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.
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.
It’s already May, and I’ve been a planting fool! But unfortunately, I’ve also already been sunburned once. Despite my daily layer of sunscreen, I’m realizing I need something more – like an gigantic hat to protect my face, neck, and scalp. (Having super dark hair and a flaky scalp do not mix.) I picked up a wide-brimmed straw hat for the job, but decided it needed a bit more personality. A few geometric shapes and three primary colors later and now I’ll be wearing it all summer long! Bonus: this one is foldable, so it’ll be easy to tuck into my bag on the go – no excuses.
Supplies:
• wide-brimmed straw hat
• craft paint
• cardstock
• scissors
• pen
• flat-tipped paintbrush
• palette or paper plate
• paper towels
Start out by making some simple cutout templates using the cardstock, pen, and scissors. I used objects from around the house – a salt cellar for the circle, a sticker for the square, and the corner of the cardstock for the triangle. (Of course you can opt to use any shapes you want, I think black and white squiggles would look great!) I recommend using a pen to trace each shape because a pencil didn’t seem to be dark enough.
Lay out your shapes and trace as you go, making sure to avoid placing circle next to circle, etc. Now get to painting. I chose a primary color palette because it’s bright and fun for summer, but I think a black and white scheme would be just as striking. Layer of paper towels or newsprint on your painting surface before getting started because it will come through a bit. After putting some paint on my palette, I went around and made a small daub of color on each shape as a guide.
Carefully line the edges of each shape using your flat-tipped brush before filling in the centers, using the brush in an up and down motion to get all the nooks and crannies where necessary. Allow your new hat to dry thoroughly (of course) before strutting your stuff and protecting your mug!
I’ve been slowly going through my house, room by room, and getting rid of things I haven’t used recently. Call it the Marie Kondo method, call it decluttering, whatever you call it it feels really good. I’ve had April earmarked for my closet since the start of the year and was really looking forward to doing some serious damage. Most things end up in the donation pile, but there are usually a few more quality pieces that I’d like to get a return on – enter eBay!
If you’ve never sold with eBay before it couldn’t be easier, let me lay it out.
Step 1. List it. Take a few photos to upload, decide on the selling format that’s right for you, and you’re done. (I love the feature that allows you to save a draft for later!)
Step 2. Ship it.
After your item sells mail it out.
Step 3. Get paid.
PayPal gets you your earnings in the fastest, simplest way – and for free.
Just think of all the potential cash you have laying around your house right now in the form of clothes you’re no longer into, kitchen appliances you’ve never opened, and decor that’s just not your jam anymore.
I’m good about keeping whatever’s on hangers down to what I wear on the regular, but things like jeans, sweater, and bags that are on shelves are more difficult to keep in check. By making a little extra cash on things I’m no longer wearing, I can justify buying this bamboo handbag I’ve been eyeing and this navy blue mini peasant dress that I’d love to have for summer. Like everything in life, keeping your belonging in check is all about balance.
Be sure to check out eBay’s Clean Up, Cash In Game to learn what’s hot for selling by playing a fun match game, you’ll also be entered for a chance to win up to a $50 gift card. Add something new from your wishlist while clearing out the things from your own closet that might be on someone else’s – talk about a win-win!
This post sponsored by eBay. All words and opinions are my own, as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush creating fresh content!
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.
Few things in my wardrobe have been more elusive than the perfect white t-shirt. One that’s not too long or too short, too tight or too loose, with a neck that’s not too big or too small. It makes me feel like Goldielocks. When I think back, the closest I ever had was a sort of thin, boxy cut version from the Gap when I was in high school. (My Grandma actually found it at her house and we were reunited last year!) How about you, have a favorite white tee that just goes with everything?
You may have noticed during our monthly favorites posts just how obsessed I’ve become with face serums. I resisted for months, thinking that they’d probably only serve to clog my already problematic skin. Then in February I as convinced to try one and I’ve been hooked ever since – the hydration! the smoothing! the glow! I now use two different serums a day, vitamin C in the morning and a rejuvenating formula before bed. Do you have a favorite?
Viva la feminism! No part of the human form should be taboo, and I love people and companies who stand for that thought in tasteful, tongue in cheek ways. Best of all, several of these shops donate a portion of proceeds from each purchase to organizations that give back!
Sseko Designs is an ethical brand that’s using fashion and design to help bright, brave young women in East Africa attend university. To date they’ve enabled 86 women in Uganda go to college to pursue their dreams and become change makers in their communities!
At the beginning of February I first connected with Sseko Designs founder Liz Forkin Bohannon, thanks to a mutual friend we met up and when she reached out about being a 2017 Sseko Sole Sister I was in 500%.
As a Sseko Sole Sister I’ve been connected to one university-bound woman on Sseko’s team in Uganda – meet Shakira! She lives with her mother and three siblings and loves wearing bold prints in simple designs, reading for fun, and spending time with her friends. Shakira seeks out happy moments, loves horror films and chili-flavored snacks, adventure and exploring new places, and hopes to one day get to Switzerland to see the sights and learn more about its neutral and stable history. She looks up to her mother and the strength she has shown in every situation. When things get tough, Shakira likes to remind herself that, “for every successful man, there are very many unsuccessful years.”
She reminded me a lot of myself and so the deal was sealed! (And that dress! Style for days.)
In school Shakira’s favorite subjects are literature and geography, and she hopes to go on to study art at the university level – specifically design. “One thing that makes me love art – I love nature,” she explains. “I love everything about nature. So maybe if I can put it toward design, something can come out of it.”
The fifteen women in this year’s Sole Sister class won’t be making beautiful sandals, bags, and accessories forever – they’re destined for more and deserve the chance to pursue their dreams. The Sseko community wants them to know we’re here, rooting for them and cheering them on the entire way.
And with every single purchase made through mine and Shakira’s link, sales will go towards earning her an additional scholarship towards university!
To kickoff the start of my year as Shakira’s Sole Sister and to get you outfitted for spring in some super stylish ethically made goods,we’re giving away $100! Choose from their incredible selection of handmade sandals, leather bags, and accessories – I’ve already picked up the Brave necklace with a few charms and a pair of camel Rue sandals or myself.
