meet chelsea.

Hi Guys! My name is Chelsea, and I blog over at Ruesch Love.  Mostly, I talk about the small things that make my life just a little more sweet, mixed in with the occasional embarassing story or sarcastic remark. Okay, the sarcasm may be a little more than occasional. Just don't take anything I say too seriosuly. Heaven knows I don't. I'm in love with a boy whom I fondly refer to as j.rue. I'm kind of crazy about his baby blues...and bum. But I'm his wife so I can say that.

A big thanks to Elease for letting me share a little of her space today. Those two little lovebirds are the cutest thing since sliced bread and her blog easily became one of my daily reads. I idolize her prima-ballerina coolness. I think we're kindred spirits because I took ballet until the rip old age of 11. That counts, right Elease? Oh, and did I mention she has killer style. I'm sure that you're already aware , but I just love it!

Today I wanted to introduce you to a couple of my simple summer essentials. Simple because I mean, should summer be described any other way? I think not! Plus, I'm a strong advocate of taking care of and pampering yourself. Hopefully I can bring some stuff to the table that you have never heard of or are on the fence about purchasing. Okay, so let's get started:

1. African Black Soap. Ever heard of it? I hadn't either, until last month and it's done magical things for my skin. It's supposed to have anti-aging AND acne properties and it's all natural. Oh, and it's only $3. Kind of a winner in my book. This is more of a year round essential, but summer is a great time to try something new. Funny side story: when j.rue first saw my new soap he asked why there was a turd in our shower. Yes it's that ugly, but what did your momma always teach you growing up? Don't judge a book by it's cover.

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2. I'm a huge sunscreen advocate. HUGE. I like to think of it as my summer perfume. Okay, I actually wear real perfume, but I love it when I walk by someone and I can smell the faint whiff of sunscreen. It makes me happy and oh so proud. We recently got back from California and I now swear by SuperGoop. Enticing name, right? This goop is free of a lot of chemicals, works on your body and face, and isn't slimy or filmy white. Please, wear your sunscreen. Wrinkles are not cute. Neither is cancer. Okay, stepping off the soapbox now...

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3. Actually one more thing about sun protection, but this one is a little more fun. Promise. FLOPPY HATS! These are adorable and keep the sun off of your neck and face. For a whitey like me, they're 100% necessary, even if living in Utah. There are some very cute and inexpensive ones available at Target and F21.

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4. For the love of Maxi skirts! If you don't own at least one get your tush out the door right now.

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5. These headbands. Okay, they aren't anywhere near being an essential, but they scream summer in my opinion. When I rock mine j.rue calls it a turban and talks to me in an Indian accent. Not very PC j.rue.

6. Bobbi Brown's Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer. It has SPF, it's light with just enough color to even you out, and it doesn't make you shiny. This is your answer to summer make-up melty face issues and concerns.

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7. LUSH "Big" Shampoo. This isn't a specific one for summer, but it does have delicious sea salt to massage your scalp. Sea salt is very summer-ish.

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8. Summer tunes. I've been digging him, her, her, and them.

9. I know some people aren't into this, but finding fluffy summer beach reads is about as good as it gets. When I think of a perfect summer afternoon I think of a hammock, lemonade, a floppy hat, and a good book. If you're not into novels, magazines or netflix are a nice option too. But be warned, you are missing out.

10. NARS Carthage Lipstick. Again, not an essential but a nice punchy color never put anyone at a disadvantage. Lipstick makes me feel all confident and fancy schmancy. If lipstick scares you, maybe start with one of these and ease your way into more bold color. It worked for me.

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11. Is is driving you nuts that I didn't end this at an even 10? It is me. This last one couldn't be left out though. YOu need a summer side-kick to go on lots of crazy adventures with, but who will also lounge on the couch eating snacks and watching the Bachelorette. J.rue fills that void in my life, but side-kicks can really be anyone that you love. You must love them though. If you and your side-kick needs some summer ideas, j.rue and I made a summer bucket list. I might get your creative juices flowing.

Please excuse the low quality and cheesiness of this picture. The low quality is due to the fact that we rely only on cell phone cameras. The cheesiness hails from our recent trip to Disneyland. How can you not be cheesy there?

There you have it! Simple Summer Essentials. I've learned that keeping things simple allows you to reduce stress, and reducing stress improves your health and allows you to fully enjoy your summer. So there you have it. I give you permission to go and buy anything on this list that you may want. Because it will make you more healthy. But then you can't feel guilty, because that would make this kind of an oxymoron. Are you following me here?

Thanks again Elease for letting me stop by! I would love to hear from any of you. I love meeting new bloggy friends and finding new fabulous blogs to read, so please feel free to stop by and say hi! Happy summer!

meet elise.

Hi lovebird readers!

