Author Archives: BAC

Skin Care Regimen: Enza Essentials

A little over a month ago, Enza reached out to me about trying their line of skincare products. Needless to say, this could of not come at a better time because I’ve been in a little bit of a skincare rut lately and was looking for a more consistent routine day-and- night. By this mean, I have been using products every few months but nothing I was completely taken away with or really noticed any difference. I’m probably a marketer’s dream-come-true because slap on “anti-aging” or “anti-wrinkle” and I will most certainly purchase you!

Now before I tell you about my experience with Enza and my personal skincare routine – I must be 100% honest – I have been very #blessed with a clear complexion all of my life (cue: eye role – but even during my teen years, I was extremely lucky and can thank my genes for that). My biggest concern with my skin was my freckles and ensuring I didn’t burn every other day growing up in the Sunshine State.

Enza was formulated by a certified cosmetic surgeon who, over 18+ years, worked endlessly to perfect his product line. Thank you, Dr. Joseph Rucker!

Before I was sent my customized skin care regimen, I answered a few questions about my skin and its behaviors (i.e.  the fact that my skin is normally pimple-free, however, also extremely sensitive (HIVES!), dryer in the winter months and some oily spots so I tend to use oil-free only products). What is so neat about Enza is that your products can be completely customized with a member of their team and a routine is formulated that best fits your needs.

Mine is below!

AM

Step #1. Saturation Cleanser – I do a “double cleanse” – the first one gets rid of surface pollutants and the second penetrates deeper.

Step #2. Saturation Toner – I then spray this toner on a cotton pad and wipe over my face. What is neat about this toner is that you can continually tone throughout the day if you feel dry or oily. You can also mist over make-up!

Step #3. Botanical Biopeptide Concentrate – This is a wrinkle reduction serum and it works wonders, however, I apply this and then wait at least 30 seconds before applying any other products to let it set in.

Step #4. Stress Extraction Creme – This serves as my daily moisturizer and its sheer and light-bodied. It helps to shield the skin from moisture loss and the effects of environmental stress. Much needed!

Step #5.  Advanced Protection SPF 30 – I apply this each morning to protect my fair Irish skin from the rays!

PM

Repeat Steps #1-3 (Saturation Cleanser + Saturation Toner + Botanical Biopeptide Concentrate)

Step #4. Eyebright Intensive Eye Creme – This is applied to the eye area only and works to smooth, hydrate and refine the delicate area under the eyes.

Step #5. I finish again by applying the Stress Extraction Creme (i.e. moisturizer) before a good night’s sleep.

To get your own custom regimen built – check out all their products here!

It has been almost 1 month of this daily routine and I have already seen amazing results. My skin is so much smoother, radiant and even-toned than before. It always feels hydrated and truth be told, the products smell good too! AND because there are some weeks where I wear little to no make-up at all (truly, I’m all about a fresh face) and others where I wear it everyday, it’s important to me to look great on both occasions. I have even noticed my make-up goes on smoother.

It is safe to say I am hooked on Enza and also officially out of my skincare rut.

Happy Friday!

{All Enza products were c/o* and opinions are my own.}

Giveaway: Rewined Mimosa!

I have blogged a few times about my love for Rewined Candles. Most recently, I featured their Spring seasonal “Mimosa” scent in my Society Social bar cart curation post.

Rewined Candles are individually handcrafted in recycled wine bottles. They use only premium natural soy wax and each scent is designed to mimic the flavors and aromas you find in your favorite varietals of wine. Every candle is “signed” with initials and the date poured/vintage. [See story below]

I literally have a different scent in every room and corner of my house. I specifically love this Mimosa candle for the kitchen and bathroom.

Alas, this company out of Charleston, South Carolina (also one of the best cities in the world), and I have teamed up to give you a chance to win a Mimosa candle of your own! You can enter below!

The other good news is that for those of you that don’t win the candle – you can still get FREE SHIPPING on all orders that include a Mimosa candle as a H&T reader.

Use promo code: RewinedMimosaHosting when you check out from now until May 5th!

Perfect gift for bridal showers, birthday and Mother’s Day is just around the corner too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Cheers!

#rewinedmimosa

OOTD: Favorite Spring Frock

It’s the end of April and Spring is finally here in Georgetown!

This little textured frock has easily become one of my favorite dresses this season – I saw it twice in the store and then again on Refinery 29 and had to have it. It’s now been added to my list of “hostess” dresses (read: super comfortable – also perfectly appropriate for the office!)

Dress: H&M // Heels: Off Broadway (c/o*) // Necklace: Betsey Johnson (similar here) // Bag: Louis Vuitton (gold stamp monogramed)// Arm Party: J.CREW (similar & similar) // Sunnies: Anthropologie // Paws: OPI Pink Flamenco 

Easter Treat!

I have confession. I might keep the U.S. Post Office in business. No, seriously.

You probably have learned by now that I am the number one fan of snailmail. No matter what the occasion – birthdays, thank you notes, holidays – and even, “just because”. Maybe it’s the summer camp girl in me but I think there is something so exciting about receiving anything in the mail (not just online purchases). I also think it’s slowly becoming a forgotten art – so I make it a point to keep it alive in my life and put aside time each week to make sure no one is forgotten.

With that being said, even those of you that don’t have the energy to run around buying cards and dropping them in the mail – I have found the perfect match for you – TREAT!

Treat is an online greeting card company that lets you make one-of-a-kind cards for family and friends. They will even mail it for you (or they can mail to your home first)! You can also schedule cards and add reminders so you never miss someone’s birthday again. I mean, could this be any more genius? They start at $1.99 and also offer digital cards.

For my Easter cards this year, I teamed up with Treat to design a few cards for my family (there’s something for everyone, see below!). I also shared a fun “Easter basket” craft & alternative to your traditional basket of eggs and chocolate bunnies.

What You’ll Need:

  • Mini Tin Basket
  • Jellybeans (you also could do M&M’s or other festive candy)
  • Spring Straws to “plant” in the jellybeans
  • Lip Balm (I prefer EOS since it looks like an egg!)
  • Spring Nail Polish (think pink or pastels)

This is an easy and fun gift for co-workers, friends and even little ones. You can play around and customize it without going overboard with a huge basket.

Hopefully this inspires you this upcoming Easter and don’t forget to send your TREAT cards!

The Cocktail Cart Curator with Society Social!

I was so honored when Roxy from Society Social asked me to be their next “Cocktail Cart Curator” for their Social Diary blog! I met Roxy a few months ago officially at an event we co-hosted together in DC for Tuckernuck and she is as sweet as can be!

My inspiration for this bar cart encompasses one of my favorite celebrations to host; a Spring brunch! Whether it’s Easter Sunday or just a sunny-filled April Saturday afternoon, these are my essentials in putting together a casual, yet elegant-like brunch with close friends. From grocery shopping with my tote and prepping in the kitchen to mixing rose-orange mimosas with striped straws in heels, you’ll find me enjoying every minute of it. Hopefully this inspires you to do the same!

hosting_toasting

 

{Image via Society Social}

Shop The Cart Below!

The SedgewickPink Paper StrawsBow Bottle StopperRecipe BoxGoing To Market ToteFresh TulipsRewined “Mimosa” CandleBan.Do “Party” ClipCocktail Napkins/Brunch DressNecklaceGo Vino Champagne FlutesSunday Shoes/Monogram Cutting Board

P.S. The dress above was my birthday dress!