Sweater Tank with Shorts & a Pop of Jewelry

Lauren, the designer of The Two Hand Exchange based out of Orange County, CA, makes the prettiest handcrafted jewelry using gemstones and mixed metals. She sent me a few pieces and I styled a ring and lariat druzy stone necklace with this navy and white outfit. For some reason, this knit top was giving me nautical vibes, so I roughed it up a bit with washed out, distressed denim cut-off shorts and tied a top around my waist. Details of the look are below, and check out Lauren's shop here (the ring and necklace styled in this look will be released for sale on Monday August 3rd)!

Tank, Jeanni Champagne Boutique
Necklace & Ring, The Two Hand Exchange
High-Rise Distressed Denim Shorts (similar), John Galt @ Brandy Melville
Maddison Pointed Flat Shoes, ASOS
Photos taken by Renee Rogers

Tony Odisho Ostia Collection Beautiful Hair Kit

I was excited to receive the Beautiful Hair Kit from the Tony Odisho Ostia Collection because it includes a Gentle Moisture Shampoo, Intense Conditioner, 3-in-1 Mist and Detangling Paddle Brushrush that is said to produce salon results. My hair ends are becoming more and more dried out since it has been bleached and dyed numerous times throughout the past two years, so I was interested to see how this kit would fare against my hair.

All the product containers were easy to use, and when applying the shampoo and conditioner, I liked the fresh and light scent, as well as the sweeter scent of the 3-in-1 mist. The detangling paddle brush is the perfect size for daily use and travel, and is easy to use on wet and dry hair.

The first two times I used the product, I finished by air-drying the first time and blow-drying the second time, but both times, the results yielded in an almost residue-like touch to my hair. I gave my hair a week break and came back to the kit. The last few times that I used the kit, I was much happier with the outcome, but I didn't quite get to the salon quality results (perhaps the desired results occur a longer period of time). I saw better moisture results when I left the conditioner in for at least 3-5 minutes, leaving the conditioner in for a minute didn't do anything for my hair.
The 3-in-1 mist does instantly detangle upon spraying and brushing, and using the paddle brush always seems to keep my hair looking and feeling silky and soft. I'm going to continue using the kit throughout the summer to see the long-term results. You can read more and purchase the kit here. 

About the Beautiful Hair Kit:

The Gentle Moisture Shampoo does more than just clean. This sulfate free, low lathering cleanser nourishes and replenishes dry, damaged hair. Sage extract, soy protein and essential oils combine to create a lush and deeply moisturizing formula that gives hair life and vibrancy. Great for dry, color-treated, permed or keratin-treated natural hair and extensions.

The Intense Conditioner nourishes your hair. This nutrient rich moisturizer is both a daily conditioner and a weekly deep conditioning mask. Use this formula to restore and maintain the health, moisture, and luster of your natural hair or hair extensions.

The 3-in-1 Mist is the power of three detangles, adds shine and protects. This vitamin-packed mist leaves hair soft, healthy and manageable without adding weight or buildup. Created with Titanium Dioxide to block damaging UV rays, jojoba oil to moisturize, and Dimenthicone for heat protection, the 3-in-1 Mist provides intense protection for your natural hair or extensions.

The paddle brush is a Tony Odisho Ostia Collection client favorite! The brush is made with the highest quality of mixed bristles that are strong enough to detangle your hair but gentle enough in creating a silky smooth style. Great for both wet and dry hair and a perfect complement to the 3-in-1 Mist.

Fast & Furious Supercharged Grand Opening at Universal Studios Hollywood

Guests can now enjoy Fast & Furious Supercharged as the grand finale of the Universal Studios' Studio Tour. Check out photos from the grand opening day and festivities in the video below. Thank you Swell Beauty for the opportunity to be apart of the event.

Infused Water with Square by Clean Bottle

I just started getting into drinking infused waters because my Square by Clean Water makes it easy to infuse fruits and leafy greens in the water bottle itself and take it on the go. I originally received my Square bottle as apart of a #Blogchella Survival kit to keep hydrated during the festival weekend; the bottle came with the infuser and a purifier module in case I needed to filter water.

I really enjoy using this bottle because of it's versatility and functionality, as well as it's bright pink color, you can see the other colors available here. Infused waters not only make your water look pretty and taste delicious, it's has many health benefits and cleansing and detoxifying properties.

