summer skincare prep

my favorite sunnies, now lost. where, o where, are you guys??

 i've had skincare on my mind lately, as my 20-week pregnancy hormones are making my face a bit bi-polar (uneven texture/color, random breakouts in never-happened-before areas, sensitivity, etc.) and as we are finally moving into the sunny southern months. just thought i'd share what i've been using, what i've been reading about, and what i'm excited to try.

first off- this cleanser. i'd heard an internet rumor about the mysterious dermatologist that created this facial cleanser and sold its doppelganger for much, much more and of course, had to try it. guess what? it really is a sweet little beauty secret. its $5.99, well over 8 oz (mine has lasted 3 months, using twice a day, and i still have some left), soooo gentle, and removes regular mascara. my skin feels soft after using, not tight or dry, and i love the pump bottle. i'm also a fan of the oil free moisturizer- great for oily/combo skin or if you like a soothing, lightweight lotion.

when it comes to skincare, i like to know what ingredients i'm putting onto my face and body, and try to keep it as natural as possible. that said, i'm also intrigued by new technology in treating age-old problems and the visible results they produce. for a more natural approach, i love anything by dr. hauschka and recommend this little kit for your vacation travels. there is enough product for several days and packaged in this nifty little tin that snaps shut. and its just nice to be able to read the ingredient list and recognize everything, right? if you want to get down and dirty in your deep face clean, even while using natural products, you can embrace technology and pair them with a clarisonic mia -your own personal traveling scrubbie buddy.

i'm curious about this new line of high-end products and treatments, from the makers of proactive...it definitely seems more of a clinical approach backed by research, and i like that the line is extensive enough to carry self-tanners, sunscreens, supplements, and makeup removers. skincare is a broad genre of beauty, and can be overwhelming unless we educate ourselves. i'm always on the lookout for a great product that actually does what it claims to do...be it preventative, treatment, or restorative. i'll have to give this a try and get back to you on the results...

and as always, the trifecta of beachtime and poolside skin-saving chic...sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cute sunhat! what are ya'll using and loving on your pretty faces? any summer tips for keeping your skin clear and gorgeous?

xo

p.s. i wasn't paid or otherwise coerced into writing this post, i just like talking about stuff i'm using and/or excited about. thats all. 

mama bee style: summer color block maxi

my recent weeks have started to follow a pattern of beginning slowly, at home, taking care of things there-laundry, cleaning, shopping for the week. i'm enjoying the ease into busyness. midweek to weekend usually finds me at the salon, with several weddings and prom bookings as of late. the weekend kicks into high gear with my stila visits- going to sephora and ulta stores around the nashville area providing support. as i was working yesterday, it hit me how lucky i was to have the opportunity to meet and briefly get to know such a wide range of amazing women. while i'm obsessed with color and products, the personal connection with my clients are what keep me inspired.

here's another easy, summer seasoned, pregnancy-friendly maxi look. finding a maxi skirt that fits comfortably over the bump is a nice little gem! its a no-brainer kind of look to tuck the colorful skirt into a basic grey tank. let a simple beaded necklace pull it all together.



tank + skirt: target
shoes: f21
necklace: anthropologie



i love this necklace, but i love this boy a whole lot more!



target.com has a $5 off coupon for merona shoes right now and i was able to use it on this pair of super comfy loafers that were already on clearance for $7...my grand total being $2! gotta love a deal like that! my mom would be proud.

top 6 nashville eats

michael and i 'b.c.' (before children)

okay, so this list is somewhat definitive, being that it is a top 6 list, but ya know, its not the end-all list of great food in nashville. because lemme tell ya...my city has some dang good eatin! from chef's fine dining to cheap eats to food trucks to fancy coffee, we got it all. this list is more about my personal favs: the top meals around town that i crave, that i just can't get enough of. so, go forth and eat, my friends. you won't be disappointed.

1. the local burger with amazing fries. fido. this guy describes it way better than i could. my favorite part? that it comes from a coffee shop! also, the fries. and aioli. holy aioli.

2. the bahn mi. mitchell deli. this sandwich might just be my favorite thing between bread- and i eat a lotta bread. its like, hey, i want bbq, but not the saucy stuff, i want perfectly smoked pork dressed with pickled jicama and carrots, just the right amount of homemade mayo, a sprinkle of cilantro, and i want it on the best damn hoagie roll, ever. i wanna feel full, but good, afterwards, and dream about it forever more. 

3. the south brooklyn. 5 points pizza. okay, i've had pizza in new york and chicago, and don't throw stones, but this beats 'em. all components are given equal attention and it turns out the most delicious, satisfying pizza: crispy but chewy crust, an olive oil base, bright and flavorful sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil baked in. its like the symphony of pizzas, every note just sings. 

4. dry aged rib eye and sides. kayne prime. we take a good steak seriously in our house, and for a serious slab of beef, with innovative and mouth-watering sides, with style to spare, this is your place! heres a teaser: creamed corn brulee with roasted jalapeno, housemade black peppercorn bacon with maple cotton candy, duck confit tacos with whipped avocado. omgggggzz

5. fish tacos. baja burrito. we tennesseans are land-locked, but don't let that fool you into thinking that we can't get our hands on some real fish tacos. every time i try another restaurant's fish tacos, i always compare them to baja's because they are the best! add some chips and that pineapple salsa with a refreshing fruit tea, and i'm a happy girl.

