Six Easy Ways to Live a Sustainable Summer

Its a journey I accidentally started and a journey I'm loving.  What journey am I talking about?  I'm talking about my accidental journey to being more mindful with what I use daily in an attempt to lead a more authentic life.  At the beginning of the year I decided to go cruelty free with my make up and that lead me down a spiral of trying to be more green with my living.  In this post I share how I've cut my reliance on paper towels & disinfectant wipes and now I want to share with you a couple of ways I plan to be more green this Summer.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

First off I want to say that it is all a journey.  I don't plan to live zero waste (yet I totally applaud those who do!).  I just want to be more conscious of what I do.  The fact that several cities have now banned the plastic straw and even more cities have banned the plastic bag has really pushed me to be the change I want to see.  But it isn't about being that girl who doesn't use bags and has her own straw its about genuine effort towards making yourself (and thus the world) a better place.  The easiest place to make change is in your own home right?  Then you can hope that your actions inspire others.

With that said, here are 6 ways to be more sustainable this summer: 

Reusable Aluminum Straws

I don't know about you but Summer often means a lot of drive-thrus and nights out.  I plan to refuse straws this summer as much as I can.  In addition to filling my reusable cup or water bottle for road trips, I plan to snatch up a pack of these to bring with me on summer vacation.  A lot of these reusable straws seem to be compatible with standard tumblers so you're not going to lose out on drinking from your favorite cup! 

Pack your own Travel Snacks

We all stop at the gas station or jump in the line at the airport for a quick travel snack, right?  Why not pack your own snacks?  I've got two reasons here - the first being sustainability and the second being its going to save you money!  Gas station and airport snacks can cost an arm & a leg so throwing some snacks in your bag prior to take off will mean you're saving your moolah.

You can bring snacks on a plane, no problem.  You might want to invest in these clear, reusable & resealable bags if you're bringing that sandwich in your carry on but for road trips (or a jaunt out on the boat) consider these super nifty beeswax wraps.  I am totally going to try to make some of these beeswax wraps in the future - Zach got some beeswax from a local beekeeper and we've been dying to try any & all projects with it!

Reusable One Cup Coffee Pods

This is something I've been doing for a while now when it comes to travel - using a reusable coffee pod for the Keurig.  Everyone I know has one so when I travel home I make sure to bring my k-cup and my coffee filters.  There is so much waste when it comes to these single use pods. I mean the whole body of that pod is plastic and you just toss it in the trash!  This is the brand I use and I can find them at Meijer or online from Amazon.  I also need to start using these at work instead of relying on the k-cups.

Compostable Cutlery 

We're all going to have a BBQ or two to go to this summer and there will be disposable cutlery galore.  I implore you this summer to invest in compostable cutlery & plates.  I purchased some for a small gathering but you can totally grab a giant box from Amazon.  This set is just under $30 for 100 forks, 100 spoons, & 100 knives.  Seriously, I think that is affordable!  Don't forget the plates & the cups, too.

Avoid Fast Fashion

Will that beach hat or cover up last through a few seasons of wear? Is it on trend enough for just one summer or classic enough for a couple?  This summer, avoid fast fashion like those dollar store flip flops or super trendy sun hat & opt for things that will last you a few summers.  Amazon has these amazing, natural rubber flip flops that look (and apparently feel) like your standard summer wear.  I know that LuLaRoe is technically a fast fashion brand but I've used the Lindsay kimono & Sara cardigan at the lake multiple seasons.  This means I'm getting both fall & summer use out of these guys!

Reusable Bags

Summer means outdoor markets and downtown shopping for a lot of us!  Heck even if you're just going to the mall consider bringing a reusable bag or two.  I like the ones that can fold up and fit right back into a smaller pouch so you can throw them into your purse.  Use them for groceries or for your handmade market finds.  Plus if you're going to the beach these guys can act as your wet bag form when you change from your swim suit.  The nylon often dries quickly so you can fold it right back up after you hang your suit to dry.

Like I mentioned above, for me this journey isn't about being perfect.  This journey is about realizing our impact & taking what we do seriously.  We can be mindful of our actions and make a conscious choice to change it.  These are just six ways to be more sustainable for the summer but I'm sure these guys can last you all year!

