Hello, my gorgeous bunnies! It's been quite some time since I've been around these parts and I'm feeling refreshed, regrouped and ready to embrace a new year boldly with the blog! There is something I'm dying to share but it'll have to wait one more week but let's just say, it's big. Just to touch on the migraines, I'm doing okay currently as I've been put back on a Percocet so it's treating the pain as needed but we can chat more about that later because it's quite a bore.
I've had many questions on how I achieve my soft, loose curls with my extensions on instagram so I wanted to share a little tutorial here. It's the same process as my everyday curls on my natural hair but with a larger iron and a little TLC at the end to finish them right. I'll list below the products I'm using so you can snag them also!
I've been debating trying the deep oxblood lip and decided why the heck not? After a night of 3 hours of sleep, I thought it was only appropriate to sport a bold cat eye and deep lip to disguise the tiredness in my eyes and I think it's working. It does help the brisk weather while taking these pictures early this morning but that's something I'm completely embracing since we only have a about 4 weeks of cold in Phoenix.
Also, so many thanks to all your ladies who reached out on my migraines and extending grace as I take the time needed to navigate these waters. Either I'm getting used to the pain or it's slightly getting better because my head isn't so bad lately but my body is still in shock, shaking and not sleeping. I'll take it though. I do plan to snag some Bath & Body Works sleep spray today to help coach me to sleep tonight so cross your fingers it's helpful; I've heard only rave reviews!
Happy hump day, bunnies!
skirt | my mama made it!
sweater | H&M
heels | Target
belt | Target
watch | Fossil
lips | Maybelline - Deepest Cherry (420)
It's been quite a rough couple weeks and I thought it's about time to share it here. If you've followed the blog for a while, you know I suffer with chronic migraines and have for about 11 years. It's something I learned to just deal with and move about life pretending like I'm not in pain and I've been okay for the most part because I've been on a daily medication for about 10 years preventing them. I still have the normal migraine about once a week but that's manageable from when I used to have them for a couple months straight.
A couple weeks ago I decided it was time to stop all medications having to do with migraines. I've been wanting to take this step for a couple years but was completely scared by the outcome and how I'd be extremely vulnerable to struggling while my body adjusted to nothing. Well I've been proven right because it's been one constant migraine along with the most severe side effects with vomiting, dizzy spells, lack of sleep, shaking and being completely out of it at times. I feel like I'm not very present in life going about my business because it's a fog of pain but we're managing... trucking through as best I can.
Why am I denying medication? It's become something I'm immune to and even the strongest pain killers aren't making a dent. Breaking it down, I was on a daily preventative, two onset pills, nausea medicine, vicodin and the occasional percocet. You can only imagine when my body is subjected to this extreme at least once a week, it would be in shock cutting it out, ha! Altogether, I want to find a place where I can manage this without being completely zonked on meds or miserable without them. I'm trying to find a good balance as well as natural remedies to help for this time being.
As this year closes, I find myself becoming busier as we all do during this season but I have to force myself to say no to those additional projects right now because I just can't function. With the exception of two nights, my average sleep schedule is about 4 hours a night because I'm up vomiting so frequently and it really doesn't help that both of my jobs are with me planted in front of a computer all day. The joys of social media!
All in all, I'm trying to keep up blogging as time and wellness permits but I so appreciate your grace if there are larger leaves of absence on the blog! As always, you babes have my heart and I can't thank you enough for your support!
click here to download
I am so beyond over the holiday gift guide shit that has taken over the interwebs so I have to break free of that nonsense and bring you a freebie that was live exactly a year ago today on the blog! I've seen it popping up in my pinterest feed again so I wanted to get the link up in the air so you can print this file for decorating around your home this holiday season.
Let's talk about bargains. Andrew's work Christmas party is this Saturday and I have the perfect cream lace dress and wanted a touch of metallic for shoes. Enter, these Sam & Libby babies! I had seen them over and over in my daily... :) ... Target runs so I finally just ordered them online since they didn't have my size in store still only bringing these to $40 shipped. Not too shabby. Fast forward two days after they arrive while I'm browsing the Target shoe section in store and they just happened to have them in a 6 on clearance for.... $11. WHAT? I quickly ran home, exchanged my first purchase and left with an additional blazer and sweater. Hello sweet bargain goodness. And now I have the perfect pop of metallic with my oh so predictable lace & cream number for the company Christmas party. I love bargains. And Target.
