5 Beauty Products for Perfect Summer Skin

If your skin is anything like mine, different seasons call for different products. I used to slather on tons of random beauty products every day that didn't even do anything beneficial for my skin. But then one day I went to the dermatologist for a check up and she asked me how many products I put on every day...when I started counting them up in my head it seemed a little bit crazy, especially when I got to around product 15...

She laughed and asked me 'why?' I still don't have the answer to that haha except that maybe they smelled good, or made me sparkly, or just because. Not very good reasons!

Recently, I have started the process of throwing out all of my products that aren't cruelty free and vegan. When I thought about all of the crap I was putting on my skin that wasn't even GOOD for me, that had been tested on innocent animals, I felt completely sick. Not to mention, I want to put things on my skin that have some benefit without causing undo stress on the environment or animals.

This project has ended up being way bigger than I initially thought. Many brands claim to be cruelty free or vegan when in actuality they aren't. For me, having my products be cruelty free was the most important factor, with them being vegan a plus.

Here are some of my favorite products for glowing, healthy, summer skin.

1. Alba 3-in-1 Clean Towelettes: I love everything about these towelettes. At night I use them as a make-up remover and toner after I shower. In the morning i rinse my face with water and then tone with them. They don't dry your skin out or leave you feeling greasy. Also, they smell amazing.

2. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Serum: this product is incredible. I have been a big fan of oils for a while now in regards to skin care which is funny because the thought of putting MORE oil on my skin would have horrified me in college. This product goes on smooth and soaks in immediately, leaving your skin feeling fresh and light. Kiehls is considered to be a cruelty-free company but when it was bought out in 2000 by L'Oreal it became a little but wishy washy since L'Oreal sells in China. Now this product is not considered to be cruelty free since China has mandatory animal testing, but sales have recently halted there until further notice. I'm not sure I will buy this product again if they continue down this current path. More research needed. 

3. Hope in a Jar Eye Cream: this eye cream is on point, and all Philosophy products are 100% cruelty free! This eye cream goes on smooth, morning and night, and I noticed a difference in fine lines around my eye crinkles within two weeks. I love all of their products but this one is a personal favorite. 

4. Beauty Counter Dew Skin: this shear tinted moisturizer provides just the right amount of summer coverage with absolutely no cakey residue. It goes on delightfully smooth and your face feels completely naked and not greasy. If you need more coverage the Beautycounter Tint Skin provides a bit more but still has that wonderful light feeling. 

5. Beautycounter Touch-up Skin Concealer: when I have a spot that needs a little bit more coverage this product blends in nicely and gets the job done. I also use it under my eyes to get rid of dark circles and brighten them up a bit. This concealer goes on perfectly over the Philosophy eye cream and doesn't wrinkle throughout the day. 

These basics keep my skin dewey, healthy, and glowing during those hot, sticky summer months. And I'm sure that I will continue to use most of these products into the fall and winter since they make my face feel and look so clear and amazing. 

I am attaching some links below for great resources on cruelty free and vegan beauty products!

The Cruelty Free Kitty 

My Beauty Bunny

The Good Trade

Je T'aime by Hotashi

Happy and Healthy skin is in!

The Pursuit

Every once in a while I have one of those absurdly dichotomous days where I feel simultaneously empowered and motivated to do a bunch of exciting, bucket list worthy things, but also completely frozen by indecision.

It's easy to get comfortable with life and not push yourself to try new things or go outside of your comfort zone. Now don't get me wrong, I love me a good comfort zone. In fact, I'm really, really, good at creating and maintaining a super cozy comfort zone! But, the wonderful thing about having that safety net, whether its your home, your family, your job...is that you can still take an adventurous stance in another aspect of your life.

My comfort zone has always been my family and home life. I've been lucky enough to have this wonderful sense of support from my family and friends that can only come from having that close knit, judgement free, forever kind of love. No matter where I traveled, how long I was gone, or what I did, they would always be there to welcome me home. And thankfully that remains true to this day, a fact that I appreciate and crave even more so since I am marrying someone in the military. 

I want to travel, make art, dance, read books, WRITE a book! Grow my business, take over my family business, network, meet new people! Learn a new language, get my Ph.D,  run another half marathon, get my yoga certification! There are so many crazy, exciting thoughts and adventures in my head on a daily basis, in addition to all of the necessary information that I need to live my life, that sometimes I don't know what to do with myself. 

What makes you completely speechless but excited to tell people about at the same time? What is something that you've never done before but have always wanted to try? What is the one thing people would never expect you to do? How are you going to make a difference in this crazy world that we only get a few short decades on??

