RC, Author at loveRavayna

0 In beauty/ los angeles/ style

WiW: blush and black

This blush and black ensemble has been one of my favorites lately. I’ve worn it to multiple birthday dinners, including my own, and to a handful of pageant events in different cities. When I like an outfit, I have no problem repeating and remixing for different audiences.

One of those times, before our friend Mike’s birthday dinner, I got to feel all fancy as Janah got my face all glowy and prettified. It felt so luxurious to relax and laugh while someone else did the work, and she was so fun to hang with!

We went for a dewy look, nothing too heavy, and I loved the way it all came out. I’m wearing these three highlighters, this lipstick, and double-stacked lashes.

I’d been lusting after this Givenchy cape when I found this cape blazer online, at Target of all places! It’s from the Who What Wear collection there. Once I spotted the blazer, I scoured the collection and grabbed the skirt (the blush is sold out!) as well. Each was under $40, so pretty painless.

Y’all know I’m all about the accessories. I’ve been obsessed with my north star earrings since I got them for my birthday, and I added a pearl ring as well. My heels are Betsey Johnson from several years ago, but the blush straps, black lace accent and classic style are totally still in my rotation.

loveRavayna

August 20, 2016

0 In beauty

some more skincare, with peach & lily

I’ve shared before about my K-beauty skincare obsession, and the more I learn, the deeper it goes. I’d so much rather focus on skincare than makeup and invest in the long term, and am glad to be seeing the results.

Peach and Lily, a Korean skincare boutique, recently opened their first LA store, in Macy’s at the Westfield Santa Anita. They invited me to come check out the opening and I obviously said yes. I mean, have we met? The shop is a lovely little oasis and I loved being able to sniff and try on all the product! I’ve done almost all of my kbeauty shopping online, so the hands-on aspect was new to me. They had many brands I’d heard of, some I’d used and many completely new to me.

I’m always in pursuit of pretty, so I love when packaging and branding is so beautifully done. And more so when the product is equally awesome- like in the case of these Aromatica toners. They smell so incredible, like the essence of the plant is simply and perfectly distilled.

Each of us ladies invited had a chance to sit down and talk privately with Alicia Yoon, the CEO of Peach and Lily. I’mobviously knowledgeable about skincare, but her expertise is encyclopedic. I was thrilled to ask her advice and have her help me enhance my routine. She gave such fabulous recommendations!

She’s a major bossbabe, with the most beautiful skin I’ve ever seen up close- seriously inspirational.

Alicia was kind enough to host us ladies for an afternoon of high tea at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena. It’s such a gorgeous space, and the tea service was so delicious!

What else does a group of bloggers do but snap pictures of all the prettiness?

But we pretty quickly got down to drinking tea and sparkling rosè, devouring the spread, and discussing all manner of things- skincare and blogging, yes, but also families, fitness, feminism and more.

We snapped a group shot before hopping into our Ubers and heading home.

Our luncheon swags bags were incredibly generous- Alicia had taken notes during our private consultations, and filled them with some of her suggested products.

I really loved the Mizon masks, and the 7 days sheet masks were so refreshing when chilled in the fridge to help cool off while doing my skincare routine. The polisher is gentle but effective at eradicating the flaky bits that sometimes result from retin-a. I’m on the hunt for my holy grail first essence, and have been trying both the Bitgoa Hue Essence and Sk-II Facial Treatment Essence. Shangpree gold mask is rubbery and shimmery on and super moisturizing (also in silver). Pixi Glow Tonic is still in the rotation, and Ole Henriksen Truth Serum has been my recent vitamin c step. Embryolisse, ceramidin, and my everyday Biore sunscreen are still my skincare standbys.

The product I was most excited about was the Cremorlab shadow-off eye cream. My biggest skin complaint lately has been my extra-dark circles. Truthfully, My sleep has been nonexistent or vampiric, and this creams coupled with these gel eye masks have really helped.

And although most wipes are terrible for your skin, I wanted to share these two that I’ve been using while traveling. They are pretty amazing- the skinfood brown rice oil wipes are actually a first cleanser, and the micellar wipes from trader joe’s are incredibly gentle. I just made it through a month on the road and six flights using these without a major breakout, so the proof is in the pudding.
Let me know if you try any of these!
loveRavayna

August 14, 2016

0 In beauty

heatless hair

I’ve always taken care of my hair, but now, more than ever, I baby it. It’s in great condition, but I’d like it to remain silky and vibrant, so I do my best to minimize heat damage. Since I prefer my hair styled in waves or curls, I’ve had to try heatless methods that go beyond my favorite curling rod, hot rollers (both under $20!), and curling iron.

