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Kayla Smith

I am a Florida native and BYU Graduate living in the West. I love fashion, beauty, and anything to do with pineapples! My goal is to embrace natural beauty and help others feel comfortable in their own skin.

memorial day weekend sales
Fashion

The Best Memorial Day Weekend Sales in 2019

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

Here’s a roundup of all the best sales and deals during Memorial Day weekend!

Memorial Day weekend is here! We are so excited to be spending part of this holiday weekend with my family. My sister graduated yesterday, my best friend is visiting today and I’m planning on shopping all weekend long. Sounds perfect, right?! If you’re looking to catch a deal, I’m sharing the best Memorial Day weekend sales this year. Here’s some of my favorites:

These are the best Memorial Day weekend sales I found! Let me know of any others I should include in this list because I would love to check them out. Where are you shopping for Memorial Day weekend?

XOXO Kayla

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Beauty

10 Quick and Easy Ways to Style A Hair Scarf

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

Easy hairstyles to do with a hair scarf for those days where you want to roll out of bed.

If you’re going to try any spring trend this year, go for a hair scarf. It quickly became popular and it isn’t going away any time soon. It’s one of my favorite accessories to add to an outfit. I’m sharing 10 easy ways to style a hair scarf in this blog post. First, if you’re looking for a hair scarf, I’ve gotten mine for this tutorial from Kaxi Co, but you can also find them on Amazon and a lot of other places online. If you would rather watch the tutorial instead of reading it, I included the link here. (you’re welcome!) There’s so many different ways to style it but here’s the 10 ways I came up with.

Style #1

This is the first hairstyle and it’s the easiest thing ever! All you have to do is pull all your hair forward so there’s none behind your back. Then, wrap a scarf behind your hair and pull forward any of the pieces that you want in front of the hair scarf. I like to have a couple pieces out to frame my face. After that, pull both ends of the hair scarf up and tie them into a bow on top of your head and smooth down any pieces that are straight. That’s it! It’s one of the easiest hairstyles that I do and it helps me look a little more put together when in reality all I did was straighten or curl my hair.

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #2

All you have to do is lay the hair scarf across your forehead, flip the hair over, tie it in the back and flip it back. Super easy! It’s another great hairstyle to do if you want to keep your hair down but you want to get the hair out of your eyes. I love using a hair scarf for any outfit.

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #3

I’m going to utilize the help of a hair tie for this one because my hair likes to fall out of this hairstyle since my hair scarf is so silky. I pull all my hair to one side of my head and I secure it with my hair elastic. I chose a clear one just because it is easier to hide. Then, I tie the hair scarf around the ponytail and tie a little bow. However, if you don’t want a bow, you can just double knot the hair scarf. If my hair is more greasy at the top and okay at the bottom, this is my go-to hairstyle. When I pull it all to one side it just looks so easy and effortless. I kind of feel like I’m five years old when I do this hairstyle but I still think it’s super cute.

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #4

Honestly, this one has the exact same steps as style #3, but instead of pulling it all into a ponytail, begin braiding the hair, secure ti with a hair elastic and tie a hair scarf at the bottom. You can do any type of braid you would like. I went for a regular three-strand braid. This one makes me feel a little bit like a kid too. However, I think it’s so cute especially if you have longer hair or extensions. If you have shorter hair, you can do the first hairstyle I talked about with a couple braids thrown in. The options are endless and that’s what I love about hair scarves!

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #5

This is another great way to get the hair out of my eyes while still leaving my hair down and it’s really cute and flirty. I take the top layer of hair and pull it all back. I smoothed it down and secured it with an elastic while tying it into a ponytail. Then, all I did was wrap the hair scarf around it tying one knot. I didn’t do two knots but you can if you’re afraid that your hair scarf’s going to fall out or you can tie a bow, but I decided that I want to let the sides hang down.

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #6

I don’t know about you, but it gets so hot where I live. It’s almost unbearable sometimes so I’m in a ponytail a lot. I like to dress ponytails up every once in a while because it makes it look intentional. All I did was pull my hair into a ponytails, smoothed any lumps and bumps, pulled out any stray hairs and tied my scarf around it.

Style #7

I love this hairstyle! It’s so easy to do with a hair scarf. I took out my ponytail, but still held on to the hair, wrapped it around my finger into a bun and secured it with an elastic. Then, I wrapped the hair scarf twice around it and then tied it in the back where the tails are hanging backwards. (PRO TIP: If you want to level up, braid backwards up the nape of your neck into the bun to get all those baby hairs without having to use bobby pins.)

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #8

This is really easy because all you have to do is the bun I mentioned in #7. Instead of tying the scarf around it, tie the scarf around your head like a headband. I tied the ends in the front, but if you prefer the back, that works too!

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #9

This isn’t a hairstyle like the others, but this is #9. This isn’t necessarily the way I would wear it all the time, because honestly, I feel like a flight attendant. However, this is a really popular thing that people do. They do it with hair scarves, bandanas, ascots, etc. Tie it around your neck once and it’s done! You can double knot it, but then I get scared I won’t be able to take it off haha. I don’t know if this style is for me but I don’t know. Let me know your opinion in the comments! Do you like the neck scarf trend because I’m not fully on board yet.

hair scarf hairstyles

Style #10

This is one of my favorites! It’s the most complicated out of the bunch, but if I can do it, anyone can! All you have to do is do a regular three-strand braid and hold the hair scarf in one of the strands. Braid normally and use the remaining tails to tie it off. It looks more complicated than it is, but it turns out great!

hair scarf hairstyles

Those are my 10 easy ways to style a hair scarf, but the options are endless. Let me know which style was your favorite and any other ways you found to wear it.

XOXO Kayla

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BeautyUncategorized

Quick and Easy 5 Minute Makeup Ideas For Beginners

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

The step by step process on how I fulfill my makeup ideas every day.