I tried a few different infused waters which you can see below. If you drink the water immediately after adding the fruit or greens, the flavors won't be very prominent. I left most of my infused waters in the fridge overnight and the next morning the waters were so infused with the contents that it almost tasted like I was drinking fruit juice; it also tasted very fresh. Read about the benefits of the fruits and leafy greens that I used:

• Oranges- aid in blood circulation, lowers cholesterol, boosts heart health and can provide a burst of energy
• Strawberries- is a superfood, packed with antioxidants that promote eye health, reduce joint inflammation, and boosts immunity
• Lemons-decreases wrinkles and blemishes, blood purifier, balances pH, and relieves respiratory problems
• Cucumbers- good source of B vitamins and electrolytes, has anti-inflammatory properties (which is why people put cucumber slices on their eyes), and re-hydrates the body
• Mint- promotes digestion and alleviates stomach issues by activating salivary glands and digestive enzymes
• Pineapple- aid in lowering blood pressure, promotes regularity in digestive tract, filled with potassium, fiber and Vitamin C which promote heart health

Have you made or tried infused waters? If so, what were your fave combos or what do you want to try next?

Brunch at Magpie Cafe in Sacramento, CA

I'm off to brunch in Long Beach this fine Sunday, but wanted to share this amazing food spot that Scott and I ate at while visiting Sacramento last weekend. I had a friend that saw on social media that I was in Sactown for the weekend and sent me a slew of restaurant suggestions, one being Magpie Cafe in Midtown.

Naturally, the restaurant was incredibly busy on a Sunday morning with everyone getting their brunch on (we were looking at a 40 minute wait), but that gave Scott and I an opportunity to take a stroll around the area, which is surprisingly quaint and colorful. We came back to Magpie and grabbed a spot at the bar and enjoyed mimosas while waiting for our table.

We were seated outside and it couldn't have been a better day to be dining on the patio. The restaurant has industrial, modern, and natural design elements which makes the dining experience intriguing. Our server was exceptionally friendly and gave us recommendations on food dishes as well as beverages after we found out the drinks we ordered were sold out.

While looking over the menu, I was drawn to the classic and comfort breakfast dishes that had a more adventurous culinary twist to it. It was really difficult to choose, but Scott chose the Magpie Breakfast Plate which has a little bit of everything, and I had the Summer Benedict. These dishes can usually be extremely heavy and overwhelming, but we had seen a preview of some of the dishes while hanging out at the bar earlier and were taken away by the impeccable presentation of all the dishes being served. We ate our breakfast with refreshing Sacramento Summers (Magpie made honey lemonade, pilsner with mint).

Scott raved about the house-made sausage, which was the best he ever had. The chef was clever to add in smashed potato on the Benedict between the toasted biscuits and poached eggs, as it provided another texture and taste (that didn't get lost in the sauce). There was also a side of heirloom and cherry tomatoes drizzled in pesto, balsamic, and oil which was the perfect flavor departure from the creaminess of the Benedict. When in Sacramento, you'll have to stop by Magpie for Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner!

Magpie Cafe

Magpie does not take reservations
1601 16th Street
Sacramento CA 95814
916-452-7594
hello@magpiecafe.com

Hours
Monday - Wednesday: 11am - 9pm
Thursday - Friday: 11am - Close
Saturday: 8am - Close
Sunday: 8am - 2pm

Summer Purpose Trunk Show at Wayfare HQ in Costa Mesa

iSancutary hosted their Summer Purpose Trunk Show last night at Wayfare HQ in Costa Mesa. Guests enjoyed live music while shopping Purpose Jewelry's Classic and Summer Collections as well as a 'Last Chance' section. Refreshing beverages and People Water were available, and Best Coast Creamery sold their artisanal ice cream.
Founder Stephanie Pollaro led a DIY jewelry making sesh so I got to make a beaded tassel bracelet. All the attendees also got to view a special video featuring the women behind Purpose Jewelry and how the Sanctuary in Mumbai has and continues to help them create a new and better life. Find more on iSactuary's mission here and how you can help empower survivors of modern-day slavery. Also check out the time I celebrated the launch of Purpose Jewelry.