For both the methods I’m sharing, I start with clean, slightly damp hair. Here, my extensions were out and I spritzed in some leave-in conditioner, rough dried it and brushed it out before adding some texturizing styling cream. If I’m working with second-day hair, I scrunch it with wet hands to dampen, then add product.

I tend to sleep with my hair set and wake up wavy, but some people prefer to just let it set for a few hours- it’s up to you and your hair! I use the sponge rollers for tighter curls, but most of the time I use my Savvycurls band for waves. And truth booth- taking pictures in my pajamas, at bedtime and wakeup, just felt a little ridiculous.

These rollers look enormous, but are super soft and squishy. I just section evenly but randomly, and roll. I have to make sure not to wind them too tight, though, or I wind up looking like Shirley Temple.

This is my favorite method for tight curls, like when I’m prepping for a faux bob or a braided up do.

This Savvy Curls band is what I use most nights, because a softer wave is totally my jam. I just slip the headband on and wrap the hair on each side around it towards the back. I keep wrapping it at the back of my head, then catch the end with a bobby pin across the roll.

From there, it’s bedtime. The Savvy Curl has a thermal core that reflects body heat to help set the wave, and it’s super comfy to sleep in. I even know some people who just wear it out and about, because it looks like a casual up-do!

It’s not nearly as neat or pretty when I wake up- I sleep hard- but that totally doesn’t matter. Once I remove the bobby pin, I gently pull out the band and let the curls unfurl.

And all I have to do is run my fingers through my hair, add a pinch of pomade on any frizzy bits, and hair is handled, with minimal time and effort, and no heat damage. Not too shabby!

Savvycurls sent me this product for my review, but all opinions are my own.

loveRavayna

August 7, 2016

0 In food/ recipes

basil watermelon crush

I take my happy hour cocktails really seriously. I’m so spoiled- David was a bartender at a ritzy restaurant in college, so his mixology skills are on point. He whips up all sorts of delicious sippers for me!

We’re all about eating seasonally, and that applies to happy hour as well! Watermelon is a mainstay of our summertime grocery list, and thanks to a new basil pruning technique, my plants are exploding! I’m a huge basil fan, especially when the herb is paired with fruit, and a bit of ginger fizziness is the perfect exclamation point.

Ingredients

3 oz watermelon basil juice
2 oz vodka
1 lime
ginger beer

Preparation

In a juicer, juice 4 cups watermelon chunks and a handful of basil, to taste. I make this by the pitcher and have it ready for happy hour- and I always use a big handful of basil. Alternatively, use a blender, or muddle together enthusiastically.
Pour vodka and watermelon-basil juice over ice. Squeeze in the lime. Shake or stir vigorously. Pour into glass.
Top with ginger beer, garnish with lime and watermelon slices, and basil sprigs. Enjoy responsibly!

loveRavayna

August 6, 2016

1 In beauty

unicorn hair, 2.0: rarity realized

Once again, with feeling! I headed back to Butterfly Loft Salon to have my mane revamped with some fresh Pulp Riot color. I’ve honestly been so spoiled, working with ridiculously talented artists. This go round, Alexis Thurston (@alexisbutterflyloft) and Rickey (hairgod_zito) collaborated to make my childhood My Little Pony dreams come true.

I showed up at the salon, coffee in hand, for a day in the salon chair. My previous color had faded to a rooty, silvery blonde, but the quinoa (I swear!) and other nutrients in Pulp Riot, along with plenty of tlc, have kept it in pretty incredible shape. Needing to lift and even out the base for such vibrant fantasy color, we began with bleach. Lots of bleach- all the way to the root- I was a little afraid, but it was totally painless. To protect my hair and scalp, they always use Brazilian Bond Builder in with the bleach. I wouldn’t have basis for comparison, but it definately wasn’t nearly as awful as I’d feared.

In order to get the vivid translucence of Rarity’s mane, my hair needed to lift as light as possible. Not sure platinum’s ever going to be my look, but it sure made for a few fun snapchats.

And then the hair painting began. It takes some time, but the metamorphosis is so cool to watch, as it totally comes to life. For the color formula curious, it’s obviously all Pulp Riot products. My shadow root is Velvet, Smoke, and Noir. The lengths are Jam with a little Smoke, blending into Lilac, with accent highlights of Powder.

My color processed, was rinsed (icy water alwayssss!), dried and curled. The early evening light was perfect photoshoot time, for an upcoming Pulp Riot magazine ad. Yes, I’d been there all day.

Luxyhair gifted me a lovely set of extensions, and Alexis (isn’t she stunning? and that hair!) and her assistant Jenn custom colormatched them to bring Rarity’s mane to the next level. Coloring this much hair is a major undertaking- just washing and drying it is a thing- and I’m so grateful for their patience.