Today I’m sharing my 5 minute makeup ideas that I do every single day. I’m going to walk you through the step by step process on how to complete the finished look. Whether you are just starting out with makeup, you’re working on a budget or just don’t have a lot of time to get ready in the morning, this is a great place to start.

Prep

I start every morning with a clean face and I clip my hair back with my Bathpack Hair Clips so I’m able to get everything out of my way whenever I put my makeup on. Before I do anything else, I use the Fizz & Bubble Lip Scrub in Mint Mojito. Honesty, it smells and tastes just like a can of Sprite which is kind of funny, but this is how I get all the dead skin off my lips so my lip products lay evenly. After that’s off, I apply the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry. I usually do this process before I go to sleep at night, but the morning works too!

Next, I always put on the Tula Revitalizing Eye Cream before I put anything else on my face because I have very dry skin, especially around my eyes, and I don’t want any creasing with my makeup so I make sure under my eyes are hydrated. I usually use just a dot of product, rub it between my fingers and distribute that underneath my eyes and on my eyelids.

Foundation

After that, I use the Ole Henrickson Banana Bright Primer and then the Naked Skin Foundation. I’ve used this foundation for over two years now. I’ve tried other foundation so that I can switch back and forth, but this one is really good for my sensitive skin and freckles. It’s easy for my skin to look cakey and this works amazingly for me. I use one pump on the back of my hand and then use my ELF foundation brush to disperse it evenly across my face.

I don’t self tan or anything so I am VERY fair. This foundation has a wide color range so no matter your skin tone, there may be a color that works for you. For reference, I’m shade 1.0.

Eyes

For my everyday makeup ideas, I don’t use eyeshadow. Instead, I utilize products like bronzer, blush and highlighter to tie everything together. Before I apply any of these products, I want to make sure it will all stay so I start with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Personally, I like the original formula because the other formula is a little bit shimmery and I like to have a matte base to build off of. I apply a little on my eyelids and blend it out with my ring finger so I don’t pull too much on my skin.

For eyeshadow, I’m going to start with bronzer. It’s a great way to add definition to the eyes will still looking very natural. I’m starting out with the Hoola Bronzer in the original shade. There’s also a lighter shade but the original works the best for me. I dip the eyeshadow brush into the tin, tap off the excess and sweep it just above my eyelid with my eyes open because I have hooded eyes. Start with the outer V, make quick brushing strokes and then drag it towards the other side so it isn’t super heavy. Don’t worry if it looks messy because that will all be fixed with concealer.

I want to add a little more color to the eyes and blush is the perfect way to tie everything together. The two blushes I love the most are the Galifornia blush from Benefit and the Flower Beauty Blush in Peach Primrose. I dip it in the tin and then sweep it across my eyelids. I usually want a little more sparkle so you can add some highlighter on top if you like or leave it as it is. For this look, I decided to use the Laura Gellar Highlighter in Peach Glow.

Brows

I love to fill in my brows because as you can see, they grow pretty sparse and I like to give them a little more dimension. I’m using the It Cosmetics Brow Power brow pencil. This is a universal brow color and it does work for me. I like to use this because it helps fill them in but they still look really natural. First, I brush them out and then fill them in with hairlike strokes to make them look more full than I normally do.

Concealer

I like to use concealer because I get pretty dark circles under my eyes when I get tired. The concealer I use the most is the Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer. I like to use a couple other concealers but this is the one I find myself reaching for the most right now. When I say I use this for everything, I mean it. I use it under my eyes, on my forehead, on my nose and chin. Then, I blend everything out with a concealer brush to brighten up my face.

Face

Go back to the bronzer and brush it through the hollows of cheeks across the hairline. Next, I go in with the blush and put it on the apples of my cheeks. If you ever put on too much blush, go back in with the foundation blush to dilute the color. Now, I’m going to go back in with the highlighter. I sweep it across the top of my cheeks, my brow bone, the tip of my nose and my cupid’s bow.

Set It!

We want to save all our hard work so i have the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray that I’m going to spritz all over my face. I do this before mascara so it doesn’t run.

Lashes

I don’t wear falsies but I don’t need to with this incredible mascara. The Roller Lash Mascara from Benefit is INSANE! It’s by far the best mascara I’ve ever used. It gives my lashes length and curls them when they usually stick straight out so this is the one I use the most consistently over time. Other ones have been really irritating to my eyes so this is a great one for sensitive eyes like mine.

Lips

I’m going to put on my favorite lip gloss from Fenty Beauty. I’m not usually a lip gloss girl but I love the color and non-sticky texture. Give it a try and I promise you’ll be happy you did!

These are my 5 minute makeup ideas. It seems like it takes way longer from typing this out but it’s fast! This is a great base to add more personality through a bold lip or smokey eye. Test out whatever you would like to do and let me know what products are your go-to for your everyday makeup ideas. If you want to read some of my other makeup posts, click here. 

XOXO Kayla

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burger place in melbourne, florida
LifestyleTravel

20+ Yummy Restaurants You Must Try in Melbourne, Florida

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

Here’s some of my local favorites in Melbourne, Florida and some restaurants I’m dying to try!

I’ve lived in Melbourne, Florida almost my entire life and never realized how many incredible restaurants there are until recently. Since moving back to Florida, I’ve had the best time trying new places and finding the hidden gems in Melbourne, Florida. If you’re a local, definitely try some of these out and if you aren’t a local, you may want to book a trip ASAP. I’m sharing some of my favorites and a couple others that are next on my list to try. Here are my favorites:

Oh, Biscuit

Address: 846 W Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935

My mom invited me and a couple other ladies from our church to go get brunch a few weeks ago. This is a tiny, hole in the wall place on the way to Downtown Melbourne Florida. There’s no way I would have ever found this place without someone suggesting it so you’re welcome because it’s delicious! I ordered the fried chicken biscuit and it’s easily one of the BEST biscuits I’ve ever had in my life. It definitely lives up to its name! There’s two things I will mention though that you should know before going to Oh, Biscuit:

  1. There’s not a lot of seating inside the restaurant and if you come with a bigger party like we did, there’s still not a lot of places to sit outside. If you want to go, come as early as you can!
  2. The people are SO nice that work there but, the food does take a while to come out since everything is made to order. It was CRAZY when I went on a Tuesday so I can only imagine how busy it is over the weekend. Make sure to keep that in mind but the food is 100% worth it!

