Totally Practical Gift Guide

Most gift-guides on the internet make me cringe a bit.  Gold-plated drink stirrers?  Wiener dog shaped eye mask?  Trendy geometric toothpick holder? These are clever gifts that make a really splashy first impression, but usually just end up adding clutter to your home.  I probably sound like such a scrooge!  I do like gifts, both giving and receiving, but my tastes have changed.  I now appreciate more practical items- either things that make my life easier in some way, or consumable things that will be used up and won't gather dust for years and years.  The coolest thing is that without my saying a thing, most people have picked up on my new minimalist tendencies.  They end up buying me consumables.  My sisters-in-law have gifted me with things like really good quality olive oil, raw honey, and shea butter.  My brother gifted Joe with a huge leg of lamb for his birthday.  That's what I'm talking about!

As the Christmases roll by, we have less and less gifts to buy.  It's really liberating to just be able to enjoy the season and look forward to the traditions of Christmas instead of the stuff. Joe's family does a white elephant exchange, my family is just a handful of people and we have a 20.00 limit.  Joe, Sisi and I don't really do gifts under the tree.  Instead, we stuff each other's stockings with useful things, like the following...


Here is my little Gift Guide for the person who doesn't need or want a lot of frou frou stuff.  It's the kind of stuff people could buy me over and over and I'd never get sick of it.

1. Amazon.com: Life Extension Liquid Vitamin D 2000 IU Mint Flavor:... (A few drops a day keeps sickness away!) 

2. Bees wax tea light candles (Burn so much longer and cleaner than regular parafin wax candles)

3.   Sea Salt tealight candle holder (Made of a real salt chunk (I licked it to see), supposedly neutralizes the air of bacteria, mold, and allergens by emitting negative ions, but I just love the vibe of these candles.)

4. Cupsco Classic Cup 16oz 4-pack Stainless Steel (I break cups all the time, so these are Kristin-proof and baby-proof.  Also, stainless steel is so easy to clean and is supposedly more hygienic than ceramic, plastic, or glass.)

5. Peak Fresh Re-Usable Produce Bags, Set of 10 (Essential for anyone who does CSA, or eats a ton of produce- keeps fragile greens like spinach fresh for 3 weeks, which is pretty amazing.)

6.Winter Dream Tea from Coffee Bean  (I get this every year- it's sweet and spicy and so good with a splash of cream and honey.)

7. Stella Mare Cranberry Tangerine candle (Stella Mare is definitely my favorite candle brand.  Soy wax, so it burns longer and cleaner, amazing scents, and super reasonably priced.) 

8.  Fruit Pigmented Lip and Cheek Stain (100 Percent Pure is my favorite natural beauty brand, and this lip stain is such a pretty cherry shade.  It's a lot like benetint, but no yucky chemicals.  I put on a few layers on my lips in the morning, let them dry, and then apply clear lip balm on top.  My lips look berry stained for several hours.  Only bad thing is it tastes awful.)

9.  Redmond Earthpaste Cinnamon Amazingly Natural Toothpaste (This toothpaste is made out of mud.  It's completely safe if swallowed, which makes it perfect for Sisi, too.)

10.  Facial Primer by 100 Percent Pure (I never used to use primer, but this one feels so wonderful on my skin and provides such a nice even base for my powder foundation.)

11.  Everyone Soap (This one bottle of soap has replaced my shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, dog shampoo, baby shampoo, and bubble bath.  My shower has like 3 things in it- it's a minimalist's dream come true!!)

12.  Paraben free deodorant (Another great 100 Percent Pure product.  Truth be told, I don't usually wear deoderant.  I'm fortunate to not have smelly pits.  But my pregnancy hormones have kicked in and I am finding deoderant is necessary.  This one has only a handfull of ingredients.)

13.  Pacifica Wanderlust Perfume Trio (These fragrances are fairly natural and don't have a chemically scent.  The blood orange and the vanilla are lovely, and would probably smell even better blended together!)

14.  Primitive Sweet Almond Oil (I read  that French moms use this to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.  I've used it religiously this pregnancy, and I have very few stretch marks on my belly.  It's also a rather light oil that absorbs quickly into the skin.  It doesn't have a strong scent like coconut oil. I also apply it to my face, let it sit, then rub it away with a cotton ball to remove my makeup.)  