I'm sure we all feel like this some days. Just full to the brim with life but not sure how to accomplish our hopes and dreams. And honestly, I don't think I know the answer to that question yet, and I'm sure the answer is different per person and per idea. But I'm pretty sure the only way nothing will come of your dreams is if you don't try. Start somewhere. Anywhere is fine. Just start. 

Monday Morning Motivation

Monday mornings have always been a bit of a 'catch-up' day for me. So, when the storms rolled in this morning, and the thunder started rumbling, I poured myself a hot cup of coffee and started going through my emails from the last 24 hours.

I love the feeling of getting my week started with a bang. And recently, it's been difficult for me to have that feeling of excitement since things around here are much slower than I am used to. But I've got NPR on the radio, its less than 107 degrees, and my to-do list is getting out of control!

There are new client searches to get started, closing details to organize, wedding vendors to respond to, offers to be written (!), and a million little details in between.

Setting the tone for your week early on is a great way to ensure productivity, something that is easy some days and nearly impossible other days. Usually I wake up and get the coffee started, put some essential oils in our diffuser (peppermint, sweet orange, and eucalyptus since it's been so hot), and turn on NPR (or HGTV) so that my brain has a chance to wake up as I'm getting ready.

Then it's on to the emails, and phone calls, and texts. I absolutely love my Day Designer planner because as I'm going through everything I have an easy to fill out blue print for my week! Each day has a timeline progressing in half hours, a notes section, a to-do list chunk, and a spot for top goals (because let's be honest...the top three things on your list are the ones that HAVE to get done).

Some days those are the ONLY things that get done, but that's life. Especially when you are awake half the night because your 70 pound dog is sleeping on your head because the smoke detector is beeping in the guest room and it is the single most terrifying thing he's ever heard.

But! I will get everything done today! And I will do it with a smile on my face because I am thankful, and alive, and motivated woohooo! (How's that for a Monday mantra??)

What are some ways you get started on the right foot on a Monday Morning?

The ABC's of Real Estate: EMR

Most of you know that I am a Realtor by trade, but for those of you who didn't know...I am a Realtor by trade! I've been working a lot over the weekend to revamp my company's Facebook page where we are constantly posting events, listings, market trends, and other helpful tidbits. Check it out and give us a like! I am happy to answer any questions you have :)

Emilie Morgan Realty

What's on the Menu: Fourth of July (Part 2)

It's actually, officially INDEPENDENCE DAY!! However, we celebrated too hard all weekend so I am celebrating by watching Captain America and trying to force my dogs to snuggle as they run about the house barking at fireworks (high five)!

heh heh heh 'Merica

We did have a great BBQ yesterday and were able to spend time with our wonderful friends, eat some amazing food, and drink too much beer. We were ALMOST outnumbered by dogs since all of us are in that awkward 'we don't have kids yet but treat our dogs like they're babies' stage, but the humans won out in the end.

J and I got up early so he could start marinating the ribs in a new homemade sauce (Pineapple Habanero), and I had to get the biscuits and veggie burgers crackin.

The veggie burger recipe is from one of my all time favs Thug Kitchen. They are super easy to make, and only require a few ingredients that we usually have laying around the house:
-3 cans white beans
-an onion
-cumin, chili powder, paprika
-jalepenos
-bread crumbs

All you have to do is bake them for 30 minutes and they are good to go!

The biscuits are another favorite of ours from the Foster's Market Cookbook.
They are amazingly buttery, and cheesy, and delicious! And, they are good for several days after so you can heat them up and have them with breakfast and dinner.

We also had sides galore thanks to our amazing friends, and everyone was stuffed by the end of the night. I for one will be doubling up on Pure Barre this week, especially since Wednesday is Glow Day at the Pensacola Barre studio! (and who doesn't love doing pilates covered in glow paint??)

Here are some photos from our festivities...

Sweet Friends 

Men & Their Fire Sticks

Dog Pile Up

Poodle Mama

Cop & Tuck 

Lovely Milton Ladies

Happy Fourth of July friends! Hope everyone had a wonderful, safe long weekend :)

Let's Talk Food: Our Fourth of July Menu (Part 1)

If BBQ is not synonymous with Independence Day, then I don't know what it, which is awkward because I'm a vegetarian (most of the time). When we cook any meat in our house I am adamant that it comes from our local butcher so I know exactly what farm the meat came from, how the animal was grazed, and any other horrifying details they choose to give me that day.

J is actually kind of a master griller so it makes my vegetarianism quite difficult sometimes. For this weekend, we compromised though with a menu of delicious dishes and sides that cater to all diets! Even my lovely friend who is gluten/soy free (love ya girl!).

With that being said, here is a list of our favorite cookbooks that we whipped out for the occasion!

