Weekend Getaway, An Anniversary: from Carmel to San Simeon back to LA again

The guy and I celebrated our two year anniversary this past weekend with a trip up the coast to Big Sur.  Words can't describe how wonderful it all was, but pictures tend to capture the essence of every moment with fragments of embedded emotions...

As we happened on the first vineyards along the way, I sent off a final tweet and checked out of instant-response-land.

The storms were following quickly behind.  As the setting sun called to us in the distance, we kept our pace.

Tracks made, but no travelers in sight.

I spotted a lone pony watching us from a small corral just off the roadside.

We didn't arrive until late in the evening.  The rain had taken to falling again and we rushed into our warm woodsy cabin for some shut-eye.  The next morning, dew-drops and bright ferns greeted us into a world far from wifi.

Even foreign phone booths were laid to rest in the deep valleys of our escape.

Far away, the sound of cars sweeping past melded with the roaring waves and we were quick to give up on deciphering between the two.

...and in the middle of lush green forests and creamy cool waters...

We found fence posts worth tiptoeing across,

miniature bouquets dusted with grace,

rocks for jumping from one to another, paint brushes with stencils built in and shady paths to kingdoms of vines.

On a cliff's edge we held close, not for safety but to moments carrying future memories.

In meadows, we lie low as sweet grasses blush our cheeks.

Running, jumping and dancing in the afternoon light.

Offerings, conversation, new friends and blessings.

Just Love.

Sunbathing and precious observation.

One of our never-fails-to-happen stumblings across magic, a reason to hike, swim and wander.

A last and lengthy stop at the Hearst Castle for daydreaming...

...and to capture all that was and is meant to be.

Madewell

Anthropologie

BCBG Max Azria

Free People

DKNY Pure Collection

H&M

Marni for H&M

Toms

Montblanc

Look by M

Julio Benez, Artisan LA

Cartier

Vintage, personal collection

xoxo,

Candy for Clear Skin

I frequently peruse what I call the "girlie fun-time section" of Whole Foods for candles, body wash, hats, lotions, super-soft yoga tees, Toms, new vitamins and probiotics, the list goes on.  By the way, how fantastic is Whole Foods for combining clothing, health and good smelling things into a mini-boutique INSIDE THE GROCERY STORE!  

~Excitement-driven-derailment-sequence complete~

While on one of my ventures into the market for bath suds, I happened upon Zuzu Luxe cosmetics.  

I'm a pretty simple girl when it comes to makeup.  I didn't wear anything outside of eyeliner, mascara and tinted lipbalm {and sunscreen, of course} until 2 years ago.  My bestie, Sari, got me invested in cosmetics and now I'm a diehard.  That being said, I only keep 2-3 small eye shadow palettes at a time.  One of which usually ends up in my "it's not that season" makeup pouch along with a blush or a bronzer -- depending on which time of year it's not.  

I generally stick to department stores for makeup because the brands are tested and true.  However, I was lured in by Zuzu Luxe for two reasons:

• Winter-to-Spring season transition tones on display and

• VEGAN cosmetics!

I know you've heard me mention Vegan products a time or two.  To answer your question, no, I am not a vegan.  I was a vegetarian for around ten years {I started in middle school.  Call me precocious.} but my bloodstream woke up one day and screamed in an intolerable pitch "I NEED MORE IRON".  So I b-lined it to an In-n-Out.  My interest in vegan products stems from a guilt complex I've recently developed.  Long story.  Mostly rambling.

Moving on.  I decided it was time to freshen up my cosmetic collection by investing in the jewel-and-candy palette you see here.  I can only tell you that I am in-love with these little pots of powdery honey.  What's not to love.  Zuzu Luxe even says their products, while dazzling up your eyes and pronouncing your cheekbones, also clear and prevent breakouts.  With an ingredients list like spring water, herbs, vitamins and essential oils, I don't doubt it.  

Left to Right: Ice Princess, Angel and Skylar

xoxo,