Grab the Free Ebook! * indicates required Email Address * First Name *

My green journey started with my introduction to essential oils.  These guys are a great natural & sustainable way to help you with emotional & physical wellness (and there are a ton that are perfect for the summer!)  If you'd like to know more about the natural power of essential oils - use them in your cleaning routine, for your skin care, to boost immunity, etc - enter your email above to get a FREE copy of my ebook Getting Started with Essential Oils.

How will you live sustainably this summer?  What actions are you already taking?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // Summer Lovin

It has been a long, long while since I've shared a board I've created on Polyvore!  Like, a loooooooooooong time.  But today I've got some things I've been loving this summer in a lovely little collage for your viewing pleasure.

find this set on Polyvore here.

this post contains affiliate links, please read the full disclosure here..

I've been loving some harem style pants for the summer.  I actually picked some up from Meijer a year or so ago and didn't wear them until this year.  I find that they are super comfy!  I like the patterns so I pair it with a white shirt.  I picked up some Birkenstock-esque sandals from Walgreen's of all places and love how comfy they are.  They are actually the inspiration for this post!  I've also been living in some easy slip on flip flops like these rubber white ones.

When it comes to storing my planner stuff, I have a new planner bag.  It is the pink variation of this blue bag from Crown & Ivy, sold at Belk.  I picked it up over my vacation in North Carolina for my family reunion and love it.  it has so much room, plus there are pockets on the outside!  I love that it is so colorful and roomy.  Easy to carry too!  I just took a peak on the website and Belk is a part of Ebates rewards!  (At the time I'm writing this it is 4% cash back.)  So don't forget to either activate your cash back or sign up here for some additional savings!

I'm also digging one of my old time loves - Claire's!  I picked up a few fun phone cases before my recent vacation and I want to pick up more!  I don't currently have the hot dog, but I do have a fun cactus with glasses, some sushi, and some french fries.  Unfortunately they don't fit the iPhone 6 plus though.

Finally, I'm digging this L'Oreal contour palette from the drugstore.  I love how it applies and how easy it is to blend.  I've been loving topping the harsh contour with a light bronzer, like the Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer from Too Faced.

What are you loving this summer?  Any top beauty picks?

xoxo, Moe

App Review // Hipstamatic - Best Analog Camera App for Summer

I've go an oldie but a goodie type of app to recommend to you today - Hipstamatic.  This is an app I mentioned last in 2012 but originally mentioned in 2011 when I got my iPhone 4!  I'm coming back to it today because it is a fun app for taking summer photos.  I  initially want to share with you the disposable camera app made by the same company but I believe that has become unsupported by now.  I opened it and it kept crashing!  Hipstamatic can give you that disposable camera feel with out the actual camera.  

Since I hadn't used this app since about 2012 I was pleasantly surprised to open it and find some awesome things that I didn't remember existing way back when I had an iPhone 4!!

What it is

Make your photos as beautiful as your life and become part of the world’s most creative community, exclusively on iPhone. Sorry, not sorry, Android users.

taken from the iPhone App Store here.

What it does

I love this app!!  First off there is a Pro Mode (unlike the original where you had to use it's toy camera like view finder) where the photo takes up the majority of the screen.  This does take the fun out of the toy camera aspect but if you're into better composing your shots, this helps a lot.  With this Pro Mode you can control shutter speed, manual focus, ISO, white balance, etc.  This is great for capturing the perfect shot.

If your down for more of a disposable camera feel, turn on the shuffle feature to have the app shuffle through all available lenses, filters, and films to create a instant photo with a disposable feel.  The thing I loved about that disposable app is that you din't know what you had until you 'developed' your camera.  With Hipstamatic you don't see a live version of the filter that will be applied - only when the print is developed (or sent to your camera roll) does it show you the effect.  The shuffle feature is great for getting some fun, random shots.

Additionally, Hipstamatic saves the original shot so that if you don't like the filter applied you are able to change it later!  This is great for those that like just a little bit of control over the shots they take.  And you're not stuck to the 1:1 ratio - you can shoot in any ration you'd like...even 16:9 for a YouTube thumbnail

This app is super fun!

