AUBREY KINCH

I figured it was that time to finally debut this half sleeve with the attention it deserves on the blog. Back in October, Andrew and I both had major ink added to our bodies. He had a full sleeve done which just makes me melt. I think it's so sexy and it's even sexier his meaning behind his. It's a heaven vs. hell display that really taps into his beliefs and views on everyday life and the temptations in it. Mine is a little different.

You see, I always knew I wanted to have tattoos and ones that covered a lot. I've said from day one I want both arms sleeved and I'd love to have more added to my back so when I had the opportunity to start a design, I defaulted to more floral. Every tattoo I have is built around a floral design. My foot, back, hip, side... all have some type of flowers incorporated. It's something I love, something that's beauty in my eyes, something I know I'd be happy with permanently on my body. Everything else I have is done in color and I thought this time, I'd like a change.

It's just been in the last year I've immersed myself into design and I've really learned the things I love and the things I'm drawn to so it seemed natural to make this piece all black and grays. I had him touch a few spots to highlight in white and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.

I'm sure some of you are asking, "why a skull?". I get people think it's a bit much especially being on a girl that is the definition of girly but it's special to me. It was important to me to also have something in my tattoo that represented the time of life I was in and a skull just seemed right. I've become really close with Drake over the last two years and he's been very vocal about how he loved daddy's skull tattoo so I thought, let's do it! I'm going to add a skull and it's going to represent my Little Man. Crazy? Maybe, but it warms my heart looking at my arm and thinking how it represents myself in floral and my boys with a skull. Again, truly transparent to the time of life I am in.

We're talking about adding more ink with me sleeving the remaining part of my arm and Andrew working on a back piece. It's something we both find our voice and beauty in and I can't wait to continue adding onto the art I already have.

A couple months ago we purchased a juicer, this one here and it's been amazing for us. Andrew grew up juicing and has his favorite recipe and I've never done it but was excited to try it. I'm normally a green smoothie kind of gal but juicing has been just as great for me and I personally think it takes a lot better! I've been able to customize the flavor to my liking and I know I'm getting great nutrients for my day.

We are going to Mexico mid June and both have been on the journey to shedding pounds here and there focusing on what we eat and attempting to be more active. So we've decided for the next couple weeks until we go, we're going to simply juice and that's it.  I've heard of quite a few people doing this and they tend to lose the weight pretty easily and quickly but I guess I'm just concerned we're going to be depriving our bodies of necessities. I've considered adding in a few salads for dinners so I'm not going to bed hungry but we will see.

Either way, I'm excited about it and I can't complain because it's a delish "meal". Cross your fingers we make some kind of transformation in our time doing this.

favorite recipe:

5 carrots

3 oranges, peeled

1 stick celery

8-10 cubed pineapple

1 | Redken: All Soft

This stuff is a life saver. I was using the basic drug store shampoo and conditioner normally Tresemme because it was inexpensive and did the job. Last year when I had black hair and went back to blonde in the matter of 3 weeks, I needed something strong and worth it. I splurged on Redken, which I had used many times in the past and haven't looked back since. It's great for color treated, dry hair and it's lasted me 9 months with the large sizes.

2 | Biotin

I jumped on the bandwagon about 6 months ago taking Biotin along with my daily prenatal vitamins and my hair is finally growing to where it's noticeable! I couldn't preach about this stuff more because it works so well. It's cheap and is great for your nails and skin also. Totally worth the buy!

3 | Wide Tooth Comb

I used to be the girl who'd grab a brush and yank through my hair causing a million times more breakage and damage than needed. I purchased a wide tooth comb about a year ago and it's really kept my hair in great condition. I like to have one in the shower so I comb through my hair with conditioner on it and I have one for when I'm combing through after the shower.

4 | Bed Head: After Party

It's like heaven in a bottle. The smell is divine and the consistency with the product works on so many hair types. I prefer using this after I've curled versus straightening because it has a oil base and I feel like it pumps up the shine on my locks, gives off a wonderful scent and it's perfect for taming those annoying fly aways.

5| Moroccan Oil

When my hair was at it's worse, this stuff saved me. One little pump takes you a long way and it's worth the spend. It's great for adding the perfect amount of moisture to your hair along with the ability to tame and keep hair in it's place. I like to finish with the spray to add some glimmer and tasty scent.

6 | Pureology: Precious Oil

Need a hair masque that really works? Spend the money and get this stuff. It's great to apply in the shower while shaving your legs and I always comb through with my wide tooth comb. I like to do it about every other week because the product goes a long way.

