Balance by Alani Nutrition | Review

     Hey y'all! I hope everyone is enjoying the transition of seasons like I am! Today I wanted to write up a blog post about a supplement I started taking, and give you as much information as I possibly can... along with my experience! Lets start with some background information.

     In ninth grade I started getting unbearably sick and began trying to find out why. Through lots of testing, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and learned what my triggers were overtime; however, while receiving ultrasound testing, I was told I had cysts on my ovaries. In my late teens, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by my gynecologist and was informed that my ovaries looked like they were covered in "a string of pearls," which would explain why I suffered with extremely irregular periods. I was told my irregularity could be a health concern and if I go three months without a period, I would need to call my gynecologist to be prescribed progesterone. This hormone in pill form would force me to start a period, and over the years... I would say I had to rely on this at least five/six times.

     In continuation, as most of you may know or have seen, I suffer with some glorious acne-prone skin. I have had acne since middle school (which would probably correlate to my menstrual cycle), so it's been a long time... with lots of pimples. Over the years I noticed my acne started becoming more cystic and appearing only along my cheeks and chin-- a common symptom of PCOS. I felt hopeless and everything I tried just failed. My mom suggested seeing a dermatologist, my gynecologist suggested trying birth control, so on and so forth. I could still do these things but I saw something that made me feel hopeful.

     Katy Hearn, a fitness guru on Instragram, developed a company with her husband Haydn Schneider. The company is called Alani Nu (Alani Nutrition) and they offer many supplements, but one that has become extremely popular is Balance. Balance is "strategically designed to support hormonal balance, weight management, complexion, and fertility." It retails for $49.99 and you are supposed to take four capsules every morning with a meal, so you receive a 30 day supply of Balance which is 120 capsules in total! I follow both Katy and Haydn on Instagram and they often post customer reviews and it seemed like so many people who reviewed Balance, claimed to suffer from PCOS and raved about this product. After reading tons and tons of reviews with symptoms that mirrored my own, I decided to try it out.

     Before continuing on to read my weekly reviews, please read this section! Before taking any supplement, it is recommended you consult with your physician. I take two medications regularly (one for mild anxiety and one for acid reflux) and I consulted with two pharmacists before purchasing Balance to ensure it would not counteract or interfere with my medications. Once I was cleared, I bought it and began taking it. While scrolling through the images (which were all taken first thing in the morning using my great front-facing iPhone camera), please note the left side of my face is the left image, and the right side is right image for every single week shown!

[Above photos are taken from the night before and the next morning, when I began taking Balance. I had just finished cleaning my face in the first photo set, so of course the morning image is less inflamed... you get the gist!]

BOTTLE ONE (began taking August 27, 2018)

Week 1: I noticed my energy levels improved significantly. As soon as I'd open my eyes in the morning, with or without an alarm, I felt wide awake and ready to start my day which was never the case for me... prior to Balance, I could sleep in until my alarm woke me after 11am and still need to roll over for more sleep. I also noticed I started sleeping through the night! I'd usually wake up three/four times a night, but now I only wake-up around 6am (when my dog has to go out, routinely). The downside? I broke out nearly everywhere on my face, including places I rarely ever got a pimple... like my forehead! I did read that this is common when taking the supplement because your body is adjusting, so I didn't count it out just yet!

Week 2: I continued to experience all the same side effects as in Week 1, but I noticed I started getting irritable this week.

Week 3: All the same effects from week 1; however my mood started to subtly improve within this week. My breakouts were still present, but they were no longer in my cheek-bone area, they fell all around my jawline. I thought by week 3 I would notice a significant improvement in my skin, but Katy did share some reviews where people said it took nearly the entire four weeks to start seeing changes in their complexion. Being my PCOS is fairly "extreme," I think I might be one of the people who start noticing clearer skin sometime during my second bottle. (P.S. I had my night guard in ... hence the puffy lips in the photos).

