Microdermabrasion with Skintastic

For more information on Microdermabrasion or other treatments visit Skintastic

I have already explained how much I have been keeping up on my skincare routine as of late. It is easy to start a routine but hard to maintain it. At least for me. I start diets, workouts, beauty regimes, etc. but maintaining it after two or three weeks is the challenge. However, I made a pact to myself that I would take my microdermabrasion seriously. I wouldn’t miss a treatment and I would go right on time. The hardest part of starting a routine is the lack of immediate results. I am a “now, now, now,” type of person so if I start a diet and don’t lose weight right away I get annoyed and usually stop. Not that I am a quitter I just tell myself that there are other ways to achieve my desired result. But there never are. There are never shortcuts. You must put in the time, commitment, and dedication. That is why I told myself there wasn’t going to be any slacking when it came to my microderm.

However, there didn’t need to be a come to Jesus talk with myself, after the first treatment I could see massive results. I was beyond excited for my second treatment as I knew the results would be even better. I scheduled my appointment with Karen (who I am semi-obsessed with) at Skintastic and I waited for the day to come. My skin from the last treatment was still glowing but I wanted even moreeee. My second treatment included the microderm, a little acid peel, and a touch or two of photofacial laser. This was all Karen’s concoction to give me the ultimate glowing skin. And it worked! She is seriously talented!

The microderm has me feeling very confident as I posted a photo from my iphone with no make-up. Did you hear me? My IPHONE with NO MAKE-UP!!! I feel brave! Literally the only thing I have on my skin is sunscreen! Can you believe it? I am so smitten with the results that I don’t know if I ever want to stop going! I have one more treatment scheduled when I return in August which I am already look forward to! But first, Paris!

For more information on Microdermabrasion or other treatments visit Skintastic

Lou & Grey Active

For more Lou&Grey Active click here

outfit details // Lou&Grey Active Sporty Bra, Lou&Grey Anorak Jacket, Lou&Grey Runaround Tank, Lou&Grey Leggings

accessory details // August California 'Le Marais' bag, Wildfox Classic Deluxe Sunglass in Crystal, Croghan's Jewel Box Crest Ring, Dana Rebecca Lauren Joy necklace, Ellie Jay 5 Row diamond

photography by Meredith Braden

Embarrassing fact: I worked out in t-shirts from my sorority up until a few weeks ago. With the array of different retailers basically hocking activewear down our throats it is surprising I escaped unscathed. However, maybe this was one battle I should have lost. I never thought you needed to look “cute” to workout. Don’t you just get sweaty? I know my argument is dumb but I truly didn’t believe in the idea of investing in workout wear (minus a great sports bra) until recently. What turned me? A few things. I realized that workout wear is now one of our closet staples. Like denim it has become a part of our lifestyle. We wear them when we run errands, hanging out with friends, and even out to eat. I invest in cute clothes to go out so why wouldn’t I invest in something decent for my everyday attire too? Another thing that started to change my mind a few months ago is how cute my friend Krystal always looks in her gear. Even if she doesn’t wear it to the gym, she always looks effortlessly cool and put together. Knowing that the tides were changing I began to look into active gear as a wardrobe staple. I looked at all of your traditional places and was either turned off by the price or the style. So the search continued.

The other week I headed to the new Lou & Grey store at Northpark. I had heard nothing but the best about this brand so I was really excited to check it out. I had been stalking them on Instagram and online for weeks so I already had an idea of what I wanted when I was there (those looks coming soon). However, what I didn’t expect is to see active wear that had me completely in awe. There was a small selection but every piece was perfect. From the mesh sports bra (which I have worn daily and is so cool), to the scoop t-shirt (which is made from the softest material), to the rain jacket I thought would be perfect for Paris. Everything was so incredibly spot on that I couldn’t resist buying one of each.

