THINKING
We’re heading to Washington, D.C. next weekend for our annual family trip with my husband’s non-profit organization. We go to help out at several different events during National Police Week, including the family’s survivor conference, which is always a sobering and emotional time. It’s definitely not a vacation-type trip, but this year we’ve decided to stay for an extra couple of days to do some sight-seeing and exploring around the city. If you live in the area or have visited recently, I’d love to hear your recommendations for kid-friendly restaurants, museums & activities. Please feel free to share in the comments below or email me directly.
LOVING
I am not one of those women who has been blessed with naturally long lashes, which is why I’ve been tempted to try Latisse in the past…but I was too nervous about the potential for it darkening my iris. Because I kept hearing great things about this lash growth serum from friends & other bloggers, I finally decided to pull the trigger. I have been so pleasantly surprised with the results I’ve had since I started using it 4 weeks ago – even my husband has noticed & commented on my longer lashes! It’s definitely an investment, but it’s one I’m willing to make so I can skip the falsies and extensions.
READING
My immediate family has been going through the most difficult trial we have ever faced & it’s taken a serious toll on all of us. I finally reached the point where I’ve realized that I need help to process through the emotions of our current circumstances. I loved this article that my friend Alyson wrote and completely agree with her sentiments about the importance of seeking professional guidance at different times in our lives. I’ve seen counselors off & on throughout the years and I don’t believe there’s any shame in admitting that we can’t handle something on our own. As women, I think it’s so important that we remove the stigma associated with asking for help & encourage our friends who are struggling to take that step.
WEARING
I’ve been hunting for a pair of cognac leather espadrille flats since last summer, so when I came across this affordable option, I quickly added them to my cart & have been wearing them ever since. They are so comfortable and go with everything from casual day dresses to jeans & shorts (they also come in black). These do run a full size big, so I recommend sizing down – I normally wear between a 9 and 9.5 & I had to go down to a size 8 in these to get a perfect fit. Other pieces I’m loving from H&M are these metallic lace-up sandals, this patterned maxi dress (under $20!), this straw tote & this cotton tunic. Right now, you can get free shipping on all orders with code 3537.
MAKING
One kitchen tool I cannot live without is my Spiralizer – I started testing recipes with this small handheld style, but shortly after I realized the possibilities, I upgraded to this versatile sturdy model. I have made “noodles” from so many different types of veggies (zucchini is my usual choice), but for some reason I’ve never tried sweet potatoes. This asian-inspired recipe is a light & delicious spring meal that’s just as good eaten cold the next day. It’s vegan & gluten-free and I like that you can serve it as a side dish or add your favorite protein to make it a heartier meal.
CRAVING
I’m definitely not feeling ready to jump into swimsuit season right now due to some lingering extra weight from a Lupus flare, but I fell head over heels in love with this scalloped bikini when I saw it in the J. Crew Catalog. It comes in 6 different colors & has UPF 50 sun protection – I appreciate that the matching bottoms have a full coverage cut and I love that they offer free shipping & free returns on their entire swim collection. This scalloped design also comes in one piece options & a different style bikini with high-waist bottoms (view them all here).
QuestHaven Fashions Giveaway ~ CLOSED
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