top | Forever 21
shrug | Zara
jeans | Old Navy
heels | Target
necklace | Bangled
clutch | Marshall's (similar)
I feel like this goes without saying but the necklace? It's everything. Last night we had some friends over and I showered quickly after work, threw on this ensemble and added a dash of glitz with this necklace not thinking much of it but literally had 6 compliments just at Trader Joes. Even Drake said it was the best one I have; that has to say something when you're 8 year old boy notices! I'm sure you have seen variations of it around the webs but have you ever for the obnoxiously low cost of $18? Didn't think so. I also don't think I need to say much more than buy it.... now.... because ladies, you will not regret it!
necklace | Shop Bangled (IG | @shopbangled, FB | here)
jeans | American Eagle
top | Forever 21 (similar)
flats | Steve Madden (similar)
watch | Fossil
It's no lie I love a good graphic tee and a structured blazer so when my closet grew with these harem pants, I knew I had to pair them with some of my staples. I also had this gorgeous Bangled necklace dying to be debuted so it was a match made in heaven. Add a bold fall lip and some strappy sandal and you're golden. I do feel I have to admit this outfit was beyond comfortable to the point I felt I was almost cheating on my favorite jammies. But isn't that the beauty of fashion? Some things are brutal, others are bliss... the things we do to look fabulous!
pants | Forever21
top | Forever21
blazer | H&M
sandals | LuLu's
necklace | Bangled (IG: @shopbangled)
watch | Fossil
bracelet | Alex & Ani
bag | Ivanka Trump (similar)
It's obvious by how many times you've seen this fab skirt around this blog, that it's my favorite.....EVER. I mean the bold stripes just seem to be the perfect classic touch to this trendy skater skirt. Being as it finally dropped below 70 in PHX, I felt it only natural to pair a basic sweater with this baby to embrace it all! That seems to be my favorite combination also; a chunky sweater and sassy skirt.
It's all about balance folks.
skirt | Taylor & Stylist (similar)
sweater | H&M (similar)
booties | Target
necklace | Fringe & Lace (similar)
watch | Fossil
This weekend we're soaking up our time with Drake after picking him up last night and have plans to only enjoy the rainy weekend all while sipping hot cocoa and putting up Christmas goodies. It finally feels like the holidays are right around the corner [which they are!] with our cooler temps in Arizona. Brutus is also glued to the patio enjoying his snow dog roots with the brisk mornings.
What are your plans this weekend?
Sound the alarms! It's raining in Arizona today! Praise Jesus! I've been sooooo over the 90 degree weather we've still be in and I literally squealed in excitement this morning when I realized it was in the 60's and I wouldn't be sweating in my comfy, warm attire! What a way to start this weekend, ladies. Seriously.
I wanted to take a moment to extend such a warm and genuine thank you to everyone who takes the time to come to my blog over and over. Recently my instagram has sky rocketed in followers and it keeps me in awe how people like to follow along and be part of my journey. It's weird how that all works out when coming into blogging as a hobby and something to be creative with and before you know it, it turns to something so inspiring and a form of encouragement and you evolve as a person with it and your readers. So thank you for letting me be all mush and tears as I extend my gratitude! You babes are rockstars and keep me going!
Have a blessed and safe weekend pretties!
skirt | Forever 21
sweater | Target
booties | Target (similar)
scarf | Zara
Hello lovelies! About a month ago, I chatted here about the goodness I had purchased with Philosophy Clear Days Ahead acne line. Well I did the trial kit so I finished the four week supply last night. I was blown away to begin with how it worked so quickly and so effectively even while being on my period. That being said, about week three I started to show major signs of breaking out again and was quite discouraged with the product. I did finish out and in the last week, things have cleared up pretty consistently again though!
All in all, I have to say this product was a good one but not my favorite and not something I'll be spending the full price on. I just don't feel it was hugely effective that it's life changing. I did have a lot of drying so throughout I had to use my favorite Cera Ve daily moisturizer to even maintain a face that wasn't peeling and the scent of the product really wasn't the best either. Maybe I'm miss priss and high maintenance but I like a great smelling product if I'm spending a pretty penny.
After much research and scouring the interwebs for another option, I landed on Mario Badescu. I'm sure you've heard of it but I found this sucker might be the jackpot. I'm happy to say, my little package of zit zapping joy arrived last night and I will be starting the beaute today! I only purchased the Drying Lotion which I've been told is the best spot treatment for acne and I followed up with the Anti Acne Serum as well for a daily wear to fight breakouts throughout the day. I am super encouraged by all the reviews I've been reading so I have faith this might do the trick! As always, I'll be back here to share my thoughts because lord knows all us ladies need some help in the relentless adult acne area. Amen?
