Ooops.

Hey guys! So it's Saturday and I missed Photo Friday yesterday, but I love this picture so much so I'm going to share it with you today anyway. ;)

Cafe au lait and beignets from Cafe du Monde, New Orleans - Feb. 2012
For sure, the tastiest breakfast ever.

xx Jess

Ultrabland by LUSH

Hello everyone! I hope you are all wonderful. Can I confess? I just haven't been in the blogging mood. I'm sure it's a combination of things, and I'm trying to break free of it. There's just so much going on, without a whole lot going on, if that makes any sense. Maybe I mean there's just so much going on in my head. I've got lots of reasons to be down about what's happening in my life, but I also have reasons to be positive as well. Lots of family issues are dragging me down right now, plus not having a car or a job. Did I mention my wisdom teeth are starting to show? Which means I'm going to have to get them pulled soon. So many little things, and I just need to stop seeing them from such a negative perspective. But it's difficult.

I need to focus my energy on this blog, I really do. It's one of the only things I've got going. But I've just been so bummed about things that I don't feel like it. Sigh. But okay. Enough with the pity party. If you read this far in, I commend you. I just had to get that off my chest. I DO have something good for you all today.

First off, I have SO many road trip pictures I haven't posted, but instead of sharing all of them with you, I'll post some for a few weeks for my Photo Friday. So with that being said, check out this wonderful product I purchased from LUSH a few weeks ago!

Ingredients: Almond oil, rose water, beeswax, honey, fresh iris extract, glycerine, rose absolute, tincture of benzoin, methylparaben, propylparaben

This classic LUSH cleanser is to die for if you're searching for an end of the day take-all-my-makeup-off product. It's thick, creamy, and it leaves your skin feeling silky and alive. LUSH calls this product "anything but bland". Here's their description.

"A hugely popular cult product, Ultrabland is a thick, rich emulsion of essential oils, honey and beeswax to take off any make up or residue that has built up on your face throughout the day. Unlike most make up removers, Ultrabland leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished, thanks to soothing rosewater and iris flower extract. Suitable for all skin types, Ultrabland is a classic LUSH cleanser coveted by staff and customers alike for it’s effectiveness. Not so bland after all, is it?"

Although it's a cleanser, I personally use it as a makeup remover at night. And trust me when I say this is the most gentle makeup remover you will ever have the pleasure of using. The rose water in Ultrabland is extremely gentle and great at reducing redness, so anyone can use this product, no matter what skin type you have! I did notice a few negative reviews on the website claiming its too greasy. When applied, it is, but once you remove the cleanser, the beeswax locks in moisture, leaving your face feeling fresh and smooth. And removing it is key. This is not the type of cleanser you can just rinse off with water. You really must wipe it off with a damp cloth, otherwise it stays on your face. It's like a refreshing glass of water for your face! Your face will thank you.

You don't have to use a huge amount to get great results. It says on the website to use a quarter-sized amount, but I usually use about half that, and it works great. A little goes a long way here. And it truly does remove ALL of your make-up and any dirt from your daily grind. For me specifically, it's even gentle enough to use around my eyes when I have light eye makeup on.

Have I stressed enough that I love this product? I will definitely be purchasing this again. Oh wait? I'm going to LUSH later tonight. They have so many goodies, I just can't help myself. Tonight I'll be purchasing their Dark Angels cleanser, which is supposed to help with blemishes, breakouts, and clogged pores. I'll let you all know how it works.

Have a great day!

xx Jess

Road Trip Part 1

It's been such a long month. I miss you all! I took so many pictures along the way, and these are just a few of them. I'm currently fighting a sore throat/cold that appeared out of nowhere, so I guess I'm not quite done adjusting to my new home. I need to get back into my routine of blogging, and hopefully that will help me settle in more as well. Next few posts I'll share some pictures of my adventures in New Orleans during Carnival, AND I'll be reviewing one of my first LUSH products! :)

xx Jess

Finally made it

After 2700 miles...Oh man, what a month! I know I've been gone a while, but I can officially say I now live in San Diego, CA. The move was surprisingly smooth, but we are still trying to settle in. I will definitely be sharing some of our adventures with you all soon, but I just wanted to quickly update and let you all know that I'm still alive. ;)

Here's the canyon view, maybe some fifteen yards from the front door of our new apartment.

I'll be back in less than a month, hopefully!

Hello lovely bloggers. I just wanted to post real quickly tonight that I will be going on a little hiatus. The movers are coming tomorrow to pack up the apartment, we leave for San Diego in one week, and then once we get there it'll take some time getting back into the swing of things. I'll miss reading all your wonderful blogs, and I sure will have a lot of catching up to do once the move is finally over. Hopefully it won't take a full month, but I can't make any promises. Expect lots of photo documentation of the trip across country when I get back though! :)

xx Jessica

Ashley Greene for DKNY

So it's Friday, but since I've been busy packing and cleaning all week I didn't get the chance to take any pictures with my camera. But that's okay. You know why? Because I want to share this ad campaign with you all.

Check out DKNY's Spring 2012 Ad Campaign featuring....Ashley Greene! She's another one of my girl crushes.







How gorgeous does she look!? I'm very much in love with that pink dress. You can already shop the collection over at DKNY.com. Of course, that dress is close to $500, but a girl can dream! According to a press release, the ad is about "taking DKNY to new heights for spring. Looking at New York City, where there is always something new to discover. And DKNY from a new perspective, high above the city streets..."

I actually read a few reviews, and there seemed to be a lot of discord. I guess some people felt she was a bad model. But, let haters hate. I think she looks gorgeous. Her hair is to die for too. ;)



Sources: DKNY, justjared.buzznet.com

Pinteresting Wednesday

Oh man, it's Wednesday! You know what that means. But no theme today, just surfing.



Crochet Bunnies


Minnie Mouse Shoes


Lemon Cream Butter Cake


Sweet Potato Skins


E.E. Cummings


Adventurers


Hydrangea Cupcakes


Elephant Ring


David Bowie Paper Doll


Awesome Green Pants




:)