Happy Friday! This week has been a good one. After being away for 10 days straight, it was so nice to be in Houston all week. I love traveling, but I also LOVE a good routine!

THIS WEEK’S BLOG POSTS

3 Tips for Mixing Different Price Points Into One Outfit // I love mixing high end and low end pieces in my wardrobe. In Monday’s post I shared my tips on how to mix different price points into one outfit.

Madewell SALE: Extra 40% Off ALL Sale // The Madewell Sale is STILL happening! There are lots of items still available in all sizes. And lots of pieces that have a fall feel to them – perfect for wearing now and later!

Road Trip Chronicles: Gulf Coast | Mazda CX 5 Review // I shared insight into my 10 day trip in Wednesday’s post! I love spending time on the Gulf Coast – I had the best time with friends and family!

WORKOUTS

I’ve said this before, but when I’m consistently in town, I do such a better job at maintaining my workout schedule!

I started working out at a new gym this week! Even though I frequent SoulCycle and YogaWorks, I need a gym for weight training.

I was working out with Michael at his gym for a few months, until I got kicked out. 🙂 It’s his office gym and APPARENTLY you have to work in the building to be able to use the gym. There’s an Anytime Fitness near my house. It’s inexpensive and actually pretty nice! They offer 7-day trial passes, so I used that this week. I’ll likely sign up for a full membership over the weekend.

• Monday: Evening SoulCycle ride
• Tuesday: Morning Anytime Fitness weight workout
• Wednesday: Morning Anytime Fitness weight workout + afternoon walk (it was 80 degrees this week in Houston!)
• Thursday: Afternoon walk + evening Sonic Hot Yoga at YogaWorks
• Friday: Morning Anytime Fitness weight workout

PODCASTS

Since I work from home most days, I like to have a podcast on in the background. As a result, I listen to a lot of podcasts throughout the week. Most are business related, but some are just for fun. Here’s what I listened to this week!

• Influencer Business: A Podcast by Trove: Kamiu Lee, CEO of ACTIVATE
• Bad On Paper Podcast: Alex Dickerson Joins Us to Discuss Friendship, Careers, Angry Cats, and Bad Break-Ups
• Bad On Paper Podcast: Always Ask For More Money – Negotiating Your Salary, Getting A Promotion, and Setting Freelance Rates A MUST LISTEN!
• The 6-Figure Freelancer: Using Video to Connect with Your Audience with Victoria Levitan

Things to Note

NEW Clean Beauty Product Alert // Have you heard the buzz about Bakuchiol? It’s a new (to the mainstream U.S. market) form of clean retinol! We all love retinol, right? I mean, it visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Bakuchiol is a natural, plant based product that gives the SAME or even better results! It’s a game changer for the clean beauty industry.

Beautcounter recently launched a full anti-aging skincare line – Countertime – with their Retinatural Complex which includes Bakuchiol (comparable to retinol). The ingredients in the products are totally safe, non-toxic and you can even use them while you’re pregnant and breastfeeding! (Obviously consult with your physician first.) There are six products in the line that are specifically made to work together to cleanse, prep, defend, and repair your skin. Beautycounter released the products as a Regimen this week. All of the products are in the Coutnertime line are meant to work together. You can grab the bundle here! If you aren’t happy with any of the products, please remember, Beautycounter offers free, no hassle returns up to 60 days after purchase!

If you want to try out a couple of products at a time, I recommend starting with the Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence and the Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream. The Essence should be applied after cleansing your skin and before any serums or moisturizers. It preps your skin to be able to absorb all of the goodness from serums and moisturizers. The Supreme Cream is a night cream that boosts the hydration and plumpness of skin.

Donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital // Purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win the Dream Home! I’ve been working with St. Jude over the past few months to promote the Dream Home Giveaway. And I’m SO EXCITED to be heading to Shreveport next week to see the finished house!! The drawing is happening in early August. If you’re not local to the Shreveport area, check out other St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway locations here! You don’t have to actually live in the areas to participate. The proceeds from every raffle ticket purchased go straight to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help fund continued research to find a cure for all childhood cancers.

Kendra Scott Discount Code // Don’t forget to use my discount code, COBALT, for 15% off your entire purchase at Kendra Scott! My code expires on July 31st so be sure to take advantage!

WEEKEND PLANS

I’m excited to have a full weekend in Houston! Michael and I have no plans for Friday night, which hasn’t happened in quite some time! I’m looking forward to takeout and opening a bottle of wine on our deck. One of my college BFFs is visiting Katy (a nearby suburb) this weekend so we’re getting together for lunch on Saturday. I’m hoping to hit up the farmers’ market Saturday morning and maybe a brewery and/or new-to-me restaurant Saturday evening. I’m also looking forward to seeing the Lion King on Sunday!

FAVORITE THINGS THIS WEEK

Beautycounter Balancing Face Mask & Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel // After being at the beach for a week last week, I had a lot of dry skin on my face. I used this combo this week and my face is back to feeling hydrated and refreshed! I used the Face Mask twice this week and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel three times. Generally, I try to use the Peel at least two times a week, every week. It leaves my skin feeling so fresh – it gets rid of dead skin cells and any dry skin.

Ninja Air Fryer // When I was in Oxford a few weeks ago, my friend told me I HAD to get an Air Fryer, so naturally I did. I used it for the first time this week and OMG, I’ve been missing out! I made sweet potato hash as a side for breakfast tacos. They were even better than when I actually fry them in a skillet with olive oil! I’m still amazed that they turned out so crispy while only using hot air!

Have a great weekend!