My Review of Native Deodorant

One thing that I have been doing over the past few years is switching over to more natural products when it comes to my makeup and skincare. I have always been wary of what I put in my body, which is probably why I haven’t had McDonalds in I don’t know how many years ha, but never really focused on what I was putting on my body until more recently. Funnily enough, I found out that the skin is extremely absorbent and whatever you use on it generally ends up in your bloodstream. How crazy is that?!

With that in mind, I started switching to paraben, phthalate, and aluminum free products. Then last August I saw a post on Facebook that a friend of mine wrote about a natural deodorant she had been using for months and how it was the best that she had ever used. I immediately messaged her asking about it in more detail and what all she recommended for a first time user.

A little over six months later and here I am writing a Wellness Wednesday post on that very same product, Native Deodorant. I mean, I love this deodorant, y’all. Yes, it does take some time getting used to it as it is a deodorant and not an antiperspirant like most products out there on the shelves. You will also definitely sweat more than you usually do, especially during the first month or so. However, it is worth it as I stink less when I sweat and it does not irritate my skin after shaving like some of the others would. Plus, all the ingredients are natural and you actually know what they are, which is something I think we can all agree on that is awesome.

The one thing I would suggest to those who are fairly warm bodied like myself, though, is to make sure that you wear loose tops when working out and immediately shower/bathe after your work out. As previously mentioned, it is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant, so you are going to sweat a bit more. Leaving your workout clothes on for too long is only going lead to clogged pores and/or heat rash if you just sweated buckets, so please take caution. This advice does not apply to just Native products but any sort of natural deodorant, so do be sure to always have good hygiene. I mean, we all know that juice or latte can wait until after you get clean.

*Pictured: Pear and Lavender and Unscented

**This post is not sponsored, I just really like Native Deodorant and highly recommend it to all my readers out there as it is formulated for men and women.

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Home Decor Inspiration via Target’s Opalhouse Collection

I am sure many of you have seen the various advertisements and articles about Target’s latest home decor collection, Opalhouse, blasted all over the internet. Needless to say, people have been anticipating the collection and with good reason as it’s quite gorgeous. Personally, I am loving the combination of bold colors, rich fabrics, natural textures, and fun prints.

Target has always been a go-to store for home decor items, but over the past couple of years or so, they have really stepped up their game. From collaborating with interior designers like Nate Berkus and bloggers such as Joy Cho (of Oh Joy!) to producing collections such as Project 62 and now Opalhouse, Target has easily become a source for all things for your home.

This past Sunday’s in-store and online release of Target’s Opalhouse collection is especially awesome for me, as I have been eyeing some items to help finish up my living room. Whoop!

Current Hair Pin-spiration

 

Over the past five or so years, I have tried (and failed) to grow out my pixie. However, after my last haircut in mid December, I decided that I (again) want to grow my hair out and preferably to a short bob. I just really hope that my sometimes lack of patience won’t get me again because I really would love to change up my ‘do. Eeek!

Luckily for me, I know how to manage a bob-like hairstyle as I have had one before. The unfortunate part of it is that it has been seven years (see the above photo) since I have last had this hairstyle. Needless to say, I may need to invest in a small straightener and a nice hair dryer again!

Also, I am hearing a variety of things on how best to treat your hair when trying to grow it out. So if y’all have any tips and/or tricks for this, please let me know!

Y’all have a great weekend!

-Christen

 

Psst… Be sure to check out these images and more on my Hairspiration board on Pinterest!

5 Unique Gifts for Valentine’s Day

 

T-Shirt / Ring / Coffee/Wine Glass / Essential Oils Set / Plush Corgi Bouquet

 

For those looking for any last minutes gifts but still wanting something a bit more unique than the average flowers and chocolate–look no further! Whether or not you’re looking for a significant other or something cute for a friend, any of the above will be sure to make their day. 

The key to this Hallmark holiday is to honestly just remember to your loved ones and let them know that you’re thinking about them. In the end, this holiday is about love and cherishing others, so even just a phone call (NOT a text…y’all can spare a couple of minutes smh) or a card in the mail can make a huge difference. 

-C

Let’s Talk: Amazon Prime Yoga Video Workouts

When I went to the MFAH Oscar de la Renta exhibit with a coworker and some of her friends, I heard the most amazing thing. Apparently if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, then you can watch a variety of instructional workout videos, including ones for Yoga. More than likely, I’m late to the game on this one but for those of y’all out there who also did not know about this–how awesome is that?!