Why it helps you

If you're down for having an analog touch to your summer - this app is perfect for you!  It is no fuss - no overlaying of filters, picking the perfect one, deciding on the right effect - just point, shoot, go.  This takes the editing out of shooting as you go.  The photo below was a happy accident...and I love it.  

The camera quality on our phones now is amazing.  I have an iPhone 6s and love the quality of video and of photos.  The versatility of this app can really help you take the perfect summer shot and share with your followers!  If you're a blogger or Instagramer this is a perfect way to share some old fashioned fun online.

Check out some other apps with an analog look that I love - Lo-Mob (last updated in 2013, so compatibility issues may come up), & 8mm video (last updated in 2014, so there may be compatibility issues).  And read more iPhoneography posts here (be sure to go farther back to find these apps mentioned).

Any fun analog apps to recommend?  Any others that are your faves?

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // Fruit Slices Cup Cozie

It is finally getting to be the time of year where I can switch my parka for a tank top and my winter boots for bare feet.  This winter wasn't as bad as it has been in the past but it still was cold, it still was long, it still was winter.  Even last week we had a day in the 40's after a week of 60's-70's.  I was like WTF is going on here.

I decided to welcome the warm weather with a crochet project! Super weird, right?  But it isn't something you wear it is something for your cup to wear.  I've posted previous cup cozie projects before (here & here) and they are all themed for the season.  This is the second crochet applique cup cozie I've made and I have to say it is pretty fun to figure out how to make little shapes using various stitches.  I tried to make charts for the orange slices but just couldn't figure out how to properly convey the shape.  Hopefully you can go off of these charts for reference.  I did use a combination of single crochet and double crochet to get the look.

The half size slice has a row of double crochet in light orange, and then two rows of single crochet in light orange, increasing a bit each time.  The final row is single crochet in the darker orange.

The full circle slice is crocheted in the round with out turning and has a row of double crochet in the light orange followed by a row of single crochet in light orange, then a third row of double crochet in light orange.  The last row is single crochet in the dark orange.  Each row has an increase to help keep the shape.  Both appliques were made with a size G crochet hook.

I then used some white yarn to weave from center to outer edge to create some 'slices'.  I didn't do this equally around the slices though, to add some contrast.  Then I attached the appliques to the cozie with a needle and the corresponding yarn, tucking all loose ends inside.

The cozie was made by crocheting in the round 17 rows of 35 single crochet stitches using an H hook.  Because the appliques were so huge, the cozie had to be big enough to accommodate them.  Using thinner weight yarn and a smaller, corresponding hook will make the appliques smaller.  But this size works great for a cold beverage insulated cup.

I can't wait to sip something delicious on the porch out of this fun mug.  Or even throw a frozen lemonade or smoothie in it to go.

Was winter harsh were you were?  Are you excited for warm weather?

xoxo, Moe

When will it be Summer Wish List

the snow is still going strong here in northwest Indiana and I am ready for some warmer weather.  I am ready to start complaining about how dang hot it is!  I've already brought Spring to the etsy shop with some vintage floral notes pages but I really need this Winter to turn into Spring and the Spring to turn into Summer.

bag // coffee // lipstick // sandals // towel // sunnies

I threw together this little wish list of sorts to persuade warmer weather to head my way.  I can't wait for bright lipstick, iced coffee, sandals, and sunnies.  C'mon Spring! C'mon Summer!

Are you wishing for warmer weather?  What's it like outside where you are?

Summer Memories 2014

The second Summer in Indiana has just flown by.  I can't believe it actually.  It suddenly went from 6 feet of snow to 2 feet of leaves and I don't know where the time went.  While I will say that September & October are my two favorite months there are still some Summer memories I'd like to keep forever.  I just finished my first Project Life book of October 2011- December 2012 (I'll post on it soon!).  I've started work on 2013 & on 2014.  I started with Summer 2014 first when I started work on the 2014 year, this was just a good Summer!  Here are some memories:

This summer, about the middle of July, there were so many fireflies it was like being in a movie.  Every time I went out side our house at night the whole landscape was lit up.  If you've ever been to Disney World and have seen how they light some of the bushes with twinkling lights it reminded me of that.  At the beginning of the Summer I saw maybe one or two or three fireflies.  I thought about how I hardly see them any more.  Then one night while taking the dog out I was surprised by the masses of fireflies twinkling into the night.  I want to remember the joy I felt and the magic of the fireflies in mid July because they are all gone now.  It was really a period of about 2 weeks!