Week 4: Week 4 continues with sound sleeping and improved energy/mood. During this week, my break-outs started to lessen and my skin texture felt fairly smooth (I did still have acne discoloration down near my jawline at this point). I also want to note, I got my period on 8/24 and started taking Balance on 8/27, so my period would have been due around 9/21 if I fell into a normal monthly cycle. At the start of the third week (9/17) I experienced extremely mild spotting, but that went away within a few hours and my period did not come on the four week mark; however, nearing the end of week 4 I experienced a break out again (as seen in the photos).


BOTTLE TWO (began taking September 25, 2018)

Week 5: As I am approaching the date which I am supposed to get my period (October 5th, based off a six week cycle), my skin is calming down from a flare up.

Week 6: Still no period, and my acne flare up is toning down still, but I have news! In high school, my highest weight was 156lbs at 5'4" tall. I went on weight watchers and got myself down to about 145lbs and from there I started weight training. I fluctuated between 138lbs and 143lbs before tracking my food and suggested macros (on MyFitnessPal)... which is when I figured out I was under eating for my activity level and all that jazz. So, when I got into a regular eating cycle, I was able to maintain my 138lbs weight. Over this past week, I noticed people have been asking me if I lost weight and I didn't think so because nothing I have been doing has changed-- plus, I normally retain water weight around my cycle. I weighed myself today and I did drop about a pound but I noticed my stomach looks different. My stomach is my struggle spot and it just appears less bloated... could this be Balance? I am not sure, but I figured it was worth a mention.

Week 7 & 8: Nothing has really changed since week 6. I am still looking/feeling the same other than the fact that I am suffering from cramping. Lets hope this amounts to my cycle starting!

     After finishing my second full bottle of Balance, I began taking two a day (instead of four) while moving onto my third bottle. I still feel really good. My energy levels are great... I still sleep great... my skin remained the same-- I also saw a dermatologist. I would say Balance definitely helped my skin, mood, and sleeping patterns, but I did need to seek medical advice in the end to combat the remaining acne. This product won't work for everyone, but there are other benefits besides clear skin. Also, two weeks into the bottle (so ten weeks from the start of the supplement)... I finally got my period!

     Now, I just have a brief product overview before closing out! The capsules are veggie capsules and are rather large, but Katy said you could open them up and just take the actual supplement powder in shakes or other things to consume it if you cannot swallow the actual capsule. The ingredients in Balance are as listed:

- Folate (as 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Calcium): 400mcg = 200% DV
- Chromium (as TRAACS Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate): 120mcg = 100% DV
- Myo-Inositol: 2g
- Setria L-Glutathione (Reduced): 250mg
- 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM): 150mg
- Sodium R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): 100mg
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (Veggie Capsule), Silica, Ascorbyl (Vitamin C) Palmitate

     It is also "processed in a facility and/or manufacturing line that also processes products containing milk, eggs, soybeans, wheat, shellfish, fish oil, tree nuts, and peanut flavor." For any other information, you can go to Alani Nu's website (listed below), and for any other questions you may have you can contact Alani Nu (they reply pretty fast)! For anyone considering taking Balance, it does require consistency. Obviously my skin has improved quite a bit, but I do still have acne... so I saw a dermatologist who prescribed me Epiduo to spot treat any blemishes that pop up! If you have questions regarding my experience, feel free to comment below!



[All basic information in regards to the product is provided by alaninu.com]
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

Oh La La @ Olaplex | Review

     No judgement, okay? I'm back with yet another hair review. I have a problem-- I am obsessed with hair care, but I promise... my blog will eventually amount to more than hair product reviews! In the meantime, or at least for today, we are talking about none other than Olaplex! Have you heard of it? Probably. Do you know what it is? Maybe not.