Seeing as how one of my goals for 2018 was to start getting back into yoga (I took classes for a good while in Oregon but stopped when I moved back to Houston), I looked up the aforementioned videos on Amazon as soon as I got home. I have already tried out some of the Beginners Workout ones instructed by Erica Vetra and loved them. Even though you’re not in an actual class setting, it feels like you are with all the tips and suggestions on pose form that she supplies.

Yoga, and exercising in general, has always helped me when I have either been depressed (seasonal depression is real, y’all) or had low energy levels or even just felt a lack of self confidence. I know that I am not the only one who tends to struggle with issues like these. So, I have decided that on Wednesdays I will post about and discuss different wellness topics with you all. As of right now, I am undecided on how long I will keep these posts up but I do feel that it’s something that should be talked about.

Also, for those who, like me, have dealt with either depression, anxiety, or self esteem issues, I hope you find something that works for you like yoga does for me. If yoga does seem like an option that you’d want to try, be sure to check out my yoga essentials below and the yoga classes on Amazon Prime (much cheaper option than an actual class…just saying!).

Hope y’all have a lovely day!

-C

( Tank via JoyLab, Sports Bra via JoyLab, Zella High Waist Leggings via Nordstrom, Yoga Mat Cleaner Kit via Amazon, and Gaiam Yoga Print Mat via Amazon )

**And yes, I did include a yoga mat cleaner, because no one likes a gross yoga mat.

***The above leggings are over $50 but do know that Nordstrom is having a sale right, which includes a lot of their athletic gear. I got these high waist leggings from Nordstrom this past weekend for a little over $40 and love love love the cute marble pattern on them.

5 Recipes That You Must Try ASAP

No Sugar Pumpkin Spice Bread (via Bariatric Eating)

Cranberry White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies (via Foodie Crush)

Mushroom Rice Pilaf (via Natasha’s Kitchen)

Gingerdoodle Cookies (via The Novice Chef)

Slow Cooker Turkey Quinoa Chili (via Well Plated)

Cooking and baking have always been hobbies of mine, and I love finding new recipes and trying them out. Trying out a new recipe is sort of like a science experiment to me, which is always so much fun with never knowing what the outcome will be (but hoping that it’s a good one! ha).

Also, I must say that I have tried just about all of the recipes listed above and know that you’ll love how they turn out as much as I did!

-C

Weekend Wear + A Hand-beaded Clutch

If there is one clutch that I have fallen hard for this summer, it is the Azteca Beaded Clutch by Gretchen Scott. I love the colors that were used, the pattern, the size, and the fact that it is hand beaded.

Honestly, with this gorgeous clutch, you can dress up a simple top (like what I did) or complement a lovely dress. Y’all know I am all about pieces that are versatile and this clutch definitely fits in that category.

-C 

 

Outfit Details: Karen Kane top; Liverpool jeans; Donald Pliner wedges; Brighton sunglasses; Everlasting Joy necklace, earrings, and bracelets

Five Escapada Living Must Haves for Summer

 

Once summer comes around, I’m all about wearing dresses and tops made of lightweight fabrics, which are a definite must when you live in such a hot and humid area like I do. With that being said, since moving back to the Houston area, I have constantly been on the hunt for brands that use lightweight fabrics while also still remaining stylish.

One of those brands that I have found to satisfy my fabric and style needs is Escapda Living. I mean, not only do I love the feel of their pieces, but I also love how the classic cuts of them are styled with either a fun print or some tassels. All of which work perfectly down here in the South!

-C

 

3/4 Sleeve Mimi Tunic Dress / 3/4 Sleeve Susan Top / Tasseled Karen Top / Short Sleeve Naomi Romper / Daphne Tunic Dress

 

Five Must-Have Gingham Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

When I think of gingham I think of pictures of Audrey Hepburn in a blouse and gingham crops riding a bicycle or Brigette Bardot in a gingham dress. Having grown up with a love of 50’s and 60’s icons, I have always had a sweet spot for this pattern.

However, as much of a fan I am of the classics, I am loving the fresh and updated take on gingham that many people are embracing. I even recently purchased this MINKPINK dress, which combines this classic pattern with ruffles and the oh so flirty one shoulder trend. I’m also loving this cold shoulder Amanda Uprichard dress.

How are y’all embracing gingham this spring/summer?

-C

A Cute and Rustic Airbnb in OKC

The decor for this Airbnb (House on 5th) is ah-ma-zing!

I love love love the mixture of rustic and contemporary styles, as well as the neutral color palette that the homeowners decided to go with. Also, it boasts plenty of room and is walking distance to lots of things in Edmond (an Oklahoma City suburb) and is a short drive away to downtown Oklahoma City.

This Airbnb comes highly recommended, so be sure to check it out whenever you’re in the area!

-C

 

Photos by Caroline Hanson