1. Foster's Market Cookbook
2. Thug Kitchen
3. 12 Bones Smokehouse: A Mountain BBQ Cookbook

These cook books are staples in our kitchen and you should definitely check them out!

For today's cookout J mixed up some of the 12 Bones Chicken Rub and marinated a pork butt in it over night (thank you little piggy butt!) You slow cook the pork in the oven for 4 hours on 275 so it comes out perfect for pulled pork sandwiches or tacos!

The we made the 12 Bones drop biscuits. This is our first time using this homemade biscuit recipe since the Buttermilk Biscuits in Foster's Market Cookbook are so delicious but I'm excited to see how they turn out. Instead of smoked gouda we used chipotle gouda for an extra kick.

12 Bones Chicken Rub

Gouda Drop Biscuits

Kitchen War Zone

What are you cooking for today's festivities??

Happy 2nd of July!

Let the Festivities Begin...

I'm sitting here drinking a G&T, watching Shark Week, snuggling with my dogs...the usual, and I literally just realized that today is Thursday and not Friday. Which is weird because this morning I knew it was Thursday (according to my FB post) See below...

What I'm getting at is that it is BASICALLY Friday now so everything is good, but things got weird there for a while. 

This weekend will be filled with fireworks, junk food, and lots of red, white, and blue down here in good old Florida and I can't wait to spend time with good friends and pig out (aka wear daisy duke overalls, drinks lots of beer, and yell "MERICA" a lot while holding fiery objects). 

In order to prepare for this weekend of unhealthy eating and laziness I went to Pure Barre, did 3 crunches, and didn't eat any cookies (yet...the night is young...but since I'm calling in Friday early I guess were good). 

I've also been very busy updating my Fourth of July Pinterest board, #becauseamerica and you can check it out here for funsies :)

List of the Day: What makes for a good Fourth of July Experience

1. Friends: this one is obvious. You need people to party with, and who better than people you like to be around!! Especially since people will be drinking and we all know everyone gets annoying when they holiday drink so it's good to surround yourself with people you like regardless of their mental state.

2. Game: Corn Hole, Bocci, Volleyball, flip cup...you name it! This is a holiday celebrating America so obviously we need to incorporate a little bit of friendly competition. And beer.

3. America Jello Shots: Maybe this isn't a must for everyone but I always like to include it to really drive home the point, aaaaand it reminds me of tailgating in college. 

4. Greasy food to soak up the alcohol: This IS a must. Grills must be involved. And it's best to alternate greasy food, drink, greasy food, drink, just to be safe. You know the drill. 

5. Nalgene of water: HYDRATE YOUR BODY SO YOU DON'T HATE YOUR LIFE THE NEXT DAY!!! We are not 23 anymore. Hangovers hurt. They make you sad. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. 

So, everyone stay safe! Don't drink and drive! And wear your protective eye gear if you are the master of firework ceremonies!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!

Top 5 of the Week...and GO!

1. Outlander EVERYTHING. If you've not read the books and are looking for an amazing series that takes over your life, this is it. Also, the show. It stays so true to the books and the characters are perfect. We definitely splurged on the Starz Amazon addition just for this show...

Get your copy here!

2. Victoria's Secret bathing suits. We have all heard the sad news by now that they are discontinuing the swim line after this summer. Time to stock up ladies.

3. Beauty Counter make-up. My friend Christine is a rep for this company and she got me hooked. These products focus on natural ingredients, cruelty free composition, and healthy skin. I'm in love.

4. Day Designer. These planners are absolutely on point. They have dedicated areas for your weekly goals, notes, appointments, and to-do lists. Also, they have weekly and monthly spreads which I need so I can figure out what month I am in...

Find yours here :)

5. Pure Barre. If you have never taken a Pure Barre class, you should. As a dancer I thought it looked like a joke and then I went to a class and it broke me. Like literally, broke me and I couldn't walk for 3 days. Now I love it (and hate it). It hits all of those weird hard to reach muscles and you will feel immediate results, aka pain. Do it!

So, there you have it! The top five for this week! Go play!

First Day of Summer

Summer is in full swing here in the sunshine state. Daily thunderstorms pop up and cool the air for a grand total of 10 minutes before you feel like you're swimming through a hot tub again. And in the mornings we wake up to condensation fogging the windows while our AC works overtime to keep the stifling heat out.

When I was younger summer was my absolute favorite. School was out. There was no end to all of the awesome summer activities one could do. We could go to the quarry with floats and Cookout milkshakes, and spend the day floating on the water. We could make the quick two hour drive to wilmington for a beach day (complete with ice cream on the boardwalk and henna tattoos from Wings). Sometimes we would just walk up to Duke Gardens for a picnic. No responsibilities. No obligations. Just pure, easy fun.