Bubbles is the best place for ice cream.  There is a small ice cream & pie shop called Bubbles down from us.  We have to drive there but it's at the edge of a little neighborhood with nice houses.  It's across the street from a drive-in restaurant where they bring food to your car.  They have tons of flavors - my favorites are Birthday Cake and Lemon Marshmallow.  Waffle cones are the bees knees.  Sitting outside on their porch is nice especially because they have a bubble machine constantly blowing bubbles around.

Camping in a 2 man tent and dressing into my 1300's inspired dresses, cap, etc is hard.  We went to a few SCA events this summer - some we went back to back to back weekends.  It was fun to meet new people, learn knew things, and discover something to get involved in.  Sharing a 2 man tent and dressing a man and a woman in period attire is hard.  You have to take turns and hike up that dress to get out of the tent.  Meeting and eating and drinking with quite a few people was a fun, fun part of the summer and I can't wait to see what fall events we end up going to.

Some other memories - front porch sitting, steak cooking and eating, flea market & yard sale shopping, crocheting & crafting, walking the dog, cotton candy eating. afternoon nap taking, Pewter melting & casting, cherry picking & eating.

How was your summer memorable?

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // Three Ways to Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important and it's something I often forget to put on. For the most part, I assume all my makeup has an SPF but a lot of it doesnt!  Some foundations have zero SPF and if I'm not careful I will go out with nothing on. Here are there ways to get your sunscreen on this summer:

CC Cream - a CC cream is supposed to be good for color correcting but often also has an SPF. I like the Revlon CC Cream because the coverage is good enough to cover my light redness when I have a good skin day.  It is not however the best to cover blemishes.  The coverage is rather light so it's great for summer wear but still evens out your skin tone.  I find it breaks down a bit too quick on my oily skin but it doesn't cling to my dry patches.  I would say if you have normal to even a little bit drier skin this would be great.

BB Cream - My favorite line of BB creams are from Rimmel London.  There are two - the original formula (pictured) and the matte formula.  Both have and SPF and both have great coverage for problematic skin.  This is the first BB cream I fell in love with & recommend it to anyone who needs more coverage but still looking for something light weight.  On my oily skin this lasts pretty well.  I'd suggest this for all skin types.  (I just found a very light option in the Matte BB Cream on the US Asos website here - just in case you need it.  The Light in this line is a little too dark)

Mineral Makeup - Pictured above are two options from Elf.  The top is the Personal Blend foundation and the bottom is the smaller Mineral Foundation option.  Mineral foundations often have natural SPFs in their ingredients.  If you're looking for even more coverage from a foundation with SPF but that is still light weight the Personal Blend foundation is my favorite.  (There is a whole review here.)  There are 4 quadrants with different shades so you can mix your own, perfect shade.  Great as we transition between seasons!  I love this on my oily skin!  It stays all day & looks great.  One of my favorite powder foundations for oily skin - I would not suggest this for dry skin.

These three options are also important through any season - you need sunscreen all year round!  Light weight, long wearing, and with an SPF - three great options for any skin type!

xoxo, Moe

Make It Monday // Boho Crochet Summer Bag

I've finally picked up my crochet hook again!  Sometimes I am just so uninspired to create things that I don't even try.  Lately I've been looking up crochet bags on Pinterest & pinning a lot for inspiration.  I want to crochet more in the coming months & have challenged myself to make 7 bags before the end of the summer.  I don't know if I'll use them but they are fun & quick to make.  If you're a pretty fast/experienced crocheter you can make this bag in about 3-4 hours!  On Saturday I posted a picture on instagram that I finished the cream colored bag in this post - then on Sunday I got up around 7:30am and finished a second one by 11am.  The second one has bright, beachy colors that remind me of summer!  This bag is super easy - here's how I made it.

Supplies: worsted weight yarn (like Red Heart), size J hook, granny square pattern of your choice.  This project is great to do with scrap yarn - the cream one I used a 1 lb skein that they sell at Joanne's (but you might be able to use one regular Red Heart skein) and the more colorful one was a bunch of scrap yarn I had on hand.  It doesn't take too much yarn to make.

