Things I Love Thursday // 6.3.15

• Sanctuary Day Trip Jacket ~ From none other than… my latest Stitch Fix delivery --This jacket is lighter than it appears online, so versatile, and super flattering. I'm looking forward to adding it to my spring/summer easy go-tos. 
• Magnolia | Firefly Season ~ This is our 3rd early summer in the southeast and I still get absolutely giddy over the first firefly sightings of the season. Coinciding with this amazing occurrence is my second most-favorite of Mother Nature's southeast delights: magnolia blossoms as big as my head! 

  

  A little shy and not fully bloomed, this beauty needed some coaxing to show you her heart.

• This quick-dry/top-coat polish ~ Thank you to my friend Gretchen for gifting me a bottle of this magic potion. You would not believe how great it works! Typically, my at-home (or even salon --for that matter) manicures last about 2 days before I manage to chip the first nail. Since using Seche Vite, they have lasted a minimum of 6 days, chip-free. You can use it with any polish and it comes off easily with standard polish remover.
• Winning a $50 gift card to one of my favorite small jewelry designers (I've posted about them before here) ~ I wasn't even trying to win anything. Ex Voto Vintage automatically runs their contest every month. So fun! I already have the Woodley Cuff and the Wrapping Bracelet (made from a vintage necktie and pictured below). Wonder what I'll pick next…?  :) 
  
• Philosophy's Purity Made Simple one-step facial cleanser ~ I have been up and down the beauty aisle and back again trying all kinds of (much more expensive sometimes) face cleansers. I've finally settled on the fact that this product really is just right for me. The best part is how easy it is to use--just a small amount massaged onto a damp face for about 1 minute, rinse, and pat dry. Done. On top of that, the results are amazing. I can't believe that such a gentle cleanser can remove so much more product than anything else I've ever used. And because it's toning and hydrating, it leaves my skin softer and brighter every time I use it. 
• Futo Buta ~ The new ramen place in Southend is absolutely delicious. We went as a family on Sunday afternoon and enjoyed a tasty meal on the sunny patio. The Low Country Smoked Pork Belly Buns, Kurobuta Pork and Golden Scallop Gyoza, and both Ramens we selected (Shoyu and Miso) were devoured. If you get a chance, I highly recommend that you give it a go. I can't wait to get back and try everything else! 
   
  
• Ulta's Twice as Nice mascara ~ Here's what I love: it doesn't smudge or clump, it lengthens and thickens my lashes like crazy, it has two applicators -a large one for upper lashes and and very narrow one for bottom lashes, it's relatively inexpensive.
• Celebrating Sarah's birthday at the spa ~ Any excuse to visit the spa is a good one. It's especially nice however, when the occasion is to honor a great person and to revel in a whole day of relaxing, sipping, talking, and laughing. We even extended the celebration to an impromptu birthday toast to close out the weekend. Happy birthday, Sarah! Thanks for spending your special day with me!
  
• Using the iPhone app Mosaic to create memory books ~ There's not a whole lot of photo printing that goes on in my house anymore. Even less common than the printing, is organizing and putting together photo albums. On top of that, 99% of our pictures live on our smart phones. I don't remember how I came across it, but someone introduced me to Mosiac and I've been trying to utilize it whenever appropriate since then. The app helps you create a stunning little (7 x 7) coffee table book that arrives 4 days after submission. The books are beautifully packaged for gift-giving (or keeping for yourself). One of the best features of the software is how simple it is to use. You are strictly limited to 20 photos--which I find is a really good thing. There's even an option for adding text. I have made Mosaics for family trips, special events, and birthday presents. Grandparents love them too! 
• The new badminton set I found at Costco this week ~ We set it up in the yard on Monday and it has seen a lot of action since then. With the girls in the "sweet spot" and now that the weather is nice (when it's not thundering), it's the perfect weekend or evening activity for the whole family. Plus who doesn't love to say "shuttlecock"?