Pretty Pinning
There's something so serene and calming when you have pretty pinboards. I may sound obnoxious and picky but to me, pinterest provides so much inspiration and when I'm on there, I want to be inspired.
I organized my boards this past weekend one night and now my profile page scream "aubrey" and I can't stop staring. Blush, mint, gold, floral, it's all so gorgeous and elegant. I want people to come to my boards excited and leaving with ideas and photography that makes their heart smile.
I'll be honest, I want to print everything I see and post it all around my home office.
My own mood board right in my face as I work and create pretty things for you.
Don't you just love all things pretty and eye catching?
follow me on pinterest
Beauty
Self Tanning: How To
I won't lie and tell you I've never stepped into a tanning bed because I have. More often than I should. It's something I shouldn't be doing especially because skin cancer is in my family but there's something about that bold, gorgeous bronze look that melts my heart.
Growing into a woman, I've seen my body and skin change as I'm aging. It's making me stop to appreciate the young skin I have now and start being proactive in the way I take care of it.
I've recently purchased Fake Bake. It's a liquid self tanner that you spray on a professional mitt, apply it to your body and it lasts for 4-5 days. I ordered it from amazon not thinking I'll be conformed but after the first application, I was raving about it! I've tried other self tanners all leaving me with an orange tint and horrendous tanning smell and this product does neither.
So today I want to share my steps of building my tan and the ways I treat it to last it's full potential.
| please pin this to help spread safe tanning methods as we head into warmer weather |
Like I said, I've fallen in love with Fake Bake because of the way it goes on being so easy and light. I've found when using the exfoliating it really leaves a base that's soft and ready to give my tan it's full color. It's lasted me 3-5 days depending on my activity during the time I had it on. One weekend I tried with when I didn't have plans for the gym but plans to spend time with family doing low key stuff and this lasted great. Another time, I went to the gym daily so I showered more and it came off faster. The color doesn't peel, run or get streaky! It seems to just evenly fade away the times I've tried it. I do have eczema, a skin condition that causes little rash spots across my body. Like any self tanner, those spots are definitely splotchy but they're not too noticeable from an observer.
these pictures are unedited
This is after one application ladies!
This is after one application ladies!
ONE.
Sold? Yep, I am too. Forever and always I'll be using this amazing stuff. It's been such a great way to bring in some spring color in a safe way without hurting and frying my skin off.
overall:
lasts 3-5 days [the more water, the faster it'll fade!}
doesn't peel, run or streak
has a light coconut smell that's not overwhelming
exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
Don't you agree there's something about that illuminating glow of a tan that just makes you feel beautiful?
You can purchase Fake Bake, here.
+note: everyone has different skin types and conditions. this is a tanner that has worked for me but it can be different with each person! i was not paid to write this post, it's my own opinion i wanted to share so others can find something that works for them.
+note: everyone has different skin types and conditions. this is a tanner that has worked for me but it can be different with each person! i was not paid to write this post, it's my own opinion i wanted to share so others can find something that works for them.
Beauty
Spring Crushes
We've had some random weather lately in Arizona. Raining and in the 50's to 90's and sweating the next day. It has my mind craving spring more and more but unfortunately, that means the dreaded heat will soon follow. When I say dreaded heat, you only know what that feels like when you've conquered a 120 degree summer. Swimming pools are required in PHX to survive those 4 months of fire.
I've been bringing a little pastels into my daily routine to force spring upon me so today, I'm sharing my pastel nail polish color crushes.
Absolutely Shore- the perfect mint to brighten up your nails. I tend to wear this on my toes with a dark neutral on my fingers. I also layer this with three coats to pop the mint a bit more.
Butterfly Kisses- I just snagged this up last week and I put it on immediately. It's gorgeous and bold yet soft at the same time. I love the cross between pink and purple this brings.
Prima Ballerina- my go-to nude for everyday wear. If I'm not wearing a dark polish it's normally this you'll see me wearing. Again, I do three layers to bring out the color a bit more.
Megan- my first Zoya polish and it's a favorite purple. It's the perfect cross between purple and gray so it goes with so much stuff and it neutral enough to wear throughout the year.
What are your favorite spring pastels?