Being completely truthful, I threw on my extensions and had to capture the great hair day that was happening. Doesn't the color just match so well? I'm still over the moon about my "sombre" I've been rockin' for a few weeks now. So hubs and I were heading out for drinks so it just so happened I was in this little number. Perfect summer attire in Arizona. Well, maybe not the blazer but it was 8pm so it wasn't too unmanagable.

We need to touch on those H&M shorts. You saw a red paid here and I've since then purchased 3 more pair because they're $12 and the fit is perfection. I'd recommend getting some, and coming from a lady who hates her legs and wearing shorts, that means a lot. I'm trying people, I'll embrace the dimples this summer because it's too dang hot in my neck of the woods not to be in shorts.

Also, that white blazer is dreamy. I'm guilty of trying to wear it everyday and I'll admit, it does happen quite often. It's been hard trying to find the right attire for working at the church this summer. I didn't think I would struggle so much trying to cover my tattoo but it's also an oven outside so I'm torn. Most coworkers say to show it and then there's one person who gives me the stare down when the lovely half sleeve is out. Makes me want to get real sassy but I must act like a lady.

tee (option) | forever 21

blazer (option) | H&M

shorts | H&M

wedges | nordstrom

necklace (option) | forever 21

watch | fossil

click here to download

this week on the blog:

monday | Pearls + Pastries Giveaway

tuesday | 5k Recap

wednesday | Psalm 119:25

thursday | Growing Your Marriage

To be completely truthful, I have to say I'm one of the lucky married ladies. I know so many people who struggle and fight to keep their marriage lively and I'm blessed to say, I'm not one of them. Andrew and I have build our marriage on a foundation of Christ and we've always put Him first in our home. We then have added the fun elements and love and we've ended up with a pretty great recipe for happiness. I'd say over the few years we've been married this past one has been the most trying and I only say this because of Drake growing up and we've been trying to get more time with him which in turn, really has nothing to do with our marriage but just life in general being a little overwhelming. Either way, I feel like we have a few things we do daily that help keep our marriage growing and I'd like to share them with you!

1 | Little Notes: This can't be more simple. When you take a small moment to write a note to your honey, it leaves an impact. Andrew and I have taken a picture frame and placed it in our bathroom to write notes on with a white board marker. It's a simple note saying "I had a great time last night!" or even something to the point like "you make me belly laugh & I like it". It could really be anything but ultimately, it will make your boo smile.

2 | Communicate: Ladies, are you listening? This is crucial. Men see things at face value. I know me, being me, like to hint at things or throw little clues out to my husband to figure out and he just doesn't. Learn from me and just be blunt and tell him how you really feel. It helps him learn your desires simply without drama and hurt feelings. It gives you both the opportunity to talk it out and to communicate without leaving a situation unresolved. I've had one too many times I end a conversation in utter frustration because he doesn't see what I'm trying to say and that's no bueno, friends. Plain and simple, speak in less words and to the point.

3 | Check Them Out: I'll be honest, I think my husband is one sexy MoFo. I have my ways of checking him out in a very subtle way but I also like to make it apparent so he knows how much I enjoy him and all of him. A simple comment goes a long way for those men, so tell them how much you enjoy their hottness!

4 | Flirt: You started your relationship flirty so you better keep it that way. What's more fun than being all giddy because your man makes you nervous still? Those butterflies are something I never want to lose so I make the intention to flirt and to date my hubs all the time. It's keep things spontaneous and uplifting; it's exciting too!

5 | Use Your Manners: Maybe it's just me but the more I see people the more I'm disappointed in their manners and sense of entitlement. What happened to please and thank you for the simplest of gestures? Why is it uncommon to use manners these days? Hubs and I both were raised strict on manners and we both are great at making sure the other knows their small gestures are received with so much appreciation. I can't stress saying please and thank you enough!

Again, I am blessed by my man. We were raised the same and watched each of our parents fall in love all over again every day and we both knew early on we wanted that. When we found each other and knew it would be a lifetime sharing those moments, it made it easy having the same background and foundation. He and I both can only encourage to always be your spouses best friend and don't take the times you have together for granted. I hope these little insights can bring some ideas to your home to keep your marriage continually blossoming!

So today, Lauren of Pearls + Pastries is being beyond generous and giving away a $15.00 shop credit to one of my fabulous readers. Let me just say, if her shop doesn't sell you right off the bat, her instagram will because everything she shares is gorgeous! She's also being so kind and offering 15% off your purchase when using code"KINCH15" when you order! Go shop, like now.