Firs I made up a granny square pattern as I went but you can use a pattern you might love or one you want to try out.  Pinterest has loads of patterns & you probably have a granny square pattern book lying around.  You don't want the pattern too have too many open parts but it should have an interesting enough pattern to look fun in a solid color.  After I crocheted my granny square I added 4 rounds of single crochet to the outer edge making sure I still made crisp corners by doing a sc-ch1-sc combo once I reached the corners.  This will give the bag more solid parts as well as make it sturdy & hold it's shape.  If there are too many holes not only with your stuff fall through but you may end up making a floppy bag.

Next, fold your granny squares in half to make three triangles like in the photo above.  Sew the triangles together.  It might help to lay out your work as your sewing to make sure you're sewing the right pieces together.  The shape of this bag can make it confusing.  I also made sure to put all my tails at the back of the bag so the stitches in the front would match up better & you wouldn't see where each round was joined.

For the cream bag, I braided 30 strands of yarn together to make a thicker strap with some fluffy tassels.  When it came to the strap for the multi color bag, I crocheted a chain with two strands of my yarn held together.  You want to make a sturdy/thick chain because it will stretch once the bag is filled with stuff.  I always try to use a little less than I think I need so it doesn't stretch too much, making the bag unwearable.  For these, I made them cross body bags but you could make a shorter strap.

I left mine unlined because I plan on using these for beach outings or little trips...not as my everyday purse!  But you could hand sew a lining into this purse if you want.

I looovvveee the multi colored one!  So fun for summer!  To me it's a little patriotic looking - so perfect for the 4th of July I guess.  But both of these would be great for any little warm weather outing your planning.  These stretch as well so if you were going to a farmer's market or outdoor fair you can stuff these full of fun goodies.

xoxo, Moe

Connect on Twitter // Follow on Pinterest

My Happy List

I've been feeling a bit out of it lately.....it's a mix of life events & not quite loving my job right now.  But I don't like sitting by & letting things happen to me.  I've discovered that recently I'm really quite a control freak.  This has come out more in the recent months & I'm trying to just calm down.  I feel like I have days of just sitting by & days of just freaking out.  So in order to gain a little bit of control over my life I thought I'd think of all the little things that make me happy especially now that the weather is getting warmer:

Front porch Sitting - it's been really rainy, gross, & muggy here lately so I haven't been doing to much sitting lately.  But when I got these chairs (from Big Lot's, can you believe it?) I was sitting out there every evening.  I think I need to throw together a Summer Reading list & get on it...suggestions?

Iced coffee drinking - I just got some brew over ice coffee pods for my keurig & if you've been skeptical like I was.....they are great!  I love the Donut Shop flavor, tastes pretty much like Dunkin Donuts which is my fave Iced Coffee.  Even brewing it over ice doesn't water it down.  I've also got some coffee flavors that I'm going to find screw top pumps for.  I'll have my own coffee shop going on this summer!

Trying new make up - Make up really makes me happy because you can be so creative.  I now have the freedom to try new things here & there.  I've found my favorite all over brand, my favorite blushes, & learned some new techniques from YouTube!

Yard sale-ing & Flea Market shopping with Zach - I can't wait to do more of this this Summer!  I swear I'm going to update the vintage shop soon.  We've got some awesome stuff...but I've just been very tired or very not myself lately.  I need to get over it!

Beauty & Fashion YouTube videos - I watch way to many YouTube videos on make up products & fashion hauls.  I love that YouTubers can tell you about a product & help you decide if you want it or not.  You can search for your skin type, looks, etc & there is guaranteed a video on it.  I've fallen in the rabbit hole.  I'm watching YouTube as I type!

Hopefully I can keep the happiness around these parts & get to completing some goals.  I don't feel like I've given up I just feel like I don't know what to do.  I've always been able to balance these things: life, work, & dream.  But right now I'm feeling like I'm overwhelmed & the most important things aren't getting attention: my dream.

I know I've said I'm going to keep working, I'm going to do this to meet my dream, etc but honestly I'm not.  I'm putting it aside because I'm being lazy.  I don't want to take a break, I don't want to stop, but I'm exhausted when I get home from work & I'm not feeling satisfied.  Something has got to give.  I need to apply for more jobs, but literally at the end of the day I just want to sleep....I don't want to do anything.  This job is just exhausting & unfulfilling.

