Blue and White Stripes

tie front stripe romper

Happy Monday everyone! Hope y'all's Monday wasn't too bad. Mine was good considering it was my last day of summer class. Now I have to study for my final... ughh pray for me! Anyways enough about Monday's. Let's talk fashion.

One of my favorite trends is the blue and white stripes. It's just so great for spring and summer. I know summer is coming to an end (hold on while I go cry), but this trend is around every year, so it's totally okay to buy some new items that you can continue to wear next spring and summer. Also most stores are putting their summer items on sale and already have fall clothing out. But if you live in the south you already know the heat isn't going away anytime soon.

So below I am sharing some adorable blue and white pieces from Shop Priceless. This website is literally my favorite place to shop. Great prices and super cute clothes.. it's a win-win! Also it's Arizona based if you were wondering.

top {$18.99 - sale}

skirt {$22.99 - sale}

bonita stripe romper {$24.99 - sale}

blue stripe shorts {$18.97}

little miss sunshine romper {$20.99 - sale}

top {$21.97}

bottoms {$26.97}

hi-low maxi {$48.97}

anchors away romper {$38.97}

dylan stripe lace-up top {$19.97}

stripe button-up open back top {$26.97}

delia front tie top {$24.97}

smooth sailing stripe dress {$36.97}

beach blues jumpsuit {$38.97}

blue stripe jumpsuit {$46.97}

loxie maxi dress {$33.99 - sale}

Hope y'all find something adorable to buy & have a great rest of the week!

xoxo steph

Beauty Review Thursday - Light Therapy Mask

Happy Thursday friends! It's almost Fri-YAY so get excited!! Today I want to tell y'all about the Neutrogena light therapy mask and pen I've been using for basically three months now. 

So a little information on what it does and everything... the mask and pen have red and blue lights (NOT UV) that for one look pink when on together so that's always a plus lol but the lights work to kill the bacteria that forms pimples. It also reduces inflammation.

I use the mask every night, it only takes 10 minutes. I use the pen when I feel like I need to and it only takes 2 minutes. The pen can be used up to three times a day although I've only used it twice in a day since I use the mask at night. Some differences: the mask is obviously for your entire face and the pen is only for one pimple at a time. I don't know if this is due to the mask having been on the shelf longer than the pen, but the mask has an earlier expiration date than the pen. If you're like me and are thinking "what the heck it has an expiration date?!" after thinking about it.. it's light bulbs and obviously going to go dull eventually. The pen is powered by a single AAA battery. It lets you know when you need to change the battery. The mask has a remote that attaches to the cord (like headphones attach basically lol) and a single remote has 30 sessions, after 30 sessions you have to get a new remote. The mask comes with a remote & the package is $35. When you get a replacement remote it's $15, so not too bad. Kinda sucks it expires & you have to buy more, but it's understandable. 

In my opinion the "cons" are worth getting this light mask and/or pen. I have seen a difference in my skin and I am able to control my breakouts before they really start. Also since I have used it I have popped less pimples because I'm able to stop them from growing. Some I have not been able to, but most of them I have.

Links to each item is below. They are currently 25% off! The mask is also BOGO 50% off. My mask expires soon so I will definitely be taking advantage of this!

light mask || light pen

p.s. make sure to read the directions!! I know I gave a good bit of information, but there are things I did not explain.

Hope this has helped if you have been wondering about this product. If you have any questions leave a comment or DM me on Instagram. Be back next Thursday with another beauty review(:

xoxo steph

disclaimer: I was not paid or rewarded in any way to write this post. I did it because I love this product and wanted to share it with you guys.

motivation monday

So I'm going to start a series called "motivation Monday," where I will post some kind of motivation on Monday's.. obviously! I always come up with motivating thoughts in my head so this is a way to share it and hopefully inspire & motivate others. So here ya go...

Just because it's July does not mean you can't set new "yearly" goals for yourself to achieve. It's never too late to start something you've always been wanting to do. Whether it's getting healthy, travel more, better yourself as a person, achieve something at work or school, anything you have been thinking about for a long time, but have yet to start.