The Burger Place

Address: 811 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901

My husband and I were taking photos downtown for my blog and I fell in love with the aesthetic of this cute retro-style diner. From reading reviews online, it seemed like an incredible place! We drove all the way back a few days later to try it out for ourselves. I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and my husband got a cheeseburger. A lot of the standard toppings are free so you can add as much as you would like and only pay for things like extra bacon and cheese. They make all their buns and french fries in house and it definitely shows! They’re DELICIOUS! I’ll admit, I’m a total chicken snob. I’m extremely picky with how meat it cooked and if the texture is off, I won’t finish it but I ate every single bit of our meal. That should tell you have good it was!

Backwater

Address: 1904 Municipal Ln, Melbourne, FL 32901

We ate brunch here when we first moved back to Florida and I want to go back ASAP! I ordered a BLT with home fries and oh my gosh it was soooo good. These are some of the best home fries I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to go back and try some of the other dishes they offer like the Candied Citrus Waffle or Deep Fried French Toast. Also,  I know there’s some tables that you can cook your own pancakes which is a fun thing to do for families or with a group of friends.

El Leoncito

Address: 5360 Stadium Pkwy, Rockledge, FL 32955

I grew up in the Viera area which is one of the little towns in Melbourne Florida. This restaurant is some of the best Mexican food in the area. I always order the chicken tacos at lunch time. Taz and I love to go for lunch since it’s a couple dollars cheaper for the same amount of food and there’s less people just for reference!

Pizza Gallery and Grill

Address: 2250 Town Center Ave, Melbourne, FL 32940

I’ve eaten at Pizza Gallery and Grill ever since it opened when I was little. On the walls, they display a bunch of local artist’s work available to purchase which is pretty cool! They have tons of different pizzas and other food options if you’re interested in that. My favorite thing on the menu is an order of their garlic knots. It’s very inexpensive too and I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve taken an order to go right after school. They’re soooo good!

Grills Riverside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar

Address: 6075 N US Hwy 1, Melbourne, FL 32940

If you’re looking for some good seafood and a riverfront view this is your place! There’s a location in Melbourne like I have listed, Cape Canaveral and Orlando. This place is a local staple and is great for a quick bite to eat. If you own or rent a boat for a day, there’s a dock in the back that you can tie your boat at and head inside for any meal of the day. Pretty cool, right?

Long Doggers

This is another local “chain,” but it is one of my favorites! It gives all the tropical vibes and is a great spot to get a quick meal. It’s a sit down restaurant but I don’t think I’ve ever waited more than 15 minutes for our food. They’re known for their wings, bowls and signature long dogs. There’s also other baskets and sandwiches on their menu! There’s a ton of locations all over the Melbourne, Florida area so look up which one is the closest to where you are at.

Ice Cream Hut

Address: 829 Barton Blvd, Rockledge, FL 32955

Now, it’s on to dessert! I recently tried Ice Cream Hut for the first time and it did not disappoint. They’re known for their INSANE milkshakes! They are a little on the pricier end ($10 for a massive shake) but it could be fun to try once! We opted for the ice cream sundaes and banana splits.

Del’s Freez

Address: 402 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935

Del’s is a local favorite in Melbourne, Florida! The peanut butter soft serve ice cream is to DIE for! They only have outdoor seating and will only accept cash so keep that in mind before you go.

Surfin’ Turtle Ice Cream

Address: 1210 Florida A1A, Satellite Beach, FL 32937

This my go-to ice cream shop in Melbourne, Florida. It’s right by the beach and I LOVE it! If you’ve ever had a dole whip from Disney, think of how it can be 10x better and that’s how Surfin’ Turtle is. I always get the pineapple dole whip twist with vanilla ice cream, but I know the brownie banana split and concrete mixers are also delicious.

Restaurants I Want To Try

These next restaurants are on my list to try. They are all top rated restaurants in the area and became popular when I was off at college so I need to make a trip for sure! Here’s why I want to go:

Charthouse

Address: 2250 Front St, Melbourne, FL 32901

This is hands down my parents’ favorite restaurant EVER! It’s definitely on the higher end of restaurants on this list. Apparently it’s a chain but I’ve read incredible reviews.

The Nomad Cafe

Address: 5449, 2002 S Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901

This place is in downtown Melbourne, Florida and has an eclectic menu with a little bit of everything. If you’re looking to try something classic with a little twist, this place looks amazing.

Coasters

Address: 971 E Eau Gallie Blvd A, Melbourne, FL 32937

From reading reviews, the best burgers and sandwiches in Melbourne, Florida come from The Burger Place like I mentioned above, and Coasters! It has a moodier feel than I normally go for in restaurants but it’s still on my list for those days when you’re really craving a good burger and fries.

River Rocks

Address: 6485 south, US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955

This is another one of the “fancier” options in Melbourne, Florida. There’s an upscale menu with plenty of local seafood and other options. I went to this restaurant before it changed names and never had a chance to go back yet, but I really want to because the pictures look delicious! Here’s a couple things to know before you go: If you’re seated between 4-6 pm you can get the early dining discount. Also, if you have a party of 6 or more, reservations are required!

Sergio’s Tacos

Address: 5470 Murrell Rd, Rockledge, FL 32955

This one is a little random since it is a taco shop inside of a gas station, but this place has been recommended to me the most! My husband is a Mexican food connoisseur and I really want to take him on our next trip back to Melbourne, Florida.

The Fat Donkey

Address: 247 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Beaches and ice cream, is there a better match? I think not! I follow the Fat Donkey on social media and I’m drooling over all their photos. It’s more in the Cocoa Beach area than Melbourne, but I couldn’t resist throwing it into the list.