I mean, really. Look at all that fun stuff. Don't you just want it all? The best part about this shop is that fact that she supplies, girly and fun items for us girls on a budget. I'm still undecided if I love the gold hanger or the gold polka dotted plate. It's all so cute, especially the bobby pin print! This is the tassel she sent me and I've had a million compliments on it already. It's the perfect little accessory to throw your work key, mail key, house key on and it doesn't take an obnoxious amount of room in my purse. Win win, if you ask me.

here's how to enter:

F O L L O W

Pearls + Pastries

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3 entries | leave a separate comment for each entry

B O N U S   E N T R Y

tweet 

about the giveaway tagging

@aubreykinch

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your favorite item of the Pearls + Pastries shop tagging

@pearlsandpastries & @aubreykinch

2 bonus entries | leave a separate comment for each entry

The giveaway will close Friday, May 24 at midnight MST and the winner will be contacted shortly after. If you're the winner and don't claim your winnings within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. Don't forget, you can shop now with 15% off using code "KINCH15". Good luck and get your booty over to the Pearls + Pastries etsy shop!

Huge difference, right?

First things first, make sure you have a couple hours to spare pampering yourself. When I take the time to make sure my polish will stay, I want to make sure I have the time to let that happen. Grab a good magazine or some books, stock up on shows and get your butt planted on your couch ready to veg.

You'll want to make sure your nails are prepped and ready to have the polish adhere. I like to remove all polish then soak in warm suddsy water with a hint of lavender oil to give my cuticles a little love. File the ends to your desired length (shorter is better in my book!) and buff out to remove any imperfections. 

To apply your polish you'll start by placing a single thin coat of base coat. Let this dry completely! Next, add a thin layer of your polish of choice (Sinful Colors // Endless Blue is my favorite lately), again letting this dry completely before applying a second coat. Repeat. Lastly you'll top your dried nails with a top coat making sure it's a thin layer here too. I'm sure you can tell now but the most important thing about this process is to make sure each layer is 100% dried before applying the next. Slowly painting is your best friend here. The slower and thinner the coats are, the longer it will last.

Pretty simple, right? My nails normally chip within 12 hours of painting them because I'm so hard on them and they lasted me 6 days without chipping when I did this! Totally worth a night of indulging on the couch if you ask me. 

shop my polish shown:

3 way glaze

endless blue

Can we talk about how long my hair is finally getting? This has been one thing driving me bonkers since I chopped it off two years ago. Had I known it would take it's sweet time getting back to a manageable length, I don't think I would've done it. Although, it did show me that my collar bone is the shortest I should ever go now since I have an obsession with throwing it up. 

A week or so ago I posted a picture on instagram about my hair but got a million more compliments on my eye makeup. You've seen here I am pretty basic when it comes to shadows and I keep it pretty neutral and not too dark so when I got my hands on some new products that create an amazing smokey eye, I had to start doing it daily, duh. So I wanted to show a little step by step of the products I use so you can accomplish your own smokey eye.

First thing to take note of is that this eye is a darker brown//charcoal eye versus a black smokey eye. I like this better because it's not as harsh and tends to bring out to green in my eyes better. I'm showing below the order of application so please know they are all applied the same way for shadows just to the crease. The Almond focuses on the entire lid and I go back using Coffee Shop and Espresso on the outer corners. I also take a bit of the Espresso and rough it up under my bottom lashes. I use the Devil's Food eye crayon as an eyeliner making it thick and bold to really make the eyes pop and to help them appear larger.

almond | mary kay

coffee shop | milani

espresso | mary kay

devil's food | ulta

rocket mascara | maybelline

soft nude | revlon

Easy enough, right? This is something that took me a few times to really be comfortable with the application and to fully embrace the boldness it shouts but now that I have, I love pairing it with a nude lip, black top and some red nails. It's the perfect statement for a night out and gives little glam vibe for a day at work. Feeling even more adventurous? Throw on a pair of false eyelashes and you'll really have some eyes that stand out!

you can see other make up posts, here.

click here to download.

Happy Weekend!

top (similar) | skirt | belt | shoes (similar)

Can we talk about this obnoxiously cute skirt? Yes, we should because I'm in love with it. It's from eShaki. Heard of it? If not all you really need to know is they make some seriously cute clothing that's completely customizable for you! You're probably thinking completely customizable, hmmm? Well, they can adjust the hem, waist, neckline, sleeves...you name it, they'll do it. Talk about great, yes? I know it's always a struggle finding the right size things because I have a small bust but quite the badunka so this was heaven to my ears learning about eShaki! 

This is the skirt I purchased and it's shown in the shortest length available. My goal was to pair it with some flats and a cardigan or wedges and a chiffon top as shown here. So far, I've worn it a handful of times and it's been everything and more I dreamed it would be. The perfect LBS for all occasions and the compliments have been endless.

Basically, I'm telling you to head over to the eShaki site and get to shopping friends, you won't regret the cuteness overload you'll end up with!

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