I'm here to tell you right now to DO IT!! Stop waiting for the "right moment" cause guess what.. there is no right moment. The "right moment" is now! If your goal is to better your health or workout, take baby steps. (I'm planning to upload a blog with my health tips soon so subscribe in the sidebar on the right so you don't miss it!!) If your goal is to travel more a good way to save some money is by either 1. get a huge coke bottle money bank (example here) & put all your spare change in. I promise it adds up! or 2. put away all your five dollar bills (like you would loose change); this definitely can add up fast.

Many times I hesitate or procrastinate doing things and as the days go on I constantly regret not doing something. It's work in progress, not everything happens over night. So just take it step by step.. you got this!!!

"The beginning is always today." - unknown

xoxo steph

4th of july outfits

top || shorts || earrings

{p.s. you can use code 'stephanie15' at persuade boutique (where my top is from) to get 15% off your entire purchase}

July 4th will be here before we know it & I'm extra ready for it because it's my one day off from summer school lol. I love the fourth because that means family, yummy BBQ, river day, fireworks, and a bunch of fun! I can't wait. And of course I've been thinking about what I want to wear for like ever now... still haven't decided yet go figure.

Below I have listed the cutest items for all occasions from a backyard bbq to a day at the river. Hope y'all enjoy(:

red ruched crop top {$29}

medium wash overalls {$44}

surprise washed red tee 
{$29 - more colors}

blue layered romper 

{$36 - use my code above}

blue striped shorts {$15.90}

flag shirt {$17.90}

red cuffed shorts 

{$12.90 - more colors}

red striped scoopback one piece 

{$70 - also in blue}

flag striped one piece 

{$13.93 - currently 30% off}

blue american one piece 

{$13.93 - currently 30% off}

I hope y'all find the perfect 4th of July outfit. If y'all get something above leave a picture in the comments... I would love to see what y'all get & how y'all style it!

xoxo steph

date night

whisked away dress {blue one here} || tan sandals {low in sizes - similar here}

Yesterday Blake and I tried out this new restaurant (new to us), French Market Bistro, and it was amazing! From the bread & rich creamy butter before the meal to the tender & juice filets with garlic mashed potatoes and mac & cheese we got... all of it was just so delicious. We will definitely be going back there. I recommend making reservations cause they're usually pretty busy. Great dinner option & atmosphere for a date night.

 Hope y'all have an awesome week!

xoxo steph

15 Summer Beauty Must Haves

floral bikini {wearing old VS top}

It's not "officially" summer yet, but it's hot enough that we're gonna say it's summer. So let's talk summer beauty must haves!

1. neutrogena face sunscreen - I love this product because like the bottle says, it's "break-out free" & I have really sensitive skin so it's perfect.

2. beach babe texturizing spray - This sea salt spray by 'not your mother's' is perfect when you want those beachy waves. Also it smells SO good!

3. clean & clear oil sheets - These are my best friend, I use them year round! They do an amazing job at getting rid of oil. FYI: If you're sweating & have not cooled down yet, I would not use them until you have done so because it'll take like all your makeup off. Also, I'm sure other brands work the same.. these are just the ones I have always used.

4. waterproof mascara - This is one of a few different waterproof mascaras I have used. It's a must for summer when you're going swimming, on the river, or at the beach.

5. cooling spray - This Waikiki Beach Coconut cooling spray from Bath&BodyWorks is 1. my favorite scent probably EVER and 2. it's basically like after sun lotion but a spray. Also, it contains aloe.

6. makeup setting spray - I like to use this Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray to keep my makeup in place all day.

7. tanning lotion - I've always used this Australian Gold tanning lotion & it seems to do a great job. I also think it smells pretty good.

8. self tanner - This self tanner by Ocean Potion is basically a daily tinted moisturizer. I like that it gradually makes your skin darker & doesn't give you those annoying dark splotchy marks or make you look orange. I definitely recommend getting this.

9. bb cream - I like to use bb cream when I don't feel like putting on a lot of makeup, but still want good coverage. I recommend this one by Clinique.

10. after sun lotion  - This after sun lotion by Hawiian Tropic smells SO good. I've used it for several years now & love it. Also if you put it in the fridge (like anything) it will get cold & feels nice on your skin if you have a sunburn. I always use this even if I don't get a sunburn so my skin won't pill.

11. bronzer - This is good anytime of the year but I think it's good to have handy during the summer to add some color to your skin after a day in the sun & you may not have a dark enough foundation at the moment.

12. makeup remover wipes - These hydrating makeup remover wipes by Neutrogena are my favorite. I have used them for years. They are great for summer (or year round) if you have dry skin.