And every night there would be something going on. Some house party or camping trip or movie night. I'm not sure if it was the monotony and routine of the school year that made summer seem so magical or if it was something as simple as a REAL season change, unlike what we have down here!

I just got off the phone with my best friend back home and we laughed and talked about how being 'adults' is probably the dumbest thing we have ever done. So many things that used to be exciting and crazy no longer hold that appeal. Probably because we now have responsibilities, bills, and obligations to worry about.

I don't know when that change occurs, and you become somewhat jaded and uninterested or unfocused on what used to make you happy. It's probably a different age for everyone depending on your job, family or what have you. But it's always the same, things start to appear less shiny and fun, like an old toy.

All I know is that I think it is utterly ridiculous to feel obligated to do something or not do something simply because society says its what you are SUPPOSED to do. Of course there are things you can't ignore like your water bill or feeding your dog - but who's to say that you can't still enjoy the things that you used to?

I may be a realtor who is responsible for selling people homes, but I can also enjoy taking an afternoon to float down the Blackwater on an inner tube with friends. It's okay to spend a Friday night in reading an amazing book that you can't put down instead of going out drinking. It's also okay to go to Disney World as an adult and take picture with your favorite princess. The balance seems to evade us in favor of the mundane the older we get, and I am guilty of letting that happen to me regularly.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that, on this first day of summer 2016, think back to the basic, simple, every day things that make you happy. Sit on your front porch with a gin and tonic and a good book, get out into your garden and plant some new flowers, call up some old friends and have a dinner party, go for a hike, watch a movie you haven't seen in a while!

Take a minute to breathe and consider that child-like feeling you used to get when something really exciting was about to happen. Then go out and do that!

Happy Summer <3

Adult Disney

Ever since moving to Florida for flight school a year ago, J and I have been trying to pick a weekend to go to Disney World and have the ultimate adult Disney Weekend. Both of us went as young children but hadn't been in 10+ years, so as you can imagine, we felt very strongly about this trip. However, with everything going on down here we never managed to get enough leave or have all of our ducks in a row to make the trip happen.

But! Last week when I got back from NC, J handed me an envelope and told me to open it...and inside were two 4 day park hopper passes that he had gone out and gotten, spur of the moment, for us to use this weekend! I miiiight have the best fiance ever.

MAJOR. Bae. Points.

Needless to say, if there is one thing more magical than Disney World as a child, it's Disney World as a childless adult. We only had two days so we made the most of it by doing Disney Springs for dinner and shopping Friday night, Blizzard beach and Epcot on Saturday, and Magic Kingdom (my fav) on Sunday morning. We definitely didn't get to do everything we wanted to do but luckily we have two days left to you at some point in the near future!

If you are looking for a super fun trip to take as an adult to stir up your inner child, or you just love rides, water parks, and happiness, you need to do an adult disney trip. Not to mention...you can drink beer at the parks when you are old. BOOM. You're welcome.

So, here are some pics from our epic Disney weekend...and yes, we wore mouse ears.

Magic Kingdom!

Being children at Blizzard Beach

Obligatory Castle Pic

Me forcing J to take a car selfie 

Found my veil. Done.

Random people we took shots with at Epcot

Epcot

Pensacola Bucket List

I woke up early this morning, my mind racing with all of the things I need to get organized and taken care of in the following months. The saying "Home is where the Marine Corps sends us" sure is proving true! J selected his platform and it looks like were going Ospreys! Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to be going on another adventure, and VERY happy that this platform guarantees us a small chunk of time in our home state, but it's always a lot of work planning for a PCS especially when one is also planning a wedding. 

The way things are looking now, we will have a few more months here in Florida though so I will be able to wrap up the sales I have going on, spend time with our wonderful friends, and do all of those fun PCS things like; inventory our house, find renters for it, attempt to obtain housing in TX from afar, gather all of our records for the move, find a new job, and...pack. 

I'm definitely becoming a bit of an expert on packing, if I do say so myself ;)

We also decided to come up with a Pensacola/Milton Bucket List to accomplish before we go, and here is what we have come up with so far:

1. Go to a Blue Wahoos game
2. Kayak the Blackwater
3. Pensacola Bay Brewery
4. Florabama *cringe*
5. Beach it up!!
6. Irish Wakes at Maguire's
7. Bands on the Blackwater
8. Pensacola Lighthouse ghost tour
9. Tube down the Blackwater
10. Blue Angels Air show

What are some things were missing?? Any recommendations? 
xoxo

Also, for tips on PCSing check out my pinterest board HERE :) 

For those of you who were wondering...this is an Osprey! Cool, hunh?