 

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Mommy-Daughter Road Trip

Like hippies travelling to Woodstock, Sisi and I set forth on an epic road trip from OC to San Fran to see her (our) favorite kids' band, Okee Dokee Brothers.  Normally the trip isn't really epic- it takes about 8 hours to get to the Bay Area.  I used to make the drive up to college in one trip (with an in-n-out break halfway) but when you're 7 months pregnant and have to pee every hour or so, the trip becomes an epic 5 day journey.  We had so much fun travelling just the two of us.  We might make it a tradition!  I've been annoyed with California lately, but this trip made me fall in love with my home state all over again.  There is so much natural beauty and charm beyond suburban O.C.

Our first night in Arroyo Grande, about halfway up the coast, we rented a Tepee on someone's ranch off Airbnb.  It had a full bed and rustic but nice bathroom facilities.  It felt pretty adventurous to be camping (er glamping?) without Joe there to protect us.

Arroyo Grande is so amazing.  Joe and I daydream about moving up there, buying a few acres of land, building a small eco-friendly house from scratch, and surfing every morning.  And when I daydream something, I usually find a way to make it happen :)  It doesn't hurt that my BFF lives there, too.

Next stop, San Jose, where we stayed with my college friend Kim and Sisi bonded with her daughter, Lilybeth.

And the absolute highlight of the trip, the Okee Dokee Brothers concert!!!  If you're a parent and have never heard of this band, I beg you to give it a listen.  It's bluegrass/folk music that kids love and parents secretly love, too.  I looked around at the audience and all the parents were beaming and singing along!

I got to meet the band afterward and tell them about how I started playing the Banjo because of them, and how Sisi and I drove 8 hours just to see them.  I realize now how crazy that sounds.  I'm totally a Okee Dokee groupie.

Using a jump rope as a microphone, Lilybeth inched her way closer and closer to the band until they were actually a trio.

Such nice gentlemen.  I love that they promote getting into nature and minimalism, two of my passions :)

On the way back down South, we stopped at the Monterey Bay Aquarium..  We ate at Sea Harvest Fish Market afterward- 6 HUGE bbq'd oysters for 13 dollars, folks!  Well worth the drive up just for those!

We stayed with my bff and her darling family in Pismo Beach for one night.  Sisi and Olive had somuch fun giggling and playing and singing together.  It makes my heart pitter patter when my daughter plays with my friends' kids.  It makes me realize how grown up we all are, with houses and families of our own.  Gone are the days of watching Napoleon Dynamite in pajamas while drinking boba milk tea in our crappy college apartments.

Angel showed us city folks a good time by taking us to her favorite farm and apple orchard.  

And then we came home and ate boatloads of sushi with Joe.  We missed him so much, but I think it was super special to strike out on our own for some extra bonding time before baby Matteo (90% sure that's his name) arrives in less than 2 months.  

Have you ever taken a mommy/baby road trip?  You should.  

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My Tiny Makeup Collection

If you thought my makeup collection was miniscule before, you'll be amazed now.

I've never been all that into makeup.  Makeup to me has always been more of a necessity than a perk.  I have friends with insane makeup collections who go nuts over the latest eye palettes and miracle mascaras.  I simply can't relate to their obsession, nor can I afford it.

I guess I embrace the French "no makeup look."  A swipe of powder, a smidge of blush, curl eyelashes, apply 1 coat of mascara and run out the door.  I don't like to look too made up, like I spent hours on my face and hair. I'd rather be the "girl next door" than the "glamour girl."  I'm also kind of lazy and I'm not a morning person, which is probably a big part of it.

So that made decluttering my makeup collection super easy.  I was already down to a small makeup bag of essentials, like a few dior eyeshadow quads, a couple eyeliners, mascara, blush, and powder foundation.  But lately, I've been wanting to pare down EVEN MORE.  I decided I'd toss everything and try to find more natural/hypoallergenic versions of the products I love. Things I can wear everyday.  It's nice (some might say boring) to have a simple makeup routine that I can practically do in my sleep, that involves no major decisions in the morning.

