Friday Favorites

Hi there friends and happppppy Friday! I’m excited to be back today with another rendition of Friday Favorites. I had so much fun doing this last week, so I wanted to keep the ball rolling. This is just a fun, laid-back way to share things that inspire me, favorite finds, or other interesting things that caught my attention during the week. Today I have a good mix of things to share, along with some inspiring words that were a good reminder I really needed this week.

Favorite Skincare Product: Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

I’ll be honest with you guys, when it comes to skincare I really don’t do much. But a few months back I decided to spoil myself a bit and I splurged on the Josie Maran Argan Oil. I’d heard soooooo many people rave about it and I decided it was finally time to amp up my skincare routine. And I have to say, this stuff is pretty incredible. A little goes a long way, I’ve actually had the same bottle for about 4 months now and I really do love it. I have sensitive skin, so I was nervous about using an actual oil on my face, but it’s awesome. It helps with improving texture, brightness, elasticity, and so much more. You can even use it on your fingernails, hair, etc. I apply it before bed every night and I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my skin over the past few months of using this.

Favorite Household Product: Mrs. Meyers Soap & Cleaners

In my Friday Favorites post last week I talked about using an essential oil diffuser in our home and how I’ve been more interested in natural alternatives to many household products like hand soaps, cleaners, laundry detergents, etc. I’ve learned that the chemicals in many of these products can actually alter our hormones and do all kinds of awful things to our minds and bodies. Really scary stuff folks. I’m just getting started on this journey, but this past week I threw out all of our old soaps and cleaners and picked up several of the Mrs. Meyers cleaning products and hand soaps from Target. (They are also available on Amazon.) They’re all formulated with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils and they don’t contain any awful things like triclosan, etroleum distillates, parabens, phosphates or phthalates.

So far I am loving all of these products and they actually do work really well. I especially love the Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner in Lavender. It makes the entire house smell amazing and it cleans like the dickens!

Favorite Hair Product: Big Sexy Hair Blow Dry Volumizing Gel

Surprisingly I’ve had many questions about what I use in my hair to get volume, which is kind of funny because my go-to look is generally a messy topknot. But when I actually do get around to doing “pretty hair”, I always use this volumizing gel. I’ve been using this for about 4 years now and I love, love, love it.

I use about a nickel size amount in my hair after getting out of the shower, applying it at the roots mostly. Then I flip my head upside down and blow-dry like a crazy woman until my hair is about 75% dry. Then I separate it into small section and use a large round brush to finish it off. The key is working in small sections, starting at the bottom of your head and working your way upwards. I’ve found the best price for the volumizing gel is on Amazon, you can find it here.

Favorite Vase: White Heirloom Vases from Magnolia Market

I picked up a pair of these beautiful white heirloom vases at Magnolia Market a few weeks back and I’m pretty much obsessed with them. I was on the hunt for small, delicate vases for spring and these are perfect. I mean, just look at how gorgeous these are:

I love how feminine and delicate they are–just right for a single flower or two. And of course I love the vintage hobnail look. Snag a few while you can, these are currently on clearance for just $4. Find them here.

I’m also loving these yellow daffodils and I just couldn’t help but take about 193 pictures of them. I was having so much fun with this little display, I might have gotten a little carried away.

Favorite Image: Inspiration from Jenna Kutcher

Do you all follow Jenna Kutcher on Instagram? She’s a a photographer and entrepreneur that is seriously so amazing for a plethora of reasons. Definitely one to check out–I promise you’ll be inspired. She occasionally posts motivational or humorous quotes on her feed and I recently found this one she shared a while back:

These words really spoke to me and it was a good reminder I needed this week. And one I thought a few of you might need as well. You guys, it’s ok to be messy, complicated, and imperfect–I certainly am. I’ve been known to get overly anxious about things that should be no big deal, I’m too emotional, and I’m usually always running late. Some days I feel like a superhero ready to ninja-kick whatever life throws at me, and other days I think everything I do is lousy. But here’s the thing–perfection is boring. And over time I’ve learned to love my imperfect, quirky personality. I know God has my back and really that’s all I need. Some days are more messy than others, but I’m always working and growing and striving to be better than I was yesterday. And I hope this little reminder can encourage you to do the same. Be ok with the good and bad, and show up anyway. Know that you are enough, just the way you are, and go embrace all life has to offer.

Thanks so much for dropping by the blog today! You guys rock. Now go make it a great weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday with an exciting update on our kitchen remodel progress. xoxo