Tutorial
Organizing Emails
A typical day in Casa Kinch looks like this every morning. Hubs leaves for work at 6:30, I fall back asleep until 8 then crawl out of bed, make some coffee, grab the vitamins and get started on emails for the day.
I've made it a priority to make sure I respond to emails in 24 hours. Why? Because when I'm the receiver, I'm dying to get a response and hate the waiting. Sometimes, life gets the best of me and that 24 hour mark turns to 48 and sometimes 72 but I know I make it a goal to be timely in my responses.
HERE'S HOW I ORGANIZE MY EMAIL:
BY COLOR:
I use Gmail and have every folder color coded. I am used to them by now so I know when I see purple on my inbox, it's related to blogger, blue goes to design and so forth. This makes it easy to identify what's there and whether it needs a quick response or it can wait.
BY CATEGORY:
Each category has their own subcategories in my mind. Things I file under my keep folder include items from old pictures of Elle, recipes from my MIL, documents with discount codes and even the copy right file from our wedding photographer. Doing it this way keeps them clean but also uses your space wisely without having 100 folder with 2-3 emails each.
BY INBOX:
Once I've categorized my email, I go back and make sure it also stays in my inbox because I know it's an ongoing conversation. For example, design clients are always filed under "design" but when the project is in the process of being done, it stays in my inbox until it's completed and is then moved to "design" only. This helps me visualize my daily to-do list for work because I know those are the designs in my queue at the time.
BY SPAM:
Check your spam daily! I still have to remind myself this all the time. There are a handful of times I've forgotten and then found a million and one emails from potential clients. Make a habit of checking it daily so you can avoid it getting buried and are intentional with a quick response.
There you have it, four simple steps to eliminating stresses of emails and the overwhelming sense of urgency they can cause. I hope my little tricks bring a small sense of peace when you tackle that inbox next time. And, I'd recommend coffee!
freebie
graphic design
Doesn't that make you want to throw on some wedges, grab a beach bag and enjoy the gorgeous weather around you? And maybe stop at the flower district to bring a little outside, in?
It does for me; enjoy your Friday Freebie!
click here to download
+these can be used on any phones; simply download the image, email to yourself & set as your screen!
Thank you so much for downloading my freebie this week!
I love to know all those special gals who use it so feel free to tag me on twitter or instagram @aubreykinch with a picture of your pretty background!
You can also use #kinchdesigns to add to my online gallery via twitter & instagram!
in case you missed it:
monday- Amourx Giveaway [still open!]
tuesday- Blog Sale: Blouses
wednesday- Blog Sale: Tanks
thursday- Blog Sale: Dresses
+ items are still available!
Friday Freebie!
Happy Friday, sweet friends!
As always, I'm here leaving you with a little freebie for your weekend.
I hope this one starts it off with a bang and only sets you up for a fabulous, colorful weekend!
I was inspired by Kate Spade and the gorgeous spring colors overtaking my instagram feed!
fashion
Giveaway
Not too long ago I came in content with a little online store, Amourx, that specializes in handmade jewelry and accessories. At first it was like any other shop wtih cutsey pieces but the more I browsed around I found pieced I knew I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere.
We all know I'm a sucker for skulls, I mean my half sleeve has a giant skull head so it's obvious, I gravitate towards that. Looking through the shop, I found not just one but a handful of skull items that were seriously, so cute! I wear the same pair of earrings daily and Colleen from Amourx sent me these bad boys, and I haven't taken them off since I got them! They're small, thin, delicate but bring out that rocker side of glam I like to pull off sometimes.
Another piece she sent me was this long elephant necklace with just the right touch of teal to make it pop, and again, it's something I've been wearing to accessorize my basic tees and shorts since Arizona is already in the 80's! One thing I really liked about this piece was how it is a worn in gold. It's rustic and bold in just the right balance. I've had so.many.compliments on this guy!
And dare I mention she has the oh, so darling stag in necklace form too?!! Yep, I went there because these are pieces I promise, you won't find elsewhere.