But I'm hoping my happy list & keeping sight on my dream will help me a little bit.  Just a little.

xoxo, Moe

Connect on Twitter // Follow on Pinterest

Trend Tuesday // My 5 Favorite Nail Polishes for Summer

I can not believe we are into July already! Are you kidding me?!?!?!?!?  I just can't handle it!  Recently I've been reaching for the same bright colors in both my nail colors & my clothes.  Surprise Surprise...they are my blog colors.  When I gathered these polishes together, I nearly died.  I totally didn't mean to do this! I actually just sat down & picked out the ones on the top of my basket that I've used the most!

I do want to say, before I go into the colors, that the best (best, best, best!) top coat E V E R is the Do It All Top Coat from Icing.  Now that their website is shoppable you can totally pick it up right now.  It is seriously the best, ever. Period. No question!

The first color I want to mention is the L'Oreal nail color in Versailles Romance.  This is a great peachy-pink nude color and perfect for a subtle look.  It is a great color if you're not too keene on bright & bold.  This is actually a part of the L'Oreal Spring Collection but I bought mine a year or so ago.  They must have re -released it!

The next is a bright, bright Barbie pink color in Jackie Oh! by Studio M.  Studio M is a Meijer brand & the new colors for the summer are all bright & neon.  I totally dig this color & it dries to a more matte finish which is pretty cool.  I love the bright pop this has.  It just makes me think of fun beach days.

This peachy orange is one from Icing last year.  I love Icing nail polishes because they truly are chip resistant.  The brush for the polish is rather thick as well.  Their nail polishes are just all around great!  This one is in Peach Sangria but I don't think you will be able to find it since it was out last summer.  But two similar colors are Wet n Wild Wild Shine Polish in Blazed & Wet n Wild Megalast Polish in Club Havana.  Great peachy orange colors.

This next one is one of my faves!  It changes color in the sun!  This one is Gypsy by Ruby Wing.  When you're inside or not in the sun, the polish is the perfect shade of minty teal.  So perfect.  But then in the sun it turns to a gorgeous apple green.  The two colors are just the perfect shades.  I've been looking for just the right shade of mint & this hits the spot.  The fact that the apple green color is nice too is such a bonus!

Finally, this is an unexpected color for Summer: a blue gray.  I was torn between including a black and a gray but I went with the grey because it's a bit softer.  I've been loving these unexpected colors for summer...just keeps you ahead of the trends, you know.  You're a bit bolder & do what you want!  This one is L'Oreal as well in Greycian Goddess.  I think I got this either last fall or the fall before so you might not be able to find these in stores either! But I did find them on Amazon.

So there you have it, my 5 most reached for polishes this summer!  I'm loving having a different color on my nails every week.  Icing's Do It All Top Coat really helps me pull of a manicure for an entire week & I highly recommend it!

xoxo,

Moe

Connect on Twitter // Follow on Pinterest // Peep me at Hello Cotton

Summer Bucket List 2013

Last year I did a little Summer Bucket List (here & here) consisting of things I wanted to do before I moved.  A lot got done, some didn't, but I enjoyed my summer to the fullest!  This Summer I want to do the same thing so I can make the most of the first Summer in our new place.  Some of these things are going to start in the spring - like planting - but for the most part this list is something to make the warmer months pretty fun:

- plant a garden outside & an herb garden inside

- take more instax pictures

- visit the beach more than a handfull of times

- go on at least 7 weekend trips (big & small)

- be a tourist in our own town

- cook on the grill

- go antiquing & yard sale-ing

- put together a relaxing space outside to sit (we've got quite a few patio spaces!)

- get back to sewing

- keep focused on the shop(s)

- get the ceramics studio up & running

- participate in a few craft fairs

- take a class at a local rec-center or gallery

- visit the aquarium in Chicago

- do a lot of learning

This summer I'm going to need a way to completely focus on getting these things done.  I'm sick of making lists, having good intentions, then sitting on the couch after work.  I'm just so exhausted & want me time but I've noticed this is letting my goals slip through the cracks.  I think I've said it before but if I weren't as determined as I am sleep & laziness would win out...so knowing how utterly lazy I can be I'm still surprised I get anything done!!