13. coconut lime sugar scrub - Coconut scent is my favorite especially during the summer. I love this body scrub, great for exfoliating... which is important during the summer & when you're using a self tanner.

14. dry shampoo - I would probably die without dry shampoo. My new favorite is this one by OGX. It does a good job & it smells just like the shampoo!

15. ogx coconut shampoo & conditioner - Cause what's summer without the smell of coconut?! I love OGX's products. I've used several different shampoo & conditioners by them and I haven't found one I didn't like.

What's your favorite summer beauty product? Let me know in the comments below so I can try it out!

xoxo steph

travel guide - perdido key

red trumpet sleeve top

If you follow me on Instagram you know my recent trip was to Perdido Key, FL with Blake and his family. If you don't know where that is, it's a small beach in between Gulf Shores and Pensacola. We stayed at a small set of condos called Perdido Towers. Each with 10 floors and a shared private pool & walkway to the beach. We stayed in a penthouse, room 1001 east building. It has three nice sized bedrooms and baths. The penthouse is really spacious with great window and balcony views overlooking Perdido Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. We also had our own private elevator which we rarely had to wait for.

restaurants

Cotton's (steak & seafood): Honestly this is an average place to eat. Maybe some of their other food tastes better, but I can only vouch for the prime ribeye. It was either marinated in an au jus or worcestershire sauce (not my cup of tea.) The steak itself was pretty good but I didn't care for the marinade. Everything else, the rolls, salad, cheese sticks, & baked potato, were all good.

Franco's (Italian): The food here was SO delicious! For an appetizer get the mozzarella sticks, even though they aren't actually sticks. They're a rectangular shape, but probably the best mozzarella "sticks" I've ever had. For the entrée I got the cheese manicotti, it's a smaller dish (but after eating the appetizer, salad, & garlic knots... that's all I had room for hahah.) It's basically like lasagna noodles stuffed with cheese and covered in red sauce with mozzarella on top. I also tasted the chicken parmigiana and it was really yummy! (P.S. I wouldn't get the fettuccine alfredo... not the best.)

Cactus Cantina (Mexican): I read a google review before going here and it said their chips & queso are addictive and they were not lying! Their queso is on the runny side, but is still SO good. I also had chicken, beef, and cheese enchiladas, they were delicious as well. Everyone really enjoyed their meal. I would definitely say this was my favorite local restaurant. 

Long Horn (steakhouse): I know this is a restaurant back home but I just have to say their macaroni was SO good (some reason better than the ones I've had in LA) and honestly I had the best steak probably EVER! I enjoyed the filet with parmesan (I think) crested cheese on top. If you like cheese, get it!! Most amazing steak ever.

The Yard (milkshakes/ice cream): I have to start by saying whoever came up with this name is a genius. This is a must go to when visiting OBA. (also it's a short walk away from Long Horn) Basically you walk in, grab a menu, and check off what you'd like. They have so many "specialty milkshakes" to choose from or you can make your own. (these come with a souvenir mason jar - pint or quart) You can also enjoy scoops or cones of ice cream with toppings. There are endless options and something here for everyone. I loved 'the sea turtle'; it was made with praline pecan and butter pecan ice cream & whipped cream on top drizzled with caramel and chocolate & waffle cone pieces around the rim & two chocolate pecan turtles. Blake got the 'cookie dough delicious' which was made with cookie dough ice cream topped with whipped cream & chocolate chips around the rim & a ball of eatable cookie dough, which I also tried and it was delicious. Just a warning: if you go during busy hours (we went around 7pm) be prepared to wait a while to place & receive your order.

shopping

There are mainly souvenir shops around this area, not too many clothing boutiques. There is one specific place that you could go to and grab a cute outfit, Ron Jon. I was kind of surprised when we walked in there because I thought it was just another souvenir shop, but I was wrong. Ron Jon has some really adorable clothes for both guys and girls. A local shop you should go to that has a little bit of everything & you're sure to find a nice gift for someone is St. Charles. (a walk away from Franco's & Cactus Cantina)

All these restaurants & shops are in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. Overall it was an amazing vacation and I can't wait to go back next year. If you have any questions about the condo, Perdido Key, Gulf Shores, etc. don't hesitate to leave a comment or dm me on Instagram.

xoxo steph