I snagged this most perfect Ivanka Trump bag from Marshall last week and had this super casual and comfy outfit planned the moment I swiped my card. The perfect opportunity? Sunday at church! You see, I've been on the clock while we go to service now because I'm toting around my camera snapping the whole time so I have material to blog about for my church job. That being said, I need something comfortable while still being dressed up enough for church. Enter faux leather leggings & a cozy cardi and I'm set.
It helps the ray bans & scarf are perfection too.
leggings | Forever 21
top | Target
cardigan | Target
booties | Target (on sale!)
bag | Marshalls (similar)
scarf | Forever 21 (similar)
watch | Fossil
bracelet | Bangled (IG: @ shopbangled)
sunnies | Ray Ban
click here to download
Man, two weeks in a row? Who am I? Ha! Okay truthfully though, I'm a little saturated and burnt out in every aspect of life including design and I randomly made this little desktop background on Tuesday for some extra motivation and encouragement to power through those emails. That being said, I thought it was only right to share with you beauties! As usual, feel free to tag me on instagram or twitter @aubreykinch showing your pretty freebie and use #kinchdesigns.
Happy Friday!
And just because I know you all were swooning over my Kate Spade post
they're having a 25% off sale today & tomorrow!
Yay, now go snag some of those items on my top 10 list using code HOLWD13!
xo
And just because I know you all were swooning over my Kate Spade post
they're having a 25% off sale today & tomorrow!
Yay, now go snag some of those items on my top 10 list using code HOLWD13!
xo
It has occurred to me I should probably step away from the usual neutrals so today, I decided to add a touch of pink. That's about the most you'll see around these parts for the cooler months because I feel it's only normal to layer myself in all things black, cream, camel...etc and I'm sure you feel the same way. I some times envy those girls who have the balls to be bold but I've quickly realized it's just not my thing. I'm much more comfortable and dress my style when embracing the bland. And this pink? It's one of my favorites, MAC | Snob. You should probably snag it because it can be worn all year. Don't believe? Example one, two and three. Cheers!
pants | Old Navy
top | Target
blazer | Marshalls (exact- you will love it!)
sandals | Lulu's
watch | Fossil
bracelet | Windsor
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
It's been said Kate Spade is The Queen of digital marketing. My thoughts? Heck yes. Maybe it's the glitter or sassy little sayings but every time I intend to visit the site for a short time I find myself there 2 hours later after pinning an abundance of necessities...my husband would say they're wants but what does he know? They have literally rocked the marketing for this fall//winter season and I can't help but lust over these top 10 goodies I have on my radar for Christmas shopping!
Which one is your favorite?
The blush wallet is mine with the iPad sleeve as a close second!
Is it just me or do you find when the holidays come around you are clueless on what to get everyone as gifts. I know with all the ladies in my family, I always think and resort to the basics of a gift card or a bottle of wine to keep it simple but I have plans to switch that up slightly this year. Mom, sister....stop reading now! ;)
I was recently introduced to a company called Pink Papaya which has some great spa like items including soaps, candles, lotions...etc and it immediately made me think of gifting for the holidays to all those ladies I always get the same thing for. Us girls can never have enough candles and soaps so why not indulge a bit this season with something all girl? I snagged my own set of the limited edition Pumpkin Latte Collection that's only available until December 31st and when I got it in the mail, my mind was made up. This will be happening for gifts whether it's for family or ladies in the office I work with. The scent is divine and the candle is soy so me being Mrs. Picky was beyond impressed with this collection.
They also have some great makeup items along with skin care options. You all know I struggle with acne and as I'm closing my month with the Philosophy line I've been using, I might have to give theirs a go next. More on that and my thoughts next week!
Anyway, make sure to head over to Pink Papaya to browse around and get your order in soon so it comes in time for the holidays!
Shop HERE!
And feel free to follow on Facebook as well, HERE.
Happy shopping friends!
Just last night I was so blessed to co-host the first Fall-i-Day Blogger Bash here in Phoenix with my lovely friend, Crystal, of Shop Crystal Faye. You might recognize her name from a few instagram posts of mine (here, here, here). She and I decided to collaborate creating a little night of coffee & treats while also getting to know a few other AZ bloggers. From favor bags to sparkling coffee, we had a great evening at Songbird Coffee & Tea House here in central Phoenix.
I also need to just thank the wonderful companies that donated to us to make this happen! To list a few we had Kiki La Rue, Onli Beverage, Pearls & Pastries and even Target! I mean, we can't even express the gratitude we feel for these places coming together to make our night special for each of our guests. I also had so many questions on where the tassel garland was from and it's the lovely Studio Mucci!
Basically my night was just too much. I loved getting to meet all the gorgeous ladies who attended and I think Crystal and I might be a pretty good team. Make sure to look out for some other fun stuff in the future from her and I... ;)
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