6. country ham & eggs with biscuits & gravy. the loveless cafe. the loveless is heart and soul nashville goodness. everything on the menu is amazing (comes close to my grandma's cooking amazing), the staff and atmosphere are just so warm and inviting, and their instagram account might be my favorite (plus they do friday giveaways!) so because everything is delicious, my philosophy when going is to get something that i wouldn't normally cook at home. which usually ends up being country (read:salty!) ham with biscuits and sawmill gravy (the white kind)...with a sweet tea, of course ;)

the bahn mi

thats my list, ya'll! now i'm hungry...

xo

stila's summer set

thought i'd put together some of my favorite stila products to get you gorgeous this summer! here's what i love... (clockwise)

1. stay all day waterproof mascara. don't neglect those lashes poolside! 
2. stay all day waterproof liquid eyeliner in turquoise. my all time favorite liquid liner in a cool 60's turquoise. pair it with black liner for extra drama.
3. stay all day 10-in-1 HD beauty balm w/ spf 30. make your skin gorgeous while pampering it! i like using this instead of foundation when the humidity starts rising. 
4. convertible color in peony. my hardworking cream blush & lip color. perfect for an easy, pretty flush...just dab it on with your fingers. 
5. countless color pigments. super bright and fun color for summer! swirl your brush for a custom color or pick out what you need. use on eyes & cheeks. 
6. set & bronze baked powder trio. i like to pair this with the beauty balm for its setting power and luminous glow. 
7. color balm lipstick in isla. my new favorite! very hydrating, love this peachy shade, i will live in this all summer. 
8. after glow lipcolor in rave red. i also love tangerine dream. rich color, nice hold, and did i mention that it glows under uv light? 

you can order these goodies at stilacosmetics.com or any sephora/ulta. 
p.s. i certainly didn't get paid to tell you this fab info, i just love these products! and you will too ;)
p.p.s. stila is offering great little gifts for orders of $100 or more! check it out here. 

30, flirty, and thriving!

yep, its true- i've officially entered my thirties! how weird is that? some days it feels like i've lived longer than even these 30 years...but most of the time i'm like, where did the time go?? the last couple of years especially have just flown by.  i guess life is ready to put me in my place: 30, happily married (after a long journey here), with a vibrant and growing toddler, and a little one on the way. working on our home, our businesses, our projects, our little place in the world. it is hard work, exhausting at times, but ultimately a happy and fulfilling place to be. my twenties were about making mistakes, going on adventures, trying out new things and different personas, being with friends, and just figuring out life. but now, here, i am very good with who i am. everyone has told me how their thirties are just better. it feels right to be joining them.

friday was my actual birthday, but this week has been a heavy one with the passing of someone special to my family, so we kept my celebrations simple. we went on a lunch date for the best burger in town (and at a coffee shop, of all random places!) and later had dinner with my extended family. these are my favorite times- the whole loud, laughing, ever-growing group of us crammed around a table with delicious food to share. it don't get much better then that!

i may do a goals list for this year, or i may look a little broader at the next decade, and write it out. i have a few thoughts on it floating around in my brain, but we'll let that wait for now.

okay, and now some photographic evidence of life 'done gone'...




i mean, if this isn't the face of pure joy, i dunno what is! swings are the funnest!


and then here's my "this is really happening" face. 16 1/2 weeks and growing! and finally for birthday times, usa...



its called the local burger, its at fido, and i will probably include it in my upcoming list of top 6 nashville eats. check back! the last photo is my granddaddy jones and myself- we share our birthday! he says i'm catching up to him, which is probably true...i think you stop counting after 50, right? ;)

mama bee style: spring peach maxi

as mentioned before, i'm really loving the comfort and versatility of the maxi length right now. yesterday we spent the day with family having a little early 30th birthday celebration for yours truly! the weather was sunny, mild, and breezy- just a perfect day to hang with those i love best and eat my delicious requested-birthday-meal: grilled italian chicken, pasta and veggie salad, fried okra, yeast rolls, sweet tea, and a decadent chocolate cake...hmm, heaven. and to top it all off, everyone secretly got together and bought be my long-awaited counter top kitchenaid mixer with an ice cream maker attachment! talk about lucky! shew. this summer is gonna be delicious.




top: F21
maxi skirt: mossimo / target
wedges: mossimo / target



sunglasses + necklace: target
ring: old navy



loving revlon's lipgloss in pink pop + coral reef for summer!

xo

instalife update

here is what my life is all about right now:


lounging in the sun with nothing to do: YEAH RIGHT! haha oh, the lazy days of early summer, how i miss you (and will probably never really know you again...at least until retirement!) here i'm keeping it comfy in between makeup and spray tanning appointments at my salon in a pair of topshop jeans and urban outfitters mocs.


since the sun has finally decided to come out, i've renewed my love of these two skin care products. they perform like the more expensive brands (same ingredients) for much less!


judah is definitely my child. here he is declaring his love of baja burrito, one of my favorite lunch spots in nashville. their fish tacos are the best thing ever and i'll go have some with you whenever you want!


little sneaky guy is pretending to "pick" the lock of my makeup case with a thermometer...while making frustrated grunts. he is such a funny boy and constantly making me smile :)


i've also decided to go back to work for a company that i truly love- stila cosmetics. i am constantly using and recommending their beautiful (and hard working) products to my clients and am thrilled to be back on the team! if you follow me on twitter or instagram (@sarabeehive) then i will let you know when i'm working at a store near you, and we can play with makeup together!

lastly, we are moving forward with the contract on a house that we're so excited to start renovating...once we close and get the keys, all official and a done deal, i will start posting pics of the process. its gonna be a fun one! think mid century modern ranch... :)

xo