Mustard’s Last Stand

Address: 415 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901

My husband is so sad that he can’t eat from J Dawg’s in Utah since our move and I have a feeling he would love Mustard’s Last Stand. It’s a similar concept with the array of different hot dogs and toppings. This place has been around FOREVER but I always pass it on the way back from eating lunch somewhere else haha. One of these days we will make a trip there.

28 North Gastropub

Address: 2250 Town Center Ave Suite 101, Melbourne, FL 32940

This restaurant is right next door to Pizza Gallery and owned by the same people. It has an incredible menu filled with ingredients from local vendors and I heard the Saturday brunch is to die for. Chicken and waffles anyone? Sign me up!

Mangia and Bevi

Address: 218 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Apparently, this restaurant in Melbourne, Florida has authentic neapolitan style pizza and I am here for it! The crust, the cheese, the toppings, all of it looks unreal. Check them out on social media and tell me you aren’t drooling by the end. I can’t wait to try it out.

Crush XI

Address: 923 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901

I couldn’t forget this yummy looking place. It’s another restaurant in downtown Melbourne Florida and I stumbled upon this place the same time I took photos at The Burger Place. It has rustic American food and I am dying to try the Strawberry Bacon Biscuit or the Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

Those are my go-to picks for restaurants and what I want to try next. If you have some other amazing finds, please leave those in the comments because I would love to try them. Also, if there’s anything else you would love to know about Florida, let me know so I can get a post put together. Thanks! If you’re interested in other Florida posts click here or here. 

XOXO Kayla

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instagram hashtags and social media tips
Lifestyle

How to Start Freelancing and Get Your First Client Today

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

Here’s the step by step process on what you need to do before you begin freelancing.

Freelancing is one of those buzz words nowadays along with influencer and entrepreneur. Everyone wants to find a “work from home” job and you totally can! You may be wondering what type of freelancing jobs there are. If you have skills in writing, blogging, social media management, photography, editing, etc. freelancing is a great way to go. For some people this is either their full-time gig or they do it on the side to make some extra bucks. If you think freelancing is right for you, skip the next section but if you are unsure, here’s the pros and cons of freelancing from my point of view:

Pros

You get to make your own schedule which is HUGE! This gives a lot of people the opportunity to travel more often, spend more time with family and friends, etc. Also, if you are a working mom or dad, it can be so hard to balance work and life. This gives you a flexible schedule so you can work when the kids are in bed or at school.

You get to do what you love to do! Every single day you can help others by providing the skills you excel at. It’s very rewarding and I enjoy being able to help my clients in ways I didn’t think possible. I’m not going to lie and say I never get frustrated but my job satisfaction has definitely increased.

Cons

It’s easy to procrastinate since there’s a lack of structure. It’s been an uphill battle for me to tackle everything I need to do in a day. Some days I work much more than I should and others I do nothing. It is especially enticing to skip out on work when the beach is so close haha. It’s hard being your own boss sometimes and a lot of people don’t share that side of freelancing.

I find myself getting overwhelmed A LOT. Even when you love what you do, it’s hard to when it becomes “work.” It’s taken me a long time to figure out my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to freelancing. Also, I’m a total people pleaser and always want to go above and beyond, BUT sometimes I kill myself over it. For example, I’m really good at motivating myself to do things for my clients, but then I find myself waiting until the last minute for my own deadlines for kaylajsmith.com. “Balance” doesn’t exist but we can get close if we prioritize our time right and let ourselves take breaks as needed. We cannot fill others’ cups if our own is completely empty.  

How Do I Start Freelancing?

Figure out what type of freelancing you are interested in

Whether you’re great at creating Facebook ads, writing content, editing videos, and the list goes on and on, find what you want to do. I mainly do copy writing (blog posts, articles, email campaigns, etc.) and content creation for small businesses. Once you figure it out, narrow down your specific strengths and “target” people looking for those services.

Sign up for freelancing apps and freelancing websites

I have yet to do this myself, but I know a lot of people who find success from websites like Fiverr. Honestly, I don’t have a lot of experience and knowledge when it comes to that, but it’s a great way to jumpstart your client base.

Find clients

You can go to freelancing websites and freelancing apps like I mentioned before. (You can pick and choose from a quick Google search.) Another underutilized method is Facebook Marketplace. There’s ALWAYS people looking for others to complete odd jobs and tasks they can’t do. Other Facebook groups work great too! That’s how I got all my clients actually and I’ve had a couple referred to me from word of mouth. Never underestimate the power of testimonials from others. Business owners are more likely to take the advice of someone they know so tell your friends to spread the word!

Negotiate Payment

Are you going to help this person or persons full-time or part time? Is it a singular project or on-going system? Pricing is the HARDEST thing for me to do. Like I mentioned before, I am a people pleaser and I desperately want to help everyone but that’s not physically possible because a girl’s gotta sleep and eat sometime in the day. My best piece of advice for this is to know your worth. Don’t rip people off but make sure to do what you can for a fair price that you are happy with and for those you work with.

Do good work

When you do good work, others notice. One of my clients EXPLODED on Pinterest and others began to notice. People will ask them how and then referrals come that way too. I know this is best when you are already working for someone else and want to gain more clientele. However, you can show others your skills by doing it yourself. If you want to build websites, create the best dang website you’ve ever seen. If you want to help others grow social media, grow your own first. If you want to write good articles for others, start writing articles on your own blog or Medium. Clients will trust you once they see the work you can do.

Repeat!

Things can evolve with time. You can add in different skills once you become established in what you are already doing and offer new services to the people you already work with and potential clients.

Whew! If you made it through all of that, give yourself a high five. I know freelancing can get really scary and it’s hard to know where to start, but I’ve found a lot of joy in what I’m doing. If you have any other questions regarding freelancing, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them in a future blog post.

XOXO Kayla

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disney trip in front of Cinderella's castle
LifestyleTravel

10 Must-Have Items For Your Next Disney Trip

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

These are the things we loved and/or wished we had before going on our Disney trip!