     Working in the hair industry, I have known about Olaplex for a few years now; however, there are multiple parts to the Olaplex line I more recently came to know! From the Olaplex website you will learn that "Olaplex was developed by Dr. Eric Pressly and Dr. Craig Hawker, two of the world's leading chemists. This dream team invented a single ingredient chemistry, that is free of silicones and oils. Olaplex links broken bonds in the hair before, during and after chemical services." To break that down to someone who is not super hair-term savvy... your hair is made of keratinized protein and inside of it there are multiple types of bonds. When you under go chemical processes, some of these bonds are broken -- Olaplex is meant to rebuild them. It comes in five different parts... yes, five! So, lets touch on those really quick:

Olaplex No. 1, Bond Multiplier: Meant to be mixed with lightener, color, or chemical services... and is said to "rebuild broken disulfide bonds and begin the process of preventing damage and repairing hair."
Olaplex No. 2, Bond Perfector: Meant to be applied to hair after rinses them chemical service out... it is said to "continue to rebuild and restore any remaining broken bonds ensuring the strongest, shiniest, and healthiest hair possible."
Olaplex No. 3, Hair Perfector: A treatment meant to be used once a week for "continuous protection from ongoing damage at home."
Olaplex No. 4, Bond Maintenance™ Shampoo: "Repair bonds while gently cleansing all types of hair. Impart moisture, strength, and manageability with every wash."
Olaplex No. 4, Bond Maintenance™ Conditioner: "Restores, repairs, and hydrates without adding excess weight. Eliminates damaged frizz for strong, healthy, shiny hair."

     I, myself, have no chemical processes done to my hair. It is all natural and pretty long, but I decided to give Olaplex parts 3, 4, & 5 a go! I start with No. 3... I rinse my hair with water and gently towel dry it so it is not soaking wet. I apply the product and allow it to sit on my hair for at least ten minutes as directed. Olaplex No. 3 is a bit more of a liquidy-cream, and I feel like I need a lot of it for my hair length but not very much comes in it (only 3.3 fl oz), so I mainly focus it on my ends and then run my hands through the rest of my hair! After the ten minutes I rinse it out.

    Next comes the shampoo! A little bit of Olaplex No. 4 (8.5 fl oz) goes a long, long way. It is a thick consistency so I spread it over my scalp and quickly dip my head back into the running water. I am then able to get a great lather from the shampoo and it rinses clean with ease. After the shampoo comes the conditioner... No. 5 (8.5 fl oz) is a nice cream consistency and applies well to the hair. I let that sit for 2-3 minutes and then rinse it out and I'm good to go! Side note... both No. 4 & No. 5 state that they are free of sulfates, parabans, and gluten... they are also vegan and color-safe!

     I was skeptical with my first few uses because I wasn't noticing anything, but I feel like this is a product line you need to be consistent with and give it some time to show the results. After the first week... I'm a believer. I really feel like my hair looks better. It is shiny without looking oily, bouncy, it feels so soft, and honestly ...it just looks GOOD. Each of the parts (No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5) retail for $28, and I personally feel like they are worth it. Have you tried it? Share your thoughts and experience with me!



[All basic information in regards to the product is provided by olaplex.com]
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

Clean Maniac with Redken | Review

     I know, I know... it seems I am quickly becoming a blogger that solely posts hair-focused reviews! As someone who loves haircare, you will see these types of posts on my blog for months and years (hopefully) to come... maybe a little less in the future because I really would love to be posting more fashion/style oriented content, but for now, this is what I am able to bring to the table! Today we are talking about Redken's Clean Maniac duo! What are they meant to do? How do they work? What do I think? Lets get started!