Amourx Giveaway: OOTD
Not too long ago I came in content with a little online store, Amourx, that specializes in handmade jewelry and accessories. At first it was like any other shop wtih cutsey pieces but the more I browsed around I found pieced I knew I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere.
some of those pieces are:
We all know I'm a sucker for skulls, I mean my half sleeve has a giant skull head so it's obvious, I gravitate towards that. Looking through the shop, I found not just one but a handful of skull items that were seriously, so cute! I wear the same pair of earrings daily and Colleen from Amourx sent me these bad boys, and I haven't taken them off since I got them! They're small, thin, delicate but bring out that rocker side of glam I like to pull off sometimes.
Another piece she sent me was this long elephant necklace with just the right touch of teal to make it pop, and again, it's something I've been wearing to accessorize my basic tees and shorts since Arizona is already in the 80's! One thing I really liked about this piece was how it is a worn in gold. It's rustic and bold in just the right balance. I've had so.many.compliments on this guy!
And dare I mention she has the oh, so darling stag in necklace form too?!! Yep, I went there because these are pieces I promise, you won't find elsewhere.
dress// F21
blazer// F21
watch// Fossil
flops// Old Navy
earrings// Amourx
So today, Colleen wants to giveaway something fun from her shop to my fabulous readers!
here's how to enter:
MANDATORY
MANDATORY
follow Amourx on Instagram: @amourxhandmade
like Amourx on Facebook: here
leave a comment below of your favorite piece from the shop & what products you'd like to see!
bonus entries:
follow The Kinch Life via GFC: here
follow The Kinch Life via instagram: @aubreykinch
following The Kinch Life via Twitter: here
+ leave a comment for each entry, the giveaway will be closed Friday, March 8 at Midnight MST!
good luck!
family
.JPG)
Cousin Love
There's nothing quite like watching my cousins grow into beautiful young girls.
From day one, I've always been around and we've always been more sisters than cousins.
This weekend, Madison, the oldest had her state cheer competition. This is exactly what I was doing at her age and she was just a little girl watching me perform. Now, it was my chance to watch her do her thing and beam with pride and joy.
I get overwhelmed with emotions thinking about watching her grow and after watching her knock it out this weekend, it's even more apparent to me how much her and her sisters mean to me. She is quite the gorgeous teen and I'm so happy we've grown so close over the years and even happier I was able to share a special memory she'll cherish for many years to come. Who knows, maybe she will be watching a Little of mine doing the same in the future!
Love you Madi!
You are a rock star!
.JPG)
blazer// F21
skirt// F21
tank// Fashion Q
necklace// F21
flops// Old Navy
watch// Fossil
Congratulations on second place Greenway Demons!
freebie
graphic design
Yep, it was completely necessary making a little vlog. Wednesday was a disaster and it was something I couldn't control so I had a moment of weakness, shed a few tears and cursed a bit, right Liz? I felt a stab in my heart from people getting upset with me, again, about something I had no control over. I'll be honest, I was shocked by the way some ladies addressed me and it clearly opened my eyes to those clients I've had in the past and simple blogger friends, that had my back. I can't thank them enough.
Melissa
Lauren
Sami
Elizabeth
Annie
Jessica
Emily
Nicole
Rachel
Shannon
Amber
I want each of you to know how much your comments + love meant to me.
After taking a moment to regroup and a moment to realize that I can't please everyone I knew what I wanted to do for this week's freebie. I found this saying on pinterest a few months ago and it's been one that makes so much sense. I whipped it up and plastered it on my phone and printed it out for my office. I need to remember this more times than not and it was exactly what I needed to see after Wednesday's shenanigans.
click here to download
I hope you enjoy this freebie ladies and I hope it reminds you to take deep breaths when life gets hard. We don't have the ability to control everything and I know that's something I get anxiety over so this little saying can gives us the encouragement we need.
On another note, this weekend I'm going through my closet and will be getting things organized to have a little Blog Sale hopefully this coming week! I'd love for you to come back and take a look when it's live!
Happy Friday, loves.
Stay YOU.
Friday Freebie!
+these can be used on any phones; simply download the image, email to yourself & set as your screen!
I love to know who downloads the freebie to enjoy!
tweet me @aubreykinch
or tag me on instagram [@aubreykinch]
telling me you've snagged one!
You can also use:
to see a gallery of my portfolio via insta
& I'd love for you to add these freebies to that!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)