For my birthday this year, my parents gifted my husband, Taz and I 4-day tickets to Disney World. He’s never been before so we wanted to make the most of our Disney trip. We spent one day at Hollywood Studios so I could show Taz a sneak peek of Star Wars land and then over to Magic Kingdom because it’s my favorite park! It was a nice break from work and we discovered some of the most delicious food. I made sure to include some of the must-items that changed the game for our Disney trip. I forgot a couple things at home that I wished I had more than anything so I included some of those as well.

#1: Character Ears

I wanted a pair of sparkly Minnie Mouse ears more than anything, but I didn’t want to pay full price. On Amazon, there’s almost an identical pair for more than half off what it would cost in the park. If you’re wanting a cute pair of ears, look on Amazon first! Here’s a couple more of my favorites:

character ears for your disney trip

#2: Heavy Duty Ponchos

Usually, Disney only has junky ponchos that are basically glorified trash bags. They rip and don’t breathe really well. I’ve more than one rainy Disney trip in my lifetime so we got a couple ponchos before we went. They’re waterproof and have a drawstring hood which came in handy our first day. It poured rain and cleared out the park so we walked around perfectly dry by ourselves. They fold down really small so it easily fits into a purse or backpack. The one we got is here.

#3: Battery Pack

I can’t stress how much this battery pack has SAVED me! I’m notorious for forgetting to plug in my phone so I have one of these babies on me almost at all times. It charged my phone three times and Taz’s phone twice on our last Disney trip. That’s incredible!!! If you haven’t pulled the trigger on this one, this is the BEST product we’ve ever had for traveling.

#4: Sunscreen

Don’t be like us and forget sunscreen on your Disney trip! *face palm* Taz got VERY burnt and we rushed to Publix to grab a tube as soon as we left the parks. Save yourself the weeks of peeling and weird tan lines and get yourself some sunscreen! I talked about all the different types of sunscreen we use in this post here, however, any will work! It saves you a lot of discomfort in the long run.

#5: Sunglasses

Along with sunscreen, sunglasses will help protect your eyes on those warm sunny days! Be careful when going on rides and hold on tight so they don’t go flying. Here’s a couple of my favorite pairs right here:

sunglasses for your Disney trip

Sunglasses for your disney trip

#6: Oil Blotting Paper/Makeup Wipes

I know these two things help a lot when I’ve been running around the parks on our Disney trip. I sweat a lot when it’s warm (sorry for the TMI!) so my makeup can run and my face gets oily. That’s why I always have makeup wipes and oil blotting paper on hand. These two things help everything stay in place and help me adjust as needed. If you’ve never tried oil blotting paper before, TRY IT! It’s a game changer!

#7: Waterproof Phone Pouch

Invest in a waterproof phone pouch for all the water rides at Animal Kingdom and of course, Splash Mountain. I know there’s been times I was rained on too and didn’t want to carry anything other than my phone. This is a great way to keep your phone dry but keep it ready for all those photo ops on your Disney trip.

#8: Snacks/Water

Buying snacks and water on our Disney trip quickly added up. There’s tons of yummy things to eat in the parks but don’t forget to pack some other snacks and water so you don’t have to wait for food all day and enjoy the rides instead.

#9: Cooling Towel

This is one of the best items that most people don’t think of for their Disney trip. It’s so hard to cool off while you’re waiting in line on a hot day. Pour a little bit of water on a cooling towel and it works instantly. I never thought this would actually work when I first got one but it helps a TON!

#10: Hand Sanitizer

Rides, doors, everything is covered in germs since there’s sooooo many people visiting the parks every single day. I know Disney tries their best but it’s still super gross to think about. I always pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer to stay clean and avoid getting sick as much as humanly possible.

Those are the 10 must-have items I brought (or should’ve brought haha) on my Disney trip! If you are planning a trip to the parks or go all the time, let me know what you’re bringing because I would love to hear what you guys are obsessed with!

XOXO Kayla

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Fashion

How To Style A Denim Jacket + 15 Outfit Ideas For Inspiration

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

Outfit ideas for anyone can wear with a denim jacket

Today I wanted to share 15 ways to style a denim jacket. A denim jacket is one of those closet staples I believe every woman should have in her wardrobe. I wanted to start this “How To Style” series with a denim jacket because it works for anytime of year: winter, spring, summer and fall. It’s the perfect transitional piece to include in your closet whenever you need an extra layer or you want to add a little more structure to an outfit. It’s very versatile and can be worn with nearly anything. I have a lot to cover in this post! I’ll hop right into it.

Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas

  1. Solid-Colored Dress
  2. Striped Shift Dress
  3. Light Colored Shirt and Cut-Off Shorts
  4. Floral Dress
  5. T-Shirt Dress
  6. Striped Shirt and Olive Green Pants
  7. Rust Blouse and Black Jeans
  8. Graphic T-Shirt and Black High-Waisted Denim
  9. Collared Shirt and Dark Wash Jeans
  10. Peplum Shirt and Dark Denim
  11. Tie Front Blouse and Black Joggers
  12. Solid T-Shirt and Paper Bag Pants
  13. White Blouse and Midi Skirt
  14. Lace Dress
  15. Floral Maxi Dress
Outfit #1

The first outfit I wanted to share with you is this flutter sleeve dress. It’s more fun and flirty. It’s more dressy than my typical casual style. I feel like when you add a denim jacket, it gives that extra layer to look more put together. I would pair this outfit with a some heels to dress it up or some strappy sandals to dress it down.

Denim jacket with dress outfit

Outfit #2

The next outfit I’m going to show you is this striped shift dress. It’s one of those classic dresses and it has a striped pattern to give it a little more visual interest. I LOVE stripes! You don’t have to always go for stripes but it’s what my eye always gravitates to. Plus, it has pockets! You can never go wrong with pockets. This is a dress that I would wear with a jacket tied around my waist and then I would put it on if I needed. I would tie it around my waist to accent the smallest part of my body and give this dress a little more shape than it already has.