Redken Clean Maniac Clean-Touch Micellar Shampoo 
- 10.1 fl oz
- $19
- For all hair types
- Sulfate-free and silicone-free
- Daily shampoo powered by micellar technology to gently remove impurities and product buildup like a magnet for a non-stripping cleanse
- Infused with Neofresh Technology (patented odor neutralizing technology that repels unpleasant odor so hair remains fresh)

Redken Clean Maniac Clean-Touch Micellar Conditioner

- 8.5 fl oz
- $20
- For all hair types
- Lightweight, silicone-free
- Infused with Neofresh Technology (patented odor neutralizing technology that repels unpleasant odor so hair remains fresh)
- Leaves hair feeling bouncy and healthy

     Both the shampoo and conditioner have a nice, clean scent (though my mom said it was nauseating... so if you can smell these before you buy them, I highly suggest you take that opportunity to do so)! These two products are essentially a clarifying set; which if you did not know, it is great to clarify your hair once a week (maybe more than that, maybe less than that... it all depends on your hair) to rid of any excess oil and product build up. The shampoo lathered up nicely for a sulfate-free shampoo and left my hair feeling like straw, which is actually common for a clarifier! I always suggest using a deep conditioner after going in with a clarifying shampoo because your hair is prepped to absorb all the moisture from a deep conditioner/hair mask and it feels amazing afterwards!

     I opted not to follow up with a deep conditioner so I could give the conditioner a try! The conditioner was useless for my hair. I could not get my fingers through the length of my hair and it still felt like straw after rinsing it out. This would be a product I would recommend for someone with ultra-fine hair that wants a super lightweight conditioner that does not weigh their hair down. It just was not for me. So, in short... the conditioner was dud, but the shampoo is a good clarifier; however my all-time favorite is the Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three! Did you try these out? What are your thoughts? Share with me in the comments!



[All basic information in regards to the product is provided by redken.com]
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

KMS For Your Tress... es | Review

     More new salon products have arrived! This month we got a bunch of the KMS line in the salon (at least twenty-five different products) and I decided to try some out! As we all know... I currently have natural hair, but my mom does color hers (actually, I color hers... but that is besides the point) so she chose the Color Vitality Shampoo & Color Vitality Conditioner, while I opted for the Hair Stay Anti-Humidity Spray because I live in New Jersey and as ya'll may or may not know... it's a swamp out here right now! I gave each of these products a fair shot so I have come to discuss my findings and give you all the in-depth review you might be looking for!

KMS Color Vitality Shampoo

- 10.1 fl oz
- $21.50
- Maintains color up to 3 times longer (than products without COLORVITALITY proctor shield)
- Seals in color and preserves vibrancy of color-treated hair
- Restores radiance
- Contains: AHA structure complex (Lactic Acid, Malic Acid – supports internal reconstruction); Polyquaternium-6 (evens out the hair surface); and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (UV-Filter)

KMS Color Vitality Conditioner

- 8.5 fl oz
- $23.50
- Maintains color up to 3 times longer (than products without COLORVITALITY proctor shield)
- Moisturizes
- Restores radiance to color-treated hair
- Contains: Lactic Acid (supports internal reconstruction); Behentrimonium Chloride (evens out the hair surface); and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (UV-Filter)

     As for the Color Vitality line, I am going to be a negative nelly and say... I am just not a fan! I found that my hair was not as radiant as it was oily. I could barely get one full day out of using this before my hair started to look almost wet at the root, but they do smell nice. The shampoo is a regular shampoo... lathers up nicely, rinses out easily; however, the conditioner is purple. Typically purple toned shampoos and or conditioners are used on blonde hair that has yellow or brassy tones in it to counteract them. It does not really do anything for any hair colors beyond blonde. Other than the color of it (which I do not even mind) it conditions the hair nicely! The main reason I do not like it is simply because it makes my hair look so oily in such a short amount of time. Just... no. No thank you to these two for me, but if you are a blonde with dryer hair... you may have just found your holy-grail shampoo and conditioner!