Usually I would NEVER go sleeveless. I just don’t dig it. Right now anyways. But the cut of this top mixed with the sports bra was so flattering and too good not to rock the sleeveless look. The leggings are light-weight but thick so you can wear them and not worry about any see through moments. I also think they look like regular pants so have been wearing mine with tops and flats and have received numerous compliments. I really can’t explain how much I have worn this outfit since I bought it. I think I finally found that “Krystal” active wear look! Thank God! The outfit is so cool in person even my husband said I looked hip/great! Win win!

outfit details // Lou&Grey Active Sporty Bra, Lou&Grey Anorak Jacket, Lou&Grey Runaround Tank, Lou&Grey Leggings

accessory details // August California ‘Le Marais’ bag, Wildfox Classic Deluxe Sunglass in Crystal, Croghan’s Jewel Box Crest Ring, Dana Rebecca Lauren Joy necklace, Ellie Jay 5 Row diamond

this post was sponsored by Lou&Grey. All opinions are my own

Unforgettable Evening in Dallas

photography via Carter Rose

I have been very open about my past struggles with Dallas. I have never been completely comfortable with the idea that I will live in one city for the rest of my life. The thought actually gives me major anxiety and is one of the reasons my husband is supporting my summer move. I moved to Dallas in 2006 to attend Southern Methodist University. I fell in love with the school and the city after attending a wedding here while I was a junior in high school. I knew SMU and Dallas were the only place I wanted to be. The campus, the city, the bustle, it was all magical to this small town girl. While at SMU I found my “people” and my routine and had the best time in the world. I loved Dallas and everything it had to offer. It was exactly where I was supposed to be. Then I graduated.

I had a serious come to Jesus talk with myself and with Dallas. My friends moved away, life after college was a struggle, and the city itself had seemed to lose its luster. I immediately developed this urge to move. However, life happened, jobs came, and time passed. That brings me to now. Well, a few months ago. That struggle was still real up until recently. Up until I decided to have an attitude change, put myself out there, and meet new people. With all of the new life coming to Dallas (have you seen our restaurant scene) and the potential to make new friends (which already has me excited) I have a new outlook on Dallas.

It was actually one event in particular which I attended a few weeks ago where I really started to re-realize how great this city was. I was invited to an evening in the arts by Wolfgang Puck. The night started with a bang – cocktails in the garden at the Nasher. The Nasher is actually one of my favorite places in Dallas. It is tranquil, cultured, and extremely beautiful. After we finished our first rounds of champagne we headed inside the Nashar for cake decorating. Secretly cake decorating has always been on my bucket list. I am not creative in the least when it comes to things like that but I always wanted to squeeze the icing out of that damn bag! And I did! Oh did I! It was magic and something I am so excited to have done. Bucket list: check. So the icing was fantastic but my favorite part was the (real) edible flowers they provided as decoration for our cakes. The flowers were stunning and looked gorgeous on our cakes but I was more mesmerized that I could actually eat them! And they tasted fantastic! Who knew? I definitely walked away with a few ideas of using flowers for decor (and eating) in the future!

From the cake decorating we walked to the AT&T Performing Arts Center for what was my favorite part of the evening – Dinner on the Reflective Pool! It was actually the first dinner ever held on the pool and being the person I am, I loved that I got to do it first! But to be honest, it won’t be my last time. The hubs and I are even thinking it could be the perfect spot for his 30th birthday dinner. It was an experience not to forget. Totally my style – shoes off and dig in! However, the evening was made even more memorable by the company around me. Not only did I have the best time getting to know Dave who does ‎Brand PR and Management at The Richards Group but I also loved getting to chat with Yvette, also of the Richards group. They were so interesting and full of great conversation. It reinstated my excitement to meet new people and explore all the greatness Dallas has to offer. Yvette even has ties to the Swiss and French groups in Dallas so it was a joy to get to connect via that commonality.

Over all the evening was unforgettable. From the stars above, water below, great wine (via Cakebread Cellars), the most divine food you have ever tasted, and an experience of a lifetime I would say Dallas is looking pretty good! And I can’t wait for more evenings shared with new people in this amazing city!

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