I'm Elise and you can say hello over here. I blog about fashion, food, dance and pretty things. I am so happy Elease is letting me hang out here today because she is a constant inspiration for me with her lovely dancing, wonderful marriage and upbeat outlook on life. She's so darling..as you already know!

I wanted to share some of my favorite looks for this summer. This doesn't necessarily mean they are "on-trend" or what every closet needs - these pieces are quite impractical. Here are looks that I love, because everyone could use some playful things to wear.

Here is what I am loving this summer:

My tutu:

Chiffon Skirt:

Corset Top:

DIY Toms Sandals:

 

Yellow & Simple Sandals:

Old Navy, Links no longer available

White Dress:

H&M, link no longer available

Your turn! What is one thing you own that is just for fun?

bon voyage!

we've been awfully busy:

attending weddings, catching up with family, playing with friends, 

eating out too much, shopping more than lovebird approves,

and getting ready for our big adventure.

it's been such a delightful vacation already, 

i'm actually in awe we still have another three weeks of vacation ahead of us.

we are counting our blessings, and feel oh-so-lucky.

we leave for italy today!

{or as lovebird calls it, "the country of love"}

we are both so eager to get there, explore the beauty, 

taste the gelato and eat homemade pasta.

but, we are most excited to just be with one another.

just the two of us.

we've been begging for time alone with one another

after such a hectic, crazy and long ballet season and school year.

that time starts in less than 24 hours...

and you better believe that we are both counting down the seconds.

{at this point, even our nine hour layover sounds delightful. i'm slightly joking.}

while we are gone, i thought i would treat you all to a little something.

since, clearly, i can't fit you all in my suitcase and take you with me.

for the next three weeks, i have some lovely bloggers featured on my blog.

i hope they keep you entrained by their beauty, fun ideas, tutorials and so much more.

it's always a treat to discover a new blog....

so enjoy them and send them some love by visiting their blogs!

italy and lovebird will carry my heart for the next little while.

i'm simply elated about that.

i'll miss you dearly while i'm away 

and look forward to catching up on your blogs when i return.

happy summer. 

xoxo

history buff.

{reflection of a beautiful utah sky and valley}

happy tuesday.

life never slows down, does it?

especially, when you visit home;

there are so many things to do, see and catch up on.

yesterday, lovebird and i took a trip up to the

natural history museum of utah

with my brother corey and cute mother. 

holy cow! it was incredible.

we were there for several hours, and i could have spent several more.

thank goodness for my geology and anthropology classes last semester- 

the museum felt like one big fat review.

it was so awesome to relate everything i just learned in school to "real" life.

it was fascinating. 

i slightly feel like a nerd, but i'm completely okay with that.

life is about learning.

if you are in the area {or even somewhat close}

i strongly urge you to go see this specatular museum.

it's free if you're a student, print a coupon here, 

or go on one of the days that admission is free. {next date: july 9th}

it's well worth the time, your money and

of course, exercising that brain of yours.

redheads have more fun.

 

{before and after}

first i was blonde. 

for 22 years of my life, actually. 

second i was a brunette. 

this was a big change, obviously. 

after just a couple days of getting used to it,

 i  thoroughly enjoyed the change.

then things got crazy;

i suddenly was awfully daring, adventurous, and brave.

i dared to be a redhead. 

surprisingly, i love it. 

it's fun, different and totally not me.

but, that's just it... 

i am a redhead.

and now, it is totally me. 

following the trend.

posting instragram photos is somewhat trendy.

i'm aware of that.

some may even say it's a cop out to composing a "good" blog post,

while others thrive to post there little photos on the blog.

i'm indifferent. 

the bottom line:

i'm a fan of capturing life via pictures,

and i'm also a fan of blogging/posting whatever your little heart desires. 

today i'm being lazy, trendy, and "coping out on a 'good' post"

{or whatever you may consider it}

to share my life, as of lately, through photos:

1. windy day= lots of layers and lots of laughs.

2. my cute cousin patsy just got engaged! yay!

3. diet coke, again. it's worth repeating.

4. a reflection of buildings in downtown salt lake city.

5. craft night {again}! vintage materials with a vintage sewing machine.

{not to mention, a mint green one. it was my mom's first one- she bought it at age 13!}

6. help me pick a good book, or two, to take with me on my trip!

7. meet boone. my favorite kid alive. 

8. recent obsession: greek yogurt from tcby. go try it now. you'll instantly fall in love.

it's your turn to post your lovely pictures!

also, i'd love it if you followed along on instagram...

so in return, i can find and follow your cute life via pictures!

user name: eleasejane

five favorites.

these are a few of my favorite things:

{as of late}

1. diet coke. recently with lime.

2. gladiator shoes in a carmel color. {own and love these.}

3. facetime with lovebird while we're apart. 

4. essie nail polish. any bright color will do. 

{i fluctuate between essie and opi; currently loving essie}

5. matinee movies, manicures, mint green, and mothers.