So far we've covered beach finds, transitional outerwear, and wear-all-the-time, investment-worthy beauty and accessories from the Nordstrom anniversary sale. Today I'm shifting gears and talking about the "just because" purchases. You know, the treasures that you don't really need per se and can't really justify normally, except that they're on sale at the best prices of the season and they spark joy in your heart.
#TREATYOSELF: 10 Self-Indulgent Items From Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
InstaBeauty: July 2015 Edition
Can you believe July is already coming to an end? Like June's, this month's edition of InstaBeauty is all about summer beauty. Think new lippies, glowing skin, travel-friendly essentials and a few new spritzes (and not always of the fragrance kind). Ready for a closer look? More after the jump!
Product Review: Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub
I have a love/hate relationship with most body scrubs. I love the scrumptious scents and the exfoliating and moisturizing properties, but hate the oily, gritty mess they leave behind in the shower. Luckily for me and gals everywhere who feel the same way, the new Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub ($76 at BeautyMark) delivers all the positives without any of the negatives, in a spa-strength, all-natural formula that boasts 5 biodegradable exfoliants.
The Bar Method: A Progress Update
Back in January, when I tried the Bar Method for the first time in 5 years, I was so out of shape I couldn't even hold my plank during warm-up. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. After that class, I kept returning thanks to the $80 one-month-unlimited new client special Bar Method had gifted me (blogger perk FTW!). When it expired, I bought a monthly membership.
Product Review: NIVEA Q10plus Anti-Wrinkle Serum Pearls
As a beauty blogger who celebrated the big 3-0 last year, two truths have become clear. First, good skincare habits are more important than ever. And second, you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get an effective product. The new NIVEA Q10plus Anti-Wrinkle Serum Pearls ($16.77 at walmart.ca) is proof of the latter. I’ve only been using this drugstore delight for a week, but it’s already made a big difference.
Bridal Style: The Groom's Gift Watch
A keepsake watch, given as a gift, often marks a special occasion: a graduation or a new job, or in the case of Chinese tradition, a marriage. I've always loved the Chinese custom of the bride giving the groom a nice watch on their wedding day. After all, if the bride gets a sparkly engagement ring, the groom should have something too! Needless to say, the boy is all for this custom—so much so that he's been ogling watches since before our engagement. It was a sit-down with Rado Switzerland representatives though—and not a jewelry store visit—that introduced me to this luxe Swiss brand.
8 Investment-Worthy Extras From Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
If you read my last post, you'll know that the Nordstrom anniversary sale is now open to the general public for their pre-fall shopping pleasure! This is your chance to scoop up the staples you'll wear all autumn long, at the best prices of the season. Last post was all about outerwear; this time around, I'm sharing pre-fall splurges that are worth every penny.
6 Apparel Picks From Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
6. Rebecca Taylor tweed coat (
I know, I know, we're in the dog days of summer and even the mention of coats makes you break into a sweat. (Or at least that's what happens to me.) But any savvy shopper knows that it's best to shop early, and luckily at Nordstrom, shopping early also means the best prices. The Nordstrom anniversary sale starts today for Rewards cardholders. I had a chance to peruse the catalogs and, as usual, was most tempted by all the great outerwear.
Product Review: John Frieda Beach Blonde Haircare
The last thing I want to do is blast my hair with a super-hot blow-dryer when the mercury rises, which is why I've been twisting my damp locks into a braided 'do and experimenting with beachy waves lately. The low-maintenance hairstyle keeps me cool and, thanks to the John Frieda Beach Blonde line, is super-easy to achieve sans heated styling tools. In fact, you can think of Beach Blonde as a complete summer haircare system. 4 products, no fuss—not bad!
14 Beachy Nordstrom Finds Under $100
Happy July, everyone! Gotta admit, I've been more than a little errant with the blogging lately. June was a busy month with work, blog-related events, and bridesmaid duties, plus the hot, sunny days we've been enjoying in Vancouver have been rather distracting. The boy and I have already enjoyed blissful days at local beaches and parks, and I'm craving more before the summer's over!
Currently Loving: Avène Sunscreen
I've been sitting here for an hour, trying to cleverly tell you why Avène sunscreen is amazing, how you should wear SPF daily if you don't already, that Avène's formulas are so incredible I've been wearing these sunscreens non-stop during the Vancouver heat wave. But every time I try for "clever," this post comes out sounding more "fangirl," so here it is: I'm obsessed with these sunscreens in a way I've never really been obsessed with sunscreen before. Let's go over all the reasons why I love them, shall we?