I take my unicorn life really rather seriously ?. My hair’s almost metallic, in that the color varies depending on the light. It glows almost ultraviolet in sunlight, is moodier in the dark. The pops of blue are my favorite- they make braids and buns so fun!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the passionate reactions my hair garners from people. Some think I’m absolutely insane, but I’ve been suprised and very flattered by the compliments. If I’m out and about, I can get stopped literally dozens of times with comments and questions. It’s been an adjustment for this formerly wilting violet- I can be so shy, but I’m certainly getting less awkward at accepting compliments and interacting with strangers.

Much to my mama’s dismay, I can’t imagine going back to brown. This is just too much fun!

loveRavayna

July 29, 2016

0 In travel

wiw: saguaro color hunt

Y’all know I’m totally obsessed with the Saguaro, specifically the bright color blocking. Where else is the generic carpet color bright violet, with saturated brights as a way of life?

We had incredible weather during our getaway, which was just plain lucky! It can get crazy hot in Palm Springs this time of year. Temps hovered around 120′ (I know!) during my first trip to Palm Springs, and I definately got a little woozy in the heat. I much prefer when the weather’s warm but bearable, like it was this trip… it’s much easier to have adventures and outdoor fun.

We did just that when we found a bocceball court just downstairs from our suite. We played some bocce, and I’m just as terrible as I was in college. At least I’m better dressed these days- this striped Topshop playsuit was the perfect attire for playing around the Saguaro.

The team over at Studio DIY had worked with the Saguaro on a fun scavenger-type color hunt. So we we ran around the hotel, chasing colors and wagering mimosas in healthy competition. I made the realization that what I need in my life and house is a bright pink wall…. Thank heavens David’s such a good sport!

topshop playsuit (sold out) similar, sassier // sandals// sunnies // earrings // necklace c/o dot&evelyn // lipstick

loveRavayna

July 26, 2016

0 In travel

house hunting in palm springs

After we left the Parker, we went neighborhood exploring and house hunting. It’s one of our favorite activities when we travel- I love admiring all the lovely houses and landscaping and dreaming of living in them.

And Palm Springs neighborhoods are absolutely chock-freaking-full of gorgeous mid-century modern homes. It’s eye candy as far as the eyes can see, and we can drive and walk and wander for hours. I was not too hot, just gorgeous for strolling.

The house with the lions is one of our favorites to visit- they regularly rotate the decor. The lions were accented with cupcakes this time, perfect for a cake boss like me. And y’all know I’m obsessed with succulents and desert plants, so I drool over all the gorgeous gardens.

And let’s be real: we are notoriously ridiculous, so there were some streetside shenanigans- skipping, silliness, prancercise and street sign mockery, and more. And then we finally found it, the house of my dreams.

‘That house with the pink door’ has been pinned and ‘grammed a million times, with good reason. It’s absolutely perfect, down to the twin agaves and elevated lawn, and I pink puffy heart adore it. We’d never seen it in real life before, though, so after I was done squealing over it, I had to grab some pictures and pretend I lived there for just a second.

We had pizza at Birba for supper – we go every time we’re in Palm Springs. We always get the quattro stagioni, and also love the San Daniele, braised greens, and the egg pizzas. We made a quick post- dinner stop at Jake’s for dessert to go, and headed back to the Saguaro.

The key lime pie was creamy and tart and perfect, and the ding dong cupcake was creamy and rich. Sweets with that darling husband of mine was a lovely end to another Palm Springs day.

loveRavayna

July 12, 2016

0 In travel

hotel playtime in palm springs

When it comes to sun protection, I take it so so seriously, even obsessively, especially in the desert. Some of the actives in my skincare routine can cause photosensitivity, so I make sure to protect my skin properly. David’s too- he’ll burn badly if we’re not careful. I wear this sunscreen every day under makeup, and this one when it’s extra hot and sweaty. This one is water-resistant for swimming and such, and this powder formula is perfect for reapplying, especially over makeup. [sunnies: similar blush, purple, red, silver]

We definately didn’t need all that sunscreen during the early-morning ‘June gloom,’ if I’m being honest. So I slept in a bit, and spent the greyish time puttering around our hotel suite, writing a few cards (peep my succulents from the botanical gardens enjoying the Saguaro, too!), and waiting for the sun to come out.

I was glad when it emerged fairly quickly, more so when it made for a picture-postcard perfect pool day! I wore a rather sassy one-piece again, and tied my hair up with a scarf– unicorn hair can’t really get wet in a pool. My suit is last season’s, available currently in white, or there’s this lookalike as well if navy’s what you need.

I was a big fan of the pool area at the Saguaro. Not too crowded, poppy and colorful with the rainbow of the hotel surrounding. It had a a great bar and service, and the pool was positively stocked with fun inflatables. That floatmingo and I were meant to be, obviously.

