Perhaps you can tell if you read this blog regularly, when I’m into something…I go deep. Below are several things that are currently topping my list of obsessions.
Korean Skin Care & Beauty Products: After returning from an amazingly refreshing and fun girls trip to Arizona, in which we spent an evening sharing our favorite tried and true beauty regimes and products, I have become obsessed with all things Korean beauty (also known as K-Beauty). On the cutting edge of skin-care and beauty technology (not to mention Korean women’s world-renowned, amazing skin), Korea boasts innovative yet relatively inexpensive products designed to even skin tone, enhance luster, and create a nature-looking, healthy glow.
At the recommendation of my Korean-American friend (and resident skin-care expert), I have started using snail cream (yes, you read that right!) and consistently applying sheet masks (I’ve also started a facial massage routine – more on that below). Additionally, I had been using this Amore Pacific Cushion Compact for quite some time. Little did I know, but this Korean company also makes the same product in less expensive Iope and Hera brands. Two K-Beauty sites that I am currently digging are: Peach & Lily and Soko Glam – Korean products shipped from the US! You can also find many Korean products on Amazon but the lead time is often 30 days or more.
Mizon All-In-One Snail Repair Cream | Iope Air Cushion Compact | Manefit Hydrating Sheet Mask
Flatform Espadrilles: Let’s just call this spring shoe the mom’s version of the espadrille wedge (in the best possible way – get that vision of “mom jeans” out of your head!). This sandal or shoe is comfortable yet even more chic this spring than it’s taller cousin. Pair with a light, shirt dress or culottes (another spring trend), and you’re instantly glamorous!
Vince | Steve Madden | DV by Dolce Vita
Protein-Packed Green Smoothie: I’m always looking for a quick, healthy breakfast when feeding my crew and getting everyone out the door for school. While they prefer a simple bowl of cereal (and the hubs won’t drink anything green), I’m looking for a little more out of my morning meal. In addition to the vitamin-packed, super-food combo of kale and blueberries, the addition of the peanut butter adds some much-needed protein to get me through my morning. I know, peanut butter?? All I have to say about this one, don’t knock it until you try it!
Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk (unsweetened preferable)
3/4 banana
1 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
1 cup blueberries
3 healthy handfuls of kale
Combine almond milk, banana, peanut butter, and blueberries in your blender. Once it has started blending, increase the speed and add the kale through the top. Then, when using a Vitamix, I increase the speed to high for a minute to ensure that the blueberries are really refined. The high-speed is a “game-changer” for blending any seeds, berries, or rough greens.
Facial Massage: Results are still tbd – as I’ve just started this routine; however, the ritual is so relaxing – it’s a great addition to your nighttime skin care. Benefits include increased firmness, and decreased swelling and puffiness due to the stimulation of your facial muscles and drainage of your lymphatic system. I’ll let Lisa Eldridge provide the instruction (she is also a current obsession…why are we not friends?!):
Body Chains: I was first intrigued last summer when I saw this necklace hybrid all over Instagram, mostly draped over bikini-clad bodies. Impractical, I thought. (1. I live in Seattle and 2. I’m not exactly lounging when at the pool or beach). Now I’m seeing this piece’s true potential as they are artfully layered over tanks, tees, and dresses. I prefer the more delicate, understated versions – add a few other similar chains in varying lengths for maximum impact. Or, go ahead and rock the body chain over a bikini or cropped top – “festival season” is upon us, after all!
Gorjana | Free People | Nasty Gal
What are your current obsessions? Or thoughts on mine? Any input is greatly appreciate as I continue to obsess!
Thanks for reading & enjoy a lovely weekend! ~Jenn
Above photo credit: www.belmonodobeauty.com