Denim jacket and shift dress

Outfit #3

If you remember the 90’s, you remember the denim on denim trend. I got this pair of shorts because it matches the wash of my denim jacket. I don’t usually go for denim on denim of the same wash because it can look too heavy and ‘matchy-matchy.’ However, since this is a pair of shorts, it’s easier to break up with my legs and this lighter colored shirt.

Denim jacket and shorts

Outfit #4

I know I’ve shared this dress before, but it’s one of my favorites. I have this red floral dress with flutter sleeves and pockets. It has a really flattering waistline and a denim jacket is a great way to dress down this outfit. I usually wear it with converse to give it a more flirty and edgy vibe.

Denim jacket and floral dress

Outfit #5

I love this t-shirt dress. I wear it all the time in the spring and the summer. With the addition of a denim jacket, it gives this dress a little more shape and structure than it normally has. It’s pretty loose, flowy and square. When I pair it with a denim jacket, it looks a lot more intentional.

Denim jacket and t shirt dress

Outfit #6

This is an outfit I would literally wear anytime of year (but I think that’s only possible since I live in Florida!) This is a striped shirt I wear all the time. It has the wide, thick stripes and I pair it with these olive green utility pants. I did this because I wanted to add a little more color to an outfit. Some may argue that olive is actually a neutral but I consider it a color. Plus, it all looks amazing with a denim jacket. I would wear this with mules or maybe a pair of sandals.

Denim jacket with striped shirt and green utility pants

Outfit #7

If you’re going to wear full-length denim, make sure it’s a different wash or color than your denim jacket. That’s why I picked out this high-waisted black denim since it does a good job of accentuating my waist. I picked out this cool rust-colored blouse with a tie detail in the front.

Denim jacket and rust blouse

Outfit #8

You can also, wear the black denim with a rad graphic t-shirt. It gives a lot of personality to an outfit. This one gives me all the 90’s vibes because of the distressing along the neckline and the sleeves.

denim jacket with a graphic t shirt
Outfit #9

I know this is similar to Outfits 7 and 8, but this shows how to wear a denim jacket with a darker wash rather than a different color. I paired it with this striped collared shirt because I liked the look of the collar peeking out from underneath and the colors really brightened up this dark outfit.

denim jacket with a collared shirt

Outfit #10

Another way to wear dark washed denim is with a peplum shirt. The peplum shows underneath a denim jacket so your outfit isn’t totally swallowed up.

Denim jacket and peplum

Outfit #11

I don’t know about you but I prefer to be comfortable at all times in my clothes. I would wear pajamas all day if I was allowed. This is one of my favorite outfits to wear because it is a cool pair of joggers with a comfy button down shirt. I tie it in the front so the shirt doesn’t drown out my shape. A denim jacket gives some more structure to this outfit and makes me feel a lot more put together.

denim jacket with tie front shirt and joggers

Outfit #12

This is a classic pairing I wanted to put together. I love paper bag pants and I know I’ve mentioned them in previous posts here and here. They’re super comfy and really cute. I like to wear this blush pink pair with the contrast of the denim jacket. I paired it with this classic white t-shirt because I knew I wanted to put a staple item underneath the denim jacket to let the pants really shine.

denim jacket with paper bag pants

Outfit #13

If you’re not a fan of paper bag pants, you can trade the bottoms out for a midi skirt. I picked this one with buttons and stripes (who would’ve guessed haha). It looks so good all paired together and the pattern makes the denim jacket stand out. I would wear this with a pair of mules, sandals or sneakers because I love wearing dresses and skirts with sneakers.

denim jacket with a midi skirt

Outfit #14

You can never go wrong with wearing a classic, white, lace dress with a denim jacket. I think this outfit is one of my favorites because I love mixing color, pattern and texture because it gives you a whole new sense of style. Putting two textures together are really cool and add a lot of visual interest making your outfit stand out.

denim jacket with lace dress

Outfit #15

Last but not least, I picked out this floral maxi dress. It has a great v-neck to elongate your body and allows some skin to be shown even though you’re wearing a denim jacket. This is a great transitional piece for the spring because the weather can still be a little chilly but you can take advantage of all the fun floral prints for the season. I love this dress because the length goes all the way to the top of my foots and has an elastic waistband.

I’m sure there’s a lot more ways to wear a denim jacket. If you have any other suggestions, leave those in the comments down below and let me know what you would like me to style next.

XOXO Kayla

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combination skin products
Beauty

The Best Skincare Routine For Combination Skin

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

This post is sponsored by Bioré but all comments and reviews are my own.

If you have combination skin, having a skincare routine can be kind of tricky. Here’s what I do:

For a really long time, I thought I only had dry skin, but the older I get, I realize I have combination skin. Finding a good skincare routine for combination skin can be really hard. I’m tried multiple products over the years and I wanted to share my routine and two products that helped me the most. First, I’ll talk a little more about how I discovered my combination skin and then how I created this custom skincare routine. Are you ready?!

What does combination skin look like?

Combination skin is when your skin is oily in some spots and dry in others. For example, I collect more oil and dirt around my nose, chin and forehead (aka my T-zone). Then, the rest of my face is dry especially the sides of my face and right under my eyes. For the longest time, I thought my entire face was really dry, but my makeup would never feel dry around my nose and chin. I switched to combination skin products and it’s been the best for me.

What is best for combination skin?

The best skincare products for combination skin are products that balance the oils on your face without completely drying out your skin. I was stoked to try out the Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser and Whipped Nourishing Mask. It’s rare to find skincare products made specifically for combination skin and I’ve only seen good results so far! The Balancing Pore Cleanser helps leave my skin feeling clean and isn’t oily at all. It has natural jojoba beads that help exfoliate for a more balanced complexion. The baking soda deep cleans pores while the blue agave nourished the dry patches of my face. My pores get SO clogged around my nose and chin so this helped lift all the build up there without making the rest of my skin suffer.