KMS Hair Stay Anti-Humidity Seal 

- 4.1 oz
- $22.99
- Acts like an umbrella for the hair
- Shields hair from humidity and frizz for up to 72 hours
- Weightless shine spray
- Contains: Trisiloxane (provides shine); Dimethicone (Polymer that protects against humidity)

     Okay, good news! I actually like this one! It provides a very subtle shine (not oily or greasy looking) and actually does help against humidity. I spray this on as the final layer after my hair is styled and it cuts the frizz down! It does not cause my curls to drop out in the humidity or my straight hair to kink up so I personally think this is a winner. This one also smells delicious... actually, all the KMS products smell really yummy (just incase you were wondering)! Of course I am only reviewing three of twenty-five+ products from the line and it seems to be off to a rocky start, but I feel you might find some hidden gems from the bunch. Are there any stand-out products you've tried from the line? Let me know so I can give it a go!

[All basic information in regards to the product is provided by kmshair.com]
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

Paul Mitchell Prep | Invisiblewear Review

     New products hit the salon last month, ya'll! I always enjoy talking about new products that launch in the salon I work at because it is important to be knowledgeable on what you are selling. You need to know your products in order to satisfy your client/customers needs... or in this case, your own! If you watch my YouTube channel, you probably would have seen my most recent hair tutorial where I create a soft crimp in my hair with a flat iron. I love this style, but sometimes my hair is too soft for it. When this line came in, I read up on all the bottles and decided to give the shampoo & conditioner a go... so lets chat!

 Paul Mitchell Invisiblewear Shampoo
- 10.14 fl oz
- $12.00
-  Preps texture and builds volume
- What it Does: Cleanses and preps hair, creating the perfect foundation for effortless, undone looks
- How it Works: Volumizes, builds texture and adds life to dull hair
- Infused velvet flower softens each strand for flawless manageability
- Mineral Oil Free; Paraben Free; Gluten Free

Paul Mitchell Invisiblewear Conditioner
- 10.14 fl oz
- $13.00
- Preps texture and builds volume
- What it Does: Detangles hair and builds body to create the foundation for a perfectly undone style
- How it Works: Moisturizes, replenishes and leaves a glossy shine
- Infused velvet flower softens each strand for flawless manageability
- Mineral Oil Free; Paraben Free; Gluten Free

     The shampoo is almost like a gel consistency, which I myself do not mind! It lathers up nicely and has a familiar scent, though I cannot pin-point where I know it from! As a shampoo that is meant to clean up any build up on the hair to add volume, I thought this might be too drying but I was wrong! It just leaves my hair feeling clean... not dry or brittle! As someone who is not particularly in love with the overall product line Paul Mitchell puts out, I have to say I am a fan of this little guy! The only other shampoos I love from this brand are the Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo and the Shampoo Three clarifier. All the other shampoos I have tried left a waxy coating on my hair!

     Same for the conditioner, it has such a familiar smell! The conditioner itself feels really light in the hands. I personally love a rich, heavy conditioner... but I am trying to expand my horizons and this was a lightweight conditioner that actually added just enough moisture back into my hair. Again, I am pleasantly surprised! As for conditioners in the Paul Mitchell line that I like... I only liked the Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Treatment. The others I have tried are just all so waxy... except this. Invisiblewear Conditioner for the win.




[All basic information in regards to the product is provided by paulmitchell.com]
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

Tell Me MO, Tell Me MO

     Hey guys! You get the post title right... a little play on "Summer Nights" from Grease? Please tell me yes. Anyway! I have another shampoo + conditioner combination review for you! I hope you all like these. I am hair-obsessed and I love trying new things. Sometimes things are amazing and I make them a staple in my life, and sometimes they are a total flop and I cannot believe I spent money on something that is just... terrible, okay!?

     Today we are talking Momo! I am not quiet sure what exactly "Momo" stands for in this case but the products are by Davines, which is typically a salon exclusive brand, but I think anyone can purchase off their website! My mom bought these from Salon Concrete in Red Bank, New Jersey... so I guess I could thank her here. Thanks for buying an epic duo, mom. You da best!