Here's what I now own and use daily:

• Face:  
  
  
  

1. Foundation: Erzulie Cream to Powder foundation in Medium Light (on etsy).  It took me a week or two to figure out if I really like this foundation.  My verdict is YES.  While it takes a little time to apply just right without streaking (compared to my old favorite, Laura Gellar powder foundation) it is super light, soft, and does cover well without caking.  And it's so natural you can practically eat it for breakfast. It's also affordable, so I can buy a new one each season when my skin tone changes a bit. 
2. Bronzer/blush combo:  Mineral Fusion "Blonzer".  Easy to apply, and impossible to over-apply.  I, like everyone, loved Nars blush, but found it was so pigmented that I often over-did it.  This blush is soft and natural looking.  
3. Primer:  Ok, so I normally don't use primer, but this came to me as a free sample from 100% Pure Cosmetics (full size!!!), and I instantly fell in love.  It is made of totally pure ingredients, and it makes my foundation that much easier to apply.  It reminds me of Dr. Feelgood from Benefit, but without the chemical crap.

• Lips:  

1. Lipstick:  100% Pure Lip Glaze in Rosehip.  Smooth as butter, pretty long lasting for a natural product, and once again, so pure I could eat it.  
2. Lipstick #2: 100% Pure Lip Creme Stick in Perfect Naked Mauve.  
3. Lip Stain:  100% Pure Lip Stain in Cherry.  Once again, I don't normally wear lip stain, but this came to me as a FULL SIZE free sample and I adore it!  It's for days when I want a brighter, punchier color on my lips.  
4. Chapstick:  Trader Joe's Lip Virtuoso.  

• Eyes:  
  

1. Mascara:  Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes.  So Tarte isn't totally natural, but it's the best I've found so far.  I am still on the lookout.  
2. Eyeliner:  Mineral Fushion Eye Pencil in Touch.  I picked this one because it's the exact shade of bronze-brown that I like, but I can't say I'm totally smitten with this particular eyeliner.  I can't expect it to be as pigmented or long-lasting as a chemical eyeliner, so it'll do until I find that perfect one.  
3. Eyeshadow:  100% Pure Dual Ended Cremestick in Cotton/Silk.  It's fabulous.  I've always loved chubby stick shadows.  These are soft and smooth to apply, and last pretty well.  

And that, my friends, is my entire makeup collection.  About 10 items.  Can you believe it?  I did save my old Naked eye palette, red lipstick, and black eyeliner to wear to weddings or very special occasions, but those are tucked far away in the closet.  

My final thoughts: 

• Switching to natural cosmetics was just bound to happen.  I have been on the path for awhile, I just needed to commit to it. 



Some more free samples I haven't tried yet!  

•  But natural products can be really weak and pricey and lackluster (plus the packaging is often so cheesy).  That's why I am so glad I found 100% Pure Cosmetics.  This post is not sponsored by 100% Pure Cosmetics, in case you are suspicious.  I found out about them in a magazine article about Shailene Woodley.  She's a natural hippie chick and totally raved about this company.  I love all 3 items I purchased from them, and adore all 5 free samples they sent, worth almost double what I ordered.  They have pretty packaging, everything smells light and natural, and I just can't stop raving.  
• I love the fact that I am so picky about what I put on my face.  I find that magazine makeup ads and department store displays don't tempt me at all because I know none of the products are natural.  For you makeup fiends, going natural is one easy way to make sure you don't splurge on makeup.   You just won't be bombarded by temptation.  
• Some of the items I bought are a little pricier than what I might normally buy, but that's the awesome thing about having a capsule collection.  I feel no pressure to buy a ton of trendy colors because my goal is just to look like a prettier version of myself.  Just like with my wardrobe, I can spend a little more on each item because I'm buying classics that I will wear for a long time.  
• The hardest part about this process is throwing away all the old stuff.  Unlike clothes, I can't really donate or give away my old stuff.  It has to go to the landfill.  Just one more reason to be really picky about what I buy in the first place.  

Anyone have any natural products they love?  In particular, a mascara or black eyeliner???  Share below!

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Minimal Wardrobe Spring Update

Remember that one time I took pictures of each and every item of clothing I own and posted it online? Well, most of those clothes I still wear constantly.  In fact, many are literally worn out.  In anticipation of Spring (it already feels like summer here in the OC!) I purged again.  I got rid of tops and sweaters that were looking shabby, a few tops that shrank funny, and some of my dresses that look a little too "junior department."

