• Life

    Simplify September Recap

    I can’t believe we’re already halfway through October. Does anyone else feel like September flew by, and now October is going just as fast? I kind of wish it would slow down because I love fall, and want to enjoy every minute of it! Anyways, remember how I was going to simplify my life during the month of September and make new goals for the rest of 2018? Yeah, well, I failed. To be completely honest, I kept adding things in (ex. a second challenge) because I thought it would help me simplify my life and get it together. Like….is anyone else wondering where my brain was at? Haha I…

  • Life

    25 Things I Learned in 25 Years

    Today is my 25th birthday, so I thought I’d put together a list of 25 things I’ve learned so far in life. Here they are in no particular order: Putting Half n’ Half in tea is not the same (and not as good) as milk. A clean, well manicured hand (whether you DIY or go to a salon) makes you look AND feel so much more put together. Life improves when you prioritize sleep and treating others with love. There are so many awesome products from brands that don’t partake in animal cruelty that there is absolutely no reason to support on that does. Slow down. Breathe. Be a safer…

  • Environment

    Washington Marine Debris Action Plan

    Plastic pollution in the marine environment is an increasing concern. Microplastics (0.3-5 mm in size) are of most concern because they cannot be easily spotted, last the longest, and are easily ingested by marine organisms and make their way through the food chain…As beaches erode,…microplastics are transported into Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. It remains an open question of how many and how much of these microplastic particles are exported from the beaches into the ocean. The above is an excerpt from my senior thesis research paper, “Concentration of Microplastics in Beach Sediments Surrounding Seattle, Washington in the Puget Sound Estuary”. As a University of Washington School of Oceanography major,…

  • Life

    Simplify September

    Happy September ya’ll! I love this month because it means FALL is coming, which means pretty colors in nature, sweaters, and everything cozy! Ooooh I get so excited just thinking about it! I also love fall because for me it as a time to reset for the rest of the year – set some goals and intentions (maybe even re-set some new year’s resolutions), and reset mentally and physically for the last few months. Keep reading to learn how you can join me! This year, I’ve decided to not spend any money that I don’t need to spend (key word NEED). As a young American woman, it is so easy for me to…

  • Style

    Activewear: My Favorite Brands and Places to Shop

    Cute activewear can really help me stay motivated to work out regularly. Or, if I’ve fallen out of a workout routine and into more of a Netflix and wine one (come on haha I’m not the only one), it can help get me back to the gym. Finding cute, high quality, affordable, and comfortable activewear can be tricky sometimes. That’s why I put together this post – to help you find some cute and comfy pieces from brands I trust that make you WANT to workout! (Please note that I have had all of these pieces pictured below since at least this past spring; I am more recommending the brand…

  • Beauty,  Skincare

    Gentle & Natural Skincare Routine with Luminance Skincare

    I started really getting into skincare about a year ago. Up until then, my interests had been more centered on hair and makeup. But since then, I have built up a skincare routine that I love and that works for me. I love trying new products and, if I like love them, figuring out how to fit them into my already-existing routine. Taking care of your skin, especially while you’re still young, is super important not only for your skin’s health, but also for preventing pre-mature signs of aging, appropriately treating adult acne, and helping it transition as you age. I have personally faced many challenges with my skin throughout…

  • Environment

    Port of Edmonds Marina Clean-Up 2018

    Summer is possibly the most fun time of the year. Think about it – all the sunshine makes you want to go to the beach, eat at restaurants on the waterfront, and go boating! I love summer for these opportunities and so much more. BUT you know what I don’t love? I don’t love all the garbage that is left behind on our shorelines and dumped (intentionally and unintentionally) into our local Puget Sound waters. Marine debris litters beaches all over the world, ending up in our oceans and contaminating and killing marine life (If you eat seafood, it’s contaminating you, too.). Additionally, garbage in our marine environment is just…

  • Style

    Summer Office Style

    It can be hard to know what to wear to work on a 90 degree day, especially if your office blasts the AC like mine does. Some workplaces allow for extra casual attire in  the summer, but others expect that you still dress up and look professional. So how do you stay cool on your commute or lunch break (while soaking up some mid-day vitamin D, of course), but keep warm enough in the frigid office…all while dressing professional (and cute?!)? If you’ve ever struggled to put together the perfect summer outfit for work, then you’re in the right place! I’ve put together 5 fun, colorful, and comfortable professional summer outfits…

  • Life,  Recipes

    Rhubarb + Rose Iced Rooibos Tea

    Iced tea is one of the many things I get excited about come warmer weather. There are so many different flavors and recipes to try, caffeinated ones give the perfect mid-afternoon energy boost, and they are so refreshing. Our rhubarb plant is thriving this year, which means that it is huge haha! If you have a rhubarb plant, you’ll know what I mean. I’ve been wanting to try a new recipe, and one that uses rhubarb only seemed fitting. I also LOVE tea, so a rhubarb iced tea seemed perfect! Also, rhubarb recipes always look so pretty and pink (although this one turned out orange)! And who doesn’t want to…

  • Beauty

    My 10 Criteria for a Perfect Product

    Shopping for a new product can be challenging or even straight-up stressful. There are so many options and so many people suggesting their “faves”, but how do you choose which one to try first? In this post, I am sharing the #1 criteria – plus everything else I consider “bonuses” – that I look for in a product before deciding to buy. First, I suggest figuring out what is most important to you. For example, I strongly believe in animal rights so I always look for a cruelty-free symbol or “not tested animals”; although the latter can be misleading since many companies’ suppliers test the product ingredients on animals. Maybe…