There are moments during summer where I find that the cicadas chirp louder than my thoughts, the heat beats heavier off of my skin, the sun radiates a bit too bright, and the days are just a little bit too long. We always think of this season as a break, when really, we're aching to make the most of every sliver of sunlight we get until we're quite literally—burnt out.
The joys and radiation of this season over the years has left many beautiful memories, this one too, but lately I've been yearning for inner peace, calm, and for the days to just slow down a bit. To feel the easy summer breeze and just take a pause.
And so—I return to this blog. A place where I have been able to slow down. I can sit back, tune out the cicadas, sip a glass of cabernet, Cage The Elephant hums in the background, and I write away. Just like I used to. Just like I committed to. Just like I loved to.
I am at a point in my life where routine, ritual, and solitude are needed most. I've realized that this chick can't live without her peace. Her inner peace. Without disruption. Without interruption. I am definitely the type of person who needs to reset, recharge, and refuel her inner conscious.
However, I do find myself also boosted by those around me. My support system. My family. My friends. My love. When life gets a bit too noisy—noisier than the thoughts in my head—I've got a pretty cool superpower to help me out.
My love for myself. And those who remind me to do what makes me ME.
Those who remind me of what makes ME happy.
WHAT makes me happy.
WHO makes me happy.
And why I NEED to be happy for myself and only myself.
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On the flip side, I also need to remember the embrace and warmth summer brings. The life it brings to the apples of my cheeks. The hug it gives me every time I open my blinds. And no matter the millions of little love bites I get from mosquitos—I get a little comfort knowing I can take a deep breath and be at ease.
That tomorrow is a new day.
A new portrait to paint.
A new clear day.
It's only the beginning.
After what has already been a solid five months since the start of the new year, I can proudly say that one of my new year's resolutions has come to fruition as of a couple weeks ago. This summer my cousin Lindsay and I are embarking on a 14 day trip to Italy and France in August and it already feels like my time overseas just happened yesterday. I know travel is something I am going to incorporate into my life whenever I can and I have already been dreaming up this trip the moment I left Europe in 2019. With Lindsay already having studied in Italy in college, we both felt a longing for Italy—the birthplace of our many many great ancestors.
The Destinations
Lindsay and I both had to debate about some of the key cities we wanted to visit, but I knew there were a couple necessary stops we needed to make since I have never been and she had an idea of what cities she wanted to go back to as well. We ended up choosing Rome, the Amalfi Coast (staying in Sorrento), Venice, and then we will be finishing up the trip in Paris. All vibrant and thrilling cities all around the country, logistically we had to figure out where exactly we wanted to be and for how long during these two weeks. I'll be living out my Lizzie McGuire dreams, not to mention how Paris obsessed I was when I was 12.
We also wanted to be meticulous about where we were going and it was very helpful that Lindsay had background knowledge on the cities, transportation, and even the cultural/historical knowledge she has informed our choices. Not to mention ongoing research on both ends and just talking to others I know who have been before. We will be going at the end of August, which will be probably one of the hottest times to go, but I knew I needed to spend my 23rd birthday on the beaches of Positano—eating a wood fired pizza (or fresh seafood) and watching the sunset with a full glass of cabernet.
The Planning
All things considered, especially planning a trip with just two people, it took us about 4 to 5 months to officially book everything. Meaning, every week Lindsay and I would sit down together over Facetime bringing together our research on accommodations, flights, and things to do in each city. We understand that the state of the world could change, but we have planned accordingly so that our bookings are fully refundable or free cancellation.
We also knew that sticking to Air BnBs would be one of the safest and more secure ways of booking accommodations—and while some may not have been extremely cost friendly, we know that we don't want a hostel or run down hotel to keep us from enjoying the places we're staying in. Granted, we only really need air conditioning, running water, and a bed. We both wanted to splurge a little here and there on places where we might have a really nice ocean view, continental breakfast, or spend a little extra to have access to an in-unit washer and dryer. The Air Bnb we chose in the Amalfi Coast, for example, is on a lemon tree farm and the host was recommended by previous tenants. In addition, I also was drawn to it because the host lives on the property, makes you breakfast, and also might provide us some intel on the best places to eat, things to do, etc.