 I'm lucky here in California- my wardrobe doesn't change much from season to season, but it does require a little tweaking.  I'll move my sweaters and jackets to the back of my closet, and bring the sundresses to the front, because I basically live in sundresses in Spring and Summer.  Because I purged a bit, I'm allowing myself to replenish.  Meaning, I get to shop :)

But shopping means something very different to me now.  Here's how my shopping strategy has changed.

2.  I only go into my favorite stores.  Much of my new wardrobe comes from Zara, Loft, Nordstrom Rack, and Max Studio because they usually have items that fit my subtly feminine vacation style and they are affordable.  I hit those places first. I steer clear of Forever 21 and similar stores because the clothes don't last.  Surprisingly, my Target clothes hold up really well, so I still shop there sometimes.

3.  I only buy things that fit me well.  This means I have to try stuff on.  If I'm too lazy to lug Sisi's stroller into the dressing room and try it on, then I obviously don't need it.  I don't shop on the internet as much for this reason.  Even with free returns, I end up keeping items that don't fit me perfectly because it's a pain to send them back.

4.  I avoid clearance racks.  Ever notice how the stuff on clearance is usually very eye-catching, but a little weird or colorful or kitschy?  For example, I bought a pair of khakis with lobsters all over them because they were on clearance.  Guess what?  I wore them twice and then donated them.  I don't live in the Hamptons and attend clam bakes on a regular basis. But they looked so cute on the rack!

The classics, like a perfect black blazer, can rarely be found on clearance.

5.  I take my sweet time.  Since I'm already content with my wardrobe, there is no pressure to buy quickly.  I'm checking off my list one by one over the course of many many mall trips.  If I don't find my perfect skinny jeans or sandals right away, who cares?  I have a closet full of items I really love.  No rush.

6.  Self-awareness. I know my body and what looks good on me.

• I am fairly pear shaped- I wear a small on top, and a medium on the bottom.  Therefore, patterned jeans, short skirts, and white pants can look awful on me (much to my chagrin! I LOVE patterned jeans and white pants.)

• I have a small head for my body. V-necks, scoop necks and boat-necks tend to balance out my small head and even out my pear shape.  Sometimes I do buy crew necks, but I usually regret it.

• I have this in-between half-Asian skin tone.  Soft pastels, especially lavender, just don't look great on me.  I'm not sure why.  I'm also coming to terms with the fact that gray is not my best color. 

• I am short.  5' 2" to be exact.  So crazy patterns, layers, and ruffles seem to overpower my short frame. I get a little jealous of my tall skinny friend Angel who can literally wear 5 layers in all different patterns and not be swallowed up in them. 

7.  Picked a base color (black) for most of my core items.  Most, but not all, of my basic items are black.  Most women have an assortment of black, navy, camel, brown and gray basics in their closets.  We feel like we need all the neutrals. That means we also need a bunch of different shoes and possibly purses to coordinate. But I find if I stick to black, I can mix and match just about everything.  My Grandma would roll her eyes if she saw how much black is in my closet.  "Ladies don't wear black!" was her motto.  Her closet looked like an Easter basket, no joke.

So, here is my Spring/Summer shopping list.  I found some of the items already, and some I'm still researching.

1.  TAN SANDALS.  I am tempted to just re-buy these Franco Sarto ones from last year that I basically wore  to death.  They are the most comfy and versatile sandals I've ever owned.

2.  GOLD OR COLORED SANDALS. Corso Como Bronte sandals in mint.

3.  A FEW PERFECT T SHIRTS  Loft linen T's are so comfy, and the scoop neck is flattering on me. Just don't accidentally dry them in the dryer!  They shrink like crazy.

4.  CLASSIC CHAMBRAY SHIRT. Found one at Old Navy with a slight stretch that is long enough to wear buttoned with leggings, but light enough to tie over a sundress.

5.  FLATTERING SKINNY JEANS Paige Verdugo Ankle fits me great!  They are supposed to be slightly cropped, but I'm really short so they look full-length on me.  