How do you cleanse combination skin?

When using the Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser, I wet my face, use 1-2 pumps of cleanser and rub my hands in upward circular motions all over my face and neck. Then, I rinse my face and repeat if needed. If I need something a little more, I’ll use the Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask. I wet my face and leave it on for 3-5 minutes and then rinse it off. It leaves my face all tingly since there’s menthol in it. If you have severely sensitive skin, I would probably skip this one because if can leave your skin flushed if left on too long.

For both of these products, I’m the most excited about the detox mask. It’s incredible! However, I’ve been really pleased with my results with the cleanser too for the past couple of weeks and I’m excited to see what will happen over time. If you want to try either of these out, head to walmart.com, target.com or amazon.com to order them straight to your front door. Have you fallen in love with any skincare products? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO Kayla

combination skin cleanser combination skin mask combination skin mask

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ulta 21 days of beauty event
Beauty

The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Event: What’s Worth Trying

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

Products I’ve used for years and some that I’m hoping to test out from the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Event!

This is the best time of year! Ulta has killer deals during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty event compared to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you’re looking to stock up on some of your must-have products or wanting to try something new, you’ve come to the right spot! Every single one of these products are 50% off or more! I’m sharing the deals from the event, what I love and what I’m wanting to try out. Here’s the deals from The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty event.

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty event

Monday March 18
Tuesday March 19
Wednesday March 20
Thursday March 21
Friday March 22
Saturday March 23
Sunday March 24
Monday March 25
Tuesday March 26
Wednesday March 27
Thursday March 28
Friday March 29
Saturday March 30
Sunday March 31
Monday April 1
Tuesday April 2
Wednesday April 3
Thursday April 4
Friday April 5
Saturday April 6

What Products I LOVE

bareMinerals Mineral Veil

I’ve used this as a setting powder months ago and loved using it! I ran out right before we moved to Florida and havent’ had a chance to re-purchase it so now is the perfect time to add it to my cart during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty event.

Becca Primers

This is the primer of all primers! I’m OBSESSED with the Becca Backlight Priming Filter. It makes my skin look really glowy and my makeup lasts all day. If you haven’t tried this primer yet, definitely order a bottle!

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I use this eyeshadow primer every. single. day! I have oily eyelids so my eyeshadow rarely lasts more than a couple hours. I use this eyeshadow primer and it helps my eyeshadow last all day without creasing which is a miracle in itself.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

I’ve switched between using this eyebrow pencil and another one. This comes in a good range of colors and gives the most natural hairlike strokes. I use the color Taupe for reference.

Tarte Tarteist PRO Glow & Blush Palette

I got this palette in one of my FabFitFun boxes! It works for a lot of different skin tones and you can mix and match to your heart’s content. I go towards the brighter blushes the most.

bareMinerals Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick

If you’re a nude lipstick lover like me, you’ll fall in love with these lipsticks! They’re super creamy and come in a ton of shades so you can find your perfect nude.

Buxon Full-On Plumping Lip Cream

I think I have the smallest lips, but this lip cream helps them look full and lush. It makes your lips feel really tingly and looks absolutely incredible!

Stila Stay All Day Liner

I didn’t think I would love this liner because of all the hype around it but it’s there for good reason. It’s hard to find a liner that will last even in the most humid place on earth (aka Florida!) This one doesn’t budge AT ALL and has a small tip for the most precise application.

IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara

If you’re looking for length, let me introduce you to this mascara! It makes my lashes look super long and full compared to how they look without it. I’ve used this mascara on and off for over a year and this is definitely in my top three favorites.

What I WANT And Added To My Cart

Smashbox The Cali Contour Palette

This palette looks amazing and it has a lot of the colors I’ve been looking for. Smashbox is a brand I’ve been wanting to try and this is my perfect opportunity.

Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Glacial Flower Extract

So many people RAVE about this eye cream. Since I’m in my mid-20’s, I use an eye cream every single day. I’m almost out of the one I use now so I may have to snag this one during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty event.  

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

I’ve wanted to get into self tanner but I’m really scared to get streaky. I’ve had a lot of you suggest St. Tropez to me before so I wanted to give it a try.

Skyn Iceland Eye Gels

Eye gels are my LIFE! I’m obsessed with them and use them multiple times a week. Again, I want to try this brand so these will be added to my cart when the day comes around.

Ofra Nikkie Tutorials Highlighting Trio

I LOVE my Ofra highlighter I already have so I wanted to get this trio since it’s such a good deal!

Beauty Bakerie HD Flour Setting Powder

This is a newer brand to Ulta that I wanted to try out. I’ve heard good things and definitely need another setting powder.

Urban Decay Eyeshadows

I use Urban Decay eyeshadow nearly every single day so I wanted to stock up on some other colors.

Too Faced Bronzers

I’ve had some Too Faced bronzers in my cart for MONTHS and I havent had a chance to pull the trigger. In this case, procrastination pulled off because now they’re 50% off. I’m super excited to get a couple to try out.

That’s all of it! I know there’s a lot but that’s why it’s spread out over three weeks haha. Let me know if you’ve tried out any of these products and if they’re worth trying out or if I should pass. I can’t wait to see what you get from the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty sale.

XOXO Kayla

 

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LifestyleTravel

10 Must-Have Beach Bag Items To Survive The Summer

by Kayla Smith
written by Kayla Smith

These are the products I’m reaching for in my beach bag again and again!

Spring break and summer vacation are right around the corner! Today I’m sharing all my favorite products that I bring to the pool and the beach. These are the must-have beach bag items to survive the summer heat. 

What Should I Put In My Beach Bag?