So while I'm still brainstorming this goal getting done I'll continue to dream of warmer weather!

How are you going to make the most of the warm weather?

xoxo, Moe

Connect on Twitter // Follow on Pinterest // Peep me at Hello Cotton

Trend Tuesday // Swimsuit Ready

I was on tumblr the other day looking for some plus size fashion inspiration when I came upon this post & her two steps to having a swimsuit ready body:

1. find a swimsuit you love
2. put it on

I can't believe it's that easy.

That's a lie, I can believe it's that easy!  Am I the only one who gets excited when swimsuit weather nears?  I just love swimming.  I also love to look pretty fly in a swim suit & though it's hard to find one that hugs my curves in all the right ways, I still enjoy the way I look when I find the right one.  My favorite swimsuit might be on it's last Summer, so I'm on the look out for a few new ones to keep me afloat (get it!?) as we head on into warmer weather.

The first one I fell in love with was this bright red one piece from Forever21+ .  I recently bought some more jeans & a few cardigans from their plus site.  Of course since it's nearing spring there were quite a few bathing suites scattered about.  Print, solids, & polka dots.  There's another pink polka dot one I have my eye on too, but I'm afraid the baby pink will match my pale winter skin tone too much until i get a tan!  Forever21 is my go to for affordable plus size clothes.  There's not a store near us with a plus department though, so sad!

I was also looking through Modcloth's site & fell in love with some of their plus swimwear as well!  Like this pretty Gardenia Getaway one piece.  I love the print & the retro style.  This sort of style gets me every time (as you can tell!)  I'm also loving the emerald green color of this one below:

Modcloth also has a few high waisted separates that I'm tempted to try (this one is my fave!).  I'm totally loving all the plus size babes rocking their two pieces & it inspires me to break out of my shell a bit.  I'm more modest so I do gravitate towards one pieces but I'm also realizing that if I want to wear a two piece I can!  I shouldn't limit myself into thinking I can only wear a certain thing.  And I'm really into challenging myself with fashion lately - I mean look at my new love for lipstick!

Growing up near the water - both near the beach, with my grandparent's pool, & vacationing on the lake - bathing suits aren't something that were avoidable.  I've always been focused on the fun I'm having rather than the way I look.  My hair probably isn't brushed & I might be wearing a bright pink life vest...so who cares!  Case in point - two fly pool side ladies right here in two different yet super fly sizes:

I sure am gonna miss being home this summer to lounge by the pool or head to the water park after work.  Living in Williamsburg, Va meant a quick trip home to slip on suits & then a 10 minute drive to Water Country USA for a little tanning before the sun crept behind the trees.  Then maybe we'd head to Busch Gardens for dinner.  Such a hard life.

I'm hoping that our little town sort of springs to life when the days start getting warmer.  Who knows...I might be sporting my swimsuit ready body here soon, I hope you do too! Find a style you love, rock it, & have a blast this summer.  Don't let what others think hold you back.  The more you challenge yourself the more you will love yourself.

xoxo, Moe

Connect on Twitter // Follow on Pinterest // Peep me at Hello Cotton

Revisiting my Summer Bucket List

Well it is September here at Five Sixteenths (and in the rest of the world, why did I say that??) & it' time to review my Summer Bucket List.  I set a few personal summer goals back at the end of June & want to go back & see what I've done so far.

- Take loads on instax pictures & make another album
- Wreck a disposable camera & take pictures with it

Did it! Capture your Summer on Film

- Spend 4th of July with the family at the lake

4th of July Boat Parade!

- Use my amusement park pass at least 8 times - I think I did this!
- Have a picnic
- Have my dad do a photo shoot with my sister & I
- Spend time with my Grandma

A trip to the Botanical Gardens in my hometown with the family

- Visit my Grandaddy's grave more 

Sadly, I didn't pay enough attention & let time slip away from me.  I feel terrible for not saying good bye before I left on my trip.  I was spending time with my family who was all in for a bit before I left & let this slip my mine.  I can't wait to go back around Christmas time to dedicate time to reflecting back on my life with my granddad.  He was an amazing man. I am so sad he can't see me progress & grow and I am even more sad I let time with him (even at his grave) slip through my fingers.

