It’s getting to be that time of year – RE: May through September – when my bathroom feels like the surface of the sun while drying my hair. To solve that little problem I avoid it as often as possible, and turn to wave sprays to avoid looking like a professional hobo. In the past I’ve tried more than I can count, all in the name of finding the perfect one for my fine mane. More often than not the answer has been a combination of two or more sprays working their magic together. Here are sixteen wave sprays you might want to add to your arsenal.
Snack-filled meals have long been some of my favorites, back in November I even laid out my dining room with charcuterie, crudités, and tappas for my housewarming party. What I love most about these types of spreads is that there are no real rules, only fast and loose suggestions.
These tappas boards by Samarie Designs would be a beautiful addition to any spread. Printmaker Samarie Higgins teamed up with woodworker Jeremy Happ to create these one-of-a-kind pieces that use sustainable wood. Each one features a swirling work of art that’s sure to complement the food served upon it.
Charcuterie includes mainly meats and cheeses, with some supporting roles thrown in by way of fruits, veggies, nuts, and carbs. It’s definitely an appetizer that’s heavy enough to be considered a light dinner. (A recommended 5 oz. of meat and 2 oz. of cheese per person, if you’re curious.)
+ dry-cured salami, prosciutto, smoky sausage, speck, coppa, chorizo, and sopressata
+ one of each type of cheese: stinky (blue), aged (cheddar, gouda) , soft (double or triple creams), hard (parmesan, manchego), and fresh (ricotta, goat, mozzarella) served at room temperature
+ toast a sliced baguette and/or cut up flatbreads in the oven
+ add small bowls of nuts and dried fruits scattered in between
+ olives, cornichons, and artichoke hearts will elevate your entire board with new textures
+ a few types seasonal fresh fruit, either sliced or in bowls
+ slice the hard cheeses, break up the stinky ones, provide different knives for the soft and fresh
+ add in a grainy mustard, fig jam, and fragrant honey for those who want to get adventurous
Crudités platters are usually full of seasonal vegetables, something pickled, and a few sauces. It’s a versatile appetizer because it can be served cold or hot, depending on the time of year. Separate everything into groups when plating on platters and boards for maximum visual impact.
+ cold, sliced seasonal vegetables– broccolini, cauliflower (white, green, orange and purple), radishes (red, black, watermelon), asparagus, celery, carrots, assorted bell peppers, snap peas, haricot vert, English cucumbers
+ mini skewers with things like mozzarella balls with cherry tomatoes
+ steamed, grilled, or baked vegetables such as corn on the cob, mini potatoes, and edamame
+ something bright and citrusy, like sliced oranges or Meyer lemons
+ two to three sauces for dipping
+ hollow out a few small heads of cabbage and fill them with thicker sauces for serving
+ a fancy salt, like pink Himalayan
Every year I make the mistake of waiting until it’s time to wear a swimsuit to try and buy one, but this year I’m behind the 8 ball and starting my search early (on time?). I haven’t been one for bikinis since my 20s, so I’m thrilled that the selection of one-pieces is exceptionally robust this year. Lots of interesting cuts and graphic patterns that draw me in like a moth to a flame. Plenty are already on sale too, so if you’re on the hunt for a new suit there’s no time like the present.
This year I’ve found myself in a gigantic creative rut that I’m constantly trying to dig myself out of. My Instagram quote series helps some, photoshoots can be creative, but sometimes the only way out is to learn something new. Just the idea of that can be overwhelming, but what if someone broke it down for you? Maybe they put together an easy online class that you can watch as many times as you need and the entire thing is affordable?
Well, that’s just what Brit + Co has done with 67 different skills, from succulent gardening to digitizing artwork and 65 things in between. New classes are being released all the time and a few are even free!
Five of you have the chance to win two classes each, right here, right now. Maybe you want to pick up your DSLR camera and know what you’re doing or maybe you want to pass them on to your mom or an upcoming graduate. Read on to check out my favorite classes and enter the giveaway below!
Calligraphy 101
Calligraphy extraordinaire Lauren Essl covers all the need-to-know basics of pointed pen calligraphy. During the class, she’ll walk you through everything from your basic supply list to the right way to dip your pen. She’ll also take you step-by-step through basic script technique for numbers, uppercase, and lowercase letters. Not only will you walk away with beautiful hand-lettered greeting cards to share with your friends, you’ll also get alphabet templates, grids, and practice sheets.
Phone Photography Basics
Learn how to expertly shoot and edit photos while on the move! Using just your smartphone, you’ll learn how to capture beautiful photos on any occasion. With pro editing tips and a few styling tricks, you’re going to own the Instagram game. How? You’ll learn how to setup the trendy flat lay shot, find and shoot in natural light and make photos pop with in-app filters.
Intro to Adobe Photoshop
In this class, you’ll learn how to create eye-catching photos and layouts like a pro with graphic designer Teela Cunningham. Her class is an awesome confidence booster when it comes to learning the ins and outs of the Adobe Photoshop interface. You’ll walk away from the class equipped with the skills to create photos and graphics that can be used on social media, a blog or as a personalized gift.