  • Towel
  • Water Bottle
  • Hair Scrunchie
  • Kindle or Book
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm
  • Battery Pack + Cord
  • Instax Camera (optional)
  • Sunglasses
  • Baby Powder

My Beach Bag

I want to share a little about my beach bag before I dive into its contents. It’s from Logan and Lenora and I’m obsessed with this bag. It has the thick straps and magnetic closure but the best part is definitely that it is waterproof AND machine washable. I flip it inside out and throw it in the washing machine whenever anything spills in it. It comes out looking brand new! Also, I have a couple other Logan and Lenora products. I own the Portfolio which is about the size of a laptop screen. I pack it in my beach bag to throw wet clothes and swimsuits into or anything else I want to keep separate from the rest of my bag. Also, I own makeup bags from them. I use their products every single day and love looking forward to their warehouse sales when I can stock up on all my favorite prints. If you’re interested, use code KAYLA15 for 15% off your order. 

Turkish Towel

Now we are on to the contents! Whenever you go to the beach or the pool, you have to have a good towel, right? Have you ever heard of a turkish towel? They’re usually really cute and hanging up in people’s houses and draped across their couches. But, you may didn’t know that they’re really nice to bring to the beach. It seems like they don’t get as sandy because the fibers are smaller than a normal beach towel and it soaks up more water. Usually, I trade in between using this turkish towel and my giant beach towel. It also looks really cute in pictures so that’s always a plus!

Water Bottle

I always get really dehydrated when I go to the pool or the beach so I always pack a water bottle in my beach bag. I wanted to share my favorite water bottle with you. This water bottle is a Hydroflask dupe I found on Amazon. It keeps my water cold all day long and all night. I put cold water in it before I went to bed and it was still freezing when I woke up in the morning. I use this every single day and it comes in so many beautiful colors and patterns. However, pay attention to how many ounces the water bottle has before ordering. I ordered one and didn’t look before and it came in the tiniest child’s size. Then, I ordered this one which is 22 oz for reference.

Hair Scrunchies

Anytime I’m near the water or I want to lay out, I make sure to put a couple hair scrunchies in my beach bag. I use this scrunchie when I want to lay out and this hair tie when I get in the water. This plastic hair tie reminds me of one of those old phone cords and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, I feel ANCIENT! They’re really cool because they can stretch pretty far and then if you want them to shrink back down, you can blow dry them for a few minutes and they’ll go back to their original shape. Just a fun hair hack for you!

I wear these scrunchies when laying out to give a little personality to my hair. When I wear my hair up, I don’t feel the cutest so I try to convince myself that these help a bit haha.

Kindle Paperwhite

If you’re an avid reader like me, you’ll want to put a Kindle or book in your beach bag. I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the popular Kindle Fire for a variety of reasons. No matter how sunny it is outside, it never has glare and I can read it in any light. It’s very lightweight and portable. One thing about the new version is that it’s waterproof. I’m super jealous because I wish I had the newer version but I’ll just have to let Taz know that’s at the top of my Christmas list. I use mine almost every single day and it’s one of my favorite products because I love to read but I don’t like to lug a book with me around in case it gets wet. One day, I did get water on the screen and it was totally fine. I wouldn’t recommend submerging it under the water but a couple drops on the screen won’t hurt anything.

Sunscreen

You can’t go to the pool or the beach without some good sunscreen. I have three sunscreens to share with you. That may sound excessive but I promise it’s not. I have a cream, an aerosol and a tinted moisturizer.

Cream Sunscreen

First, I use the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen. Taz actually uses this one the most and uses both the SPF 70 and SPF 55. I think that’s a high number but Taz loves to NOT be in the sun. I don’t know how else to say it. He gets burnt easier than I do. This works really well for sensitive skin, it isn’t sticky and it lasts for 80 minutes in the water.

Aerosol Sunscreen

Next, I have this aerosol. Taz doesn’t like this one because he says it’s “too fancy” but it’s the one I use the most. It’s the Pacifica Sun + Skincare Coconut Probiotic Mineral Sunscreen. It’s water resistant up to 80 minutes as well. It’s also 100% vegan and cruelty free if you care about either of those things. This one is only SPF 30 and I only use it if I’m in the sun for a shorter period of time. Plus, it doesn’t smell like typical sunscreen which I LOVE! It smells incredible!

Tinted Moisturizer

The tinted moisturizer I use is the Riversol Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. It is 100% fragrance free and it has a sheer tint. I wear this without foundation sometimes or as an added layer under my foundation to protect my skin against the harsh sunlight whenever I’m outside.

Lip Balm

I don’t know about you but when I go outside in the sun, my lips get really chapped. I wanted to share my favorite lip balm. This is a little bit pricier than normal lip balm but it’s the one I find myself reaching for again and again. This is the NARS Lip Balm in Orgasm. It goes on really pretty and has a pink sheen on the lips. Also, it keeps my lips hydrated all day long.

Battery Pack

This is the Anker Power Bank. This is the battery pack of all battery packs. It will change your life! I know I talk about it all the time on Instagram but it’s for good reason. Taz and I went to Disney and it charged our phone 2X each and my phone one more time after that. (5 full charges!) It has two slots to charge two phone at one time and helps a lot because it seems like every time my phone is in the sun, it dies twice as fast.

Polaroid Camera

This Instax camera is fun to have when I go on vacation or just to make memories. I always stockpile my Polaroids at home because I look through them a lot. This is just a fun thing to have. You don’t always have to include it in your beach bag but I do.

Sunglasses

When I forget to put sunglasses in my beach bag, I always have a bad headache at the end of the day from squinting. My favorite pairs are here and here. They both look expensive but are actually very budget friendly.

Baby Powder

This may sound crazy, but if you go to the beach often or are planning a vacation, don’t forget to include a bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. The baby powder will absorb all the moisture from the sand so it’s easy to brush off. Gone are the days of sandy clothes and shoes. When I forget baby powder, there’s always a layer of sand in the bottom of my car and my shower so this is really a lifesaver. 

That’s all I have for my beach bag. Let me know what you bring in yours or if there’s anything I should include in the future once Taz and I have kids. As always, if you have any other requests for blog posts, leave those suggestions in the comments. Thanks!

XOXO Kayla

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