     Lets start with the shampoo, because this typically comes first when cleansing hair! It smells like limes... like real limes. Fresh limes. Key limes. Delicious. It's so yummy. It does not over lather, it gives you enough suds to feel like your hair is being cleaned, but not enough to create a bubble crown (sorry, I enjoy being a bath princess sometimes too). It rinses out easily, and for being a moisturizing shampoo... it does not leave any heavy residues on my hair and does not make it feel oily or greasy! My hair simply feels CLEAN. Complete win.

     Next up, the other half. Same smell... just as sweet and citrusy as the shampoo! I just want to say here... yes, it smells like limes; however, you don't walk around with your head smelling like a bag of fruit. It just smells lively and fresh after it is all rinsed out... that's all! This conditioner is rich, not celebrity rich... but like, super thick rich. You get me? It is so hydrating! I was shocked. I thought since the shampoo was not overpowering, that the conditioner would be weak. I was wrong! It gives the hair so much slip and rinses out without leaving any residue behind. I also find when using this combo... my hair styles well! Again, winning.

     Now tell me, have you tried these? Have you tried any Davines products? Are you over hair product reviews? I need to know this stuff, ya'll! Share with me your thoughts!

MOMO SHAMPOO: For dehydrated hair. A lightweight gel shampoo, MOMO delicately cleans damaged hair while replenishing moisture with Cartucciaru Melon extract, resulting in maximum shine and hydration.*
- Basics: 250mL (8.45 fl.oz.), $26.00
- Benefits: Hair is moisturized, shiny and replenished. Cartucciaru Melon: grown on the farm of Mrs. Francesca Simonte from Dattilo, Trapani, Italy, as part of Slow Food Presidium. Cartucciaru Melon is extremely hydrating and contains Vitamin A and C, potassium, phosphorus and zinc.*

MOMO CONDITIONER: For dehydrated hair. Hydrating and de-frizzing, MOMO Conditioner is ideal for detangling and smoothing frizzy hair.*
- Basics: 250mL (8.45 fl.oz.), $30.00
- Benefits: Hair is soft and moisturized without being weighed down. Cartucciaru Melon: grown on the farm of Mrs. Francesca Simonte from Dattilo, Trapani, Italy, as part of Slow Food Presidium. Cartucciaru Melon is extremely hydrating and contains Vitamin A and C, potassium, phosphorus and zinc.*




[All basic information in regards to the product is provided by us.davines.com]
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

The Ouai to Repair Your Hair ... or Not | Review

     Let's chat! So, I went to Sephora recently after hearing rave reviews about The Ouai Repair Shampoo & Conditioner, and as a hair junkie (yes, hi, here I am)... I just had to try it for myself! I washed my hair and conditioned it like I would any other day. First of all, yum! They smell freaking delicious-- actually the conditioner even smells better than the shampoo, which is usually never the case in my opinion!

     It cleaned my hair. The shampoo lathered up nicely (not too sudsy and yes, it still lathered even though it is sulfate-free)! It rinsed out with ease and then I applied the conditioner. It was alright, it did not make my hair feel super silky and nice... but it rinsed out well, and that's that! I didn't really notice anything great about either product, and I am not shading Ouai or Jen Atkin (the creator) because there are other products from the brand I really, really do enjoy!

     The shampoo was a good shampoo and the conditioner wasn't anything spectacular, but it wasn't horrible... I am just looking at the overall value for the price I paid... $54 for shampoo and conditioner is not cheap, and you need to use just as much as any other products out there. So, all in all, it smells good... washes out easily... and does not dry out the hair; however, it is expensive... and did not make my hair feel soft or "repaired" by any means.

     Now, just to make sure it was not just me, my mom tried it too and she felt the same. My hair is long and wavy (not chemically treated)... my mom's hair is above shoulder length and curly (color treated). Needless to say, I returned it. Thank goodness Sephora offers this as an option because I do not want to be out $54 for something that did not make me say "wow" or want to go share how great it was with anybody. These were just not for me! Have you tried it? Do you love it? Like it? Let me know your experience and tell me your favorite Ouai products!