- Make memories on Lake Michigan

Coast Guard Festival

- Go antiquing with Zach  - We ended up scoring a vintage hard case luggage set for free from an estate sale  when Zach offered to move a couch in exchange for the set.  Sweet huh? In fact,the shop launch is today! Go over to 516VINTAGE to check it out!
- Get off my phone more
- Have a BBQ before we move out of our town house - We didn't have a BBQ but there was good food & friends the weekend before I left!
- Go to the beach
- Soak up as much sun as possible while sitting on a float in the pool or off the dock.  - Spent 4th of July & a few weekends before I left hanging with the fam at the pool & the lake.  I love the water!

The parts of houses we forget about as we grow.  The concrete patio at my aunt's lake house

- Drink RC cola & sweet tea
- Lay in the grass
- Experience the summer & not just photograph it - I've actually had an opportunity to do this! First, I haven't been able to capture a lot of good pictures with my phone & I don't want to carry my DSLR out of laziness.  Then, the film in my instax camera was loaded incorrectly in the cartridge! What the heck???!!? So I've been soaking up Summer & not just taking pictures of it!
- Drive solo (maybe) up north to meet Zach - Zach & I drove up together.  

I also revisited my blog goals earlier in the month.  Goals are so important to me, even the ones that slip through my reach.  It's about growing & learning not marking things off your list, honestly.  Remember ages ago when I said I gave up on my 20 before 24 goals?  Well giving up on them allowed me more time to focus on things that suddenly became more important in my life.

These personal goals gave me an opportunity to focus on my life & relationships rather than jobs & business, etc.  It is important to set personal goals as well as other goals...that way you won't let things slip through your grasp.  Also, if you remember this post about feeling stressed and unable to say no? I am happy to say that setting some boundaries has really helped me manage my personal & business oriented life.  While they overlap sometimes, because I find it fun to work on my business, I've tried my best to keep them separate...because my personal relationships need love too!  On Thursday, I shared a bit about how self employment has helped me balance this more but how I feel unemployed at the same time.

What have you done this summer to enhance your quality of life?  Have you unplugged like Samantha encouraged you to at the beginning of August?  Did you set a Summer Bucket List?

Connect on Twitter // Follow on Pinterest // Peep me at Hello Cotton

What I Wore // Simple Summer Outfit

It is so freaking hot outside & I don't like it.  Wanna know a character flaw of mine? I am a complainer....I complain about a lot of things & under normal circumstances I've been better about it.  But in extreme weather I am a Grumpy Pants.  The first day or so we were in Michigan, I was FREEZING and was so grumpy! We went to see fireworks on the 4th and it was HOT AS HADES & I was grumpy.  I really don't like complaining, but I think it's just easy to do....I need to try to be better!

I haven't posted an outfit in a while here because of the heat.  Taking these photos caused me to sweat horribly...wait, I mean glisten horribly.  I can't stand to be outside for more than a minute & I don't like it!  This is what I wore one day this week:

Details:

Shirt // JCP clearance a year ago

Bag // Target clearance ages ago

Skirt + Belt // Target (bought it right before they went on clearance!)

Sunnies // Big Lots

Floral Loafers // Claire's last spring

You can't really tell in these pictures but the skirt has pleats in it.  I have a pink one & a teal one in the same style & they each came with a belt.  This is the best summer outfit I've worn so far (I think). It's super relaxed, may be a bit hot with the sleeves, but is perfect for getting ice cream, bike riding, etc.  I even wore my lace bike shorts under the skirt.

These floral loafers were actually put on hold by my manager after I stopped working at Claire's because she knew I'd just love them.  We usually only get one size 10 (big ol feet!) in at a time so you have to snatch them up!  I don't get an excuse to wear these shoes much because I just don't know what to pair them with.  Honestly this is like the second or third time I've worn them.

The bag is my all time favorite bag.  It fits nearly everything (which means things will get lost!) & it was only like $5 from Target! It has yet to go out of style & I really think I've had it for like 5+ years maybe.  I constantly wear it...I haven't changed purses in a long while even though I have a large collection.

Anyway, hope you're having a lovely weekend! I am soaking up some sun & hopefully not melting on the lake!

Connect on Twitter // Follow on Pinterest // Peep me at Hello Cotton