certainly have a hard time turning those opportunities down, but I respect her consistency! I am looking forward to sharing an impactful recent experience in this arena soon, but for now, let’s applaud Grace’s efforts as a straight-size blogger to bring attention to this issue.