6.  BLACK LEGGINGS My old pair has a big hole in the butt, pointed out to me by my toddler.  Gapbody has the softest, sturdiest leggings that I've found.

8.  3 EVERYDAY DRESSES  I already purchased 2, but need one more.  Jersey fabric is my favorite.

9.  ONE COCKTAIL DRESS  Found this at Macy's and will be wearing it to weddings this Summer.  The cutout is cute. I am usually wary of cutouts.  I mean, I don't mind showing off my slender ribcage, but side cutouts near my love-handles?  No thanks!

10.  BLACK MAXI SKIRT.  Something not too flared.
11.  PERFECT BLACK BIKINI.  Retro style maybe? Something I can surf in.  Let me know if you have suggestions.

12.  TWO BRAS I am a huge fan of Gap's Modal Pullover Bra.  I'm pretty flat-chested, so I don't need underwire or even cups for that matter.

And that's about all I need to complete my Spring/Summer wardrobe.  What are your shopping strategies??  

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Strawberry Rock Wall Art

I made piles and piles of strawberry rocks for my friend's "Jamberry" baby shower.  Here they are... 

Now, the minimalist in me knew I should get rid of them after the party.  They are indeed cute, but useless.   I don't like having a lot of tschotskes around the house.  

But I just couldn't bring myself to throw them away.  They make me happy!  I remembergathering the rocks in the garden with Sisi and washing them together with the hosse.  I remember hand-painting each and every one while Sisi proudly painted her own rocks. 

I decided they might make some cute and quirky wall art.  I bought white shadow boxes (one on amazon and two from Ikea) and glue gunned the rocks to cardstock.   That's it!  

These would look adorable hung together as a triptych, but thanks again to my minimalism, I'm trying to embrace the beauty of empty walls.  We hung one up in Sisi's room, and will give the other two to friends. We're spreading the strawberry cheer!  

I just love that particular color of red- red with a hint of fuchsia and coral. Anyone know a good lipstick that color?  

Look at my munchkin all tucked in.

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My Minimalist Blue Bedroom

My bedroom used to be a mish mash of clearance bedding and curtains and rugs, whatever I could find that was pretty and colorful.  That's fine and all, but I recently decided to give my bedroom a mini makeover.

The rest of my house is dark, ornate and ethnic, so I went the opposite in this room.  I painted two of the walls bright white, and stuck with neutrals and blue for the decor.  It's so hard for me to choose simple decor.  I'm always led to crazy patterns, but I know that it's wiser to buy solid neutral pieces because you'll never get sick of them.  And subtle is best when you're aiming for a soothing space.

We got rid of our canopy bed.  It was lovely, but it was too big and cumbersome for such a tiny room.  We instead had our carpenter make a very low profile platform bed in dark wood.  I love being close to the ground.  It's also way easier to make the bed now. 

I chose a cheap but nice cream quilt.  I like quilts because they are machine washable, and useful year round.  In winter, I simply throw on an extra throw blanket to stay warn.  There is a big difference between cream and white.  We are just not pristine enough to have white blankets, but cream is definitely more forgiving.  I used to have a thing about mixing cream and white together, but I actually like it now.  I like layering different neutrals together.   I also splurged on some hand-dyed pillows from etsy.

I found two beautiful Persian indigo table runners to use as a tapestry headboard. They are hand-painted and even prettier in person. I love the cracked glass finials on the gold curtain rod.

My husband took the beach picture during our trip to Thailand.  We used MPix to enlarge it.  This empty beach in Tub Kaak was the most beautiful, relaxing place I've ever seen in this world.  During childbirth when I had to visualize a "happy place", this was it.  Now I have it right next to me while I sleep.

We use blackout curtains with regular beige and gold drapes sewn to the front.  Blackout is a must for good sleep!

Lastly, we found this cute light blue rug for cheap cheap cheap on overstock.  I don't invest a lot of money in rugs because with 2 dogs and a toddler, they are bound to get dirty and peed on at some point.  Sadly, I have to think of them as a disposable item that I'll probably have to replace in a few years.

Sisi requested that I take a picture of her tail, so here:

As you can see, we have a truly minimalistic bedroom.  No clutter, no nightstands.  We have one dresser tucked into the closet.  We have no choice, it's a tiny room.  

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