When we had enough of Palm Springs poolside, we headed back to the room to cool off. We cleaned ourselves up and got dressed, and headed out to play tourist.

The Parker-Meridien was our first stop. It’s a must-visit in Palm Springs if design speaks to you at all… the eye candy calls to me like magnetic north, and I pretty much become the heart-eye emoji.

The lobby decor is so good, I can barely stand it. Forget a room, I just want to move in right there and live among the prettiness. We briefly considered the Parker when contemplating a small SoCal wedding, and the aesthetic of the space played a big part.

Really, the entire property is stunning. It’s landscaped to have lots of little alcoves, and it feels very private. We found a hammock in this shady grove, and it was the perfect spot to relax with an cocktail before moving on to our next adventure.

loveravayna

July 6, 2016

0 In los angeles/ travel

brights and whites in palm springs

We had a great time at the Saguaro in Palm Springs. For this last minute getaway, I was excited when I snagged a great rate on the Hotel Tonight app. A broken air conditioner in our room sent me back to the front desk before David had brought the car around, but they promptly upgraded us to a lovely chartreuse corner suite. I really love me a hotel upgrade, and have been pretty lucky lately, getting them frequently.

It was very much of a working weekend for us- good stuff upcoming! That said, I had a mimosa within reach most of the weekend, and that’s just the way I like my vacations. And y’all know I’m not about to drop my skincare game while travelling, so I had a little mask-and-manicure session while the morning clouds burned off and then got ready for the day while David snoozed.

When the sun came out, we met it at the pool. I’ve been loving one piece swimsuits the last few summers, and this white crochet number is my new favorite this year. I just adore white with a (safe) tan, and I think the cutwork is super sassy but still very classy.

I brought JLaw with- I just know we’d get along merrily!

swimsuit (on amazon) // bracelet // sunnies… i wish. $13 dupes! // earrings // heirloom rings (similar) // nail polish // similar pineapple dress (mine is old from TJ Maxx) // oxford

We splashed around in the pool some, but mostly talked, read, and and drank, napped and soaked in the sun. When we got overheated, we retreated to our suite. We cooled off, cleaned up and headed out for a little shopping in Palm Springs.

Thrift shopping is always my jam, but especially int Palm Springs. We went to several stores while in town, but I’m always most excited about visiting Dazzles. It’s full of all the prettiest things – I either want to move in or buy the store out.

I had a very interesting and kind of sad conversation with the proprietor. He asked why we were taking pictures, was very sweet and supportive of my blog, and explained he inquired because other vintage dealers notoriously come photograph to duplicate the drama of Dazzles. So though I swanned about for far too long dancing to an amazing era-appropriate soundtrack, I didn’t feel right sharing all of the detailed images of the wares. Trust me, check Instagram hashtags if you must, but you just have to go shop for yourself!

We kept supper crazy casual, with burgers and sweet potato fries at Woody’s. I love that place- it’s a totally unfancy diner, but the food is yummy, the drinks are cold and it’s astonishingly inexpensive. And tthe live music in the back room is so fun and festive!

Mrs. Rose brought the house down as I devoured a mushroom burger and sipped cava and flirted with my husband… wasn’t mad at any of it. Every day is different, but I always love Palm Springs.

loveRavayna

June 29, 2016

1 In travel

wiw: temecula day

One of my sweet sorority sisters got married at the Temecula Creek Inn a few weeks ago. We made a spring weekend getaway of it, and it was so lovely. The drive was short, but the weekend was seriously relaxing.

romper (on sale!) // jacket // similar bag, 2, 3, lust // old rampage oxfords, similar

The property was so lovely, especially in the peaceful mornings. We took advantage of it, and went for an early-morning walkabout with our coffee. I especially loved the adorable papasan chairs… I want one so bad!

One of my bestie-bridesmaids had flown in to stay with us for the long weekend, and it was a treasure to get to spend the time with Shelley. We headed into old town Temecula to visit the farmer’s market, one of my favorite weekend activities, especially when out of town.

While walking to the market, we came upon a dog adoption tent. Sweet Violet and I quickly got acquainted, but our enthusiastic attempts to convince David to be her daddy were quickly shot down.

I’m an especial softie for farmers market floral stands- I stop by our Sunday morning one mostly every weekend I’m home. I love shopping locally, especially when the benefits are so beautiful. I also tasted nearly every flavored honey, taking home a bottle of rich purple loganberry honey.

Michelle verbatim told me to ‘rein it in’ at the succulent stand- my obsession has been so intense lately! We were all hangry, so we headed to Mo’s Egg House for a yummy old fashioned diner brunch. When we returned to the Inn, we wandered for a bit, sitting and playing (i.e. losing) tic-tac-toe before heading back to the room to relax before the wedding.

loveRavayna

June 24, 2016

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