beauty | all of the deets on dry brushing

 

Ecotools Dry Brush

Dry Brushing…what is it? Why should we do it? what do you do? Hopefully this blog post will answer all of your questions 

What it is? Dry brushing is described as a daily body massage using a stiff bristled brush dry. 

The benefits? It’s said to help get rid of dry, flaky skin, increase circulation, help digestion, detoxify, and help improve the appearance of cellulite. 

How to do it? In long, fluid upward strokes towards the heart. You can do circular motions on your torso and back. 

my legs freshly shaven...yikes!

My thoughts: I have been dry brushing for only a few days, and I have plenty of thoughts. So, I watched a few tiktoks and then just gave it a go. My first thought was “ouch, this is weird and it doesn’t feel good” which quickly changed to “wait, I kinda like it…” to “my leg is tingly, and I want to do it again”. The first tiktok I watched (see here) said to do each body part for 30 seconds each, either breaking down your legs and arms into two parts (lower & upper)-which is the route I went. The first time I dry brushed, I went ahead and did a pass on my lower leg, upper leg; both sides and then went to my arms. On my arms, it hurt more then on my legs. Last I did my stomach in upward motions moving towards the heart. I skip my chest and neck area as that’s more sensitive skin or thinner skin.

The first passes I could see dry skin on my legs coming off/coming to the surface which made me excited that it was working! Nothing really came off on my arms or stomach, but my legs are the driest spot. 

I have done it every single day since I started, and each day try to aim to do it longer and make more passes. Pain wise, I think it’s good pain, like it hurts, but almost feels good after? Is that weird? 

My biggest complaint is that you must shower after to rinse off which is a bummer if I wanted to do it before bed. And I think it will be hard to incorporate every day, I know it seems like it’s quick (& it is!), but maybe I could just do a few quick passes on days I’m running late (insert every day here!).

Do I think it really works? Idk yet, still too soon to tell, but what I do know is seeing that skin flake off my legs is enough for me to continue this journey!

TL/DR; Dry brushing is weird, but I think it’s something to try!

what's something you want me to try? leave it in the comments, xo

life | where have I been & what's next?

 

woahhhh, it's been a minute! but I am back :) here is a post I wrote in my notes app on 2.22 (I knowww that was a while ago!)

pics with the dining room behind me-open floor plan between the dining & living room areas

well if you haven’t been following me on IG or TikTok, then you haven’t been in the loop! I moved! Same city, new zip code. Now instead of a 8 minute commute to the office, it’s 7, haha. I’ve been hard at work; cleaning, packing, unpacking, decorating-you name it, I’ve done it. 

While we’re almost fully moved in, there is decorating to still be done. The living room is set up and so cozy. Kitchen is done and organized, same with the bathroom. But my room is a work in progress…! I’ve been really struggling with a design concept outside of all white. I found some great Taylor prints to hang, but that’s really it! I’m in the market for a big standing mirror and a fun chair-send your recs please! 

I’ll be posting a lot of design content on IG & TikTok, so stay tuned! Also I’ve been on my Pinterest game lately, so check out my boards below…

https://www.pinterest.com/thelayzblonde

Until next time, xo

and that all still applies, but here is what is next for this space. I'm going to get back into blogging once/twice a week and stick to it. I got a walking pad/standing desk and get so much done on there while getting my steps in. outside of this post, I'll be back later in the week with my dry skin journey-shoutout #dryskinclub from my IG stories (that's what I'm calling us moving fwd!!)

leave me post ideas, things you want to see in try it Tuesdays, etc in the comments, XOXO

THE FIVE | no to little cost things to do this holiday season

 

I know it’s been all gift guides and presents lately, but I wanted to put together a list of 5 inexpensive things you can do to bring magic into the season

1-marathon movie night: classics, hallmark, lifetime, new-they’ll all bring the feels and magic 

2-hot chocolate bar & a Christmas playlist; fun mugs, different toppings, make the cocoa in the crockpot, perfect playlist 

3-decorate stockings; I’m into an aesthetics, but a holiday craft is the best

4- donut decorate off; who remembers when Jen & I did this for Halloween?

5-bake some cookies & head out to look at the lights

what are somethings you do at little cost during the holidays? xx,

gift guide 22 | for the traveler

 

jet setters need a little love, too! every day there is something new that pops up to make travel more easy...here are some of the ones I think would make a good gift!

travel mirror with light | amazon

hanging toiletry bag | amazon

travel pillow/blanket | amazon

ice roller | amazon

beauty blender case | amazon

8 piece packing cube set | amazon

do you have a must have when you travel? spill the tea, sis

ps. lil kick back to me from these links, xo

gift guide 22 | for the littles

 

I'm basically buying or have bought all of these ;) being Aunt Kiki is the best!

small sqishmallows | amazon

dino bath bombs | amazon

scribble scubbies | target

babi 3 piece set | target

letter bracelet maker | amazon

ice cream shop | target

what's on the little ones in your life's list?

ps. I get a little back from these links, lymi 

gift guide 22 | for the hostess

holiday season normally means parties...parties means hosting...hosting means gifts! don't forget to grab something for the hosts/hostess in your life!