Next Steps
Speaking of things to do, our next steps will be to start booking tours and activities. Being the most American tourists we can be, I want to tour the Colosseum and Eiffel Tower, but also just find some of the hidden gems throughout each city. Lindsay and I have kept our itinerary pretty flex so that we can just have time to explore and decide what we want to do on the fly.
There are definitely more details to planning this trip, such as figuring out what to bring, but we're both pretty aligned with packing sundresses and bikinis. Leaving just enough room for all of the ceramics and even more sundresses I'm going to bring back.
This is only just the start to what is going to be the trip of the summer...and even potentially the trip of a lifetime! I cannot wait to share it with my cousin and for all of the memories to come.
I never thought I would be able to plan it on my own either and be able to do so incredibly soon—so I am very grateful for being able to even have the means to continue to do what I love and explore the world. I'll be back to document it for sure and in the meantime I'll be dreaming of Venetian canals, southern Italy coastlines, and The City of Lights. X
Makeup has always been the last step for me before I run out the door. Usually because I'm blow drying my hair or rummaging through my closet for the right top to wear, but I have always de-prioritized makeup on the list of things to do before I go out to meet up with people or even go to work. With that being said, I think I just never really worry about taking all of the time to intricately put makeup on or fuss with a specific look—I've found my key staple products that I love and it only takes me 10 minutes to throw it on and get out the door.
I know it seems like a lot of product, but I swear there's a science to applying it all quickly and seamlessly...at least with good lighting and a damp Beauty Blender that is! In addition, this has been my quick touchup routine for the past few months, so practice makes perfect...most days.
For the face...
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Finland- I used to use this during college and wasn't sure why I stopped because it is just so darn stinkin good! I've struggled to find just the right tinted moisturizer that isn't too full coverage or dewy, and Nars always comes through. It also doesn't really oxidize, so my face doesn't look orange. It gives just enough coverage so that it blurs any profound imperfections.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla- Of course, I have to pair this moisturizer with one of the creamiest, long wearing concealers. I will say, it is a bit on the pricier side, but it's always a fall back for me because many drugstore concealers I've used start to crack on my face overtime.
Morphe Equalizer Foundation Primer- When I do remember to put on primer, I've been using Morphe's! Between this one and Smashbox, I've loved the way it blurs my pores but also helps my tinted moisturizer glide and stay on all throughout the day.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Duo- I feel like if there was one product I couldn't go without, it would be bronzer. I reach for it every time and use it practically everywhere...all about that glow! I use CT even as eyeshadow sometimes...which cuts the makeup applying time down a whole 30 seconds.
L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Powder Foundation- So on days where I'm just in need of a quick fix, a swipe of this miracle powder is all I need. It's been raved about and for good reason. It has all of the coverage and blurring qualities of a full coverage matte foundation. I will either use this on its own or sparingly though when I do opt for liquid foundation underneath.
On the eyes...
Morphe Micro Brow Pencil in Praline- I've been through many eyebrow pencils, and if there is a second product I can't go without applying, it's this. I just feel like once my brows are completely done and filled out, my face is framed and it makes all the difference. Really been loving this one!
Benefit 24 HR Brow Setter- Every now and then I'll remember to set my brows, or just use a brow gel to hold them in place. This one doesn't leave my brows feeling really tacky or sticky either.
Natasha Denona Baby Biba Palette- Three is simple enough for me! If I'm feelin like I'm in a bit of a need for glam, I've been using this palette to smoke out my eyes a bit. It's super creamy and smooth—I will say a little bit of fall out, but sometimes that makes it better to blend.
Diorshow Mascara- Hands down, my favorite mascara of all-time. Out of all of the ones I've tried growing up, I finally found the perfect one to curl and lengthen without clumps or making my lashes all spidery. This has become a Natalie staple for sure.
Don't forget the lips...
Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fu$$y- Okay, so I'm already in the car ready to go, but I can't forget to swipe the juiciest, creamiest, luscious lip gloss I've ever owned! It literally tastes like frosting, too. It doesn't stick or dry quickly either. One swipe—maybe a sneaky reapply—and I'm set for the night.
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