Sewing is the New Scrolling

/

I've been searching for a hobby for quite some time - something that didn't involve a screen. I came very close to buying a loom, but that felt too trendy. I landed on sewing! My in-laws bought me a machine for the holidays and I immediately signed up for lessons. I'm six weeks in and I've already made a skirt, a zipper pouch (click here for the tutorial I used) and today, I finished this dress! As someone who constantly app hops from Facebook to Snapchat to Instagram and back with a few email refreshers in between, I needed to step away from the phone, and sewing has been lovely. 

My next project is a tank top and pants - something kind of Ace and Jig-ish for the spring. I'm hoping that I'm advanced enough to make a pattern from the Merchant & Mills Workbook, so we'll see. I'll tell ya, this hobby is not cheap, but it is pretty satisfying to complete a project and say "I made this." It's also made me reconsider where I buy my clothes and what to buy. I have a feeling I'll be shopping less and making more. The big question now is - do I purchase an embroidery machine?!

If you want to follow along on my sewing journey (because I know that's what you're all dying to do), I'll be posting more projects on my Instagram. And if you live in Pittsburgh, come to sewing class with me! 

Until next time, ciao!

Fresh Face

/

I would usually say Happy Monday, but are Mondays ever happy? Eh. They are actually kind of a drag, which is why I like to keep Sundays as chill as possible. For me, it makes the day feel longer and calms my mind for the week ahead. When night rolls around, I put myself in relaxation mode by lighting my favorite candle, treating myself to a little DIY facial and flipping on the Kardashians. 

Lately, I've been hooked on the Rosé collection from Fresh. I purchased a gift set from Sephora a few months back because my skin was super dry and rose was the perfect solution - it's packed with nutrients that help to hydrate, soothe, tone, and restore the skin.

The set came with a face mask, infused with rose petals, which leaves my skin feeling soft and subtle, an alcoholic-free toner for a glowing, toned complexion, an eye gel cream that's super cooling to the touch and a tinted sugar lip treatment, to instantly soothe chapped lips. I can definitely say it's helping and much needed this time of year. To prep my skin before the mask, I use my Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and Soy Face Exfoliant. To say I'm a Fresh fan is a major understatement and I highly recommend you give their products a try!

Now that you know my Sunday ritual, I would love to hear yours in the comments below. Let's be friends!

P.S. I'm now on Bloglovin'! Follow me here to stay up-to-date on my posts, plus follow all of your favorite bloggers in one place!

Lavender Foaming Hand Soap

/

Making my own bath and body products has been something I've been wanting to do for such a long time, but to be honest, it's kind of intimidating. Over the years, I've bought many books, studied essential oil properties and talked to a lot of experts, but I've just never made the move - until now! I'm starting off really simple...seriously, anyone can make this foaming hand soap. It's natural and frugal and cleans without chemical or antibacterial agents - what's not to love!

Ingredients

Fill jar with water about one inch from the top then add liquid castile soap, almond oil and essential oil in that order. 

Prepare pump top. Whatever you do, don't buy this one! It's not for foaming soap. I made this mistake once. 

Close and lightly swish to mix. 

Use regularly to wash hands, remembering to shake before each use!

My Everyday Beauty Routine

/
CMJ_BeautyRoutine_1.jpg

I've been in the beauty industry for quite some time now, but I've never had a go-to beauty routine until recently. I used to just use free products I scored from gift bags or product closets, but thanks to endless hours of reading Sephora reviews and watching YouTube videos, I found my beauty essentials! I feel so grown up - like these will be the products I cry over when they are discontinued.

What's even better about my round-up is that it takes me no more than five minutes to get ready in the morning with these products. So, if you're looking for a low-maintence beauty routine that will keep you looking young and fresh AND get you out of the door so that you're no more than ten minutes late to work, buy this stuff.