 

fancy olive oil | nordstrom

stemless glasses | amazon

stemless champs | amazon

I should have known that | amazon

carpi blue candle | anthropologie 

chenille throw | target

do you have a go to hostess gift? share with the class!

ps. smalll $$ coming my way from these links, x

THE FIVE | thanksgiving edition

 

in case you haven't had your menu planned for weeks like me or you just got invited to a Friendsgiving...here is a roundup of some delish tgiving dishes.

1. I'm making this dump cake for dessert | https://thenovicechefblog.com/caramel-apple-dump-cake/

2. mix your bag stuffing in to this sheet pan dish | https://www.eatwell101.com/sheet-pan-sausage-veggies-recipe

3. you need a bevvie | https://www.recipegirl.com/apple-cider-sangria/—

4. BIG YES | https://thefoodcharlatan.com/creamed-corn-casserole/

5. yummy, a classic | https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/sweet-potato-casserole-recipe/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=479639802_16889162_380679

clearly, I take thanksgiving seriously, what's on your menu? 

gift guide 22 | impossible to shop for

 

we all have that person in our life that we love to give to, but they are impossible to shop for. they either have it all or just don't give you ideas (I'm really talking about my dad here, lol!)

personalized clock; can add scores for your fave team, weather, train times | tidbyt

cheese board set | amazon

iced coffee/beverage chiller | amazon

cocktail smoker | etsy

host your own murder mystery | anthropologie

vintage shelf board games | mystery date | monopoly | scrabble | anthropologie

popcorn season set | nordstrom

ice roller | nordstrom

what do you get the impossible to buy for person? let me know, xo

ps. links = small commission for ya girl, so I can go see TS <3

THE FIVE | gift sets I wouldn't pass on

 

even if you keep these for yourself, these are must sets! & I'll never tell if you keep or separate them up ;)

1. Charlotte Tilbury wand set | Sephora

2. Olaplex 3, 4, 5 set | Sephora

3. 10 claw clip set | amazon

4. 10 knotted headbands | amazon

5. diptyque mini set | nordstrom

gift sets are the best way to try something new OR stock up!

ps. little kickback using these links, ty! <3

gift guide 22 | it girl inspired by tiktok

 

for the girlies who love the it girl vibe or just tiktok!

60 pack of earrings | amazon

belt bag | Lululemon | amazon

mini uggs | Ugg | nordstrom

apple pro max headphones | amazon

Stanley tumbler | dick's sporting goods

Swiss miss bomb dotcom | glossier

my signature scent-glossier you | glossier

straightening brush | Sephora

muted highlighters | amazon

not gonna lie, I want most of these-esp the mini uggs and headphones!

who are you shopping for? let me know so I can throw a GG together for you, 

ps. small commission for me from some of these links, <3333

THE FIVE | must haves for the kitchen

 

babes, the best food holiday is only a few weeks away! I figured we'd take the five into the kitchen today to make sure you are all set with the essentials I can't live without. 

1. 2-pack of a spoon & spatula | amazon

2. garlic press | amazon

3. hot plates | amazon

4. crockpot | 6QT | 8QT | Walmart

5. egg holder | amazon

do you do the cooking for turkey day? I do and honestly it's the best! I could eat thanksgiving food every week to be honest!

ps. I'll get a smallllish commish from these links, love you!

gift guide 22 | cozy, ultimate self care

starting the GG season with the best self care, cozy night gifts! 

animal heating pad | amazon

faux fur throw | pottery barn | amazon

sherpa bootie slippers | dearfoams

ouai melrose place body wash | ulta

Chanel body lotion | Sephora

satin pillowcase | kitsch

reality star candle 

don't forget to treat yourself, xo

ps. lil' cash comes my way from some links, loveyou meanit!

got my eye on | h&m

 

new series alert! going to put together some things that I've got my eye on from different stores. not sure how often, think biweekly to start, but I'm so excited to have a dumping ground for things I've been liking!

h&m is up first and I haven't shopped there in so long, but here is what I'm lusting after...

double-breasted jacket | 2 colors

oversized sweater

oversized turtleneck sweater

tie belt coat

v neck blouse

Christine and I just talked about how everything that we have been seeing that's really cute has been h&m. def going to head there soon and do a tryon! 

what's something you have your eye on? share the deets, sis!