Bounce Lettering Basics
Brittany Luiz is going to teach you a unique style of brush pen lettering called bounce lettering. It’s a technique that adds more style and character to your lettering designs. And don’t worry if your handwriting isn’t that great because lettering is more than learning how to draw letters. It’s really about learning the strokes and how to apply the right pressure to your brush pen.
Intro to DSLR Photography
This class is perfect for those who have invested in a fancy camera but haven’t learned how to use it yet. Jenna will teach you the ins and outs of your DSLR camera, from exposure settings, shooting in auto and manual, and what various lenses should be used for. Finally, she’ll walk you through setting up the best conditions for your very own photoshoot.
Digitize Artwork in Adobe Illustrator
In this course, you’ll learn how to turn quick ink illustrations into versatile digital files that you can use as fun and colorful wallpapers for your desktop and phone. You’ll leave the class with two digital wallpapers to call your own. Plus, you’ll get access to four additional designs that you can use for practice. Think of all the art prints, textiles, stationery and wallpaper you can create!
1/ Tea Tree Oil
I’ve been using this stuff in multiples ways, including in my diffuser and on blemishes.
2/ PureAir 50
This little plug-in ionic air purifier is amazing. It cleans 350 sq. ft. of air by removing odors and reducing bacteria and viruses with activated oxygen. I have mine next to the cats’ litter box – the danger zone! – and noticed a total elimination of smell within about 15 minutes. It emits a kind of white noise sound when turned on, but I quickly got used to it.
3/ Lamb’s Ear
After years of admiration, I added one of these perennials to my porch collection. I’m hoping to keep it in a pot rather than have to plant it in the ground, but only time will tell how the plant tolerates it.
4/ Froozer Blue Aloha
These super natural treats are basically a frozen smoothie in a tube. They’re super tasty with only 35 calories and 9 carbs, which is a necessity for snacks with this type 2 diabetic.
5/ Common Goods Lavender Linen Water
I’ve been using this on my bedsheets for a few years now, I’m a real sucker for anything lavender scented as you may have noticed. This linen water is scented with 100% pure essential oil, is plant based, and biodegradable.
6/ Function of Beauty
Everyone’s been chattering about this line of shampoos and conditioners can that be personalized to your hair’s specific needs, and I’m here to report that the hype is 100% true! I love it and may never use another brand ever again. (Grab $5 off your order here.)
7/Round Taper Planters
This spring I had to replace the large bamboo planters I’ve used for the past several years due to normal wear and tear. I wanted something simple and affordable that would complement my new black shutters and came across these fade and weather resistant ones at Target. They’re available in four colors and seven sizes! (I also have four of the 6-inch ones indoors)
8/ Vineyard Hill Naturals Cardamom & Fig Candle
You might think this scent sounds a bit heavy for spring, but it’s quite the opposite. And the soy-based candle’s jar is one I’ll definitely be reusing with that Greek key pattern.
9/ Spruce Cleaning Wipes
I’m kind of the worst at keeping my electronics clean, and these little wipes are a fun reminder (those faces!) to wipe everything down – they’re also great for your eyeglasses. Made in the USA, free of harsh chemicals like alcohol and ammonia, and vegan.
While you’ll never convince me that a smoothie bowl is anything other than an excuse to eat your drink with a spoon, I’ll happily admit that they offer up some high quality visual appeal when done right. What’s more, if they get you to eat more fruits and vegetables than usual who am I to judge the method of transport. These beautiful concoctions have caught my eye and now I’m wondering – do you subscribe to the smoothie bowl trend? Have a favorite recipe?
Click on each image to go to the recipe. All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
There are three pieces of decor I switch up for spring and fall – bedding, rugs, and pillows. These are pieces that are easy to swap out to freshen up the feel of your home, as well as ones that don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m not running out twice a year to purchase new ones, rather just bringing them out of the guest room’s closet.) I tend to stick with a lot of neutrals so the switch may not be noticeable to anyone else, but even just a change in pattern makes me happy!
While I’m 110% in love with my house, I also know that it’s probably not my forever home. Sometime in the next few decades I really want the experience of building from the ground up. And while my architectural taste runs the gamut, lately I find myself really drawn to a-frames and their steeply angled rooflines and modern yet cozy vibe.
The to-do list for my home is a mile long, but near the top is the addition of a pergola. If you’re unfamiliar, a pergola is an architectural element originally used in ancient Greece and Rome to better define an outdoor space that’s gaining momentum in the current day. It usually consists of parallel colonnades that support an open roof of girders and cross rafters.
Pergolas are great privacy and shade solutions because, really, there are no rules. They can be built out of wood or steel, with a traditional or modern design or somewhere in between. Add fabric panels to the sides for additional privacy, let vining plants climb up to and cover the roof, add solar panels, or top it off with a plexiglas covering for protection from the rain. Your pergola can be freestanding in the middle of the backyard or built on top of a porch or deck, or maybe you’d just like to build one over your old concrete patio. See? Not many rules here.
I’d like mine to be similar to the second one below, but the wood painted white instead of black to keep the heat to a minimum during summer. Honeysuckle would climb all four colonnades and wind around the girders where it would mingle with strands of lights with edison bulbs. I’d have a few planter boxes on one or two of the sides that would blend in, and maybe a canvas tarp that could be attached to the four corners for shade on especially hot days.