The Ouai Repair Shampoo
- $28
- 10 fl oz
- A nourishing cleanser infused with our unique Smart Technology complex that replenishes moisture and fortifies breakage-prone strands—leaving hair stronger and shinier than ever
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- No animal testing
- Protects color

The Ouai Repair Conditioner
- $26
- 8.45 fl oz
- A mega-moisturizing hydrator that feeds damaged hair without adding weight. Infused with our unique Smart Technology complex for nourished, healthy-looking hair
- Free of parabens
- No animal testing
- Protects color




[All basic information in regards to the product is provided by theouai.com]
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

Lounging Around on Mary's Peak

     Have y'all been keeping up with my YouTube videos from my trip to Oregon? Well... if you haven't... click the word "YouTube" in the header and check them out (there are three weekly vlogs to see)! The point of me asking if you have watched them? Well, in the third and final vlog, Trevor and myself drove to Mary's Peak and we had some problems. By problems I mean we got stuck on a snow bank... on a cliff... on a narrow road... on the mountain. It was scary and I had a mini heart attack.

    

     Luckily, we were able to get unstuck and decided the safest thing to do was head back down the mountain and pull off at a view point! Our goal was originally to make it to the top and look out over Oregon, but I think in the scenario we were in... the view point was a great alternative (mainly because it was safe and my life wasn't being threatened on the edge of a cliff). We parked at an area that was about half-way up the mountain... it had two picnic tables and an outhouse, so I decided to lounge around! The views were nothing short of beautiful, as they always are in Oregon.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

The Sunset on Winter

     Winter always feels like the longest season. Am I the only one who feels that way? I spent the remainder of my winter and start of my spring in Oregon this year as ya'll would have seen. As a New Jersey girl who sees flowers bloom a little later and browned leaves hang on a little longer, I could not believe all the pretty buds blooming in Oregon... since early March! Not only was the scenery of pretty colors coming to life a complete joy, Oregon gets some amazing sunsets!

     On the final day of winter, Trevor and I headed off to this field at the end of a very long road to take photos as a newly engaged couple (the photos are a few posts back, check them out)! While there, I took center stage in front of the camera for some shots with the sunset. The final sunset of winter that is. Do you see these colors? The photos are not even edited! It makes me so happy that something could be this beautiful, and it makes me that much more excited for the warmer weather to wrap me up. Basically, I just wanted to share this sunset with all of you and show a little appreciation for the change of season. Spring... you are so welcome.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!

Frolicking in Florence

     Hey guys! I am officially back home in New Jersey reminiscing about my trip in Oregon. One of my favorite places to go while I am visiting the Pacific North West is Florence, Oregon (not that I wander all over the PNW or anything). It is such a sweet little town that feels very homey. When Trevor and I visit, we spend most of our time on Bay Street which is this street (obviously) that has all these cute little shops and restaurants on it! When the sun is shining, everybody is on Bay Street!

     We went over to the coast twice this past visit, and the second visit was the best weather I experienced out of all my time in Oregon! Between the sun, the subtle chill to the air, and all the people walking around... I just loved the day. Of course we made a photo opportunity out of it, so that is what I am here to share! Also, if you ever get the chance to visit this spot... do yourself a favor and eat at Bridgewater (also known as the Zebra Bar). The place has some serious curb appeal and the interior decor is a little quirky... which is not the point of eating there, but I thought I would throw in some extra detail. The food is freaking amazing. So simple, yet so delicious.  N o t h i n g  compares.

 

Denim Jacket: TopShop (Nordstrom)

Long-sleeve Top: Zara

Jeans: Zara

Belt: H&M

Shoes: 1 State (Nordstrom Rack)

Backpack: Kelsi Dagger (TJ Maxx)

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored & all opinions are my own!